Tricked out apartment...Burlap & Roses style

Our youngest daughter graduated from college last December and acquired full-time employment at Honey Creek Resort  on Lake Rathbun near Centerville, Iowa, where she had interned the previous summer.  

Excitement ensued as she and I spent a couple days apartment shopping.  We found the perfect place and Mackenzy graciously let me trick out her apartment with items from Burlap & Roses... and a few pieces from home, too.  

Her main room is one open area, so we set out to make a couple "defined" areas.  Above left, we set up a small bar area, complete with the once "used as a check out counter" cabinet.  One side has doors to hold extra supplies and an area for mixing drinks.  On top, we added a vintage tablecloth, folded into a triangle shape in the red/black and cream color scheme.  Two black iron stools offer add'l seating when entertaining guests.  The wall board in the back was picked up at a garage sale Mackenzy and I went to years ago.  It's the perfect backdrop for the "bar" area and she's personalized it with her photos and art.  

In the living area, a loveseat, slip covered in cream, signifies the seating area.  The side and coffee tables came from Burlap & Roses, New Virginia.  The black armoir has been used in various places in our home, and is a great addition to the living room in the apartment.

In the photo to the left, on what was a huge blank white wall, we hung a vintage, handmade quilt, which warmed up the space and gave it a punch of color...which was needed.  


The magazine rack came out of inventory, too.  the pillows were re-used from home.

In the picture to the right, the artwork, tweaked by repainting what was pink and changing it to a deep red and then using glitter on the mouth, makes for a unique and modern look to the otherwise, vintage pieces.  Below the painting, another piece from the inventory at Burlap & Roses.

Mackenzy utilizes a black Love Sac chair and a leopard patterned butterfly chair for additional seating. 

A vintage red faux leather chair can be brought to the seating area if more is needed.  Otherwise, it sits just outside the opening to her kitchen.  On the other side of the doorway, Mackenzy has situated another black iron stool with her laptop computer stand...another great "spot" for her when she's working on her photography, chatting on FB or surfing the net.                                          

Moving on to her bedroom area, a vintage iron bed, bedside tables, lamps and small loveseat make their home in this space.  Blending vintage and new, Mackenzy found the bedspread (first) and everything else just matched up perfectly.

The side table and magazine rack are from Burlap & Roses

This dresser made its way to a small alcove in the corner.  This piece, too, has been in use throughout the years in our home.  Painted cream and shabbied up, it's stood the test of time.

Mackenzy's middle name is Grace, named after her Great Grandma Grace, who passed away just 4 days before she was born.  These vintage letters were just the right thing for the built in shelf at the landing of the stairway.  She's added other pieces around it and it's turned out to be a real cute area. 

The apartment turned out so cute and is just perfect for Mackenzy's laid back, comfortable and inviting style.  She's quite at home there and it's a great place to come home to.  Being thrifty is in, quite charming and definitely offers a unique and customized style, and is INSPIRING.  

Do you have an INSPIRED space to share?  Please share your photos with me and your story at:  myfrontporch4500@yahoo.com.  I may feature you in one of my future blog postings. 

What Inspires my creativity at home?

I'm often asked, by those who shop at Burlap & Roses, "is your house decorated with this kind of stuff?"  And, I have to answer, "not really".  I have bits and pieces, combining vintage with new.  You'll find the shabby and chippy things in my garden areas by way of birdhouses, garden decor, Adirondack chairs at the beach/pond...maybe a table or two at chair side, but for the most part...shabby and chippy are not part of my decor...however, if I lived in a cottage on a lake...IT.WOULD.BE.THERE.

this photo shows our remodeled kitchen/DR.  You can see the color scheme, pine flooring and woodwork.  The table is an Ethan Allen,  found at a garage sale years ago.  I stripped it and applied new paint in a creamy white, sanded it in all the right places.  It's been in our family for over 20 years.

For the most part, I'm inclined to decorate with clean lines, an uncluttered look (not to be confused with "clutter" from magazines, laundry and mail ; ~l )  I prefer reds and golds in my color choices.  I've tried to go "all white" or neutral and it just doesn't work for me.  I've done one room in a periwinkle blue, and it just doesn't appeal to me the same way...although I think it's pretty.  Red and golds are in the bedding. Red stirs something in me.  An energy.  Gold cozies things up a bit.  

I'm definitely a "purist" and prefer organic materials:  cotton, linen, burlap, wood, ...lots of texture.  I'm turned off by plastic and vinyl...thus, the siding that encompasses my exterior would be down in a heartbeat if our budget would allow...same with the blinds at my windows.  But, I have to pick my budget battles!  And, I will say, vinyl has it's place and looks nice.  I just happen to like vintage homes and original...everything, if I can have it.

Our home ca. 2009

Much of my decorating is defined by the house...what it calls for.  A typical 4-square farm house, it has original woodwork throughout. Straight-lined, the woodwork does not have fancy fret work or hand carved details.  It's very simple...which I like.  Anything that would be froo~frooie or Victorian would not appeal to me. And, I most likely would not purchase a house with that look...pretty, just not me. 

Pine floor boards call for an understated, casual look.  I love hand braided or area rugs to define a sitting area.  I have a couple vintage hand braided rugs that I just love and have had for awhile.

The Rooster Room

One of the things I enjoy most...both at home, and in purchasing for Burlap & Roses, is to replicate, more affordably and creatively, the looks found in Pottery Barn, Ballard Design or Garnet Hill catalogs.  The Pottery Barn look is very appealing to me.  I have PB, BD and GH items in my decor.  Mostly in bedding. I would have lots and lots if my budget allowed.  So, for me, the challenge to recreate is what's fun. It's what drives my creativity.

What Inspires your creativity at home? 

How does this photo make you feel?

I have a file on my computer of photos that INSPIRE me.  I have several collections of these files...only not as nice and neat.  For years...and years and years, I've torn out fav photos from magazines to my family's dismay.  I stack them, I sort them, I look through them time and again.  It's eye candy...it's fuel for my creative soul, it's my favorite pastime.  My "old fashion" files and drawers are overflowing.  


I've found the website:  Pinterest.  Check it out...it's a great way to save your favorite photos and things...I've just recently become introduced to it, so I'm not sure what all can be done...but, I can pin the photos that INSPIRE me right to this site and walla...I have another collection!


Sometimes, when I look through the stacks of INSPIRATION, I'll find a picture or two that I'm not quite sure why I've included it.  I'll look and look at it, trying to find the appeal.  This does not happen often, as my tastes usually run true and I definitely have a "look" that comes through over and over again.  I'll toss them out, only wanting to crowd my "files" with what truly INSPIRES me!  


Such is the photo above.  It's light and bright and I can see myself there...I like to think about how I'd tweak it for my own personal taste, and I would definitely have a red coverlet over the blue.  But, the blue is pleasant.  


What about you...do you like this photo?  What feelings does it evoke in you? Would you keep it the same or make some changes to reflect your personal taste?  Share your thoughts with me.  And make today an INSPIRING day!

Summon the will...

“So many of our dreams at first seems impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” (((♥))) ~Christopher Reeve

Have you, do you, find this is true in your life?


Leave a comment and tell me  when this has came true for you.  

After two months of the new gig...I'm liking it

Burlap & Roses, formerly known as Vintage Home & Garden, in New Virginia, Iowa has opened it's doors with permanent WEEKLY hours.  In business since 2002, Burlap & Roses was an occasional sale with periodic monthly sale events.  With the opening this spring, several changes have occured...making it more shopper friendly.  So far...it's been a huge success and I anticipate it growing even more.  I'm so happy with my change and am so grateful to those who have stopped by to chat, purchase something or visit with their friends over coffee and a goodie.  It's just what I pictured it'd be like.

I put my 16 year career in real estate on hiatus, wanting to pursue my desire for a more creative and inspiring venture.  I put my real estate license in referral on 

December 31, 2010 and have not looked back.  The shop, formerly known as Vintage Home & Garden has been open for 9 years, but has been mostly an "occasional" sale event.  Now OPEN  every weekend, inc. Thursday day and evening~I'm so pumped and encouraged by this next phase of my life. The support has been incredible both locally and within the "golden circle".  I've always had a great following from the Des Moines Metro area, Osceola and southern Iowa.  Now, being open more often and regularly, I feel I can offer something to the community by way of gifts, the occasional floral delivery(silks and drieds) cards, etc. As well as fun things for the home, garden and the person."

 

Housed in one of the oldest buildings in New Virginia, the building was originally a meat locker with various professionals located in the front at different times.  The upper level, which is now a loft-like apartment, was home to the telephone operator.  "I've enjoyed hearing the many stories from those 60'ish and older who remember coming with their parent...mostly their mom, to pay the phone bill.  The story goes that the operator "always listened in" to the phone conversations.  A story that could be told in most areas, I'm sure."

 

Offering a combination of vintage and vintage inspired "new" merchandise, there is something for most every taste.  Following the trends of industrial and farm chic, recycled and repurposed vintage items, such as jewelry, hair accessories, etc. Shabby Chic, prims and more. The creativity of individuals is quite something and fun to be around.  I have a few artists/junkers who consign with me.  With my time being freed up from other obligations, I am able to do my own creating, which is something I can't get enough of.  Whether it's repainting furniture, updating a seat cushion, floral design or upcycling vintage insulators...I'm all about it, never tiring from the process.

With the other changes, Coffee Shop 508 has been added as a full service, but simple, coffee shop offering weekly menus of lite, but delicious entrees, hot and cold beverages and sweet treats...brownie sundaes, cakes or pies, muffins, yogurt parfaits, etc.  All homemade with fresh ingredients when available...the coffee shop has been a great hit~and allot of fun for me.  "More fun than I was expecting"  

 

Hours are:  Thursday thru Saturday 9-3, Thursday evenings 5-8 and Sunday, noon to 3.  Groups are requested to make reservations for the coffee shop.  I will open by appointment for bus tours, red hatters and other groups...and for the individual.  Http://shopkeeper508.blogspot.com, 515-238-7720 or myfrontporch4500@yahoo.com

Burlap & Roses, f.n.a. Vintage Home and Garden

Burlap & Roses was formerly known as Vintage Home & Garden.  At the end of December, 2010, I left my 16 year career in real estate to pursue my passion~Burlap & Roses with Coffee Shop 508.  I have not looked back.


Keep tabs on My Inspired Life's blog...here is where my writings are posted, information about Burlap & Roses and Coffee Shop 508 can be found, other items of interest and always, a place to be inspired.  

To LIKE Burlap & Roses on Facebook...please go to: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Burlap-Roses/177248165653789 and click on the LIKE button at the top of the page, to the right of the Name.  

The MENU this week

This week's menu at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Burlap-Roses/177248165653789

Fresh salad greens with chicken, corn, avocado...

in a cilantro lime dressing, served with a bread stick 

and fruit salad

       

                   

Bacon Quiche served with fruit salad and yogurt muffin

Ham or Turkey In a pita with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, red onion, and special dressing, served with fruit salad

Meal includes: iced tea or lemonade $8.50

Desserts: Cherry Cheesecake, Coconut Cream Cake or Brownie Sundaes $3.50

 

For the kiddos: Hot Dogs...they never seem to tire of them do they? $1.50

No chicken salad this week. Trying something new.

Groups of 3 or more...please give me a shout out ahead of time if you can...I don't want to disappoint...and want to have plenty of options available. Thanks!

Also, final call for the Jr. Junkers Club event, tomorrow, June 23rd, 3-5 promptly.  $5.00 includes make and take project and a treat.  Ages 10-12'ish...parents decide a year or two either direction on ability.  Thanks.

   

Burlap & Roses

Coffee Shop 508

508 West Street

New Virginia, Iowa 50210

515-238-7720

(Between Missouri & WDes Moines on I-35  approx. 40 miles from either direction)

http://shopkeeper508.blogspot.com

"LIKE" on FACEBOOK 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Burlap-Roses/177248165653789

Burlap & Roses, f.k.a. Vintage Home & Garden

 

"Change and growth take place when a person has risked himself and dares to become involved with experimenting with his own life."

-Herbert Otto  

It's All About Small Town Living and Believing

Photo by Daniels Photo fx, 

I just read this on another person's page. I think it's relative to every small town in America. The only thing I'd change is: "waiting to be RE-discovered" Small towns and the entrepreneurial spirit is what this country is built on. What do you think?

Main St. Mercantile, Ft. Scott. Hrs. Sat. only 10-5. I told Sherri I'd tell you about her. We visited about sm. towns, "diamonds in the rough" she called 'em."waiting to be discovered.""It's all about seeing the glass 1/2 full & not 1/2 empty." she added. She's surrounded by buildings for sale,works a "day job" yet soldiers on with a smile, believing she just beat the rush. I love enthusiastic, hardworking, put your shoulder to the wheel & never look back entrepreneurs!

Typical Menu...Coffee Shop 508 @Burlap & Roses

Menu at Coffee Shop 508 for the weekend:

Mixed greens salad with chicken breast.
Chicken salad on croissant or whole wheat pita pocket
Turkey or Ham with cheese on croissant, pita or white bread
Pasta salad with tuna and peas...yummo!
Coconut Cream Cake...Fantabulouso!
Hot Dogs for the kiddos
Brownie Sundaes
Ice Cream Floats
Sherbet
Popcicles
Scotcharoos
Homemade Muffins
Chips, soda, hot and cold caffeine 

It's just that kind of day...mellow, introspective, pleasant

I'm at Burlap & Roses with Jewell's music in the background. Never realized just how much I like it. Gonna put on some Eva Cassidy, too. It's just that kind of day here...mellow, introspective and pleasant.


Do you know where this tree is at in California?  It's amazing~


What kind of a day are you having?  

Just what is...Ephmera?

A word used in today's restyled~repurposed~refreshed world.  Ephemera...here's a definition of the word.  

ephemera plural : paper items (as posters, broadsides, and tickets) that were originally meant to be discarded after use but have since become collectibles.

I'm reminded of the many pieces of ephemera located in my scrapbook of my earlier years.  Once again, I realize that I've loved doing this type of thing all my life...and, I wonder, why do we move so far from an "authentic" life~only to come back to it, if we're true to ourselves, our dreams, our desires.  Those things that make our heart beat faster, our minds come alive with creativity and our souls are happy...really, really happy!

I'm INSPIRED to gather some and get to creating!  Have an INSPIRED day and be an INSPIRATION!

From the Great Gatsby via Country Living Magazine June 11

"I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer." - F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Pepsi...in a bottle!

I'm a story teller of sorts.  The older I've gotten, the more of a story teller I've become.  The other day, at my shop, some of the neighborhood kids were over and I was telling them of the penny candy we used to get at the neighborhood grocery stores.  


I would love to have penny candy in my shop, but that's not possible now days...so, I did the next best thing and found "nickel" candy.  Still cheap and something the kids can stop by and buy a piece or two and have the same fond memories that I and my cousins have.  Others, too, have experienced the same thing from their childhood.  


The kids come in and lift off the lid of the old fashion glass container and pick out their favorites.  The tinkling of the lid, as it goes back, makes me wonder back to the "good ol' days".  


The mother of the kids came by the other day and was telling me how excited her Joe was about the nickel candy and the story I had told them.  Who would have guessed that would be the case?  It made me happy to know that he listened and remembered and felt it important to tell his mom.  

At some point in our conversations, I had mentioned Pepsi in glass bottles and how I would love to have one.  Well, today, to my surprise, in walked one of the girls holding out to me a glass bottle of Pepsi.  She said, "I have something for you" with excitement in her voice.  I came around the corner, saw the bottle in her outstretched hand, as she was saying, "I saw this and thought of you".  


Made my day.  It's the littlest things that bring a smile to my face.  I could see, on her face, that she was as gleeful about it as I was.  


I went right to the kitchen of the coffee shop and opened, right then and there, and took a big swig!  Remember the tinny taste on the mouth of the bottle from the metal lid.  It was there.  Cool and refreshing.  One gulp, two gulps...ahhhhh!  


Now, what would absolutely complete this picture for me, would be my family...an aunt and uncle or two and cousins, gathered at my grandparents on a Saturday night, with homemade hamburgers, Highland Potato chips, and AE Dairy toasted onion chip dip for supper.  In the background would be music and song, as the Lawrence Welk show played on.  


Thanks, sweet Danielle for thinking of mr and giving me an afternoon of memories to think on while I cleaned the afternoon away...stopping long enough for a quick, smooth sip of my glass bottled Pepsi.  She didn't realize that what she really had for me was a blissful memory of my past.

Doing what I love...makes all the difference

I've spent the last couple weeks up at my shop, Burlap & Roses...trying to restyle every last inch of it and freshen it up a bit.  It's a daunting task...ask my mom.  She came and got the kitchen area all spruced up.  It's ready to go!  Thanks, Mom!


In between rain drops, I moved everything out of the garden shed, power washed what I could, spritzing and spraying everything else.  It's a garden shed...you'll have to forgive me if it's not completely pristine.  I've neglected this area for the last couple of years.  It'll be so much more put together this season.  I can't wait for my "guests" to visit.

Prior to this year, 2011, I had another full-time career in real estate.  It was fun and fulfilling for me until about the last 4 years.  I've been in real estate for 15 years.  I decided to get out of the business right around December 1, 2010 and have not looked back.  The difficulty is always in making the final decision.  For 4 years, it weighed on me.  Once that was done, I was free to move on with my life and get down to the business of living my bliss.  


When I had responsibilities to the buyers and sellers, I had the pleasure to work with, it seemed like I was always running from here to there, always watching the clock, the cell phone, email and such; stressed to the gills and worrying that someone wouldn't think I was paying enough attention to them and their needs.  I "knew" I was, but it was always a concern that I had.  


As I work at the shop or at home on various projects for Burlap & Roses, I still find myself "heading to check on" one thing or another.  Then, as if a continual weight is lifted from my shoulders, I remember that I don't have to do that anymore.  I relax and remember that I'm doing all that I have to do now.  Following my BLISS, I continue on!  


I get inspired by many, many things.  People, places and things.  Mostly, I get inspired by the beautiful pictures of compelling vignettes, artistry and creativity of others in home decor magazines and now through the many "friends" I have made on Facebook.  Inspiration is found in some of the most amazing places, and sometimes, in just the simplest thing~


Doing what I love has made all the difference in my life.  I invite you to share with me in my journey.

Revisiting a "vintage" thing...the Library

My latest read!

I just closed the book I've been reading...the last page~goodbye.  It was good... suspenseful, dangerous, but a love story...I'd say not my typical read.  

I checked the book out of the New Virginia Library.  We've been frequenting it here lately; tiring of the expense of buying books...of which I will still do for my own library.  I've often thought, through the years that I should go to the library for books, but just didn't do it.  I shall do it more often now.  

As a young girl, my mom would take us to the library all of the time.  I can still picture it in my mind.  I think it's still there...it should be!  If I remember correctly, it was rather new at that time.  It'd be considered "vintage" now.  But, "vintage" makes it even better in my mind.  There is just something about a library that makes it special to me.  Volumes and volumes of history, story telling, fact and fiction.  Rows and rows of shelving, standing end to end like soldiers.  

On my shelves

Many a class history paper was written after spending hours at the library looking at an encyclopedia...what an old fashion thing...even for me.  I love Google and use it often.  But, whenever I run across an old encyclopedia, atlas book or history in pictures book...I have to take a minute to touch it, feel it, even smell it.  I've purchased many. There.is.nothing.like.it.  

Just one of my bookshelves

I LOVE books~the reading of them, the look, the feel of them in my hand...even their scent.  Some are more comfortable than others.  Their size can be cumbersome or comfortable.  You can tell the age of a book just by it's scent.  The yellowing of the pages adds to the charm.  I've even started designing with them, the ones that have been forgotten, mistreated, damaged.  

I am a book and magazine junkie. I've tried to get my fix on the internet...but, it's just not the same.  I truly am sickened by the thought of a bookstore closing and how horrifying if a library would close.  This alone is reason enough for me to support my local library...both in reading and donating.  

I sat in the library at our high school a couple of months ago for a meeting and it felt so good to be there.  A place of peace and plenty for me as a young girl...I was taken back to my school days and the memories made there.  I don't know where my earliest love of books came from.  Maybe from being read a Little Golden Book as a wee one.  My youngest daughter found some of them at a resale shop a while ago...ones she remembers from her childhood and she bought them; for her niece and new little ones to come... maybe her own children some day.  

I find it so lovely that now, for baby showers, so much of the time, books are given in lieu of a card.  The giver writes a little note on the inside and signs it. What a terrific way to start a library for ones own.  The tradition and timeworn sensibility is continued for generations to come.  I can picture my grandchildren's chubby little hands holding them, bringing them to their mommy, daddy, grandpa or me for a little cuddle and reading time. I want them to love books...the reading of them, the look, the feel of them in their hand...even their scent. 

Lessons learned and new understandings...and I have FAITH

My cousin made a comment the other day on Facebook regarding her happiness and contentment in her life.  She finished the statement off with "Thank you, Lord!"  Yes, thank you Lord!

I responded with this, "The hard part is having Faith in Him when things aren't so rosy...but, Faith I do have and that gets me through the rough spots."  And, it does!  

At the end of last year, December 31, 2010, exactly; I took a leap of faith and put my real estate license into referral.  I've never looked back.  I applied for several jobs~now I have an understanding and empathy for the unemployed looking. See, a lesson learned and a new understanding.  I gave it a few weeks, then I had to make a decision.  I also believe that a job never came about because my heart and soul is with my shop and the expansion of it, developing the B&B and making better use of our farm in "today's" market.  

I've never been one to put my goals in writing and map out a plan to achieve them.  This has been no different!  I'm haphazard that way...but, I know my heart and I know where it leads me.  It's not on paper, but it's in my head.  I decided it was time to "follow my own advise" to so many others, "if you do what you love, what makes you tick, success will come!"  AND, I turn 50 this year, and I can't think of a better time or age to make a change!

My hubs and children have not been so "excited" about what I've done, wondering "what is she thinking," I'm sure.  It's not been the wisest thing financially, either.  However, let me stress here, I was in real estate...an independent contractor, and with that, no sales~no moola; so, having a steady and normal income is not something our household was used to.  And, real estate has been ODD at best the past few years.  I enjoyed much success in real estate...it just didn't hold my interest anymore.  As I said, I've not looked back.  

Now, what my hubs has witnessed is how things just come together and weave themselves in and out of our life.  One thing leads to another and things just take shape.  He said to me one day, "it is funny how things just seem to come together for you".  Oh, ye of little faith.  I live with gratitude in my heart, mind talks with God all the time...and Faith.

I'm reminded of this constantly.  As I said, leaving a career in real estate may not have been the best decision~OR, maybe it has been!  When the other stresses and demands on me are gone, I can get to the business of my LIFE.  The life I'm supposed to live...the life I have imagined.  

We also had an investment property that was draining us financially... Something had to go...and it did~we sold it!!!  I hope we never get to where we were again.  I like living a more "authentic" life, where less is more!  Lessons learned and new understandings.

We're strapped like we've never been before.  It's been fun, actually!  I shop wiser, we eat at home more, and my meals are planned with longevity and frugality in mind. We started getting books at the library, instead of purchasing them.  I put things back on the shelf that I otherwise would have purchased without a thought.  We got rid of the frivolity in our household...no home phone, we didn't use it anyway!  The Directv is out of our budget, too.  It's all been well and good.  I actually think I could live without t.v. completely.  I find I'm more active and look forward to creating, rather than watching a program.  It's really, really been good.  And, regular t.v. offers more than just a few channels now...who knew?  If anything, I have gotten "wiser" as to what I spend, where and when.  It's certainly been a time of adjustment...but like I said, it's been really, really good!

I'll sell something from the shop when I'm there working, a forgotten refund check will come; I say "NO" more, rather than "Yes" to everything.  And, I've put it out there.  I'm not ashamed or embarrassed.  I'm willing to sacrifice for the things I really want.  My life is more in balance and I'm happy and content!  

And, I have FAITH.  I always have had.  I've always felt that I had guidance and safety from the Man upstairs.  He's led me thus far and he'll lead me further.  With that said, if I fail, my Faith in Him will continue...it always has.  He's never forsaken me.  I.Have.Been.Tested.  There's always a lesson learned, a new understanding that one would never have had, if they had not walked down a certain path, taken a different turn or kept the monkeys on their back.  

Here's a funny thing...I'm finding dropped coins all the time.  Not just pennies, but nickels and dimes.  Each time I see one, I'm reminded that God does provide.  Sometimes I pick them up and sometimes I leave them, hoping someone who really needs them will find them.  It's just a gentle reminder to me...it inspires me!

"The hard part is having Faith in Him when things aren't so rosy...but, Faith I do have and that gets me through the rough spots."  Lessons learned and new understandings...and, I have FAITH!

How does it happen...

It never ceases to amaze me...mainly, because it seems these things only happen to me, but, today, when I went out to feed the calves there was one in the hay ring...on top of the remaining hay...how does this happen?  And, more importantly, does this stuff happen to other "farmers"? 


I completed my feeding chores, went to lift, move, tilt...whatever I could do to free this calf.  I lifted, it kinda kicked.  I moved to the other side, lifted, it kicked.  Hmmmm...what to do, what to do?  


Well, as I stood there pondering, the goofy thing went right through one of the openings.  You may be asking, "did it make it out that way?"  NO! NO! NO!  The head went through, the body...and then, it got stuck at the hips...really, the hips?  The calf must be higher at the hips, because it's certainly not wider!


Now what was I going to do?  I didn't have to ponder that too long, the calf took off with the thing hooked to it's hips.  Oh.my.gosh.  My worse fear is that one of them is going to be maimed or die while on my watch.  Was this going to be the first one?  


It took off, I stood there in disbelief.  It bucked, it shuffled, it bucked some more.  The other calves stood and watched...just like a few days ago; another story.  Low and behold, it bucked and shuffled and bucked it's way out of the thing.  And, non worse for the wear!  I shook my head, the other calve buddies moved toward him, as if to say, "whoa...you okay, dude?"  

Another story...another time; just know it had to do with a calf, a feed trough and me, standing their, shaking my head in disbelief.  Again, I ask, does this stuff just happen to me?

My gear after doing chores.  I can't wait for warmer temps.

A promised sleepover...an adventure

Kendall, left and Grace, third cousins, got to have a sleepover
at our house.  It was an adventure.

These two...well, they're quite a pair.  Third cousins, pretty darn good friends. Lots and lots of energy and creativity to match.  Whew...

It started a few years ago, when the girls were younger and here for Christmas or Easter.  They had a pretty darn good time playing and didn't really want to leave.  I told them I'd have them over sometime for a sleepover. Well, we just now got it accomplished. 

Both of the girls are rounding out their Kindergarten year.  Maybe this worked out to be the best time to have gotten this together.  Still cute and funny and enjoy most anything life brings to them.  Not too bossy, not too homesick, not too argumentative.  Yep, just about the right age to have the sleepover.  It was perfect timing, I'd have to say.

Both were giddy with excitement as the week turned into days, into mere hours of coming here.  Their moms shared their excitement through Facebook messages and the pressure was on for me to "have my act together".  They were expecting great things...oh, brother!

They arrived around two o'clock on Saturday afternoon...rip roaring and ready to go!  If only we could have gotten the moms to leave, the party could have started. They had their sleepover last fall...now, they needed to let the little girls have their fun!  Finally,(and I'm really only teasing) they left and we set out on our adventure. 

Arms full of glue, glitter, pretty papers, scissors and the like, we started on our first craft project.  It was most enjoyable.  They both have active imaginations and knew exactly what they wanted to do.  Neither had the need to copy the other, they just did what they wanted to do.  And, they did very well. 

About an hour into the crafting, my oldest, Courtney called and asked if we could be over around five to feed the bottle calf and play with the lambs.  No prob! 



Note the pink dress and jeans.

So, off we went to get the girls dressed for the farm. 
Note to Kendall's mom...bibs, boots and no white tennis (just had to remind her again).  What I came to realize is...Kendall's mom most likely doesn't stand a chance when it comes to her wardrobe.  Kendall is a girly-girl, no doubt, and likes...um, loves to wear dresses and tights.  Let me just share with you;  Girly-girl aside, that Kendall is up for most any action...she'll just be dressed to the nines. Gotta love that kid!

  

Grace is saying "been there,
done that, no big deal"



Grace on the other hand, she had all the gear and when she had it all on, she reminded me of a little GAP kid modeling the latest look.  Grace gets to visit her grandparents farm quite often, so our little side adventure wasn't as big a deal to her, as it was for Kendall.  She's no ninny and was up for anything and quite patient to let Kendall experience what she already knew.  Gotta love Gracie!

Once we were done visiting all the animals at Courtney's, we headed back over to our farm where there were more chores to do.  We jumped on the 4-wheeler and took off.  Chores done, now chow time.  The girls were famished.  Kendall joined me in the kitchen and Grace had a captive audience in Steve(he's hurt his back and horizontal most of the time).  Grace reminded me of myself.  She loves to play school, just as I did.  Steve made a great teacher and she, a great student. 

Kendall and I made homemade pizzas. Yummo! They turned out great. She was not a moving target, so I was able to get a photo of her. Grace on the other hand...this is like the third photo I tried to get of her and Steve...I gave up. 

Needless to say, bedtime couldn't come fast enough...for Steve and I, let alone the girls.  Kendall was ready for bed, poor Grace was too, except for her extra runny nose.  She meandered down to us for a bit...meanwhile, Kendall fell asleep.  Finally, we all were in bed and sleeping soundly...UNTIL the thunder and lightning started.  I was thinking to myself, they'll sleep right through it...yea, right! 

 

Sunday morning was mild, but soggy.  The girls played on the front porch in their pj's and winter coats.  I was able to sneak out and do the chores without them wanting to tag along.  When I finished, I came and got them and we went for a 4-wheeler ride.  The chrill of their screams...OMG!  A sound like no other.  All in all, they loved the ride...and I did, too!  They really are good eggs and silly little girls.

 

Unually warm, we made it down to the pond for the final hours of their stay.  They had a blast.  I usually am down there with my nephews.  And, I found that these little girls played just like the boys do.  Dig, dig and dig.  They wanted to fish...I said no.  They wanted to swim...I said no.  I told them we could do that this summer when they came for a sleepover again...

 

The moms came, we visited, they left.  I was in a vegetative state for most of the rest of the day.  A promised sleepover...an adventure equals a day of rest for two adults.  They wore us out.  Gotta love those girls!