Inspired by a Cotton Field!

Being new to the Southeast, there are many things that intrigue me.......pig's feet, collards, the saying "bless your heart", bbq, and today cotton fields!

They are incredible!  Just beautiful!

Is this an organic cotton field?  Are there chemicals used?  How long does it take to grow?  What are the growing seasons?  Wow, so many questions.....

Can you imagine picking this?  It would take forever.....

How much cotton does it take to make a tee shirt?

 

What an amazing crop!

 

I have grown up around fabric my entire life.  My grandpa and grandma made mattresses.  They had a chain of stores across the US, called Sleep E-Z. 

 

My first memories of sewing are sewing the bands that go around the mattress, the sides.

 

My dad is a furniture manufacturer.  He can cut, sew, upholster anything.  Of course, he would much rather have an employee do the work!

 

Trying to figure out a little business that keeps me interested has been challenging.

Yes, I know pillows are the starting point, BUT what are the possibilities?  What target markets am I not realizing are right in front of me?

 

Today I am so very INSPIRED!

Yes sometimes it just takes a field of cotton to make you realize you are on the brink of something fantastic! 

 

Quote for the day:

 

"She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails."

 

Elizabeth Edwards

 

Food, Gardening, Health

Why do you garden?  To grow your own food?  To have a pretty yard?  To let your mind be peaceful?  To cut down on expenses?  To avoid harmful chemicals?

Digging in the dirt gives us all of the above and so much more.  Knowing where our food comes from is so important.  We live in a time where food is shipped for 1000's of miles to reach a supermarket shelf.  Sometimes it is shipped from other countries, where we have no idea what might go into the growing process.

Eating locally has become a big trend.  Understanding the relationship that local food brings into our homes is so important.

It takes a commitment to ourselves to make sure we are making sound choices in our purchases and in what we choose to eat.  It is not easy.  It is so worth it.

Now as I write this I feel like such a hypocrite.  I want to make zucchini bread today.   I want to make a pot of split pea soup, with ham hock, onions and garlic.  I just found a recipe for an upside down apple gingerbread cake!!  I love to eat.  I love to try new recipes.  I love to cook.  I love junk food.  I love good food.  I love food, period.  I want to change my views towards food.  I want to be healthy.
Wow, just writing that made me overwhelmed!  Ha, ha.

How far do you think this food traveled to market?  I have no idea, I just love the image.  It makes you feel like you are getting something fresh. I can't imagine the boat vendor ran down to Costco to stock up for a busy market day!

This last weekend we went grocery shopping.  I do not want to say where, but it is probably not a good choice.  There are two choices really for food in our little country town. Is that really an ok excuse for buying food that probably is laden with chemicals?  I don't think so, but yet I did that very thing.  Yikes!

I want to believe that the food I prepare for my husband and myself is healthy.  When I am not obsessed with sugar, we usually do pretty good.  We eat protein, veggies and

good carbs.  Last night we made burritos with london broil, pinto beans and brown rice.  All leftovers, easy, but not a veggie in sight.  All homemade, but what happened to the vegetables?  Lazy, I was lazy.

I stared out this morning to write about saving our own seeds for the garden.  I went on the Seed Savers Exchange website to do a little reading and see what inspired me.  I have wanted to learn for a long time and I try my own little experiments, but do not feel very successful.  Last year we managed to save seed from basil, marigolds and zinnia for replanting.  That was thrilling.

This year I have sunflower seed saved, marigolds, basil and that is it from our garden.  I fell down on the job!  I learned alot from our gardens this year, but I feel like I failed in the securing of seeds.

Each spring comes and my list of "What I really, really want in the garden & flower yard" is so very long.  We are always on a budget and the reality is the more I can save, the more I can grow!  This is so important.

On their website was an article about a Seed Saving School.  They offer all sorts of classes and information.  If you are not familiar with it, you should check out their site.
www.seedsaver.org

Anyways, this is seed saving steps from start to finish:

garden planning

plant isolation

hand pollination

seed harvesting

seed cleaning

storage

seed sharing

Wow, do I ever want to take the class. 

I guess it really boils down to time, money, yes sadly money is involved and effort. Money needed for taking classes or workshops is so well spent.  Books, magazines, online articles, and webinairs also provide information that can make all the difference in our learning curves.

Yesterday we were out in front cleaning up the front yard for the coming winter.  I saved a bunch of orange marigold seeds.

A Cookie Sheet of Seeds!

 

This whole process of learning to become more self-reliant is a challenge.  It makes you think of your choices all the time.  It makes you cringe when you fail.  It makes your heart sing when you actually manage to complete something, even a little thing like marigold seeds for next spring.

Sometimes it makes you just want a Hot Fudge Sundae!

 

I am thrilled with our progress.  I am grateful for the help of friends.

I am hopeful for the next garden and look forward to learning more each year!

Here is to our Healthy Choices!  Salud!

Oh, yes, I am making the pot of peas, the upside down apple gingerbread cake and some zucchini bread!  Remember the Mantra!

Baby Steps, just Baby Steps!

 

Quote for the day:

 

"One can get lost in their garden and the world ceases to exist, if only for a while.  Anger dissipates with every shovel of dirt moved, pleasure is found in the simplest forms, excitement is felt as each tiny plant matures and then triumph with the harvest of the first tomato of the season.  The love of gardening never goes away.  Even if someone is unable to garden themselves, they enjoy the gardens of others."

 

Renee Hogan

Goblins & Smores

Last night my hubby and I were invited to join our friends for an evening of  scary storytelling at Rose Hill Plantation, here in Union, South Carolina.



There were three wonderful storytellers.  It was outside under the incredible darkness of Fall. You brought your own chair, blankets, and mugs. They offered coffee, hot chocolate, and hot spiced cider.

The stories were wonderful.  It made me realize the value of telling a story.  What an incredible way to spend an evening.  We are so wrapped up in tv, computers and social media, it is easy to forget that our voices and memories hold so much wealth!

There were homemade cookies, and at the break you could roast your own marshmallows for Smore making!  Oh, I forgot how much I enjoy roasted marshmallows!  For sure, we are having those tonight in the fireplace!









Rose Hill Plantation is a State Historic Site.  It was built by South Carolina Governor William Henry Gist.  He is considered the "Secession Governor".

It is a beautiful antebellum home.  It was constructed between 1810-1830, and is built in the Georgian style. It has three stories, and the walls are 28" thick.  It is a 44 acre plantation.  This was considered a smaller plantation.  The main crops were cotton and corn.

They offer tours, which I have never gone on, but hope to in the future.  They have campgrounds, and have weddings and special events there, as well.

What a fun evening!  There are so many wonderful things offered here in the Southeast.  I look forward to learning more about different parts of history in this part of our country.

We went home and I hoped I did not have any nightmares about Goblins!

Quote for the day:

 

"There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories."

 

Ursula K. Le Guin

SIMPLE THINGS = JOY

Yes, I believe that is the correct formula.  I am constantly looking for things that bring me joy that do not require a dollar bill!!  If I pay attention and look around, it is close by and always, I mean always brings me happiness.

I am a magazine junkie.  I cannot bear not to look through magazines.  It is a pleasure and a curse.
It brings me immense pleasure and if I allow it, it can bring me the green monster called envy!

How do we reconcile the two?  How do we enjoy what we love without surrendering to the ugly?

I think we have to recognize the joy of the first thing, and control the outcome of the latter.  I doubt in this short lifetime I will ever give up looking at glossy magazines.  Whether it is on farming, gardening, cooking or baking, interiors, fashion, yoga, homemaking, creating, oh, my the list is too long........so I try my best to look at what inspires me and to be thankful that I have the opportunity to check out other people's creativity.

Check out the guineas on their morning walk.

They brought me joy yesterday morning on a country road.

I would have a little more joy if I knew how to crop this photo, but

BABY STEPS ONCE AGAIN!

 

So here are a few of the things that bring me joy and brighten my journey!

 

My husband, who through thick and thin carves out our life with hope, hard work, and a love for snacks that amazes me!  Oh, lets not forget his favorite, oatmeal raisin walnut cookies!

Just watching him devour them brings me happiness!  He stacks them up in the palm of his hand, three high!  Oh, the joy from some flour, butter, sugar and lots of love!

 

My Animals......always, every minute, they warm my heart and constantly give me kisses!

Despite the hair, the dirt, the barking, the need for one more treat!!  Ha, ha, the love is amazing!

 

The garden, even if it needs love right now.  The echinacea blooming, the basil going to seed, the hope of planting garlic, the wonder that I have a dedicated strawberry bed!  Oh, the joy....the hope for lavender fields next year, starting our fruit orchard, maybe, just maybe next year I will grow sweet bell peppers and zucchini , finally, that hope brings me joy!

 

A fire in the fireplace.  Last night was this Fall's first and it was so cozy and comforting.

The cost?  Gasoline for the chainsaw and teamwork between husband & wife! Oh, I forgot, my brother cutting the trees in the first place!

 

Trying new recipes!  Yes, today it is crockpot Chicken, Chickpea, Pesto Stew!

 

Interviews with my mom, Gailsey.  Yes, we have started a series of video interviews which are so funny and bring me nothing but joy and laughter!

 

Feeling safe.  I feel safe in this little spot in the world.  Priceless.....

 

Some days I don't make it happen, you know being thankful and joyful.

Some days are full of anger, doubt, fear, frustration, envy, but if I can recognize them, put them in their ugly place, and move on to one of the things that bring me gratitude....

Then I have won the battle for that moment.

 

The beauty and simplicity of a country road..

I hope you have a day filled with joy, happiness, peace and laughter!

 

Quote for the day:

 

"One is content if one can find happiness in simple pleasures. "

 

Thomas Malloy

 

 

 

 

Friday Ramblings

Hooked!

Fuyo Persimmon.....OH MY, SO DELICIOUS!!

Breakfast with Farmer T & Beelady!

 

They sort of taste like, well, heck I don't know, but they are crisp like an apple!

Definitely need these in the garden!

 

Echinacea!

The first bloom.....Yahoo!

Remember I started a zillion from seed in the spring?

Then I planted them with towering plants all around?

Yes, I believe they would have done better with more direct sunlight, but

the towering Sunflowers took over and I learned, just the gardening learning curve once again!

Bad Gardener!

Thrilled and hopeful for next spring, Oh please Garden Gods watch over these babies!

I am hoping to do more with medicinal herbs/ plants next spring.

The leaves, roots and other parts are used in herbal medicine to promote wound healing and enhance the immune system.

Plus they are just beautiful, the purple coneflower is my favorite!

 

 

Is this cool or what?

My friend's tractor.

 

The dogwood starting to turn.

I love this time of year.

It is cool & crisp.  Actually cold at night!

 

Just grateful for all the wonderful people in our lives.

We are blessed and so grateful.

 

 

Quote for the day:

 

"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall."

 

F. Scott Fitzgerald

 

Etsy Update! New Items Listed!

Well, yesterday was the perfect Fall light to photograph the Handmade Crochet Hats made by my mom, Gailsey!  I am working on better photography skills, but this week I purchased some foam core boards, which made a better back drop than the old sheet I had been using!

This happy hat has a scarf that accompanies it!

 

This is my current favorite!

I wanted to keep it BUT......

It is so beautiful and soft.  The scarf is really long and perfect for doubling around your neck.

 

I wanted to keep this one for just running to the market!

 

This is oversized and perfect with a black peacoat!

Oh, if I only had a peacoat!

 

I love love love this one!

It is oversized and cozy.....

So many hats, so little time!

 

Oversized and ready for your favorite jeans!

 

Oh, the happiness of hats!!

 

The Etsy store now has more hats than pillows!

My mom is crocheting her fingers away....I better get sewing!

 

This process has not been easy, but I think I am getting the hang of it.

I am thrilled that we are finally getting items in the Etsy Store and can't wait to update you when the next wave of goodies are showcased!

 

Please click on the Etsy Store up on the right at top of blog and check it out!

 

 

Quote for the day:

 

"Jumping at several small opportunities may get us there more quickly than waiting for one big one to come along."

 

Hugh Allen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memories of Mexico

We lived in Mexico for four years.  We built an incredible home on top of a little mountain looking at the ocean.  We called it Casa Colina.  Little Hill House......

This is where we would have our morning coffee!

Hammocks are perfect for coffee, or heck, margaritas for that matter!!

 

It was an experience of a lifetime and memories that are forever in our hearts.

We gained and lost so much, but we will never lose those memories....

 

Stained concrete floors.  My hubby did all the work!

This was the guest room/office.

 

The living room area before we painted the interior....

It was a long journey finishing the interior, but my husband did an amazing job!

 

Looking at kitchen

The equipali chairs were so comfy.

This is before painting and making it homey....

 

Cooking for my mom's 70th Birthday!

Bright orange interior, talavera plates on the wall and incredible friends, Lulis and Anna Rosa!

What memories......

 

Did you know that a Mexican tradition is to smash your face in the Birthday cake?

I did not and found out the hard way for my birthday celebration!

What a hoot!

Here is my sweet nephew, Junior!

 

The handmade Perota wood front doors!

I had asked for the little bandito windows...so you could open up and see who was at your door!

Adorable, but certainly not effective!

 

I have been thinking of our life, my husband and mine.  We are coming up on our ten year anniversary, and that gets you thinking of the journey.  I have decided to start writing about Mexico, and hopefully will learn how to put one of those tabs at the top of this blog to keep it separate.

 

While this time is about our present and hopefully prosperous future, we would never have ended up here without that time in Mexico.  I still am amazed at the outcome of our choices.  I guess really it is the basic action = reaction formula.  We all have to live with the consequence of our choices. 

The truth is sometimes you do not factor in the "true reality" of what that consequence could be.

 

At the time, one might not even consider the whole range of possibilities.  The truth is sometimes you just go for it.  You live your life with wild abandon, or with what you believe you are willing to risk.

 

If we over thought all of our choices, would we never experience the delight that spontaneity brings to this journey?!  I honestly think that when we allow fear into the equation, we hinder the possibilities.  But we need to think about outcomes, because it is hard to make up for life's mistakes.  Especially when we are aging.......But to live without fear, without hesitation, to make your dreams come true....that takes great courage and certainly a little crazy!!

 

To every journey being amazing, to every dream being realized.....

To the hope that we never lose our wild abandon...

To everything we are and can be!

To our memories and to our future.....

 

 

Quote for the day:

 

"The past can teach us, nurture us, but it cannot sustain us.  The essence of life is change, and we must move forward or the soul will wither and die."

 

Susanna Kearsley

Belief

What do you believe in?

 

Goodness?  Love?  Hard Work?  Rules?  Breaking the Rules?  God?  The Universe?  Family? Abundance?  

 

I could list item after item and never list all that is possible to believe in.  It is different for each of us.  Everything is possible and nothing is possible.  It just depends on what you believe.

I BELIEVE IN GOODNESS & LOVE & LAUGHTER

 

Check out the little guy in his overalls!  He is getting ready for the baby pig to be released for the pig scramble!  Not a care in the world, just hoping he can catch the pig and get the prize!

 

What if we went through our days with that type of care-free attention?

Living moment by moment, just focusing on one task at a time, fully engaged.

 

I am not sure if it is possible.  We are multi-taskers.  We take on so much.

We do not want to miss anything, we want to do it all and do it well.

 

So how do we slow down when we have such long to-do list?

I am not sure but I know alot of people are attempting to live simpler lives.  Lives that are more self-reliant, more self-sufficient, more sustainable.

 

The funny part is when you are doing more yourself, the list is actually longer.  The chores are never ending, learning the new task or skills are challenging.  So is it worth all that effort?

 

I guess it just depends on where we are in our lives.  What joy does it bring, and how it affects our financial well being.  We have to survive, no matter what, and we have to have fun.  This life is hard, and without fun....well, it just makes it unbearable.

So we take delight in simple things....

Like the last of the yellow pear tomatoes!

 

We remember to laugh with others, and at ourselves.  We try new hobbies, and see what works for us.  We just keep going, trying, experimenting and slowly something sticks.  It strikes a cord in our soul and we have found meaning or joy.  Then we believe again and again......because it makes us stronger and gives us meaning.

 

So once again, My Mantra,

 BABY STEPS, JUST BABY STEPS....

 

What if we never accomplish it all?  So what?!

It really is the journey. 

 We need to enjoy the journey, because we are not guaranteed tomorrow, and yesterday is gone.

 

Right now the dogs are snoring, the cat, Max is grooming himself.  The house is quiet and my list is long.  Take trash to trash place, Dishes, Laundry, Sweep, Sew, Sew, Sew!!!

 

Yep, I believe in goodness, I believe in dreaming, I believe it is all possible....

just one step after another, slowly and surely, with a giggle here and there!

Have a great day, laugh and love yourself, we all deserve it!

 

Quote for the day:

 

"You're always believing ahead of your evidence.  What was the evidence I could write a poem?  I just believed it.  The most creative thing in us is to believe in a thing."

 

Robert Frost

Our First Sale!!

Kiara Kisses is pleased, delighted and thrilled to announce we have made our First Sale!!
To top it off, literally!  Ha, ha, it was one of my mom, Gailsey's crochet hats!!

Yes, we are off to the races......

This beauty has been shipped!

 

It was a great learning experience for me.

I learned I had not done all of the legwork correctly for Etsy or for Paypal.

 

We were blessed with a very kind and compassionate client, but it could have been a very different experience for our client and for our hopes of starting out on the right foot.

 

You might ask yourself, Why is she sharing this?  Because I believe the best lessons are from mistakes.  I believe that sharing makes it easier for other people to also pursue their dreams, regardless of their fears. 

 

I believe it makes us stronger and I love to laugh!

This learning curve in life can be gnarly and it can be really fun.

I just hope it balances out......with a happy ending!

 

 

Yesterday my brother and I made Jalapeno, Cheddar Sandwich Bread.

It was a hoot!

Just watching him measure the flour was fun!

 

Did you know my hubby is an awesome Bread Baker?

Well, he came by to offer some pointers!

 

The outcome is delicious!

The last batch was the crunchy crust we were hoping for!

 

Just when you give up.....

Bell Peppers Finally!

 

I am grateful for these simple things in our lives!  Making bread with my family.  Finding bell peppers in the garden, and the hope that the path we are on is the right one.....

The crochet hat sale might not seem like alot to the person who has been doing it a while, BUT to this lovely group on our Homestead, we are beyond GRATEFUL!

 

Quote for the day:

 

"Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey!"

 

Barbara Hoffman

 

 

Plow Days! So Much Fun!

Yesterday was one of the funnest days ever!  My friends, Farrier T & Horselady S, invited me to join them on a Plow Day Event......

Talk about a dream come true.  Since I am a wanna be farmer, settling on learning to create a homestead, it was like letting me loose in Farmland, instead of Disneyland!

Yes, that is Wayne on the left, and Cora closer to us.

They are Haflingers.  Draft horses.

They are so amazing!

 

Plow days happen mainly in Spring and in the Fall.  I believe it is a way to get together with like minded people, plow some fields, have some fun, eat some great food, and see some old time equipment and skills!

 

There were different teams of horses that were all working on the fields.

 

This team are Percheron's.

You wouldn't believe how big they are!

The horse on the left is taller than me!

Such beauty and strength!

 

Plowing away

If I am remembering correctly, if your plow makes a 10" furrow or row, when you plow 1 acre, you are walking 9.8 miles!  Wow, really makes your respect our food, what goes into it.

 

I did go three lengths.  My rows were definitely not straight!  Ha, ha what fun!

You work the plow in the opposite direction you want to go.  Farrier T had the reins and would help slow the horses or speed them up with verbal commands.  He and his team plowed more than any other team and he was not even winded!  I was out of breath after each of my attempts!

There I am! So Much Fun!!

 

There was sorghum pressing being done with horse power, as well.

The horse powers the press, it creates the juice, which empties into a bucket with cheesecloth.  You pick out the cheesecloth, which filters out the organic matter and then they cook it over an open fire!

It has to cook to like 232 degrees, if I remember correctly.

Then it becomes molasses!  Delicious!

 

And I complain about doing laundry?!

Antique washer! This one was my favorite!

 

Wayne & Cora & Farrier T & Me

Picture courtesy of Horselady S!

 

My favorite horses on the Planet!

Horse Power Rocks!

 

I have much more to share but will save some for another post!

 

This world is full of amazing people. There is so much to learn, so much to do!

Thank you so much Farrier T & Horselady S for an awesome day!

I am so blessed by the wonderful, kind, loving people I have met here in the Southeast!

Now talk about riding the horse in the direction is it going?

What Fun is Life!

 

Quote for the day:

 

"Love and magic have a great deal in common.  They enrich the soul, delight the heart.  And they both take practice."

 

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