We Make You Kindly Welcome

Does the title give you any clue as to where John and I have visited lately? . .If you think it might be connected to another century. . .you're right. . .and I have put together a little vignette that was inspired from our trip. . .

Christmas decor came down on the last day of 2014. . .I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the  'stuff' that accumulates every Christmas season. . .Time to get back to basics for me. . .I have a way to go before I reveal other parts of the keeping room. . .but am very pleased with this little collection.

Here was my inspiration . .

Yes. . .It's Shaker. . .Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, Kentucky to be specific. . .We were on our way there the day we stopped and visited with Old Time Cindy. . .She lives about an hour from the village. . .Lucky girl. . .

John and I spent a four day weekend at Pleasant Hill. . .Our room was in the East Family Dwelling--actually occupied at one time by the Shakers during the 19th and early 20th centuries.  . We had to hang our clothes on pegs. . .slept in reproduction beds. . .relaxed in Shaker rockers. . .The room was huge. . .but sparcely decorated in order to give us the real feel of the time. . .There WAS a TV (surprise)--looking oddly out of place--and a private bath. . .Thank goodness for that. . .The first night we were there was on a Thursday. . .Only one other couple shared the entire building. . .I ended up roaming around the big old three story house, checking out every nook and cranny. . .the upstairs. . .the downstairs. . .the kitchen. . .the eating room. . .the architecture. . .by (electric) candle light. . .It was great fun. . .I MUST to be an 'old soul'. . .don't you think?

We were visiting for a specific reason. . .one I'll tell you about a little later. . .but we had plenty of time to explore the buildings and shops. . .

I picked up several items for The Country Farm Home at their gift shops and in the nearby town of Harrodsburg. . .It has been hard for me to contain myself through Christmas until I could display just a few of them--along with a few of my 'oldies but goodies'. . .I reviewed the hundreds of photos I took at Shaker Village and chose a few like the ones above to inspire me. . .the straw brooms. . .the baskets of wool and flax. . .the old photos and needlework. . .the Shaker welcome. . .and the chickens I fell in love with at the gift shop. . .

SHAKER inspired but FARMHOUSE SIMPLE

WE MAKE YOU KINDLY WELCOME. . .I totally love that. . .I sure hope that's the way we make you feel when you visit with us. . .whether online or in person. . .a place to make yourself at home. . .part of the family.

Stay warm and safe everyone. . .Winter is definitely here for the vast majority of us. . .

"Put another log on the fire, Dear."

 

SUNDAY: Grandmother's Apron: Wrapped in Love

"The principle use of Grandmother's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a holder for removing hot pans from the oven; it was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears. From the chicken coop the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven. When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids; and when the weather here was cold, Grandmother wrapped it around her arms. Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove. Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled it carried out the hulls. In the fall the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds. When dinner was ready, Grandmother walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner. It will be a long time before someone invents something what will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes."

Flossie Drucella Duncan 1940s

A little melancholy today. . .

Remembering my 'Granny' with much love and thinking how her apron

was used for so many tasks and chores in the same way. . .As I look back, that simple apron is a symbol of Granny's love for her family and the hard work she did in order to make a house a home. . .and. . .it offered comfort and care and a haven of protection when a certain little grandchild needed  it. . .
Hoping you, too, have such wonderful memories.

There's nothing like a new year to bring on some sentimental reflection. . .I feel wrapped in love once again.

SUNDAY BLESSINGS AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!



SUNDAY: Kindred Spirits

What happens when two farm gals at heart from OLD TIME FARMHOUSE and THE COUNTRY FARM HOME get together for the first time face-to-face? . .Well. . . .I think a friend of mine predicted the outcome when she heard John and I were going to Kentucky and would be spending a morning with Old Time Cindy. . ."POOR JOHN!!!!". . .She knew what would happen. . .She knew Poor John wouldn't be able to get a word in edgewise. . .

And she was just about right. . .Cindy and I talked and talked. . .laughed and giggled. . .shared our hearts. . .and found that we truly are Kindred Spirits. . .We've suspected it for a while. . .ever since we 'met' while blogging and began emailing back and forth. . .How long ago was that? . . Hmmm. . .about two years I think?

I was excited for days before John and I actually arrived. . .and when the moment finally came, Cindy and I started chattering like a couple of old friends. . .as if we'd known each other for a lifetime. . .John commented more than once after we left that she and I were acting just like sisters. . .so much to say. . .so much to share. . .no hesitation to discuss even the most personal matters. . .

Good Friend. . .Sister at Heart. . .Kindred Spirit. . .

Yes, that's what I found. . .but I wasn't surprised. . .

 

Cindy is one of those rare and special persons. . .kind and caring. . .thoughtful and talented. . .genuine. . .AND. . .John wants me to throw in" a good cook, too". . .He has talked non-stop about the lunch of homemade soup, the black bean veggie burger, hummus and veggie chips (Cindy and I both follow a vegetarian diet) and a delicious cherry cobbler for John. . .I hear "Be sure to get those recipes from Cindy" a lot these days. . ."Okay Dear, once I get the internet back."

 

A Christmas Gift from Old Time Cindy. . .She made the scented red heart. . .
and there's homemade soap inside. . .I'll show the other gift sometime in the future. . .
She knows what I love. . . .

The time we spent together was too short. . .but it won't be the last. . .We're adopting each other by-the-way. . .because it's really true. . .Sisters aren't always by blood. . .Sometimes it's simply a meeting of the hearts. . .Kindred Spirits. . . .Someone you feel you've known forever. . .and hope to know better in the future.

There will be more trips. . .of that I'm sure. . .There's so much to share. . .and so little time. . .We have an awful lot of catching up to do. . .

If you haven't met Cindy at OLD TIME FARMHOUSE, you should. . .

As John noted when we drove off,

"SHE'S A KEEPER". . .

You know, there are moments in life when the heart is deeply touched. . .when a person knows that lives are woven together one with another. . .Blogging is such a wonderful place to see this happen over and over. . .Last Fall I was thrilled to meet yet another special lady who has followed The Country Farm Home and has been a source of encouragement to me. . .Rebecca lives less than an hour from here but I never would have met her had it not been for blogging. . . That's the amazing part of it. . .getting to know others. . .bonding. . .sharing. . .realizing we are not alone in our uniqueness. . .There are others who are just as unique but whose spirits speak to ours. . .

And. . .that was as far as I got writing this special post  way back on December 9. . .We had returned from Kentucky late December 8. . .By the time we unpacked the next day. . .shipped some loom orders. . .answered emails and phone calls. . .the day was pretty much gone. . .I was determined to get a post on the net the next day bright and early. . .to tell you of our adventure. . .when suddenly I had no internet. . .No storm. . .No power surge. . .just no internet. . .The rest I think you know. . .So, before the holidays were totally over, I had to share this story with you. . .It may be old news but I'm still smiling. . .

 

Thank you, Cindy, for opening your heart and home to this Farmer's Daughter.

It was a perfect day. . .

Sure wish I could visit with each one of you in person, too. . .We never know what Life will bring us, though. . .One day you may see an Arkansas car pulling into YOUR drive. . .

 

I so love surprises. . .don't you? (wink)



HEART-FELT SUNDAY HUGS to ALL

 

 

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

The packages are wrapped and loaded into the cart. . .

Sweet goodies are ready and waiting for our Christmas dinner. . .

The fire roars in the keeping room. . and Christmas music plays in the background.

Boo is sound asleep in his chair. . John is not far behind him. . .(grin)

I'm filled with Christmas Joy as I look on. . .

thinking what a true Farmhouse Christmas this is. . .

and feeling so Blessed. . .Who could wish for more. . .

 

Wishing You Many, Many

Farmhouse Christmas Blessings, too.

and Hoping that

All Your Wishes Come True

 

 

 

Ok. . .So I do have one more wish. . .

That I'll soon be back on the internet. . .and visiting with all my friends again. . .

Yes. . .Our net has been DOWN for weeks. . .but we hope to return after the New Year. . .

Maybe you could put a good word into Santa for us? (chuckle chuckle)
 



SUNDAY: In the Spirit of Christmas

The Christmas decorations at Bruton Parish Church are always gorgeous. . .

and reflect such a lovely spirit of Christmas. . .

As I step inside, they take my breath away. . .No photos can do them justice. . .the aroma of evergreens and beeswax candles fill the air. . .No matter which direction I turn there is a photo opportunity. . .So come along and visit with me. . .be inspired with evergreen wreaths and roping. . .candles and poinsettias. . .impeccable restoration and beauty. . .

 

Bruton Parish Church is located in the restored area of Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA. It was established in 1674 by the consolidation of two previous parishes in the Virginia Colony, and remains an active Episcopal parish.

 

History walked here. . .for Bruton Parish was the church of many of this Nation's Founding Fathers. . .George Washington, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., George Wythe, Francis Lightfoot Lee and Carter Braxton,  George Mason. . .

I've walked here many times, too (not that I'm famous lol). . .sat in the pews. . .worshiped in the services. . .spent many lunch hours in the quiet and stillness. . .and often heard voices from the past whisper in my ear. . .

 

Forgive me for the history lesson and personal experiences. . .Sometimes I can't help myself.

 

Christmas at Bruton Parish is a very special time. . .the true spirit of Christmas abides and it's celebration is displayed in part by the gorgeous decorations and attention to detail. . .See for yourself. . .I'll leave you to ooh and aah. . .

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY BLESSINGS

from the Colonies

 



Loom Scrap and Christmas Stars

Sometimes John surprises me. . .He gets the make-do spirit and comes up with a winner. . .I think I've told you before that he's an 'in-the-box thinker'. . .I'm the dreamer of the family. . .but I think I might be rubbing off on him after all these years. . .

 

He has tons of left-over wood scrap (sticks) from his loom making. . .We've used them in the garden and to stake the location of tree seedlings. . .We've found a few other uses, but mostly the wood has been stacking up into a huge mound.

 

A week or so ago, he was saying he had way too much left-over wood, so I suggested he do something with it--thinking he should put it on the burn pile. . .Well, he wasn't thinking burn pile. . .His mind was going in another direction. . .A few days later I walked into the garage (which right now is an over-sized storage room), turned on the lights, and literally saw STARS. . .little stars. . .medium stars. . .large stars. . .

 

 

John calls them Christmas Stars. . .I say we'll use them the year round--not just at Christmas--but since he made them we'll call them Christmas Stars. . .I've seen these at craft shows and in magazines. . .The concept is nothing new. . .And these aren't glamour shots I've taken of them. . .My purpose was to show you how easy they would be for anyone to make. . .

 

Cut the strips to the desired length

Play with the arrangement

(Notice that one end is under and the other end is over)

Don't try to make them perfect

Use short wood screws to hold them together

You're done!

 

I have the larger stars turned to the back so you can see where he placed the screws. . .When flipped around the screws aren't visible--as in the smaller background star above. . .If you leave them outside for a while, they will weather to soft gray. . .or you can stain or paint them. . .add twinkle lights if you want. . .I don't know exactly how I'll decorate with them. . .guess you'll have to wait and see. . .(grin)

 

 

 I'm so proud of John. . .

He might just shape up into an 'in-the-box' person, too.

His only comment has been,

"Even an old dog can learn new tricks."

I'm not sure that's the way the saying goes, but I sure won't be the one to tell him.

I like the way he's thinking. . .

 

 

 





The Country Farm Home Christmases Past

I made a discovery as I began looking for a photo for the Christmas header. . .

 



vintage farmhouse décor seems so versatile and always in style. . .I rarely buy new decorations each Christmas.  I simply go to the cupboards, the attic, the barns, the garden house--anywhere I might find make-do items. . . I do keep an eye on the trends and sometimes tweak them to my style. . .I believe any time you decorate, it should make you happy. . .make you smile. . .eye candy for your heart. . .

 

Vintage Farmhouse Christmas décor is timeless. . .whether done two years ago or last week. . .It all fits. . .which is why I'm sharing links with you today to Christmases past at The Country Farm Home. . .I was finding inspiration myself as I reviewed a few old posts, so I thought you might, too. . .Let's face it. . .Few of us look at old posts. . .such a shame because every blog is filled with inspiration from past Christmases. . .With easier access, they can be a huge source to get the ole creative juices flowing. . .

 

So here's Christmases in Review. . .Hope you'll take the time to click on the links and visit a few of the most popular Christmases posts. . .Not enough time? . . .Then enjoy the photos below. . .They put me in the Christmas Spirit. . .Hope they do the same for you. . .

THE TABLE IS SET FOR A HOLIDAY DINNER

This was my all time favorite table setting

and a hit with our guests. . .

They couldn't believe I put a bucket and boots on the table. . .
 

 

WARM AND COZY

I remember this was an impromptu idea one day while doing a little fire cooking. . .
 

 

 HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS IN BED

A Christmas treat for my Honey. . .

It includes a recipe link for my original recipe for Moon Pie Bread Pudding. . .
 







FARMHOUSE CHRISTMAS STYLE

I made some pretty unusual choices to decorate the cupboards. . .

but it's been my favorite. . .

 



 

 

FARMHOUSE WHITE CHRISTMAS

Another table setting that was a hit. . .all white and gold, crystal and china, memories and fun. . .
 







GREEN THE WHOLE YEAR ROUND

Fresh evergreens are my favorites to decorate with. . .

very simple to fill a crock or carrier with them and add vintage kitchen tools. . .

How easy is that?





 

 A LITTLE BIT OF CHRISTMAS IN THE BEDROOM

The theme for the entire house was natural objects, brown paper wrappings,

evergreens, red birds, lots of white and bright. . .
 



CHRISTMAS GERANIUMS & SWEET LITTLE BIRDIES

My love of geraniums inspired this post. . .



BY THE FIRESIDE

Another of my favorites because it was something I did special for us. . .

an evening by firelight, spiced bread and hot cider, candlelight, plump pillows, soft throws. . .Christmas music in the background. . .We decided to make this a  yearly tradition. . .
 

 

I can see--and I'm sure you can--that my photo taking and editing has improved over the years. . .Practice does make perfect. . .Although I haven't reached perfection, I have enjoyed the challenge and learned so much. . .I have so loved sharing this journey with all of you. . .Hope there will be many more years to come. . .

 

Thanks for strolling down memory lane with me. . .

Hope it gives you a little inspiration in making your own Christmas  a special one.