Farmgirl Paints

The disco ball

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 20:34:00 +0000

Yesterday, I stood in the bathroom holding a disco ball and wept. Never mind that I felt like a lunatic. His beauty of light surrounded me. Our black walls were lit with hundreds of reflected mini rainbows, and before I knew it tears were streaming down my face. Golden hour had made its way into my bathroom and I couldn't help but feel God's presence. What is it about beauty that brings us to our knees? For me, it's the intimacy I feel from my Heavenly Daddy, the master artist. It's like a warm hug. An "I see you" moment. And no matter how many times I experience it I never stop marveling at His goodness. A disco ball!

I've wanted one for years. But until recently it wasn't a top priority until I saw my friend Honey's collection over her bed, and then I went on a little road trip with her and voila! When I say shopping with Honey is a fight for the fittest I mean it. We have the exact same style and spot stuff simultaneously:) It's fun;)

My precious friends and co-speakers - Honey Holden and Tara Dickson with a new friend Carol Howard

Tara Royer Steele's Round Top event

Recently we road-tripped to Round Top, Texas for a women's event. It was my first time speaking on my own and I was nervous, to say the least. It went amazingly! But that's for another post. Before the event started I spotted the disco ball...just as Honey bought two! What did I tell ya;) Anyway, who knew that little mirrored ball would bring me to tears, but it did. The good kind. The "I can't believe how amazing God is" kind.

Speaking of beauty bringing me to tears... On the road trip, my daughter Maggie chauffered us. And we got to visit Honey's momma, brother and sister-in-law, and daughter. It was such a sweet family affair. Her brother Marvin, in Louisiana, took us out on his fishing boat. We're talking about the sweet bayous of Texas/Louisiana. Cypress trees, just days away from breaking forth into bloom. It was so incredibly amazing to see, of course, I broke out into tears then as well.

I think tears are a way of tapping into what really matters to you. I'm peri-menopausal, and hormones are a constant thing I'm analyzing...but these tears are different. They're an overjoy of gratitude. Gratitude for eyes that see Him in everything. Just food for thought. What makes your heart weep, but in a good way?

You are so loved,

Becky

Gratefuls this week:

Easter morning! He is RISEN!

Fresh new sugar scrubs

1 cup sugar

1 cup Epsom salt

mix in cheap oil until desired consistency

essential oils of your choice - these are cocoa butter/jasmine,

rosemary mint, ginger grapefruit

Pansies will be pulled out soon and zinnia seeds will replace them! Bring on all the cut flowers:)

The Great Reset

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 22:11:00 +0000

Hello, my sweet friends,

Gosh, I've missed you. If you're reading this it's probably because I directed you to my long-forgotten blog. I'm resurfacing after a month-long Instagram break. I felt a strong NUDGE to get off social media. Usually, I take a day or two off and this time I just knew it had to be longer, much longer.

Remember the train derailment in Ohio a little bit ago? That freaked me out! I think we get a little acclimated to all of the fear-mongering and the constant bad news, but the thought of our water supply being messed up and those people's lives being completely disrupted by something out of their control. Well, it wrecked me. I don't lose my peace easily, so it was time to evaluate my emotions and I felt the need to back off from screen time. I don't watch the news, so the accounts on social media were influencing my emotions and in complete honesty, I was getting out of the presence of God's perfect peace. Because when we stay in tune with Him all the crazy has a way of getting less scary.

The day after I uninstalled Instagram, I was taking my walk on our hill, and I felt the Lord say, "Finally!" It was like He was just waiting for me to put my phone down and get my eyes back on Him, so He could speak to me. And speak to me He did, and not just on that walk, but revelation after revelation all.month.long! When I say it was good I MEAN IT! I'm changed.

The first "epiphany" I had was that I wasn't going back to the way I'd been doing Instagram. Aside from this week, I'm keeping it off my phone. This week is hard, because I'm traveling to Mississippi and Texas for the "Love is a Battlefield" event in Round Top, TEXAS!!! There are tickets STILL AVAILABLE!! Please come hear my talk about breaking free from friendship hurts! It's a word from the Lord 100%!! I don't speak in front of people because it terrifies me, but I'm filled with so much peace! That HAS to be Him. I finally get to share my story and I just know it's going to set people FREE!

So Instagram... it's staying uninstalled. Did you know you can use it from your laptop?!! I have to figure out how to do stories, but that's a price I'm willing to pay. I'm going back to blogging. And the freedom I feel with that decision is enough to make me weepy. Blogging is where it all began. Looking for joy in the small things... Seeing God everywhere, and in all the things around me, and sharing it with you was for me the highest high, and it saved me from a deep hole of depression. I got lost along the way. Instagram was easy and accessible, but it became a huge distraction and I'm ready to get back on track.

The second "Epiphany" was about my health. This is a long story and I'll make sure to share it soon, but basically, I've been bouncing around doctors' offices all month long and I'm so full of hope. Not from the doctors, but from doing my own research and finally laying down some bad habits and picking up eye-opening insight that is breaking chains. There's a lot to tell you and I'm still on this information-gathering journey, but I promise to keep you in the loop.

The third epiphany is that I love painting! I knew I did, but due to the constant distractions, I didn't make time to do it. With my head clear and no self-imposed deadlines, I created seven new paintings this month! Seven!! I have 5 more to go for my Maine Series, which I plan on turning into this year's calendar. I've been marveling at my Creator once again. He's helping me paint people! That's not my specialty and I'm doing it!

So that's where I'm at friends. This blog is getting dusted off and I'm hoping to post new epiphanies once a week! There are other things on my heart I'm praying about too, but I think this is a first step. I pray you follow along. Good things are coming:)

You are so loved!

Becky

Full and Overflowing dinner/art night

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 13:49:00 +0000

I've always had an inner nudge to gather women. I think it's a response to my own struggle with occasional loneliness. We live pretty isolated. And I'm a creative that works alone most of the time. I think the biggest hindrance to my productivity is working up the mojo to start. For years I've dreamt of having a circle of friends paint with me. Like-minded women who find themselves yearning for community. A place to reflect, dream, be inspired, and create something out of nothing. That's my heart. To me, painting, cuffing, writing, etc...is an act of worship. A bond with my Creator that touches my soul deeply.

When we bought this property I knew it wasn't really mine. It was a place to be shared. I've had a secret prayer request for all those years... Lord bring me the people to help me do this thing You've laid on my heart. I can't do it on my own. Slowly one by one He brought them...Tracy, Meg, Julie, Maria, Rebecca, my sweet family. I can't really thank them enough. It takes a team! It's taken a very long time to get here...6 years to be exact. But we're moving into the season of embracing the uncomfortable;) The gate has been opened, the table set, and the art supplies laid out!!

In April we had our very first dinner/art night. I knew it was to be called "Full and Overflowing." We feasted! We worshiped. We painted. I don't really even have the words to describe what took place because for me it was an act of obedience and the very first step into a calling that quite honestly terrifies me. Hosting doesn't come naturally. Peopling is absolutely exhausting...and yet I know it's the next right thing. Love on people. See them. Share beauty. Make beauty! AH!!! God is so good!

Our next dinner's theme is "Night of Splendor," and will be held Friday, July 29. There's a waitlist. If you want to add your name, sign up at farmgirlpaints.com. The waitlist closes on 6/15 when I'll hide the shop and send an email with a password to those who are on the list. After the shop is open to the waitlist any remaining seats will be announced on Instagram on Friday 6/18. Hope to see you there!!

Here are the recipes from Tracy Steigler!

*I always use organic ingredients wherever possible but I have found most of these ingredients come organically!

Salad Dressing:

1 Shallot, minced

2T dijon mustard

1 lemon, juiced

1C extra virgin olive oil

1t salt

1/2t pepper

Mix until emulsified. Ok to serve immediately but better the longer that it sits.

Is best with every salad - also good as a marinade for chicken!

(Dressed a bed of arugula topped with roasted beets, slivers of tangerines, quartered burrata, and pistachios)

Rustic Mashed Potatoes:

3lb Yukon gold

8oz cream cheese

1c heavy whipping cream

1/2c sour cream

1 1/2t salt

1/2t pepper

1t onion powder

1t garlic powder

Wash & add potatoes to a pot of highly salted water. Bring to a boil, and simmer(about 15-20min). While the potatoes are cooking, in a separate pan, combine the rest of the ingredients on medium-low until simmering and combined. Simmer 5min, turn off the heat, and keep on the burner. Drain potatoes and add back to hot pot. Add cream mixture to the pot and mash with a hand masher until incorporated and desired consistency.

**I like it rustic with the peels on

and big chunks of potatoes.

Roasted Chicken:

(recipe for 1, so it is easily multiplied for your desired amount)

Bone-in, skin-on chicken breast

Shallot, rough chop

Garlic clove smashed but left whole

1/4 lemon, thinly sliced

1t salt, 1/2t pepper

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

4-24hrs before cooking, place chicken in a ziplock bag with shallot, garlic, and lemon. Top with seasoning and olive oil. Remove air from the bag and place it in the fridge until 20min before ready to cook.

Preheat the oven to 400*. On a cookie sheet place the chicken breasts so they’re breast side up and the thickest part is facing the edge of the pan. Place the shallots, garlic, and lemon around the chicken and top with whatever juices and oil are in the ziplock. Bake 45minutes, until juices run clear. Let rest for 10minutes. Serve.

**I like to add veggies to the bottom of the chicken sometimes, I’ve used carrots, onions, parsnips, and potatoes - makes an easy sheet-pan meal. Make sure to season and oil the veg before topping with the raw chicken.

Amuse Bouche: (can be served before the meal, on a charcuterie tray, or after dinner with a cheese course)

Almond Butter Crackers (Trader Joes)

Point Reyes Blue Cheese or Roquefort

Dried Mission Figs

Highest quality honey

The crackers are very delicate….so gently place them on a tray. Top with a thin slice of blue cheese, fig, and a drizzle of honey. Enjoy!

You are so loved!

Our C*vid Story

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 17:35:00 +0000

My story:

I used to feel so proud... We had made it to the two-year mark without getting the dreaded C, and now here I am feeling compelled more than ever to write about this touchy topic. It feels like a war story. I’m only putting it out there, so maybe someone else’s life will be saved. Having to research and advocate is just a whole extra layer of stress that you don't want to encounter when you're sick. I pray this helps someone. *DISCLAIMER... I’m not a medical professional and this is all testimony and personal experience.

On December 17th, I got sick. My symptoms began as a two-day migraine, that morphed into body aches, and then four days of an unrelenting sore throat. The sore throat made me go to the doctor because I thought I had strep and we were leaving soon for a vacation to Arizona. Antibiotics might be needed. Of course, they wanted to test me for C*vid. I really didn’t think I had it, it was cold and flu symptoms. I could still taste and smell etc… this was 6 days in…I lost them later. I tested negative for strep and flu, and positive for C*vid.

My girls and husband (never tested) apparently had a mild case of it and gave it to me. On the seventh day, I arranged to have a concierge doctor come to the house and administer an IV vitamin infusion. Which was WONDERFUL. Up until that point, I was just taking over-the-counter Dayquil and Ibuprofen. The vitamin boost made my energy perk up and I thought for a fleeting second, I was completely over it. The next day it came back…the body aches, low energy, etc. We were scheduled to fly to AZ on Christmas morning. I just knew once I got into that desert air everything would be fine. I was past the contagious point, so it was just a matter of getting there.

Instead, what happened is the night before we were to leave, I got a fever and woke up vomiting. In spite of how I felt I rallied and made it to the car. I threw up once more on the way and STILL pushed on… determined to make our vacation work:/ Once we got to the airport, I absolutely couldn’t move from the car. And from there it spiraled fast, by the time we got to the end of our driveway I had completely blacked out, I was choking on my vomit and I had lost all bodily functions if you know what I mean. I came to, half out of the car with my girls sobbing, Brian hysterical. They finally got me back in the car and got us up to the house.

I spent the rest of the day in bed sick in every way with Brian cleaning up after me. Too weak to make it to the bathroom. Uncontrollable chills. The whole bit. I later found out this crazy weird dramatic episode is called a “cyto storm”. Your body’s inflammation response goes on hyperdrive and more or less attacks itself. Early on many died because their organs shut down! I had no idea! That one day took me another week of complete weakness to recover from. **Also, this is a good place to point out that, over the counter, Zyrtec and Pepcid are used to prevent this from happening. So, if you suspect you have C…start that regime immediately.

During that last week of sickness, I finally reached out to a pharmacy and asked them if they had the Ivermectin everyone was talking about. They did, but wouldn’t give it without a doctor’s prescription. I promptly called my urgent care where I was tested and they said they wouldn’t give it. So, I called the pharmacy again and they told me someone who would. I arranged a video call with that doctor the next day and got my C*vid protocol going once and for all. On day 18 my strength slowly returned. And two days later we were in a car heading to Illinois because my momma was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia.

My Momma Dixie's story:

I know that I know that my strength returned just in time to advocate for my momma. I got a phone call from her doctor saying her oxygen levels were down to 78. She was sure she had pneumonia and thought (because she was coughing up blood) she might have a blood clot. I lost it on the phone, basically begging the doctor not to send her to the hospital. We had heard one story after the next of friends and family being admitted and never coming out alive. All the warning signs were going off. The doctor assured me if it was her mom she’d do the same, and so after praying over my momma they escorted her by ambulance to the ER. The only reason I conceded was the possible blood clot.

I was still super weak from my own sickness, but this urgency to get to her wouldn’t let up. We packed our bags and within an hour we were on our way to Illinois. Her tests results came back that she had pneumonia, but no blood clot. In my mind, I was like okay then let’s get her on some meds, oxygen and get her home! After watching this video about a woman who lost her dad in the hospital, and then her using this protocol to save her father-in-law, I was educated enough to know she had to say no IMMEDIATELY to the ventilator and to the Remdesiver drug. Remdesiver is known to cause renal failure and a VERY HIGH % of people who go on ventilators DIE! While the hospitals get $39,000 for each person they get on one of those machines. Here's a video about that! WHY? While we were driving mom calls me barely able to get the words out, and says “that drug you told me to say off of… it starts with an R?? They’re trying to talk me into it right now!” And as soon as she said no to it, they were trying to get her on another high-risk drug.

All the while they never gave her any of the C*vid protocol that has been proven to work. They didn’t give her any vitamins, or get her up moving. They wouldn’t let her use a nebulizer with the Budesonide that has been PROVEN to heal the lungs of patients with pneumonia. Why? “Because it spreads the germs in the mist.” Lies!

The worst part of all is that absolutely no one is allowed on the C*vid floor. So, they are completely isolated and often times too weak or not educated enough to advocate for themselves. I tried to talk to the nurse and she refused.

I would call mom in the morning and she was so distraught. No one had checked on her during the night. Her call button wasn’t working and her cord was too short to make it to the bathroom. Drenched in sweat, blood pressure soaring, oxygen levels low…the on-call nurse finally made it into her room the next morning and in a panic to get her levels up jacked up her oxygen from 7ML to 15ML. Did you know too much oxygen is just as bad as not enough?!! We knew we had to get her out, but her primary care doctor said her oxygen needs were way too high to have her at home. Another misinformation... Here's where you can arrange to get more oxygen.

The night before her discharge I had posted something about going to war and getting her home and a precious soul reached out to me on Instagram and said her husband could help me. I immediately called him and he put me on a conference call with a Frontline doctor. I was taking notes as fast as I could. He told me, precisely, all the excuses they were saying when we mentioned the nebulizer and oxygen at home. Then he directed me to this website that tells you exactly what to say back when they tell you no. He mentioned review boards and filing a complaint etc… He told me that the hospitals basically don’t care if they die. And to be honest I believed him. The stats are horrific. The “care” isn’t caring.

The next morning we were prepared for battle. Feeling completely unqualified to advocate for something we didn’t understand, I had mom call me when the doctor came into the room. Only this time, it was a new doctor, and he started the call by saying “I’m hoping to discharge your mom today!” I was like WHAT!!! The questions, rebuttals, and rebukes were all on the tip of my tongue and I didn’t have to say a word! You know in the Bible when it says the Lord goes before us? I never in my life felt that more than in that precise moment. We were ready to fight and He was like…no, I’ve got this. Let me show you My Glory! Let me show you what only I can do!!!

We were witnessing a MIRACLE! Apparently, the Doctor had come into my mom’s room…took one look at her treatment board, and said angrily... “why do they have your oxygen so high?” Then he took it off her nose and had her sit there and talk to him. Watching her levels… it stayed consistent. He said as long as she could pass her walking test (without oxygen) she would be discharged!! I came and busted her out that DAY!

For the next two days every time she closed her eyes, she started having a conversation. Not mumbled talking in her sleep, but a conversation with sentences. It was SO weird. Apparently, that can be a side effect of too much oxygen. We had a couple of days of wobbly walking, low pulse dips, and disorientation at times. But within a few days of being home, she started waking up. Her body started responding to our own protocol… Lots of vitamins, tons of water, a cool-mist vaporizer, healthy meals, Budesonide (I brought mine from home when I was sick) nebulizer treatments, Dexamethasone steroids for her lungs, antibiotics (doxycycline and cephalexin for her blood infection), and lots of walks!! Whether she wanted to get up or not, we got her moving. I also had her lean forward, like she was picking something up off the floor, and I cupped (gently patted) her back. This would make her cough stuff up!

If you need an online consultation for meds this website will give you a consult for $73. You put in your weight for the correct dosage. It gets shipped right to your door.

My mom is 79 – overweight, diabetic, has high blood pressure and asthma! Oh, and the day after she was released from the hospital they called and diagnosed her with sepsis! A blood bacterial infection…And SHE LIVED! Despite the scary nature of this illness, if you know what to do… And I believe preparing ahead of time with “what not to do” knowledge, front line doctors, prescriptions that work, known protocols, and LOWER YOUR INFLAMMATION through diet and exercise! The recovery rates are HIGH! It can be scary and some people don't make it, but MOST DO!

This illness, from the pit of hell, is pure evil. There’s no doubt about it, but God! Read Psalms 91 out loud. Command your angels charge over you. Plead the blood of JESUS!!! Get your prayer warriors fighting. Stand on His promises. Speak life over yourself and your loved ones. Don't utter a word that is negative to HEALTH. It’s not easy when you are feeling discouraged. And believe me, this illness is very mental…the enemy loves to whisper fear… people die from this. You might never be the same. You should have gotten the jab etc… But we have the ability to choose our thoughts and take them captive, and that means resisting the temptation to listen to the lies! I have so much more empathy now after walking through it!

Anyway, that’s my story (we all have different ones)… I hope it helps you, whoever you are. I did turn off comments to avoid too much noise. Feel free to message me if you have any more questions... beckystrahle@yahoo.com.

Here's my post on the v*x if you want to know where we stand there:)

Just know you are so so LOVED!!

The protocol my doctor sent me:

The gift of possibility... A mother - daughter trip to Paris

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 13:00:00 +0000

Bonjour!

Never in a million years did I think I'd travel to Europe without my husband. Honestly, the thought didn't even crossed my mind until it did... Brian's my security guard when we travel. He does the thinking. He fixes things, leads the way. But here I am on the other side of one of the most incredible trips of my lifetime, and I can say without hesitation DO IT if you can! It's a real self confidence independence boost to travel alone (or without your significant other;)) and it made me feel like anything was possible. The world is tangible! It's available to see EVEN FOR ME! So let me just begin by telling you how this came about, some tips that were helpful, and some fun things we did along the way.

I came upon this trip through Instagram. I follow the amazing artist Emily Leonard (@emilyleonardstudio) and always loved her work, so when I saw she was planning an art retreat in the South of France I was like uh that sounds incredible! My heart raced at the thought. I felt this urgency to GO, but quickly shoved it down because it was FRANCE. It was expensive and unnecessary etc... So I did nothing. I said nothing. And looking back that was probably good, because when she announced she only had two spots left the urgency was there and my honey was more open to it;) Enter in the sweet persuasion. Enter in God softening my honey's heart and him saying YES!! Enter in my Maggie! She was getting ready to graduate high school, attending art school in the fall and the pieces just seemed to fit. I would take her on a mother and daughter trip!! It would be the gift of possibility, the know how to travel the world, and hopefully the satisfying of some of her wanderlust, "see everything" mentality:) We would explore the most arsty city in the world and then study art together in one of the most beautiful settings in the world...the South of France!! EEEEP!

I quickly booked the trip, extending it to include a few days in Paris, and then almost immediately the panic set in. The "what in the world was I thinking. I don't speak French. I know nothing about flying internationally or where to go in Paris. It's dangerous there right?" mantra on repeat. To combat that I went into full research mode. Checking out books at the library. Buying guide books online. Asking friends about their trips. Pinning every little thing related to Paris. I was ON IT, and it turns out it was all really helpful. I typed out my itinerary. Pinned all my must see spots on Google Maps. I downloaded the Google Translate app that translates English to French and vice versa. I learned a few words in French and it was enough. Preparation set me up for success and calmed my nerves for sure.

So here are my tips
and this applies to almost any destination:

Do your research! Start reading about Paris and you'll figure out what you want to see. Don't get overwhelmed by how much there is to do. You won't be able to see it all. Just accept that fact and do what you can.

Use Google maps and pin all your must sees before you go. Make a folder in your "saved places". You'll have all the addresses in one place and will be able to see on a map what's close to you. That's kind of how we planned our days...proximity.

Skip the passes. Everyone will say it's the best value, but unless you are there for many days and are seeing gobs of things a day it doesn't add up. I did the math. And honestly, don't try to see gobs of places in one day. You will crash and burn fast. Amble a bit. Go down roads you didn't plan on and see things like the locals do:)

Use the app Tiqets. We were able to buy our tickets to Sainte Chapelle and skip the line.

Book an airbnb. Here's the link to ours:) You'll get the true Parisian experience and it's usually quite a bit cheaper. We stayed here and LOVED IT. Best location EVER! Every kind of restaurant you could imagine just steps from our door and a grocery across the street. Make sure to read all the reviews thoroughly. Our place had ancient stairs that was nice to know about before we got there. If I was traveling alone it might not have been possible to get my luggage up them.

Sign up for your phone company's international plan. It's like $10 a day, but you'll be able to keep in touch with the world. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Contact your credit card company before you go so they know it's you and won't shut down your cards.

Get euros before you go so you don't have to do an ATM there. And make sure you always have enough on you. There's a daily limit and most taxis and a lot of shops only accept cash.

Make a copy of your passport and keep it on you. Leave the actual passport in your room. You don't want that to get stolen.

Wear comfortable shoes. We walked 11 miles our first day...on cobblestone. Even though my shoes were comfortable my feet and hips still hurt. I love Birkenstocks and Sketchers. Those are great options.

Book before June to beat the big time crowds and heat. Most places do not have air conditioning and it's something for Americans to get used to, at least it was for me. It was in the high 70s and I was HOT at times, so keep that in mind. Also, DO NOT book in August. Most places will be closed for holiday.

Expect to take your time. There's no rushing around at a cafe. Enjoy the people watching:)

He was such a flirt and let Maggie make her own. It was right down our street on Rue Mouffetard... One of the oldest streets in Paris.

Say BONJOUR to everyone you meet. It's what they do and it's good manners. We had great interactions with all the French people we encountered. I'd always heard they hated Americans and were rude, but in my experience it was just the opposite. A lot of them knew English and at least attempted to communicate. Merci is thank you. Bonjour, merci, oui (yes), and combien (how much?) were the words we said the most. Poulet is chicken. Frites is fries. Definitely look up the food names. We almost ordered raw beef once:/

Tipping isn't necessary in restaurants. Apparently they are paid very well. You can round up for cab rides. Try to have small bills. Some street vendors and cab drivers did not give us change back, and I didn't know how it ask for it.

Make sure to plan for extra time at the CDG airport. It's a mad house. Think thousands of stressed out tired travelers. It's completely unorganized. Signs in French only. Our baggage got lost for four days of our trip. I wasn't surprised at all. It took almost 2 hours for us to check it and get through security. Also, American sized carry-ons are never carried on. They will want you to check it. They made us go all the way back to check-in versus just checking it at the gate. So not cool. Thank God we were early.

We didn't take the metro because it was out of my comfort zone. Others have used it and had great success... I chose other options because I'd heard that it was a pickpocket magnet, lots of people and you are mostly underground. None of that appealed to me. We used taxis a few times, the Batobus and WALKED everywhere. Which is a great way to see the city and burn off all those croissants at the same time:) My advice is to definitely take the Batobus if your feet need a break. It's a taxi boat. It's inexpensive and you get to ride on the Seine River. Best money we spent. *FYI a taxi should run around 50 euros from the CDG to Paris city central. Confirm this before you get in. Some have minimums and don't go by a meter. And be careful with Uber (who is supposedly cheaper). They upcharged us on our way back to the airport by 25 euros. We got a text 5 minutes before our scheduled pick up time that said due to "high demand" the rate was more. At that point we were on a tight schedule and couldn't shop around.

Unlike Italy there are porta-potty type things on most busy streets. This is awesome because in Italy it was nearly impossible to find a toilet. We never used one on the street because we preferred to stop into a cafe for a drink and then used their restroom. Definitely go when you can.

Tabac shops have stamps. They run about 2 euros each. I made a list of people I wanted to send postcards to before we left and got them filled in and mailed out within the first couple of days. This time they actually came before we made it home. Love that! Pharmacies have signs that are neon green crosses.

Grocery stores (monoprix) are a great place for gifts. They have cosmetics, soaps, and lotions without boutique prices. Also, they have a grapefruit drink that I'm still obsessing over called BADOIT pamplemousse. It's a sparkling drink with grapefruit and lemon on the front. Please drink one for me!

Think about if you really want to bring a camera. I brought mine, but rarely carried it. A phone is lighter and more convenient. It takes great pics, and I didn't want to stand out as a tourist or risk it getting stolen.

Buy this:

We bought Travelon's anti-theft hobo bag in pewter before we left. Loved it! Pickpocketing is a real THING there. Keep your bag in front of you and zipped at all time. I also used a travel wallet that I put around my neck and under my clothes when I didn't want to carry a purse.

Anything written by Rick Steves and Eyewitness Paris are both great guide books.

Good shoes - my favs are Sketchers and Birkenstocks.

Things we loved:

We didn't go in the Louvre...

We chose the d'Orsay! Loved the size and the collection. Good choice for those short on time.

We wanted to see a museum and had heard the Louvre was very overwhelming, so we opted for the d'Orsay. It was the perfect size, had great art (Monet's Chrysanthemums was my favorite) and THE BEST MEAL WE HAD IN PARIS. Get the filet mignon in the restaurant with the bright chairs. You'll feel like you are Queen Marie Antoinette:) By the way we watched that movie on our flight home and I'm kicking myself that we didn't squeeze in Versaille. I'm fascinated with Marie Antoinette now;) MUST GO BACK!

Drink a hot chocolate at the Le Cafe Marly!! It's a little cafe looking at the glass pyramid at the Louvre. It's like drinking a chocolate bar. You'll moan... pinky swear.

Spend a few hours at the Luxembourg Gardens. It's free and the people watching is AMAZING. We sat by the pond and sketched the palace. So lovely. There's also a toilet nearby:)

We didn't tour it. But got lots of shots out front... and people watching:)

Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dam are really close to each other. Sainte Chapelle was unbelievable. If you love stained glass windows you'll be in AWE. Even if you don't you'll be in awe;) There's an ice cream shop between the two churches called the Berthillon that's highly rated. I thought it was just okay:) Make sure to visit Au Vieux Paris D'Arcole. It's an adorable little coffee shop that's an instagrammers dream.

Close to this area along the Seine was some street vendors. This is where we got some original art and old postcards. And just down the street was Maggie's favorite place I think on the whole trip, the famous Shakespeare and Company, arguably the most famous independent bookstore in the world!! It was super crowded, hot and claustrophic to me, but my girl could have spend the ENTIRE day in a corner reading:/ Make sure to buy a book. They stamp the inside. Oh and snap a pic out the second floor window...I took one, but you need to go yourself:) It's a great shot of Notre Dame...just don't get caught. Pics are forbidden.

Just around the corner past the book store was a charming little store that sold music boxes. We got a sweet souvenir for Felicity that played La vie en Rose.

The Touilleries were pretty and there was an ice cream vendor that did ice cream in the shape of a flower. That was fun. Maggie dropped hers, but it was so good she picked it up and scrapped off the icky parts and finished it!! So that says something;) If we would have kept walking straight we would have hit the Champs-Elysees (think Rodeo drive) and the famous Triomphe.

But we got off the path making a bee line straight for the Eiffel Tower. Which, if Brian was there, we would have seen at night. That's supposed to be amazing! It lights up every hour on the hour, but it didn't get dark in Paris until after 10 pm and it was reallllly far from our airbnb, so that was a safety call. If I could do that over again I would have just taken pics of it at the Triomphe and skipped getting close. Lots of sketchy people there and it was one of the places we were approached.

Our one misstep was not seeing La Basilique du Sacré Cœur de Montmartre to the fullest. We took a cab ride to the steps and it was so busy that we kind of wandered off and didn't stick around exploring. Apparently there's a lot of artists doing portraits and it's really charming, but we totally missed exploring it fully. UGH! Instead we ended up wandering down some side street and then got into kind of a shady area that had big bins of discount clothing, and then that turned into a red light area with sex shops and finally Moulin Rouge. It's just not my scene. So a redo is in order some day. Some other things we didn't have time for was the Le Marais district (fun district with lots of boutiques), the Galeries Lafayette (giant shopping mall), Versailles (the royal palace about an hour train ride from Paris), Mosque and the Palace Jardin. Actually there were about a million things we didn't have time for. Many of them are still pinned in my Google Maps folder. Ahhhhh next time!

Eyes open:)

Keep your head up and pay attention. There were some creepy men that eyeballed us. Just be alert. I bought mace, but chickened out bringing it because the airlines prohibited it. I think you can get it there. It would be a nice thing to have if you were alone.

Keep your phone in your hand or zipped in your purse. It's a common thing to have it snatched, so don't lay it down on a table, put it in your pocket or use it on the metro. We got insurance on our phones before we left.

Don't fall for scams... random people coming up to you asking if you speak English. I said no we do not and kept moving along. It felt really rude, but unless I initiated a conversation I didn't speak to strangers. It only happened a few times.

Take away...

WE ADORED PARIS! It was so much more than what we thought. It felt pretty safe because I was alert. It was fairly easy to navigate. The people were kind. The food was amazing. The sights unbelievable. I loved how it felt slow and leisurely. People were very engaged with each other. Lots of eye contact and meaningful conversations. I didn't see a lot of phones in hand. Maybe I noticed that more because my phone never left mine;) True confessions of a snap-aholic. Bottom line we can't wait to go back someday. Now that I have an idea of what to do it will be so much fun playing tour guide for Felicity and Brian.

Thanks for coming with us:)
Emily Leonard's South of France art retreat up NEXT!!

Have a blessed day!

Farmgirl Paints... what's next?

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 21:58:00 +0000

Hi friends,
Most of you know from Instagram and the newsletter that I said change was coming. I've been getting so many letters I thought maybe I should just quit being quite so vague and explain some things. I actually tallied today how many cuffs we've made over the past 7 years and about fell out of my chair. We've handstamped, handpounded, custom sized, convoed back and forth relentlessly with customer after customer for approximately 25,000 cuffs. TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND CUFFS!

I'll never forget the first one I made. I was like... well this is cute, but I'm not doing that again! The process was lengthy and not all that fun. I held my breath while stamping. I worried about getting it just right. My hands hurt. My ears rang. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it becoming what it is today. And the only reason it did was because you wanted them and the Lord opened the doors. So I walked through it...

He gave me a dream a few years in to "let it go and watch it GROW". That was so hard to do because it was my baby and I truly thought you bought them from me because you knew I was making them all! Where's my laughing emoji?!?! But then He sent me my Tamara. And I remember telling her I'll never hire you because it will ruin our friendship and I just value you too much! Well 25,000 cuffs or so later and I can tell you it did nothing but bring us closer. I could never have done it without her, nor would I have wanted to. I'm sobbing writing this because if any of you've ordered from us you know Tamara is wonderful at what she does...which is to nail down the blank details. She's an artisan. She does beautiful stamping and CARES so much about getting every detail just right for you and for me. She's been my solid. My sounding board. The one to keep me from leaving this a million times over and I'm forever grateful for her. I love her with all my heart. He also brought me Adele, Deanna, Dawn, Nicole, Tisha, Pam, Mike, Meg and Stacie!! Gracious. These people are so dear to me. I don't even know how to express it into words. They all filled such a need and made this job fun.

That leads me to the next thing. You've asked if we are going to close the shop for good, and the honest answer is I don't know. I know I've felt the urging to go deeper. To make the business more ministry based and He's planted the seeds in me. I have an idea of what it's to look like, but there are a lot of details to nail out before I can move forward. I'm going to a quiet place. A place I haven't known in years and I'm going to listen and obey. I do know that custom words are not part of it, and that some gifts I've been sitting on for the past 7 years ARE.

We will offer small, very scaled back mini opens a few times a year possibly, but I'm not sure when or how that will look. So stay tuned for the rest of His story... And it is His story because He's writing something beautiful and I just want to be a part of it.

Be a blessing.

Photo by Meshali

Strahle & Smith Familes take on Italy 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 22:39:00 +0000

Hi friends. Long time no blog:)) My girls started school today and I always ALWAYS feel blue, so instead of moping I'm going to put up pics of my favorite part of our summer! Still can't believe we did this...but two days after school let out we hopped a plane (with dear friends) and flew to

ITALY!!!

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

VENICE

Our first stop was Venice and it was everything you imagine and so much more! I never really thought about there not being ANY roads! So imagine a maze between buildings and zigzagging forever to get anywhere. Yep! That's Venice. It's rubble and color and ancient. Every single turn is a postcard. I've never been anywhere like it. Still can't believe it actually happened!

I made an internal momma promise to myself that if we could swing it before the girls graduated we would take them to Europe and since my Big Chick is officially entering her Senior year it was go time. It was also our 25th wedding anniversary, so the timing was perfect. It's been a few months since we went, so I don't have a lot of details of exact restaurants etc... So this is not really a travel reference, but if you want pretty pictures and my opinion here ya go! Oh, but Grom I remember...get the grapefruit sorbet. I still think about it. Our goals was gelato twice a day and we succeeded:)

We stayed at the Hotel American-Dinesen. Very nice. Very pricey!

FLORENCE

We spent two days in Venice then hopped a train and went to Florence! On our train ride we pulled out our watercolors and became traveling artists. Pinch me! Italian countryside whizzing by our heads...paint brushes in hand and then when we arrived we're in a CITY with hustle and bustle. Motorcycles racing right by our elbows, no lie. You better not accidentally step off the tiny little side walk right by the narrow little streets or you will be mush! I'm not exactly a city girl, but Florence grows on you. Our apartment was bigger than our house! We could sit on the veranda and hear the Italians converse and plates clink because of the little cafe right beneath us. It was lovely and I truly could have just stayed in the apartment and gazed out the windows all day and been content as could be, but we had placed TO GO! Duomo's to see! :) **Oh and the best meal of our trip was on our last night at a place called 4Leoni. We go the fiochetti. It was a pear and cheese filled noodle in an asparagus sauce. Sounds questionable, but let me tell you I DREAM about that dish. It's worth flying alllllll that way! If you go you MUST try it!

TRAIN/FERRIES/NAPLES

We stayed in Florence for a couple of days and then decided we just couldn't pass up the Amalfi COAST! This is basically when I died and went to heaven. We took a train to Naples. Not really a fan...think crowded, sirens NON-STOP.... and compared to the other places we had visited it was a little grimy. But we ate at the FABULOUS pizza place in Eat, Pray, Love...which is supposed to have the BEST pizza in Italy, thus the whole world right?!! And it did! I can say it was delicious in every way and worth the taxi ride from hell. After our quick bite it was onto the ferry and the most amazing ride of our lives... Pulling up to CAPRI!

This was right before my girl Terrica (@terricajoy on IG) fell off the gluten free wagon. The look on her face. Where's the laughing emoji??;))) The pure excitement about what was to come... Still makes me giggle. She suffered majorly after we got home and swore up and down it wasn't worth it, but I'm looking at these pies thinking man... If I could have one of these $5 beauties again I'd do it in a heartbeat, but then again I don't have the gluten thing.

CAPRI

Where do I even begin talking about Capri. It was our friends Josh and Terrica's special place and they shared it with us. It was magic. Everything in bloom. So lush and vibrant. It was quaint and blue. Even my pics all have a blue tint to them. It was just blueeeee. There were wealthy people in yachts and waiters that looked us up and down like we weren't dressed up enough to eat there. There were gorgeous FIT tan Italian woman dressed in bikini tops and long flowy pants. Cue frumpy, middle age, I don't belong here thoughts. But aside from those things CAPRI WAS A PIECE OF HEAVEN ON EARTH. No cars, except for trash and food little utility carts. It was quiet. And smelled good. There were lemonade stands EVERYWHERE because lemons grow the size of your head there! It was a joy. BLISS! We ate at the Lemon Trees restaurant and it was glorious. An entire lemon grove as a restaurant. I know! They had a DESSERT ROOM! I can't even. To tell you these memories are fried into my brain is truly an understatement. It was lovely.

POSITANO

Positano has been on my bucket list for years and lucky for us was only a 45 minute ferry ride away from Capri! I can't even tell you how giddy we were pulling up to that coast line. It's like nothing you've ever seen in your entire life! All those cliffside homes. So full of color and charm. We didn't have long. Just a few hours, so we made the most of our time and took pictures of everything we possibly could. If I could to it over again I'd love to spend a few days here really exploring. The beauty is so overwhelming you need to sit with it and let it soak in. The water looked like a swimming pool. Everywhere you looked was a photo-op. Repeat after me...when I go to Italy I won't miss Positano:)))

TUSCANY

We ended our trip back in Florence and had the brilliant idea that we needed to see the Tuscan countryside before we left. So in brilliant fashion we hired Marco. Cue best idea EVER! Marco was a private driver and he drove us to all the sweet little Medieval towns. We went to Sienna and another town that escapes me. We visited a vineyard and had a wine tasting in TUSCANY! Yep, stuff of dreams. I kept thinking about one of my very favorite movies Under the Tuscan Sun and it truly looked just like the movie. Those towns are OLD! The churches are beautiful. Nothing has changed in centuries except the throes of people taking it all in. I'm so glad we made time to do this. It was so fun!

The best part...

To sum up this experience is a little hard. The entire time we were there we felt like we needed to pinch ourselves. It was the trip of a lifetime and we were with friends who ushered the way. They planned the whole thing, and we followed along just grateful for the memories. So arrivederci summer 2017 you were really really good to us. Thank you Lord for new experiences. I will always look back on this trip and think well done. You did it! A promise well kept:)

Be a blessing.

Counting my joy list:

25 years with my honey

Italy

Another school year and the girls are living large...Senior and 8th grade

We have lots of new fur babies...three dogs now and four cats

Hesed Hill has started to feel like home

Zinnias as tall as me

Hummingbirds and butterflies galore

Night after night of sunsets that blow my mind

And then someday came...

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:49:00 +0000

I had two family members tell me recently that they missed my blog. I miss it too. I miss sharing my thoughts. Documenting life as it happens. Instagram is great, but it's filtered and only a snippet. So I'm making it a point to blog more this year. I wish I could go back with an extra hour in each day over 2016 and write out my heart. It was such a powerful year of transformation for our family with HUGE steps of faith, attacks from the enemy that led to a deeper relationship with the Lord, new friendships, enlarged territory and promises fulfilled. But with two moves, driving the girls all over the place with school and a major house renovation there just wasn't time. It's not too late to document it I suppose... So I'll start here with two videos that show our Hesed Hill property.

Let me first start by saying this whole journey started in December of 2015 and honestly years and years before that when God started laying the ground work for us to move to Tennessee. In 2015 we thought Texas was going to be home. My honey had a job lined up, realtors were in place on both ends and during a house hunting visit it all fell apart. There was disappoint, but also immense peace that it was right...there was somewhere else we were supposed to be.

Tennessee kept popping up in my Instagram feed. The landscape tugged on my heart. I always envisioned farms around me. Being closer to family in Illinois was something I really wanted. My parents are getting older and the thought of being that far away felt wrong. So Tennessee beckoned and then I saw pictures of a cabin in Leiper's Fork and I had a strong pull that we needed to come. So I booked it as a surprise for our family on New Year's. We made the trip, fell in love and decided to add it to our "maybe someday we'll move there" list. And then someday came. We bought the house after a friend and realtor went through it for us. It has SO much POTENTIAL they said. There's some negatives... A road that's almost impassable. A nasty trailer eyesore that you'll have to deal with and a smell that knocks you over. But all that can be fixed... OH MAN! So here's the beginning and almost the end of our reno journey. Maybe I'll share some of the in-between sometime because that's where the real story lies. The waiting. The hard. The shake your faith to the ground, what have we done moments. The oh my gosh we're in hell. Why did we do this... But here's the first steps.

BEFORE

AFTER (a decorated version will come;0)

Click below...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/43976fxrk5ns3do/2016-12-16%2021.27.27.mp4?dl=0

Be a blessing.

a view that knocks my socks off
an office space that turned out better than i could have imagined
decisions that could only have come from Him
easy transitions
a new year full of great promise

Six months later

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Sat, 06 Aug 2016 20:16:00 +0000

Someone just wrote and asked me if I'd abandoned my blog🙊 I knew it had been awhile, but looking back it's been SIX MONTHS since my last post. I'm so sorry if you are one of the few who still read blogs. I've transitioned to primarily posting to Instagram @farmgirlpaints because it's just easier and life is so very busy.

And by busy I mean...

Wait for it.....

We've up and sold half of our belongings, our Virginia house and bought a fixer upper on 16 acres online (sight unseen) in rural Tennessee about 30 miles South of Nashville🙌🙌🙌 Say WHAT!!!

Seriously it's the craziest thing we've ever done. I could have blogged a novel about what God has shown us through all of this, but the underlying lesson is GET YO HANDS OFF THE WHEEL AND TRUST. Yelling seemed necessary right then cause we're a little dense sometimes😂 So in a nutshell we made a big move and it's been all sorts of scary and stressful.

The house we bought ended up being a complete money pit. We're on our second contractor. There have been opportunity after opportunity to get discouraged, but our initial freak outs have made way to a strange sort of prone position of peace. We've warred over this property. There have been struggles all along the way, yet with each hurdle He's boosted us up. We feel carried and loved on and RIGHT where we are supposed to be.

So for now we are living in an apartment. The girls started school yesterday, and they are doing SO well. Leaving Virginia was hard...it was like trying to crawl out of quick sand. But the transition after we left has been the easiest in the history of EVER. We truly love it here, and are so excited about what God has in store.

I'm writing this on my phone. It's the first blog post I've ever written from my mobile, but that seems easier than sitting at the computer and uploading pics. So the few pics I'm sharing are from Instagram. I hope they turn out. I'll try to do better with updates. As you can imagine a big move, a complete reno and trying to reestablish my shop has been a full time undertaking. Speaking of the shop we are planning a mini open in a week or so, and then our full Holiday open in October as a pre-order sale. Thank you for sticking with me and for being patient through all these transitions. I love you people!!

Becky

sixteen

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:07:00 +0000

I'm sitting alone with my thoughts in the dark basement. The shop sign is casting a glow. Snow is gently falling outside. Even though I'm not a fan of snow its soft fall is making my heart feel so peaceful this morning.

My life has changed so much in the last couple of years. It's went from stay at home mom with gym dates and dinner on the table nightly, to full time business owner with helpers here almost every day. Writing a blog has become a memory. I've forgotten how to express myself here. Time is precious. The cursor blinks...what comes next?

I'll just start with the happenings around here lately. My Big Chick turned 16 recently!! For those of you that have been following along forever here's a pic of the family when I first started writing out my thoughts. Can you believe it! We were living in Minnesota. My days were so much different. I marvel at how life can change. How fast it all goes!

My oldest is learning to drive. She's got around 12 hours behind the wheel so far and it's starting to get a little less terrifying. At first I really thought I might need medicated! Seriously all of us in one giant hunk of metal, flying down the road with someone who doesn't know the difference between the gas and brake pedals! She's doing much better now. I've stopped clenching my teeth and I can actually breathe when she's driving. Progress. Sidenote... I've become so accustom to using my smart phone's emoji's I'm finding it almost impossible to type this out. How do I express myself fully without the little monkey covering his eyes? Without the little face laughing to the point of tears. Seriously this is challenging;) Can you feel my emotion without the little faces? Urgggghhh!

Back to my girl and her birthday. Sixteen is major. It's the age we've set for dating, driving, working...spreading her wings and flying. Insert heart palpitations here. And what amazes me time and again; the things we never felt ready to let her do, once the time comes for her to do them, miraculously God shows up and we have the grace for it. It's truly miraculous. He helps us let go. His timing is perfect. Trust Him!

So we have been walking through so much stuff with her. Parenting a teenager is no joke. It brings up all the same crap we had to deal with in high school. Insecurities. Feeling alone. Not knowing what you want to do with your life. Feeling scared you're gonna miss your calling. I'm reminded daily of how important our roles as parents is. How much they need us. For instance on my sixteenth birthday my boyfriend at the time called me and told me he had just taken an entire bottle of pills and then hung up the phone. Lovely hunh?!!!:/ Being able to share horror stories with your kids about your past struggles and hard times makes them feel less freaked out about their own. It gets better...life. All those crazy past experiences shape us and make us stronger.

For you young mommas out there that worry about your babies not needing you once they get a little more independent...think again! It's a whole new ballgame and your unique story; your relationship with the Lord; your partnership with your spouse will become more important than ever. We have such a big part in calming their fears, in helping them feel normal and guiding their footsteps in hopefully the right direction. It has a way of bonding you SO close, and keeping you on your knees with your heavenly Daddy as well. Oh the beautiful circle of life:) Thank you Lord for the privilege of parenthood and for being blessed with the sweetest girls ever. My cup truly runneth over.

Be a blessing.

FIRST EVER WoNkY SALE!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Hello friends. Happy New YEAR! Our first opening of the year is a special one. A sale that has been five years in the making. We are having our first ever WoNKy SALE!!!

For FIVE years I've been hoarding beautiful end pieces of belts and leather with some slight "imperfections". These are the cuffs I wear. The ones that are imperfectly perfect. I love the worn distressed look. Some will have holes. Some will be a little more "imperfect" than others. These are for those of you who love WORDS and don't care if the cuff isn't flawless. These are for the TRUE vintage lovin', bargain hearted, one-of-a-kind wearin', upcycyling is my jam girl's sale!!!! All have been deeply discounted, so if you've been waiting for a time to buy...

THE TIME IS NOW!

We open shop tomorrow, January 19th at 9:00 am EST. This is a shorter open...two maybe three weeks. We'll announce the final close date on Instagram @farmgirlpaints.

So don't wait!

*We will be closing shop over the weekends.

This is new for us. Weekend convo's will be answered on Monday morning. The shop will be visible Monday through Friday. Thanks for understanding.

Introducing our Labor of love designer cuffs!

I really wanted to offer a wordy cuff. I know a lot of you have something you need to see. Words are powerful, so whether it's a scripture, a quote, favorite song lyric, word of the year mantra, wedding vow etc... These cuffs are the perfect way to keep those words in your mind.

Each will be handwritten, hand-painted and customized with your stamped blank. There is no template or stencil for the designs, so each will vary and truly be a unique, one of a kind piece.

Just like our normal sales we'll still be offering our simple basic leathers, glitters and dainties (notice the new colors!!). These will have holes (which can be filled with rivets) making them a little more unique and DISCOUNTED! Lucky you;)

And last but not least... We have heart "loved" designers to celebrate VALENTINE'S day!! These are perfect little love gifts for yourself or ones you love. Each is hand-burned, painted and stamped. Making them a beautiful one of a kind keepsake!

We hope to create something special for you!

We always include a coupon for you.

Be a blessing!

she was an artist and her life was her canvas

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 20:16:00 +0000

For those of you that have followed along and watched things unfold over the last few years...you know I didn't set out to have a full time business. I started painting and dabbling in cuff making a few years ago as a hobby. Since then a complete whirlwind has happened, and this once little side thing is MORE than a full time thing. There's a lot of guilt that comes from being busy. Too busy.

There's a lot of shuffling of priorities. There are weeks without real dinners and weeks without working out. There are weeks where I don't leave my house, and when walking to the mailbox feels like a glorious fieldtrip. And in all that time there are weeks filled with birthday's, homecomings and exciting new mommy/daughter talks about firsts. There's the changing of seasons, a husband that needs attention, there are deadlines, people to manage, and orders to fill. It's a lot, and it's more than I ever bargained for. It truly is, and yet God knew. He knew this was my destiny. This was the path. And He's made it clear that every step of the way He will bridge any gaps. He provides the need...before I fall flat.

My little chick turned 12!

My big chick went to homecoming with a BOY:0!!

Years ago I went to a flea market show and saw this pendant at a crafter's booth. It immediately made me well up. I was in the throes of young motherhood. Life was a mix of mundane and routine. I had so many things brewing in my spirit, things I wanted to do...hoped would happen, but I was in a quiet season. These words, she was an artist and her life was her canvas, made it beautifully clear. I didn't have to be "creating" something every day to be an artist. God had given me the purest form of self expression through my daily walk...living in the ordinary.

Even now in the season of hustle, we are all growing and stretching together, and I still feel like I was made for more...that something else is coming. That this is another holding pattern and He will bring me to that next place when the time is right. It's a beautiful thing to just know that He's got you...and in the middle you have to remember to "paint"...and splash color and be the "artist" of your life. Because those strokes of love, grace, mercy and JOY are the real masterpiece.

Be a blessing,

just because flowers

living through the first behind the wheel with my oldest

a teenager with a burden for the lost

my youngest who is becoming a young woman

parents who are still alive

a thriving business that i know is from Him

a day to paint

a day to blog

that my big girl camera still works

grace upon grace

Designer cuffs Fall 2015!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:44:00 +0000

Good morning friends! Bopping in here to tell you all about the new designer cuffs that just went LIVE this morning. I love, love, LOVE making these!!! They are each hand-painted, burned and will be handstamped with your special words. Making them truly one of a kind!

This time I wanted to go with a more graphic, less detailed look. We've got a bold cross that says "covered" in gold/red and black/white. There's a striped mountain vista that says His beauty in the picture, but I think I like "inspired" better so that will be different in the listing;) Sunflowers for fall that say "gifted". Then we have the popular hearts again with "loved", but this time in teal and plum for the cooler season ahead.

One of my favorite new designer cuffs will be our featured CHARITY of the Month winged "carried" cuff. This opening our focus is Raise for Rowyn.

This is a letter I received recently from a sweet customer:

About one year ago I ordered a cuff with the name "Rowyn" on it. I asked for you to pray over the cuff. The name Rowyn belonged to a little 17 month old girl who was accidentally ran over in her driveway by her mother's best friend (9/16/14). Rowyn left the earth immediately. I asked that you would pray for the family to come to know the Lord in their hurt so that they may find healing. Well, almost one year to the day later the mother (Brynn Johnson) and her best friend (Cassie Miller, driver of the car) have come to know the Lord and for the first time in their lives they are proclaiming that they are now doing Kingdom work.

They started a non-profit organization called Raise for Rowyn (check out FB) where they raise money to help pay for funeral expenses for children who have died in accidental deaths. How gut wrenching it must be to do this every week but how amazing that they are doing it in GOD's name!

As of today (nearly one year later) they have financially helped 26 families bury their children (I am crying as I type). To think that one year ago a beautiful angel met her Creator, and in her mother's pain she came to know the Lord and is helping other mother's through the burial process. AMAZING! I had to share this with you. You prayed over that cuff that had the sweet name "Rowyn". Thank you!
Don't you just love when something tragic can turn into something beautiful and worthwhile!! We are so very excited to be partnering with Raise for Rowyn this month, and 10% of every sale will be going to this beautiful cause to help raise money for those who have lost a child AND an extra $10 from every WINGED cuff will be donated as well!!! Click here to give directly or to learn more information. *If you want to personalize this cuff more RfR can be burned onto the backside of the cuff as well. Just leave us a note at checkout.

Click here for the shop.

Accepting pre-orders through Oct 2.

Delivery date 4-6 weeks:)

Be a blessing.

RISE AND SHINE...the extended FGP open!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 20:24:00 +0000

Hi friends! Can you believe Summer is over? I'm a smidgen sad, but at the same time glad. It's time for some change! In all things there are seasons and that goes right along with this little business of mine as well. We've been running on fumes for awhile now.

The occasional, very short opens started out as a great idea for me to balance life and work. I believe it was a God inspired, "DO THIS right now", kinda thing. It really helped grow the shop. There's something about knowing you only have a limited time to buy that creates a frenzy, and in the world of business FRENZY is good, but it also causes heart palpitations and panic attacks for the people actually fulfilling allthoseorders! It's a mixed blessing, and now it's time to try out something else.

We are officially announcing that this next open will not be for just 5 days. We are going to try staying open for SEVEN WEEKS! I know! Crazytown!! It will hopefully make shopping less stressful for you and help us pace ourselves a little bit more. This is all trial and error, as is everything I ever do... But it's worth a shot:)

We've streamlined things in the shop as well, adding a simple listing, that combines all our basic leathers together. Every week we will add in new arrivals. Also keep your eyes peeled for ornaments and designer cuffs in the weeks to come. Including a special cuff designed to help promote our FGP gives back campaign a little more.

We've also added pre-stamped blanks, so for those of you who struggle with word ideas we will have some wonderful easy options available making check out easier and faster!

There's a new wordy listing...for those of you with a lot to say.

And we are now offering affiliate positions for those tried and true loyal customers who are FGP Fangirls. You know who you are! See newsletter for more information.

If you want to keep up to date on all the changes, coupon codes etc...sign up for our newsletter at the top of this page, under sign up. Thank you as always for supporting this handmade shop. We work hard to use our gifts and talents to make something meaningful for you.

The shop will open

Monday, Sept 14th at 8:00 am EST
and will close Monday, Nov 2nd at 5 pm EST :)

And if you would please pray for us in this new season.

Change is good, but it's also hard.
When the shop is open we always find ourselves under somewhat of an attack from the enemy.

This is not just a little hobby...this is Kingdom work and the enemy is not a fan.

Please pray for our hands and minds as we handstamp these orders.

Please pray for the customers that are buying these cuffs and giving them as gifts,
that they will be a blessing and a witness.

Please pray for health and harmony in our shop as every team member is vital.

Thank you SO MUCH!

Love you friends.

Be a blessing,

The mountainversary

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 18:49:00 +0000

We married young. Fell in love in High School. Navigated through a year of Junior College before we said I do. I put him through school, then him me. I tell my girls that other than your faith walk and asking Jesus into your heart the number one decision you'll ever make is who you'll marry. Choose wisely.

It's not always easy. We have such different personalities. I'm a risk taker, go anywhere...wanderlust girl. He's a fixer. A homebody. A non-adventure type...that is very into the details. Which is actually great. We balance each other out. Heaven forbid if it was up to me we'd be living in an RV in Hawaii somewhere. And although that would be cool, there's something smart about not being too wanderlusty. You have to make a living somehow. There needs to be a plan;)

I know I've talked about this before, but I'm reminiscing. I once was a teenager with a broken heart that wrote out a prayer and asked God to bring me someone special. Then I had a dream and my honey was no longer just a friend, but the man I had prayed for. And I think of that gift. The gift of answered prayer and despite our differences I know God put us together for a specific reason.

Maybe it's to raise these amazing girls we've been blessed with. It's teamwork, trial and error and I can't imagine being a parent with anyone else but him. Again he's the problem solver, detailer, fix everything. I'm the nurturer, listening ear...creative. Regardless of the roles we fall into they are both needed, both invaluable, and I'm so glad once again I didn't marry someone exactly like me.

Here's to 25 1/2 years of looking into your eyes. Of knowing that you've got my back. That you see me and stay. That you love me even when I'm unlovable. The Lord I knew I would so desperately need you. Happy 23 years baby!

Be a blessing.

**All pics were taken in the Blue Ridge Mountains:)

Wintergreen Resort area.

love hugs

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 18:51:00 +0000

At times I honestly feel like God is smiling down on me. I can feel His hand on my life so strong. I like to refer to those moments as love hugs from heaven. This was one of those beautiful weeks. I struggle with the blues sometimes. I can feel lonely often. I'm in my basement. Working by myself. A lot. Sometimes I feel like I don't have community here. I think that's the enemy lying to me. And for reals God kinda gave me a whack upside the head over the last few weeks. He gently reminded me that HEY THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE! And you are loved. You are remembered.

There was the recent blueberry picking. A thrifting extravaganza with a new friend. A dinner date with a dear friend that moved away. A catch up lunch date with a friend that I'd lost track of. There was an adoption shower for a sweet friend I'd met over Instagram, and then an impromptu room decorating thing for her sweet girl she brings home soon. There was a park date with another friend I met through blogging. There was an art night at my house with the Gather Girls. The list goes on... And my girls! The older they get, the closer we get! Who knew;) They were always there, but our bond has gotten deeper. They truly are my forever friends. And that brings joy deep to my soul.

I do believe with all my heart God brings people in and out of our lives. There are seasons and it's a good thing. It can be confusing. It cannot make sense at all, but each person that sifts through is a gift. Maybe they are meant to refine you. To challenge you. To help shape who you ultimately become. I'm just grateful for a heavenly Daddy who knows just when I need a hug from Him. His timing is always spot on.

Be a blessing.

my gather girls

going redder

preparing for ellerie's homecoming!

impasto oil painting...more on that soon

my parent's come this week!!!

amen

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 15:30:00 +0000

I have no words to say.

Don’t know what I should pray,

God, I need You. God, I need You.

Oh Lord, my faith is tired.

And tears fill up my eyes,

But I will trust You, I will trust You.

Whatever comes my way,

You have taught me to say,

Amen, Let Your kingdom come!

Amen, Let Your will be done!

And through the rise and fall,

You’re God above it all!

Amen! We’re singin’ amen!

When I can barely stand,

You strengthen me again!

I will seek You. I will seek You.

Though troubles may arise,

My hands reach to the skies.

I will praise You, I will praise You.

Whatever comes my way,

You have taught me to say,

Amen, Let Your kingdom come!

Amen, Let Your will be done!

And through the rise and fall,

You’re God above it all!

Amen! We’re singin’ amen!

From everlasting to everlasting!

I am they... AMEN

Be a blessing.

dappled sunlight

farmy goodness just down the road

warm blueberries off the vine

a friend who reaches out

a new sweet friend for the girls

trusting Him in all things

the closed door and sweet surrender

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Sun, 05 Jul 2015 20:58:00 +0000

A door in the backyard of a house I just knew was to be mine...

We're home after a whirlwind trip back to Texas. To be honest the whirlwind started long before our plane took off. After our trip in April, we got home and Texas stayed on our minds. We unpacked and put things away, but our whole Strahle Soulcation lingered.

So when some generous friends offered to let us house-sit for them back in Austin for two weeks in June we jumped at the chance!! It would give us more time to explore. To see the things we didn't have time to visit before. Little did we know a job opportunity would present itself. Here comes the roller coaster...

A trip to San Antonio...the Alamo

The job for my honey sounded perfect. The opportunity a once in a lifetime. So he interviewed and was promised the brass ring and we looked into moving to TEXAS. We had Realtors. We told the girls. We went through the emotional roller coaster of detaching and moving on. Only to have one door after another close, giving us a clear no to what we thought must be a definite yes.

It's funny how we always pray for wisdom and discernment. We pray for Gods clear direction. But when the answer becomes certain it's like really Lord...you sure? Why did we go on this wild goose chase if it wasn't from you? What was the purpose in all that upheaval?

Stanley's Farmhouse Pizza...in Dripping Springs

I'm not really sure. Maybe it's to appreciate what you already have. To make things work where you're at instead of moving on to the next thing. Maybe it's a test to see how we would handle disappointment. Honestly I think I might be failing in that area a little right now;)

When the no came we were still in Texas. I'd had some doubts about a lot of things...housing was expensive. Moving my shop and figuring out what to do with my business seemed impossible. There's always the fear factor with moving the girls. Will they find friends easily? Are we screwing up their lives? Will we like it there? Is this where we want to be forever?? Because quite honestly I'm tired. I want to plant roots and build community. I want my forever home. So yeah a lot was going on in my head. And the initial let down felt like sweet relief.

The night we almost saw the bats:/

And then the disappointment set in. The sadness found it's way into my heart. I hate that it did. I wish I could be all smiles and so at peace about knowing the path we're supposed to be on, but it came and I'm dealing, and it will just take a while to unpack mentally. To set up house again here.

Remember when I said the whirlwind started a long time ago? A few years ago I had a pull to Austin. Some friends moved there. Every article I read mentioned it. One of my favorite blogs showed a farmhouse there that I immediately fell in love with.

Then I had the dream. Our family was in a car driving toward a mountain range. The dirt road was cracked open and really bumpy. Then all of a sudden a flash flood came out of nowhere and our car was picked up, carried off the road and started falling... And I jolted awake!

So maybe the dream was prophetic and He was preparing me for the bumpy road. Maybe the experience was necessary for me to trust Him once again. Because no matter where we live or what the outcome is I know from experience He has a plan and it's a GOOD plan. He loves us and cares about everything and He knows right where He wants us. It ultimately comes down to trust. And that's where I'm at. Trusting Him once again for our every day, for every step, for every little detail of my life. Sweet surrender.

Be a blessing.

These girls!! Love them so.

My honey.

Remember the Alamo? We do. Sweat running down our backs... Sharing life with my peeps

SOULcation part 3...Stalking Waco and meeting TARA!

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 14:17:00 +0000

Yep... still talking about Texas:) So we were just sitting at our vacay home watching a movie when I get a Direct Message on Instagram. Now normally if I don't know you I don't open those...cause you just don't know what you'll get, but I had just started following Val because my friend Dee raved and raved about her hand painted frames. Anyway Val wanted to know if we would like to come to Waco for the day and get a little tour of the town. SAY WHAT!!! Code for STALK anything remotely related to FIXER UPPER! You know that show right? With the cutest couple ever...Chip and Joanna Gaines??!! If you don't, climb out from under that rock and demand every back episode you can find. They have made HGTV something not to miss!

I know it's a little cray to meet strangers at a coffee shop in some town you've never been to, but I'm kind of a pro at this sort of thing and I just had a feeling meeting Val and her sister Vanessa was going to be a good thing. And boy was I right! They were beyond sweet. Like I wanted to put them both in my pocket and take them back home with me to Virginia.

They loaded us in their car and took us shopping, out to lunch at Vitex Barbecue, gave us a tour ALL over town. We met Clint, the wood maker, from the show. We saw his house next to his shop that was on season one. We went to Joanna's shop, The Magnolia Market, and the Silo project they are working on. They even drove us by Chip and Joanna's house! Now that's stalking on a whole new level!!

We had a ball and left feeling blessed to our toes. What amazes me and still does after years of blogging and Instagram is the immediate connection you can have with complete strangers. I had no idea who Val and Vanessa were. I didn't follow them on IG or know them at all and yet we bonded. There really are no strangers anymore. The world over you can travel and because of social media we can all be friends! Just love it!!!

Sweet Lydia:)

Jackie and Tara

Speaking of friends... On our way home we HAD TO make a pit stop. Many moons ago when I first started blogging I became friends with Tara Lowry. Her and her cutie husband own and operate the sign shop Between You and Me. Their signs are on Joanna Gaines site and in her shop! I know such a small world. They graciously made our family dinner and I got to meet another IG friend Jackie Kirsche! I'm telling you people. This trip... this SOULcation fed us on so many levels. It's people who make life interesting. It's people and stories and the sharing of your S.O.U.L., your dreams...where God has taken you and where He's leading you. That's what it's all about. I'm still there:)

Be a blessing.

thanksfuls...

finally got my Austin light hung. thank you Patrick!

hot yoga and one on one time with my big chick this week!

gorgeous weather, coffee and JESUS!

national donut day...carrie and karen:)

SOULcation part 2... Still dreamin' of Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Sun, 24 May 2015 17:54:00 +0000

There really are no words... Even weeks later I still think about Texas everyday;)

Soulcation.....

Be a blessing.

junk for miles

an ocean of blue flowered fields

homeslice pizza

quiet

tree swings

dirt roads that lead to nowhere and everywhere...

cows, critters and rusty goodness

sweet sweet people

memories curled up on the couch with my precious peeps

Gods graciousness for a trip covered in favor

Helloooooo we're BACK!!!! Summer cuff OPEN May 18th-22nd:)

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Mon, 18 May 2015 10:00:00 +0000

Hi friends MAY IS HERE!!! MAY IS HERE!!! We've had a LONG break and are so ready to start making cuffs again for you. The Etsy shop is open Monday the 18th (8 am EST) through Friday, May 22 (5pm EST). So think graduation gifts, Father's day, summer birthdays and anniversaries...WEDDINGS! Our next open will be in September so don't wait.

One reason we've been had such a big gap between openings is this little blessing. My girl Friday Tamara had her a baby girl in March. We are so beyond thrilled for them. She truly is a miracle in every way. So this week Tamara is back and so is baby girl! Hope she remembers hammering as a beautiful sound she heard in her momma's womb:) It's going to be a fun few weeks!

So just in case you think your man couldn't/wouldn't rock a cuff. Look how awesome Tamara's honey looks sporting one. We have a huge selection of manly leather and a man sized template in case you don't know your man's wrist size. A scripture verse, mission statement, college slogan, wedding vows, nickname etc...are great ideas for words. Or TAKE OUT THE TRASH if you want to be funny and get your point across ha!;)

I'm super excited to share some fun new inserts and business cards I've been wanting to get done forever. One of my favorite people here in Richmond just happens to be a graphic designer and she took me by the hand and helped me create exactly what I was wanting.

I think having your own business is so challenging, especially if you're not techy;) And one of the biggest hurtles is branding. Which is absolutely essential in selling yourself and making your product stand apart. Jill made the process easy peasy. She walked me through every painstakingly detailed step and never made me feel bad for being knitpicky. Which is the most frustrating part for any creative like myself. Thank you sweet Jill! If you are in need of logo and brand design click here to contact her. You won't be sorry. Pinky swear!!!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We have a lot of AMAZING promoters this month!!!

Thank you friends for spreading the word! Go check out these lovely ladies to find coupon codes OR go to "sign up" at the top of the page to get on our newsletter mailing list. A few days before each open we send one out with a coupon code and news about what's going on in the FGP shop:)

Sara Parsons @saraparsons

Lindsay Wilkins @lindsay_hellohue

Taunya Olsen @ runnersgonnarun

Terri Woods @woodsermom

Becky @littlebranches

Natalie Freeman @nataliecreates

Jill Burrows @solovedphotography

Lori Boutelle @boutellefamilyblog

Thank you again for making this cuff thing possible.

We look forward to creating something meaningful and one of a kind just for you!

Be a blessing.

SOULcation part 1...The Holden's

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 19:43:00 +0000

Hey friends!! For those of you who still read blogs hiya! I cannot even believe that the last post I wrote was for my trip out to Seattle:0 You probably think all I do is travel;) Not true! But I kinda wish it was:) I've decided a trip once a month for 4 days would be perfect. It's just long enough to break out of the humdrum and then long enough to miss home and want to go back to routine.

So a few months ago I was trying to think up a Spring Break plan for the family. Last year was extravagant. We went to Kauai in the Summer. Ahhh good times! As much fun and adventure that trip was I was craving something entirely different this year. We tossed around several ideas before landing on our SOULcation plan. The plan was to hit the Round Top flea in Texas, stay in Austin, stalk Waco/Joanna Gaines one day and along the way meet the Holden's in Mississippi and the Lowry's in Georgia on the way home.

It evolved from that original plan a bit...including more people:) Imagine me tiptoeing into my Honey's office and plopping this cray plan in his lap. The man who doesn't like to roadtrip and isn't entirely keen on sharing his time with strangers on vacation. "Honey let's DRIVE to Texas and pitstop in strangers homes." :)))) But he went with it and I'm so grateful!

When I sat down to write about our SOULcation it was going to be one big long post, but I quickly figured out that's just plain silly. There is no way I can possibly put it all into one, so I hope you come back to read the rest.

They are the Holden's. Nick and Stephanie Holden to be exact. Her grandbabies call her Honey soooo everyone else does too. And yes I said grandbabies! The girl is only two years older than me and has four! Yes four!!

If you don't know the Holden's you should. I "met" them through Instagram a few years back. One day I got the sweetest letter from Honey. She told me Nick followed me on IG and said she just had to know me and that I really reminded him of her. We took a lot of the same selfies and feet pics. Our personalities were similar etc... And from that point on a little friendship seed was planted. We met a few times briefly...a drive through quickie dinner and she was our group leader at Hope Spoken last year.

But this little pitstop in rural Mississippi really sealed the deal. They're in our hearts now. And once that happens you stay there;) Their sweet home was opened up. They fed us and invited their daughter Lydia and her husband Marcus over for supper. We slept under their roof and went four wheeling. They are kind and wise and generous and most importantly they love Jesus.

I think going home to my mom's house is the only place I've ever felt quite this at home. It's strange really. At dinner on our second pit stop...yes we stopped there TWICE...we talked about dating and raising girls. If a boy wanted to date their daughter once she turned 16 he had to bring a 1,000 piece puzzle to the house. After the puzzle was complete then he could ask to "court" her. What a way to weed out the casual! I BIG PUFFY HEART LOVE this idea.

We talked about the empty nest a bit and how after the girls left Nick softened. He was able to give the girls over to their new protectors! So nice to know;)

They are at that season in life they can encourage us as we head into the future with the girls. It's a sweet thing...mentoring others. Something I hope I can do someday as well.

They high kick goodbyes...which pretty much summed up how I felt when we left. High on love and life. Meeting new friends does fill you up. Being able to share your life with others is such a gift. Don't be afraid of opening your heart up to new places and people...that's where the soulcation begins!

And before I forget to mention it the shop is OPEN for designer cuffs this week:)) We've got some pretty cute designs available for Mother's day and Graduation. We close up on Friday and then reopen May18th-22nd for the regular cuffs. It's coming up!!

Be a blessing.

blissin' out in the PNW:)

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 20:39:00 +0000

There's something about getting away that can do a correction in you. I think a separation from the norm, from the familiar, is like a wiping off of a foggy steamed up mirror. You come home and everything is crystal clear. Your heart and soul become aligned. This happens for me. I get home and my patience is back. My tone is less growly. I happily do things that normally I would grumble about. I see my people and take them a little less for granted. It's just what a get-away should do. It refreshes and reprioritizes things for you.

I just got back from a week out in the Pacific Northwest. Man oh man how I love escaping to that side of the country. Mossy green lushness all around. Snow capped mountains in the distance. Trees that tower and air that smells fresh. And always an early Spring with blooms pushing through. Add glorious sunshine, which always happens for me when I'm there, and it's like salve to a winter "burn".

When I go out there I share my time between two friends...both whom I've known for years through blogging. It never fails to amaze me how well I can know two people who I met through the Internet and only get to see maybe once a year. God can span distances. He can forge friendships and align hearts. Our ties don't depend on face to face time...we share a love for the Lord and that makes us sisters:)

Can you hear it? The pound of water from the falls... Lissa took me to Snoqualmie Falls and to the Salish Lodge for breakfast. That farm style breakfast might possibly have been the best I've ever had. The biscuit was divine. I was trying so hard not to oooh and ahhh too much. My friend who can't have gluten had to sit and watch me eat it:/ But let the record state it was THE BEST!

Can you smell it? A forest so different from ours here I have to push down the excitement to not squeal when I see the moss and ancient towering trees. It's absolutely magical! After breakfast we took a hike down to the falls. Stopping every few steps to snap pictures. THIS was my favorite moment with Lissa. Nature makes me feels so close to His presence, and this was nature to the max. I loved this day.

With Sasha and her family we took a ferry over to Port Gamble. Can I just pause for a minute to tell you how much I love riding a FERRY! It's seriously so much fun, but I can't imagine doing that as a way of life. Paying that much attention to a schedule would take some major getting used to.

We visited this quaint little town of Port Gamble, which used to be a saw mill town...so full of history, and again snapped pictures of everything in sight. Do these girls know me or what:) It was so much fun!! And while I was paying for a little souvenir in the General Store the clerk recognized me! She asked me about my cuff and when I told her I made them she was like "Oh my gosh...YOU'RE Farmgirl Paints!". Seriously it about made my head pop off!! Getting "recognized" in a tiny little town on the other side of the country made my day:)) I think moments like that are little hugs from heaven. It's not lost on me that my heavenly Daddy would take the time to bless me like that. He knew that would tickle me pink. He planned for that precise moment to happen...to make me feel special;) Oh love how He loves us so.

There were so many more memories made. I was loved on. Fed well. Taken to all my favorite places and had so many laughs along the way. God is good to this "farmgirl" from Virginia.

Be a blessing,

thanksfuls...

My flight days there and back were so stressful. Richmond rarely gets "weather", but it fell on both my travel days:/ God worked it out. I got there and I got home. Hallelujah! So grateful for these sweeties who made me feel missed!! Texting with your 11 year old bonds you!

Spring blooms in February! For a friend that drove 6 hours so I could see Oregon with my own eyes:))

Lissa's port! Sigh...

Whatcom Falls Park... Oh Bellingham you are so beyond cool! This is just right there in the middle of town. Do you see me?

An Outlander series marathon. Loved these cozy nights with my girl Sasha. Add some Trader Joe's fireworks chocolate bars to the mix and it truly was a party;)

The daffodils were in bloom! CAN you EVEN!!!!!

Painting pottery! Hours of quiet creative time equals bliss!!!

the brownie post

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 18:14:00 +0000

It's been ages since I've really sat down and shared my heart on here. With the shop and Instagram...life just feels really full and really busy. I know some of you out there in "virtual land" still read blogs and don't have Instagram, so you probably feel like I've fallen off the face of the planet, but trust me I'm still here. There's been so much going on. Things that in past years would have easily been a blog post on their own. Like my Big Chick turning 15 and all the emotion and memories that came with that. My paint something every week challenge. Our new found family passion of playing the guitar. Hot yoga and trying to lose 15 stubborn pounds, and not caring as much anymore and wanting to go through menopause so I don't have women's issues anymore. Uggghhhh see... these could all be blog posts. But today I'm going to talk to myself a bit. I'm entitling this the brownie post because well...you'll see.

For Valentine's day my honey bought me tulips and made dinner reservations. We went to a red and white checkered tablecloth kinda restaurant and had a very sweet meal with dessert. Then we went to a movie and it all went downhill from there. Let me preface by saying that we love movies. LOVE them!! It's our favorite thing to do as a family. Our favorite date night. It's fun to walk in and let the buttered popcorn smell overtake you:) There's something exciting about the dark ambiance of a show. We love being entertained. But lately the movies we've seen have been WAYYYY off mark. It now requires a full on research project before you can go see a film anymore. We've been disappointed on more than one occasion and it usually starts before the blasted movie even begins. This last one we saw had countless horror film previews that bombarded us with images and sounds that no amount of eye closing and ear plugging could eliminate. Regardless of whether you like scary movies or not, those kind of trailers feel like an assault.

Last weekend we went to see The Kingsmen. It was an action film. We like those. But we should have researched it. Like we really should have researched it. There is 10-15 minute scene where a spy gets a signal from his cell phone, from a bad guy, and grotesquely murders everyone in a church. I don't have a clue how many people died in that movie, but they made it kind of funny...and that's what was most disturbing. I actually heard some people laughing. We finally walked out. I'm ashamed we stayed as long as we did.

Then in the bathroom all I could hear was countless women full of excited chatter over the Fifty Shades of Grey movie. Don't even get me started on how messed up that is. SERIOUSLY what is wrong with everyone. When is it okay to hurt the ones you "love"? Since when is sexual perversion something to be applauded? What kind of messed up confusing world are we exposing our young people to? Is this what our future generations are going to consider normal and healthy? And regardless of whether you go to the film or not the commercials have to be explained. It's not something I like to have to spell out to my 11 year old. I could go on...but I won't.

Years ago I heard a story from Joyce Meyer. She was explaining a life lesson to her kids, she said what if I made you the richest, most moist brownie ever. It was absolute perfection. So good you could smell it across the room! Would you eat it? Now what if I put in the teeniest amount of dog poop? Not much, just a teeny bit. Would you still try it knowing the brownie had dog poop in it? Well of course not!! I've never forgotten that illustration. I filter out a lot of crap from the world, but I've let some dog poop creep in. I need to listen to that still small voice...that ick in my stomach when I know something is sinful and wrong and turn from it. Even if it is just a song, a movie, a magazine article etc... We are called to be different. To be set apart. I'm making a decision to put down that tempting corrupt brownie. A little is still too much...

Be a blessing.

Share your heart...two awesome GIVEAWAYS:)

noreply@blogger.com (Farmgirl Paints) — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 13:00:00 +0000

Hi girls!!! It's been a whirlwind around here with the Feb 2-6th shop opening! You blessed our little shop once again and we are forever grateful for your support. Thank you...thank YOU!! We've been busy stamping and setting like crazy people. In the midst of all that I am so honored and delighted to share something that I'm pretty excited about. My crazy talented friend Courtney wrote another book and I was invited to be a part of her #ShareYourHeart blog tour. WOOT!!!!

You can get your copy here.

I've been too busy to read more than the back cover, but I can't wait to dig into this book. I've read her others and I just know it's going to be good. Big Chick was eyeballing it too. That girl knows a good book when she sees it:)

This is the book trailer. Watch this video! It's the sweetest. And it can easily become a new family tradition:)

To go along with her inspirational trailer, Courtney started a #ShareYourHeart campaign and challenged a bunch of her friends to create their own version of a "paper heart". And naturally because we are in full on cuffing season right now here is my version:)

This cuff will be given away on her blog...go here to learn more:)

Courtney is also giving you a chance to win a pretty amazing PRIZE package!!! All you need to do is find her on Facebook here and SHARE the Paper Hearts Book trailer with your friends... Then enter the Rafflecopter Giveway. Good luck girlies!!

And HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! Spoil those people you love:))

Be a blessing.