My Magnum Opus

  I had such great plans for the garden this summer. I even went to a free seed exchange and in fits of optimism, I filled my paper bag chockablock with seeds to plant. This is so me. I have such dreams and ideas and sometimes I act on them, but most of the time they end up crashing and burning. I want to change this.
   Here is my very large and GROWING unknown origin SQUASH. It is my pride and joy of the garden. I think it will be tasty!

Baby Bunnies!

Truly, is there anything as adorable as baby bunnies? I never get tired of cuddling them. Especially at this fuzzy, fat sausage stage. Love!

How To Organize A Second Fridge

   So, how do you keep a second fridge from becoming the "I'll take care of it later" spot? Its so easy to just stash things there and forget about them since you aren't routinely opening the fridge for a glass of milk or the butter.

   If you are like me, you make almost all your food. I quickly learned that I could save time, money, and utilities by making double and triple batches of things and then freezing them or refrigerating them. We also have chickens which means that the eggs need to be stored in a cool area.

1. Before you put ANYTHING in it, sketch out a plan of what you want where in the fridge. Remember, the top is warmer then the bottom of the fridge so plan with that in mind. 

2. Try to keep vegetables and fruits on seperate shelves from dairy and meat. 
For example, have your stash of cheeses and bulk goat milk on the bottom shelf where it stays coolest, but keep that ten pound bag of apples on the top shelf. The messier spills (and more contaminating) are easier to clean up if they don't drip down onto everything else.

3. Utilize the shelves on the inside of the door for condiments. If you make 5 quart jars of saurkraut, keep those all together so you can visually see as they are depleted and you know you need to make more.

4. Do a weekly once over. It will only take 2 minutes. Bring your meal planner with you and jot down what needs to be used sooner. Those 10 pounds of apples? Maybe you kids are going to be having apples slices and peanut butter for snack all next week. You get the idea....

5. Do a MONTHLY purge. If you have chickens, like me, this is treat time for them! Move anything that you need to use asap into your main fridge so you can see if when you open the fridge. This will jog your memory when you see it and you can offer the kids that last jar of homemade mustard for example with their pretzels.

Woodsmoke

   There is nothing like that smell. You know the one? It tickles your nose and makes you inhale in a contented sigh. It just SPEAKS calm and cozy to me. I love woodsmoke. The first sharp hints of it in autumn.

ellolovey on Etsy

Want to know where to find this awsome print?
Check out ellolovey's shop on Etsy!

Hello Blog World!

   Well, all I can say is WHEW!!! That was a doozie. Without any preparation or planning, I picked up, moved 500 miles away, and lost a husband and partner all in 2 months! TWO MONTHS! I know, its crazy. There were times when I didn't think I would survive. But I did. Well, I am. 

by *malaladanila on deviantART

   We are now in the house of my dreams. A 1940's bungalow with a quarter acre backyard, a roomy kitchen, a porch, and original vintage doorknobs. Oh yes, I love it! Every day I feel stronger and happier. It is going to be a long road ahead, but I am actually excited about it. I am hesitant to share all this on the world wide web, but really, why not? Thousands of other women are going through or have been through divorce and if I can encourage or be encouraged by just ONE in this writing process, it will be more than enough to justify sharing this. Don't you agree?

   Pictures of the house to come, which by the way is called....

              The Happy House.

                           Love it!

Inspiring Prints

    Because of recent developments in my life, I have found myself more often then not at 2am trolling the Etsy print pages.... I love art. I love creativity. I love color and shapes. Put that all together and you've got some awesome prints!
   Here are a few of my favorites.

Sarah Jane Studios

Tryingtofollow.com

indulgy.com

Emily McDowell

Boho Trees

Happiness is a Cup of Coffee and A Good Book

I love this print! Where is it from!?

Sometimes....

Sometimes....sometimes, live just hurls past you going a million miles an hour and you can choose to be trampled or you can jump on the whirl wind and PRAY. I chose the latter. Last Monday we had something happen that I never imagined would come to fruition. Well, it did. We quickly picked up our happy little existence at our Cottage on the Lake and left. I don't know what the future holds. I do know that I'm excited. Terrified. Hopeful. So much is ahead of us. I just want to hold on to that thought. We are staying with my family in the northern California redwoods on their farm right now. It feels good to be in a place that I grew up and feel whole and held. Bear with me over the next few months. I have some big moving surprises for you! And lots of pictures!