the adventures of jolly goode gal

Fly Away Fridays- Swiss Miss

2012-01-27T16:45:00.000-06:00

(click on images for location)

I had lots of things to say about how I want to run away to a Swiss Chalet and drink thick hot cocoa and eat crepes filled with warm ricotta and read nothing but period piece romances, full of angst and drama and pinning.

But then my day happened. So no words. Just pictures.

Are you ready to fly away?

Here we go! 1....2...3!

Click Here For more Fly Away Friday's

Thursday's Confessions- my own way

2012-01-26T16:45:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Thursday's Confessions. A weekly feature where I confess, before you my sisters and brothers, the silly, the ridiculous and even at times the shameful. Why? Because confession is good for the soul. Even in Blogland.

Confession: Deciding what to cook for dinner STRESSES me out. Almost every day. I try to plan ahead. I try to make menu calendars and grocery list and think through my options. But in general I fail. Or I cry. Or I pull the easy card and we go out to our neighborhood Mexican restaurant.

But frankly I am tired of salsa and chips. And I am tired of wasting the money. And I miss my kitchen. Because really I love to cook. It's the getting started part that throws me off.

See, I try to think. And then my mind goes blank. Completely blank.

(image Jonny Valiant for Real Simple)

On Tuesday I caught a glimpse of this Frittata in the new issue of Real Simple.

And I thought "I like Frittata's. They are easy to make. I should make this for dinner soon."

(image Sweet Man for Jolly Good Gal)

On Wednesday morning I looked at the recipe and realized that I had the majority of ingredients on hand (that NEVER happens.) So that night I went for it. I made dinner. I stuck to the plan.

And I did it my way.

My boys usually love raw spinach but run in terror from cooked spinach. However they BOTH had seconds of this dish (course Miles covered his with ketchup) and there was plenty leftover. By using two large potatoes instead of small (as the original recipe calls for) and an extra egg I was able to double the amount of servings. Today we may even use the leftovers (pictured above) and make breakfast burritos by adding salsa and sour cream.

Am I awesome or what?

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Chicken, Potato & Spinach Frittata

(my version of Real Simple's Ham, Potato and Spinach Frittata. My changes are in blue type.)

About 3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large russet potatoes (about 3/4 pound), peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
10 large eggs
kosher salt and black pepper
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess liquid
1 cup grated Mexican mix cheese
1 Can Chicken in Water (use 2 if your family loves meat.)

Directions

Heat oven to 400° F. Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a large ovenproof nonstick skillet or enamel cast-iron casserole dish over medium heat. Add the potatoes and onion and cook, tossing occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Salt potatoes lightly while cooking.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Mix in the spinach, cheese and chicken.
Add the egg mixture to the skillet, stir once, and transfer the skillet/pan to oven. Cook until the eggs are set, 12 to 14 minutes.

wordy wednesday-enui & me

2012-01-25T05:00:00.001-06:00

Enui is a favorite word. Especially in winter.

Most defiantly in January.

For certain if you are trying to sell an old house with almost no grass.
Absolutely when the whole world seems damp and gray. The weather neither cold or warm enough to freeze or dry all the rain that keeps dripping down. So much rain that everything is limp. Like a noodle. Like your hope.

Without a shadow of a doubt if the words you keep hearing are Needs, Too, Much, &Work (okay maybe I have only heard them twice. So far. )

If this happens, Enui will keep you company while you eat too many cookies and watch too many crime shows, and drink cheap red wine that turns your teeth purple. So purple that your Sweet Man giggles when you smile at him.

We are a cozy pair. Enui and me.

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Random Tuesday Smiles- What I Saw

2012-01-24T05:07:00.000-06:00

Saturday Jeanetta and I went to an Antique show, which was more like being a big, clean flea market. There were some antiques there. And there was some stuff from Wal-Mart and then there was the stuff in-between. The stuff I like. I didn't buy anything because frankly I do not want to buy anything else that I might have to pack. Instead I took pictures, They travel light after all.

My grandparents and subsequently my mother always made Brains -n-Eggs for Christmas morning breakfast. I never ate it. Well, maybe once. Brains scramble up gray. I'm sorry, it's just gross.

The past few years we have had to listen to my mother lamenting her beloved and belost (pork) brains.

See you can't get 'em anymore. Something to do with how they slaughter pigs nowadays.

Lovely thought each and every Christmas morning, don't you think? It kinda makes me giggle imagining all your faces as you think about eating pigs brains.

You may see pounds of useless granny doilies. I see pounds of embellishments. Bits and pieces I could turn into scarves, patches on sweatshirt elbows, flare from underneath short skirts. If you ever are cleaning out your grannys doily collection I give you permission to bring them to me.

Everything in this picture came from a local shop in Conway. A retired military couple hops amry flights to Belgium, Germany and France a couple of times a year and brings home suitcases filled with linens to sell. Not a bad gig huh? And yes, I want it ALL. Especially that coverlet.

This made me drool. Nuf said.

I rarely played with dolls or Barbies growing up. I was more into life-size pretending. But now that I am old I adore vintage doll treasures like these kitchen pieces. Actually, I think I just want life size versions of this stove and cabinet for my current kitchen.

I have never seen the movie The Red Shoes but that is what came to mind when I saw these.

What is it about red shoes that is so darn magical?

I have become one of those people who likes chicken stuff because I actually own chickens. "Oh look! Chicken Salt and Pepper Shakers!" "Oh look! Chicken underwear!" "Oh look! Chicken toothpaste!" "Oh look! Chicken shoes!"

I dream of having a ferris wheel someday. Not a mega one. Just a regular one. A small one. 10 baskets or so... Surely that's doable.

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I hope some of my random finds made you smile today too.

make do {and make lovely} mondays- this is why I blog

2012-01-22T20:56:00.003-06:00

A year ago we went and stayed with our friends Jeanetta and Ben and their kiddos.

And I blogged about it,

Ben and Jeanetta live a little bit in the country. Enough so that Sweet Man and Ben could walk about the front door with guns and thermos' of coffee and get lost in the woods.

I have never seen Sweet Man so relaxed, engaged or happy.

I knew that weekend that we would move to the country someday.

My life is like this basket of alphabet blocks. Often it feels like a jumbled mess.

I can't make heads or tail of it. The options are limitless and overwhelming and yet most days I can't quite put together the story I want to write because of a missing letter.

There are days when it feels like my life is a bowl full of A's and all I really want is an E.

And then there are days when I turn the basket upside down and all the blocks land in perfect order, spelling out the happiest of surprises. Mostly I only get bits of the story at a time. One letter, one word, maybe a whole sentence. Rarely a complete paragraph.

A year ago the basket turned upside down and the story began. The country.

That was all. No time, no location, no "how." Just two words.

Since then that story has grown, the letters continue to build. The word Farm has been added to the tale and there are lots of half-formed words waiting to be finished, scattered around. I think I know what they will be but I am still not sure. I hope, I dream, I pray, I guess; I am curious. Are they what I think they are? Are there other words I cannot see yet?

I look back at that post I wrote on January 17 of last year and I am so grateful that I unknowingly marked the date. The date our story to move to the country began in earnest. This is one of the reason's I blog. To connect the dots. To look at my story every now and then and see how things have changed, progressed, altered. To see it all cumulatively. To give thanks for this wild and precious life I have been blessed with.

I have no idea how this story that began a year ago will end or what the next chapter will hold. But if the archives of this blog are any indication, somehow it will all be as it should.

Block-basket turnover and all.

The week in review- The Highlight reel

2012-01-20T05:12:00.000-06:00

Last Friday was the Middle School dance. The theme was Phanom of the Opera and it was a "masquarade." Wylie originaly had an eye patch on as part of his get-up but it was too hard to moon walk and do the ChaCha Cha with it on, so it had to go. I love his outfit. I offered him two choices for the dance- one was traditional and one was this. When I showed him this one he said "That one is funny which is my style." I can't believe he is in 6th grade. But he is such a good kid. Kind, big hearted, smart and funny. His own person. I am a proud momma.

Saturday I went to the grocery store. And I stood in line for 22 minutes behind a couponer. There were so many problems they had to send her to another register. I was so tired I almost sat down on the floor. Miles did. We are doing good on the cooking at home for dinner - and healthy too. Last night was baked potato night- always a fav with everyone. But I feel like I always miss something at the grocery store. If I ever become a billionaire I am hiring a grocery shopper/meal planner person. Who sweeps. And does laundry.

I can't remember when or why I took this. But look at those cheeks. He still has his baby cheeks. Sweet, sweet boy.

Saturday night my gracious and compassionate in-laws took the boys for a sleepover so that Sweet Man and I could finish all the work we needed to do before the Open House. We also took advantage of the situation to go grab some dinner and a drink. Somewhere along the way, after we had kids, we started going to uber-generic chain restaurants and sitting at the bar on our date nights. Probably because we never plan ahead and so the really great restaurants are filled up and because I generally want a steak. Also when we sit at the bar it feels more like a date. We aren't old, tired, responsible adults trapping our children by sitting in a booth, playing man-to-man defense, insisting on waters all around, and breaking up feuds over the last fry. When we sit at the bar we are close enough to touch. To flirt, to swivel and look each other eye to eye. We can people watch and laugh and make friends with the often overworked bar-tender. It's always a great time and I highly recommend it if your married-dating life needs a little pick-me up.

Sunday was the Open House and the Inspection at the farm.

Jeanetta and Ben met us out there. Thank God for best friends. Seriously.

I mean how could I be anything other than happy and optimistic looking into that face?

The farm was lovely and perfect and magical as always. Keep those prayers going! We got some good news today on the financial front and will know more Monday... I will keep you all posted.

Monday I stayed in bed almost the whole day.

Except for when I fixed my space bar on the lap top. I am notoriously hard on electronics and recently, trying to fix my wonky space bar I broke it completely. I made due for a while with just the little nubby rubber bit that was left, but then that fell off too. So I had to get creative. A Lego, a hot glue gun and a cut up pencil eraser later I had a new space bar. Voila! It has worked pretty good so far. Course I would have loved it if the Lego was pink...

Tuesday we had dinner with my in-laws and my MIL made her amazing banana pudding. So so yummy. I have had a tiny bowl every night since. And that pretty much sums up the rest of the week since I have been dog tired.

Work. Banana Pudding. Bed.

I've had better weeks but I have also had much worse weeks so I can't complain.

How was your week?

confession thursdays-I got nothing

2012-01-19T05:45:00.000-06:00

Confession: I got nothing. Nothing new. Nothing exciting.

Ain't I a hoot? Crankiness is running rampant at my house.

We need some hardcore snow days. We need a time out.

Or maybe I just need a time out. A long winters nap. (Sidenote: I am pretty sure that if you go through my archives you will find this same post at some point every January. )

Confession: I am filled with germs. Don't get too close. My first winter cold has arrived. Not awful enough to put me in bed, but icky enough to make my feet drag. After three nights of appointments and outings my big plans for tonight are: A glass of Mad Housewife, putting laundry away, watching Project Runway All-Stars in bed on my laptop and eating tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches off a tray.

It's a glamorous life people. Truly.

PS- Obviously these pictures had nothing to do with my post.

Random Tuesday Smiles- rainbow brights

2012-01-16T21:50:00.000-06:00

The weather is weird around here. Balmy almost. The days start off warm and then the temp drops 10 degrees by lunch, but then it is back up in the morning. Rain showers off and on. Are we in Florida? Did I miss a memo? Where is winter?\ I know it will show up eventually. Probably about the time Spring is typically scheduled to arrive huh? So is the weather in Arkansas.

But enough about the weather. Today for some random smiles in I thought I would brighten things up a bit and show you a few of my favorite winter rainbows via Pinterest.

Felted soaps from the Twisted Purl

From Coco Rose

Crochet necklace/scarf from ing-things

Ok so this cake has nothing to do with Winter other than I ADORE it.

It is so happy and yummy looking. And I think I have figured out a simple way to make it...fingers crossed. If it works I will let you know...

(Found on Kara's Party Ideas)

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Hope your Tuesday has many other random smiles!

make do {and make lovely} mondays- wavy stripe

2012-01-16T09:59:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was our Open House. Ya know that time when you just about break your back getting your house more perfect and clean than it has ever been so that all your neighbors can come over and peer into your closets while your Realtor shows them around? Luckily for us we have a great agent who had publicized the Open House, so in addition to all the neighbors there were also some real house shoppers. Fingers crossed that some of them come back for a second look.

To get ready for the Open House I took apart and cleaned every room of this house including the boys room. The past year has been so crazy that I can't remember the last time I changed something or redecorated something besides Christmas. I feel like I have been in a sort of survival mode and extra things like decorating have taken a back burner to basic needs like feeding the boys and lots of hot baths. I wasn't even sure if I still had any of my decorating mojo left in me.

(Side Note: I am tired of cleaning. Seriously. So. Very. Tired. I cannot tell you how many times yesterday I almost burst into tears because I just kept finding things to clean when I thought I was getting near the end. Eventually I ran out of time and had to declare it all done. But it did look good if I do say so myself.

Okay enough complaining. Back to these lovely curtains.)

One of the tips that our agent gave us to prepare for the Open House was to keep things light and airy. Turn on all the lights, open all the curtains, let the sunshine in. The curtains in the boys room were pretty heavy and dark, so I traded them out for some retro sheets I found at Savers. Don't you love this wavy chevron stripe? So happy and cheerful and modern. I had originally planned to put up something in the room that I could leave but I don't think I can leave these either. Looks like I will have to come up with a third option. The curtains were originally two fitted sheets that I cut into four panels. You can't tell from these pics but they really did lighten up the room significantly and the boys loved them too. And all for a grand total of $8 and some change. Hows that for a Make-Do and Make-Lovely Monday? Looks like maybe I haven't lost my touch after all.

Fly Away Fridays- wistful

2012-01-13T16:35:00.000-06:00

Today I am wistful for the farm. I want to flyaway there now. I want to go tromp over the hill, round up some goats, stare out at the sunset over the next rolling ridge, and breathe it all in deeply. I want to lay in the field and stare at the clouds.

And I want it to be mine. Now.

Every now and then I have some trouble finding my patience and holding on. I don't mean to be whiny or ungrateful or even impatient. It's just that I miss it. I miss something I have never even had. How loco is that?

Sunday we go out to do the inspection at the farm while our realtor host an Open House at our place.

I cannot wait. It sounds wacky to type out-loud but I am pretty sure that my bones are achy for it.

The last time I felt this way I was pregnant with Miles. I could not wait to hold him, to feel his skin, to see his eyes look into mine, to know him.

I know the farm is just that ,a farm. Land, house, pond. I know it is probably crazy to feel this bone achy-ness for a piece of property.

But somehow I think you will understand completely. You get it don't you?

(I knew you would.)

thursday's confessions- i've been photoshopped

2012-01-11T22:32:00.003-06:00

Confession: I've been photoshopped and I didn't hate it.

This month if you pick up a copy of At Home in Arkansas you can find me on the last page in the monthly At Home With.. feature. (You can also go to their website and find this little diddy as well.) In it there is a happy picture of me, in my studio with lots of great light. The beautiful and talented Nancy Nolan took these shots and worked her photo-shop magic, smoothing out the bumpier edges of my 20lb book weight-gain. Mandy Keener art-directed the whole thing and helped me pick out my outfit. "Just wear whatever is comfy" she said. Well, you don't have to tell me that twice! I put on my favorite jeans, a long sleeve t, my favorite apron by my craft-partner-in-crime Jeanetta Darley, and called it a wrap. I didn't even bother with shoes. Nancy and Mandy are the dynamic duo behind the previous two At Home shoots featuring my little house and they have become the loveliest of friends as we all share a love of coffee, thrifted junk and old houses. The whole thing was a little nerve wracking at first, primarily because I was a little self-conscious about those 20lbs. But after I showed off my fierce Tyra Banks-like skills we all cracked up and after that it was easy peasy. I completely forgot all my worries for the next half hour and just enjoyed the experience.

I asked Sweet Man if this picture was realistic in that I have looked that way and can look that way and he said it was so, and that made me feel good.

Here is a more relaxed, unedited version taken by Mandy with her phone and then instagramed. I think you can see the difference just enough between the magazine me and the everyday me.

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If you have hung around these parts for a while you know I have some things to say on behalf of my weight. And if you know me personally then you know I have some strong thoughts on things like plastic surgery, severe airbrushing, body image issues for girls and women and how our society has jacked things up and how we all collude with this jacked-upness to keep it all rollin. How health and beauty and weight and labels are a twisted mess and how we all have to work really hard to not take it too far in any one direction. It's Slovenliness vs. Self-Flagellation everywhere I turn.

I am not completely vanity-free and of course I wanted to look lovely in the magazine photo; I wanted to look like my pre-book weight self, how I feel on the inside. But it was also really important to me that I didn't look fake, that I didn't suddenly shrink to a twig, that the picture was real. Double digit pants size and all. Nancy, amazing gal that she is got all of that and more. I think she struck the perfect balance. I look at that picture and I see me. And I look at Mandy's picture and I see me too. And that is what is the most real, that they are both me.

Wordy Wednesday-Once upon a time, a lament for reading time

2012-01-10T05:54:00.000-06:00

(Downton Abby actors reading between takes)

Once upon a time I read voraciously. I can remember whole days, beginning when I was eight year sold, where I did almost nothing but read. Maybe I would empty the dishwasher. Maybe I ate some food ( I am sure I did.) But mostly I read. In bed. On the couch. On the porch. Wherever. I would pick up a book and pretty much not put it down till I was done. And then sometimes I would pick up a second book and read well into the midnight hours. The cares of my life where never so great that I couldn't escape into a good, great or moderately okay book for as long as I wanted.

Those were the good ole days and I had no idea.

The school I work at does a great job of encouraging reading ( as all schools should) and all day long I see kids in the hall either in line for the restroom, for lunch or transitioning between classes, and the majority of them have books pressed up to their noses, totally engrossed. I envy them.

I am still a big reader, but not as much as I wish. And it's not just the reading I miss, but it is the reading and the doing nothing else. When reading a book was the extent of my day. When I didn't have to forgo some great responsibility, in order to spend the time just reading. I could just read and read and read... I could read anything and everything because I knew I would have plenty of time. Now I choose wisely and selectively. I don't want to waste one minute on something I won't love. Reading time is precious commodity not to be taken lightly.

Sometimes I look at my boys, completely absorbed in their books, or at my students who are bumping into doors because they are walking and reading at the same time and are so completely entranced in the story that they know nothing else around them. I wonder if they know how lucky they are. Lucky that spending hours reading is encouraged. Is their job even.
Probably not. I had no idea at that age. I thought I would always spend days upon days reading.
Of course I also thought I would own a fashion empire, have 6 kids and be Southern Baptist all my life.
Funny how things change.

Random Tuesday Smiles- Mirror Mirror

2012-01-10T05:16:00.000-06:00

OK, where have I been? No idea if the movie will be any good or not, but I do love the trailer.

Julia Roberts is too funny!

And the art direction looks absolutely enchanting.

Make-Do and Make Lovely Monday-Wonderful & Overwhelming

2012-01-09T05:07:00.000-06:00

Saturday was our Rummage Sale and thankfully it rained during the night while everything was still under the porch, and not the next day during the sale. Friday night I was zonked out by 9pm but that was OK because I knew that most of the real work would have to be done in the wee small hours of the morning, before even the sun had it's Jimmy Dean breakfast. Before I curled into a ball and passed out I made tags on masking tape while I re-watched parts of Downton Abby in preparation for last nights Season 2 premier (oh wasn't it delicious? maybe even better than the first??)

The next day the sun eventually came up, but not before the serious shoppers came with their flashlights and picked through things while we were still setting up. The professional's completely slay me. A couple of them kept trying to get in the house to buy stuff in there. Pretty sure we could have sold every stick of furniture we had if I had been willing to part with it for pennies. In addition to being really early, the professionals are also really *thrifty* if you catch my drift. Course I can't blame them. No one loves a rock-bottom deal more than me.

I hung some party bunting to add a festive look and to make it more party-like. If I had had time I would have made cupcakes and popcorn too, but this was sort of a last minute affair.

Here Wylie is taking a break between rushes. Don't you love his hat? My kids are the best ever.

At this point most of the furniture is gone and we have resorted to using rubbermaid bins as table, also would someone tell the homeowners to bag up those leaves? Sheesh.

I have to tell you that this whole process has been so interesting and sometimes it feels like it is all a dream, and at times a very stressful dream. A year ago I had no inkling that this is the path my life would be on today, that I would be cleaning out my closets, selling vintage treasures and thrifted chairs right and left. That I would be showing my house, listing it for sale, dreaming of a farm, writing a book. You never know what is just around the corner, what is possible if you try, what life might throw at you from left field. Of course with the amazing comes the everyday; The hard and the tough and the long, weary hours of work. Hard work. Bone tiring work. Most nights I go to bed so tired that I pass right out. I have a permanent kink in my right shoulder. Often I reach levels of anxiety where I can hardly breathe because my to-do list is so long, so overwhelming.

But here I am. And life is good. Yes, I am learning again, more than ever, what it means to Do One Thing Now and leave the rest till it is time. Yes, this is hard and there are a lot of questions left unanswered. There are a lot of "If's" dangling all around me, like pinatas I can't burst open yet, full of possibility. And yes, I may have sold too many chairs on Saturday and we may be eating on the floor for a few days, but here I am. And life is still good, I promise it is. It is overwhelming and wonderful, and regularly complicated by the sheer force of daily life that arrives each and every day, no matter what. My life is all of that and more. And when it get's to be too much don't fear-I have Jesus, the chickens and Downton Abby, and really, that is more than enough. Don't you think?

sundays challenge

2012-01-08T09:08:00.000-06:00

By the seventh day

God had finished his work.

On the seventh day

he rested from all his work.

God blessed the seventh day.

He made it a Holy Day

Because on that day he rested from his work,

all the creating God had done.

This is the story of how it all started,

of Heaven and Earth when they were created.

Genesis 2:4

Clearing House

2012-01-06T05:15:00.000-06:00

If you live close by (central Arkansas) you should grab a thermos of coffee and a muffin and head my way on Saturday morning. Why? Cause I am having a major Rummage Sale. I have cleared house and I am purging like a crazy woman.

I am going to be selling vintage finds, fabric, craft supplies, linens, some furniture, clothes, toys, books galore and a super cute house complete with chicken coop.

The fun starts at 7AM so put on your shopping shoes and come on down...

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Need the address? Email me at jroobee (at) hotmail and I will send you the info.

Hope to see you Saturday!

lets talk about something else

2012-01-03T21:48:00.000-06:00

I started taking down Christmas today. What a pain. But oh how lovely everything looks, so fresh and clean without it all. Isn't that how it is? Like the changing seasons. I love it all out and decorated and I love all cleaned up and put away. Right now only one room is cleaned, purged and finished and ready to show and yet tomorrow the listing goes up and I go back to work.

I pray that either no one wants to see the house till it is really ready or that whomever sees it in it's less-than perfect state wants to buy it lock-stock-and-mess and I don't have to fool with it any further.

But let's talk about something other than the house shall we?

Officially Christmas isn't over till Friday, on Epiphany, so I figured I have a few days to show off the last of the holiday pics. This year I didn't make as many gifts as I have in the past. My running joke was that I made a book but they can't open it till next Christmas. The few gifts I did make seemed to all center around cooking and eating, like this "Breakfast in a basket" gift for my Maw. The basket included fresh eggs from our chickens, a jar of homemade biscuit mix along with some homemade jelly.

The other gift was an oven mitt filled with kitchen accessories for some of my favorite chefs. The gift included hand-painted bamboo tongs, slotted spoons and spatulas, along with chopsticks and a "Love People" magnet from Penzys (isn't it so cute? I have wanted one forever and was so excited to finally find them at the Penzy's in Memphis!)

To paint the serving spoons I used the new multi-surface paints from Martha Stewart and I am interested to see if they hold up to wear, washing and handling as they advertise. Has anyone else used these paints yet? What do you think?

OK that is all for tonight. I need to get to bed at a decent hour like a responsible adult. Cheez and wiz.

See you again soon,

The Required Resolutions Post- Do Better

2011-12-31T12:25:00.001-06:00

I am not usually a “New Years Resolution” kinda gal. I am not much for bandwagons and mass guilt, they have always rubbed me the wrong way. But this year my life's path just happens to line up with the calendar, with lots of projects finished and others just beginning. so I figured, why not go ahead and jump on the New Year, New Me train? Recently I read a great quote by Maya Angelou. She says “when you know better, you do better” and that is how I feel about resolutions. I don’t want to commit to these grand, self-flagilatiing, never-can-achieve goals that will only make me feel like a failure. Instead I am going to make myself a list of Do Betters. Things that I can work on in small increments and Do Better, cause I know better.

So without further rambling here are my 2012 Do Betters:

Yoga- I pretty much gave up Yoga when I started on the book. I just only had so much time and energy. But Yoga aligns more than just my spine, it aligns my spirit. To me it is as much a form of prayer as it is exercsise, and there is no reason I cannot practice alone daily, and in a group at least twice a week. I think everyone in my house will thank me for it as I am always so much more centered when I am practicing.

Faith @ Home – The church we go to is wonderful and exactly where we are called to be. It is family to us and a place where all of us can serve together in our community during our Service Sundays and through other relationships and connections we have made there. But the way our body works, and the way in which we meet and gather means that our kids are missing out on some of the more indepth bible study and lessons on the history of our faith that Sweet Man and I benefitted from in the more traditional church setting that we group up in. As we start this year I am convicted that as their parents we need to take the reigns and do better job of teaching our kids the roots and rythms of their faith. So to that end I am going to try a little Sunday school at home type of plan studying together, reading together and digging in to explore and discover God’s Story as a family. I am not 100% sure how this is going to look, but I have some ideas. I will keep you posted on our progress and any tips or book suggestions you have would be very appreciated.

Purge, purge, purge- I am ready to clean out and giveaway and sell. Ever since I started working full time I have just let things pile up- old magazines, craft supplies, fabrics, dishes, clothes. You name it I am ready to give it up. I am having my first garage sale Jan 14, so if you live local- come on and bring your pocket book cause momma's gotta buy a farm!

Healthy Cooking/Menu Planning- Two Days a week. I am going to try and plan ahead two meals a week and see how it goes. Healthy, fresh, new. Surely I can do it two days? Surely!

Write to Write- a little every day. Book or no book. Blog or no blog. I want to keep a record of this year just for kicks and just for me. If this year is half as interesting as last year this will be project well worth taking on.

Hold On To Hope: This year I do not want to forget where my hope is and it is not in my circumstances or my address. Of course I pray that we sell our house and move to the farm, but I also pray that regardless I will be content and that I will be filled with hope and faith. I pray that whomever ends up at the farm and whomever ends up at our house, regardless if it is us or not, loves where they are, just as they are.

So those are my Do Betters for 2012. Do you make resolutions? Do you have a Do Better list? Do you have tips on how I can accomplish mine?

Thank you for sharing 2011 with me. This little blog has been amazing way to meet new and beautiful people whom I would otherwise never know. I am so grateful for each and ever visitor who chooses to read my words and look at my picture, because I know there are so many other things you could be doing. I know you each have very busy lives and struggles of your own, and I pray that this new year brings about peace and joy in your heart as well as home.

all my love,

Testing

2011-12-29T21:16:00.001-06:00

This is me trying to post from my phone...
Did it work?

The Long Haul

2011-12-28T22:07:00.002-06:00

So here is the deal, let's start with the good: We found our farm. Well, we found a farm. It's not ours just yet... The farm has a small workable house with some land and barns and a pond. And it is perfect for us. There are pastures for me and woods for Sweet Man. It is not too far from work and school, and it is closer to some of our very best friends. So after months of planning and revisiting it over and over we made an offer and it was accepted. Hurrah!

But here is were it get's dicey. Here is where reality hits. We have to sell our current home first. There was a chance we wouldn't have to, and then there was the small chance that we had a buyer waiting in the wings, but neither of those things worked out. And at first those bits of news were really hard to take. I won't lie, I have shed my fair share of tears over all of it. But, if I am really honest, both of those options would have come with their own sets of really big issues and hurdles, which may have bit us in the hinney in the end. Still, it was hard to see the "easy answers" slip away.

To me this is the tough part. Putting our house on the market. Packing, cleaning, purging, fixing and waiting. The last time we sold a house I was a stay-at-home mom with a 3 year old and the market was so different. I think it took two or three weeks for that house to sell and the waiting was agony.

Looking back I could just slap myself. 3 weeks! Can you imagine? I was spoiled!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sometimes I have complete serenity about the risk and the work that is ahead. But then there are the other times I completely freak out because the reality is I have zero control over how long -or if- it will take to sell our house. And while often realizing I have no control is completely freeing, there are other times when it is just maddening. Total bat-sh*t maddening. Today was one those days. Today I laid on the floor and cried big ole whale tears about it all. And I didn't just metaphorically lay down on the floor, no I actually laid down on the actual floor. Afterward, not only did I have lovely swollen eyes and a splotchy complexion, I also had carpet impressions all on the side of my face. I alone am bringing sexy back,let me just tell ya.

Eventually I got off the floor and took a shower. And then I went and bought clearance Christmas wrapping paper for 74cents a role which actually really helped. Also hugs from my momma and sweet text and empathy from my bestest friends, and total calmness from Sweet Man helped too.

Sometimes it takes the kindness of others and clearance wrapping paper to see the forest for the trees. At least that is how it is for me.

After I talked to Sweet Man, I started going back through my photos of the farm and I found this one. Do you see what I see? Do you see the heart in the dry creek bed? I must have seen it and taken this picture on purpose, but I have no memory of it. And yet there it is; A heart. In the dry creek bed.

New Years is days away and I am so ready. 2011 brought with it lots of good things and lots of hard things. In some ways I feel like I spent 12 months swimming upstream. I love to swim, but upstream will wear a body out.

This year when the ball drops at midnight and when I am eating my black-eyed peas and cornbread on New Years Day, I will not be making many wishes. Instead, I will be saying a prayer. I will be praying that through all of this - this house, the farm, the book, our finances, and our family life changing- that we not lose heart, that we not grow cynical and calloused. That we not put our faith in realtors and mortgage companies and publishing houses and to-do list, but that we put our faith in the one who carries our hearts for us. The one who is with us for the long haul, through the thicket, over the barb wire, in the dry creek bed and in the middle of the bat sh*t crazy, when we cannot see even a tenth of the forest for all the monstrous trees that block our view. Instead of a wish, that will be my prayer as we start 2012.

But if I forget that come January 2, will someone pleases slap me?

Fun House Christmas & Farm Update

2011-12-26T17:22:00.000-06:00

For years and years I have wanted to decorate my little vintage tin dollhouse and this year I finally did it!

I think I may have had more fun decorating it than any other part of my actual life size house. Isn't that so the way it goes? I am already plotting what I can add next year. I think some window treatments are in order for sure and maybe some tiny stockings or a Santa and sleigh on the roof...

Only after I took these pictures did I see the momma girl laying on the floor by the front door. When I finally spied her I busted out laughing because friends, that momma gal is ME. I am on the floor, worn out, a little distraught, and a little excited. Why? Because we are one big step closer to our Farm Dreams. One really big step.

But there are still some questions to answer and some hurdles to jump.

So if you think of it, please say a little prayer for this momma gal and for our family and our dream. I really do want what is best for everyone and in the right time, but I can't help but hope that this is that time...

A weary world rejoices

2011-12-24T23:06:00.002-06:00

O ye beneath life's crushing load,

Whose forms are bending low,

Who toil along the climbing way

With painful steps so slow;

Look now, for glad and golden hours

Come swiftly on the wing;

Oh rest beside the weary road

And hear the angels, and hear them sing

"Peace on the earth, goodwill to men

From heavens all gracious King!"

The world in solemn stillness lay

To hear the angels, to hear them sing

Sing –Sing –Sing – Sing

Edmund Hamilton Sears/Sara Groves

Love has come to walk among us.

Peace, peace.

As close as we came to a family portrait this year

2011-12-24T12:04:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Sweet Man and I took the boys on a Christmas Outing that had 5 total surprise stops (more on that later. ) It was such a fun day, and I didn't even worry about the laundry or the dishes one single time (OK I did freak out for .05 seconds before I went to bed) instead I just let it all go and enjoyed the day. It was my Christmas gift to myself.

We took these pictures after our first stop. All I can think when I look at Wylie is "here come the teenage years..." Yikes. Not sure if I am ready for that.

Aren't my boys so handsome?

I think so.

Thursday's Confessions: advent reckoning

2011-12-21T22:46:00.000-06:00

Confession: This picture doesn't have too much to do with this post other than I just had to share. This is one of the sweetest babies ever. Course I think all my friends babies are the sweetest. But when I find one that smiles at me, well then I just melt. Did I mention that I love babies? I really think that Target should hire me just to hold crying babies while their mothers shop. I am really good and walking around, bouncing babies on my hip and talking to them about nothing as if we are the oldest of friends. I could be the "relief holder" for tired, stressed-out momma's trying to juggle their crying babies, finding coupons and locating the exact right size of diaper. Whenever I hear a crying baby in a store I am always tempted to go offer my superb holding & bouncing services but I am pretty sure it would creep people out and get me kicked out of stores.

Confesssion: Over the past year I have not been the best friend. While working full time and writing the book and being a momma, I had to put a lot of things on the back burner. One of those things were several of my friendships, I just have not been able to visit with everyone as regularly as before, so this Advent season I have tried to make it a point to gather as many friends as I can at my home, around my table. My goal has been to love on them with all my heart and to fill all their bellies with tasty food. hoping to bribe them into forgiving me for my un-availability in 2011. I figure that if they are happy and have full tummys they may be more willing to forget all the birthdays I missed and all the times I have had to cancel plans, all the unanswered text and emails, all the ways I have been completely out of touch and out of pocket.

Last night was group 2 of the 4 gatherings on the docket and judging by the scraped clean bowls last night I think I am making progress...

It was such a fun night, to just sit and soak it all in. To not feel guilty because I should be getting a dozen other things done. To just catch up with everyone, to pass the baby around, to play a mild game of Dirty Santa, to eat too much and to laugh a lot and most of all to hear what is good in each of their lives.

This Advent I am more grateful than ever for all my friends - friends that hang in there year after year, who stick with me when I am not at my best, who still are willing to come out and play with me despite all the bends and turns in our journeys that sometimes separate us. Surely there are not many Christmas gifts better than that?

a mini christmas tour

2011-12-19T21:36:00.000-06:00

Now as promised, the cleaner corners of my home, all holly-ed and jolly-ed up.

Our door wreath made up of bits and pieces, odds and ends. I love how it looks against the red door. A few years ago I went through a bottle brush wreath phase. I may or may not have 2 more almost identical to this one...

Um, did I mention my bottle brush phase? Want I meant to say is that I ADORE all things bottle brush. This tall tree I found at a random flea market for $5. I think it is my new favorite.

More trees (yes one is a bottle brush, sheesh...and a little velvet sleigh. I am in-love with vintage velvet/flocked Christmas decor lately.

The happy mantle with the Chalkboard peace sign and the stockings made from a felted afgan of granny squares (thanks Mom!)

The wreathes are two layered. The bottom one is a book page wreath I made years ago, and the top one is a vintage yarn wreath that I have never found a good home for until now.

Vintage Putz houses on top of vintage aqua bell jars on a very dusty piano.

Lulu all dressed up and ready for a holiday party. I think she is ready to go dancing! Every time I change her up I think of the scene in Home Alone when Kevin is dancing with the mannequin in the window to make it look like there is a party going on.

The Leaning Tree of Greer embracing it's full Charlie Brownness during the day. I love this tree and will keep the stump holder forever. I know it is not everyone's style but I just love to lay on the couch with no other lights on than the tree and stare into the branches.

My favorite kitchen wreath- a pistachio colored Tupperware jello mold with (another) small bottle brush wreath inside all tied together with some plaid ribbon. This wreath is pretty much my sense of humor wrapped up in a bow. I love puns and what I call "silly-cute", and it really is one of my favorite decorating tactics. Life is already too serious for somber decorating don't you think?

Surely we all are better off when our homes are filled with whimsy, bits of joy, and lots of silly-cute that bring giggles and smiles to our everyday too-stressed out & busy lives.

At least that is what helps me get through the rougher patches....

make do and make lovely Mondays - real life holiday

2011-12-19T05:32:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow I am going to show you some pretty corners of my Holly Jolly Christmas casa, but today I thought I would show you some of the mess, some of the real life moments.

For instance here is Miles, making some sugar cookies. All looks serene, no? NO! Guess what I broke 6 days before Christmas?? Our Kitchen Aid mixer. Completely stripped the gears. Zoinks.

Can that even be fixed? Oh and a few weeks ago we broke the cheap food processor we bought last year. Seriously people, am I going to have go old school for the holidays and stir and chop things by hand?

I am not sure if I can survive.

This is my desk in the dining room. While my sister has been living with us I have needed a space where I could store the crafty supplies, books to reference for my book and general home office stuff. that I need to get to often and quickly Now, for Christmas it has become the holiday joy catch-all. Empty ornament boxes, decorations I haven't used yet, a few wrapping supplies, gifts to be wrapped... It's all here. Piled high on top of the usual stack of projects.

This desk used to be in my mother's kitchen where it pretty much looked like this year round. When I moved it to my house I swore to myself that I would always keep it neat and cleared off . Little did I know that the desk is a blasted MAGNET for mess. Yes that's it . It's the desk, not me, not my mother, that causes this mess. That's my story and I am sticking to it. PS- Mom I am sorry I judged.

This picture isn't so messy, Maybe a little. Mostly it just shows what both the boys have spent WAY too much time doing lately - watching TV and playing on the computer. I have over used my media babysitting reserves the past week and I am slightly ashamed. But I am also realistic and sometimes when you have overly creative children you need a break from all their projects in order to get a few of your own done. Real life is what it is.

Speaking of projects, this is where I spent all Saturday morning putting the final touches on the book. What you say? The Book? Yes, well hmm. See it turns out there is a reason I am a writer and not a mathematician. Because numbers do not stick in my head. Turns out I had remembered my word count goal wrong and I wrote almost twice as much as I needed to. So the past two weeks have been all about merciless chopping and editing. Saturday morning and 35 thousand words less than before, I sent it back to my editor one more time. Fingers crossed it sticks this time.

Till tomorrow,

The Tree

2011-12-16T23:04:00.000-06:00

Our Charlie Brown fairy tree.

Dear Santa Baby

2011-12-15T05:55:00.000-06:00

All I want for Christmas is this.

Farm + Snow + Me = Christmas Cheer

Yours truly,

Jerusalem

Teen MOPS & Me

2011-12-12T20:38:00.046-06:00

When Wylie was little I was a pretty lonesome momma of a preschooler. I only had a two friends who had kids, and since I stayed at home, my world tended to be small, my days often mind numbingly repetitive. Someone along the way (I so wish I could remember who) invited me to a local MOPS group, and since I was happy to go anywhere there was free food and childcare, I jumped at the opportunity. I didn't get to go very often, but when I did I absolutely loved it. Everyone was so open and friendly and willing to share their less-than perfect mothering stories. I no longer felt so alone or rudderless. During those few Tuesday mornings, sitting at a banquet table doing random crafts with perfect strangers, I begin to find my footing and my groove as a person -not just a momma- again.

So when my friend Sarah asked our church to pitch in and help with a Teen MOPS group that she leads, Sweet Man and I jumped at the chance to help and to give back to this program that had given me so much.

Nathan made West Wing Spaghetti (so named because back in the good old days we used to make it and watch The West Wing each Wednesday night,) Iceberg Salad and Garlic Bread. Other friends from our church brought delicious cookies and desserts and helped set up.

Everyone pitched in, even our friends Lilly and Brady. Lilly loves to help in the kitchen and Sweet Man is training her up to be his ultimate sous chef I think. In addition to the dinner, we also provided the nights activity - a craft of course.

.Sarah had mentioned that lot many of the girls give the crafts as gifts to their mothers and grandmothers, so I wanted the craft to be substantial and easy to personalize.

So, inspired by some glittered frame ornaments at Pottery Barn, I came up with this little diddy-
a wall hanging, ornament, door hanging, or embellished frame.-whatever you want to call it.
The theme was " a joyful noise" and when I introduced the craft I talked very briefly about how easy it is to lose sight of the joy to be found in our children's noise making when we are tired, overworked and stressed.

I needed the craft to be affordable, both for me to provide and for the girls if they wanted to make more at home, so I very intentionally made sure that everything I used could be bought at the Dollar Tree or Wal-Mart with the exception of the printable I provided.

While Lilly had helped in the kitchen, Brady was all about the crafting. She helped prep all the glitter and glue cups and then I handed over the camera to her so that I could help the girls hot glue their ribbon and jingle bells to the frames.

(Having things ready in individual portions like this really makes a group craft go so much smoother. )

When I handed Brady the camera my only instructions were"take lots of pictures of their hands." I was pretty impressed with how she did. She got lots of great "hands on" shots.

In addition to the frames I also gave the gals gift boxes that they could transport their frames home in, knowing that some of the may not dry by the end of the night.
(This is a little tip I have learned the hard way in the past ...)

I was worried that the MOPS gals -ages 16-20- would think the craft was dumb, or cheesy or just not their style. But I explained that the could trade out the printable I had given them with a picture of their children or other family members if they wanted and that they could use as much or as little glitter as they wanted. I even showed them a few different techniques for spreading glitter cheer (use a paint brush for spreading glue is my #1 tip.)

Amazingly everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves, embracing the glitter for all it's glitzyness, and really going to town with their frames. One gal even glitzed up her gift box!

During events like this it is hard to know if what we did helped in any way, if it left even the smallest tiny impression of love, encouragement or hope in the hearts of the girls. I hope so. Not so much for my sake but for theirs. After all motherhood is hard, no matter who you are.

(If you would like to make your own version of this craft or perhaps just use these as gift tags, feel free to download and print these off.)

make do {and make lovely} mondays-get real

2011-12-11T22:28:00.002-06:00

Kerri sent me this today. And I needed it in the worst way. Seriously.

I thought I would share, in case you need it too.

At Home

Caryll Houselander

We all know persons who are exaggeratedly house-proud, who concentrate on the neatness, cleanliness, beauty of their house, to the exclusion of its comfort. Their house is not a home, nothing must ever be left about, out of place. To come in with muddy shoes is a crime; it is a crime to disarrange the cushions. In such a house one can neither work nor rest; one is never at home, because it is not a home.

There are many people who are 'soul-proud' in the same way. They spend their whole time cleaning up their soul, turning out the rubbish, dusting and polishing. Like the house-proud person, they become nervous, tired. There is nothing left in them to give, for they have wasted themselves on the silver, the curtains, the ornaments.

Christ wants to be at home in your soul. He will not go away and leave you if the house is chilly and uncomfortable; he loves you too much to leave you, but how often, how tragically often, he must say nowadays: 'The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.'

Christ asks for a home in your soul, where he can be at rest with you, where he can talk easily to you, where you and he, alone together, can laugh and be silent and be delighted with one another.

All this may seem daring, but it is true; it is the meaning of the Incarnation.

This excerpt is offered in a book called A Child in Winter, writings by Caryll Houselander collected by Thomas Hoffman.

Free Christmas Kids Crafting eBook

2011-12-09T05:19:00.001-06:00

Looking for some easy fun Chrsitmas crafts for kids?

Check out

Kids Christmas Craft Ideas with AllFreeHolidayCrafts:
Santa's Favorite Xmas Crafts for Children: 8 Simple Christmas Crafts for Kids eBook

which just happens to feature my own little fuzzy vintage candy canes.

I am getting a tree tomorrow. I am, I am.
If I say it out-loud enough, maybe it will come true....

Weekend Crafting -Tag It!

2011-12-08T05:07:00.000-06:00

Um. so my confession for today is this: I still don't have a tree or any decorations put out.

This has NEVER happened before.

But it is what it is. This weekend maybe? Hopefully?

I don't like it at all. It totally stinks. But if I showed you my calendar you would understand.

Just tell me that it will make it all that much more special when I do get it all down ok?

Maybe then I will feel better about it all.

I have managed how ever to doodle around on the computer and come up with a few printable tags to help me find my Christmas mojo again and I thought I would share them with you.

Print them on cardstock to use as gift tags, or you can copy, cut, crop and paste them into digital projects. If you do use them I would love to know!

ps- maybe I need to have a decorating party?? Get some peeps to help me out?

Now that is an idea....

Adorable Garland and a Winner Winner

2011-12-07T05:41:00.000-06:00

How adorable is this garland? I mean really. So. Cute.

I found it on Pinterest (ofcourse) via NanaCompany

I am addicted to garlands. Why is that?

*******************************************

Ok, it is finally time to announce the winner of my last giveaway

Now for a drum roll....ratatattat

The winner is:

Lindsey who said...

the cover alone looks fun! crossing my fingers...

Congrats Lindsey! I know you will adore this amazing issue of Inspired Ideas

(and a HUGE thanks to the fab Mrs. Amy Powers who donated this copy!!)

getting all crafty up in here

2011-12-06T05:09:00.000-06:00

Over at the At Home in Arkansas blog there is a little tour of some of my favorite Christmas crafts that I have pulled off over the years.

Make Do {and Make Lovely} Monday- BFF 4-Ever

2011-12-05T05:18:00.000-06:00

This is just a sample of how much fun I had this weekend on my girls weekend trip to Memphis.

We shopped. We ate. We shopped and ate some more.

We were completely childish in all the best ways.

Don't you just love getting older?

The freedom to be downright giddy and goofy is fab-u-lus.

This gathering marked 18 years of friendship.

We missed the other 3 members of our little troop terribly, but it was wonderful to be together.

To remember. To laugh. To share. To be completely silly.

These are the kind of friends that you can sit with in traffic, at a complete standstill , for hours and never run out of things to laugh about, songs to sing together at the top of your lungs, or stories to tell. Also, when the time comes to make an emergency bathroom plan, these gals got your back.

Everyone should have friends like these.

Too Many Mittens - Weekend Christmas Project

2011-12-02T12:08:00.005-06:00

If you have been around ye old blog for a while you might remember this project from a year or two or three ago. A simple project that can be easily done with the kiddos over the weekend.

When I was little I loved this book., Too Many Mittens. I was enchanted by the illustrations of mitten, after mitten hanging on the clothes line and a story that included a helpful grandma and creative children. I also loved how a lost found mitten line springing up out of the kindness of neighbors, and I have always dreamed of finding a way to create my own lost mitten line in my front yard.

Until that day comes, I will happily make do with my crafty paper version inside the house. Using scrapbook paper scraps and bakers twine I put together my own little mitten garland to adorn (isn't that a funny word?) my lovely mantle.

The project was so easy and cute that, in the spirit of Too Many Mittens, I thought I would whip up a pattern and share it with you, my Blogland neighbors.

So here is a little pattern and instructions. Just print the image above, increasing the size as you like, and following the directions next to the pattern. Easy peasy.

(By the way - I made my deadline!! Whoop whoop! Thank you so much, so much for all your prayers and well wishes. Now I am off for a girls weekend to celebrate)

little bit by little bit

2011-11-29T05:19:00.000-06:00

Today, our Elf on the Shelf, Oliver made his first appearance.

The other Christmas elves are going to be a little later showing up and spreading Christmas cheer.

All because a little something we call The Book is due in 3 (gulp) days.

All is well (as can be) in that department, BUT I am under very strict orders from Sweet Man NOT to let any other elves in until this weekend.

So for now, it is Oliver, our Advent wreath and a few random bits I have picked up this month. But I can't complain. Pretty sure by Monday it will look like a tinsel bomb exploded.

Make Do [and make lovely] Mondays - Giveaway x 2

2011-11-28T05:56:00.001-06:00

Want some of this?

Then enter win your copy of the latest issue of Inspired Ideas

I am giving away one copy and so is my new sweet friend Marci

over at Dandelion Farm Girl

That means 2 copies will go to 2 very lucky readers!

To enter leave a comment here on this post

AND then go to over to Marci's giveaway to enter for a second chance to win.

My winner will be announced on Friday- just in time for you to get all crafty for the weekend!

Best of luck to you all and Happy Monday!

Crazy Thankful

2011-11-24T09:47:00.000-06:00

Earlier this month the boys and I got to tag along on a field trip to see replicas of the Nina and the Pinta.

I didn't go on the boats, but I could see from above just how small and open they were.

This makes me think that those travelers with Columbus were either desperate or crazy. Or maybe a little of both.

This Thanksgiving I would like to send a big, sloppy, wet, Nina inspired THANK YOU to another group of nutty folks.

My family.

Over the course of the past nine months as I have worked on the book (writing, making the crafts, staging the parties for the photo shoots, testing the recipes over and over) there have been many moments of desperation and crazy thinking on my part. Despite all of this, my family, every single one of them, has stepped up to the plate, has thrown their lot in with mine, and have come to my aid and rescue over and over.

So far my experience is a little bit like having a baby. You are not ever 100% sure of what you are going to get. But regardless of whatever comes next, whether this thing flies or not, I know that standing beside me is a group of wonderful, amazing, talented and supportive people who love me more than I deserve.

Today I am crazy thankful for them.

Belated Halloween Picture and Countdown Continues

2011-11-22T18:16:00.000-06:00

9 Days till Deadline

I just keep saying "you can do it" in a Speedy Gonzales voice to myself.

loving

2011-11-20T12:11:00.000-06:00

The newest addition of Souvenir

featuring some of my favorite blog friends and heros

You will have to go sign-up to see the whole issue- tres cute!

this time last year

2011-11-18T20:26:00.000-06:00

This time last year Sweet Man, myself and our three boys headed off for a great little week long getaway.

This time last year, the book was just a tiny unformed idea.

And now here we are. Two weeks from my first deadline.

The boys have gone to my parents for the week and I am, for the final time this go round, hunkering down.

No work. No kids. No meals to plan. No parties to throw. No carpool or music lessons or martial arts.

Just me, buckets of coffee, my computer and my playlist on Spotify,

The past month has been topsy turvy, emotions running high as the deadline pressed closer.

We have all dealt with the stress in different ways. I know I have not been the easiest person to live with at times, of that I am fully aware. This has been a learning process for all of us.

And really, there is still so many more steps to go.

But for now, I can only think of this one: Finish.

So starting tomorrow that is what the next seven days will be about.

And for that I am extremely thankful.

Thursday's Confessions- Shameless Promotion and other stuff

2011-11-17T21:00:00.000-06:00

OK, first of all I hope you are supporting handmade and small local shops this holiday as much as possible.

(I grabbed this button from Jenny Holiday-feel free to do the same!)

It really it is the best way - occupy your small independent shops and craft shows and spend your $$$ there.

Second of all, speaking of supporting the small and handmade, if you have not purchased your copy of Inspired Ideas you simply must! It is by far my #1 go-to for Christmas inspiration .

You will not regret it and you may even be inspired to make some wonderful Christmas goodies, like this precious stocking.

Wordy Wednesday- watching

2011-11-16T05:26:00.000-06:00

OK, so pretty much all the words in my life at the moment are the ones going from my fingers to my computer. No reading is really getting done.

But every now and then I have to zone out.

I have to watch something that is mindless, that has nothing to do with anything of substance.

Something fun, and pretty and fluffy.

Last night I found my new light and airy bit-o-fluff on Hulu.

Hart of Dixie on CW

The show stars Rachel Bilson as New York Doctor who inherits a practice in Bluebell, Alabama and all the scrapes she gets into while living there.

The show is a little bit like Gilmore Girls meets Sweet Home Alabama meets Men in Trees

There are tons of funny characters, small town charms and southern eccentricities

my favorite characters so far are the mayor & Lemon

They had a secret love affair and now there is all sorts of tension since Lemon's fiance is back in town.

The mayor is funny, a snazzy dresser, and he has an awesome kitchen.

Plus he is good looking.

What's not to love?

I have to admit though that my favorite part of the show might be Lemon's fashion sense. It was her picture that I saw on Hulu that made me even watch the show in the first place.

I love her blatantly retro style.

Even when she wears something more modern, like this maxi dress, she manages to find a way to put a cute vintage spin on it.

She almost always has a hat on or a flower in her hair, and she believes in Southern tradition to her core.

I mean, really, what is not to love about that?

OK, time to get back to the serious work at hand.

Fluff break over.

Thanksgiving Craftiness

2011-11-15T05:24:00.000-06:00

Under normal circumstances we would be hosting Thanksgiving at our house.

But these are not normal circumstances.

So instead, I just planned a virtual Pinterest inspiredThanksgiving Hoopla.

You can read all about it here

Make Do {and Make Lovely} Monday- Randomness

2011-11-14T06:02:00.001-06:00

Today I am making-do with what I have left on this project: 2 weeks and some change. I promise not every post will be a countdown between now and then. Maybe just every other post...
But let's not talk about that. Let's talk instead about what I am going to do when it is all said and done...

When this is all over I am going to have several very stout drinks.

And go away for a couple of days with some of my oldest gal pals

And do some Christmas shopping - for me, for supplies, for all my loves.

And then I may repeat the process four more times. Could you blame me?

PS- Anybody know what all these needles and sticks are for?

They sure are pretty but I have no idea what they are (except for the red one.)

sundays challenge

2011-11-13T18:41:00.000-06:00

Remembering Because

2011-11-11T05:59:00.000-06:00

Today I am remembering.

I am remembering that because of our armed forces my grandparents met at Camp Robinson during WW II when my grandmother was a dental hygienist and my grandfather's unit came through.

That because of our armed forces my sister has been able to travel the world.

Her eyes have been opened, her world expanded, her understanding of the human condition enriched because of my brother-in-laws service in the military.

Because of our armed forces, my parents little town Arkadelphia was cared for and kept safe after a devastating tornado, the National Guard helping in so many ways.

And because of our armed forces we exist as a country still. A country were we are free to disagree.

I know it is not always popular to support our military, to fly an American flag, to say our pledge. I have friends who will not write a post like this today. That might even poo-poo the whole idea. But the truth is, if you live in America you probably have been helped or benefited in some way by all those who have served or are still serving our country.

I do not always support all the decisions our military leaders make.

Or our president.

Our my mayor.

Or my husband.

Or my best friend.

Or my pastor.

Or my children.

Living in community with other humans means that there will always be a difference of opinions, which is good. The freedom to debate and share ideas and to change our minds is one thing I love about our country. But I don't love throwing the baby out with the bathwater, it's too simplistic. Life is more complicated than that and so are these issues.

So today I am personally grateful for our armed force, for the way it has benefited my life and for all of those who have given their lives doing what was asked of them, in service of their country. My prayer is for their families, and for all of our hearts, that they may they be tender towards those who believe differently than us on this day.

Thursday's Confessions - 20 Days

2011-11-10T05:07:00.000-06:00

The countdown is ON.

20 days till submission.

(kate winslet, momma, & artist, hard at work. love the bare foot and messy hair. in the original you can also see a sippy cup on the table.)

This is where the rubber meets the road.

The iron is in the fire.

The peddle is to the metal.

The shoulder is against the plow.

Prayers are coveted, needed and counted on.

Wordy Wednesday- listening

2011-11-09T05:45:00.001-06:00

Have you discoved Spotify?

It is my new best friend when it comes to listening to music,

I already have several Christmas play list created with all my new and old favorites.

Here is a sneak into a few of my selections

THE VINTAGE

She & Him

As always, the perfect mix of mellow and happy.

Christmas On the Bandstand

This was a $3 dollar find a few years ago in a sale bin. I love this album, it makes me feel like I have stepped back into time.

White Christmas Soundtrack

Snow, snow, snow....Need I sing more?

THE OLD SCHOOL

Amy Grant

My childhood Christmas' all tied up with a bow

Micheal W. Smith

Still love the drama

THE NEW SCHOOL

Third Day

Christmas that sounds good turned up loud

Sara Groves

My all time favorite.

So that is a little sampling what I will be listening to this holiday...

What about you? What are your favorite Christmas albums? I am always looking for more!

make do {and make lovely} mondays -it's beginning to taste a lot like...

2011-11-07T18:32:00.002-06:00

Guess what is all shiny and bright and ready for you?? The newest - holiday - addition of Amy Powers' INSPIRED IDEAS magazine. The most crafty, colorful and inspiring online magazine evah. I mean seriously. WARNING:This magazine is not for those who only like white, beige and gray. If you don't like stuff and don't feel a kinship with Magpies, if you don't have stashes of ribbons and buttons and bits of thread, then this might not be the magazine for you. However if you don't mind glitter dusting everything, if you love vintage ephemera and if you go to sleep dreaming of sugar plums all year long, then please continue...

I am so honored and excited to share that I have a little yummy-to-eat treat featured in this issue! My Cup Of Cheer, inspired by the North Pole. But ya gotta go get your copy to find out more. Wink, wink.

So just wiggle those fingers on over the keyboard and go check out the newest Inspired Ideas issue ( you can even see a itty bitty sneak preview here) and purchase your online copy. Trust me, this is a great deal for the money and you will be using these happy projects for years!

sundays challenge

2011-11-06T08:26:00.000-06:00

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Change your life, not just your clothes.
Come back to God, your God.
And here's why: God is kind and merciful.
Joel 2:13-14

Thursdays Confessions: - And Sometimes Y

2011-11-02T20:26:00.001-05:00

Confession: I have 28 days till my manuscript is due to the publishers.

I may not have a lot of words to share around here. Pictures, yes, always. Words? Maybe not so much.

This picture is from the "Thanksaween" meal we had when my sister Jemimah was in town. She set the table and she put one alphabet letter block at each place setting. During the meal, we each took a turn giving thanks for one thing that begin with a letter on our block. Isn't she clever? This was a fun twist on the traditional Thanksgiving grateful list, and my boys especially loved it, and kept the game up almost the whole meal.

Wordy Wednesday - My pal Liz

2011-11-02T05:38:00.000-05:00

Remember my friend Liz of Mabels House?

Remember my little giveaway for her new book - My (not so) Storybook Life?

Well I am happy to announce that the winner was chosen by random generator and the winner is:

Penny said...

Hmm...now that I've lived in Germany and have learned a bit of the historical background behind many of our modern fairytales, I am not sure I have a favorite one. I do, however, have a new found respect and interest in Jane Austen and what made her tick. After having visited Bath, England, where many of her stories are based, and visiting her museum there in Bath, I find her and her stories so much more intriguing

Penny - send me your address so I can get your book!

To celebrate the end of the giveaway I have asked Liz to share a few thoughts on New motherhood, writing and what is next for her, grab a cup of joe and have a seat on Liz's couch with Mabel and join us for a blogside chat.

JG: I know you have written fiction before, how did you find writing a memoir to be different? Easier? Harder?

EO: It was easier in some ways, harder in others. It was easier b/c I was simply relaying something that had already happened as opposed to trying to brainstorm plots, characters, etc. It was hard because editing unnecessary stuff was really important. I had to remember that just because my family might want to read about something didn't mean perfect strangers would find it interesting.

JG: Yes, I feel your pain on that one. Streamlining is hard with memoir. OK, I have some technical writer questions: How long was the process? Did you send a query and get a contract first or did you write the book and then get a contract? What about your agent - how did you find her and has she been a valuable asset?

EO: Well, if you're thinking about writing a book, put your seatbelt on. It doesn't happen fast. But with that said, go for it. It's the best thing you'l ever do. I found my agent (Laurie Abkemeier... Agent Awesome) online. There are great resources, such as agentquery.com, where you can search for agents by genre. I wrote the book first, but Laurie had ideas for a rewrite, so I did it. She was instrumental in making the book what it is today. I cannot say enough good things about her. So yes, agents can be fantastic.

JG: I noticed that the book is bound in a wonderful aqua blue that looks just like you - did you have any influence on the art direction of how your book was produced?

EO: I can't speak for other publishing houses, but skirt! and my editor Mary were really sweet and involved me as much as possible in what I liked, didn't like. But publishing houses have in-house designers and make the final call on things like that.

JG: The story about the cookies is one of my favorite. Do you think we could trade out? You come clean for me and I will bake for you? I have never scrubbed a floor on my hands and knees in moments of stress, but I have baked amazing cookies.

EO: Yes! But be warned, teaching me to bake might end up making you drink. I kid. :)

JG: Well, if you had to clean my house you might do more than drink...lol. I know you had a bout of Postpartum Depression after you had your daughter Jane. How are you feeling now? Any tips for new moms out there or moms-to-be about how to identify PPD? Just for the record, I had PPD with my first son, and I am on a regular anti-depressant myself, so when I read about your struggles on your blog, I could really relate.

EO: I'm feeling great now, thanks to antidepressants. A lot of moms tough it out, but my case was so severe I couldn't get out of bed. So medication was necessary. I would just advise other new moms to keep a close eye on themselves and don't be embarrassed. So many mothers go through this but never talk about it. It's easy to be so caught up in caring for a new baby that you don't notice until it's really bad. I started to cry uncontrollably, feel incredibly fatigued (like mono) and "not like myself." I was better within a few days of medicine, and can't say enough good things about it.

JG: So what is next? Another book? Book tours? Book Festivals?

EO: I have a book signing at Books-A-Million in North Little Rock on November 12 at 1:00. And I'm kicking around ideas for a second book, but mostly I'm focusing on recovering from some health problems and enjoying my family these days. Life is good!

JG: I hope to be at B&N on the 12th. And I promise to come pick up those dishes real soon.

Thanks so much Liz, Doris Day would love your book - I am positive!

Too soon?

2011-11-01T05:33:00.000-05:00

(source)

make do {and make lovely} mondays - GreerCamp

2011-10-30T20:06:00.003-05:00

This weekend we went to Petit Jean State Park

I can't believe how close it is to us. I had no idea. I know I should know better. I have failed as an Arkansan I am sure. But I wasn't raised here so cut me some slack k? Arkansas State Parks are pretty cool and several of the parks have new features, like Rent-A-Camp, Rent-A-Tepee and Yurt options.

We chose the Rent-A-Camp and we totally lucked out. The first night, the temps were frostiest, and we found out the next moring from our camping neighbors that the tepee's, while very cool looking have a big gaping hole at the top, so even if you bring a space heater, there is no way to keep all the heat in.

Note to the camping wise: Rent the tepee's in moderate weather only.

The tepee's also do not have bunks, they have bedrolls, which is awesome if you are 7. Not so awesome if you are 37. The Rent-A-Camp comes with 4 bunks, 4 bed rolls, a canoe, life jackets, a gas stove, a propane jug, a broom and a cooler.

I packed two too few blankets. We are used to camping with two beds not four, and so I was a little short. This meant that when the cold nights came I had a bed buddy in Miles, which I didn't really mind as his body heat kept me extra snuggly. When he wasn't elbowing me in the eye and pushing me off the bed that is.

Our tent was right on the water and the view was beautiful. Every morning we were greeted by a flock of Canadian Geese. The rent-a-camp and tepee area is the most secluded of all the Petite Jean camp sites, which we loved, even though it was a little hike to the bathhouse. I am not easily icked out, so in general I don't mind camp bathrooms, but I have to give big props to the Petit Jean staff because their bathrooms - even the mens from what I hear- are SPARKLING clean and not even a little gross.

See that bootie? Cute huh? Mmm hmmm.

Wylie did some growing up on this trip. At one point Sweet Man handed him a pocket knife and turned him towards the wooded area and said "Go have fun." And that is exactly what he did. He always managed to hear us call for dinner or lunch, but it spent most of the trip in the woods exploring.

Bacon and coffee are two camping essentials. I could have eaten this whole pan full of bacon, luckily for my waistline I had to share it with three other hungry boys.

At one point I looked down at my plate and realized that the eggs we were eating were from our chickens and that the jelly was some that I had made. Only the bread and the bacon were store bought. I couldn't help but be a tiny bit proud, and think that perhaps I will be a good farmers wife after all.

Miles is sporting his new glasses. Yes, he picked them out. They are "nerd" glasses as he calls them and he wears them with pride. Surely I should win some sort of mothering prize for letting him fly his freak flag?

Once we did all the hard work of setting up camp I sat down in my chair and pretty much did not get back up except to pee and eat. I read, I stitched, I stared at the water. I dozed, and I daydreamed. I even got a little writing done.

The trip was amazing and wonderful, exhausting and inspiring.

And I am so glad to be home in my nice warm house, with my bathroom just down the hall.

Now if only I can muster up the energy to unpack and do laundry...

xoxoxo

cheers & blessings,

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*Don't forget today is the last day to enter my giveaway for a copy of My {Not So} Storybook Life

Thursday's Confessions - The Ghost of Halloween Past

2011-10-27T05:17:00.003-05:00

Confession: I used to have a shop. Albeit a small shop. Ok, it was a one-room shop with my craft sister Jeanetta. But it was still a shop. And it was cute, and it was ours.

In our little shop we were able to play out all our crafty dreams. Especially around holidays.

We took simple, thrifted and inexpensive finds and turned them into magical creations. Polka-dotted pumpkins and happy haunted houses were just the tip toppy of our crafty dreams.

But eventually the spider came and sat down beside us. The economy turned, our children all went to school, and we both found ourselves in need of more consistent paychecks and jobs outside our homes. We tried to juggle the shop and our jobs and our families, but it didn't take long to figure out that it was more than even we, super-craft-women that we are could pull off. So we closed the shop.

Confession:

In general I am happy not to have the shop anymore (something I never imagined I would say. Ever.) But every now and then, especially in the fall, around Halloween, I grow nostalgic for those days. For the time I got to spend with Jeanetta, setting it all up, conferring over what we would be making next, comparing fabrics, papers and glitter types. Laughing about how we couldn't tell the glitter flecks from the pepper flecks on our dining room tables.

Having the shop was a dream of ours and I am so grateful that we got to do it. This year, when I haven't even been able to get nary a fake pumpkin or a single spider hung I am especially grateful for the pictures and the memories, and the very bold reminder that for everything - even dreams and decorating- there is a season, and sometimes it is a shorter season, and sometimes it is a long season.

What I wanted, needed, loved then was having a shop. Those are not the things I want, need or love now. And give me another five years and I bet a lot of my wants, needs and loves will change again. This is something I need to remember now more than ever .

xoxoxo

Cheers and Blessings Friends

locally yummy

2011-10-24T22:49:00.000-05:00

There is the yummiest, cutest little restaurant a few blocks from where I work.

It is called The Root Cafe and it is PURE yummy.

Look at that hamburger and salad.

This is from their website:

We have delicious burgers, bratwursts, sandwiches, soups, salads, pies,
and pastries that feature fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from small farms in
the area. 100% of the meat and bread and most of the cheese and vegetables
we use are locally grown or produced. We also offer locally-roasted coffees,
homemade grape and apple sodas and ginger lemonade as well as the best of
Arkansas beer and wine (coming soon). In addition, we host a range of activities
from food preservation workshops and guest speakers to music events and art
openings.

The decor is too cute, very vintage and homespun. There is a garden on site and often when you order something, the farmer that grew it is sitting one table over.

Wouldn't it be cool if someday our produce from our to-be little farm found it's way to The Root tables?

make do {and make lovely} mondays - A Storybook Giveaway

2011-10-24T11:01:00.000-05:00

Good morning friends! Welcome to Monday and making lovely here in Blogland.

I don't know about you, but I need some pure happy to get my week started and what is happier than a Book Giveaway?

This is my friend Liz and her baby Jane.

Liz lives just a hop and a skip away from me, yet we never get to see each other.

Our mutual affection is felt via twitter, gmail , our blogs and the occasional garage sale encounter.

One day I hope we can run away together and flea market mid-century treasures together till we fall down, drunk with great deals. But until that day comes I will settle for reading her new book.

This is Liz's new wonderful and laugh-out-loud funny book.

And I have an autographed copy to giveaway.

I am only a few chapters in but already I am smitten (as if I thought I wouldn't be!)

Here is the official book blurb:

Fresh, funny, and poignant, My (not so) Storybook Life is old-fashioned humor mashed with literary spoofery. Elizabeth thinks of herself and her husband, Matt, as a modern day Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. Together they’ve endured paint-color mishaps, sewage disasters, pest infestations, and a schnauzer that poops at tornado sirens. It was hardly the domestic perfection a young Liz imagined while reading Anne of Green Gables and Pride and Prejudice. Could it be that these literary stalwarts had led her astray?

Liz tells the story of her own path to happiness, along the way seeking revenge on her literary heroes: Jo March has to cope with a soul-sucking job, Elizabeth Bennett shepherds a Duggar-size brood of kids, and Anne Shirley deals with a penny-pinching husband. But every comedy is balanced by tragedy. Angela was one of Liz’s closest friends, a kindred spirit who at age of 33 was diagnosed with cancer. Before Angela, Liz was discontent. But it was the journey she took with this friend that made her realize that her house and its decorations and plumbing and dirty-clothes-covered Man Cave were not burdens to be tweaked and perfected, but blessings to be thankful for.

Jane is VERY excited about this Giveaway and so am I.

To enter all you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite Fairytale is and why.

If you want extra entries you can Facebook or Twitter or Blog about this giveaway and then come back and let me know you did!

The giveaway ends a week from today on Halloween

One of Liz's favorite holidays to decorate for.

xoxoxo

cheers and blessings,

Fly Away Fridays- Camping

2011-10-21T06:53:00.003-05:00

I thought it would be fun to start a regular Friday feature that is all about dream getaways... Kind of a bucket list/inspiration list of places that I want to go, things I want to do... Want to come along?

(click on images for source)

Next weekend, our little family is planning a little road trip.

We are loading up and heading out. Course our SUV is not as cute as this. And we do plan on taking people with us and not just cute vintage thermos', pompoms and a puppy dog.

See the tents that are not tepees? That is where we are going.

And we are on the water. Camping on the water may be my most favorite thing in the world and I am excited about trying these "rent-a-camp" tents (the tepees were all taken this time, but we will try them eventually!)

I wish I had a whole stack of vintage Coleman to take, but I do have the little thermos cooler. Let's just say it is the first piece in my collection instead of the only piece.

I am also plotting my own version of this. I am curious to see if it can be done with store bought dough for the sake of convenience. I will keep you posted.

I am also hoping to get some stitching done as I have been so busy with other projects that my stitching bag has begun to gather dust.

Knock on wood and prayers said, the weather is looking promising. Cold but not too cold. Sunny and clear.
Our little family needs this and I cannot wait to fly away.

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In other news, are you following Shannan's 31 Days of Letting Go Post?
I am loving this series by my sweet friend. Go check it out if you can!

Thursday's Confessions

2011-10-20T05:54:00.000-05:00

Confession: This is how I am handling the following things today

*Laundry

*House improvements

*The book deadline

*Flat tire on car

*Working Out

*Halloween Decorating (this I am just giving up completely. Not happening this year.)

So this is working great. Course, taking life-tips from Scarlett is always perilous.

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PS- keep praying. Things at the bank went well. I will keep you posted!

Wordy Wednesday - on the nightstand

2011-10-19T05:46:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Word Wednesday

Where it is all about what we are reading, singing, and quoting around my casa.

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Today I thought I would share what is on our nightstands these days...

On my side of the bed:

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

I am reading this because it is a book that our 8th Graders read at school and I like to keep up with them. I am three fourths the way through. I had to stop because it is stressing me out. I love this book but I can only handle so much at a time. But it is beautifully written.

On Sweet Man's side of the bed

Basic Butchering of Livestock and Game

Um, yep. This is what he is reading. We have to get have to get this man to a farm. And soon.

On Wylie's nightstand

The Son of Neptune

I have to say I am glad he is working his way through something other than his Harry Potters.

Wylie reads like my dad. If he loves a book he will read it one hundred times. No lie. His Harry Potters are all threadbare and dog eared. They are his go-to books when he runs out of other reading material and he can read them in a day or two. It is crazy, but I remember those good old days when I could tear through a book in a day, if not an afternoon.

On Miles' nightstand

The Field Guide

I love that Miles loves this book as much as he does. I am a little worried about the Halloween costumes it might inspire and the work we will have to put into them. Yikes!

Miles was so excited and anxious for this book to arrive that he created his own Magical Creature Field Guide in the meantime. Now if I can just keep him for putting salt everywhere to ward off the goblins...

today I am

2011-10-18T11:46:00.000-05:00

(image found HERE)

Today I am filled to the brim with gratefulness for

*The rainy cold weather

*Cheery Red rain boots

*My sister Jemimah coming home this weekend

*Friends who go along with my crazy ideas

*My sweet Sweet Man

*Hope

*Your prayers and encouragement

*Possibilities

*The biggest photo shoots for the book are over

*Martha Stewart

Make Do {and Make Lovely} Monday

2011-10-17T05:40:00.001-05:00

This weekend I conquered my fears and made jelly. And it is DELISH. Just saying. I will never buy store bought jelly again if I can help it. One of my besties came over and walked me through it, and I could not have done it without her, or my mother who was our Helpline. I made two kinds, both are recipes for the book and you cannot imagine the relief when they turned out so yummy. Seriously yummy.

The Realtor came last week and brought pretty good news. We have a little work to do but not as much as I feared and the price range for what we she felt like we could list the house for was in line with what we were hoping. So now, we go to the bank. And I so curious as to what they will say. Our credit is an interesting history, and while I have finally paid off all my business debt (yay!!!) I am not sure how of much of the damage I caused to my credit score has been healed yet, but I guess tomorrow we will find out.

Today I am trying to remember to take all of these things- the book, the house, the farm, my weight (did I mention that I have gained 20lbs since starting the book? ) one day at a time. I cannot control what the bank will say, what my editor will say, if my house will sell, if anyone will buy my book. I cannot lose all 20lbs tomorrow. But I can go for walks on my lunch break, and I can work hard and write honestly. I can hug my kids, and kiss my Sweet Man and hang my laundry to dry on the line. And I can wear bright red shoes that make me smile and if I will remember to, I can pray, with every sing red step I take. And that is a lovely thought.

Fly Away Fridays- Africa & A Giveaway

2011-10-14T05:50:00.006-05:00

I have always wanted to go to Africa. Well that is not true. I used to be afraid to go to Africa. I was afriad if I went to Africa I would have to wear bad clothes. The church tradition I grew up in was a great supporter of foreign missionaries, always handing out prayer cards and book parks with the pictures of missionary families on them. And in every single picture the families clothes were at least a decade out of date. To me. at that age, I almost couldn't imagine a worse fate, and I lived with this knawing fear that God was going to call me to be a missionary and that I would have to wear ugly clothes. Thank God I grew up. And met some missionary kids who had perfectly nice and modern clothes.

In High School I feel in love with the movie Out of Africa, and a few years ago I fell in love with The Number 1 Detective Ladies books and series on HBO. But I know that neither tell the whole story. That Africa is so vast, and so varied, that it would take a lifetime to know it all intimately. But still I hope to know a small part of it one day. I hope to take my shots like a big girl and get on a plane and go. I want to see for myself, I want to know for myself, at least a small part of Africa.

For now I connect through support. We help support missionaries in Swaziland who work with with the C.H.I.P.S, Program - Children HIV Intervention Program in Swaziland, to help the orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS pandemic in Swaziland, Africa. These are some of Ian and Jenny's kids. I want to hop on a plane and go adopt them all. We also support a Rwandan child through Compassion International. but still. I want to do more. I want to know more.

I see pictures like this and first I think it is beautiful and majestic and then I think that it probably doesn't feel beautiful and majestic to that mother. Then I make a promise to myself that I will never complain about having "just" one INDOOR bathroom with RUNNING WATER ever again. I will never complain about taking my child to the store that has a CART and FOOD falling off the shelf again. If I do, please slap me silly. Please.

Africa is beautiful.

and complicated.

Africa is wild.

and all too familiar.

Africa is big

and small.

And I want to see it all.

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Until I can get there, myself I will have to rely on the stories of those that have been there to help understand better the joys and challenges, the beauty and the pain of this large continent. I will watch movies like Praying the Devil Back to Hell and I will listen to the stories of those who helped make the film and maybe gleam a little more understanding of how I can be a better neighbor, even thousands of miles apart.

If you are reading this, then you have access to the internet, which means that you can watch the Women, War and Peace special on PBS, and specifically Praying the Devil Back to Hell , a film about the astonishing story of the Liberian women who took on the warlords and regime of dictator Charles Taylor in the midst of a brutal civil war, and won a once unimaginable peace for their shattered country in 2003. (You can also read more about this series and episode HERE)

If you live in Central Arkansas you have the chance to join me at a special preview screening of this film followed by a Q&A with the producer Abigail Disney. The Women's Foundation of Arkansas, who is putting this event on, has graciously given me two tickets that I would love to giveaway.

The film will be shown at 6:30pm, on Friday October 21 in downtown Little Rock.

If you are able to make this event and would like two tickets please enter this giveaway by leaving a comment here on this post. And if you have been to Africa, please tell me - what did you see?

**THIS GIVEAWAY WILL BE CLOSED TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18 AT NOON**

Thursday's Confessions- a day

2011-10-13T06:10:00.001-05:00

Confession: Capturing my life in one day was so hard it took three to do it.

Read all about it here: Annalea Hart, A Day in the Life series

Wordy Wednesday - Farm Anatomy

2011-10-12T06:10:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Word Wednesday

Where it is all about what we are reading, singing, and quoting around my casa.

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Look what Sweet Man gave me for my birthday:

The most delightful Jerusalem Greer friendly version of a farming book ever.

Last night I sat up in bed pouring over the beautiful pictures and straight to the point text. This book is so beautiful it actually makes me want to read about tractors and feed bins.

I want to have this on my wall by the breakfast table so that the boys can work on memorizing. Somehow I think these sorts of formulas may come in handier than algebra down the road.

Aren't the barns fantastic? I can't pick a favorite. I would take one of each.

Julia Rothman is the author and illustrator and this is the farm that her husband grew up on. Isn't it dreamy? Le sigh.

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Today we are having a realtor come look at our house to give us an idea what we could list it for if we so wanted too... Say a little prayer if you would. And if you know anyone in Central Arkansas that is desperate to buy a 1940's ranch cottage with a pink porch send them my way will ya?

Southern Gal Proud

2011-10-11T06:13:00.002-05:00

(image found here)

I am proud to be a Southern gal (with flecks of Alaska mixed in for spice of course) and today I am sharing a few of my Southern "must haves" over at the

At Home in Arkansas blog.

Come on over and sit a spell, I'll pour the tea.

make do and make love monday- punkin lovin

2011-10-10T06:07:00.001-05:00

Friends I am under the writing gun. I have 53 days until my book is due. That may sound like a lot, and if all I had to do was write maybe it would be a lot. But it is only one of many things I have to do and so I am starting to feel the squeeze. Today I do not have a lot of words to share as I am pouring as many as I can into the book. So instead, we are going to make-do and make lovely with few words and many pictures from our recent Pumpkin Patch trip.

I may have a pumpkin addiction.

wet noses.

I think these sunflowers look like they are bowing in prayer.

Oh those faces get me every time!

sundays challenge

2011-10-09T12:06:00.000-05:00

(the first eggs from our chickens)

"Very little is needed to make a happy life."

Aurelius

Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly.

The best of the three is love

1 Corinthias 3:13.

Home {Companion} Again, Home Again

2011-10-07T06:30:00.001-05:00

NEWS FLASH!

THIS JUST IN:

From the Desk of Mary Englebreit:

It’s been 3 years since we stopped publication of the Home Companion magazine and not a day goes by– LITERALLY NOT A DAY GOES BY– that we don’t get 6, 7 or sometimes even 20 letters and emails asking that we publish it again. So we’re going to give it another shot, but we need your help. It’s still a very risky business to put a magazine out in these tough economic times, so to convince a publisher and advertisers that this would indeed be a worthy endeavor, we need you to write in and tell us why you’d like to subscribe to the magazine again. A petition, if you will. Because if we can show that a gajillion people want the Home Companion,need the Home Companion, will BUY the Home Companion– we will have a better chance of success.

So tell us what the magazine meant to you, or if you’re short on time, just write in and say “Count me in!” The more names, the merrier! Barbara , Kathy, and I are all ready to dive back in if you are.

~Mary

SO GO VOTE NOW! MARY NEEDS US AND WE NEED HER!

Grab a button and spread the word!

Thursday's Confessions - Praying the Devil Back to Hell

2011-10-06T06:24:00.001-05:00

(Photo by Pewee Flomoku)

Confression: I am spoiled and I know it. My problems, while they may feel serious to me in the moment, would quickly fade away to dust if I was faced with the sorts of challenges that women all over the world are faced with every single day. The problems I face are primarily First World problems, and it wouldn't hurt me any to remember that more often.

Confession: I don't do nearly enough to help those whose needs are ones of life and death. Whose problems are scary and big and urgent. I stick my head in the sand and stare at my own navel and completely forget that I can DO something. It may not be all that needs to be done, but it is SOMETHING. And it is a start. Because of this, when the chance came along to help The Women's Foundation of Arkansas get the word out about their annual Power of the Purse Event on Oct 21, I was more than excited to get involved.

(artist Olaf Hajek)

The event will recognize Judy Tennenbaum as their Woman of the Year in Philanthropy and Abigail Disney (yes that Disney) will be their Special Guest/ Keynote Speaker. In addition to Power of the Purse, on the evening of Oct 21 at 6:30pm, WFA will host a limited seating screening and Q & A session with Abigail at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Theater.

Abigail Disney is grand-niece to Walt. More than that, she is the talented director of Praying the Devil Back to Hell and Executive Producer of Women War, and Peace a documentary series which will launch Oct 11 on PBS.

Praying the Devil Back to Hell is an amazing story of a group of courageous women of Liberia who begin a movement that brought women of different faiths together and eventually brought Peace to their country ravaged by civil war. The PBS series is a 5 part series that explores women's roles as peacemakers in several countries - Liberia, Columbia, Bosnia, & Afghanistan. Included in the latter project is Matt Damon, Geena Davis, and Hillary Clinton.

Confession: I don't want to do this alone. I need a posse, I need people in my life who will say "um hello, you have it good girl. Now let's help someone who doesn't" So I have to ask, will you be in my posse?

If you have the chance, please click the link to watch the trailer for Praying the Devil Back to Hell

and if you can, set your DVR to record the Women, War and Peace series and tell your friends to do the same. Maybe invite others over to watch it with you. Lure them in with wine and chocolates and things baked with butter if you have too.

Then talk about. And talk about it till you are sick of hearing yourself talk and then figure out what you can DO about it. What can I do to bring peace? What can you do to bring peace?

There are mothers and wives and sisters and friends who are desperate for peace for the sake of those they love. Can we be desperate on their behalf too?