Distracted (Blame it on the Weather)

I have been totally side tracked lately by the weather. First it was seemingly unending wind and rain that always seems to find a way into the house... hard to stay creatively focused when you are sopping up leaks... but then the sun came out and I truly lost my focus.


This sudden burst of light and warmth has distracted me even more. I am completely enthralled by it, and the knowing that Life is quivering right beneath the surface of this nearby field, and that soon everything will be lush and green... well I feel like a kid anticipating the arrival of Santa Clause.


The Snow Geese, (above) and Tundra Swans have made their yearly pilgrimage to Middle Creek, a wonderful Wildlife preserve just a few minutes from my home.


That patch of white off in the distance is a large flock of Snow Geese. They later came right up to the road, exactly when my camera's battery decided to die. Sigh.


Those white dots on the lake are Tundra Swans. (I definitely need a camera with a good zoom lens.) I cannot describe the thrill I get when I see a flock of swans fly above me.


Here's Ellie Mae balancing on a log and hamming it up for the camera... she's happy about Springs arrival, too!

New Quilt, Old Barn

Hello Everyone!
I hope that your Holidays were very happy and that your New Year is off to a great start!

The last few weeks of 2009 were a bit of a crazed blur at our home, starting with my daughter getting stranded for a few extra days in London due to bad weather and canceled flights, (happily she made it safely home 2 days before Christmas) then the plumbing broke and the car died. 2010 rolled in to save the day, just in the knick of time, and all is now well, (knock on wood!)

The Quilt

In between all the "fun", I did manage to start a new, utilitarian inspired work quilt, which helped calm me immensely. This is the first layer. I started with various sized pieces of shot cottons in blues and greens, pieced together to form long rows.


Next I machine quilted lots of closely spaced rows, of varying widths, followed by long rows of multi colored hand-stitching


I have just a few more rows of stitching to complete, and then I can move on to the 2nd and final layer which will be made up of appliqued patches and more stitch work.


The Barn

You may have noticed that I have a new blog banner to start off the new year. I wanted something to reflect the new path I am headed in and since I find a lot of visual, and soulful inspiration from the old, weathered barns found around where I live, I thought it would be fitting to use one in my banner.

The barn I choose to use in my banner is my new favorite. It is almost within walking distance from my home, but I never knew of it until a few weeks ago when my husband took me to see it.


Situated on State Game Land, it is gloriously removed and remote, with nothing but fields and trees all around.


Here is the date stone... 1795... isn't that incredible?!? To think it has stood for so many years and now has entered its 4th century! I find that most inspiring.

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Over the next few weeks I hope to start making some more changes to the blog and to my shops. I will be emptying my Etsy Shop of any remaining merchandise, (the big sale is still on, but not for too much longer!) and slooooowwwwly be filling it back up with new stitched work. Stay tuned!

Everyday Pleasures #12

Happy August Everyone!

Summer in Lancaster County means being able to get locally grown, fresh produce all the time! We have several great farmers markets, and farmers often sell there bounty along side the road, as well. Actually, it seems that during the summer, produce stands of one kind or another can be found on almost every back road around here!

Pictured below is what I picked up yesterday at a local road side stand, (I only wish I had had my camera with me at the time, as the beautiful plow mules were standing right next to me as I paid!)


Local yellow plums! (Yes, yellow!) These are the sweetest, most juiciest things around!


Farm fresh tomatoes, summer squash, and onions. I'll cook them up with some black beans and serve them over pasta tonight.


Lancaster County corn on the cob. I could eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner, everyday of the week! It is the taste of summer!

Everyday Pleasures #9

As I go about my everyday business, I cannot help but to stop, stand still and gaze in awe at my surroundings...
for often it seems, as if long ago, time also stopped and stood still.


A farmer and his team of mules, stopping for a rest as they plow the field.


Old red barn with a split rail fence.


Longhorn steer grazing by an old barn.

Everyday Pleasures #8

Goodness gracious it's Friday already!
Old structures is what I am focusing the lens on for this weeks "Everyday Pleasures".
Hope you enjoy!


Nearby barn with an interesting roof and hex signs.


Little red barn shack, down by the railroad tracks


One of our old blue bird houses that Hubby built with the girls when they were little.