Post Progress, My Foot!

I woke with anticipation for the day this morning.  As I stirred, my alarm clock of doggies latched onto their routine signal and began rumbling about wanting to go outside in this frigid cold.

 

I watched in awe at the meteor shooting across the sky.  It was huge and lit up; leaving a trail of black amidst the gray clouds wafting around in the windy dawn.

 

Did and done.  I sat down at my favorite window to admire the deer with her triplet fawns, which would shortly be coming out of the woods as usual to browse the still green grass.

 

Reflecting on my dream, tears strolled down my cheeks.  I would probably need a bucket.  I had dreamed of home as a child with my Mama cutting our Mimosa back down to an acceptable size.  I miss her and I miss those Mimosas.  She always kept them where she wanted them; short and stout, not towering and magnificent.

 

Which brings me to why I probably dreamed about such in the first place.  On my beloved hill I have a delightful view of the valley and neighbors who have changed the country into a citified version of what once was beauty, harmony, and peace and quiet.

 

True to form, this neighbor decided it was time to do as promised.  A crew was bulldozing all the wonderful, lovely trees down in his bog of a field.  The goal was to get rid of the bog.  He is.  He is and the beauty around it that coyote, birds, and other critters often enjoyed.  I enjoyed, as well.

 

The bog will be level and easier to bushhog, but now the creek looks so bare and abandoned.  It pales in comparison to our length of creek shadowed with saplings and vines for the deer to take refuge behind as they drink.

 

Years ago, when we first bought this haven, we had no options but to cut a swath of woods 50 feet wide all the way up to the top of the hill to our building site.  My neighbor to the top of us was rattled and visibly upset with us.  Ironic, huh?  Well, now days they bury power lines.  Progress, I suppose, but a little late.

 

Then the night's invasion woke me up without the coffee!  My oh my, Frankenstorm Sandy was all over the news and passed around on Facebook.

 

In each, a wrinkle of time changes lives, yet promotes progress, though I would prefer time stood still for a while.  Lanquish around in complete and utter perfection the luxury of woods and wild, peace and quite, views to die for and nature all reveal.

 

Where is that pause button?  Must be hiding out with the remote control.  I have not seen it since...since....

Fall Glory!

Fall is my favorite season with Spring following a very close second.  (I despise the tornados Spring produces, though I adore all the refreshing hues and sprouts.)  Fall is a spectacle of colors, aromas, events.....simply a fulfilling feast for the senses. 

The above graphc looks JUST LIKE our driveway.  Even the rain has set in today wrapped in frigid temps.  I am afraid this cloak of dampness along with the biting wind will draw a close to our beloved artwork of color.

 

I must hurry and collect what remains of the tommy toes, okra, and Basil.  I must finish bringing in my plants and get to tucking in the rabbits and cats in preparation for freezing temps tonight.

 

I just returned from a trip abroad in Italy and Monaco.  It was quite a journey gifted me.  I am now settling back into reality on the farm.......  Work work, work and little of play in between.

 

My fingers are quite busy with writing, crocheting, and winterizing.  I am inspired to create a quilt in the Fall colors just for myself!  Settling into the rocking chair near the fire, I bid you good day in order I rest a little bit before I get ready for our special Fall chili supper and party.  Everyone will be loaded down with home made vittles, so I need to finish my contribution, too.

 

A great big shout out of thank you from all my heart to my mentors; Craig and Linda Allen of Eagle Nest Lake, New Mexico area......

 

 

Whether you love yard sales, flea markets, craft fairs, or hot air balloon rides in the Smoky Mountains as I do....stay safe, toasty,.....happy writing, and do have a blast before Ol' Man Winter moves in!

Happy Haunting

We had loads and oodles of fun on Halloween back in my day; without all the demonic drama.  There was the Fall Festival, hayrides, and parties to be had. Who had time to plan out deadly or evil deeds?  Not us.  It never crossed our minds!

Seems like every Halloween the "big game" was always with Chapel Hill; evil enemy of the highest. The bonfire was what fueled our team spirit to match its roaring flames.  Back then, by this time of year, we were bundled up in layers of clothes, hats, and mittens.  Especially so those of us in the marching band.

 

Oh my gosh! I felt so bad for the majorettes in their skimpy uniforms.  To me, the uniforms looked like glorified swimsuits with their sequins glittering.  But, just like everyone else, I loved watching them dazzle with their batons that sometimes were beautiful torches.

 

Nowadays, a parent has to worry about so many evils hovering around, just waiting to pounce on and devour innocent, fun seeking children.   Other individuals tend to let their guard down, too, but have become wiser with age as demonic activity has escalated.

 

I believe Satan's ghouls left us alone because we were a Godly small town.  Come Sunday everyone was in Church.  Come Friday night ballgames, we were led in prayer.  At every evening, prayers rode high on the breeze.

 

We knew everyone back then.  Even in the neighboring counties.  That is not so anymore.  I am saddened and afraid that such trust is a thing of the past.

 

Even I found delight in TP'ing certain yards.  One had to be truly quick to not get caught tossing and decorating tidy landscaping.  Daddy's were usually at home dishing out the treats and oohing and ahhing over costumes and guesing if it was little Johnny next door or Alicia from down the road that was under the sheet. Mama's were usually the appointed escort for children on their trick or treat rituals.

 

I know I enjoyed my share of escortsing our children.  It never failed I dressed up in costume, too.  Our neighbors even had a hard time trying to figure everyone out in our brood.

 

I am a Granny now.  I feel safe for the most part.  I busy myself at home on Halloween.  Sad to say the kids all go to town and strut down one well known street for treats.  If you are nearby early, you will get a treat watching them invade that community to fill their bags.

 

This year I have made some jacks similar to the above photo found on Pinterest with special paint.  They sure make a classy centerpiece for my company.  I added pillar candles, acorns, and candy corn with sprigs of green Basil to my collection.

 

We are having a chili supper/masquerade party for a hand full of authors and their children.  The menu includes Mexican cornbread, Venison chili, home made peppered fries, tommy toe salad with Moscato Vinaigrette and goat cheese, with a buffet overflowing with a variety of spooky treats that include fudge cupcakes creatively made into Halloween characters. 

 

I can hardly wait.  My mouth is watering!

 

Never mind TP'ing the cabin if you want chocolate!

 

Happy Haunting ya'll!

 

 

Colorful Heartmade Gifts!

I saw this craft on Pinterest and latched onto it.  I think it would make a beautiful gift for some of those on my Christmas list.  I decided to share it.

 

I was thinking folks that work in an office or even those who are in nursing homes or the hospital, would appreciate the shimmering colors.  Glass and color tends to lift the spirits of those who are boxed in, shut in, or plain lonely.

 

Hobby Lobby currently has a wide variety of knobs like this and others to choose from.  I know they are around $2.00 a knob. They also sell the silk leaves and tiny pots at a reasonable price.  So you have a one stop gift shop for assembling a perky heartmade gift.