nature........

(baby backpack, walking sticks, vintage picnic basket and blanket....)

As soon as I got my driver's license, my sunroof came off and with map in hand, would explore all the forest preserves in my area, and just beyond....which led to a greater appreciation for nature, life, and solitude.....

which eventually led me to pursue a degree in Environmental Science.....

(the most unique dragonflies were lying on the sun-soaked leaves lining the creek)

A greater love for my now husband, altered my dreams and led to my current vocation as wife and mother.......however......my love for nature has never ceased........

(a grass path lined the creek, where the most amazing bird sounds were)

Forest preserves are a great and free day trip.........times are financially tough no?......then pack those sandwiches - or grill at the park - and go take a dip in the creek, hear the birds, watch the wildlife, and enjoy nature at it's finest.......all for free...........
(a handmade dress for little one, hanging out to dry after a dip in the creek)

(I took over 293 photographs that day, so don't be surprised if you see more of the trip ;)

Getting Ready........

Plans are being made for my Disguise Fete.......

This party is a photographic party...meaning....to create a setting outside wearing your vintage clothing and accessories (if any) to evoke the feeling of an oil painting from early artists such as John Singer Sargent and Monet ......................

AND, if you are camera shy, then a sun bonnet or parasol will suit this party well.....

Make sure you let me know you would like to join us, so I can link you for the "event"

Monday Morning Fashion....and a bit of romance

Part of living self-sustainably, well...trying to, is sewing your own clothing...... However.......this beautiful summer weather, and the gardens, are beckoning my attention.....

So little one will have to wait a bit longer for a new dress from Mama........

(Dress and apron from Na-Da Farm blooms clothing line..........

coming soon.................)

Sewing to me is both chore and delight...........I'm praying for more rain here just so I can have just a few days inside to sew................

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend......and let me just tell you romance is in the air.....

B & W Sunday.....

~ It's all about Summer Fun this B&W Sunday~

Hope you are all enjoying this blessed summer day~

Other B&W Sunday participants: (that have let me know)

~Carole

~Joan

~Enikő

~Laura

If you would like to participate in next week's Black and White Sunday, and showcase your photography in black and white, then grab the button on my sidebar or original B&W post here at Na-Da Farm Life and let me know.......

Give me some love hens!.........

One thing special about the farm, is the hens......and you all know how I love my chickens....

but today......there's no love! no eggs!!

take a peek.......

Hope you are having better luck with your breakfast!

A Disguise Fete......

I have a passion for oil paintings....

The feeling they evoke is real.....

We have a small collection (none of which are pictured here...I wish) hanging in our home...frames removed....to only enjoy the painting, like they were just painted and hung on the wall (like an art studio).....and besides, I believe that the frames distract from the artist's work.....

Perusing through antique and garage sales, I have yet to find one of a woman in repose or of a picnic....or if so, could not afford them!


John Singer Sargent and Claude Monet (all painting shown here are by them) are two of my favorite painters, and they have inspired me to compose this Disguise Fete.....


It is a dress-up party for all who want to join......

Here's the rules:

~ vintage or antique clothing worn (or a very good replica)

~ outside photographs only

~ can be more than one person (mother/child....)

DATE OF EVENT: JULY 11th, 2009

(this gives all of us plenty of time to do this right)

The goal here is to create your own "oil painting" through the eyes of your photographic lens....

(this doesn't mean you alter your picture with photoshop with the "oil painting" option, but you can alter your photograph with light enhancements, etc)

If you are participating, let me know by e-mailing me at : info@nadafarm.org and grab this button I made for the occasion:

If you have any questions: email me at: info@nadafarm.org

Dress up anyone.............

(Victorian tea party dresses)

Maybe it's the delicious Gluk coffee my husband brewed for me this morning that I'm drinking like water.....but I have an idea (I know....you are all SO surprised ;)

(ewa i walla photo)

Let's have a dress up party!! How absolutely wonderful it will be for those who have VINTAGE GOWNS and DRESSES to recreate a 'painting like photograph'.....

If you are interested, leave a comment and let me know!

!!Details will be given later!!

Too bad we can't just have the party ON the farm eh?

(I believe this photo on right is of an ewa i walla cardigan as well, but please forgive me for not knowing exactly)

Inspiration.....

Good morning! I'm so glad that you stopped by today, because there are a few ladies here on the net, that I would love to introduce you to, in case you haven't before met them:

Carole at: Maynard Greenhouse (who also participates in my B&W Sunday events)

and Laura at: 52Flea

The three of us enjoy many of the same things....gardening, people, and photography.....in a natural way.....

They recently attended a garden tour, together, and I have to say, that I was very inspired by the photographs they took and the life that was in and out of the garden.......blending the inside and outside........

and I can't wait to work with what I have in and around my place and show you all what I've done.........

A Man......

Choosing which photographs to post today, had to be the hardest post yet.

My Man loves animals, God, life, the kids, me(and not in that order I'm sure)


You see...........my husband is one with me......and I with him............

God has chosen us to be together, and I really don't know what I would do without him....

not only is he the most handsome man I have ever had the privilege to look upon (which could be why we already have five children) but he is....well.......such a man.....and I love that.

he seeks adventure..............

He's fun..........

Caring...........................

Gentle and kind...

and if I continued (and I easily could) it would get a little "mushy"

Every day I thank the Lord he has blessed me with this Man in my life

I could have posted so many more, but all of these captured the essence of my heart....

Happy Father's Day to all you MEN out there......

below is the B&W Sunday post..................

~Have a Blessed Day~