“Papa Jim” Giveaway Winner

Thanks to those who put their names in the hat! And also for sharing some sweet and precious memories of your own. Loved the comments.

I went to random.org and it told me “#1” today. 

So, drumroll please, the winner of my Mama’s book, “Papa Jim” is Julie of Dog Trot Farm. If you haven’t visited her lovely blog, please do! I have never visited the state of Maine in person, but I certainly enjoy my virtual trips via Dog Trot Farm. One of my very favorites!

Thanks again, Everyone! Wish I had more “Papa Jim” books to send each of you.

The Blacksmith wants to do a giveaway very soon also. Perhaps, a Railroad Spike garden trowel.. or..? This will give me a good opportunity to do a blog post about his brand new Blacksmith Shop.

Have a great week.. hope to see you soon!

Papa Jim

Several years ago, I recall my Mother saying she was compiling a few short stories about her life growing up – the first several years in the country, and then her family’s move to the small town of Perry, Missouri in her early teens. She mentioned someday, oh, she might just print it out for her girls (my sister and me) and for her grandson (the Fiddler). Years passed and she continued to write a few stories from her memories here and there. Several months ago she contacted Daydream Books and Arts and after talking with them, she decided she would go ahead and publish. After all, it was going to be little to no monetary investment and this would be a way to preserve and share these precious stories. Per my Mom, Daydream was a joy to work with. She sent them her stories – they (Stephanie) proofed, edited, and did several other things to help with the process. A few short months later, Papa Jim became a reality and was published.

Stephanie, who owns and runs Daydream Books and Arts, began the business a couple of years ago after publishing her first book. She enjoyed it so much that she wanted to help others do the same. Per Stephanie, “I wanted to help people embrace their creativity, promote it, get their work and their name out there to the public... to share their daydreams.” And so began Daydream Books and Arts in a little town called New Cambria, Missouri – not all that far from where we live.

Of course, I treasure this book. I can remember Papa Jim a little bit (he passed when I was only 2). The man I remember is a strong, tall, gentle, caring, soft-spoken man. All of my life I have heard wonderful stories of Papa and Mama (Grandpa and Grandma W to me). Grandma, in fact, moved to Paris and lived right behind us from the time I was about 8 years old. Sister and I would run those few steps to Grandma’s whenever we needed a little TLC (many times in the form of warm cookies or hugs or just a listening ear). She was a dear and priceless treasure to us. So, you can imagine I was pretty happy that these precious stories of days gone-by are now preserved for generations to come.

Here is a summary of Papa Jim, per Stephanie of Daydream Books and Arts:

“Charlotte Utterback has written these stories of her family and childhood over recent years. She wishes to share her memories with her remaining family, and anyone else interested in reminiscing of a simpler, more peaceful time. Be ready to meet her family, celebrate their joy, feel their heartaches, and learn from their way of life.”

Mary Margaret and Baby Charlotte

At only 120 pages, it is a fairly short read. Papa Jim is a wholesome, innocent book. It is also sprinkled with warm humor in the simple joys, and hope through the heartaches. While reading, you can journey back to rural and small town life in the 40’s and 50’s. This was a time when nothing was wasted, families were treasured, and things were oh-so-much simpler.

I am giving away one autographed copy of Papa Jim. You may enter by simply leaving a comment below – tell me a happy memory from your childhood if you wish. If you’re a follower, please leave a second comment telling me that you’re a follower, and your name goes in the hat twice. Random.org will pick the winning number on Monday, November 2nd and I will announce it soon thereafter. You have until Monday, November 2 at 8 a.m. CST to enter.

If you would like to order Papa Jim, it is available at Daydream Books and Arts and Amazon. Also, if you are in the North Central Missouri area, Daydream is hosting the 1st Annual Daydream Expo of Missouri Writers and Artists on Saturday, November 7th, 2015 in Macon, Missouri at the Macon County Expo Center. There will be books to purchase, and many other vendors, creative works, and entertainment to enjoy.

My Mom is 74 and has always been a very determined person with a strong faith. I have always admired her ability to accomplish things and follow a project through. I am very proud of her. She is an inspiration!

We all have a story to tell, so find a way to preserve your stories and memories and share them to the world.

Morning Has Broken

I am reminded of one of my favorite hymns lately at sunrise. It is so very dry here and for the most part our Autumn color suffers, but Wow! We have had some breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

Yesterday’s morning view from the kitchen window

We have taken some fun little road trips over the past several weeks and, of course, the usual local Amish trips.

Mostly, our trips are nearby or along paths familiar to us.. like this wonderful Historical Event at Mexico, Missouri. Many eras were represented during “Walk Back in Time.”

I always admire this old service station along our weekly route.

A gorgeous sunflower field. Acres and acres of smiles on Highway 15 between Mexico and Paris. This was a few weeks ago.

I am about halfway through the Missouri Master Gardening course. Learning lots (now just to remember half of it)!
Did you know that gross, disgusting tomato hornworms turn into some really beautiful creatures? I’m going to reconsider feeding them to my chickens.. hmmm.

Sphinx Moth

Guess who will be celebrating their First Anniversary in a few days! We love this couple <3 By the way, if I haven’t mentioned it… since late Spring they have been our neighbors on the Farm!

Wishing you Happy Trails and many lovely sunrises and sunsets. (psssst… Come back next week for a Giveaway!)

Old Friends, Reunited

Where does the time go? Do you find yourself asking that question – a lot?! Me too! I had mentioned posting an update on the Shouse (aka Barn-Cottage). Well, that didn’t happen. Yet. But soon. I have company coming over the course of the next couple of weeks, so that will force me into cleaning mode.. and therefore, I can see that would be a great time to take pics :)

Today I want to share a picture of my father-in-law, the Blacksmith’s Pops, our dear “G-pa.” He hasn’t been able to live at his home since last Summer (World War II Vet, in his 90’s). We see him pretty often, but hadn’t gotten around to getting his beloved dog the updated vaccinations so “Shorty” could go to the care facility and visit. Last week, I finally accomplished the vet visit. Over the weekend.. these two were reunited. Needless to say, it was a very happy moment! Had to share. There will be more Shorty visits in the near future.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! The weather is pure perfection here.. absolutely Spring-like, and the chorus frogs are singing like crazy. Happy happy!!

Blissful

bliss·ful
ˈblisfəl/
adjective
extremely happy; full of joy.
providing perfect happiness or great joy.
synonyms: ecstatic, happy, euphoric, joyful, elated, rapturous, delighted, thrilled, overjoyed, joyous, on cloud nine, in seventh heaven, over the moon,on top of the world

This pretty much describes our special couple’s wedding day and evening, which was held on Saturday. God smiled upon us with a splendid Fall day! And, with that, everything else fell into place.

Special thanks to dear friend D who was our videographer. She also snapped several pics so we could have a sneak preview. Here is one!

We’ll be back with more pics soon!

Song of Solomon 3:4 MSG
The Message
No sooner had I left them than I found him, found my dear lost love. I threw my arms around him and held him tight, wouldn't let him go until I had him home again, safe at home beside the fire.

Marry Me

As we prepare for the Big Day.. here’s a quick video share of random engagement photos taken a year ago for our special couple. The year has just flown by, and the big event is nearly here!

marry-me-vimeo from tammy williams on Vimeo.

Hope to be back next week with some wedding pictures.. and shouse update (cabinets are being installed by the Blacksmith as we speak!).

Headin’ for a Weddin’

I won’t bore you with the “I’ve been so busy.” “Life has been so complicated.” Excuses, excuses.. In the weeks to come, I will make an honest effort at blogging more, and reading my buddies’ blogs as well.

I’ve really missed posting and reading. So here goes our biggest news….

This wonderful couple, our son the Fiddler and his beautiful Sweetheart will be married next month. We are excited… SO very excited and happy about all of this. The bonus is, they will soon be our new neighbors here on the Farm. Lots of work to do in the meantime, but it will all be worth it!! Love these two!!

Amongst other happenings and events this year, The Blacksmith and I have been working on fixing up the Cottage,(aka Shouse). We plan to move in this Fall. We had never gotten around to putting in a kitchen, bedroom, or finishing trim and a few other (okay, LOTS of) details. But, at long last, we WILL be moving there before the coldest winter winds hit (we hope!). My plan is to share pictures of the kitchen and other projects as they are complete. You can read all the previous “Barn Cottage” posts here.

And, of course.. there will be wedding pictures coming in the near future!

Hope all is well with each of you!

Till next time….

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7

Happy Birthday to this fella

This Fiddler (shown here at about age 4) is celebrating a b-day today. He really hasn’t changed that much over the past several years – he still loves dogs. Instead of a terrier, he has a beloved pug.

Happy Birthday with much ♥

Beauty-full Wool

Popping in for a quick blog post to announce the opening of my sister’s Etsy shop! She has some gorgeous and happy sheep in many varieties. Currently, you can find some beautiful roving and washed wool fleeces in her shop.

I blogged about her farm and critters on a Father’s Day visit a couple years ago. You can see some of her happy sheep on that post.

She has Blue Faced Leicester, Border Leicester, Shetland, Cheviot crosses and purebred, Angora goats, and a few Angora rabbits. She knits, spins her own fleeces and sells washed fleeces. She also does some beautiful Scherenschnitte (papercutting). Not to brag, but I have been the lucky recipient of some of those lovely knitted items and scherenschnitte through the years (maybe she will add some of those items in the future to the shop!).

So, if you or anyone that you know is in the market for some lovely and unique roving and washed wool fleeces.. check out Little Flower Farm on Etsy!

Silver Border Leicester Roving from Little Flower Farm

Be sure to give her blog a look, and meet the new cutie -- Rudy!
Little Flower Farm blog

Cheers to all… Back soon.. I hope!

Life as We Know It

… has been busy! Let me just get my shaming out of the way first. Just look at the dates, people. My last post was September 16. Today is November 17th. Really??  I think I’ve hit a new blogging low. Must.Do.Better. (if you don’t believe me, I understand!).  Also, I’ve become terrible at blog visiting. I’d love to spend an entire lazy day just catching up on blogs! One can hope.

What are your favorite type of posts? Random posts are mine. I believe it is because my brain works that way. So random! That’s why I feel like I’m spinning in circles half the time – not getting any real stuff done (or at least not fast enough to suit me). The older I get, the worse it gets. Anyone with me on this?

Oh yah.

Where was I?

Here is one thing I accomplished over the long, dry, hot summer -- a re-do of an old ice box we’ve had in the barn for 25 years or more. Sorry, no ‘before’ pictures. It wasn’t in horrible shape, but did take some time (especially since at one point I painted it white.. what was I thinking? Covering up that cool old galvanized finish??). I dressed it up with old coke signs (the wire is now gone - Earth magnets worked the best for holding them in place). This way, I can change it up super quick if I want to. Hmmmm.. thinking some Christmas Coca Cola signs might be nice...

We also harvested honey. Amazingly, for a drought year we had several pounds and it increased from last year. Not enough to sell yet, but enough to keep us stocked until next year. The bad news is we lost our two new hives that we purchased. The good news is the “swarm” hive and original hive both seem to be doing great (at last check).

This little honeybee visited us inside. She wanted a drink of honey.

We have a new resident at the farm and I am in love. There is a story to go with this new resident, but that’s another blog post.

Gracie and Ruby are famous!! Well, sort of? They have a little space in the current (Nov/Dec 2012) Hobby Farms issue.

Chloe and Banjo say “They’re just donkeys… what’s the big deal?”

In August we were blessed with a visit from the Blacksmith’s oldest sibling – his one and only brother. Jerry visited from the far away and beautiful state of New Mexico, and stayed with a sister locally. We had not seen him in 12 plus years, but he and the Blacksmith always kept in touch. Sadly, it was their last visit as Jerry passed away peacefully in his sleep soon after he returned home to New Mexico.

I am so thankful they had that last visit, and also that we took several pictures. I loved this one with the good-natured sibling “fussing” going on (cute). These four were the only surviving of their mother’s six children. Now we have only three.

On this Thanksgiving we are reminded to count our blessings each and every day. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!! For this and every single day, we are truly grateful ♥

Donkey Roping–Again?

UPDATE on 9-17-12: “Open burro roping” has been removed from the description on Facebook Sept 29 event page and from Eden, Tx website event page.
Thanks so much everyone who helped.. big hugs from the Donks!! ♥♥
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And this one is sponsored by a church.
Yes, really. It’s true. And we are very sad to learn of this ;(

Reposted from For the Love of Donkeys Facebook page:

Just as we did in Van Horn, let's come together to tell Eden, Texas that the donkey roping competition scheduled for Saturday, September 29 at Rodeo Arena is not acceptable. Ask them to please cancel this inhumane event.
Please contact:
Celina Hemmeter
Eden, Texas City Secretary/Administrator
(325) 869-2211
cityadmin@edentexas.com
...

The individuals from Hallelujah Trail Cowboy Church who are planning the competition:
BUZZY BIERSCHWALE 830-459-7958
STEVE BELOTE 325-245-3425 (“Pastor Steve”)
DAN TOMLINSON 325-869-5206

This morning we also noted that Hallelujah Trail Cowboy Church is already planning another burro event in October.
Here is another helpful note if you’d like to help by emailing a letter to the editor:
The Eden Echo is a newspaper in Eden, Texas and is published once a week on Thursday. This newspaper is owned by A.J. Dolle and Lillian Dolle.
Email: edenecho@wcc.net

source: For the Love of Donkeys facebook page

Wonder why we think this is a big deal? And needs to stop? For more details on donkey roping, go here. (Warning: explicit photos and info)

There is also a petition specific to the September 29th Eden, Texas event – please sign if you so choose.

While you’re at it, you may want to LIKE For the Love of Donkeys on Facebook ♥

Thank you for caring ♥

Much Love,
Ruby and Gracie

Legend of the Donkey's Cross
by Mary Singer

“Bring me the colt of a donkey,”
was the Master's request.

A young donkey was brought to Jesus
to carry Him into Jerusalem.

A week later Jesus was ordered
to be crucified.

The little donkey so loved the Lord
that he wanted to help Him carry the cross.

But, alas, he was pushed away.

The sad little donkey waited to say
goodbye until nearly all had left.

As he turned to leave, the shadow of
the cross fell upon the
back and shoulders of
the little donkey.

And there it has remained,
a tribute to the loyalty
and love of the humblest of
Gods creatures.

Fathers & Fiddles

The year is 1982 ~ the Blacksmith holds a brand new Fiddler boy.
(applied Kim Klassen Love & Mayzee textures)

The year 2000, following Fiddler’s high school graduation ceremonies. 3 generations of “John” ~
(yes, it does get confusing. thankfully, the Blacksmith goes by his middle name)

Me and my Daddy – 1961
(applied Kim Klassen pourvous texture)

I’ll close by sharing a short fiddle tune for all the dads. “Happy Jack” as performed by the Fiddler (in his summer haircut) at the Bethel, Missouri Fiddle Festival yesterday.

**blogger did not cooperate when I edited this post to add the Texture Tuesdays link - it removed the video, but you can view the Fiddler's performance here**

(By the way, if you have an aspiring young fiddler or guitarist, please read this link about the Bethel Youth Fiddle Camp here. I also found some great photos here of last year’s camp. The Fiddler attended this camp for as many years as possible, and taught at least one year there in the past. Highly recommended!Or, if you just enjoy fiddle music and are in the area, plan to attend the Bethel Fiddle Festival next year.)

Happy Fathers’ Day ~ Enjoy your day, Dads!

linking to Texture Tuesday

Grandma Annie Mae

Thanks so much, Blogger Friends, for your kind words and prayers. My beloved Grandma Annie Mae left this world yesterday morning, peacefully, and in the company of loved ones. This short video was made at her 97th birthday party last October (by cousin Susan). I think at that time we knew that we wouldn’t have her long, but she remained strong in her faith and mind right up to the end.

Grandma’s Advice for a Long Life

Hugs to all...

A Winter’s Nest & Catching Up…

Who knew? I looked up and tried to identify this puzzling shape every time I’ve gone out to fill the front yard bird feeders.  Could it be? Another hummingbird nest?

Upon closer examination, it turns out to be an Oriole nest (I’m 99% sure anyway. If you think it’s something else, please let me know!)

 

I know we have Orioles around the yard every Spring, and they surely do love the grape jelly I offer them. But who knew they were nesting just a few feet away from the house?

So now to the catch-up part…. I have been in a blogging slump, therefore this is my first post of 2011. We have had lots of this:

And more Snow is on the way. And it’s so very cold. Again.

On a sadder note, my Grandma is in the hospital again. By the way, the last prayers were answered and she enjoyed several weeks of fairly good health. Thank you, Dear Blogger Friends! It doesn’t look good this time for her, bless her dear heart. So glad we had a nice visit yesterday. My cousin Susan snapped some “hand” pictures of various family members with Grandma while we were waiting at the hospital. Notice we both had our nails painted? I will cherish this forever.

Mr. W will have back surgery in less than two weeks, so we are preparing for that also. Hopefully he will be able to walk upright again and can be relatively pain-free after surgery.

So, that’s what we’ve been up to. How about all of you? Take care, and hope 2011 has gotten off to a good start for you!

Till next time….

Grandmothers are…

just antique little girls, aren’t they? And what a blessing they are. We recently celebrated my Grandma’s 97th birthday. It was truly a joyous day for all, but this photo by my cousin Susan captured the joy oh-so-perfectly.

Grandma on her 97th birthday this month, with great-great granddaughter.

What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies. ~Rudolph Giuliani

Here is what it looked like in our neck of the woods one year ago today.

 

Things aren’t so colorful here this year, or at least not yet! How is Fall where you are?

Upcoming CSN Stores Review

Back in the Summer, I was offered a chance to do a review for CSN Stores. In my usual procrastination mode (even for the fun and positive things – silly me!), I am just now getting around to starting this.

As you may know, CSN is an online retailer with over 200 stores, selling everything from dining room chairs to chicken coops (yes, really).

I’m not sure what the review will be on – still working on that. Hmmmm, could be cooking related, Christmas related… the list is endless with all those stores to peruse! Please stay tuned for the review.

I also want to let Patti know that this pretty sedum is doing well, and it’s such a lovely shade of pink. Very different from the other, darker blooming “Live Forever” that I have. Patti so kindly sent me this and some other starts in the Spring while my Blacksmith was in their neck of the woods. Love it!

 

On another note - we will attend a local Fiddle Contest tonight. There just are not many of these old-timey events around anymore, so it’s good to see one small town trying to renew this tradition. Of course the Fiddler is involved! Lots of good, toe-tapping music to be had.  Tomorrow we celebrate my Grandma’s 97th birthday at my uncle’s farm. Yes, she will be there with bells on. She only recently moved to a nursing home, but still is in reasonably good health for her age. She always knows and recognizes her grandkids, great & great-great also… and loves each and every one! I am continually blessed and inspired by this wonderful, faithful, dear lady.

What’s going on in your neck of the woods? Hope your weekend is off to a great start!