Here.......

I made this card for you!

Thank you for being a part of Na-Da Farm!

Most Sincerely,

(my intention was to send them out to each of you in an e-mail, but after doing the first one, I realized it was going to take until after the new year to do so)

organize it.......

I'm sure you all do not want to see another Christmas tree........so I'll spare you.......and just show you an outside shot of some of the grove of evergreens we have here on the farm....... and the same goes with cookies........or other decorating ideas.......they are all so great, and some of you? well, hush my mouth you are awesome........I had no idea the talent of some of you until the holidays approached! and let me tell you all something:
my house is literally turned upside down! because of you!! but in such a good way........

I have no company coming until after Christmas day........so I've time to think/do........

In the beginning of the new year, there will be cleaning, organizing, decorating, and garden preparation......so my list is pretty long........

Making a list, and well, checking it twice, is not only good for organizing your thoughts, but keeps you grounded with the use of an actual pencil and paper.......it does something for your soul to get things in order......mentally, physically, and spiritually.

But if you are like me, and any other woman of the house, then you have a list literally a mile long, and so what do we do?

first of all, use a pencil, because I edit my list quite often.....

*make a list of everything - even into the New Year -

*number it from one to (whatever) in order of priority - 1 being the first priority

*calculate the amount of time it will take you to do that task/item

*alter list if necessary

Your list should look like this:
PRIORITY#---ITEM TO DO------------------- AMOUNT OF TIME

I hope that helps some of you delegate your time and energy..........

and please, do not forget those who you know are sick, or elderly, or even that someone who has a hard time with their children.......there is no better time than the present......especially with your kids - to show them really what is important........

serious......

My view of life, is all so multi-dimensional..........I simply cannot look at something in one light, or perspective......there are too many variations......angles.......

Even as my daughter was approaching the house, while getting some fresh air outdoors, a story unfolded in my mind.......and I grabbed the camera.......

if you knew me personally, like in "person", then you wouldn't necessarily hear these stories, unless you are a good listener, but rather, you should be forewarned, that everything to me is deep.......serious........and so alive.........

and there is no doubt in my mind, that if you feel close to the Lord, then your

vision of the world around you is beautiful no matter what you see.......

the Lord shows us beauty within by us looking out.....

bake......

I learned a lot from my Mom in the kitchen over the years........and now that she is retired, she can come out to the farm, anytime.......

(we call this our "cookie commercial" photograph)

but this time it was for some cookie baking........

and let me tell you; I had some fun with my photo-program.......all pictures are altered.........

Mom likes things traditional, and well, so do I.....(isn't she hilarious? - so cute)

I might just turn this one into a puzzle........wouldn't that be so fun?!

With love from Na-Da Farm Kitchen!!

Whisper to no one......

I don't normally post my cakes and food I create, but this one I couldn't resist to share with you all.....with a touch of whimsy!

*a short story I wrote to go along with these pictures...in brown italic*

She has lived through the bitter winter before, but this year, the temperatures were much colder, after a heavy snowfall, ice showered the countryside........it was one of the most unpleasant winters she could remember.........and even though it was Christmas, there was no sign or even a whisper of His blessed name.........

she was determined to tend to those who needed her most, for they had no one....no wood for their stoves....no food for their bellies........and she knew, if she didn't help them......that no one else would........

Of course, leaving your home, to visit others, was forbidden in this gloomy and bemired land....

The evil ruler did not want anyone in his path to one day overpower all of humanity, even the smallest of children, and thus, sent a decree throughout the land "keep to yourself, and help no one, you must do what I say, or death"....Balmala rules cruelly over the land...without mercy....without regard to others.....the most selfish person to have lived thus far....and Balmala especially has no mercy upon those who call themselves "believers"........

putting all fear aside, and bundled in her woolen cape, Elisabeth did what she was taught by her dear Grammy......she sometimes can still hear Grammy's words on such a cold, still day such as this; "do His will, no matter what the obstacles, and always give glory to the Father, and the Son, and to the...." "what was that?" Elisabeth was startled by a scraping sort of noise, and then the earth below her shook......

sometimes, after such a thing would happen, Elisabeth would feel, as though someone much bigger than her was watching her every move........not always an uncomfortable feeling, but rather, like a warm whisper within the trees.........

and felt eyes were upon her back....but she wasted no time.......she had one last stop.....or as she thought.

Elisabeth was almost there......to a home no one has ever lived in.........

and legend says, that the only way out, is through the basement.........for if one traveled around back, they would surely peril from the cliffs below...........but knowing this, and with strength from all the faithfully departed surrounding her heart, Elisabeth was guided forward, to hopefully.......finally......find what she has been searching for, for the last 17 years..........

*end of story.....thank you for reading*

I made this very special cake, for a very special niece, who is celebrating the day of her birth, and who has sadly moved to another state, far away from the farm.....she and her 7 siblings....

a few days ago, was the last time we all were together as a family before they moved......

I was asked to be the 'cake baker'.....and so off to work I went, trying to make it as special as both the girl, and the life-changing events that are taking place for her, for me, for our family.....

*she is a writer, deep thinker, nature lover, strong, intelligent, but most of all faithful girl*

it was my total pleasure to do this for her

As tears well in my eyes looking at this picture, I know her qualities, which her AWESOME mother and father taught her, will carry her through many new adventures, and I can't wait to read one of her novels in the very near future............

with all my love dear niece,

B&W Sunday......

My little elves busy making cookies.........

while the biggest elf and I do some hiking.........

..............Hope you are all enjoying this weekend.............

For more participants of B&W Sunday visit:

~ Julie

~ Joni

Greetings!

from Na-Da Farm........

While perusing through my photographs, I found this one below......

it used to be my view from the back door......

nope, not over it yet......I'm truly a different person because of that fire.....

fire = no organic co-op

fire = no Na-Da Farm Market (in the barn at least)

fire = no hay loft turned drum jam session...my music loft

fire=no more Na-Da Farm Chicks Club (it was our clubhouse)

yet........

I still have so many things to rejoice in!

*and a special hello to friends both near and far*

Santa Lucia......

Have you ever seen those great photos of Santa Lucia day? They intrigued my daughter and I so much last year that we did some research (I know, so technical sounding) and well, how could I resist!!??!! to do it ourselves after finding all this out??!

*** All of these photographs were taken from last year's celebration........***

don't be surprised if you see more from this year in a few days

The TRUE story, has all the components of faith:

~ devotion

~ strength

~ charity

~ and symbolism (one of my favorites!)

The great thing about this day, is that it isn't made up! not a fairy tale, not a joke, but real, and SO inspiring for any young lady.......to keep her strength through her devotional faith.....

bear with me now........here's the story.......TOTALLY READ IT!
Santa Lucia.........December 13th.......she's honored that day......

The name “Lucy” means “light” from the root word “lucid” which means “clear, or radiant…understandable.” The times for which she lived were shrouded in the darkness of the time. It was the 4th Century, and the persecutions of the Christians were rampant throughout her homeland, Syracuse. How did she become a Saint?

In defense of her Faith. Lucy had vowed her life to the service of Christ, yet, her mother tried to arrange a marriage of a pagan man to Lucy. Lucy knew that her mother would not be convinced by her vow (because she was so young) so Lucy devised a plan to convince her mother that Christ was a much more powerful partner for life. Near their home, lie the tomb of Saint Agatha, and Lucy’s mother, who was quite ill, fervently prayed at the tomb. Miraculously, Lucy’s mother was cured of her illness, and thus, was ready to listen to her young daughter’s plea to give her money to the poor and commit her life entirely to God.

Often times the eldest daughter plays Lucia, and greets her family with a breakfast of hot coffee and pastries, known as Lucia Buns. This ritual honors the legend of Saint Lucia bringing food during a famine.

Unfortunately, legend has it, the rejected bridegroom did not see the same light and he betrayed Lucy to the governor as a Christian. This governor tried to send her into prostitution but the guards who came to take her way found her stiff and heavy as a mountain. Finally she was killed. As much as the facts of Lucy's specific case are unknown, we know that many Christians suffered incredible torture and a painful death for their faith during Diocletian's reign. Lucy may not have been burned or had a sword thrust through her throat but many Christians did and we can be sure her faith withstood tests we can barely imagine. Whatever the fact to the legends surrounding Lucy, the truth is that her courage to stand up and be counted a Christian in spite of torture and death is the light that should lead us on our own journeys through life.

In Her Footsteps:

Lucy is the patron saint of the blind. Braille is an important means of communication for those with visual impairment or blindness. Support the teaching of Braille in schools and learn about it yourself by calling your local chapter of the National Federation of the Blind.

Prayer: Saint Lucy, you did not hide your light under a basket, but let it shine for the whole world, for all the centuries to see. We may not suffer torture in our lives the way you did, but we are still called to let the light of our Christianity illuminate our daily lives. Please help us to have the courage to bring our Christianity into our work, our recreation, our relationships, our conversation -- every corner of our day. Amen

and here's something for your "little ones":

have a great weekend..........

take a turn......

Come join me as we take a turn around the farm.........

The windows might look like it's from within a Christmas song (frosted window panes ... ) BUT

outside, and here on "the frozen tundra", as we like to call it, there are 40MPH winds - white outs -no black outs (thank God....because that would = no baked goods/breads/etc).....
*above picture are eclairs I made for an over-the-top awesome person*

So........what do you do? with all this blustery snow?...

make a snow fence of course! made out of 3' in diameter snow balls!
(it beats that ugly orange snow fencing!)

not me.........I'm busy in the kitchen............preparing their arrival................

with homemade hot cocoa; real cocoa, sugar, vanilla.......marshmallows............

and lots of candles lit.....

I wait......

and wait........

and sip some......

and sip some more........

and simply light up inside with not only the

warmth of the hot cocoa, but their beloved smiles and their

"thank you Mama!!"

man.....do I LOVE this season!! don't you??

'sweet shop'...

Let me introduce you to my 8yr. old son's decorating style.......I needed a convenient place for my collection of tin cookie cutters......walla!...he thought of this...

I found this little 'sweet shop' house at the local antique store for $5........I put some little lights in there, to make it more fun for him (and me too).........

while letting my cupcakes cool on the counter next to it.......well........I just couldn't help myself.........

they were even better, once I frosted them and little darling put sprinkles on them..........

the littlest one turned 2 just recently, and he enjoyed two of these.........as did his mama.......I am after all working on adding some 'winter weight'...........

*Hope is in tomorrow...Joy is for today*

understanding.......

The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.—Therese of Lisieux

Only through Her are we able to praise Him - Anne Marie of Na-Da Farm ;)

I am sorry to say, that I do not know where this wonderful holy card originated, please forgive me!

B&W Sunday......

After crocheting these fingerless gloves for my daughter, the "photo-shoot" was more fun than seeing her darling little face after I gave them to her..........

Posting B&W Sunday, was very difficult today!! I so wanted to add color to the photos, due to the seasonal joy I'm feeling....

*Wishing you all the very best day with your family or loved ones*

"kneading" merriment.......

Life is like bread.........

*insert rolling eyes here*

patience, the exact ingredients, lots of time.......kneading (needing God).........rising (striving towards heaven)........and then, you let it rest..............
if you let it go, untouched, it would keep rising..........but eventually turn 'sour'........you need to work it again.........and then........ahhhh....then you get to taste your reward.........

Bread

(any reference here signify any sort of importance to any of you?)

Bread is Life

The lull has expired……at least for now……

yes.....anne marie was in a lull.....no gardening.......not a lot of sunshine.......

OH MAN AM I SO HAPPY! to decorate for my Lord and King!!

yes, yes, this picture might not be much more than a beloved crystal rosary and a relic.....but it's all for HIM!!

aren't you just soooo excited! ?? !!

i love getting ready!

it's like the BEST birthday party ever........if you spend time, effort, and painstaking decorating for your own child's birthday, then you know what I mean.......

have your kids do it.....(oh, now, that's a great idea; think of their cute invites, and the gifts they could bring would be for the poor!!........I'm stealing my own idea)

I’m sure you all can relate…..that when the coldness chills the air, and prevents your daily walks that you embrace the warmth within your home.

Pulling up winter’s blanket over my head? Not just yet, but I am however, looking beyond just the frigid temperatures…..

My Celtic Christmas music fills our old farmhouse……

as does the second pot of tea or coffee at 3…….

Online shopping couldn’t be any easier this year with so much great stuff on Etsy, and I’m NOT talking about my things for sale, but the artistry of so many creative people! And knowing it doesn’t come from overseas is SO nice to know (unless it’s a great piece from the UK).

I’m done with malls……..have been for a long time.........

I’m done with even Target! I’d rather be in my local shops….supporting those men and women for whom friendships have strengthened over the years…..

This Friday I plan on posting about some individuals who sell things online that I just adore, or who have told me they have an online shop……do you? Let me know!

~this certainly is no time for sadness......don't let anyone leave you without a smile~

Blessed Mother Teresa was once asked "what should I see in these poor people's eyes".....and her response was this: "it's not what you see in their eyes, but what they see in yours"

Merry Christmas......truly!

bye........

saying goodbye to all the dried floral........rocks........shells........etc, for the holiday seasonal decorating............

totes are down from the attic..........many items won't even be put out this year..........

*keeping a simplistic mind this Advent*

Hope you are all keeping yourselves in peace........

B&W Sunday........

Hope*.......A new beginning...........

Na-Da Farm's "theme" this Advent:

~Preserving a simplistic tradition in life and spirit~

*Picture entitled: 'Hope'........available for print at the shop

A peek into my life.........

A simple greeting and a sincere thank you..............for being readers of my posts, a constant inspiration and for giving me a wonderful welcome into your home........

~I so enjoy giving you a peek into my life~

Looking forward to the upcoming season with you all.............

Happy Thanksgiving!

Quick Decorating........

I don't plan my decorating, unless it's for a big party, but I'm more of the 'quick decorating' types.......

and in my dining room, where the glorious South Sun lightens every corner, some very quick and fragrant decorating was accomplished.......

I recently moved my buffet in the dining room to another wall - to open it up for the leaves of the table to expand generously - for both expected, and unexpected dinner guests........

In anticipation of the coming Advent, and Thanksgiving season, I'm not putting up turkeys and pilgrims, but rather, natural elements such as dried grasses and fresh sage.....

which doesn't mean the office isn't clad with 'hand turkeys' and feather projects.....
I had a mirror in the barn......that didn't have a frame.....but I had these shutters that I simply placed in front..........a perfect fit width and height wise!

To make the ever so simple garland on the mirrored shutter: I took some very thin hemp twine, and tied a few fresh sage branches from it

More fresh sage was nestled around an angel (which I just took in from the garden)

and in wooden bowls......

both on the buffet and on the table (both authentic Romanian dough bowls)

To add a little more of a Thanksgiving "touch" I've added dried bundles of grass from the gardens.....simply hanging from the shutter closure with more hemp twine.....

Here on the farm, HOPE is in the air, with an abundance of Thanksgiving joy ...........

All photographs were taken just this past weekend

B&W Sunday.......

I awoke early in the morning to find this the other day.........

deep in thought, not even noticing I was there.........she won.........

With no T.V. and no video games, we pass our time together.........

and sometimes it's within a beautiful silence..........

the kids don't crave that stimulation electronic devices give you........

the physical effects that stimuli give children is un-natural.......

very un-organic

and you know me......I'm all about being organic......

organic to me, isn't about just filling our bodies with healthy food, but

filling our soul with things natural.....

like plays.......poetry....music...........

last night the children put on a performance of "the Elf saves the day"

a Na-Da Farm original

I helped with the backdrop.............a hand painted light as air silk fabric was swagged from one end of the room to the other........potted plants and floral fabric were set up "just so".....

-all DJ work was from the oldest son on the record player-

very professional DJ -
I highly recommend him for

any Na-Da Farm performance....

as the little sleeping fairy lay asleep within her bed of flowers, awaiting the fairy queen to awaken her from her deep winter sleep.......

*solo dancing of course in between acts - with Mama's scarves*

but alas! a wolf entered the scene growling and snaring at the fairy as to scare her back into her sleep! or was he going to eat her?

dear me, it was so exciting

to the rescue! came the elf - with top hat and glasses, and a stage presence of all his own, that led the wolf to the hills beyond, where he belonged, and saved the awakened fairy.....

but before leaving to the hills, the wolf, fairy queen and elf danced in a circle under the silkened sky to a roar of laughter, delight and cheers from two very

entertained spectators (aka parents).....

A Thanksgiving play is set, and I will be participating in that one....so stay tuned!

~have a great day~

FOR MORE B&W SUNDAY visit:

~Eniko

fantastic.......

do you ever see those pictures that inspire you to where you get

ALL EXCITED! like a kid?!?!

well........this did it for me!

Let's break it down now...........(a little regress in the mc hammer department)

1) love the top

2) love the skirt

3) love the colors............

I want to have her pour me that hot cocoa in the red pitcher and give me like 3 of those crepe thingy's and tell me how she made that top, then we can hop on her horse drawn sleigh that is waiting outside this door:

BUT SHE'S LETTING ME WEAR THIS DRESS FIRST..........

AND GOOD NEWS! she told me I can live here, as long as I'm the maid...........

and I cook here...........

no problem, anything to help out a gal in the back woods..............

seriously head over for this stylist: Eva Lindh.............go take a looksy........... and get inspired! there are SO many people out there that can show you a JOY this season that you didn't even know existed!!

have a great weekend....I'm off to drink hot cocoa and sew!

Do you sell things online?

if so, then let me know, because I want to make a list for my readers to use for the Holiday season.....

let's help each other out in these times shall we?

just e-mail me at: info@nadafarm.org with

1) your store name and domain name (http:)

2) a brief description of your products

~no photographs please~

the ladies......

One last romp through the grass with her favorite animal......

before it gets too bitter cold to "romp"........

Our little pony's name is:

"Lady"

Lady is so fuzzy and cute right now with her winter 'fuzz' - and she's not hard to cuddle with

(yes "minlaw", I said 'cuddle'...............) sorry; inside joke

I'm going to try to turn this one into a B&W for in the farm house.......

~just some joy and smiles from the farm to you!~

Divine Dreams............

Dreams aren't always when you fall asleep..........

sometimes they follow you like the warm sun on a summer day.......... and sometimes dreams loom over you like a storm cloud..........

Dreams aren't all what they seem either.......they look like you could just plop right down into them, but in reality, they slip through your fingers..........

Depending on how large your dreams are, and how far off they can be........don't forget about them...........they are still there.........and sometimes, it takes just the right moment for you to be able to hold it in your hands and caress it...........

because then, you finally did it..........but it never was exactly what you had in mind.............

but that's okay..........someone else knew what those dreams really were..........

divine

~sacrifice yourself to others, for you cannot sacrifice yourself for you ~

and hopefully this can qualify for a White Wednesday post at Faded Charm....

a symbolic gesture.........

Sooooooo.........so much for the all white idea.........

I found these shades at a friend's recent sale.........5 for $6...........

red...........it's a great color.........

As well as this Ralph Lauren fabric that I slipped over a wing-back........
I pleated the corners and added a little feminine touch - just like I do

with the dresses I make for the girls

and skirts for me.......

red just keeps popping up........

and I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that

the seasonal red color is coming up.......

colors are symbolic.......

red is symbolic of life...........atonement........humility...........power.......importance..........

white is actually the color most symbolic with Christmas, well, the true meaning of it anyhow, and so this year, for Christmas, I will be introducing more white...

just for that reason........

B&W Sunday.......

My littlest daughter when she was two.....

She is my little darling.....and always will be........


Thank you for visiting me and other participants for B&W Sunday......

~ Csillagos

~ Eniko

just preparing......

The Holidays are coming........yes........yes.........and I thought:

"hey Anne Marie.....why not get a head start on gaining weight!"

I only cook with natural ingredients.......and winter is coming.......and I do live on a farm in the Midwest..............

just like a mama bear preparing for her winter hibernation...........I need more warmth on my body..........and these pumpkin donuts will do the trick.......

well, maybe with a cup of coffee too......with cream......from our raw milk.........

~~~have a belly full and tasty weekend~~~~

RECIPE: PUMPKIN DOUGHNUTS........

Spiced sugar:

1 cup sugar

4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Doughnuts:

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup sugar

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

1 large egg

2 large egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon buttermilk(substitution: 1/2cup whole milk+1 Tablespoon of vinegar)

1 cup pureed cooked pumpkin (substitution: canned pure pumpkin)

Canola oil (for deep-frying)

Preparation:

For spiced sugar:Whisk all ingredients in medium bowl to blend.

For doughnuts:Whisk first 8 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in large bowl until blended (mixture will be grainy). Beat in egg, then yolks and vanilla. Gradually beat in buttermilk; beat in pumpkin in 4 additions. Using rubber spatula, fold in dry ingredients in 4 additions, blending gently after each addition. Cover with plastic; chill 3 hours.....very essential......

Lightly flour wooden cutting board.........Press out 1/3 of dough on floured surface to 1/2- to 2/3-inch thickness. Using 2 1/2-inch-diameter round cutter, cut out dough rounds. Arrange on baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough in 2 more batches. Gather dough scraps. Press out dough and cut out more dough rounds until all dough is used.

Line 2 baking sheets with several layers of paper towels. Pour oil into large deep skillet to depth of 1 1/2 inches. Attach deep-fry thermometer and heat oil to 365*F to 370*F.

Fry doughnut holes in 2 batches until golden brown, turning occasionally, about 2 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Fry doughnuts, 3 or 4 at a time, until golden brown, adjusting heat to maintain temperature, about 1 minute per side. Using slotted spoon, transfer doughnuts to paper towels to drain. Cool completely..........and enjoy!

that wasn't hard now was it?

Thanks Gypsy!!

If you all haven't met Gypsy, well, she has some great stuff she posts about........and today, something very NEW to my eyes, but have enjoyed EVERY minute looking around Pip Studio.....

from everything from her website design and all the fun accents, to the most amazing colorful bed linens............me and my girls are going nuts for this place!

Enjoy!!

How to find a home within your home............

With the holidays looming upon us, I am rearranging furniture all over the house..........taking muted tones of fabric and making hearts and having so much fun adorning them.............adding rugs for warmth..............

but sometimes it takes getting out into the garden, and tearing out all the dead plants into the compost pile to spark that drive to actually do something.........

it had been terribly cold and rainy here for the first half of autumn......but now.....it's warm and not keeping my hands as idle as they were..........and idle hands aren't good.......for anyone around here..........

Grays.......whites............off-whites...........my heart and soul rests within those colors.......and my Potager is very much centered around that idea..............and that is where I receive the most pleasure...........

but..............

i live on a farm.......and my Na-Da Farm style encompasses every part of this area within me and my home..............from the red barns, to the browns of the prairie.......to the never-ending blue skies above..............

I do not have the luxury to turn my home into all those serene colors...............not the whole home that is........after all.............I have 5 children.............

that last one is huge to me.......the 5 children............they bring so much liveliness to my life........

not always peaceful.......but always colorful.............

and even though I run them to football.......church events............friends houses............dance practice........our home is kissed by color through my children's vibrancy..........

I realized that last night, when I was setting our 'winter rug' in the living room......and as soon as the room was cleared and the rug was put down.........the sparks, laughter, and color was bouncing everywhere...........interestingly enough, I can still hear their laughter and see their vibrancy with black and white photos..............

these children are my focus..........my life...............and I love it...........

it delights me to tears..............

some could argue this is what happens with a home without a tv.........if so.....then thank God....

So......How to find a home within your home?...........for me, it was being kissed by my children's vibrancy within their lively spirits...........

after all.......inspiration comes from both nature and people.........

~have a fantastic weekend~

giveaway winner.......

excuses.......excuses.......but a video of yourself is totally worse than even hearing your recorded voice..........I'm just sayin'.............

Have a great night! and thanks for tuning in.........

and before I close off for the night here.......thank you for all the brave souls who have fought, and are fighting, for my freedom.......God Bless you..........

white wednesday......

"Crane at Dusk" this White Wednesday.........

(tune in here at 8pm for a "pretty much" live video of the winner of the giveaway)

~you can see more White Wednesday at Faded Charm's blog~

in her nature..........

Mercifully, the prairie preserves herself - from all cares of this life............

she is never too much entangled by the seasons.......the foot traffic............even from the many necessities of her existence...........

she doesn't care if she is ensnared by pleasure, and from all hindrances around her.........

but she casts herself down in times of trouble..............

within this time, the prairie is exploding with life..............and unspeakable withdrawal of a certain allure she cannot resist........

it is in her nature............

she stands her ground...........

she is not deceived by harsh weather.........it is her most delightful time to infuse within the world that surrounds her with her own self..............

and I am more than willing to lend her a hand to help direct her, though she does not need me, but such things are not forbidden but support not a burdensome task..........

to some, she speaks things common, to others, more sweetly she appears in signs and figures with a great light she reveals her mysteries........

p.s. the giveaway winner will be announced on Wednesday....................