The Texture of Life

First I would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th. of July. I also want to share a video with you,
"the Texture of Life", The Tusing Sisters of Branch Mountain.
It is approx. 28 min. long, but if you have time please watch it, especially if you love the
simple things of life. And if you like weaving, coverlets and things like that.
The Tusing sisters farm is not very far from our farmhouse in WV, I love driving by there farm whenever we are in WV and I visualize them in my mind when they lived there.
 They were also contacted by the Smithsonian in Washington, DC concerning their weaving and coverlets. My dad said he remembers them well and that when he was young they would allow him to hunt on their property. I also went to school with their one niece and she has bonnets and aprons that they made her as a child. She also owns one of their coverlets.
 And one thing that is so neat is that the preacher, Rev. Harold Emswiller, pastored a church here in Timberville. He has recently passed away, but a few years ago I met him. I said are you the pastor that used to go have church services with the Tusing Sisters of Branch Mountain, yes, he said, " I am the one". Enjoy this video, it is worth watching.

"Texture of LIfe" Tusing Sisters of Branch Mountain

One proud Grandma

I just had to share something with you about my Granddaughter. She has such a kind heart,
I did know that she had been saving her money for a long time. She sold crafts made with duck tape and
clay, she has also had a yard sale and has really been saving her money. Well she had a goal of $100,
she met her goal and her momma took her shopping. Not for herself to but buy things for the local SPCA shelter. My daughter said the SPCA was so thankful for the donation from Riley.
I am just so proud of her, most people would have used that money to buy them self something.
What a wonderful act of kindness and one proud grandma.
You are such a special young lady "Miss Riley".

Graduation Celebration

This past weekend we went to WV to celebrate my daughters graduation from James Madison University. I am so proud of her, it has been a long journey going to school and raising a family.
She still has a year and a half to go, she is starting school at Mary Baldwin to finish her social work degree, so she is almost there. I can never thank the Lord enough for how he has touched her life.
She has overcome her eating disorder, she has an insulin pump, (you probably can't see it, but it is in her pocket and looks like a pager). She loves it and it controls her blood sugars so much better, and she is feeling well and happy! I am just so thankful! When she feels well she is just so bubbly and full of life.
 I invited my family and we had a big family cookout. We had such a wonderful time, the only thing,
my battery died in my camera, so I didn't get all the photo's that I wanted to. But I will share the ones I did get.
I love the conveniences of living in Va. being close to everything and my grandbabies.
But when I go to WV it is like another world, so laid back and peaceful.
 We are praying about what to do with that property. It is really hard taking care of both places,
plus the expense. I have a brainstorm of creating a website and renting it out for weekends and weeks of vacations. I really think people from DC and the city would just love it there, so peaceful and remote.
That way it would help pay for it, and also we could still enjoy it. Not sure what all I would
have to do to make this happen.
 I also want to show an Americana cross stitch that I recently finished. The pattern is by Joyce Reed,
she has several with the mammy and children. I just love mammies too.

Surprise Stephanie and Mat

Family, I am so blessed.

My parents and most of their clan.

We are putting the cards for Steph in an old picnic basket

Old building

Beautiful view of the mountains

The other side of the farmhouse

Little Bo

Another view

Just love these old buildings

Ronnie, Bo and me

Americana cross stitch

Until Harvest, A must read!

I am a book reviewer for Bethany House, my only requirement is that I read the book and give
an honest review.
 A while back I read the first book in the "Appalachian Blessings" series "Miracle in a Dry Season",
and I knew when the second book came out that I would have to read it also.
 The author Sarah Loudin Thomas is just wonderful, one of the best authors I have found
in a long time. She makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. This book was awesome, I just couldn't put it down.
 The story takes place in 1975 in Wise, WV. That got my attention right from the start, since
I grew up in WV and we now have a farmhouse there. I also graduated from high school in 1976, so
that was my era. he he
 Another thing that really touched my heart is that one of the main characters is a type 1 insulin diabetic. I know first hand what the struggles are with that,  having a daughter that is a diabetic.
 The book centers around Henry Phillips and his family. Two of the other main characters are a young
girl named Margaret and her diabetic sister. Margaret is Henry Phillips grandmother's caregiver.
 A tragedy happens in the Phillips family that turns Henry's world upside down. It takes Henry
a while to realize that he isn't the only person around that has trials and heartaches.
 It is a story about tragedy, but also of hope, family bonds and healing.
 I recommend this book highly and know you won't be disappointed.

New Prairie dolls and bonnets

I don't have time to craft like I would like. But I do want to show you my latest creations.

I especially love to make prairie dolls and bonnets. I recently made two prairie dolls and

four bonnets. I am offering these for your consideration. The bonnets are $22.99 each plus shipping

and the standing prairie dolls are $45.00 each plus shipping. Please contact me "Farmhouse Prims" to purchase or

for any questions. I accept MO or paypal only, thanks.

Wonderful Swap

I don't blog like I used too, but I can say that I have made so many wonderful friendships through blogging. And I know some of those friends will be a friend for life. One of those friends is Tammy Wellman "North Carolina Primitives From the Past". We usually do a swap or two every year,
we recently did a swap and I want to show you the wonderful goodies that I received from Tammy.
I am hoping that one day soon, Tammy and I can meet in person, that is on my bucket list and I know it will come true one day. Now to show you my wonderful swap goodies.

Is this Christmas or what, even us big kids like gifts.

Love this mammy in a can, wool, bowl, burlap flower, tin candle holder, 2

 mini bread boards

Wonderful standing prairie doll and standing gingerbread doll set, Love this!

Wonderful civil war soldier and tarts

Big prairie girl, love her. She is wearing the cutest apron, look at her fingers.

Finished Pinkeep and gardening

It has taken me a while but I finally finished a pinkeep that I have been working on.
The pattern is by "The Blue Attic", you can find her patterns on etsy. It is a large pinkeep approx.
9"x9". She has an entire series of cross stitch patterns with a "Little House on the Prairie" theme.
I just loved this pattern.
 I also planted some flowers and this year my husband, my son and I are going to try gardening.
We have planted lettuce, radishes, onions, cucumbers, squash, tomatoes and green beans.
I am so excited about our garden to have fresh vegetables. If it does well I am going to even
try my hand at home canning. I am a practical person and like useful things for gifts, my
husband asked me what I wanted for Mother's Day and I said a pressure canner, I just
hope I am able to use it enough to pay for it. he he
I also want to share a photo of our May Christmas gift from Cole and Riley.
 Hope everyone is having a beautiful Spring!!!

I love my garden flags

Love planting flowers in old things.

My window box

Love planting flowers in old coal buckets

Love my Americana decor on my front porch

Our garden

an eraser, coin, cross, letter, drawing and photo's