Wicked Rural Homestead
Live Simply
Tag: beauty
September’s flower: Morning Glory
Even though I didn’t plant any this year, they are blooming all over the yard from last- with some scarlet runner beans for good measure. Along with more of our confused ‘bean’ pumpkin. Have a great day!
“Ch-Ch-Ch- Changes.”
Here in Maine the feeling of change is tangible, like someone flipped a switch overnight and summer on its way out. There is a new crispness to the air at the beginning and end of the day. You can see it clearly in the trees,… Continue Reading ““Ch-Ch-Ch- Changes.””
Have You Ever Seen A Lobster Roll/Taxidermy Stall? I Have!
Look Closely At All The Ways Acton Town Fair ROCKED! Each picture is worth at least 1,000 words!
Now And Then.
Now.. And then. The pumpkin/melon patch started in the green house. But it could not contain the awesomeness!
Letting Go of Giving Everything Up.
I feel now that so much of what I am looking for, the patience, the peace, the calm can only be found though my ability to let go. I have realized that when I try to change things I have no influence over, I find my greatest unhappiness. The concept… Continue Reading “Letting Go of Giving Everything Up.”
“Know When To Hold ‘Em. Know When To Fold ‘Em.” Know When To Rip Them All Out And Start Over.
Once uopn a time my husband and I went to the store. When we left our corn was tall and happy: While we were gone there was a pocket thunderstorm and when we returned to the homestead, we found this had happened: My husband had… Continue Reading ““Know When To Hold ‘Em. Know When To Fold ‘Em.” Know When To Rip Them All Out And Start Over.”
Our Little Slice Of Mushroom Covered Heaven.
I was preparing a post on how much I hate money but I scrapped it. Writing it did not make me happy. Life is too short for that, so I stopped. We went for a walk instead. There is so much life in… Continue Reading “Our Little Slice Of Mushroom Covered Heaven.”
Is There Such A Thing As ‘Gardener’s Anonymous?’
What felt like the shortest week ever in California looks like it was the longest seven days back in Maine. We knew it would be fun to see how much our garden had grown while we were away but neither of us was ready… Continue Reading “Is There Such A Thing As ‘Gardener’s Anonymous?’”
A Week On the Fog-line.
This trip has left me with such an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness it is hard to articulate. Unfortunately, that is not going to stop me from trying. Here goes- I got to share the place I love, with those I love most. It that was one of… Continue Reading “A Week On the Fog-line.”
A Marmot’s Tale.
My sister requested I make her a rice crispy treat mountain for her wedding. Preferable, this confectionary mountain would have marmots fighting dragons on it. Fine. My little sister wants a breakfast cereal mountain adorned with rodents fighting mythical beings- whatever. This request resulted in… Continue Reading “A Marmot’s Tale.”
My Two Cents on Marriage. For My Favorite/Only Little Sister.
My little sister got married this past Saturday and it was EPIC! She was THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BRIDE EVER! The day was filled with new born goats, a rice crispy treat mountain covered in dragons fighting evil marmots, a trebuchet, family and love. “Who could ask… Continue Reading “My Two Cents on Marriage. For My Favorite/Only Little Sister.”
Wait, I Have to leave My Home to go House?! Ouch, My Head Hurts…
In the next few days we will head West for my sister’s wedding. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Where the theme will be fighting Marmots (weird runs all over this family.) It is the oddest feeling in the world to have to travel thousands of miles from home- to go home,… Continue Reading “Wait, I Have to leave My Home to go House?! Ouch, My Head Hurts…”
Spiders, and Luna, and Chairs Oh My!
The past decade and a half I spent most summer days inside. In the service industry when people are out at the beach, or enjoying vacations and taking day trips they will inevitable want you to cook them dinner. Hence, I have missed more glorious summer days… Continue Reading “Spiders, and Luna, and Chairs Oh My!”
A Strawberry With a Secret….
I will not attempt to take any credit for this cool idea. I WILL take the credit for the funky cool fabric choices. Thank you very much. I was surfing the web for tote bag patterns and came across a pattern for a ‘strawberry farmers market… Continue Reading “A Strawberry With a Secret….”
“Random Acts Of Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty”
Growing up my parents only had one bumper sticker. It said: “Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” There are many things in our childhoods that we habituate to, never really noticing what a great an effect they have on our lives. In my… Continue Reading ““Random Acts Of Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty””
The garden today.
When we moved in, we became the proud owners of a beautiful lawn. A lawn we had no interest in maintaing. It surrounded the house. Far from being a blank canvas- this was canvas with someone else’s painting on it. I have mentioned before that I don’t… Continue Reading “The garden today.”
AMEN.
There is a clip of Jim Carrey making a commencement speech has been making the rounds and struck such a cord with me and our current state. I was inspired by my dad’s death to take a chance and try to make a living doing… Continue Reading “AMEN.”
Weekend Mommy
Life now only matters two days a week. The remainder pass with anticipation and preparation like a dream. Sleep is hard to come by so full of thoughts of you both. Waiting, wishing, hoping, missing. Then your here smiling and laughing. Both so open… Continue Reading “Weekend Mommy “
Off With Her Head!
The dandelions and trees are in full bloom! As much as I dislike (and my husband down right HATES) the mock cherry tree in our front yard, its blooms are the first large source of nectar in our yard. So it gets a pass…for… Continue Reading “Off With Her Head!”
Down By The River…
In our wandering around Maine we have seen some beautiful things. Peaceful rivers full of tumbled stones and some VERY cold water. Meanwhile down stream this lazy river joins with others and turned into a torrent. It even comes with multiple warnings. What siren?!… Continue Reading “Down By The River…”
Where is Dr. Doolittle When You Need Him?!
I have never subscribed to the notation that I am the “mother” of our many animals. As I have written before our animals are not our children. Though they are our familiars. (Try saying that sentence five times fast.) They know you by your intimate… Continue Reading “Where is Dr. Doolittle When You Need Him?!”
Home
I have spent a lot of time writing about what we left behind in Ca: Family Friends My hometown The redwoods Our lives as we knew them I feel it is time to move on and give thanks today for where I woke up… Continue Reading “Home”
When I was a kid, I swore…
That I would eat candy all day, even the kind that would stain my tongue bright “colors not found in nature.” That I would watch daytime TV to my heart’s content. I would never do the dishes. Well ok , maybe once a week.… Continue Reading “When I was a kid, I swore…”
Once upon a time we lived on a boat.
A 27′ Hunter sail boat, I don’t count the bowsprit if you ask my love he will say it was a 30 footer- it. was. not. We lived in Santa Cruz harbor and life was…well, never boring (not that it is now) When he… Continue Reading “Once upon a time we lived on a boat.”
Self Indulgent Ramblings and Abstract Metaphors
I am constantly amazed with how the acceptance of my situation and a lack of expectations has lead me to the far East Coast and happiness. I get to see the boys (though it is not enough) and while I am always sad when they… Continue Reading “Self Indulgent Ramblings and Abstract Metaphors”
That Time I Brought a Hawk Home.
I’m not kidding. I don’t know if it was a good thing my husband was unsurprised and (to my dismay) rather unimpressed :/ He was actually said “that sound about right” Seriously?! What do I have to do to get a reaction around here?!… Continue Reading “That Time I Brought a Hawk Home.”
A Rant. My First. Probably Not My Last.
For almost three years now we have not had cable TV. This started because we could not afford the $160+ a month bill. In the end it has been AMAZING! The only thing we both had to give up is live sports and we… Continue Reading “A Rant. My First. Probably Not My Last.”
“Officially unemployed, homeless and in debt. Time to start all over again, here we go…”
I posted that Facebook status four years go yesterday. My how things change. Well- not the debt part. And right now I am unemployed, so I guess the “more things change the more they stay the same”? OWW my head hurts… All I know… Continue Reading ““Officially unemployed, homeless and in debt. Time to start all over again, here we go…””
For The Love Of Trees.
The commute to the ocean has been a weekly part of my life but my physical home was always in the mountains, guarded by the giant redwoods. I was conceived and raised under their watchful bows and I am ever grateful for their tutelage. For… Continue Reading “For The Love Of Trees.”
Are Phoenix Ashes Impatient?
When a Phoenix dies, do its remains know they will be reborn? This past few months I have managed to; loose my dad, quit my job, flounder in the beginnings of a new venture, remain almost completely homebound for months and gradually loose my mind in the… Continue Reading “Are Phoenix Ashes Impatient?”
Spring Time in Maine Part II- The Thawing
It’s happening, really happening! Even though in your head you know spring has got to come. For a long time this winter I didn’t quite believe it. Neither did my husband. When I told him that spring must arrive sometime- since it does it… Continue Reading “Spring Time in Maine Part II- The Thawing”
Eastward Ho! Part III (Actually Part II.) Confused Yet? Good, so am I. Onward!
The first day journey was relatively uneventful (except for my love shipping ALL our shoes to upstate NY.) Most aspects of the move were completely unplanned. One of the few things we DID plan (besides mine sapphires in MT) was to visit as many national parks… Continue Reading “Eastward Ho! Part III (Actually Part II.) Confused Yet? Good, so am I. Onward!”
Your Pets Are Not Your Children, They Are Your Grandparents.
Your animals should not be like your children. They should be your grandparents. I say this for one specific and important reason- it is unnatural to outlive your offspring. Barring some unforeseen tragic event, it will be your privilege to preside over the passing of your critters. I… Continue Reading “Your Pets Are Not Your Children, They Are Your Grandparents.”
Spring time in Maine (Shut Up Ca! I Can Hear You From Here.)
To celebrate the fist day of spring, I went to the beach the other day… (Click for gallery.) I think I have said all I needed to.
Time May Heal All Wounds- But It Makes Homesickness Worse
My little town has always been the core of who I am. Even now as I sit thousands of miles away-it feels close enough for me to touch. It still stings my heart that I am too far away to do so. Boulder Creek… Continue Reading “Time May Heal All Wounds- But It Makes Homesickness Worse”
Eastward Ho! PartII. Our little mine.
When we drove across the country four years ago- one of the only things we DID plan was to stop in Montana and mine for sapphires. Both of us totally dig (no pun I swear!) rocks and minerals. There are few better ways to spend… Continue Reading “Eastward Ho! PartII. Our little mine.”
How Do You Tell If It’s The Calm Before OR After The Storm?
This time last year I was doubtful that this day would come. All THREE dogs sitting quietly on the couch with the rest of the family. Our two oldest are old pros at the ‘relax and cuddle’ game but our newest edition has been… Continue Reading “How Do You Tell If It’s The Calm Before OR After The Storm?”
Stained Glass Flowers-Easy as Clay! (Less tasty than pie…um pie)
More goofing around with clay- I like rainbows! There I said it. I like stained glass too. I have found it is easy to create clay “stained glass.” Start by making logs of all the colors you want to include. Then wrap them in… Continue Reading “Stained Glass Flowers-Easy as Clay! (Less tasty than pie…um pie)”
Koi Pillows and Emu Eggs
I started quilting last winter and while I only managed one full sized quilt this season I have done a bunch of other smaller sillier projects. For instance-I was messing around with overlapping progressions of fabric and decided that they looked like fish… Continue Reading “Koi Pillows and Emu Eggs”
My Little Indoor Hair Garden
The snow is still falling but I have decided to grow some flowers anyway. Clay flowers that is, no danger of snow or frost impeding my progress. I started making roses out of clay when I was pretty young. I have always given them… Continue Reading “My Little Indoor Hair Garden”
The First Step in a New Direction…Maybe. AHHHAGAHH!!! ^&^%$##$ &(&(*& !! (breath, breath, breath)
Confucius say: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” I have not always gotten along with Confucius but here and now I find some solice in his words. I have been cooking professionally for more than half my life now.… Continue Reading “The First Step in a New Direction…Maybe. AHHHAGAHH!!! ^&^%$##$ &(&(*& !! (breath, breath, breath)”
Death and snowflakes
The snow falling lightly on my window reveled itself to me one day. All the little flakes waited patiently to melt. Momentarily displaying their breathtaking detail, individual beauty and uniqueness. I was there to see it. But had there been no audience-the show would… Continue Reading “Death and snowflakes”
Multitasking, laziness or genius? You decide.
The snow and the eggs keep piling up! Looks like today will be another day of being homebound for me. I’m not sure if it’s a good sign that I am totally OK with this. I have only left the house once or twice… Continue Reading “Multitasking, laziness or genius? You decide.”
Hang the little buggers!
Eggs, people I’m talking about eggs. Boy do you need help! Through my adventures in egg decorating I discovered an incredable simple way to hang the finished product, which is good since I seem to be unable to stop making them. You can do it too, all… Continue Reading “Hang the little buggers!”
Standing isn’t as simple as you might think
I mentioned in my OCD post that I have been in the martial arts community my whole life. Due to my mother’s practice of Tai Chi I have spent many hours moving S L O W L Y or watching others move at a… Continue Reading “Standing isn’t as simple as you might think”
Late night trouble with the iPad
4 am. Currently in our bed there are; two humans, one cat and two dogs. I would love to tell you that Isis is not here too because we learned our lesson after the first two; that dogs should sleep on the floor. … Continue Reading “Late night trouble with the iPad”
Golden cabin fever brain farts.
OK, brace yourselves. Are you sitting down? Yesterday it snowed, again (or is it still?) You are shocked I’m sure. Good thing you were sitting down! Our yard now looks like this: There is still one person here who is beside herself. Please do… Continue Reading “Golden cabin fever brain farts.”
♥ Read Mine ♥
Yesterday the internet filled to capacity with pictures and stories both good and bad about Valentines Day. Most of my friends on FB posted pictures of the flowers or gifts that their sweeties had given them. AWWW (truly no sarcasm, I promise) and others… Continue Reading “♥ Read Mine ♥”
Quickening Moon
I do not believe in Valentines day, the Easter Bunny, Santa Clause, or that unicorns fart rainbows. (A Unicorn’s fart is just like all other horse farts, silly. They SNEEZE confetti AND rainbows. Now you know.) The difference is that I can’t remember ever… Continue Reading “Quickening Moon”