A new love....

Part of the rich history of my ancestry literally “stems” from a plum tree.

This particular fruit was appropriately named after my 17th Century Ancestor, Sir William Gage – 2nd Baronet, who acquired a graft from his brother, Rev.Gage from the same monastery for whom the great St. Joan of Arc went to Mass….

My mother’s side is all Hungarian except for an ounce of Transalvanian….but their history writes a different story – it’s one of mystery and intrigue….of gypsies and dirt floor dwellings, of hard working farmers and a deep love of country….
Their stories were remembered and cherished and told and retold many a time- mostly in Hungarian!
For this is who I am , and I am so proud of my history, and to all the others in my family who have helped nurture my passion for the world around me….

For the earth we are so blessed to have and preserve.

For the people who made my devoted and most wonderful husband come into my life.

For the tiny ones I can hold in my arms.

(one is missing from that picture!)

All the while being able to glorify God – for none of my ancestors or myself are here for ourselves, but for others, and now I take that responsibility seriously….I too am passing on traditions, customs, heritage, but most importantly morals and values….

I know I will make mistakes, as all that have preceded me have as well, but to focus on the past or on the future is trifle.

That is why I enjoy blogging so very much – I focus on that day, but always listening to the past…if my dear ancestor, Sir William Gage, never wrote any accounts of what he researched, saw in beauty, or the incredible horticultural discoveries he accomplished, I would not be sitting here right now.

It’s what I like to call Na-Da Farm Life with Anne Marie-
And though I make mistakes and fail A LOT, the passion for life, where I am standing now, is where God has taken me thus far, as undeserving that I am.

This post is in honor of Artful Blogging, and a participation in a Beautiful Blogging Party, the subject being :

“Why I Love Blogging"

you can see more entries at: http://www.cupidscharm.blogspot.com/

Enjoy the weekend everyone!! ( I'll be posting about "The Summer House" later this weekend)

Happening on the farm....

What's happening on the farm today?

Sewing my new line of clothing

'Na-Da Farm Clothing' I'm not joking you know!!

Also, baking some bread - I love the smell of fresh bread!!

and this is why I bake my own bread!

And last but not least:

~planning my herb garden~

one of my favorites! to plan

If you have bare spots in your perennial beds or some pots, plant herbs- from seed they do great! and smell awesome, you just have to have patience...or buy them at the market.

Here's part of my harvest last year....

which I used to make herb wreaths

Enjoy your day!

A plea.....

*First, a plea to bear with me*

Writing this Journal online (aka a "Blog") is quite a lot like this spider web photo I took in our prairie, and it seems that 'blogland' has reached almost a point of so much intertwined ideas and people, that we are forming one enormous creation of such inspiration and ideas that it is astounding me!

I started this online journal September 5th...just 8 months ago! and really haven't dived into it until just in the past few months...

Here's the awesome thing: Is that together, we pass information to and from, sometimes without knowing it...or look at someone's home interior and say to ourself: "wow - I haven't ever seen something like that before!! I am selling all my stuff and totally doing that!" - oh wait - maybe that's just me.

Even though most French Country Romantic decorators stick with each other, and the Primitive decor lovers meld together like one of those awesome homespun candles, one thing is for sure:

The "web" we are weaving is getting huge!!

but that leads me to this:

Now what?

More blogs are posting surveys (hhmmm....I am)

More blogs are selling things (you know I want to)

More blogs are getting so "busy" with clicks and do- dads (you won't see that here..I think).... and some people are even creating a whole niche for themselves on the net - like our ol' friend and true pioneer of the woman's marketplace: yup: Martha Stewart

This web we are weaving together is starting to get so tangled up....and some of you can understand when I say "you can get lost out there", while you are just browsing or trying to make a good blog.

All I know, is that my Na-Da Farm Life is moving and busy all the time, even when I am here on the computer, but ideas and inspiration, while fantastic online, aren't the same as going to those sales, grabbing those homemade market bags and buying some local veggies, or just sitting next to a good friend while sipping some sun-brewed iced tea.

So, with a big plea and a prayer, support your local farmers and market dealers - whether antiques, veggies or grain.....

Yes, being "green" is a new fad for some, but really, what it boils down to is making conscious and wise choices for both you and your family....

Ask yourself this: where did my clothes come from? where did my supper come from?

You should be able to answer those questions, and hopefully you'll answer: OF COURSE! It's; "From Lilly in Arkansas...." or "Angela in Illinois...." or "Anne Marie at Na-Da Farm" - HA! couldn't resist ;)

Besides - I don't want the swine flu.....do you?

Let's help support each other..........which is bringing up some fantastic ideas in my little noggin right now

Have a great day and please: Buy local!!

The Summer House.....

These are pictures of my "shabby garage".....which I lovingly call

"The Summer House"



I took old window frames, and added some family and farm photos, then backed them with vintage fabric....took all my 'leftover' outdoor furniture and gathered it together - and draped vintage rose quilts on them, and just had a great time moving things all over the place in there -

There's even an old buffet out there.

And as it is warming, and the days are getting dryer, I will once again, transform this space back into "The Summer House"
You will be able to see the transformation beginning May 1st......

Blessings from me to you!

Monday Morning Fashion....

This Monday Morning Fashion is a skirt "redo"

I bought a strappy type flowy brown dress from Old Navy a few years ago when expecting the baby, and well, I didn't like how it fit now (too big - and I really don't care for straps)...

SO:

I cut off the 'triangle' "things" (which covered the chest area), then did a big running stitch across the now wonderfully long skirt....made a waistband out of jersey knit and then gathered up the skirt's band to match the now new waistband.....there was some gathering on the back of the once top of strappy dress, which aided in my now 'elastic' waistband....

this is the cool part: I sewed the once 'triangle things' onto the front of the skirt for pockets! I used a off-white thread and did a vine stitch to secure (a decorative stitch on my machine)

Here's a pathetic attempt to have an artistic photo shoot:

hilarious I set the camera up to take these shots when the kids were at the creek...far away from where Mama was trying to be "creative" -

!!I told you it was hilarious!!

(I totally understand if you can't be seen with me now)

Have a fantastically fashionable day....your way!

A Warm Whisper......

Have you ever felt rushed? Or pushed too soon?

I do quite frequently….unless I have a plan….and relax....

Ideas and thoughts seem to start as a warm whisper, and then suddenly it’s shouted through a megaphone!
"Get to it!!" It says…or even worse, the guilt says “now, why didn’t you do that”

We certainly cannot do it all or please everyone (believe me I try), but this revelation hadn’t come until just this year….always trying to please others and forgetting myself….and like I have said before, I firmly believe one of the worst traits someone can have is being selfish…so….

Take for example your time alone….oh- you like it – it makes you feel good – and then you keep wanting that quiet time…hey- that’s fine if you don’t have children, but if you DO, then you know that quiet time is coveted like that chocolate biscotti and coffee moment…..

to breathe deeply….

Yes, we all need that.

None of us like being lonely…..thus, why blogs are so very popular…..we can feel connected in a secure way….while getting some fantastic ideas!

What am I trying to get at here?

Just don’t forget to take care of what is important in your life….your soul mate (husband or wife) is first, and then your kids….

Don’t lose yourself within….try to keep it real and healthy….and if you feel like your grip on who you are is slipping, or that you have fallen and you just don’t know how to get up…keep looking…or better yet, meditate outside on that grassy knoll…create that private meditation spot that is for you, created by you

(kind of like your ‘outside blog’….)

Others will eventually find it, that private spot, and they might even bring you a bunch of flowers to set at that little table you have set out…..or play their guitar while they perch themselves on a nearby fallen tree….plan a picnic with you on an old quilt…..others will contribute to your place, but it is still yours….like your life….it belongs to you…..only you…..

but let others enjoy it….

Shoot girl (like my mother in law would say)….. take them by the hand to your spot and show them what you have created….not to show off, but for them to enjoy it, for you to listen to them….….see how you can help them....

they won't shout

they won't plead

sometimes they don't even have a voice

.......A Warm Whisper......

“but I don’t know where to look” you say ……..

Do you hear that warm whisper somewhere?

Take it from me - it is outside

Have a Fantastic Day.....

There is romance in the air...

My space here on the internet is pretty much how I am….and as you have already probably guessed, ideas are constantly on my mind….new….old….remixed….but always wanting to find out more about myself, and never closing the door on that, so......

In My Portfolio of Passions, a little more romance has wiggled its way up....and into my heart

Last night, before bed, I did something I can't say I have ever done before: take a quiz- it was so much fun I had to share it will you.

According to Romantic Homes magazine (you are looking at a new subscriber) I am a romantic! How exciting!!

Are you?? Take their quiz.............

1. Favorite scent?
a. Cardamom
b. Rose
c. Vanilla

2. Most used beauty indulgence?
a. Lipstick
b. Perfume bottle
c. Hairbrush

3. Preferred color scheme?
a. Anything accented with black
b. Jewel tones
c. Whites and pastels

4. If the house was burning, what would you take?
a. Vintage jewels
b. Cut-glass collectibles
c. Grandma’s quilts

5. Signature drink?
a. Vodka tonic
b. Red wine
c. Tea

6. Before bed ritual?
a. Talking on the phone
b. Reading
c. Listening to music

7. Summer holiday home?
a. Opulent apartment
b. Historic mansion
c. Seaside cottage

8. Favorite city?
a. New York
b. London
c. Paris

9. Always have at home?
a. Stocked refrigerator
b. Clean linens for dinner
c. Scented candles

10. You use the good china:
a. Every day
b. On holidays and celebrations
c. No fancy china here- just mix and match vintage

ANSWERS:
Mostly A’s
You are a bold romantic. You love big gestures and live for that memorable moment. You love being the hostess with the mostess, and shopping for the home is a social occasion for you. So grab the girls and keep an eye out for daring finds. Go for the glam factor in your decorating, and don’t shy away from oversized signature accessories. Having a home that stands out, is the center of entertaining and is filled with luxurious indulgences is pure you.

Mostly B’s
You are a classic romantic. You do things like Mom used to and are happy to carry on traditions, hosting grateful gatherings, and building a home that is beautiful and livable. Keep your collectibles in the fore by displaying them prominently – they represent your past and your values. Find a base in neutral colors and accent rooms with splashes of color in elegant vignettes and seasonal décor. Having a home rooted in history, filled with fine collections and incorporating a few trends that fit in with your lifestyle, will keep you happy.

Mostly C’s
You are a sweet romantic drawn to soft colors, intimate settings and being outdoors. You hunt for one of a kind finds and don’t mind digging for treasures in thrift stores and yard sales. Mix vintage patterns with retro reproductions for a pastel palette with pops of color. Keep your rooms simple with a white base and let your charming finds speak for themselves. This will provide a soothing home for casual dinners, your must-have odds and ends, and just enough whimsical style to put a smile on your face.

OKAY- so what was Anne Marie’s answers…
1) C-vanilla
2) B-perfume bottle
3) B-jewel tones
4) A- vintage jewels (because there was no mention of my children!)
5) B-Red wine (but coffee would have been better)
6) B-Reading
7) C-seaside cottage (FOR SURE!)
8) C-Paris (never been, but hoping and praying!)
9) This was a toughy!!! I use all 3 almost every night, but I chose B-Clean linens (never paper!!)
10) A-Every day

Have a fantastic day! and OH: if you haven't taken my little "poll" please take a sec...I would love to hear what everyone thinks (it's up on my sidebar)

Thanks!

Princess Lady....

A little fun on a Thursday......

Our little pony most appropriately named Lady, got the royal treatment from older darling daughter....

Pink scarf + tiara = one stylish little pony!

She led Lady around see, because she was performing in her circus......

(just for fun - however, she was taking it seriously)

she turned her around.........
AND NOW......STRAIGHT FROM NA-DA FARM......I PRESENT TO YOU:

"A CIRCUS KISS FROM A LADY!!"

Want to know how to make those "neat" cowboy hats? just click on the picture

Have a fun day!

What?!?.....

I quickly found out, on Friday of all days, that my littlest darling daughter is not a vegetarian.....
We were gallivanting across the countryside that day, had to make a stop at the grocery store...asked the kids "Hey....what do you all want for supper tonight?"



I get a few answers;

"Macaroni!" ................."tuna!"..........

and then I hear little darling say "how 'bout Gilberta"

SHOCK! ran through my veins!!

Which led into a Hilarious laughter from all of us!!

She is truly a farm girl no? or just super frugal ;)

Before the Sun....

I put together a video of Sunday morning at the farm -

Before the Sun

to truly enjoy it, go to the bottom of my blog and turn OFF my music playing....just hit End on your keyboard....

Have a most blessed and wonderful day~

Scone Success.....

A success! Not a scone was brought home.....yippee! Now, this won't pay the mortgage, but that is certainly not why I did it....

(picture of my 'area' amongst my mother in laws booth...I sewed those pillows, oil painting is mine, and made that sign.....they didn't sell - so if you're interested....let me know)

If you market shop, you know what I mean when I say: the first place you go at a sale is your favorite dealer, the second is the baker! People get hungry! rushing out their doors with coffee in hand and bag slung over their shoulder....they gotta eat-

and I was more than happy to oblige :) Homemade Tamales were being sold right next to me - by another vendor and it couldn't have been better....I'd say "she's selling some awesome homemade tamales if you are hungry...and I baked some yummy scones here too...." We were a hit- I think she sold over 150 of them - and when I was done with the market- I hadn't sold but 3 - so being that I was hungry ;) I traded my scones for some tamales....perfect!

My mother in law is an antiques dealer, and this shop is another outlet for her-

The darling daughter and I went to help her set up....and it gave me a chance to buy this picture of the Christ child with a some of my profits from a nearby dealer

---awesome---$6!!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!! and

Have a great day~

To market!

Well- my notepad was written upon as light as a bird's wings upon the air but my camera was clicking faster than a pendulum clock! As soon as I can breathe, I will post my notes and photos, but for now...it's off to market I go!! Wish you all could taste them.....organically made blueberry scones - berries handpicked by either my husband or myself while visiting Michigan a last year....

It's 55* and my skirt is carrying my notepad again- camera is ready -

Hope you are enjoying the day! There won't be another one like it!!!

The morning sunlight made these look amazingly tasty!

and if you haven't used the scheduled post options in blogger- totally do it! I'm already gone when you are reading this! hee hee!