Pitter Patter

It's raining. It's pouring. The nice thing about a summer rain is that it reminds me of a moment in time that I cherish. I was about eight, and I was on summer vacation with my family in Cape Cod. It was raining hard, so we were all trapped inside. I was laying on the bed in our musty cabin, watching a sunfish I had caught swim in the confinement of a tiny beach pail. Both of us were trapped. My dad came in, sat on the edge of the bed and asked what was wrong. "Bored," I told him. "Mad that it's raining." He grinned, "Instead of being mad at the rain, listen to it. Hear how it pitter patters on the roof. Just be peaceful and enjoy the sound."

The man is brilliant. To this day, I find the rain very soothing. Instead of being bummed that it may halt some outdoor activity, I look at it as a moment to rest and be soothed by the pitter patter on the roof.

To-do Lists Never Looked So Good

Our new Zinc Memo Board will help keep your to-do lists fresh and your family organized. Post pictures with magnets or write your messages in chalk and then simply wipe clean. The funky, rustic look of zinc blends well in any decor.

Movie Night

I'm really not thrilled with the way my day has been going. Not really at all. I think I will curl up in bed, very soon, with some popcorn and a movie. I just got Coco Chanel with Shirley MacLaine in from Netflix. Maybe it will inspire me.

Cross My Heart

I pretty much like anything that has the Red Cross motif on it. This pillow, from enhabiten and found via Scoutie Girl, is just what the Dr. ordered. Very nice.

Hazy, Hot and Humid

Happy Monday everyone! Summer finally decided to pay a visit to New England. After almost two months of cool weather and record lows, today feels like the good ole' fashioned summers I'm used to complaining about. Hazy, hot and humid. Yes, the air is heavy and sticky. The skies carry a threat of thunderstorms off in the distance. The horseflies are following my every move. But make no mistake, I'm not complaining. I couldn't be happier. Thank you sweet summer for stopping by. I do hope you'll stay a while.

Daisy-time weekend

"And what's romance? Usually, a nice little tale where you have everything as you like it, where rain never wets your jacket and nats never bite your nose, and it's always daisy-time."--D.H. Lawrence

Well then...I hope you all have a very romantic weekend.

Flax and Spindle has Fresh French Lavender

If you love lavender then you must stop by Flax and Spindle's blog where she takes you on a delightful journey of the Lavender Farm that's just down the street from her (lucky girl!). Better yet, stop by the Flax and Spindle shop and pick up a fresh bundle for just $10. Wonderful!

Image from Flax and Spindle

the chicken report

I figured it was time for a little update on our chickens. I'm pleased to report that the ladies are doing well and seem quite happy in their home. We did lose one, but it's a mystery as to why. My husband treats the chickens like queens, giving them organic feed and only the best table scraps. He's meticulous about cleaning the coop and spends way too much time fixing things up (hello, the house WE live in needs some TLC too!). Anywho, I think they adore him, but they're kind of surly with me. Basically, I can't even think of wearing sandals out there, because they peck at my toes, which freaks me out. No eggs yet! Should be soon though. I check all the time and can't wait until they're producing breakfast for me. You'll be the first to know when they do.

Good, Clean Savings from Farmhouse Wares

Check out the new Farmhouse All-Purpose Spray Cleaner by Sweet Grass Farm and their newest scent: Herb Blossom. Plus save 10% on any order.

Just enter the code "72109" during checkout. Offer good through midnight July 24, 2009.
(valid while supplies last. not valid on previous purchases.)

Visit Farmhouse Wares today.

Mad About Mad Men

I don't know about you, but I can't wait for the new season of Mad Men. I've missed Betty and Don and all the drama. They make my life look nice and simple. August 16th is the date--I've marked every calender in the house and even put a sticky note on the tv. (OK...maybe I need more of a life.)

I Need the Beach

Well, I leave you for the weekend with some images from my beach trip last weekend. I grew up around the beaches of Rhode Island, and I'm still blown away by how crystal blue the water can be. I need the beach because it triggers fond memories of days with little responsibilities, save for working on my tan. I love the clam shacks with their greasy fried foods. I love the seagulls and how they can be so graceful one moment and like vultures the next. I need the beach because it makes me feel free. I love the waves and the sound of the surf. I love how you look out at the ocean and see endless miles of blue. I need the beach because it rejuvenates my soul. Though I love my country life, my chickens and the mountains that surround us, I need the beach.

The Talking Tiger Lily

"Oh Tiger-Lily," said Alice, addressing herself to the one that was waving gracefully in the wind, "I wish you could talk!" "We can talk," said the Tiger-Lily: "when there's anybody worth talking to."--Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Bee Skeps

Good news! Our very popular hand woven Bee Skeps are back in stock! Thank you all for being so patient.

New at Farmhouse Wares

Hello again everyone. Sorry I went MIA for a bit. We took a break for a few days down at the beach. I didn't realize I wouldn't have access to the Internet. At first I was traumatized, but I quickly learned how lovely life can be without 24/7 technology. I'll post more about our trip soon, but in the meantime, check out these new canisters from Farmhouse Wares. Both Canisters have a wide mouth for easy filling and a ceramic flip-top lid to keep things fresh. The Glass Pickle Canister is perfect is perfect for pickles or salsa, so savor the garden fresh taste of summer with this vintage style jar. The Sea Salt Canister is the perfect companion for our Evaporated Sea Salt. It's good to be back.

Speaking of Blackberries

Speaking of Blackberries: Treat your skin with the moisturizing bliss of Royal Jelly Body Butter. Infused with the fresh scent of blackberries, it's like summer in a bottle. Featured in this month's Southern Living, Royal Jelly is "normally reserved to feed the queen bee."

The most precious product of the hive, Royal Jelly is a 'Cinderella' substance that turns a worker bee into a Queen...and allows her to live 40 times longer than the average bee as a result. Replete with a multitude of vitamins, proteins, lipids and sugars, this amazing natural substance is known for its nourishing and deep moisturizing properties--as well as its ability to promote skin's elasticity and a smooth appearance.

Royal Jelly Body Butter is one luscious treat for summer skin. We're offering free shipping on Royal Jelly Body Butter at Farmhouse Wares.

Blackberry Galette

We have an abundance of wild blackberries in our yard. It's been a summer ritual to try and collect the berries before the birds have their way with them. My daughter and her friend went on a berry picking adventure while dreaming up some story that they lived in a cabin and had to live off the land (Perhaps we've been watching too much Dick Proenneke. I'll post more about him another time). After a bit, they came back, but her friend was holding her arm. She appeared to bleeding. I rushed her inside and applied a warm wash cloth, which promptly turned purple. "I don't know too many kids that have purple blood," I said with a grin. They enjoyed a long laugh about tricking me with their blackberry blood, and then they showed me the bounty of berries they had acquired.

I had just read a recipe for a plum and blueberry galette in Family Circle, so I put them to work on their own galette. Of course, they used a ready-made pie crust, and they added some fresh strawberries. Just 40 minutes later their summer treat was ready. We shared the fruits of their labor, tall glasses of cold milk, and a good laugh about the blackberry boo boo.

fishing with dad

Welcome back everyone! Hope you all had a lovely long weekend with summertime celebrations. We had a gorgeous little break with lots of relaxation, fresh air and fishing. I have so many beautiful memories of fishing with my Dad as a young girl. I was kind of a girly-girl so I'd get grossed out by baiting the hook with the worm. Dad was always amused by this and always happy to help too. The thing I remember the most is how quiet we had to be. It was so peaceful. Now that we go fishing with our Daughter, I can easily see why my clever Dad chose this sport: because we had to be quiet. I hope my daughter will look back fondly on her fishing journeys too.

Fishin' for a Sale?

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
and

ENJOY 10% OFF ANY PURCHASE!

JUST ENTER CODE "gofish" AT CHECKOUT. OFFER ENDS MIDNIGHT JULY 7, 2009.
(valid while supplies last. not valid on previous purchases.

cannot be combined with other offers.)
click here to shop

If I Could Save Time in a Bottle....

Here's a great way to display old family photos and all those antique bottles you've been collecting. It seems pretty easy. Here are the steps from Yankee Magazine.

Air Stream Dream

I've alway wanted to roam the country in one of these. I guess it's never too late to fulfill my Air Stream Dream.

Found via My Black Book.

Cat Training

I just had to share this. My daughter was frustrated with the fact that the cats never listen to her. She decided it was time to train them. I chuckled at the thought of our tenacious cats standing to attention or rolling over on command. The next thing I knew, my clever little girl had Fluffy following her all around. Upon closer inspection, I learned that she had filled an old sock with some catmint from my gardens, which is like crack for cats. She tied the sock to a string, so Fluffy was following her and literally drooling as she teased him along. Look at the box of training tools she made. Too funny. Needless to say, the kid needs a dog.

P.S. Recent studies show that catnip makes a great mosquito repellent. Check out our Insect Veil Spray, which includes catnip essential oil.

Red, White and Blue

How will you celebrate July 4th? Bring a little red, white and blue into your festivities:

Blue and Red Checked Napkins, set of four, 100% Cotton

Rattan Food Dome and Tray, as see on Apartment Therapy

Bowl and Spoon set in White

Blue and Red Striped Tablecloth,, 100% Cotton

respond with purpose

I found this Ralph Marston quote via The Lettered Cottage. It came in handy today. Thank you Layla.

Respond with purpose
What upsets you is not what happens.
What upsets you is your response to what happens.Just as easily as you respond in a negative way, you can easily and naturally respond in a
positive, empowering, uplifting way.The biggest problems are often caused by
what you choose to do about the smallest problems.
Most of those big, painful problems are so unnecessary.

Keep reminding yourself that you are in control of you.
You are in control and you can decide
exactly how you wish to feel at any point.Imagine the power of remaining calm and focused
and resourceful when some totally unexpected,
disappointing development interrupts your day.
Truly, you can make the disappointments not disappointing at all.

Respond on purpose, with purpose.
Feel the power and the joy as every moment gives you a way to move forward.

A Sound Sound

Recently, I took my daughter to the park. It was late in the afternoon and my iced coffee wasn't doing the trick, so I had that lethargic, can-I-really-be-this-tired-or-do-I-have Lyme-disease feeling. I let her go run and play, while I sat on a bench and closed my eyes. The air was perfect with a friendly breeze. I could hear the kids playing. It reminded me of days when I would be drifting off to sleep on the beach. The sound of waves and kids building sand castles lulled me into a dreamy state. Then a woman walked by my park bench. I cracked an eye open to acknowledge her. She said, "Don't you wish they had adult playgrounds right next to this, so we could work-out while they play?" I laughed and said that would be great. But I lied, because I was quite content doing nothing and having nothing to do so I could just listen to sound of kids playing.

Drool Worthy Totes

Remember my post about Lexie Barnes' book, "Sew What! Bags"? Well, Lexie has a whole new collection of totes available just in time for summer. I'm a big fan of Lexie Barnes bags, especially because the quality is always top-notch, not to mention they're extremely functional. Lexie's bags are so durable that they last forever. But enough with the practicalities...Lexie's bags are gorgeous. Her new "Classic Lexie" totes, made with shimmering metallics, are lightweight and fun. There's even a wipeable interior lining, so throw in the sunscreen and snacks and head out for some summer fun.

Summer Solstice Sale

CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH A SALE
FROM FARMHOUSE WARES!
ENJOY 15% OFF ANY PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE.

JUST ENTER CODE "summer09" AT CHECKOUT.

OFFER ENDS MIDNIGHT JUNE 26, 2009.
(valid while supplies last. not valid on previous purchases.

cannot be combined with other offers.)
click here to visit the shop

Peony Soap For a Cause

Try the new fresh scented Peony Goat's Milk Soap and help save the Arapawa Goat.

Arapawa Goats are globally endangered (approximately 243 remaining) and just recently added to the Conservation Priority List. Arapawa Goats were introduced to the US through Plimoth Plantation in 1993 as part of a heritage breeding program. Plimoth Plantation is a living museum of colonial life in North America in 1627 located in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The possibility of a connection between the Arapawas and the animals brought to North America by the first colonists made them a logical addition to the rare breeds collection at Plimoth Plantation.

We're pleased to offer these soaps because the maker donates the proceeds from the sale of these soaps to the conservation of this amazing breed.To learn more visit the International Arapawa Goat Association.

Cow Poetry

One of my very favorite books is "One Man's Meat" by E.B. White. It's "a personal record of life on a Maine coast salt water farm." Here is a passage, filled with charm and poetry, that has stuck with me for many years:

"A friend of mine has an electric fence round a piece of his land, and keeps two cows there. I asked him one day how he liked his fence and whether it cost much to operate. 'Doesn't cost a damn thing,' he replied. 'As soon as the battery ran down I unhooked it and never put it back. That strand of fence wire is as dead as a piece of string, but the cow don't go within ten feet of it. They learned their lesson the first few days.'

Apparently this state of affairs is general throughout the United
States. Thousands of cows are living in fear of a strand of wire which no
longer has the power to confine them. Freedom is theirs for the asking. Rise
up, cows! Take your liberty while despots snore. And rise up too, all people
in bondage everywhere! The wire is dead, the trick is exhausted. Come on
out!"

Cartoon from Gary Larson, The Far Side

True Love Ways

My husband and I met on Martha's Vineyard 19 years ago about this time of year. One warm summer night a bunch of us were out on the town. As we all started to pile in our old Jeep I asked him a question, which I shan't repeat here. I will only tell you his reply, which was, "Yes, to the right music." This was so the right answer. As we headed down the country roads, hair blowing all over in the night air, this Buddy Holly song came on the radio. He turned to me and said, "Like this song." This was so the right answer. We eloped eight weeks later. Needless to say, this is our song. What's your song?

Bee Happy

I'm a little bee happy. I hope you'll bee happy too.

top left: our adorable new woven grass Bee Skep
top right: amazing Aromatherapy Bees Wax Candles by Big Dipper Wax Works
bottom left: Organic Acacia Honey by Savannah Bee Co.
bottom right: drawing by my daughter--she makes me really happy!