Contemplating Over Coffee

I’m sitting at Bakers Square having coffee following a good breakfast. I’m treating myself today...prior to a day filled with Christmas shopping. In front of me sat a table full of men. 10-12 of them. I contemplate, over coffee, how they may know each other. What brings them together today; If they meet weekly, monthly, annually?  Classmates? Previous co-workers?  Men’s benevolent group?  

Retirees, no doubt. Their dress, gray or non existent hair, and character-filled faces tell the story. Some haven’t uttered a word...observers. A few carry the conversation...the outspoken “leaders”. They all chuckle. And, true to their character, the observer’s chuckles are subdued; the later, more boisterous. Then, there’s always those in the middle. Neither quiet observers, nor outspoken “leaders”. A nod in agreement. A clipped sentence. Speaking only when they have something meaningful to share. Something of substance. Not earth shattering, but not bobble-headed, either. 

I’m inspired by the ones in the middle, as I contemplate over coffee today. 

Burlap & Roses...My inspired life: Inspiration is just around the corner...BBJT Fall ...

Burlap & Roses...My inspired life: Inspiration is just around the corner...BBJT Fall ...: This is NOT my property. Sourced from a post off of Instagram.  Original source unknown FOLLOW B&R ON INSTAGRAM BURLAP & ROSES...

Inspiration is just around the corner...BBJT Fall 2019

This is NOT my property.
Sourced from a post off of
Instagram.  Original source unknown
FOLLOW B&R ON INSTAGRAM
BURLAP & ROSES

It's my absolute FAVORITE time of the year...FALL!  Is it yours, too?

Have you heard the term:  FIKA?  I stumbled across it on Instagram and thought it was special.  My great Grandma's family came to the States from Sweden, so that made it extra special.  The meaning is ME.

I'm busy getting ready for my ANNUAL Red Flannel Affair at Burlap & Roses.  It's such a beautiful time to be out in the country and gals come decked out in their red flannel, leggings and boots.  It's very fun to see all the various outfits...and the boots!  So many cool boots!

As in the past, I've invited a few vendor friends to join me on the lawn.  Also, we're just one stop on the ANNUAL Backroads & By-Ways Junkin' Tour.  This tour runs from St. Mary's to Osceola, Iowa and points in between.  B&R is in the 'in between'.  We've added two new stops to the tour, as well.  A freshly OPENED antique shop near Lacona and a fabric artists studio in New Virginia.  GRAB A MAP HERE

Over the past month, I've had a sale going on, to reduce my old inventory, to make room for some new things.  It was a success, so I'm moving in two new large pieces, lots of smaller pieces and some fresh from the wholesaler's NEW merchandise.  It's felt a bit like it used to be when I offered a lot more NEW vs. mostly vintage and upcycled selections.  It's been FUN!!!

I love every single thing in this photo.  The barn canvas...it's designed to look like a paint by numbers painting.  There are four different designs and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them all.

Grace & Gratitude.  These are really nice signs, a great size and a wonderful reminder to live our lives in Grace & Gratitude.

And, Let's Stay Home...it's an embroidered piece...another fantastic size to tuck into a shelf vignette or add to a wall grouping.  And, let's be honest...staying home is most often the BEST thing to do, especially as the days get shorter and temps get cooler.  Cozy at home is nice.

Oh, and the buffalo check Merry Christmas pillow...YEP💝

Look at this sweet velvet pillow...HARVEST.  The colors are warm and lovely.  Scream fall to me. A stand alone pillow or the highlight in a grouping.  A perfect addition to freshen your fall decor for the season.  I'm really smitten with the 'gather' sign.  Another fresh update to the hand-lettered painted signs.  Metal and wood are featured on this sign.  A more polished look if that's what you're after.

Tell me...are you a traditional decorator?  Your preference is the quintessential colors of fall:  orange, russet, golds and greens OR, are you more inclined to decorate in the more current trend of creams, whites, grays, and even the ever popular "blush".  

Honestly, I like it all...so, I've been using a lot of the creamy whites with bits and pieces of traditional, and some aqua thrown in for good measure.  Here are some photos of my own decorating at Crooked Hedge Farm.

      

I live with a GRATEFUL ♡  I always have...second nature to me, I guess.  I'm a cup half full kind of gal.  It's in my DNA. So, this pumpkin is displayed proud and center...a reminder to all. The wheatsheaf is quintessential fall to me.  It's not prevalent in Iowa, as a crop, but I really love the golden color, the texture of the seed head, don't you?

In the BBR, I pulled out the traditional black and cream ticking that I got last year.  I love the clean lines, fresh and tidy appeal.  Here, new this year, I added the very pretty pillow showcasing pumpkins in every shape and color.  It fit perfectly centered on my bed against the backdrop of stacked pillows.

For texture and a bit more modern feel, I added the geometrically appealing throw.  It's so soft and warm. The perfect topper, when reading a book at night.

Thankful, Blessed and Fall Obsessed...fun and pretty all at once.  The throw I've had for a couple years and it never gets old.  It fits in my home decor year round.  And, the lighter layer is a just right weight to keep the chill off.  I added to this vignette, a really pretty plate with a stag on the front.  It represents the wildlife we see daily on Crooked Hedge Farm...and, there's a couple of these big guys roaming our property.  The wheatsheaf ( I purchased two of varying sizes) sits proudly in this grouping, too, and adds an element of height, where it's needed.

I appreciate your stopping in and getting a bit of INSPIRATION for your home.  I'd enjoy hearing from you, so if you would kindly leave a comment here, sharing some of your decorating or even ask me a question, I'd appreciate it. Feel free to share my blog with your family and friends.  

HAPPY FALL...Y'ALL.

p.s. If you'd like, you can leave, in the COMMENTS on this blog post, your vote: 1 or 2, from the photo on the right. 
Which is your style?

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Getting the itch?

I’ve posed this question on my INSTA page, #burlapandroses. 

Are you getting the itch to decorate for fall?  What inspires you?  

Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year. The colors, the bounty of harvest, cool, crisp air. Hayrides and pumpkin patches. Rusty colors of fall leaves. 

I’m more interested in baking and homekeeping in the fall. Cooking seems simpler; crockpot soups and stews and roasts make it so. 

I have to admit, I am getting the bug...it’s just a bit too early for decorating for me, though. 

The photo is from an Insta page I follow; #kindredvintage. If this festive and inviting porch doesn’t inspire you, I don’t know what will. It’s got my creative thoughts flowing. 

Where do you find inspiration?

For me...anywhere, anytime, anything. 

Where do you find inspiration?

For me...anywhere, anytime, anything. 

It’s August 2nd and it’s a beautiful day!

Wowza!  This is a picture perfect summer day in Iowa. Low humidity makes it so. A gentle   breeze helps. The pretty blue sky with             floating clouds adds much to the beauty. It’s.  just delightful all the way around. 

I find inspiration comes in many forms. A       scent, a flower, a bird. Songs inspire.              Laughter inspires.  A memory inspires. 

But, kindness and generosity, a thoughtful    word or gesture inspire me most. Inspire me  to be better. To do better. To want better...for those I love most, my community and the     world at large.

A Facebook post today was truly an inspiration. It made me happy. It made me think about what I’d do in a similar situation. Would I have done something or nothing at all?  I’d like to think I’d have done something. I’ve gotten to be a blessing to others in different ways. As I am blessed in so many ways, I want to be a blessing to others,too. 

Did you know, or have you heard it said, that if you don’t accept another’s help, you’re keeping them from using their gift to be a blessing?

Taking help from others can be difficult. I’ve struggled with it. But, knowing how good it makes me feel when I’m able to bless someone else, and after hearing it described in this way, I’m much more accepting of help. 

Life is full of blessings. Sometimes, events and happenings cloud our perspective. I try really hard to concentrate on the blessings in life. Big ones, but mostly a series of small ones that make up this thing called life. 

I’m inspired to find, create, look for ways I can be a blessing to others. I encourage you to join me in this. 

Please feel free to use these hashtags if you hear and share a story. 

#alittlegoodnewstoday

#iammypeopleskeeper

#whatcanonepersondo

#iminspiredtobeaninspiration

#burlapandrosesmyinspiredlife

I’m all about inspiring others, especially women.

I posed a couple questions to my IG followers 

this morning and want to continue this 

conversation onto My Inspired Life. 

There’s so much beauty and goodness in our 

world. It inspires me every.single.day. to read 

positive and healthy living stories on my FB feed#goodpeopledoinggoodthings

#iammypeopleskeeper

#whatcanonepersondo

are my hashtags that I use when sharing good 

news and stories. Feel free to use them, too. 

Please share with me and my blog followers 

some ways you inspire and encourage others. 

Big ways, little ways, out loud and in private. 

If you don’t actively engage in this way, I 

“encourage” you to do so. 

Because, we can all use a “little good” today 🙌🏻

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENT HERE 

ON THE BLOG 

Homekeeping at Crooked Hedge Farm

Summer is quickly upon us and the temps here in Iowa have been excruciating, to say the least.  It's perfect for the corn (especially sweet corn) as the saying goes, "knee high by the 4th of July".  In many areas, I'd guess this is true, however, eastern Iowa experienced 100 year floods early this spring, and I'm afraid many fields have not even been planted yet, nor will be.  It's been a difficult time for our farmers.  

In amongst the heated days, I've spent much of my time the past week in my garden beds.  They were, and some still are, a disaster.  When I had the time to get in them, it was either raining or unseasonably cold.  Even though it was hot, I seemed to get quite a bit done and felt real good by days end.  There's just something about getting in a good day's work...you're tired; and I mean tired.  A very good tired. 

This week, it's all about prepping for my monthly occasional sale this weekend.  But, before that, we CELEBRATE!  The 4th of July is this week, too, and although I'm not a real big holiday decorator, I have pulled out a few things in my stache of goods.  It doesn't take much, to add a few pieces to your everyday decor to look festive and in the mood for the holiday.  

Our annual outing is to the parade in a neighboring town.  It's always a nice one and we always seem to get our same spot...nice and shady.  I do love a great parade and the 4th of July ones are my absolute fave. YOURS?

The one thing about the summer holidays; Memorial Day to Labor Day, the red, white and blue theme works all season long.  Again, a few additions here and there.  A take away, like Uncle Sam, over there, and your simple easy decorating works.

In this photo, I have a vintage, stand-alone, flower box that sits front and center on my front porch.  Filled to overflowing with annuals, I added a flag that will stay in year 'round, actually.  Uncle Sam adds to the 4th of July spirit and I have a cut-up piece of a South Dakota license plate that fit in perfectly.  Both Uncle Sam and the plate will come out after this weekend.  The rusty, crusty flower stays up all summer, too.  I've had it for several years and I never tire of it.  Made by a local gal pal who runs her own business, I've bought and sold many of her pieces through Burlap & Roses over the years.

I've found another local biz to get my own designs cut, now, so I'll be selling them at B&R starting this weekend.


This display is found in my home.  The large platter is a piece out of a set of Pfaltzgraff.  Love lives here, is a tin tray that I picked up for $5 bucks at Dollar General.  I could not pass it up and it fits perfectly behind the vintage beaded daisies, placed in vintage apothecary jars.  Their little tops sit in front.  I like how this turned out.

Let's just say it's "as fresh as a daisy" in its appeal.  Nothing fancy.  Nothing over-the-top.  Simple in design, clean and fresh.  

I'm inspired by many things.  What inspires you?  A color, flower, barn or building?  Good people doing good things?  Tell me about what INSPIRES you.

A few years ago, a gentleman in Indianola came into my shop and offered to let me and my biz partner come into a home he was going to demolish and get out what we wanted.  As I was walking around the outside, I asked him what his plans were for the surrounding landscape bushes and plants.  He said they'd be destroyed.  

I jumped on that and we saved quite a few of the Hydrangea bushes.  I'm happy to say, mine all survived and have done very well.  

I went out today and got another bunch to replace the original bouquet.  They are lush and vibrant.  I quick made this display using vintage flash cards, old "collectors' stamps and the creamy hued Hydrangeas. 

Bits and pieces come together to make great vignettes with very little time or money spent.  Shop your home...your garden, heck event the garage.  One never knows what you'll find. 

Our lighted flag is slightly swaying today in the mild breeze. It hangs in its rightful place of honor at our front steps, on the old round porch post.  

I've place a solar light in one of our planters that keeps it lit at night so we don't have to take it down daily.  

I think our flag is very pretty.  

RED.WHITE.BLUE!

What are your 4th of July plans?  How do you celebrate?  Please share with me some of your traditions or new things you're trying.  A recipe?  An outing?  Picnic?  Leave it in the comments section on this post.  It makes it fun for me and everyone who reads it. 

Happy 4th of July...and REMEMBER, 

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE 

Burlap & Roses at Crooked Hedge Farm is open this Friday and Saturday, July 5th and 6th from 10:00-5:00.  4500 G76 Hwy., New Virginia, Iowa 50210

You can always SHOP with me on my ETSY store.  Open 24/7 for your shopping convenience. Just click on the link and you'll be taken to my site.  

You can follow me on Instagram: Burlap & Roses

Hey! It's been awhile, but I'm Inspired to get this up and going again.

Gosh, how is it that life can consume you and before long, months to years pass.  Crazy, crazy, crazy!

But, I do have some things to say, so I'm inspired to get back at it.  Sooner, rather than later, I hope😎😎😎  I have been clearing my calendar, to get to do more of what I love.  And, those things are my writing, creating and the biggest part of my 💗 are my five grandchildren.  I, and the hubs, take such great joy in their presence.  It's a remarkable feeling!

As I write this, it's three weeks away from my season OPENER for Burlap & Roses at Crooked Hedge Farm.  I'm gathering new merchandise up, cleaning and clearing out, moving things around...all for YOU...to stop and shop with me on June 7th and 8th, 10:00-5:00.  Shabby, primitives, barn and farm, linens, furniture, cabinets, industrial, garden, rustic, signs, vintage, clothing, home decor, decor, doors, dishes, and more.

We'll be a STOP on the 3rd Annual Backroads & By-Ways Junkin' Tour, which runs from St. Mary's to Osceola, Iowa and points in between.  10 unique shops, pop-up and occasional sales, as well as, a couple great eating spots.  

We hope you will plan to join us on this special weekend in 

south-central Iowa, just about 40 miles south of West Des Moines, Iowa 

or 40 miles north of the Missouri line on Interstate 35.  

How's your spring going?  I hope this finds you doing well.  Please share my blog with your family and friends...I'd greatly appreciate it!

If you'd be so kind, I'd appreciate your feedback, so please leave a comment and remember to share and help me spread the word.  Thanks!

All the best,

Beth