A Change of Desires

So, my wonderful husband got me a sweet bracelet from a famous jeweler for our anniversary last weekend. It was truly a shock - as he is not into material items.  Don't get me wrong, when we got married, he bought me the most beautiful engagement and wedding band ensemble - more beautiful than I ever could have imagined.  To this day, I gaze at it with joy.  But, that was pretty much it.  Yes, there have been other gifts of jewelry over the years, but they came after my special request and not so subtle hints.  Besides, before we met, I had already been lucky enough to have a nice collection of jewelry from lost loves and gifts to me, from me.  My love of antiquing has helped foster my collection of sparkly shiny things as well.  To me, it's like treasure hunting!  And just so you know, it doesn't have to be expensive to be a treasure to me!

As I may have hinted to in previous posts, my dear husband is a workaholic.  We pretty much only see each other on weekends.  He also often has to work on weekends as well, but usually, at home, thankfully.  This anniversary weekend was no exception.  He arrived home after 7 pm (which was early for him!).  Because we have a 4 year old, going out that late typically isn't for us.  So, I prepared an extravagant anniversary dinner for us including his favorite things - French Onion Soup (but with wild mushrooms - some harvested from our property too!), mixed greens with heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella,  sauteed asparagus spears with prosciutto, and grilled steak.  I adore cooking, so it was my pleasure to do this for us!  I even bought my own flowers as I wanted to have the table perfect for us.  (I know, I'm weird - but I told him not to get me flowers).  We typically go somewhere to eat and sometimes to the theater for occasions such as this and forego gifts, except for cards.  So, when he walked into the house with a little blue bag, I was shocked.  Excited too!

Inside the blue bag, blue box, and little drawstring pouch was a lovely little beaded silver bracelet.  Adorable.  But, too small for my wrist.  Sad face.  He immediately told me that I could exchange it for whatever I wanted since it didn't fit me. It made me feel sad that it wasn't really my taste either - but truth be told, I am (mostly) a practical person.  If we are going to spend a significant amount of money on something, I want it to be valuable and useful. How is jewelry useful? Well, if I can wear it a lot, that is useful to me!

I spent that evening browsing that jewelry store's website and found the perfect necklace with a horseshoe on it.  Simple, delicate, and something I can wear daily. (Also, who couldn't use a little extra luck?) So, the next chance I had sans little one, I went in for the exchange. I dropped little man off at play school and headed over to the big fancy mall.  Since I only have a limited amount of time alone (about 2 1/2 hours 2 days per week), I got to the mall early - before the stores were open.

I hadn't been in this mall for months, possibly even a year or more.  This was strange.  In the old days, I used to be a shopping fanatic.  I knew the locations of the clearance racks in every store and the layout of the mall like the back of my hand.  Things changed when I became a mom.  Now I know my way around Target, Tractor Supply, Carter's, and Osh Kosh like nobody's business.  What were all of these fancy display windows? (I took a picture of one that it was so beautifully done! Look below.) There was music playing that had me singing along and feeling happy.  So very happy.  Wow, the marketing experts know what they are doing.

This has inspired me to do this in my own home... now I  just have to DO it and not dream of it!

It was lovely.  But, then I started to think - even if I had unlimited spending money - would I go crazy here?  Nope.  At this phase of my life I would rather spend it on something completely different: like a hot air balloon ride over beautiful Chester County in the Autumn, tickets to the theater, a thick wad of cash at a flea market/antique show, or even (gasp) upgrading the beehives or chicken coop!  And then there is always those goats I've been wanting and a tractor, yes please!

Does this mean I never want to receive a special gift of jewelry from my husband again?  Hell no! But, I don't need fancy things to be happy.  I don't need to wear certain brands to impress anyone or feel good about myself.  I just want to be me.  I don't need to have the latest, greatest, or best to be happy.  I just need to be me: the person who loves to be a mom, wife, great cook, gardener, beekeeper, chicken lady, antique/vintage stuff enthusiast, artist, goofball lady in denim overalls and chuck taylors who breaks out in song at any given moment....

To sum it up, I desire to be about the experiences and moments in life and not about the material things.  I am incredibly fortunate to have more than I need to survive.  Plenty of stuff.  What is important in life (to me at least) is to love life and enjoy the ride.  That is what fills me up inside.  I hope you can find what fills you with good feelings too.

Hello friends.  It's another beautiful day in Chester County, PA.  I know that I've gushed about how much I love Autumn before - so I'll spare you my descriptions of color and scents that I am soaking in.  Suffice it to say that the earth is a little slice of heaven to me right now.  I'll let these pictures speak for me.

Halloween is coming up.  Fast.  I have some of the cutest spooky decorations that I've collected over the years that are just waiting to be put up on display.... Yes, waiting patiently in their orange and black tub in our guest room.  Hey, at least they made it down one flight of stairs from the attic!  My goal for this afternoon (in addition to dusting, vacuuming, tidying up the plethora of toys, laundry, cooking dinner, feeding the chickens, etc.....) is to get at the very least my favorite decorations out!

It's bad, I know.  But, I am way ahead of schedule in the costume department!  For myself, I made a wicked witch costume that I had the pleasure of wearing the other weekend for an antiques show called "The Witches of Bethel." FUN! All of the vendors dressed as witches and there were some great creative costumes in addition to all the amazing antiques and artisan crafts.

Not only that, but my 4 year old son decided over a month ago that he wanted to be the Statue of Liberty for Halloween this year.  "Wanted" is the keyword in that sentence.  He has since changed his mind - so we shall see what he finally decides at the last moment.  Lucky for him I love to be creative and am wrapped around his little finger.

Anyway, being the fun and creative crazy mommy I am, I made him this costume in about an hour one evening.  It's not my best creation every, but I think I came out pretty cute! The torch even lights up (Thank you very much, Dollar Store flashlight!)  And you've gotta love his tablet working as the book.  It is 2015, after all. ;)

 

He wanted me to take his picture in the powder room so you could see his torch light up.  Um, okay.  I hate the wallpaper in the powder room.  And who wants to see a toilet in the background?  Oh well, he's so cute that you won't notice.  Also, redecorating the powder room can be a future blog post.   

 

 Perhaps the Statue of Liberty is not an obvious choice for a 4 year old boy - but lately he is into maps, cities, and landmarks.  So, why not?  It was also a great opportunity to teach him about America.  I'm proud to say that my maternal grandparents (as well as my elder uncles and aunt) came into the USA through Ellis Island and their names are commemorated there.  Those same grandparents studied hard and became citizens of this great country made of immigrants. It was one of the proudest moments in their lives.  If it weren't for them being so brave and adventurous, I wouldn't be here today.  The American Dream.  May it live on.

That's it for now.  Until next time be happy, be kind, be patient and make the world a little better than you found it. The little things you do each day make a difference.

So, it's been an inexcusable amount of time since my last post. What can I say? Life happens. But now I am vowing to take more time for this blog – using it not only to share what is going on in my little corner of the world, but also as a way for me to journal what is going on inside me.

Now that my 4 (almost 5) year old son has started in a fabulous pre-k that focuses on play to spark learning, I have a bit more time to devote to this blog. He goes weekdays from 9-11:45 am. Since it's about 25 minutes away from our home, it makes no sense for me to rush home only to rush back in to pick him up. So, into a cozy little coffee shop I go, and type away.

Starting him in this Play School is a big time commitment from me – so begins the mom taxi duties that will probably last for the next dozen or so years. It also means less alone time for me to work on my creative endeavors (making over furniture and creating jewelry, etc.). Instead I'll have my sidekick with me when I attempt to do all my dirty work... which creates more work for mommy! Oh well, I did think long and hard before enrolling him in this fantastic school – and, of course, I came to the conclusion that he will only be this age once and it's worth it for him to have a magical learning experience. Besides, I get to be a helper in the kindergarten classroom 2 days per week – so I get to share in the magic as well!

So, expect to not only hear about what is going on at our little farm, but also some insights on motherhood from an older (I’m 47!), somewhat introverted, creative, silly, often single mom. I say often single, as my husband is out of town for work from Sunday night until Friday night pretty much every week – leaving pretty much all of the dirty work of parenthood to me. Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be at home with my child – in today's world it truly is a blessing. However, after working full time for 20 years to then become a SAHM, isn't as easy as one may think. Honestly, the job I have now is much harder!

Well, before a big debate starts about who has it harder (SAHM or working moms) – know that the grass always looks greener on the other side and we ALL work hard. I can only speak for myself only when I say that I am pretty much a hot mess. I am far from perfect in every way. Perhaps being an older mother has given me a different perspective. I am at peace with the fact that my home mostly looks like a toy store that was ransacked. My ceiling fans are dusty – as are my baseboards. My laundry is washed – but rarely put away. Do I wish my home were perfect? Of course I do. Or at least a good bit closer to perfect... but the most important thing to me is that my child is happy and feels safe and loved. I am pretty sure I have nailed that one... well, at least most of the time!

I want to teach him that life is what you make it. Being kind to others, including animals and the earth is paramount. Choosing happiness makes all the difference. Things most certainly won't always go your way but how we see things and allow them to affect us makes all the difference in the world. Find what makes you happy and dive in. There is more that I want him to learn and understand but, as I am still learning myself (I believe it is a lifelong process), I know that he will have to find his own way.

Wow, I sure have gotten away from my typical blog topic – but in many ways, it all meshes together. Living in harmony – with the earth, with others, with yourself – makes life beautiful. And, what more can we want? Making the best of what is around you and being the best for the others around = happiness. So, be happy my friends.

Here are some photos from the fair we attended a few weeks ago.  Hope they make you smile!

too cute!

babies!

Sleeping piggies

line up everybody, it's time to eat!

pumpkin town!

giant pumpkins... how do they get them there in one piece???

My favorite color is October.

 I love October.  Profound, I know. But really, I LOVE October... the colors? Yes. But I also love the warm days and cool nights, the scent of crisp drying leaves, hayrides, pumpkins, sweaters, boots, soups and stews, caramel apples, pumpkin pies and orange skies. My dahlias are at their best and the field of corn in front of my house is in its glory drying to a mixture of green, brown, burgundy and gold.

 
Every year I look forward to October for all of these reasons, and every year I am more surprised by how quickly it arrives.  I feel like 2014 just began - and now we are nearing the end.  It is absolutely true that every year goes by faster and faster as we age.  All the more reason for me to slow down.  October's sheer beauty forces me to stop and look and just be in the moment.

 

 Thank you October.
xoxo

PS:  Pear of Hearts Farm on Facebook Hope you LIKE it!

Hello September!

Well hello there September!  Nice to see you again - although you didn't have to go and rush summer away like that so soon... but, truth be told, it is always nice to see you.  Mild days and cool nights are always welcome here.  Although less daylight isn't on the top of my list, it is nice that my chickens want to go to bed earlier - so I don't have to wait around to lock them in their coop.

August has been one busy month for me.  As I mentioned in a previous post, I opened a booth at a local antiques market -The Morgantown Market, in Morgantown, PA  https://www.facebook.com/morgantownmarket?ref=br_tf.  It has kept me busy going to auctions, thrift shops, and flea markets - to keep unique and fun vintage items stocked in my booth - and, even a few more in my home!  (oops! hazard of the trade, I suppose...)

One of the reasons I opened the booth - was to find a good way to sell the furniture I've been rejuvenating.  Unfortunately, with a 5'x8' booth, there are only so many pieces I can fit in - so, in turn, my home is bursting at the seams with lots of extras just waiting for their coming out party - like debutantes!  I'm a little disappointed that my furniture isn't flying out of the shop - but, truth be told, I only have 2 big pieces there and for the one perfect person to come in, fall in love, and take it home - takes time.  It's only just about the 3 month point now - and I have sold a handful of smaller furniture items like a chair and a sewing cabinet.

This cute little sewing cabinet sold really quickly.  I brought it home in sad shape from an auction and gave it some TLC, a new outfit, and some jewelry.  She was irresistible!

My small items, on the other hand, are selling pretty well.  Many of those items are antique and vintage.  Some are home made.  I have a knack for finding 4 leaf clovers, so whenever I do, I pluck it out of the ground and pop it into one of my gigantic books to press and dry.  After that is done, I mount and frame them.  I've given a few to very special people and the rest have gone into my booth.  They seem to be a big hit.  I'm not surprised.  Who doesn't want a little good luck around?

There's one of my framed four leaf clover's up on the shelf!

All this being said, I've found that once you get into the antiques business, you meet a lot of interesting and like minded people.  Some are purists, some are funky, some are creative, and some just want to give new life to great old items (or junk- it depends on your perspective).  Some, like me, are a little bit of all of these.  Through the Morgantown Market's owner, I met a woman who is involved in another business called Home Eclective - located in Downingtown, PA.  This place is pretty cool.  Essentially, it's "a group of local artisans who love the art of creation and giving found treasures a second life and a new home." (Quote taken from their facebook page).  Well, I think that sounds like me!  Here is a link to their Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/WCHomeEclective

Anyway, this weekend they are having an "Open Weekend" and I am going to be selling my furniture and other finds there!  I am both excited and nervous.  I'll be getting all these completed projects out of my home... Will people like them or hate them?  How much should I charge?  Is $ too much or too little?  Will I make enough to cover my expenses and continue on doing what I truly enjoy?  Lots of questions, I know... Time will tell.

Here are some of the items I'll have for sale there:

In the mean time, I've started a Facebook page for Pear Of Hearts Farm - if you are so inclined, check it out (and LIKE it!)  https://www.facebook.com/pearofheartsfarm  I haven't been the best at consistently posting on my blog - but really want to get better at that.  I do find that my Facebook page is a sort of Cliff Notes for my blog.  At least it hits the main topics!

Until next time - be grateful and kind and happiness will follow!

How sweet it is.

So, I finally got around to harvesting the honey from my poor bees that didn't make it through last winter.

Well, in truth, I can't really call it a harvest - because it was the honey left over from my hive of bees that sadly froze to death over the winter.  Being a young hive, my mentor suggested that I leave them plenty to make it through the winter. Well, I did, and they ate a good portion of it - but the brutal winter of 2013-2014 was too much for my little Italians to handle.

I gave the deep supers of honey that were left to my 2 new hives this spring to give them a good start.  The rest - about 10 or so pounds - I put aside (in my dining room for MONTHS) until I was able to find an extractor to borrow or buy cheap.  I was unsuccessful at that - so I ended up shelling out the $500+ for a new one of my own.  It was painful - but this big purchase is going to force me to stick with the bees through good times and bad!  My husband keeps asking why I choose such expensive hobbies (bees, chickens, organic gardening, etc...) and - I don't know... I guess the fun stuff just costs a lot - and besides, if I am lucky, I can make it profitable some day.

I began the harvest by uncapping the frames of honey and then putting four at a time into my extractor.  Then, the fun part was cranking the handle to literally use centripetal force to spin the honey out of the frames. I think I was a bit overzealous - as I got a blister on my hand!

Here is the pure golden wildflower honey being emptied from the extractor into the filter bucket.  The honey is slowly going through a fine mesh filter at the top of the bucket to remove any impurities such as wax or bee parts.  It may not sound very appetizing at this stage - but pure honey is virtually free of bacteria and can last indefinitely.  It also has been used for centuries for it's healing properties.  Sweet, huh?  ;)

After going through the filter, I let the honey sit in this bucket (covered) for a minimum of 24 hours for the air bubbles to settle - so my final product of bottled amber honey is clear and beautiful.

 I purchased 2 cases of 12 bottles (wishful thinking) - and couldn't resist the punchy red caps!  I also filled one lonely glass honey bear - which I recycled from local honey I purchased a while back. (There was no way I could toss that cute little bear in the recycling bin!)

Here's a look at my modest first harvest of honey - coming in at just under 11 pounds.  Unfortunately, it is not enough to sell - just barely enough to share with my family and the rest to our pantry until my (hopefully) first BIG harvest... next year!

By the way, from this harvest, I also was able to obtain some beautiful bees wax.  I'll write a future post on how I rendered the wax and what I plan to do with it.  You'll be learning along with me as it's all new to me.  I am, after all, a "new-bee!" 

What do you think of my pretty labels?  I just love them!

I promised to get you up to date on more of what I've been doing over the past several months and here goes.  As mentioned in my last post, it was a brutal winter here in South Eastern, Pennsylvania.  That gave me a lot of time to spend on Pinterest looking at hundreds of furniture makeovers inspiring me to do some of my own. And do some, I did! 

Here was my first of many projects done at Pear of Hearts Farm.  This was done in February of this year.

It's a solid maple vanity set - complete with a bench seat... I picked it up at a furniture consignment shop about 30 miles away.  It was a splurge for me at $150.  Sorry but I forgot to snap a before picture of the bench. (I'm pretty new to this blogging thing!)  The piece is very sturdy, very heavy, and has pretty lines - I especially love the turned legs.  Although it was probably made in the 1950's, it has a classic style that will go beautifully in my bedroom near my empire chest with similar turnings on the legs.

Like my pink socks?  ;)   Also, please excuse all the junk in the pictures - we had recently moved in!

Because the top of the vanity had a veneered finish which was quite chipped, I sanded it back to the bare wood. 

I just love my orbital sander.  It makes quick work of challenging jobs.





Below shows the entire top sanded down to bare wood.

The wood I found under the veneer was really lovely!  I just used Danish Oil in Cherry to bring out the beautiful grain.  I love the way it warms up the top and it goes well with my other bedroom furniture.












Next came the rest of the piece.  I decided to go with an almost black/midnight blue color that would contrast nicely with the top and with our pine floors.  I made my own version of chalk paint with flat paint from my local big box home store mixed with a little plaster of Paris and a splash of water. It was an "oops" paint that I purchased for a song!  Good thing I love the color.

 Here's the matching bench that I forgot to take a before picture of.  (And there are my washer and dryer waiting to be installed in the new house.  Thankfully they are in now!)

The home made chalk paint was such a thick lovely consistency that I only needed one coat.  Next, I distressed the paint to allow the maple to show through in selective spots and finished the entire vanity, mirror, and bench with 3 coats of wax. I found the knobs on ebay - they are fantastic.

Here is the bench completed with a fun fabric I picked up at my local fabric store.  I wasn't sure about it - but am going to live with it for a bit to see if it grows on me... It is easy enough to change if and when I choose to. Besides, we haven't gotten around to painting the bedroom yet - and I plan to go with a complimentary color.

I wanted to get a good shot of the entire piece but was too embarrassed to show my messy bedroom in the mirror's reflection! I have to learn some photography and/or styling skills to hide that - because I tend to have a lot going on in my home at any given time...


In the end, I am quite happy with the final result.  I feel special every time I sit here to do my hair and make up... which isn't often enough - as I'm a stay at home mom. (Which, by the way, is much harder than my former full time job of nearly 20 years!)