Holly Ridge Creations

I have been spinning my wheels!!

2011-10-17T19:33:00.003-05:00

I have gourds all lined up waiting to be Santa's and snowmen. Cypress knees are waiting patiently in the corner...well, most of the them...three are Santa's that need to be finished and they are starting to snarl a little! I'm not even going to start on all the other things filling the room that are waiting to feel the flick of a paintbrush.

But...I did get another custom order finished and that's the real reason for this post. I want to share a picture.

This is a fireplace screen made from a 30" X 36" piece of 5/8ths in. thick plywood...the technical term for this is "heavier than all get out!!" I have to admit that I am really happy with the way it turned out and the customer loves it. So, all that wrestlin' around to get it finished was worth it. I will definately be painting this design again.

Thanks for taking a peek...I'll be back soon.

Judy

We have a Winner!!!

2011-09-24T21:48:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Vicky of Paintspots and Splinters. Vicky is a wonderful artist and I know she will be a great Mom to Ella. It is so comforting to know she is going to a good home! :)

Thanks again to everyone who participated and especially for all the wonderful comments.

Hugs,
Judy

Monkeys and Brothers

2011-09-23T23:18:00.001-05:00

First of all, I want to say Happy Birthday to my brother...hope you are having a great time campin'.

Of course, I have to share my "Moccasin Holler Memoir" about his birth. Hope you all enjoy it.

Baby Brother’s are a Different Story

You may recall what I told you about how we got my sister. How the doctor brought her straight to Granny’s house and put her in the bed with Mama. Let me tell you…brothers are a whole different story.

For no reason, Daddy up and told my sister and I that we were goin’ to Granny’s. He was gonna drop us off there and take Mama on to this place called a hospital. Apparently, that’s where they keep baby brothers…cause Mama just had to walk down to Granny’s and the doctor brought my sister to her.

We waited and waited and waited. Finally, after forever, Daddy came back to Granny’s and told us we had a baby brother. But, that’s not the best part. He said our baby brother looked like a little monkey. Wow, we were thrilled!

The days passed, we were really missin’ Mama. But, words can’t express how much we wanted to see our little monkey brother!! The big day finally came, Daddy brought Mama to Granny’s. We ran to give her all the hugs and kisses we had been saving, keeping our eyes on the blanket covered bundle in her lap. Our brother was here and we stood “patiently” waiting to see him. You could feel the excitement in the air as the covers were pulled back. He didn’t look anything like a monkey. He was just a regular baby! Although that red complexion and all those wrinkles were pretty interesting, it was such a disappointment. We had waited a really long time and been extra special good for Granny…where was our little monkey brother?

After awhile, the red faded, the wrinkles were gone and he was gigglin’ and sighin’ and makin’ funny faces. I’ll be the first to admit he was a cutie. My sister and I decided he was definitely a keeper. But, can you imagine how great it would have been to have a little monkey brother!

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget...I'll be announcing the winner of the giveaway tomorrow night.

Judy

Moccasin Holler Memoirs are copyrighted and cannot be used without written permission.

Just two more days till I pick a winner!!

2011-09-22T17:32:00.000-05:00

Yep...the big day is Saturday, Sept. 24. You still have time to sign up...I won't be drawing the winner until late Saturday night.

I am adding another "surprise. "It just hangs around", that's the only clue I'm going to give.

Hope everyone is having a great week...I have been a little on the puny side but much better now. Planning a weekend of painting...hope you all have more exciting plans!!

Tomorrow is my brother's birthday...so, I'm plannin' to share another one of my "Moccasin Holler Memoirs". Hope you will check it out.

Hoping to see you tomorrow.
Judy

A little hint...

2011-09-14T20:33:00.000-05:00

If you have read my Giveaway post, you know that in addition to "Ella" there will be some surprises. Well,I am not really good at surprises...I just have to give a few hints. So, let me just say "bowl fillers" and leave it at that...it will still be a surprise 'cause there will be no pics and you still don't know what kind of bowl fillers! :)

If you haven't seen the giveaway post, be sure and scroll down to check it out.

I can't begin to tell those of you who have already joined in how much I appreciate all the sweet comments and my new followers. I am also really enjoying hearing how you have found my blog post.

Thanks a bunch,
Judy

It's a "Please Forgive Me and Thanks for Hangin' Around" giveaway!!!

2011-09-10T22:07:00.001-05:00

Yep, I feel so bad for being gone so long that I am going to try bribery to get back into your good graces...and the only way I can think of to do that (and not land in jail) is to have a giveaway.

So, someone will be getting one of my gourd dolls along with a few surprises.

Since I am trying to get myself out of trouble, I'm not going to have a long list of things you will need to do to enter.

1. Follow my blog.
2. Let others know about the giveaway by posting something on your blog and sharing on Facebook, Twitter, etc.
3. Leave a comment on this post.
4. Make sure I have a way to contact you...you are gonna want to know if your name is drawn. :) The drawing for the winner will be Sept 24.

Almost forgot...meet Ella. She just happened onto this big, ole punkin' and she doesn't intend to let it go. So, if she comes to your house, don't get any ideas about makin' pies! You can tell by the look on her face that Ella is set in her ways and can be a little testy...just lettin' you know. But, if you are nice to her, she will be nice to you!! Oh yeah, you won't have to worry about that punkin' startin' to rot...it's a gourd, too.

It is so good to be back...you just don't know how I am looking forward to hearin' from you.

Judy

A tisket, a tasket...

2011-03-14T18:01:00.000-05:00

Rose of "Basketsbyrose" makes such beautiful baskets!

She makes each one by hand, one at a time, so each basket is unique.

As Rose says, "they each have their own look, just
like people".

All of us at"A Farmhouse Gathering at Artfire" (AFG), are so happy to have Rose as a part of our guild. She is a talented lady and I know you will enjoy seeing more of her work.

Just click on the link
at the beginning of
this post.

Memories...

2011-01-18T22:44:00.004-06:00

Sisters Come in Black Bags

It was January. There was snow on the ground. I hardly ever got to go to the far side of the road to play when it was this cold. But, believe it or not, I was riding on Daddy’s shoulders over that skinny bridge to my friend’s house.

Well now, the thing was this time I didn’t really want to go. I wanted to stay at Granny’s house. Something was definitely up! Mama was layin’ in Granny and Papa’s bed and Doc Cameron had even shown up.

Usually I would have thrown a little “Judy fit” and Daddy would have taken me back. When we got to my friend’s front door I could smell cookies, so, I decided I would stay after all. But, those cookies ran out, we had played all the games we could think of and I was really getting anxious to know what was goin’ on across the road.

Finally, Daddy came back and we hurried to Granny’s. We were too late, Doc Cameron was leaving. Then he told me he had brought something special in his bag. Oh boy, maybe not all was lost...I bet he brought me a sucker!!

When we got inside, Daddy took me straight to the bedroom. Mama was still in Granny and Papa's bed and she looked kinda funny...all teary eyed like she was cryin'. But, she was grinnin' too big to be cryin'. When she saw me she pulled back the covers. Snuggled up beside her was this pink,wrinkly, little baby sucking her thumb. Mama said, “See your baby sister?” Hmmm, well, so much for that sucker!!! Who knew baby sister’s came in black bags, anyhow. I figured they woulda’ been under a big patch of weeds or in a hole out in the pasture. Everyone knows that's where you find babies...that’s where Daddy always found the baby pigs and calves! Too bad he couldn’t have gone out and found a puppy. At least I knew why Mama was cryin'...what in the world were we gonna do with a baby!!

That was a "few" years ago and a lots more tears have been shed...tears of great joy, tears of great loss. Those tears you get when you laugh so hard it hurts. Yep, we have shared our lives and have grown together. Yep, I figured out really quick that baby sister’s are even better than puppies. I love you, Juletta...Happy Birthday!

*****************************************

Just in case you’re wondering…you have to go to the hospital and pick up baby brothers. But, that’s another story.

from "Moccasin Holler Memoirs", a collection of my memories. Copyrighted-do not use without my written permission.

Back by popular demand...

2010-12-23T00:14:00.003-06:00

A MOCCASIN HOLLER CHRISTMAS

There was electricity in the air. Every kid in the Marston grade school was lined up and down the sidewalk in front of the school. We could see our breath in the air but we were too excited to be cold. This was the day Santa Claus came to school. I’m tellin’ you, the longer we stood the more excited we got...wait, are those bells? Do you hear bells jingling? And music, do you hear that? “Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus lane…” He’s gonna be comin’ round the corner any minute.

Oh, it is magnificent…all the reindeer, with Rudolph in front, pulling the sleigh. Okay, so they aren’t the real reindeer, but that’s because the real ones are at the North Pole. They can’t be travelin’ all over now. If they did they would be too tired to pull Santa and that big ole’ sleigh around the world on Christmas Eve. So, its fine with us that the Pepsi truck is pullin’ the sleigh.

Santa looks so grand in his bright red suit. And, I have to admit he is the only fellow I have ever seen with cheeks that rosey. He sure is jolly, too. He laughs the whole time he is going by. His bag is full of candy that he throws out to all us kids. Most of us are being really nice about letting each other catch some of the candy. After all, Santa’s right there watchin’ and it’s still not too late to be put on the list with the bad boys and girls.

We watch as he travels out of sight. Santa has gone on to see all the rest of the boys and girls in the other towns. Although we wish he could have stayed longer at our school, it is okay because we know that it won’t be too long until Christmas Eve. Of course, we all have plans to stay awake that night and try to get another glimpse of him when he comes to our house.

That visit from Santa was the beginning of the Christmas season for us and there were lots of things to look forward to. We would always make decorations to take home. I’ll never forget one in particular. The teacher asked all of us that had gumball trees to gather up some of those round, prickly things and bring them to school. I couldn’t imagine what we would do with them but I gathered up a sack full and I finally found out what the holes in them were for. We stuck a toothpick in each hole, the teacher sprayed them gold and silver and we sprinkled glitter all over them and they were absolutely beautiful. I knew Mama was going to love this treasure and I couldn’t wait to take it home and hang it on our tree.

My sister, brother and I always got a little antsy waiting for the 15^th of December. That was the earliest that Mama would let us get a tree. She said it was because those trees dried out really fast and if we got one any earlier it would burn the house down. I never really knew who would set it on fire but Mama must have had someone in mind because we never, ever got our tree before 15^th and it always seemed like it would take forever for that day to arrive.

Those trips when we would all go to town to pick out the tree were wonderful. But, the trip I liked best was the one we made on Christmas “Eve eve” night. This was the only time I can remember going into town at night. It would take my breath when we turned onto Main Street. The streetlights were adorned with decorations and the glow of the Christmas lights made things seem almost magical. Daddy would go to do his shopping and the store clerks would usually have some candy for the kids. The sidewalks were filled with people, all enjoying the spirit of the holiday.

Finally, Christmas Eve would arrive. Early in the evening we would head to Granny and Papa’s to exchange gifts and then head home. All the way home I watched the night sky trying to see Santa and his reindeer. I’m pretty sure I spotted them a couple of times. For the longest time I worried about Santa. We didn’t have a fireplace. Instead, we had a coal oil heater and you could see the flames thru the window in the tiny door on the front of it. It would be hard enough for Santa to get down our skinny chimney but how did he get through those flames and squeeze out that little door? Magic!!! Yep, that’s what Mama told me…magic. And, she was right. Because, even though we could never stay awake and catch him in the act, Santa always brought us gifts and filled our stockings with oranges, apples, nuts and candy.

Waking up on Christmas morning we would find that Santa might not have brought exactly what we asked for but we always loved what he did leave…I mean, it was magic…how could you not love the gift you were given.

I wish you could see me now…I’m grinnin’ from ear to ear because I know the magic is still alive. How do I know? I just took a trip back to a special time and I “Believe"!

from "Moccasin Holler Memoirs", a collection of my memories. Copyrighted, do not copy or use in any way without my permission.

Thank you's are in order...

2010-12-18T23:02:00.002-06:00

To Deena of Ewe n Me Printables for fixing my blog. It sort of went crazy on me and she knew just what to do. I think she made it even prettier! Click on the name of her shop and see what other great things she does. She and Bette (another OFG sister) have this great blog called By Your Hands that you just have to visit. You will find tutorials, featured artists, recipes, give aways and more.

Next, I want to thank all of my followers. I haven't forgotten about the Celebration Giveaway...Christmas just sort of snuck up on me! But, it is gonna happen so stay tuned.

Speaking of Christmas, I am going to post my Moccasin Holler Christmas Memoir in the next couple of days. Hope you will stop in and share some of your memories.

Congratulations...

2010-10-12T21:53:00.000-05:00

to Donna of Brushstrokes and Stitches...her Grandma and my Mama had something in common. They both said those little white bumps (canker sores) that hurt so badly appear when you tell a "story". We had to say story because the word "lie" is a cuss word...if Mama was still here she would set you straight on that.

I will share a pic of Donna's "surprise" as soon as she lets me know she has received it. After all, we don't want to ruin the surprise.

On another note...did you notice I am up to 91 followers. Thanks to all of you!!! Now, tell your friends and neighbors 'cause as soon as I reach 100, I am having my first giveaway. I'm not gonna tell you what I am giving away but here is a hint for one of the items...there is a gourd attached to it!!

Thanks for stoppin' by...

Judy

Mama woulda said I have a "story bump"

2010-10-02T22:41:00.002-05:00

Can anyone tell me what I have? There is a little surprise waiting for the first person who's Mama thought like mine. So, please leave a comment and don't forget to let me know how to get in touch with you. And, while you are here be sure and become a follower so you can participate in my upcoming giveaway!!
I'm am looking forward to what everyone has to say. Oh, and sorry Gay...it's not a bump on my head or writer's block, lol.

THE ROOSTERS ARE LOOSE ...

2010-10-01T22:53:00.001-05:00

That's the title to the new Etsy treasury I created...please take a look and leave a comment!! Just click HERE

Thanks a bunch,
Judy

I'm gettin' there...

2010-09-28T22:25:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who is now following...I'm up to 86!!! Remember, we celebrate with a giveaway at 100.

I have some great news to share. I will be going to part time at work beginning this coming Monday. I am so excited...I have so many things I want to get done...painting my new designs, working on my Etsy shop, photography (it is cotton pickin' time here), blogging, and on and on. Oh, I may even do a little cleanin'.

Speaking of cotton pickin' time...how many of you are ready for another "Moccasin Holler Memoir"?

"I'm so excited, I just can't hide it..."

2010-09-08T23:50:00.033-05:00

I now have 81 followers and am getting closer to my first giveaway! I think that will be a great way to celebrate my 100th follower.

Since you have all been so great, I will tell you that one of the items in the giveaway will be a gourd head baby doll. I'll post a pic real soon...I did try to take some pics Monday but none turned out. I have finally gotten over my aggravation and am ready to give it another try when I get home from the lumber shed tomorrow.

Speaking of the lumber shed...shouldn't your week seem shorter when you work a day less? Something to think about.

Twenty-six...that's the number!!

2010-09-05T23:55:00.000-05:00

Yep, the number of new followers I need to reach the magic number...100!! I am wanting to have my very first giveaway and I have told myself I am going to wait until I reach 100 followers to do so. So, just lettin' you know and hopin' it happens really soon.

CELEBRATING 100 FOLLOWERS...

2010-08-29T15:50:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I don't have 100 yet...but Valerie at Yorkie's Primitives does and to celebrate she is having a giveaway!! Here is one of the great items she will be giving away. She will be adding more items...some she will show on her blog and others will be a surprise. Don't you just love a surprise? You better hop on over there and join in on the fun.

Thank's, Valerie, for having this wonderful giveaway.

ANOTHER GREAT GIVEAWAY...

2010-08-15T15:43:00.000-05:00

CLICK HERE

You could win this wonderful snowman make do from

The Rusty Thimble!

Songleader in the making...

2010-08-08T22:38:00.000-05:00

Shhh...listen really close and you might just hear "Jesus, You Are My Firm Foundation" being led by Tanner, our six year old grandson. Once a month, the congregation where our son and his family worship lets the young men that want to lead a song.

I am so proud...I am just about to "bust"!! Just had to share.

Ain't she beautiful?

2010-07-25T21:30:00.000-05:00

Best of all, she can be yours (hopefully, mine). All you have to do is go to the "By Your Hands" blog to enter the giveaway. You can even get 3 chances to win!

Julie of "Prim Country Creations" hand-crafted "Abby". And, as one of the ways to earn an extra chance in the giveaway, you will get to go to Julie's shop and see some of her other items. I'm tellin' ya...everyone one of them is just as wonderful as "Abby".

The gals at "By Your Hands" showcase the best giveaways you'll find, so you will definately want to become a follower of their blog.

And, since all of you are such sweet, sharing people, you will absolutely want to share the "By Your Hands" link with all your blog friends.

Okay, now I have already given you the list of things to do to win "Abby"...so, why are you still here? Click on one of the "By Your Hands" and get busy. :-)

2010-07-03T18:24:00.000-05:00

The 4th of July

Moccasin Holler Style

My sister, brother and I were lucky enough to have cousins our ages. They were the "city" cousins, but we never held that against them. They lived about 40 miles from us and we spent a lot of time together. The 4th was really special. The big ole washtub got drug off the back porch and filled with ice and sodas...something we didn't get very often. And, on the 4th we got to drink as many as we wanted. Unfortunately, they usually ran out before we drank our fill.

Our celebration actually started on the 3rd. Daddy would dig a pit in the back yard and Mama would bring out one of the grills from the oven to make sure the pit was the right size. Mama would get some pork steaks and pork chops out of the freezer. These were from one of the hogs that we had butchered the fall before. We had our own chickens and I'll tellin' you, those critters knew what was comin'. Thankfully, there were always a few that couldn't outrun Daddy!! There was always plenty to cook over that pit. Mama made her famous potato salad, our aunt brought her delicious strawberry shortcake and between the two of them we had all the fixins. Daddy would gather in a big basket of roastin' ears from the corn field and fix up another tub of ice water for the watermelons our uncle would be bringing.

By late afternoon of the 3rd, the city kinfolk had arrived and the games began. We had relay races around the house, played Annie Over, Jacks and snuck boloney or bacon out of the refrigerator, tied pieces to a long piece of twine and fished for crawdads in the big ditch across the road. This went on pretty much all night. Finally, when we were too tired to go on, we headed to the tent. Now this wasn't just your ordinary tent...it was special!! We gathered up pieces of rope and strung it between trees then went inside to the quilt stack and drug out enough quilts to make the sides of the tent with flaps hanging in the front and back and to cover the ground inside the tent. We lit up the old kerosene lantern and went to sleep listening to Mama and Aunt Edith talk about their lives.

We woke up bright and early, but Mama was already fixin' breakfast outside. While she had the bacon and sausage cookin', we would go to the henhouse and gather up the eggs. I think I liked breakfast better than the 4th of July dinner (that's lunch to you northerners).

Those days were filled with wondrous things...sodas, hand-churned ice cream, roasted marshmallows, swimmin' in Little River and so much love that you couldn't stir it with a stick.

excerpt from "Moccasin Holler Memoirs" (c)

A great give-away from "The Old Cupboard Door"

2010-06-28T21:33:00.000-05:00

I have started a new list on the left side bar so that I can get the news out on some of the great giveaways that are going on. I am happy to have The Old Cupboard Door as my first.

To go to Willa' s blog and enter to win this beautiful and collectible piece of art just click on "The Old Cupboard Door" in the left sidebar.

Baa, Baa...you gotta see my sheep!!

2010-06-12T20:18:00.002-05:00

Don't you just love it? It was made by an extremely talented artist who just happens to be one of my OFG sisters, Brenda of "The Rusty Thimble".

I stumbled upon this beauty while checking out one of Brenda's sales. (If you have never visited Brenda's sales, you have really missed out!) I want to give Brenda a special "Thanks"...I am so, so happy with my little lamb!

Now, FYI, you can find more of Brenda's beauties and get the info on her sales and giveaways by just clicking on these links:

http://therustythimble.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/rustythimble
http://rustythimblesalesblog.blogspot.com
http://therustythimblewholesaleblog.blogspot.com
http://therustythimblesales2.blogspot.com

Thanks again, Brenda...I can't wait until your July sale!!

A REMEDY...

2010-05-30T22:51:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had peeling nails? I have to the point that my fingertips were painful. Thankfully, a nice Nurse Practitioner did some research and found that sometimes the cause can be due to a kind of yeast infection. And you are not going to believe the cure:

VINEGAR

Yep, just soak your fingers for 20 minutes each day in a mixture of vinegar and water. She didn't know the exact ratio of vinegar to water, so I just dolloped some vinegar into a cup of water and soaked.

I was amazed at how fast I could tell this was helping and soon the nails were beginning to clear up. And, as a bonus, my very soft nails are now much stronger.

Don't be afraid to give this a try...the NP assured me that it couldn't hurt, even if there was no yeast infection.

Hope this helps someone out there!!

If you got it, you got it!!

2010-02-26T21:24:00.001-06:00

I've always known I was a classy lady. I just didn't know until today just how classy I really am!!!

I will be as delicate as I can in describing the events of today. It began around two o'clock this afternoon...many of you, I'm sure, have experienced it...that mounting feeling of pressure that comes from drinking too much coffee and water. Yep, I had to pee really bad!! I calmly asked one of the girls to watch the registers while I excused myself...took off like a gazelle to the ladies room...it was occupied. I went back to my work area and took the stance...you know which one I'm talking about...waited a few minutes and went back to the ladies room. Hallelujah, it was empty. I dashed in only to find there was no TP!! Went back up to the front, grabbed a couple of packages of TP and got sidetracked by customers!! Got them waited on and walked quickly back to the ladies room which was occupied again!! Now, I'm in pain and my eyes are turning yellow as I go back up front only to get waylaid by more customers. As I wait on them, trying not to cry and still holding on the the two packages of TP, I begin to go over the pros and cons of Depends and wonder if Ron would consider stocking them in the lumber shed...something to think about. Finally, the customers have been waited on and I am free to return to the ladies room...here is where the classy part comes in. As I turn and head for the ladies room in a dead run, I turn to the girls up front and begin to wave both packages of TP in the air while yelling back at them, "I'm headed back to try this one more time."

Now, am I classy or what!!

Time is flying by!!

2010-02-25T23:11:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I last posted. I hope you all haven't given up on me!

Lots of great things have been going on at the "Old Farmhouse"...a fabulous giveaway, the Spring Fling Celebration and more.

Not much has been going on on the ridge. I've just been going to work, coming home, eating, going to bed and doing the same thing over again the next day, etc., etc., etc. That is, until yesterday morning...I got one of those phone calls that you never want to get telling me that my brother was in an automobile accident and was being taken by helicopter to the hospital with possible head injuries. Thankfully, the cat scan confirmed what we knew all along...his head is too hard to have suffered injury. :) Unfortunately, his left hand and right knee didn't fare so well. The hand has a broken bone and the knee cap was split down the center and separated from the rest of the knee. Surgery was done today to put the knee back together...it went well...and both the hand and knee are in casts. Bless your heart, Tony, I pray you heal quickly and completely.

I plan to have my first giveaway soon to celebrate my second year with the Old Farmhouse Gathering group. I will be posting more on this the first part of next week.

Talk to you then,
Judy

HANG ON TIGHT...

2010-01-08T00:36:00.002-06:00

Let go you lose! Now, you say, “what does that mean?” Well, would you believe that was one of our favorite games on the farm? Can anyone guess what I’m talking about? I wonder how many of you have actually played this game?

You have to have an electric fence. A what? A fence that is electric…that is, an electric current runs through it putting off an electric shock when touched. It can give you quite a jolt. Also needed are a few kids. To make the game more fun, you need at least one who has never played the game. The “how to” is easy. Everyone lines up perpendicular to the fence taking hold of the persons hand on either side of them. Now, take a big, deep breath. Let it out. 1, 2, 3…the first in line takes hold of the fence leading us to the object of the game “holding on” while the electricity runs through to the last then makes it’s trip back to the wire only to begin the trip back down the line again. This is where being new to the game comes in…the new guy is always last in line where the jolt of electricity is the strongest. If he or she hangs on the longest there are lots of ooohs and ahhhs and they are king for the day. Thankfully, we had an electric fence around our pasture and I loved this game. We had lots of laughs, always congratulated one another for a good job done and made sure each others hair was slicked back down good and proper when finished.

Admittedly, I haven’t grabbed hold of an electric fence in a really, really long time. But, the concept of “hang on tight…let go you lose” has stayed with me. And, now that I’m “older” I do appreciate so much what that means. Just think of all that we have to hang on to…

Our spouse, admittedly there are times when we felt like letting go just a little,

Our kids, God love ‘em, there were times when we wished we could fence them up and never let them out. Times when we would open the gate and wonder if they would ever go out,

Our parents, we longed for the day when we could leave their “pasture” and live our own lives. Then, we grew up and learned what letting go really means.

Our God, Who will never let go even though there are times when we do.

I apologize for the rambling (not really). I just hope I’m making sense to someone other than myself. Actually, I have been to bed already tonight and this “Moccasin Holler Memoir” creeped into my head. I knew that if I didn’t get up and type something I would never remember it later on. So, this is just a rough draft to help put it all together when I am awake. This time I decided to share it with you before the fixin’ up…let me know what you think.

Nitey nite.

"MONDAY MARKETPLACE"

2010-01-02T22:49:00.010-06:00

It's a new year and I want to begin it with another edition of "Monday Marketplace". I'm afraid I slacked off on this and I apologize...but, we are really wanting to make our Old Farmhouse Gathering a place "synonymous" with "handmade". I couldn't think of a better OFG sister to start the year off with than Alice of "WillmasWimzees".   Following you will find her interview and a link to her Etsy shop, enjoy!

l. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose
that name?
Willmaswimzees, it is the name of my pattern line. Although I
made a mistake and used two L’s in Wilma, but it’s after my grandma.

2.    How long have you been on Etsy?
Since February 2008

3.    What type of items do you offer?
Mostly prim dolls and e patterns. I have started making sweaters
for small dogs.

4.    How long have you been crafting?
About 12 years.

5.    Who or What inspires you?
If I can’t find a pattern for what I am looking for, for a
reasonable price, I design one myself.

6.    What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
Oh that’s tough. I love the snowballs, they don’t melt. But I
like the Santa with his list too.

7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)
        www.wilmaswimzees.com
        http://wilmaswimzees.blogspot.com
http://willmaswimzees.etsy.com

It's Christmas Eve...

2009-12-24T01:17:00.001-06:00

one of my favorite days of the year. I have a lot of wonderful memories and thought this would be a good time to share another "Moccasin Holler Memoir".

A Moccasin Holler Christmas

My sister, brother and I always got a little antsy waiting for the 15^th of December. That was the earliest that Mama would let us get a tree. She said it was because those trees dried out really fast and if we got one any earlier it would burn the house done. I never really knew who would set it on fire but Mama must have had someone in mind because we never, ever got our tree before 15^th and it always seemed like it would take forever for that day to arrive.

I wish you could see me now…I’m grinnin’ from ear to ear because I know the magic is still alive. How do I know? I just took a trip back to a special time and I “Believe”

Wishing each and everyone of you a Magical Christmas of you own.

Puppy Love

2009-12-22T23:13:00.000-06:00

We have a humongous puppy (10 months old...115 lbs.) and he just loves other animals...kitties, chickens, etc. Well, he brought home a puppy!! Looks like it's 6-8 wks old, solid black lab, a real cutey. We have tried to find the owners without success.

He loved his new puppy. They cuddled up to sleep, played together, shared their meals. Then Mike brought the puppy inside and, even though you can't drag Brut inside, it made him jealous. He would have nothing to do with it when we took it back out. Then, we couldn't find the puppy this morning. Mike started looking for him and finally found him down in the woods. Apparently, in a jealous rage, Brut carried him off! LOL Fortunately, they made up before it got dark and are all cuddled up under the heat lamp!!

There is more to the story...I'll share that later along with pics.

Hugs,
Judy

Don't you love roses??

2009-12-08T22:04:00.000-06:00

Well, see that pretty button in the upper right hand corner with the rose on it? Click on it quick because there is a great giveaway going on. It is for an absolutely beautiful afghan!!

Okay, I'm not anything if not honest, so I have to let you know how much telling all of you about this give away hurt...I mean, after all, it lessens my chances to win. But, telling you is one of the things I had to do to enter. So, now I want every one of you to do the same...let's get the word out about this giveaway.

Now, how's everyone been? I'm doing okay...been kinda puny and in sort of a funk. Sorry I haven't been around. Truthfully, I haven't been doing much of anything but going to work, coming home, eating supper and going to bed. Yep, I am officially becoming a fuddy-duddy!! There, I said it, I not proud of it but, like I said, I am honest! LOL

Thanks for checking in...I'll be back soon...gotta a giveaway of my own in mind. :-)

A Give-Away that you do not want to miss!!!

2009-09-26T12:08:00.010-05:00

The Old Farmhouse Gathering is a talented, professional group of artisans who create everything from Primitive to Shabby Chic. We now have over 200 members in the group and over 5000 items listed on Etsy. Just click on the picture to see all the great items handmade by the Old Farmhouse artists.

Many of the artists at the Old Farmhouse Gathering
Etsy group have put together this magnificent give-away to celebrate the fall season. I don't want to ruin the suspense, so I'm not going to tell you the names of all the artists involved in the give-away. I will tell you that the beautiful basket was donated by Rose Clawson of "Baskets by Rose" and that the total value of the give-away is over $155.00!!
I you know you don't want to miss this...all you have to do is
"CLICK HERE TO ENTER"

Gourds...Cleaning & More

2009-09-23T11:07:00.012-05:00

     Before I begin my gourd cleaning tutorial, I want to tell you a little about them. I have been working with gourds since the mid 80's and they are still one of my favorite painting surfaces.
     The gourd is in the pumpkin family and some are edible. Unlike a pumpkin, a gourd will dry and the surface will be wood like. When asked how long a dried gourd will last, my husband always says it lacks two days lasting forever...don't ask, you have to know Mike!
     Gourds are native to Africa and the bottle gourd is thought to be the oldest plant domesticated by humans. Gourds have been used as musical instruments, masks, pipes, canteens, sponges, water jugs, flower pots and the list goes on. Of course, my favorite use is decorative...you gotta love a gourd Santa.
     Gourd seeds should be planted in the early spring after any threat of frost. The plant looks much like a pumpkin or squash vine. A gourd loves sunshine, water and good drainage. When the vine and leaves begin drying out it is about time for harvest. Check the vines for moisture because they can look brown on the outside and still have moisture on the inside. To insure the gourd has dried
completely, you should wait until the stem on which the gourd is attached is hard or brittle and dry before you pick it.
     Green gourds should never be stored inside your home to dry because of the many types of mold that grow on them during the drying process. The gourd will dry quickest if it can get air and sunshine. It will also dry stored in a shed or even left out in the field.    Several types of mold grow on the gourd making it look like it is decaying. So, don't throw your drying gourd away because it is black and nasty looking...that's just the gourd doin' it's thang!

I am cleaning egg gourds for this tutorial because the size will be easy to work with. You will use the same process to dry all sizes. See the nasty mold I was talking about? Even that white color you see on the gourds is mold!
Cover the gourds with a solution of hot water and bleach. Approximately 1/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water will do...I am very specific in my application, I add the amount of water I want then pour in the bleach till it smells good and bleachie! (If it is a sunny, hot summer day, you can tie your wet gourds inside a plastic bag along with wet towels and set in direct sunlight instead of using this soaking process.)

While soaking cover the gourds with an "old" towel, making sure it is wet. If you are cleaning bigger gourds you will probably need to weigh them down so that as much of the gourd is under water as possible.

I let the gourds soak for at least an hour then check them to see how soft the mold has become and how easily it will come off. When soaked long enough you should be able to just wipe some of the mold off. The gourd will have to be scrubbed to remove all the mold.

Use something like those green Scotch pads or a copper Choreboy...I don't use steel wool because particles of steel can actually imbed in the surface of the gourd and rust, causing it to turn brown. I found the blue scrubber I am using at Wal-Mart in the broom aisle. It originally had a white handle and is more coarse that the Scotch pads. Scrub off as much mold as you can.

Remember that white mold, it can be ornery! You may also need to use a knife to remove some of the more stubborn spots. Rinse the gourds after all the mold has been removed. I add a little bleach to my rinse water...you could say I'm a little paranoid when it comes to the mold!! Now, they are ready to lay out to dry. Make sure gourds are completely dry before using. They can be put in the oven on low to speed up the process. Be sure and keep an eye on them, gourds do burn.
Voila, the gourds are pretty, clean...

and now the real fun can begin.

Vintage Halloween Images...

2009-09-20T00:05:00.000-05:00

Just right click, save and enjoy!!

Ain't it purdy!!!

2009-09-12T00:12:00.005-05:00

I just love my new graphics...Kim of Sugar Creek Hollow made them for me and I think they are great. Thank you, Kim, you did a wonderful job!! Now, I need to get to work and get some stuff added.

I am also excited about my plans for tomorrow...I am headed to the gourd farm.

Now, I need your help. I am thinking of ways to make my blog more enjoyable and informational for you such as "how to's", freebies, give-aways, etc. I would love to hear what you would like to see or do. Since I will have gourds that need to be cleaned I thought I would give a step by step in how this is done...how does that sound for my first "happening" on the blog?

I really do want to hear your ideas and look forward to your comments.

A Great Give-Away...

2009-09-10T23:07:00.008-05:00

Kim is giving away not one, not two...but, three of her wonderful
soy candles and you get lots of chances to win. Click on her button
and hop on over to her blog...you do not want to miss this!!

Happy Labor Day...

2009-09-07T00:46:00.008-05:00

I hope you are enjoying your day. What makes the day even better? It's time for this weeks "Monday Marketplace" feature.

I want to introduce you to Joan Minervini of "Vintage Keepsake Trunk". I have enjoyed getting to know Joan at the Old Farmhouse Gathering and am really excited to be able to share her talent with you. She has just added some wonderful Halloween items to her shop and following is just a small sampling, be sure to visit her shop to see more.

Lucinda

Hocus & Pocus

Halloween 1708

Alrighty, now, I wasn't kidding was I? Joan is one very talented lady!!! Now that you have seen some of her work, I want you to get to know her a little better...

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose
that name?

Vintage Keepsake Trunk
I chose this name because I like the idea of searching and
finding an old trunk in the attic and opening it to find vintage
time-worn treasures from the olden days.

2. How long have you been on Etsy?

Since March 2009

3. What type of items do you offer?

Primitive Folk Art handmade soft-sculpture offerings featuring
Art Dolls, Home Decor, Holiday and Seasonal Decorations and
Collectibles, all created with that time-worn look.

4. How long have you been crafting?

35 years

5. Who or What inspires you?

I was inspired as a youth by my Great Aunt and Grandmother
that taught me to sew on an old Singer Sewing machine.
My crafting really took off when I injured my back in my 30's
in an accident and was left in chronic pain and forced to change
to a sedentary life style. Creating is therapy for me and helps
me to forget the pain and I thoroughly enjoy it!

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

Probably my Art Dolls. I love to dress them in vintage baby
clothes from the 1920's and each of them comes out different
with their own personality.

7. Other places where you can be found

PLACES TO FIND ME.....

Home of Vintage Keepsake Trunk.....
http://www.vintagekeepsaketrunk.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7050167
http://vintagekeepsaketrunk.blogspot.com/
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/vintagekeepsaketrunk
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=32731
http://wsoapp-vintagekeepsaketrunk.blogspot.com/
http://vintagekeepsaketrunk-soatp.blogspot.com/

Thanks again for stopping by. It has been fun sharing Joan's interview and pics of her work. I always love to hear from you so please leave a comment.

Summer is winding down, I think!

2009-08-26T21:21:00.002-05:00

We have had some really great weather for the past week, a little cool snap that makes me long for fall. I know we have more hot weather on the way but I take solace in the knowledge that we will be entering a new season soon.

I have been promising another one of my "Moccasin Holler Memoirs" with you and before summer does come to an end I decided to share one of the scariest moments in my life which happened to take place in the summer. Keep in mind, my "Moccasin Holler Memoirs" are a collection of my memories of growing up in the country in the 1950's...hence no indoor plumbing in our neck of the woods.

Outdoor Toilets…

Hmmm, not one of my best memories. Especially the time we went to Granny and Papa’s and I had to make a trip to the “facilities”. I locked myself in and picked up some pages out of the Sears’ & Roebuck catalog. I was in the process of crinklin’ the pages up to make them nice and soft when I looked down. On the floor, peeking out from under the pages was what appeared to be the face of a little squirrel. Well, who doesn’t love a cute, little squirrel? So, I reached down and pulled back the pages.

Like a bolt of lightening, a creature rushed out from under those pages and began to attack me. It was HUGE and so fast I couldn’t tell what it was, definitely not a squirrel! It could even walk on the ceiling. The battle seemed to go on for hours.

Actually, the only battle was between me and the latch on the outhouse door. I finally escaped and ran as fast as I could, which wasn’t very fast. Have you ever tried to run while shaking with fear and trying not to fall over the britches that are wrapped around your ankles?

Finally, my haven of love and safety was within reach. I headed straight to the kitchen door and the arms of Mama and Granny. I knew that when they heard about the danger I had so narrowly escaped, they would grab me, hug me tight and tell me everything was alright…nothing was going to hurt me now. And, most importantly, they would send Papa out to kill the monster.

Noooo, they doubled over laughing when they heard my tale of horror! I was never so hurt and humiliated. It seems a big lizard had taken up residence in the outhouse that summer and they were happy about it, seein’ as how it ate bugs. Bugs, my foot, didn’t they realize the thing nearly ate me!!

Remember...I always love to hear your comments.

Monday Marketplace

2009-08-24T10:55:00.002-05:00

It's that time again and I have another wonderful artist from Old Farmhouse Gathering to feature. She is a sweet gal and I know you want to get to know her, too, so please read the interview...it's great.

Here is a glimpse of her etsy shop...be sure and go to etsy to see all her wonderful creations and while you're there type OFG in the search bar and enjoy all the talent that is Old Farmhouse Gathering.

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you
choose that name?
My shop name is Willowtree Treasures. As a child I had
a willowtree that was located in our back lawn. Every
time the branches would float in the wind it seemed so
magical to me. I thought some day ...if I looked hard enough...
I may find treasures nestled beneath the moving of these branches.

2. How long have you been on Etsy?
I have been on Etsy for a little over a year.

3. What type of items do you offer?
I offer items that range from extreme primitive to primitive
with a touch of vintage appeal. I create dolls, doll lamps,
pincushions, doll pins, hang tags, door greeters, shelf sitters
and much more to aid in home decoration.

4. How long have you been crafting?
I have been creating for about 10 years. I started with
primitive jar lamps surrounded by a layer of moss and silicone
bulbs as the lighting source. When I began to sew I then began
adding the half dolls to my lamp creations. I then graduated to
full dolls, ornies and doll pins. My business branched out from
there.

5. Who or What inspires you?
Life in general inspires me . The life stories people have
to share of their triumphs and disappointments I also find as
inspirational!

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
My favorite item in my shop is Annie and the Clairabelle cow.
I found the construction of this set to be very challenging and
did a lot of techniques for the first time! This project I truly
had a hard time putting down until is was completed because of
my interest in seeing the final product when it was finished!

7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)

Blog:
http://www.willowtreetreasures.blogspot.com

Olde Primitive Sister's Marketplace:
http://www.oldprimitivesisters.com/shops/

FuzzB:
http://fuzzb.com/profile.php?profile=102660

Artfire:
http://artfire.com/users/Willowtree Treasures

also twitter and facebook

Thanks for stopping by!

MONDAY MARKETPLACE...

2009-08-09T22:17:00.010-05:00

It is Monday and time for another Marketplace where you will meet one of my Old Farmhouse Gathering sisters. Since not all of you may be familiar with Etsy, this will give you a chance to check it out and see some of the very talented people you will find there. And, I have to say that I think our OFG Etsy team is filled with the most talented.

Today, I am happy to introduce you to Kim Orcutt of Valley Primitives. Kim is a great asset to our OFG team and is a wonderful artist. What she can do with a needle and thread is amazing!!! Just see for yourself!!

Read on to get to know Kim a little better and you will understand why all of us at OFG are so proud of her.

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose
that name?
VALLEY PRIMITIVES
2. How long have you been on Etsy?
MARCH 4, 2008
3. What type of items do you offer?
HAND STITCHED FRAMED PRIMITIVE STITCHERY’S, STITCHED KITCHEN
TOWELS, HANG TAGS, PILLOWS, AND ORNIES.
4. How long have you been crafting?
I HAVE BEEN CRAFTING FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER, I LOVE TO
WORK WITH MY HANDS. I’VE DONE STAINED GLASS, TOLE PAINTING,
BEADED JEWELRY, AND NOW I AM HOOKED ON STITCHING.
5. Who or What inspires you?
I AM INSPIRED BY ANYTHING OLD! I LOVE TO FIND THINGS THAT
SOMEONE ELSE IS THROWING AWAY AND GIVE IT A GREAT PRIMITIVE
MAKE OVER. I HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY LOTS OF OTHER PRIMITIVE
ARTIST MAKEOVERS AND THE WEALTH OF IDEAS THAT THEY FREELY
SHARE ON THEIR BLOGS.
6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
SO RELAXING.
7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)
I HAVE A BLOG http://valleyprimitivesgiftshoppe.blogspot.com/

MY ETSY SHOP IS http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5675144

WE ALSO HAVE A SMALL GIFT SHOP IN OUR HOME, CALLED
VALLEY PRIMITIVES GIFT SHOPPE.

I hope you enjoyed meeting Kim and seeing her lovely stitcheries.

Check out following blogs: The Country Shopkeeper, Bee Charmer Primitives and Kim's Valley Primitives Gift Shoppe to see more Monday Marketplace interviews and there may be more so please check back for the links. I know you don't want to miss any of these great artists!!

Thanks for stopping by, I'm always tickled to hear from you so please leave those comments.

Something new....

2009-08-03T21:49:00.008-05:00

The first installment of "MARKETPLACE MONDAY"
(And, aren't you proud of me...I'm actually getting my first showcase up on "Monday")

Yep, every Monday I will be showcasing an artist from the OLD FARMHOUSE GATHERING Etsy group that I belong to. You will be able to read an interview of that artist, see an Etsy mini of her listings and find links to her other shops, blog and all the other places on the web that she can be found.

Today I want to introduce you to Carol, the original FIRECRACKER KID.
Even more that being such a talented artist, she is a real sweetheart...now, sit back and enjoy!

What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?

Firecrackerkid Primitives. I chose this name, because I was born on the 4th of July, and my family always called me "the firecrackerkid". My father said when I was born I came out with a bang, jokingly of course. Plus it's Independence Day, and I really love my country and my freedom so it all fits together nicely.

How long have you been on Etsy?

One year and four months

What type of items do you offer?

One-of-a-kind Woodcrafts and reproduction woodcrafts of different Early American dough bowl racks and furniture.

How long have you been crafting?

Twenty years.

Who or What inspires you?

Well, the economy is what inspired my husband and myself to make our own Primitives to save on money. My husband is who inspires me, because of his hard work ethics, and the fact that he can do just about anything or any challenge put before him. He's a hard working man. A Jack-of-all-trades so to speak. He was a carpenter since he was a teenager, and even built our home along with several other homes locally. Pretty inspiring and impressive to me.

What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

That would be our one-of-a-kind items. We like to come up with unique woodcrafts that no one else has, and that are functional also.

You can also see Carol on Facebook .

Wasn't I right...you enjoyed that didn't you? Don't forget to check in every Monday to see a new artist featured on my blog and now go to The Country Shopkeeper's blog and enjoy another Monday Marketplace interview.

Alrighty...

2009-07-30T00:55:00.003-05:00

got through those last two chicken days without a hitch and camp is officially over for this year!!! We do have a few more things happening at camp but nothing that I have to cook for. I didn't get pics like I had planned. I will try and get some to post from others that were more on the ball than me. I have to admit that when I am in the kitchen all I can think about is getting those meals ready!!

I was looking forward to a week of recuperating after the last session of camp...didn't happen. I got a call from a friend that owns the local lumber shed/hardware store asking me to fill in while a couple of the girls get married/go on honeymoons. It has been challenging, fun and really tiring for this old gal. I have decided that by the time I am through I am going to be a lot smarter or my brain is going to explode.

I am working on some cypress knee santas...I "will" post some pics when I get them finished. And, I have a few new ideas that I hope to be able to share before too awfully long.

I have missed this bloggin' thing and am going to try really hard to start posting regularly so please keep coming back. I will be posting more of my "Moccasin Holler Memoirs"...the next one will be about "Cotton Patch Etiquette". Sign up as a "Follower" so you don't miss anything.

It's great to be back!!!!

Only two more chicken days to go...

2009-06-30T10:20:00.002-05:00

yep, that's how I'm counting down the camp sessions now and it translates to two more weeks. Thursdays are "Chicken Days" which means we prepare a good ole down home country chicken dinner (that's lunch to you northerners). It is also my most dreaded day of camp. Don't get me wrong, I do love cooking for camp but the thought of frying all that chicken just wears me out!! But, it's all worth it when the little critters, I mean campers, come through the line.

Here is a small sampling of what we cooked during the last two sessions of camp. Keep in mind that these were two of our smaller groups. In fact, next weeks session will be larger the the last two combined!!! Do you see the little tear trickling down my face!! :-) Okay here goes:

Sausage......................564 patties
Bacon........................449 strips
Eggs..........................64 dozen
Made from scratch biscuits...347

Not included are all the pancakes, french toast, dry cereal, milk, juices, oatmeal, gravy and chocolate gravy...and that is only breakfast.

I have to say that I have had some great helpers who work hard and make my job fun.

Did I mention that my day starts around 5:30 am. I head to the kitchen by 6:15 and head back home around 8:30 pm where I do the laundry for the day.

After all that, I have to say that BYC or Bootheel Youth Camp is GREAT!!! I had hoped to share some pics of workday with you but I forgot my camera, duh!! I am planning to keep it close at hand next week so I can show you some of the great things that go on.

Till next time...

It's almost time...

2009-05-29T21:54:00.003-05:00

for camp to begin. For those of you who may not already know, my husband and I live at Bootheel Youth Camp. That is our church camp and we are the caretakers. Well, Mike actually does most of the "caretaking". But, this is the time of year that I really get busy and have I been busy this week.

We have a workday scheduled for tomorrow and I have been workin' myself silly/sillier this week just getting ready for it. I have been sanding, scraping and painting till I'm sort of a medium terracotta in the face...that's the color I was painting the front of the main serving counter in the "Cafetorium". Oh, I also have a pair of tennis shoes that are accented with that "exact" color!!

We have lots of stuff to do tomorrow and I know it will be a great day filled fun, fellowship and work. I'll try to get some pics to share so all of you can join in.

A Little Late...

2009-05-10T21:24:00.006-05:00

No big surprise, huh!! I wanted to get this posted
earlier but I have just been too busy enjoying having our 5 year old grandson with us for a few days.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. And, I especially hope that you were able to spend some time with your mother. I know a lot of you, like me, no longer have your mother's with you and this day was bittersweet for you. I hope that you, like me, had lots of family around you to make the day special.

There are still days that I go to the phone and sometimes even get the receiver to my ear before I realize that can't call my Mama. Now, I smile as I put the receiver back and thank God for giving me such a special Mama. He certainly broke the mold when he was finished creating her.

Following is another of my "Moccasin Holler Memoirs" that I want to share with you...just so you too can get to know my Mama just a little bit.

Ya'll have a special week and thanks for dropping by.

Mavis, our mama

Mama, always singin’. She hugged our hurts away and made us think chocolate gravy and biscuits for supper was a special treat just for us kids.

Mama, always barefoot. Even in the coldest of winters, when she would hang the clothes on the line to “freeze” dry. This is the same lady who would never let us kids go barefoot until the first day of May because the ground didn’t get warm enough till then.

Mama, always mama. Even to a newborn animal whose real mama refused to accept it. She said she didn’t like animals so I guess those were tears of joy when they were ready to be returned to the pasture or the wild. Let’s see, besides us kids, she raised numerous pigs, wild bunny rabbits and calves. She didn’t name them all but I remember a little chick named Susie that grew to be big enough to fly up to Mama’s shoulder and perch there while she did the dishes. There was Trixie, the squirrel…but, that’s another story. Then, there were our pets that she made sure were fed and watered. Naw, she didn’t like animals!!!

Mama, who thought all babies were beautiful but not as beautiful and her grand and great-grandbabies.

Mama, who hated a confrontation but would fight a pack of wolves to protect her family.

Mama…soft voice, tender heart, a truly gentle spirit. Always seeing the best in everything. Always there when she was needed. The definition of true beauty.

Mama, our Mama…proof that love lives forever.

(excerpt from "Moccasin Holler Memoirs" copyrighted)

A Fairy Tale...well, sort of...

2009-04-06T01:34:00.007-05:00

Once upon a time long, long ago in a far away land called Moccasin Holler there lived a young girl who loved Christmas. (Okay, the girl is me and, yep, I mean "long, long ago" literally. I did grow up in Moccasin Holler!) Now, where was I? ...there lived a young girl who loved Christmas. She loved the sounds, smells and colors of Christmas. She loved the warmth that seemed to glow all around her. She loved going to town with her Daddy to pick out "the" tree. And, ooohhh, the decorations!! But, most of all she loved Santa.

Santa always came to school after Thanksgiving riding in a beautiful sleigh being pulled by those magnificent reindeer. (It didn't seem odd at all that they were all pulled by a Pepsi Cola truck.) What a wonderful day that was...all the kids lined up along the street in front of the school and as Santa passed by they would scramble to gather up the candy that he tossed out to them.

After that first Santa sighting, the girl began to count the days until Christmas. Every Christmas Eve, on the way home from Granny and Papa's, her eyes scanned the night sky in hopes of seeing a tiny red light. You know, the one on Rudolph's nose...that would be a sure sign Santa was indeed about his business of delivering all those toys.

Now, there is more to this story but you will have to wait till Christmas to hear it...

I do have a reason for sharing part of the story. I have a confession to make. For the past several weeks, I have been pretty much useless. I have hardly ever gone into my painting room and when I do, I mostly just sit and stare. Those creative juices just aren't there. I look at the things I have prepped for painting and just can't decide what to paint on them. Then I find myself looking at the cypress knees, gourds, clay and all those things that will eventually be santas and snowmen.

So, tonight (or this morning, whichever) I have made a decision. I am going back to what I really love. I am going to create "Christmas" stuff. After all, I wouldn't be painting at all if it weren't for Santa...but, that's another story.

I wanted to let you know so you wouldn't be surprised when you begin to see the changes on my blog, in my Etsy shops and in my new Artfire shop. Call me crazy, but I can't wait to start making those changes and I really do hope you all like them.

It's gettin' warmer...

2009-03-24T13:38:00.003-05:00

Yippee!! I am so ready for warmer weather.

I always think of my growin' up years and one of my Mama's "Rules of Wisdom" when the dreary clouds of winter begin to be blown away by Spring's warming winds. It was about this time of year that my siblings and I figured it was high time to be able to go barefoot. Unfortunately, Mama had her rules...and this one was soooo hard on us!! It seems that, no matter what the temperature, it isn't warm enough to go barefoot until May 1st. Apparently, that's "the day" when the ground has finally warmed enough and is ready to make connection with the bare skin of the human foot. So, we had to wait until that day of miracles arrived to remove our shoes and be truly free. Ahhh, the feel of the new green grass on tender feet is indescribable.

Oh well, it's warm out today and I was thinkin' about takin' off my shoes and that made me think of Mama and her "rule" and I just thought I'd share. Gotta get back into the paintin' room...gonna paint some old windows.

Oh yeah...I still have my shoes on...after all, it's isn't May 1st and I wouldn't dream of breaking one of Mama's rules.

Okay, consider this fair warning!!!

2009-03-17T02:40:00.001-05:00

It is 2:41 a.m. so I can pretty much guarantee that I am goin' to be ramblin' here!! I should be asleep, but I just had to face facts...I wasn't goin' to sleep, it's just as well I got out of bed. So, here I am. This is such a confusing time of day. What I think is today is actually yesterday, which is good because today (I mean yesterday) wasn't a good day. So, I guess I should be glad it is tomorrow, I mean today. Now, if you understood that we are on the same page which means you may want to wonder about yourself! LOL...just pullin' your leg.

Monday (today/yesterday?) was the
mailout date for our Old Farmhouse
Gathering Spring Swap goodies. I am
so proud...I got mine done and they
will be arriving at their destination soon.
I painted" a stitchery design
by Rhonda of "Primitive Stitches".
I was spending way too much time
at her website looking at all her
wonderful designs...I mean, I don't
do stitcheries...why was I there?
Hmmm, I had a thought...I'll just
buy me some patterns so I can
paint the designs!! This was actually
supposed to be stitched on a candle-
mat!!! You can see it is painted on an old plate but I think it would still make a neat candle-mat. I want to thank Rhonda for giving me permission to paint her designs my way.

I also included these neat hangtags done
by Deena of "Ewe 'N Me Printables".
She did all the real work...I just
grubbied 'n glittered them up. Pretty
neat though, huh? I sure hope my swap partner likes them!

Whew...I just checked the time again...it's 3:19 a.m. I have spent way too long tryin' to get the pics to show up where I wanted them in this post. Somehow, I keep making them disappear...I would really appreciate it if there is anyone out there who could help me out here!!

Okay, guess I'll give up on makin' this post look pretty... gonna try hittin' the sack...well, I'm not actually gonna hit a sack, that would be way too much like exercise and I can't have that!! I'm really going to just go back to bed and hopefully get some sleep. What amazes me is how much easier it is for me to sleep in the morning when I should be awake!! But, that's a whole 'nuther story!!!

Nitey, nite...or is it good morning? :-)

I know...I've been MIA...

2009-03-08T21:51:00.000-05:00

and I don't really have an excuse. Surely it's not because I can't think of anything to talk about! :-) Ya'll know me better than that...once I start ramblin'....

Before I get going I wanted to share the links to a couple of Etsy treasuries I snagged...Bustin.Out.All.Over..OFGSC and Bunny Eggs...OFGSC Unfortunately, I couldn't list all 150+ items that are in the Old Farmhouse Spring and Easter Celebrations so to see the rest of them just click...OFGSC Spring & Easter Celebrations

I have been kinda busy...waited till the last minute to get my things done for the celebrations but I think they turned out pretty good anyhoo. Click on the Holly Ridge Creations button on the top left to see them.

And, believe it or not, my brain has kicked in creative mode and I have bunches of stuff I want to get done. Right now I am in the middle of doing a cypress knee bunny!! Yep, a bunny rabbit and no...he isn't wearing a santa suit!! I also have a cypress knee that has decided he wants to be a kitty cat instead of a santa so I have him waiting in line to be painted. I'll post some pics when I get them finished. Got some neat prim eggs just waitin' for some color, there are cabinet doors and old windows base-coated and staring at me. A box full of cones are just screaming my name!!

Hey...I gotta get off here and get in that paintin' room. If I don't show back up soon, please call someone...that kitty cat cypress knee is getting a little upset with me and I'm not sure what measures it might take to cut line in front of the bunny!!!

A Great Give-a-Way...

2009-02-25T13:46:00.000-06:00

and I didn't want any of you to miss it.

Stephanie of "Old World Primitives" is celebrating her one year blogiversary and one of us just might just get the gift!! All you need to do is click on "Old World Primitives" to see the goodies, and I mean "goodies", then leave a comment to enter. I have already left mine.

Now, I would say good-luck...but, I mean, after all, that would be pushin' it. At least I'm sharing the news with you...but, I really, really want those goodies for myself!!! :-)

Another heads up...the Old Farmhouse Gathering Etsy team will be starting their Spring Celebration at the end of the week. I'll be posting pics and links as soon a I can.

Love those comments...keep 'em comin'. :-)

Gotta Share!!!

2009-02-20T17:08:00.000-06:00

I just had to give you the link to my daughter-in-law's blog and her latest post...it has a couple of pics of our youngest grandson proudly displaying one of his many talents. We are all sooo proud!! I have to say that talent runs rampant in our family!! :-)

Here's the link...http://momabirdof4.blogspot.com

Ain't he a cutey???

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Ice Storm...2009

2009-02-17T13:12:00.000-06:00

I am so happy that you are here. For my very first post on my new blog, I have decided to share some pics of the ice storm that hit a big part of our country in January.

We woke up on Tuesday morning to see everything covered by sleet covered ice. An ominous looking sky overshadowed everything. We had been warned that the worse was yet to come...and it was.

On Wednesday morning, we woke up to another couple of inches of ice. The sound of breaking branches and falling trees, that had begun to some extent the night before, had become continual and was to last for two more days. I was dreading going out to see what damage was done.

We still have some broken electrical lines on the property, but they can wait. So many trees have fallen and even more have lost limbs. Some trees were bowed so low you couldn't imagine what kept them from crashing on down. The branches hanging to the ground in front of the shed are now spread out over the top of it where they once were.

By the time I ventured out to take pics, more
than half of the ice had melted. At on point, the ice had completely encased the twigs, in the pics most of it has fallen off. The forlorn bush in the pic below is my Rose of Sharon...I am happy to report that when the ice melted it regained it's former magnificence.

There are those that have still been without electricity...but, it was expected that everyone in our neck of the woods will be back on today.

Still others not far away in Kentucky
and other states that have lost so much more...
please keep all of those who have suffered and
are still suffering in your prayers.