All Things New

Back in October, we had a terrible ice storm.  In fact, there are many homes around us who are still cleaning up the debris left by it.  Because it happened in the fall, the trees still had their leaves and many ended up dying--they couldn't withstand the weight of the ice.

As I was walking around the front yard this morning, I noticed that the azaleas and hydrangeas were starting to bud and bloom again.  Looking at the bushes a few weeks ago, we thought they were dead and we would have to start from scratch again.  My mother in law chopped away on Easter weekend and found some green at the bottom.  Brian worked a on them later in the week and found more.  The new growth is a huge contrast to the old.  Most of it is next to the old and not in it the current bushes.  So, sadly, we are going to have to cut out most of the old.  

I say sadly because those bushes were tall and full...the new is short and sparse.  

We could continue to leave the old because it's bigger and it's what has been there for years.  But if we do, we will lose the new growth and just have tall, brown bushes. If we cut out the old, the house will look bare for the next few years until the new growth expands and fills in the gaps left by the old.  I wish this were an overnight process, but it's not (*SIGH*).  It will take several seasons and a lot of hard work before the flower bed looks lush and inviting. 

I can't help but think of how that same concept translates to us.  We weather some pretty bad storms and seldom do we come out unchanged.  In fact, parts of us die and never grow again.  We can continue to water and care for those dead parts, hoping they will miraculously come back to life. We can wallow in the fact they are not blooming.  We can mourn the flowers we used to have.

Or we can cultivate the new parts--the fresh things that God is teaching us and doing in us and bringing forward for the world to enjoy-the parts that bring a new beauty and joy--different than the old and maybe even more beautiful. in their time.

It doesn't mean we can't still grieve the old.  If we didn't grieve that part, then it probably didn't matter much.  There's something cathartic about a good cry over what we used to have.  But in the lamenting, we can also smile at the bittersweet shoots popping out of us and reaching toward the Son.  The new blooms God is bringing forth.

"See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you know perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Isaiah 43:19

  

These are a Few of My Favorite Things...April 16, 2021

It has rained a lot this week.  We needed it, but it has also made the days pretty dreary.  And the ground very muddy.  And all the animals (and people) stir crazy.  

But, even though I didn't get to snap as many outdoor pics, I've still managed to find some good things.  Here are a few of my faves from this week:

Ranch to Table

I discovered a new show last Saturday and I am here for all of it!  It's called Ranch to Table and follows the life of a rancher--similar to The Pioneer Woman.  The difference is this lady--Elizabeth Poett--makes her meals from the fresh produce they cultivate on her ranch which has been in her family for 7 generations--since 1837!  I am all about that these days--growing what we need to sustain us.  While I could never have lived back in the Little House on the Prairie days (I like air conditioning and flip flops way too much) I do love the idea of being self-sustaining as much as possible.   The show will be on the Magnolia Network--leave it to Chip and Jo to find this gem.  Looks like I will have to subscribe to Discovery Plus so I can watch more. Here's the link to her website: Ranch To Table

New Swing

Last fall I participated in a secret sister gift exchange.  I've heard all the lectures about how this doesn't work or is illegal, yada, yada, yada.  BUT, it was SUCH a life-giving thing to me!  I received some of the best gifts--one of which was a macrame swing.  Brian finally had time to hang it this week for me and I don't want to ever get out of it!  Thankfully, I had a few days to enjoy it before the rain. This is one of the things I've been missing here on the farm.  Hammocks are great, but I would prefer to sit up and read.  I can't wait for the rain to stop so I can get back to swingin.

Key Lime Pie

The hint of warmer weather makes me crave all things fruit.  I tried my hand this week at some mini key lime pies and they did not disappoint.  I used Joanna Gaines' recipe in her Magnolia Table cookbook.  I didn't have access to key limes, so I zested twice as much of them to go into the recipe (I mean, come on, is there really such a thing as too much lime?).  I also cheated and used store bought graham cracker crusts.  I've never made a pie shell from scratch and these sufficed.  Jo's recipe calls for cinnamon graham crackers for the crust--which intrigues me--so I have no doubt I will try my hand at it at some point.  Mine are topped with Caroline's homemade whipped cream (don't ask me how she makes it--I just beg her to do it until she gets tired of me) and more lime zest.  YUM!  This will definitely go into my back pocket as a go-to for entertaining in the future.

Prom

I know I spammed you with a bunch of pics on my social media feed already, but seriously, I am still SO happy Caroline got to go to prom.  Yes, it's only her junior year, but who knows what next year will hold.  One of the things this pandemic and living with someone with dementia has taught me is to grab hold of every moment and squeeze the joy out of it right now.  We have no idea what tomorrow brings so I choose to celebrate where I can, when I can, how I can.  

Anyway, prom dress shopping went much better than I thought it would.  I am not the most patient clothing shopper (understatement of the year).  Caroline found the most gorgeous dress and get this--it was the very first one she tried on!  Yes, we still had to try a few others to make sure it was "The One," but  there was no doubt.  She reminded me of Cinderella.  And her date!  He matched her perfectly and the corsage was gorgeous (and had some sparkle that she approved)!  They looked like a dream together! (Cue "Once Upon a Dream" from Cinderella)

Since we are still in the midst of Covid, they were required to wear a mask.  I would have found the glitteriest, most sequined one available, but Caroline is a little more subtle and wanted something simple.  I threw it out on social media and my friend Melanie who owns Common Roots Mercantile texted me and said they would do it.  She never saw the dress in person, but created a mask that could not have matched more perfectly!  CRM does all kinds of custom and personalized things--gift baskets, grazing boxes and all the fun things for weddings and events--check them out and support their amazing small business!  You can even follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see all their latest creations!

What favorite things have you discovered lately?  Inquiring minds want to know!

Despite the rain, I was able to capture a few #farmcharm pics this week:

They just can't stop digging

Hauling limbs to the brush pile--don't I look like a professional?

I planted some lavender in Granny's old washtub.  

Granny loves tending to her strawberry patch

Chicken love

The view from my swing

 

Another prom pic, because, why not?

How often do you get to pose with your 102 yr old Granny in your prom dress?

Yoga Flynn

Royal Reads Launch--The Language of Flowers

I love to read and am always in search of a good book--life is too short to spend it reading bad books.  I've been toying around with the idea of having a weekly or monthly post highlighting a book I've read that I would recommend to friends.  

I'm not always the most consistent person, so this may totally flop, but I'm going to attempt to do this every Wednesday.  The books will be as random as I am--there will be no rhyme or reason as to the ones I choose--other than I love them. My goal is to save you from digging through the library stacks and Goodreads reviews to find your next story to bury yourself into.

For my inaugural post, I'm choosing to go with my favorite book of all time:  The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.

Let me just say that this book made me feel ALL the feels.  I fully remember sobbing in a couple of parts (so you may not want to read it in the middle of a coffee shop or busy airport).  If you have triggers about foster care, it might not be the book for you either.  I have never been a foster parent, but have always had a heart for the kids in the system, so this book hit me in the gut.  

I won't give away the whole plot.  The basic gist is that Victoria has aged out of the foster care system and learns to make her way in the world.  She uses flowers to speak what she cannot say.  I found myself fascinated with the meanings behind each bloom as much as I was anxiously awaiting Victoria's fate.  It also made me love foster parents even more for the impact they have and the heartbreak they often experience.

Since this is the launch of my new weekly post, I'm doing a giveaway!  Comment below if you would like a copy of this book.  If you've read it, comment with the name of someone you think would love it.  I will draw a name on Sunday, April 17th for a winner and send them a free copy. 

Stay tuned next Wednesday for another of my favorite books!

These are a Few of my Favorite Things...April 2021

Life has been hard lately.  Granny is declining rapidly and the dementia keeps us on our toes--we never know what to expect from her.  Since I've started writing this post, I've been interrupted 7 times--no exaggerating--for random things.  

In the midst of that, I am trying to keep myself focused on the positive. I'd like to think I would do the same if I were back in Texas,  but there is just a slower pace here in Okie-land that allows me to literally stop and smell the roses (or daffodils and lilacs since we have no roses blooming at the farm).  

I work hard at finding joy every day.  I keep thinking I will keep a journal, but just haven't taken the time to do that yet.  I know this season will not last, so I want to grab as much good from every day as I can.  

Here are a few of my current favorite things...

Fetch

My friend Ali told me about this app.  I'm a sucker for getting rewards for doing nothing except snapping a pic.  Basically, I just take and upload a pic of any receipt I have and I earn points.  Do you have this app?  If you use my code to download it, I get 4000 extra points.  Plus, you get 2000 points for your first receipt.  Here's the link:  

https://fetchrewards.onelink.me/vvv3/referraltext?code=WE4W3

Let me know if you use it!!

All things Emily Lex

I posted about this book on facebook the other day: Freely & Lightly.  Not only do I love the book, but I love her artwork!  She sends out a weekly email with "Lovely Links" and a phone wallpaper that I eat up as well.  If you haven't checked her out, do yourself a favor and look her up:  EmilyLex.com

My Fairy Garden.  

It's silly.  I feel like I am a kid, watching Mr Rogers Neighborhood when they go to the Land of Make Believe.  It makes me smile EVERY STINKIN TIME I am arranging it.  I started out buying items from the dollar stores--anything I thought was cute.  Once I did my initial set-up, I started narrowing it down and realizing what I wanted the overall final outcome to be.  Most people's fairy gardens are magical, whimsical places.  Mine will have a farm and an rv park.  It's SO redneck, but I love it.  There will be no doubt it's mine when you look at it.  I know most people outgrow fairy gardens when they turn 10, but let me live my life, man!

Dollar Tree Drinking Glasses

Y'ALL!  Aren't these the cutest?  They hold a glass full of sonic ice with a mini can of Sprite and I LOVE THEM!!!  I don't get to shop often, so most of my purchases these days are online or Walmart or the dollar store.  I only bought 2, but I think I may need to go back for more.  Can't you just see them filled with a little fruity cocktail?

Friends at the Farm

I have been lucky to have 3 friends visit me here at the farm the past month.  I was a little worried to share it in person because I take pics of the pretty stuff--not the big junk piles and trenches the dogs have dug.  And, let's be honest...sometimes Gran's behavior is...interesting. Thankfully, I have amazing friends who don't care.  We laughed, I talked their ears off and we traipsed around the farm.  Sharing it in person made me love this place even more.  I have 2 more who have said they are coming at some point and I can't wait!  I have 2 twin beds ready and waiting!

I'll leave you with some of my favorite #farmcharm pics from this week.  What are YOU loving today?

Hunter fixated on the chickens

Free-range Chickens

Hope trying to get a calf back to her mama

#Mynameiswillow aka "The Digger"

Caroline helping Brian with the fence.

My hardworking hubby

Hunny Love

2021 Word of the Year

It took me longer than usual to get my word for this year.  I thought I had it in November.  

And changed it in December.  

And again in January.  

So I sat on it for a couple of months to make sure it would stick this time.  

It did!

Are you curious?  Or are you so over word of the year stuff now that we are on the back end of March? Do you want to hear what mine is anyway? Am I doing a good job of building suspense or are you just plain annoyed at this point?

My 2021 word of the year is...(drumroll please)

PLANT.

The word has several definitions, but I like the verb one: "to put or set in the ground for growth."

We all had a lot of changes in 2020.  Learning how to do our jobs differently.  Not getting together with our friends.  Trying to remember our masks every time we left the house.  Running out to the store when we saw on the neighborhood link that someone had toilet paper. 

It was definitely a year of change for me.  I went from living and working in Texas, to moving to Oklahoma and doing a completely different "job."  

At first, I thought my word was going to be create because for the first time in a while I had the time and energy to craft (and I loved the shirt a friend sent me that said "Made to Create").  Next I thought it would be embrace, but I think I have already embraced my new lifestyle whole-heartedly.  Then I thought it was going to be develop because I wanted to develop a plan for life after Granny.  But none of those fit for more than a day.

I don't even remember how I got the word PLANT.  I just remember knowing it was the one--even though I have a blacker than black thumb.

For me, plant means to embrace the season I'm in.  I literally, have been planted in new land and part of me died--just like a seed before it sprouts.  But if the seed acclimates to the new soil and accepts the rain, it grows.  And every seed is different.  Even 2 of the same kind of seeds will have different placement of blooms on them.  Like snowflakes, they will not look exactly alike.  

When a seed is planted, it goes into the dark ground.  It's quiet.  It doesn't need to worry about anything else.  It just needs to accept its circumstances and soak it all up.  This time is so important for the roots to grow deep.  It creates the foundation for what that seed will become.  

So, in 2021, I'm asking God to plant me solid in the ground.  To send me the sunshine and rain I need--that I would not only accept those, but that I would flourish in them.  That my roots would go deeper than I ever thought possible.  

I can't wait to see what He does with it.  

Lack of Words Create Worlds

I've heard the phrase "Words Create Worlds" the last few days.  It refers to the rhetoric we are all seeing in our news feeds.  

The anger and outrage by our friends that creates ugly conversations in the comments.  Words that divide instead of unify.  

But I'd also like to say that a lack of words also creates worlds.  This works in the political and cultural spectrum, but I'd like to go a different direction with it.  It applies even more in our personal lives.  When we fail to speak words to a friend who is hurting, we are adding another building block to our world. A world we would never intentionally live in.

We've all been there.  A friend has something bad happen to them--an illness, a death of a family memory, a marriage falling apart, the loss of a job.  Truly hard things that sneak up on us and frankly, scare us.  We often don't know what to say because we don't want to say the wrong thing.  We've heard the horror stories of someone walking up to a mom at the funeral of her daughter and saying, "I know how you feel.  I lost my dog last week."  

So, in order to not say something that will hurt, we keep silent.  And the silence is just as hurtful.  

I've had a few hard losses in my life--my birth father, my mom, the deaths of my dad and grandparents, my job--and those are just the big ones.  But the hardest losses I've felt are the losses of my friends when those awful things happen.  My friends who don't reach out.  My friends who stay silent.  My friends who occasionally like a post but never write a word.  

Those are the most hurtful and hardest for me to grasp.

And I get it.  I have been at a loss for words on many occasions (don't faint--I CAN be quiet...sometimes). I have let the fear of saying the wrong thing cause me to say nothing.  But I have also regretted it.

And the nothing can be even harder on the person who is feeling the loss.  I can't speak for you, but I know it has been for me.   

So, maybe it's been a long time.  Maybe you don't say anything now because you are fearful that it has been TOO long and won't be received well.  

Say it anyway.  

Reach out.  Maybe you start with an apology.  Maybe you start with a joke.  Maybe you just start with "I love you."  I don't think the words choose even really matter.  

But the fact that you chose to speak DOES matter.  No matter how long it's been.  

The Art of Folding a Blanket

There are certain things that Granny--in all of her 102 years of age--is just better at doing.  I watch her fold her blanket every day when she wakes from her nap and before she goes to bed.  I am amazed at how neat it is.  She can barely balance standing up, yet she takes one corner and matches it to the other corner perfectly.  She takes her time--there's no rush to get it folded and put aside.  I, however, can stand easily, but I'm telling you--my blanket folding NEVER looks as neat as hers.  

I said she does it every day, but that's really not true.  She used to do it every day.  There are many times now that she goes to bed and leaves it in a pile on her chair.  This is how I know her health is declining.

Sounds silly, huh?  

She's always been meticulous.  Even with the amount of stuff she has in her house, most boxes are labeled.  In the last few years, I can tell her memory is fading in and out because many drawers are full of random things instead of being organized.  She fills her walker with all kinds of odds and ends.

I'm learning to tell without her speaking whether she's having a good day or not.  She won't admit she's tired or that her mind is not as sharp in the moment. But, the way she handles her blanket speaks for her.  Some days she folds it with a smile, others with determined concentration and more and more, she is not folding it at all.  

It's funny how much you can tell about a person by the folding of a blanket.