fallen

though the power of the storm came and went

the damage is done

done to her what countless others have done

fallen

she split from the strength and the weight of what she was carrying

too heavy to carry

some of her remains strongly rooted and still alive

broken on the outside

showing weathered age and years of life

because she fell, she opened up

 she has a lot left to share

though a part of her has fallen, it creates strength in other areas

where her life thrives...where it is still growing...

you will always see where she fell

one can only guess how she fell...something happened along the way when she opened up

though she didn't want to

many years

all those years were not wasted time

all the growth gave her strength to withstand so much

...share so much

just because she has fallen doesn't mean she can't go on, but sometimes it takes someone else to

 take the time and shape her into another purpose

 that is fresh and new

(she'll be sharing some at the upcoming October event)

ART on the farm

The October event is right around the corner........
Jason and I are working hard to make the event special and unique for everyone visiting
(October 7th and 8th)

Part of the uniqueness to this past spring's event was hosting an art class with teacher/artist Jeanne Oliver.  The class filled up quickly and a creative fun time was had by all who attended.

(you can visit here to see photos of the past art class)

Creating.........within an atmosphere of farm life..........sharing........inspiration..........memories together.......on the prairie  

under the skylights in the horse barn, and the sounds of the horses and chickens in the background, you will be able to learn from her artistic abilities with

and these lovely ladies will be here on the farm to guide you in this process....teach you how to create

~Jeanne Oliver~

if you have met Jeanne, you will automatically have a smile on your face......

Jeanne is not only creative, but such a peaceful soul - so joyful - and it's one of the qualities I admire and aspire to be myself.......

and having her back to the farm to teach 3 classes this October 7th and 8th is so exciting...

 Vintage Art Journal Class (12-2:30pm)

Saturday, October 8th

You will take a variety of vintage elements and create a beautiful and usable art/writing journal. You will start with a vintage book and alter it to include vintage elements that make it reflect your own personal style. Each journal will be full of vintage papers and watercolor paper. All supplies will be provided but you are free to bring anything personal you would like to add. You will learn how to stamp onto metals and leathers, different photo transfer processes and mixed media techniques. You will also learn beginning art journaling techniques so you can start filling your journal with your own art. All of my classes give clear step by step directions. Even if you have never created art before you will leave with not only a new piece of art but the knowledge to continue your own art at home.

$58 ($50 if taken with the vintage mixed media art class) 

Vintage Mixed Media Art Class (3-5pm)

Saturday, October 8th

You will take a canvas and vintage elements to create a finished mixed media art piece. Each piece will include vintage papers, charcoal, pencil, paint and vintage hardware. You will learn different photo transfer processes, mixed media techniques and how to use water soluble pencils to create beautiful art. All supplies will be provided. You will leave with a completed vintage mixed media art piece on a door plate (escutcheon) stand. All of my classes give clear step by step directions. Even if you have never created art before you will leave with not only a new piece of art but the knowledge to continue your own art at home.

$58 ($50 if taken with the vintage art journal class)

To sign up for any of Jeanne's classes, send her an email at jeanneoli@hotmail.com with subject line: NaDa Farm Art Class

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~ Jennifer Rizzo ~

Most of you already know that I love this girl....and how much she has been a part of the last events....

I'm so excited to have her coming to teach 2 very unique classes!

Reflections of the prairie mixed media art class  (9-11am)

 Saturday, October 8th

Bring your coffee and join in on a two hour class where we will create a mixed media mirrored art piece made from a magnifying glass using paper, decoupage medium and the inspiration of the peaceful surroundings. It starts with the 15 minute prairie walk/meditation to gather inspiration. Suitable for all skill levels, Each student will leave with a completed, unique art piece.

$38.00

To sign up for any of Jenifer's classes, send her an email at thecraftyhome@comcast.net with subject line: NaDa Farm Art Class

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~ Jeanne and Jen are teaching another class together ~

(1.5 hours 7:30 - 9 pm Friday, October 7th)

There is such joy in simply creating, but there is something so fulfilling about being able share it with others as well. 

Have you always wanted to find ways to let your artwork shine or

create paths to promote your unique creations?

This mini-class will cover ways to:

-Remove the fear and take the steps you need towards being published in national magazines

-Learn about the ease and tricks for opening an on-line Etsy or Web store

-Get hints and information about what you need to open a booth in a co-op space or antique store

-Sell or consign your items wholesale to retailers

And more…..

$18

It includes 1 hour of pure information and ½ hour of Q and A time.

Hosted by Jeanne Oliver and Jennifer Rizzo

to sign up for this class, you can contact either Jennifer or Jeanne

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~ Jill Harris ~

Traveling from the shorses of Jersey to the farm!!  This super talented lady is coming back to the farm to not only sell her one of a kind wares, but also teaching a jewelry class



Jill's class will be Friday, October 7th from 4-7pm

To sign up for Jill's class, you can contact her at: gypsyfleamarket@gmail.com

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-Hotel discount information is coming soon!-


Can't wait to see you all again!!! and meeting some new people too.........



You can visit our online homestead anytime

xo+blessings,

B&W Sunday...

love

xo+blessings,

getting through...changing our minds as quickly as the squash blossoms fall....wanting to do more...see more...hear more....feel more

all of us can raise our hands to the thoughts of wanting more - whether spiritual or material
it is our 'human nature' to want to do more

this has gotten twisted to where wanting more is for ourselves

but think about it..........how so very unique you are.........we are..........that we were granted this right to our life.........by whom?  certainly not ourselves willed it into existence...it was given to us

each of us carry a special place within this life...because of this uniqueness we have.....and certain people come into your life, my life, our lives for a reason....and it isn't to become more cynical, more vindictive person, to be more agitated, more stressed, more upset, more judgemental....even though most often times people react this way when confronted with someone "new"....

these wonderful encounters of unique individual souls, regardless of what their bodies are like, create thoughts and feelings within us....giving us inspiration, ideas, new thoughts.....

and though we may change our minds often, it is all because we are trying to find more ways to glorify, to lift our spirits, to enhance those bits and pieces that have been given to us since we have been nursed in our mother's arms...always wanting to do more because when we are children we are so willing to do so...to please

dividing our experiences as children to our adult lives can be suppressed just so long....all of us are different from when we were children...and letting go of the mistakes we've made has to be done - sometimes daily, sometimes just once.......but those mistakes that we've made, and mistakes are made every day...can help you grow....help you see...help you hear....help you feel

the thing about feelings is that they come and go....so though you may make a mistake, asking for forgiveness will humble yourself like a child, and give you that feeling.....but always keep in mind that everyone - every single one of us - has made mistakes, hurt others, whether they want to humble themselves in order to have compassion on you is their choice....but I understand, and I think you do too........

xo+blessings,

Living room to dining room switch....

though I have switched them before....it's better for our family this time around......

original bird prints on wall created the texture I wanted



we keep our cloth napkins and some of my collection of linens in this nice size crate now....easy to grab


I needed a change......

I wanted to create two different areas to chat/read/school/teach/learn in.............and instead of two, now I have three (I'll share the other area tomorrow)........pleasantly surprised by this, the family really likes the change

now I have the dining room in what was the living room..........where most of the books will soon be astrewn on while their brains learn and our hearts and souls grow together..........

I can now nurse the baby on the comfy couch while helping our children.........or read with the three and seven year old while keeping an eye on the other three

excitement is building for school to start......we are just waiting for the last of the books to arrive that I ordered online.........soon..........and then the glorious sound of pencils tapping and children talking together amongst the baby's giggles and the smell of fresh bread (a daily school snack)......and the absolutely favorite of mine: the schedule

schedule is essential to anything you want to accomplish.........an organized lifestyle creates a simple frame of mind for the rest of your day and creates a peaceful harmony of all these souls under one roof

be excited for school....stay connected to your child's learning.....

xo+blessings,

Cupcakes & Cocktails....

I recently had some girl friends over....I encourage them to bring a friend....and I'm so glad some of them did........it's so nice to meet new people..........

the night of Cupcakes & Cocktails was so nice.......

I got to showcase some new recipes for some cupcakes I want to sell in October here at the event.......
= lemon and lavendar with a white chocolate/buttercream frosting
= apple pie cupcake with buttercream frosting
= gluten free chocolate cupcake with whipped cream mint frosting (the total favorite with the ladies)
= carrot cupcake with classic cream cheese frosting
= my classic (favorite) chocolate cupcake with white buttercream frosting (the other favorite)

i made these simple flags and inserted them into the cupcakes to let the ladies know what was what

I rearranged the rooms (more on this new look later this week) which was

so fun to decorate for the get together

the table Jason made is perfect in the corner of the room for a buffet....

and of course........the cocktail.........

when I have the 'hub' in the kitchen, I put my large cutting board on top of my stove, and use it for extra counter space.......it works out great.........

here's the cocktail I made up (yumoramma....but after 4 o'clock only :)

-for one drink-

2 oz. gin

2 T. na.da.farm pure prairie honey

4 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice

4 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice

-put all together in your cocktail shaker and shake it up good....serve over ice-

A hit with old and new friends alike!

I would like to thank Midwest Living Magazine for such a nice article on me and the event/barn sale my husband and I do twice a year.......thank you!!

(there was a 'typo'....we are 80 miles WEST of Chicago, not East :)

The article is in the Out and About Section........



there really was no need for my picture!!



for more information on the upcoming events, you can follow our homestead website:

na.da.farm

What to expect this October here?

-ART on the Farm is back again......so very excited about the diversity we are presenting to you

- BARN SALE.....theme this October??  Prairie Holiday

Jason and I are presenting a new area to the event.....I'm working hard in the kitchen to offer my very best cupcakes and baked items for sale........

enjoy the day!

xo+blessings,

dear soul,

indecision can overwhelm you like a swarm of bees

you can say your fine, like reading a newspaper (does anyone do that anymore?)

pack up your things

and get ready to go somewhere

do something with this life of yours

all these 37 years I have been using my mind

when I now am ready to use my soul

see through my soul

be forever connected with the Maker of my soul

I am ready to fly

in anticipation

going to the mailbox to find a sweet letter of thanks from a friend across the miles

the anticipation grows

my eyes notice the details and heart that went into the packaging

the creativeness from one soul to another ready to go

(you know who you are sweet Texas)

told myself that what is practical is fine

ordinary is what is normal

when my world shakes a bit

all from my instability

it's not a place where I will fall

I am ready to fly

what I thought was shaking knees, is just preparation to get up and go

more strength for each passing day

it happens quickly for others, but this timid soul hasn't been ready until now

here I go

do you want to join me?

xo+blessings to you,

a new store...and Annie Sloan Paint

do you ever see "diy" stuff here?

nope

well, rarely

do you ever see Anne Marie painting something?

nope

why is that you wonder??

hhhhhmmm....could be because I like making cupcakes rather than painting, or even weeding for that matter

I'm not much of a painter, but so admire people who do it well, and with the right

'stuff'

so downtown in DeKalb, there is a new store

Carter's Cottage

and Christie, the owner, is a certified, bonfied, dealer of this precious paint....

when I was there shopping, and meeting Christie, she was just opening the first boxes......

so exciting!

she's a total cutie, and we hit it off......we had so much to talk about.......we literally talked about repelling in the south to flea market shopping.......

if you are in the area, her shop is a must go!!

I even picked up a great turquoise metal youth chair that is now my oldest duaghter's art chair

(more on that this week - we re-decorated her room!!)

here's Christie!

make sure you tell her I said "Hi!" when you go in.........

so........who out there has used Annie Sloan paint?? and what did you think?

(I really like the finish it gives on the furniture.....a softness about it)

xo+blessings,

as the family grows and day flows, I can't help but wonder what is to come

upon the horizon

beyond the clouds

what's the plan for dinner

 

looking down at these big brown eyes....

summer is so easy going care free with a quick meal from the garden 

the kind that makes you feel good

am I going to run tomorrow morning? how about those weeds along the path?  I have to order the meat birds....

moments are strung together like those beans I cannot seem to reach on the trellis

life is so hot sometimes it's like I'm stamping my feet crazily upon this burning fire of opportunity....smoldering it out....I don't want to see it's blaze, feel it's heat

there isn't a day that passes that I don't notice how interconnected we are to this landscape

sheltering

shading

feeding

sharing beauty

providing song

that's why I feel it's so providential that creating the October Event around the ebb and flow of the prairie life...living with the prairie, living with the seasons

enjoying the diverse landscape that is ever moving, changing

~in a world full of confusion, remember that you are worthy, connected, and lovely~

not puffed up

or theatrical

na.da.farm.....our home....our place on this earth......

(if you would like to take a drive out to our farm, October 7th & 8th we would love to see you and share some time here with you for a Prairie Holiday barn sale/event)

a sweet friend's message...

I have something so sweet to share with you today!! 
My good friend Koralee, from Bluebird Notes is here on my blog! 

Even though she has just moved and is pulled in other directions professionally, she wanted to help contribute to some time off for me....isn't she so sweet?!

enjoy! 

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What Really Matters?

Last week we moved into a new home on a lovely street filled with beautiful homes.

We were all excited to meet our new neighbours.....I had dreams of meeting a new "best friend".

Someone I could take walks with...borrow a cup of sugar from...drop in to have tea with....a sort of kindred spirit that lived next door!

How wonderful would that be!

My daughter's best friend made this comment when she first came to view our new home...."I just know one of your new neighbours will be dropping off a meal for you ...it is just that kind of neighbourhood"

Now that made me excited.... I was sure my new "best friend" would be ringing my doorbell with a "welcome to the neighbourhood casserole" in hand.

I went about my business of unpacking my boxes and waiting for that casserole to come.
Hmmmmmmm....it was over a week and still no casserole....no best friend.

I was feeling sorry for myself until my daughter brought in a box of cherries that needed to be dealt with.

These cherries gave me an idea....instead of we waiting for someone to knock on my door why don't I go knock on my neighbour's doors with a sweet treat.

After dipping oodles of these cherries in chocolate and covering them with pistachios off I went.

What a great response I got...everyone was so happy to meet us. Those cherries where just want was need to celebrate our new neighbours.

"Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into happiness that you are able to give"   ~Eleanor Roosevelt~

So what really matters?

Kindness

Don't wait for others to show you kindness..you be the light!

Kindness can and does change the world!

{just a note.... I have not found a "bosom buddy" in the neighbourhood yet but I have lots of neighbours that love us}

Thank you sweet Anne Marie for letting my grace your beautiful blog today.
You have always been "the light" to me and so many others.