the view I love the most...

Today is not a hang out in the garden morning.  I don't think we got the raging storm they were predicting, but it definitely rained a good bit.  I checked on the garden about an hour ago and everything looks just fine. I was worried last night when I finally closed the door and headed to bed.  The high winds did a serious number last time and I was afraid that would happen again. 

Nope, it's hot, sticky, humid and wet.  Hard to believe it is even the same weekend that started so beautifully yesterday.  I'm definitely not a fan of heat or humidity.  So, I'll be staying happily inside today. 

Actually, I have a ton to do today, so the weather is simply being my guide.  If it was a beautiful day out there, I would be crazy tempted to wander out and play. I love to be outside. If the weather could stay mild 24/7, I would probably never come in the house.  Ya know, around 45° to about 80°, that is my favorite window.  I love the crisp fall days and the softness of the springtime.  Summer is a bit brutal for me.  I don't ever see me moving to say... south Texas.  I need it cooler.  And southern Florida is a definite no, the humidity is just not my thing.  

I often wonder if there was somewhere else I would have rather stopped.  And the truth is, there has never been anywhere that has pulled on my spirit enough to make me move.  So many of the places I have lived over my lifetime hold magic for me.  They are places that are filled with great memories and things that I cherish.  Hubs and I play a game when we are out and about and always say "oh I could live here".  And in most cases, I could.  They all have things that appeal to me.  

I miss the beauty of the Colorado sky, that color is burned forever in my memory as the color of a perfect sky.  I loved the richness of the soil in Washington state, so much grew on the farm that I was blessed to live on. I will forever miss Germany and the wonderful adventures I had all around Europe.  I cherished the beauty of a Charleston springtime, so brief, yet so fragrant and breathtaking in it's splendor. 

If I dig further back in my memories... there was so much to love about Crete and the experiences there.  And I vaguely remember my original home of Pennsylvania, although it's been so very long since I've been there that those memories are a bit fuzzy and vague.  I remember the beauty of so many places that I have been blessed to call home. I never figured the Midwest would be my final stopping point.  But somehow it happened. 

Honestly, if we ever moved it would probably be to somewhere in Kentucky.  I find it so peaceful.  I also very much enjoy Tennessee.  Or even closer to where we are now, down in the rolling hills of the eastern Ozarks would suit me just fine.  Somewhere I can garden, enjoy the seasons, live my life... Heck, I have that all right here. 

I don't plan to move anymore.  I'm tired of packing up my life and starting over.  I have a lifetime of experience doing just that.  And frankly, I'm over it.  I've enjoyed the world, I've met incredible folks that I wouldn't trade for anything.  Had experiences that have shaped who I am.  Good, bad and ugly.  And honestly I wouldn't change any of them.  There was a lesson in it all. 

Yesterday as we traveled around down near the Amish community I found myself once again lost in a lifetime long admiration of them.  Well, for the most part.  I deeply respect their way of life and many times longed for that kind of simplicity and peacefulness in my life.  

At one point two adorable little girls came past on a tiny little wagon pulled by a tiny horse, they looked like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting.  I wanted to take a picture, but my fingers and heart wouldn't let me.  I know that the Amish do not like their pictures taken, I didn't want to be disrespectful.  Their little matching dresses were a soft powder blue and their bonnets were white.  They looked to be all of 5 or 6, and here they were out in the field together, deeply engaged in conversation and going to wherever it was that they were heading.  

My little grand daughters are very much independent, so that part didn't surprise me at all.  They both have hopped in their little electric cars and driven to my house around that age.  My daughter is a free range mom, raising them to stand on their own two feet. I saw so many similarities in the little girls yesterday and my grands.  Except for the dress.  The independence, the self-confidence, the ability to be out and about on there own.  It was a powerful moment. 

Yes, I understand their culture is very different than ours, and that I would NEVER be okay with the way that they treat animals. I cherish mine, they aren't known for that.  But I could definitely find myself quite comfortable with the majority of their lifestyle and culture.  Who knows maybe I was in another lifetime. 

I am drawn to that simplicity, to the work ethic, to the sense of community, to the way they help one another.  All of those things deeply align with my feelings, thoughts and actions.  Now that being said... while I definitely could handle living that lifestyle, I very much appreciate the things I have.  If I had to do without electricity and modern conveniences I guess I could. Believe it or not I do know how to cook on a wood stove, sew by hand, etc... but... I definitely enjoy the ability to not do those things.  For now they are a change from the normal. I pray with all of the insanity going on right now that they do not become our new normal. 

As much as I want to sit here and reflect on the moments that made up yesterday.  I have tons of produce that needs processed.  I have my own work do do while Hubs is at work this morning.  They say idle hands are the devil's playground, I'm not a fan of giving him a chance.  

In just a short while the pressure canners will be running full steam and I will be working on some jellies and maybe another vinegar or two.  Last night I finished up the green beans and some beets.  Today will be another busy one.  My cantry is coming together quite nicely. 

Stay busy, don't give the devil the chance he's looking for... 

love and peace... 

rainy days and Mondays...

How did Monday get here so quickly?  Time seems to be moving at an incredible speed lately or rather marked time does.  I feel like I am living in this weird space and time bubble.  My days are filled with things that bring me joy and they seem timeless, one thing blends seamlessly into the next.  I don't feel rushed most days and I live in a state of calmness.  I love my life!  And then I look at a clock or calendar and I have a near panic attack.

I long to be sitting out on the deck while I wait for the Cinnamon donuts to finish baking.  Enjoying the fresh, cool air.  Unfortunately the rain that was kind enough to wait for us to enjoy the weekend has arrived and it is much too soggy. In fact the thunder, lightning and wind are pretty much insuring I don't wander to the deck and sit. 

This is my kind of weather.  I am perfectly content to stay inside and enjoy the beauty and energy of the storm through the windows.   

We spent the weekend halfway between our home and Sis's.  A little, not so little, town called Hopkinsville in Kentucky.  Personally, I fell in love with it's quirky streets, the diversity and quaint shops.  I would love to be able to purchase one of those beautiful old buildings that are slowly being developed into AirBnB's.  Although I am a bit perplexed by the fact that there are so many.  We did not wander into Tennessee, but I do know there is a military base not far from there, just outside of town I believe, so maybe that is why.  

We didn't have too much of a plan, no where concrete that we wanted to explore or experience. This weekend was simply about family time.  Of course I did want to help Sis learn how to service her beautiful featherweight Lucille, and we had a few gifts that we wanted to give to her.  They were for her birthday and Christmas (November and December respectively) but Hubs doesn't do well with waiting - at all!  Hello my sweet two year old... so she got to open both of them this weekend.  I am guessing we did okay in our selections as both of them were smiling and maybe a tad teary eyed. 

Hubs and I left early enough for a short stop in Paducah.  I simply cannot drive right past, I needed to stop by my favorite rock, yarn and fabric shops and of course the quilt museum.  All of which was accomplished before heading on to our destination. 

I had wanted a reticulated quartz for my sister and they had just the thing, I will send it south with my daughter this weekend. I have been wanting a pendulum for dowsing.  My trip definitely yielded both of these things. 

I really had no needs in the other two shops, they just fill my eyes and soul with yummy goodness.  But neither of the shops failed to provide a treasure I couldn't live without.  There is another baby making his appearance in February and I found the most perfect fabric for his quilt, not that I am making it any time soon, but... never hurts to be prepared. 

And I might just need to stay out of Tuscan Rose... because I absolutely cannot help myself. She offers such a wide variety of yarns, so many that I have never tried and the colors that she dyes them.  It is a visual candy shop and even more addictive than sugar.  You know I left with some beautiful yarns, heck I already worked one of them into a hat.  It was supposed to be part of my Christmas gifting list, not sure that is going to happen. 

I told myself I was not buying any more supplies.  I have enough to keep me busy forever.  I did not keep my promise - exactly. 

Saturday morning on our quest for quilt shops we encountered a few antique shops first.  Hubs, Sis and I were in heaven.  Hubs can explore antique shops for days!  He rarely purchases anything, but he always spots a few treasures tucked in corners that take him back to times gone by.  He will show me so many gadgets that his parents or grandparents used on a daily basis.  He tries to trip me up on what they are or were used for.  I can guess fairly well, but there are always a few that stump me. 

As usual I was on the search for featherweight sewing machines (where do all these lucky souls find them tucked in a corner forgotten??), old quilt tops or blocks and old embroidery bits. I cherish the old sewing items they are so beautiful and soft, and one of my favorite quilt artists never fails to inspire me, if you haven't seen Kelly Cline's quilts and pin-cushions you are seriously missing out. That woman can take a top or embroidery that looks like a hopeless cause and turn them into a beautiful and cherished quilt or pin-cushion. The most amazing thing about her (besides her talent) is that she isn't at all shy about helping you learn to do the same thing.  

So needless to say I was on the hunt!  I didn't find a featherweight... I think those stories might just be fairy tales to inspire the hopeless.  But I did find some fantastic antique blocks - so did Sis.  I found enough lanterns to make an entire quilt, someone carefully pieced them by hand and used bits of feedsacks throughout. I also found some beautiful appliqued squares, the name of the pattern is escaping me right now.   They are a beautiful muslin with pink and green applique.  Unfortunately, they are a bit stained up.  I am going to try washing them, if it works, great... if not they are going to get either tea or coffee dyed.  There are enough of them for a full quilt also.  Not a bad haul for $15. Sis did a better job than I did and got enough beautiful blocks to make at least 3 full quilts.  The crazy blocks were my favorite and it's a good thing she snagged them up, because if she hadn't I would have and I need no more unfinished projects... haha... says the woman who wasn't done for the day. 

The two shops that I adored, were where I found the blocks and embroidered work. They were such different shops, one gave me complete anxiety it was so packed full of bits and pieces with little bitty spaces to walk.  My claustrophobia was absolutely off the chain in there.  The second was so neat and tidy.  Each thing set up so carefully it made me sad to move anything while shopping.  We went to a third shop, and the overwhelming factor for me was far too much, I ended up waiting out in the truck and crocheting.  Hubs and Sis had a great time and Sis found a treasure that she has been searching for, so... it was worth the time. 

The sweet woman at the second shop gave us a tip on where to find an incredible quilt shop, let me tell you they must all work together to send you to the most addictive spots around.  Because Trenton, Kentucky is incredible!  What we saw was basically a wide spot in the road... but what a spot it was!  One one side of the street there is a huge yarn store, that I could have absolutely moved into and never stopped knitting and crocheting. On the other side of the street was the most incredible quilt shop.  I mean seriously, I could move to this town.  Although I would definitely have to return to a traditional job, because I would live permanently broke. The whole town was those two shops, a soap shop, a deli, a couple of other stores that I forgot to really give any attention to and evidently there are AirBnB rooms above the deli, at least that is all that we saw.

In the midst of all the treasure hunting, we found so much time for laughter, card playing, talking, finding great local spots to eat our meals in and simply just being together!  The two days together are never enough.  We always wish we lived closer and could spend more time together. Knowing we are sneaking up on the winter weather makes it a touch worse.  We probably won't be physically together until sometime in the spring. 

I'd remembered reading that Edgar Cayce was from Hopkinsville and was over the moon to be able to pay our respects.  He was such an interesting man and he helped so many. We stopped by there after we got Sis on her way south, before we headed out of town. 

As much as I love traveling, uncovering treasures, having adventures and spending time with family and friends, I also love coming home to my little spot of paradise. We aren't running away this weekend, we are staying home.  It makes this week feel longer and calmer.  My Monday rush isn't hitting me as hard... But I wouldn't trade the weekends for anything. 

I guess it's time to stop rambling, the coffee is cooled, the cinnamon donut with browned butter icing has long since been eaten and I really do have stuff to do.... 

Here's to a wonderful Monday everyone! Love and Peace...

time...

I'm sure there is going to come a point where I am not enthralled with this magical thing called time.  I'm just not able to imagine it in this space. I am finding myself far more relaxed and peaceful than I have been in years, and I do mean years.  For a long time I thought maybe I was the kind of person that thrived in the non-stop rat race world that we live in. 

Guess what, I was so wrong!

So far on this beautiful spring day, I have finished some mending, finished the center of a quilt top - need more Christmas fabric to finish it, it's far too dark right now, almost completed one of my fingerless gloves - just needs the thumb, listened to four podcasts, finished planting the herbs in the garden, went grocery shopping and laid down for a bit to give these stupid knees a rest.  Typing it all out... whew that sounds exhausting.  

Reality, it was slow and peaceful. 

I'm in the kitchen, I was making a pot of curry and rice for dinner and some chocolate chipless cookies.  Hubs loves both! But... Hubs LOVES a baloney and cheese sandwich also and he remembered that we had both, so... curry will wait until tomorrow night.  The cookies are almost ready to pop in the oven.  I can't wait for the warm smell of fresh baked cookies to fill the house.  It's been forever since I've made any.  I am fairly positive that I will soon be brewing a cup of tea to enjoy with my cookie. 

My dear friend reached out today inquiring about rhubarb, how to know when to harvest and how much we needed to make a pie or crisp.  I sure hope it is ripe and ready, because if so, we will have so much fun making a mess and baking! She's also the one that helped me gather dandelions for jelly.  I love having friends that are willing to try doing the same crazy stuff I am!  She is definitely part of my soul tribe!  I simply can't imagine my life without her in it!

Would have looked awesome!

I had planned to do more sewing, I started to cut out another robe for the Hubs - miscalculated when I bought it and there isn't enough fabric.  Total sadness occurred for a moment, instead I tidied up the sewing room and moved on to another project.   My sweet Pfaff sounds like she needs a tune up at the very least, so I guess the universe was intent on telling me to simmer down and let the poor thing rest.  I have to admit I am definitely crushed that it isn't working well.  I bought that with my last paycheck when I lived in Germany.  It is one of my prized possessions. I have traveled with that silly thing in my luggage, if that is any indication. Now comes the challenge of finding someone that can work on it. Not a common machine here in the mid-west. 

Now that time is more fluid for me, I am feeling greedy with it.  I imagine it is how a person in the desert feels when they come upon fresh water after days of rationing it.  I've rationed my time for so long, mourned the things that I longed to do, but well... time... now that there is so much laid out before me, I want to rush headlong into all of it!  Grasping it up, expecting to lose this thing I find most precious.  I am trying very hard to pace and control myself, to realize that I don't have to do it all in a day, but it is so hard to twist my mind into that reality. 

It's only been a week.  Habits take a bit longer to make, right? 

I am enjoying being in comfy clothes, wandering barefoot in the grass, feeling the energy of the earth radiating up into the core of my being.  I am thriving in the silence, I am sure at some point I will miss noise and chaos.  Maybe. For now, it is priceless. I am treasuring the ability to sit with my feet up when these stupid knees are throbbing, to rest them and not feel guilty.

If it is beautiful out, I wander to my treetop garden and soak up the beauty and sunshine.  Heck if it's raining, I still find myself curled up in a seat enjoying it. I might sweet talk Hubs into a fire in the Solo stove if it isn't too windy tonight, we can wrap up in blankets against the chill of the evening and spend time chatting and savoring life! 

Company?

Just looked out on the deck and saw a friend has come to visit.  I'm not sure who the golden eyed baby belongs to, but it isn't me.  He must love the treetop garden also, as he was sitting there checking out the bird feeders, wonder if he wanting some fresh meat for dinner?

I'd love to share with Hubs the podcasts that I listened to this morning, about healing your inner child to manifest the future of your dreams.  I saw both of us in my minds eye, while listening.  It was fascinating. Although he will probably give me that smile that says "okay sweetie, whatever you say"... at least he will humor me as I chatter away. 

Tonight marks the beginning of a week of vacation.  We aren't going anywhere, at least, I don't think so.  My sister in law was supposed to be heading up here this weekend, but the universe had other plans and instead she will be staying home nursing a pain.  Maybe next month we will try again. Hubs had considered cancelling his vacation, but when you get five weeks cancelling the first one in May is a bit silly.  The year is already almost half over.  So he and I are going to finally dig into all the nooks and crannies in our house and get ready for the annual yard sale. 

Sis coming to visit would have been a lot more fun, think quilting mania, but... the chores definitely need to get done, I have no doubt we would push them aside for that bit of time.  Hopefully she will be healed and able to travel next month.  

For now... let's get this "party" started.  Those cookies are smelling incredible!

making memories...

 

A warm fire crackling beside our Christmas tree is a perfect welcome home. Warm muffins, hot coffee, curled up in my favorite spot in front of the bay window watching the sun rise, feeling the glow on my face.  

Yep, home! 

In a short while I will start doing the things.  Making some cookies, wrapping some presents, finishing up a few projects in the sewing room.  For this moment, I am simply savoring the past few days. 

Having always had someone or something to be responsible for I've never truly had the space to simply be.  To come and go, to explore and be truly spontaneous. I did not expect 2020 to give us that gift.  I expected this vacation to be sad, filled with a feeling of loss.  The two furthest away cannot come home, they live in one of those states that makes having a life right now impossible.  We'd even considered driving out and surprising them, but... the state is making that completely impossible now. So we will have to make due with a phone call for Christmas this year. 

The kids closer to home have so much going on in their worlds, so much is changing. 

Last week about this time, I decided we were going to follow suit. We'd already decided to drive to deliver gifts in Arkansas and Alabama, it would have been a simple trip filled with highways and knitting. Not much to see when you travel by highway.  It's just a channel cut through the vibrant life and made dull. Point A to point B and so on.  

I needed something more. Longing for the smell and feel of the ocean air on my face, I somehow decided we needed to add a stop in New Orleans into our little journey, neither of us had ever been so it seemed like a wonderful place to go. Many reroutes later, we are now sitting in back in our own home.  Each of us enjoying things that make us feel connected.  I am listening to the music of the Godfather drifting up the stairs, as Hubs is engrossed in the latest remake.  I am writing and remembering. 

I am learning to listen to my inner voice.  The one I've always told to shush. The one that practicality and responsibility have told to stop dreaming and be reasonable. 

I was tired of reasonable. 

2020 has been the longest year, the most exhausting.  When you feel deeply a year like this is harsh, too harsh.  It has left me drained, with nothing to give. Tired.  Mind numb. The joy had been tarnished. I was struggling hard. 

A quick stop with family, ironically all us girls and mom were together, usually at least one of us is missing.  That was not the case this year.  We laughed, chatted, teased.  It was so relaxing.  The next sister down created the most beautiful ornaments, that I can't wait to put on the tree and she made me an AWESOME bug picture, completely with personalized plates.  No one ever makes me gifts and this year my heart is full! I love the treasures that someone took time to create.  

Another irony of this tipsy topsy year we are living through.  Handmade treasures abound! I even came home to a homemade Christmas card.  My heart is full!  In fact I have quite a collection of Christmas cards this year, after far too many years with barely any. Future proving past?  Has this unplanned slow down for many led to us being able to see the value of before?

After dropping off donuts and gathering a few more hugs for good measure our red sleigh (better known as Hub's truck) whisked us down to New Orleans. 

Having never been there and only experiencing it through the news media and others I am not sure what exactly I was expecting.  Part of me expected a comparison to my senior high school trip to Spain.  And I can't say I was disappointed. Bourbon street was... well... Bourbon street.  There was noise, chaos, dirty buildings and streets masked with bright lights to make it appear festive.  

Due to covid we were not able to see any live jazz or blues music being played, which bummed the Hubs out greatly.  Who knows we may go back one day. Alcohol flowed freely and the smell of weed filled the air. Everyone seemed to love Hubs shoes and wanted to tell him where they were from, for a dollar or two, he must have appeared to be an easy mark. They left me alone, but then I've said many times that I am not friendly and I can make myself most unapproachable when I want. Seems those life skills finally came in handy. 

I think my favorite part were our early morning walks.  In a town that doesn't go to bed until the wee hours, the early morning hours are still and beautiful.  We were amazed to see the street cleaners, more like a giant pressure washer, coming through each morning to remove the evidence of the night before. In the wee hours the air was clean, the smells of the city were normal and expected.  Hints of coffee and breakfast foods drifted from the cafe's.  We walked the almost silent streets, gazing in shop windows, sipping hot chicory lattes.  We were blessed to watch the sunrise on the same mighty river that flows so close to our homes.  The ships were huge as they made their lumbering way out to sea.  The waterfront a place to enjoy.

We discovered alleyways and hidden treasures. A cigar shop that was rolling them right there in town. So many experiences!

We had beignets each morning at Cafe du Monde.  So sweet and bad for you and so wonderful at the same time.  We watched the birds scurrying about looking for dropped crumbs and listened to the Christmas music being played live out front.  We paused to enjoy the art work being hung for sale all around the beautiful Jackson Square. 

Two days is simply not enough time. We may find our way back some day, I still want to wander the French Market, visit the plantations, maybe do a ghost tour, listen to the live music while sipping an adult beverage.  There was simply too much to absorb in a few short days.  Too many things we wanted to experience.  It felt like we were dipping our toes in, when we truly wanted to submerge ourselves. So much history and character left untapped. 

Leaving was tough, with so many things left to explore.  

I charted our course to Birmingham via the seashore.  I might have taken us through some extremely questionable areas.  We were saddened to see the destruction from hurricanes that still lingers, some of it no doubt from Katrina.  In some cases beautiful homes stood beside water destroyed structures.  It was surreal.

Bayou's, marshes, causeways, and more of the same, all breathtakingly beautiful.  Trees bare for the winter decorated with long strands of Spanish moss reminded me so much living in Charleston.  When we had no money and I used that moss to create Christmas gifts for family and friends.  The harshness of the sea softened in unexpected ways and places.  

We traveled almost 100 miles or so down the sea shore.  Enjoyed a cold lunch sitting at an outside cafe watching the waves beating on the shoreline. An occasional para-sail coming into view before dumping it's hapless rider into the sea. We walked along the coast.  Both of us longing to have the sand between our toes, but not willing to risk the hypothermia that might come with the long missed experience. We had to enjoy the soft white sands of the gulf running through our fingers instead.  Hubs was brave enough to stick his fingers in the water, I was not.  It was awfully cold to me, from the splashes from the waves. 

Hours and hundreds of miles later we arrived in Birmingham. Our final family stop before the sleigh would carry us back to our home.  It was a breakfast filled with questions, snuggles from Hub's only great nephew, selfies and laughter.  We'd interrupted a busy weekend for them, but we'd all found a moment for family.  The look on the little guys' face when he got a piece of coal (really its soap) to find out mom had been telling him that was all he was getting for Christmas, priceless is an understatement. 

While in New Orleans I had my palm read - I mean would anyone expect me of all people not to?  Very little of what she said surprised me, it was all things that my heart already knew. She told me that I have met my soulmate, I didn't need anyone to tell me that.  Who else would put up with my special brand of crazy and keep smiling? If driving 1722 miles and visiting all those places in 5 days doesn't prove how compatible we are I simply don't know what does.  

With our world being controlled in so many ways, it was liberating and wonderful to simply live.  I don't want to be controlled.  Never have.  And the joy of simply going where our hearts lead us, was incredible.  

Tonight for the first time in 800 years we will see the "Bethlehem Star".  I can't wait!  I've been watching it form for months.  We will have clear skies to view it.  We had to be home for this. It was very important to me. I love experiencing new things with my sweet Hubs, and this one can't help but be a first.

We've returned home, it is now time to enjoy the family here at home. Who knows what other memories are waiting to be made?