finding inspiration...

Wasn't it only yesterday that I was removing all of the heavy sun blocking curtains from the windows to allow more of the natural warmth to shine in?  Raising blinds to allow the brilliant sunshine?  Pretty sure it was. Yet this morning found me hanging them back up to block out the heat and keep the house cooler. It seems like we were under strong freeze warnings just a few days back, and here it is pushing almost 79°.  

I am definitely not complaining, simply wondering how time has flown past so rapidly.  I don't even feel I've slept in between.  I guess it is true what they say about time flying the older you get. 

Hubs and I ran away to the country this weekend, it was not only resurrection weekend, but also his birthday weekend.  Definitely causes for celebration.  Top it off with a tulip festival at one of my favorite Heirloom Seed farms with two of the people that inspire me beyond belief speaking and a chance to be completely disconnected.  Yep, sign me up.   

Hey sis, Dad has the snacks on the other side
I think I can reach them...

Mom, Dad is not sharing

nothing like a campfire

There is so much going on in the world, so very, very much. I needed a moment.  A chance to step into peace and rest.  So did Hubs.  Things are so intense.  I feel in my gut that they are going to be getting even more intense.  I know we needed a chance to completely disconnect. 

The campground was definitely not a favorite, in fact it's officially on the will not return list.  Sad.  Because it has incredible potential.  I would love to own one like it and really put some time, love and attention into it.  As it was... I 100% do not recommend it.  Thankfully it had very few folks staying at it, so it was relatively peaceful, as long as you could block out the incessant noise of the highway.  

He needed a better view of the campground

He's not spoiled... geez...

too much time running in the sun... nap time

It didn't matter, we weren't there to simply sit and stare at the highway.  We are fussy about the kind of campgrounds we select, I loathe feeling like we are camping in a parking lot.  I love green space, walking areas, a little bit of distance between us and the folks around us.  I seriously prefer to not camp in front of a massive burn pile that is almost the circumference of my home, thank goodness we were able to move our spot and not have that up against the back of the camper. 

So we loaded up the pups and went exploring. 

We spent time in a little town called Ava, traipsed through several antique shops.  Found a few things at the second shop, including a beautiful antique appliqued quilt top for a mere $29.  It's pristine and I cannot wait to spend countless hours quilting it. 

We tried to find a nice hiking trail that didn't include a water feature, because frankly Belle is a pure water dog, if it is there she will find it.  Beau is just as bad, although he usually displays a touch of restraint. Sadly the only one we found was far more difficult than either Hubs or I were up to. Shoot, even the pups were struggling with the steepness of the hills, so we didn't feel like we were completely out of shape.  Mildly, not completely. All in all we found spaces for the pups to romp and wear themselves out, we gathered firewood and roasted marshmallows in the evening as the sun was setting and putting on a beautiful display.  We played cards late into the night and early in the morning. 

The tulip festival was wonderful, if a bit overwhelming for me.  I spend so much time either solo or in incredibly small groups that I was frazzled by it all.  I couldn't wait to hear Rory Feek and Jess Sowards speak, they both are strong Christians that live a faithful and devoted life.  They inspire me to no end.  

We took the pups and they did incredible, although you could tell it was all a bit much for them also.  Hubs had been resting on a bench with the pups while I looked at some of the covered tents to see the wares that folks were selling inside.  Those truly are my people.  

The ones that go to homesteading festivals.  Where you can step back in time, where ladies are in their long skirts and men are wearing their jeans or overalls. Seeing folks walking around with their shopping baskets loaded with a variety of plants, seedlings, essential oils and natural healing items.  The beautiful things that you would have found in a pioneer village found at every corner. 

As I returned to tell Hubs that I had found the garlic bulbs and the seed potatoes that I was wanting and we could pick them up as we were leaving, he was excitedly calling me to hurry to him.  I found myself feeling a bit frantic, like I'd left him in the sun for too long and he was not feeling well or something of the sort.  

Hubs and I were blessed to meet Rory

No, it wasn't that at all.  I was intent on taking him over to listen to the live music playing at the top of the hill.  He was equally intent on letting me met Rory Feek.  I can't even remember how the conversation started, but it was wonderful.  He and his daughter's teacher we complimenting me on my puppies and how beautiful and well behaved they are and telling me that they loved my sweatshirt.  I was busy complimenting him on the inspiration that he has liberally shared with the world.  He offered to take a picture without it even occurring to us. I was intent on gathering more information about his Homesteading event that is coming up, as he was asking us if we were going to come and sharing all about it.  We ended up with a few photos and great memories.  We both shared why that particular part of Missouri draws us back.  It's such a blessing when you realize you share so many thoughts and ideals with someone that has blessed your life without ever knowing you.  A bit later I was blessed to meet his little girl, she is beyond precious.  

We went our way, they went theirs.  After enjoying some live music sitting on hay bales in the sunshine I really was worn from the swarm of people.  All so kind and loving, friendly and considerate, but oh so many of them.  My anxiety was high enough that I was ready to go.  I really wanted to hear Rory and Jess speak, but I simply couldn't take all of the swirling wonderful chaos. I told Hubs we needed to go.  

He argued intently with me, knowing that was the sole reason I had wanted to come.  I was content with having shared an incredible conversation with Rory, I was willing to leave. It was well over two hours before they were speaking and I simply couldn't.  I tried, I wanted to, but I simply couldn't. 

I definitely felt peaceful driving back to the camper.  I had designated myself the driver for the weekend, Hubs has been under a lot of strain lately, so I chose to give him the freedom to rest and unwind. 

Hubs was not okay with it at all. Tucking the pups in the air conditioning for the nap, we headed back out to the farm.  A big jar of fresh squeezed lemonade and front row seats later, that he made sure we got and we enjoyed over an hour of story telling and listening to the difference that pure faith had created in both of their lives.  My inspiration factor was through the roof.  

Rory Feek and Jess Sowards

While Hubs was getting us seats inside, I had the opportunity to say hello to Jess inside one of the planting tents.  I'm not a big one for hero worshiping.  I am a firm believer in the fact that we are all equals and no one is above another. But having the chance to tell people that you have been inspired by that they have made a difference in your life, is super powerful. 

We spent our resurrection Sunday among people of strong faith.  Surrounded by blessings and the bounty of this life.  My heart was bubbling with joy. I had wanted to attend a sunrise service, those are the ones that fill my heart with absolute joy for some reason.  But try as I might, I couldn't find one.  Instead I spent time in prayer and thankfulness while Hubs was out romping in the woods. I cherished the solitude as I reflected. 

I am finding so much in my life that is connecting with the path Jesus prepared for us.  I finally feel I am walking the path I was long intended to walk.  I closed my calendar this morning as I was carrying it to the other room. I'd picked it for the colors it had, for the calming sense it brought me daily, I'd forgotten the verse on the cover... "for I know the plans I have for you" Jeremiah 29:11.  I guess the Lord thought I needed the reminder and the conviction to step out further on things.  The ones I've been looking at longingly, but afraid to take the running leap off the cliff. 

The final sunset of the trip... always bittersweet

It's been a busy morning, it will be a busy day.  I hope that you are taking time to pray, to reflect on everything that is going on at this time and to prepare.  I feel we have been lulled into complacency in many ways.  We need to break out of that.  

Rory has spent almost a full year disconnected from the internet.  I am not sure I could do it.  Although listening to him speaking on Sunday has definitely inspired me to step back a bit from many of the things that are clouding my vision and spend a bit more time leaping off cliffs.  I am moving back into my busy time of the year, the garden is waiting for love, there are many tasks and projects that need my attention. I may not have acres and acres surrounding me, but I am still very much a homesteader, and my home needs tending. 

Well... time to build a potato box and learn how to grow spring garlic... 

much love and prayers... 

Storms are rolling in...

Within moments I expect to hear a large crackling as the thunderstorm arrives.  As the sun came up this morning it was quickly blocked out by swirling dark black clouds.  There is definitely a physical storm upon us. It's promises to be a doozy.  I love that word. It aptly describes what is about to happen, something outstanding or unique to it's kind. I'm hearing the rumbling a bit away, it's coming.  I've already seen the first lightening bolts slashing through the clouds. 

My grampa used to tell me that thunderstorms were just the angels bowling up in heaven.  It was how explained it in terms that I was able to understand as a young child.  Somehow it made it less scary to think it was just an angel making a strike. I'm not that little child any longer and I've learned over a lifetime to enjoy the storms, to savor the entire event.  To me, they now feel like we are getting a good washing clean.  Kind of incredible that here it is holy week and we are facing more powerful storms.  Personally, I feel like this entire world needs a good washing.  

For a bit I was making it part of my daily to do list to sit and write.  Sadly, it started to feel forced.  Like that darn English paper assignment that you didn't want to do, but you also didn't want the punishment for not completing the task.  I didn't like that.  There have been a lot of things in my life lately that have been pushed further down the list or dropped completely off. After some serious evaluation they simply didn't have the draw that they had in the past, the urgency left.  Now I only write when my heart feels the need. 

Hubs and I started our camping season last weekend.  A quick one sadly, three days is never enough, but a relaxing heart healing one just the same. We both disconnected from things, sat by the fire, roasted marshmallows, laughed, went to a craft/quilt event, played with the pups, pups made a friend (Smalls was great) and hosted a play time, we played cards and took an incredible hike.

A hike that ended up three miles long with about half of it all up the side of a rather steep hill.  We could have stayed on the paved path, but Hubs let me decide which path to follow.  By now you probably realize that I am always going to take the path less followed. As we had been looking at places to take the pups I'd read multiple descriptions and recommendations for Pirates Ridge, so of course we had to take it. 

I guess the first indicator of a fairly steep uphill to the path should have been like the proverbial light bulb moment, hardly. I was fully engaged in the moment and couldn't wait to see the views.  It was difficult in places, but not to the point that we couldn't do it.  There were moments of serious regret as that climb got steeper and the path narrower, my brain kept reminding me that I have absolutely no challenges going uphill, it might have been whispering the part that I struggle still with downhill as my knee doesn't have a full bend to it any longer. I kept checking on Hubs, he is a bit older than me and in my recklessness I didn't want to cause him any harm, he kept saying he was fine... but he also said that as I aimlessly took us on a romp through the alps back in 2012. 

That hike was brutal.  Look at their paws ❤

End result, an incredible hike, we observed over 25 caves that evidently are absolutely full of Indiana Bats that make a spectacular appears at dusk each evening.  Nope we didn't come back to check that out. We saw creeks and an incredible view of Hannibal and the river.  We let our imaginations run wild and enjoyed the signs of early spring. Both of us survived.  I might have given my sweet Hubs a few minor heart attacks as his desire to protect me is almost as strong as my own bull-headedness.  I had to prove to myself that I was capable of navigating those rocky paths and steep inclines back down to the paved path. FYI - I excelled at it, far better than I could have done for at least the last decade prior to my knee surgery.  Talk about an emotional high!

Hmmmm... might need to focus in on the weather a bit, this is the Midwest and the sky is turning an odd pea green and the trees are dancing in multiple directions at once.... And now the rain has arrived, I love springtime. 

This weekend will find us disappearing in another direction, although we are staying in Missouri.  Thankfully this storm is only supposed to last today and then pass.  Because the super high winds we drove through on Saturday had me feeling car sick for the first time in decades.  It was worse than the turbulence you experience flying into Colorado Springs. 

We are going to a homesteading/gardening event at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds farm.  I am stupid excited.  Two of my favorite vloggers/bloggers will be speaking.  I have followed them for years and find their content to be informative and well researched. And the whole event gets topped off with a walk through the tulip gardens and an opportunity to get some wonderful seeds and plants for my garden this year. 

It's located almost in the Ozarks, in those sweet rolling hills.  In the same town as Laura Ingalls Wilder lived out her remaining years and where she and Almanzo are buried. We all know that she is basically my life role model, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that I am drawn there. 

Goodness my sweet brave girl is terrified of this storm.  It's highly unusual for her to be afraid of anything.  Normally she is out running in the rain and stressing me out. Right now, she is on high alert pressed against my leg. She just slowly relaxed to the ground, but her head is covered in wrinkles and her ears are folded tight as she rapidly looks around.  Again, definitely not a Belle reaction to anything. 

It's still green outside, but the winds have stopped swirling... could be a good thing or could be a very bad thing the eye of the storm is not a good thing at all.  I am definitely keeping an eye in case I need to grab them both and drag them downstairs.  Belle will go willingly, she loves the treat room (as I am sure that is what she thinks it is - ask Dad), Beau on the other hand loathes the basement and will fight me every inch of the way. I'm not sure you can convince a pup that the storm is just the angels bowling. 

They want their sunshine back ❤

I don't know about you, but I feel like we are in the midst of some very ugly storms right now.  Spiritual, emotional, environmental, natural, economic, judicial... so many storms, so much intentional destruction.  If I am not writing, it is most likely because I am busy praying my way through it all.  You can see a lot of things from many sides, unfortunately, you can also see a lot of pure evil. People are hurting in so many ways.  I personally feel like it's all planned to be like this.  

I've been reading and studying the book of Exodus, I'm getting ready to start reading and studying the book of Revelations.  I don't feel that we are in that time, but I feel like we are getting closer every day. 

I am noticing that people are being pushed to breaking points on so many levels.  A trip to the store is a challenge, so many angry people.  Drivers are getting more aggressive, civil conversations are falling by the wayside.  People are saying things in a hateful and rude manner, feelings are begin hurt and not healing.  The entire world feels offended by something or another. It's exhausting.  

I've found my own solutions, I am staying in love.  Even when angry I ask myself to consider if I am looking at the situation, person, event with eyes of love.  Am I trying, whether I succeed or not, to stand in compassion and understanding?  If not, it's time to take that crap to God in prayer.  He is my banner, shield and coat of armor, he will help me through it. 

I am also finding myself withdrawing from situations that have the potential to explode.  I am finding less and less of a need to be around the general population.  There is comfort in small numbers, intimate groups and being surrounded by your loved ones. 

Anyone else?  Please take time during this week for some serious reflection.  Some time in peaceful prayer or silent meditation if that is more your style.  

Look who's decided
she could be a lap dog

It's time for me to get started with my day.  The storm is mellowing, although it's presence means the outdoor chores will wait for morning.  I might as well work on the things inside my cozy walls, the heat is coming as quickly as the cold did. 

love and prayers...

making memories...

Full tilt bogey... that's what Hubs calls it when you are busy... it's the perfect description for today.  In fact that will pretty much describe this week.  It's birthday week!  Hubs will turn 70 on Thursday, kind of shocking I know, I pretty sure he's really in his early 60's and is lying to me, but he swears it's that many years!  I am throwing a party for him on Friday night.  Family and close friends will gather to celebrate him.  It's going to be fantastic!  But I am not a party planner, at all.  I am already stressing, thankfully our girls are on board to help me plan it out and execute.  I am the one that cooks, that is my role at functions.  So the other stuff has me highly stressed out.  Luckily, those girls are amazing. 

There is just so much to get done, and taking the weekend to relax was amazing.  The inaugural camping trip of 2022 was incredible.  The pups did absolutely amazing!  We are fairly certain at this point that as long as they are with us they will go and do just about anything.  They are definitely explorers and adventurers.  

They really enjoyed being free range pups and sitting out front enjoying the sunshine with us.  They had their first winery experience and were fabulous, although Belle might have got an attitude with her Daddy when he was teaching her to sit calmly like a lady.  That girl packs powerful attitude when she wants to. 

I'm not talking to you dad... and no kisses!

You are being unreasonable dad!

I'll save you sis!

I don't want pets either... this is stupid

I'm gonna sit on mom... leave me alone

I'm your little baby mommy

Mommy save me...

If you are up near Hannibal, MO I strongly recommend the Mark Twain Cave Campground and Winery.  We loved it when we went for our final trip of the year last year, so much so that it had to be our first trip this year.  And we couldn't have been happier.  They have done so much work during the off season, you could simply tell they care and want it to be exceptional.    They are leveling all the spots, clearing out the access to the beautiful creek that flows through the property, putting in so many more full service RV sites it was wonderful.  They current owners just purchased it a few years ago, and have been working so hard to make it into a can't miss location. Some of the sites are a bit smaller than I am comfortable with, not being as much of a people person as Hubs I prefer a bit of space.  I just don't choose those sites when I book us.  

Mom, I thought we were ready to go, what's Dad doing?

And the winery is fantastic!  They have a port that is extraordinary and I will admit that we brought home several bottles.  Hubs has even fallen in love with it.  The brandy notes blend so nicely with the white wine base, it's heavenly.  And our new friends convinced me to try the pinot noir, I am not usually a fan of the drier reds, but they were delightful friends and the winery let me taste it first.  WOW!  I didn't bring any home, thought about it, but we'd already bought enough and when it came down to deciding between another bottle of the Gilded Page Port or the Mark Twain Reserve pinot noir, well... I went with the one I love the most.  Besides it gives me a great reason to return sooner, rather than later. 

Beau made a friend... Jack...

So my sweet fur babies led to us making some new friends.  They are kind of people magnets and the other two couples fell in absolute love with them.  I was semi-afraid a dog napping was liable to happen.  Not okay, they were sure making an effort to lure them to going home with them. I decided since they loved my babies so much I should tell them that I knew where they could get some just like them.  

Many bottles of wine and lots of chaos and confusion later, my girlfriends delivered two of Belle and Beau's sisters to my house yesterday and our new friends each have their own baby girl to love.  My babies are so bubbly compared to these sweet girls. But in all fairness these little girls have only been with their fur mom and dad, and remaining siblings and we had just put them in collars, in a strange car and brought them to a strange house and let them meet more strangers who then put them in harnesses and tried to walk them (they'd never been leash trained).  Those babies were traumatized!

Faith is Belle's little twin
their coloring is different
but they are the same pup

little sis (don't know
her name yet), she's a 
mix of my babies

One of them got her name by the time they left our house yesterday.  Faith.  It's perfect.  She is almost Belle's twin, although she is a bit smaller than Belle.  She has a small cross on her nose.  She perked up a bit quicker than their other sister.  

The pups were excited to have playmates, and warmed up to their sibs pretty darn quickly.  Their sisters were not so quick to warm up, but I have a feeling if we had already had our fence they would have all been running and playing in no time. 

Later in the day, long after their sisters had left and we took the clean camper back to our site, we took the pups to the dog park.  Our little Beau was having a fantastic day yesterday, he had three sisters to play with and then they made a real dog friend at the dog park.  Indy was a two year old golden, still very much a puppy himself.  They ran, played, tumbled, chased a ball and had a blast.  It was wonderful to watch and they were so happy.  Beau has been absolutely dying to have a puppy friend to tussle and run with.  He loves his sister, but wants to be friends with all the dogs.  Belle isn't usually so quick to warm up, but she definitely did last night.  It was like long lost friend night at the dog park.  Even though it was the first time they met. My 10 year old boy (Hubs) had a blast throwing the tennis ball for them. All around a win. 

It was so nice to step away from reality for a bit this weekend.  To simply stop and enjoy the simple things in life.  To play and laugh, to not really have any responsibilities or plans.  Hubs insisted that we take in the quilt show that happened to be going on while we were there.  I mean is was only 10 minutes from our campsite, and there were quilts. They were fantastic.  And he even found a vendor that had some great backings for sale at an even better price.  I was needing to shop for some so that I could finish a few of my quilts, but hadn't gotten around to it.  We bought three, so after this week is over I will get back to work on finishing up a few quilts. 

He also insisted we do the cave tour. I love caves, he loathes them.  I've known it since the first one we did way back in 2003, in fact that was when I knew it was true love.  The boy and I really wanted to go into the Meramec Caverns, so he took us.  We didn't know until afterwards that he'd never been before.  That he'd refused to go with his ex, waiting outside while they were in there.  Since that time he's taken me in many of them, always holding me close to keep me "safe".  Last year I wasn't physically ready to walk the cave, I was still so fresh from my knee replacement, but boy did I want to.  I hadn't decided to go this time, didn't want to put him through it, and darn it's pricey, he simply didn't listen.  For an hour we explored the caves made famous by Mark Twain.  We walked the paths the fictional Huck and Becky got lost in and where Injun Joe hid out from the law.  We learned the history, we stayed a healthy distance from the section where the mad doctor from St. Louis preserved his 14 year old daughter and enjoyed seeing all the signatures written over the 100's of years. 

Poor guy had his heart rate up there, but he made sure that I made it safely through the walk on uneven stones and through the small passages that actually stressed me a bit. He took pictures of things he was sure I had missed and asked all the questions that I was thinking but never ask.  It's like he reads my mind, and becomes my voice. 

At Lovers Leap

My sweet card shark

forever 10

Sunset at the winery

come on mom... we want to explore
pretending to be Huck & Becky

It was bittersweet packing up to come home yesterday.  We'd come earlier than planned to help Faith and her sister find new loving homes.  Sometimes you have to do the right thing.  And my dear friends helped us get those sweet babies to their new families where they will be spoiled and loved, maybe not as much as my babies, but I am a little "special" that way.  The only thing that made it okay, is knowing that we already have our next trip booked and paid for.  In just three short weeks we are heading back to Paducah.  Another spot that I feel great peace and joy.  

ahhh... home...

I've sat here far too long.  I have so much to get done, this house is trashed from unloading the camper and just stopping to enjoy wine on the deck and with our friends.  It's time to get back to adulting and doing the stuff that I have been ignoring. 

love and peace...