tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313287742024-03-21T22:02:26.248-05:00 The Splendid Things
Jeanetta Darley blogs about her day to day victories & failures with family, farming, gardening, crafting, and life in general.StrataBytehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10972351793190879952noreply@blogger.comBlogger461125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-67884759596855927592014-08-24T19:00:00.002-05:002014-08-24T19:00:42.092-05:00So, I was saying....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.jeanettadarley.com/"><img alt="So, I was saying..." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJuskjEL6jaHd-qOsTO6mB3nVQJr_II6qEshT8Q_Efh2lKX5LFIPC-TapK-A4R5PSK2RtLiAw5jsAevYFjlx1QUS5vyFF9A7Ca9jRj7pkcikZe9bHh0B3rOZaIFxDqcQAALtkRw/s1600/Screenshot+(8).jpg" height="289" width="640" /></a></div>
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Keep up with me as I write about my day to day victories and failures with
family, farming, gardening, cooking, crafting, travel and life in
general at <a href="http://jeanettadarley.wordpress.com/">my new space on WordPress.</a></div>
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<a href="http://jeanettadarley.com/">JeanettaDarley.com</a></h2>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-44770659145428118082014-07-08T15:49:00.001-05:002014-07-08T15:54:29.353-05:00Getting away: ShellbanksWe have returned to Shellbanks.<br />
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This Ft. Morgan, Alabama vacation rental I found on <a href="http://www.vrbo.com/">VRBO</a> 3 years ago has become our home away from home. It seemed like the weeks leading up to our getaway just intensified our need to be here. With trying to sell the house downtown, financially speaking going on this trip might not have been the most responsible thing but after being here for 3 days I know health wise we couldn't have done anything but.<br />
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My first evening sitting on the new dock, watching the sun set and listening to the waves in the Bay of Mobile as they hit the bank almost brought me to tears. I hadn't realized how much longing for this week had built up inside of me.<br />
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I never feel like I have to do anything here to enjoy my time. Sitting for hours on the back deck or on the sand at the near by <a href="http://www.fws.gov/bonsecour/">Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge</a> is all the entertainment I need. Watching the pelicans and herons and gulls swoop down for the catch or fight over a seat on the old pylons of a former dock have me amused just fine.<br />
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We brought fishing poles for the first time and the kids have thoroughly enjoyed that. Even thought they haven't caught anything. Luke is determined and even as he gets frustrated and storms away from the dock you can always find him back out there eventually. <br />
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Ben caught two small fish that we have use for bait in the crab traps. We've had a steady diet of boiled crab. No one is complaining.<br />
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Its always so quiet here. The house is secluded amongst a forest of Spanish moss laden oaks. They hug the house and deck and you almost forget the neighbors on either side until someone walks out on the their dock. There are these pink flowers on tall bushes that sway and wave you out onto the dock. I don't know their name but they smell divine.<br />
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I could honestly live here forever. You know if it wasn't for the whole finding a job that pays the bills here and all/ For now we will just relish in our week of it being ours. We will live the life of beach bums and Gulf Coasters.<br />
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If you want to see more pics as we enjoy our vacation follow me on Instagram and Twitter @JeanettaDarley. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-7899887409636200412014-07-05T09:05:00.000-05:002014-07-08T09:07:30.699-05:00A glamping we will goHi ho the merry-o, a glamping we will go!<br />
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Take the natural beauty of Petit Jean State Park, the woodland fairy-like fantasy of twinkle lights, a treasure trove of vintage linens along with six bloggers and you have the inaugural Arkansas Glamping event. I spent a weekend with some old and new friends trying our hand at glamping.<br />
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Glamorous Camping indeed!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXSIUVx5SIiTPK855u8sx9rOJNAICIxdmyKM1dZ9BY9Xl4G8qTv8BnBUmT7kOmS7TlsZiBm7gJaiS8q3FFHMyb66eT5bOZm9XaK40-hxsK-ipayOXOE4ySfaINbkzHyOYYqwqaQ/s1600/all+together+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXSIUVx5SIiTPK855u8sx9rOJNAICIxdmyKM1dZ9BY9Xl4G8qTv8BnBUmT7kOmS7TlsZiBm7gJaiS8q3FFHMyb66eT5bOZm9XaK40-hxsK-ipayOXOE4ySfaINbkzHyOYYqwqaQ/s1600/all+together+Collage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made things so pretty the Tourism department sent a photographer for a photo shoot!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujwj91k8ekexaClfR3RU_lniHh-iUkcMBMB7meCks6LxhvE3HnKH6grn4LB7uEgAzHmG40AObbY5xywzZIBqO57ZvGGBbJvTPMLA2Wg9quzHHa9dF1xLIXqAYqERB1MIkwO31Nw/s1600/bunk+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujwj91k8ekexaClfR3RU_lniHh-iUkcMBMB7meCks6LxhvE3HnKH6grn4LB7uEgAzHmG40AObbY5xywzZIBqO57ZvGGBbJvTPMLA2Wg9quzHHa9dF1xLIXqAYqERB1MIkwO31Nw/s1600/bunk+Collage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yurts at Petit Jean never looked so good after we got our hands on them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdS5_NfM_W_kdMrOGLs1X8TTYw7SC1GPilI52BVnv16qr3WviswMao1N92QJcdguWL0bgVl4WjuuSIF2oISU6gDL7jPxCtRa6M6sGrMIS3oX0FEGg3O8Bl-EfoY-UgWV7rrvRrQA/s1600/coffee+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdS5_NfM_W_kdMrOGLs1X8TTYw7SC1GPilI52BVnv16qr3WviswMao1N92QJcdguWL0bgVl4WjuuSIF2oISU6gDL7jPxCtRa6M6sGrMIS3oX0FEGg3O8Bl-EfoY-UgWV7rrvRrQA/s1600/coffee+Collage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While I do love campfire coffee my addiction requires swift action in the mornings so I was very thankful for the electical outlets to plug in my coffee pot. I loved sitting quietly with my cup of coffee as the sun rose over Bailey Lake.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkp_ffGMNdZgJcRiv6kfmOwtdmwn-oSaMH9vlv9woEKapdrqanV48ckZYRMBRfLvKz33OLyPzxa2j7RoTRHSVzYenaLIgR4QcrsbCGCKn73DJvr4ArZNi4I_NTdynwOPcutqcS5w/s1600/DSC_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkp_ffGMNdZgJcRiv6kfmOwtdmwn-oSaMH9vlv9woEKapdrqanV48ckZYRMBRfLvKz33OLyPzxa2j7RoTRHSVzYenaLIgR4QcrsbCGCKn73DJvr4ArZNi4I_NTdynwOPcutqcS5w/s1600/DSC_0033.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My retro styled bike and a crown of glittered stars suited our Glamping style just fine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEePNlvAF_-AK9T8r-z94jhDjpL9C-DIhaFFxuHRDRyUpnhNJm9BjVDyQ8wo4XQ-DWHHifbKhfx1ciJMyh7IxGqb8Rew7i8G5paZucqL169Z_YUuLPPnncpGCqkpeixKZrVz_Eqw/s1600/night+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEePNlvAF_-AK9T8r-z94jhDjpL9C-DIhaFFxuHRDRyUpnhNJm9BjVDyQ8wo4XQ-DWHHifbKhfx1ciJMyh7IxGqb8Rew7i8G5paZucqL169Z_YUuLPPnncpGCqkpeixKZrVz_Eqw/s1600/night+Collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ate and talked into the wee hours. And we laughed uncontrollably when a HUGE bug flew into someones hair. Oh the flailing that commenced!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFUCv4mqTl9nTPwLGw-o3nyoiRb0Ue7x-dQldiCGI1kdDlm9Q0mpACT_6CXWQEd0v_6Ej2fQrOcFwa73CHf9qtHyNZaZcW0Ymp8t3BW5OeuyLFfs3hyyqfwxpEHJ1BiKITfMzeg/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhFUCv4mqTl9nTPwLGw-o3nyoiRb0Ue7x-dQldiCGI1kdDlm9Q0mpACT_6CXWQEd0v_6Ej2fQrOcFwa73CHf9qtHyNZaZcW0Ymp8t3BW5OeuyLFfs3hyyqfwxpEHJ1BiKITfMzeg/s1600/image_1.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proper lighting is always key and when Glamping a chandelier is a must.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIwBy9KJlS0M9xaMYzskC4GedrzWmmbaC6bIq8L5nXRmL6dYAp-xDWmgJhaQ913Wv_dtCjV4wDlgqNsgoBAfyK3FSgwHc_QWUwKiWA8E7UFbg7rCi-M1nyrNCV8rIbfHAbZkWZQ/s1600/image_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIwBy9KJlS0M9xaMYzskC4GedrzWmmbaC6bIq8L5nXRmL6dYAp-xDWmgJhaQ913Wv_dtCjV4wDlgqNsgoBAfyK3FSgwHc_QWUwKiWA8E7UFbg7rCi-M1nyrNCV8rIbfHAbZkWZQ/s1600/image_2.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As well as pretty bunting. Oh the bunting!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaD8f03AJHhm4TM0W3YzPjFQIYPhE_PMa-_c-P_nYxayEbesDZstiwKyvkmetLWrepzBQ0dtwyx-RDLanr5tKXs_ygG2TQMqFptWAWwiylW_gAbNLxXWMDJ2bzTDQiI38AI0M9w/s1600/image_11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaD8f03AJHhm4TM0W3YzPjFQIYPhE_PMa-_c-P_nYxayEbesDZstiwKyvkmetLWrepzBQ0dtwyx-RDLanr5tKXs_ygG2TQMqFptWAWwiylW_gAbNLxXWMDJ2bzTDQiI38AI0M9w/s1600/image_11.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think friendship is the biggest gift we all came away with from our first Glamping weekend.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rpMmIFExEurQ9wmBu28bykvwti4RFL1kjVLuPkd9GCLtEHuucW41JFT_jf49yGwe8_Kekooqq1EeEVPc4w6pLVsovglumml99NbulcevSheHc1MvhhhrmhBKfdePKqbfdXdhoQ/s1600/image_12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rpMmIFExEurQ9wmBu28bykvwti4RFL1kjVLuPkd9GCLtEHuucW41JFT_jf49yGwe8_Kekooqq1EeEVPc4w6pLVsovglumml99NbulcevSheHc1MvhhhrmhBKfdePKqbfdXdhoQ/s1600/image_12.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even when we were soaked through from a quick and heavy downpour, it didn't dampen our spirits.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13rYTRp1okX6xErJ6iNmNsDWPKhcMwCUdtQbwxUbILrvoys6zteAiKxsJzgDGnXOrkKuuoCKwD7WjKbJgN14-nfvwZa31PqWXgx4-8104t0xMGyyG24u9KYKp7nVSw6pXAYiOlw/s1600/image_26.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13rYTRp1okX6xErJ6iNmNsDWPKhcMwCUdtQbwxUbILrvoys6zteAiKxsJzgDGnXOrkKuuoCKwD7WjKbJgN14-nfvwZa31PqWXgx4-8104t0xMGyyG24u9KYKp7nVSw6pXAYiOlw/s1600/image_26.jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This place really didn't need our help to be glamorous or beautiful. I'm so proud of the natural beauty of my state. </td></tr>
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It was the most fun! And I think in the aftermath we all suffered a twinge of withdrawal. You can check out other post from our Glamping weekend from my fellow glampers:<br />
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Stephanie -<a href="http://www.theparkwife.com/2014/07/01/glamour-camping-glamping-it-finally-happened/"> The Park Wife</a><br />
Heather - <a href="http://www.heathersdish.com/1/glamourous-camping-glamping/">Heather's Dish</a><br />
Whitney - <a href="http://whitneyloibner.blogspot.com/2014/06/food-ish-fridaythe-happy-camper.html?m=1">Whiney Loibner Photography</a><br />
Jerusalem - <a href="http://jerusalemgreer.com/">JerusalemGreer.com</a><br />
Fawn - <a href="http://insteadofthedishes.com/blog/2014/06/24/glamping-in-arkansas/">Instead of the Dishes</a><br />
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You can find out more information about Arkansas Glamping on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArkansasGlamping?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark">Facebook</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/GlampingAR">Twitter</a>. And you can see more pictures from our fabulous weekend on <a href="http://instagram.com/">Instagram</a> by following #GlampingAR or #FancyCamp.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-72808610603390544052014-06-25T21:05:00.001-05:002014-07-08T15:55:14.118-05:00Wordless Wednesday: blushing<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsLC132wtIkaBYn6a_dZZqVGeqq4JRh4Sc9ZwBPMGwksxOeFMDwdfJAt0ICR1FFOrZxcKETr4kKIr5gU6ca0z__lXewVokk8P5k2AzhLETsFFTaogImhl4k7CkPliAlMZ_L0viQ/s640/blogger-image--761017129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsLC132wtIkaBYn6a_dZZqVGeqq4JRh4Sc9ZwBPMGwksxOeFMDwdfJAt0ICR1FFOrZxcKETr4kKIr5gU6ca0z__lXewVokk8P5k2AzhLETsFFTaogImhl4k7CkPliAlMZ_L0viQ/s640/blogger-image--761017129.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-58420259964729271562014-06-22T23:00:00.000-05:002014-06-23T23:20:50.748-05:00Wonder and Wander at Moss Mountain FarmA few weeks ago when we were sure that the animals would be lining up two by two, I was invited to tour P. Allen Smith's Moss Mountain Farm. I donned my boots and my favorite sun hat which I figured could double nicely as an umbrella when the moment came.<br />
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Even though the yard was crawling with bloggers and those of the social media bent the land and home gave off quite a calm serene feel. As if you could just start walking without a care and let the mind wander.... and wonder. </div>
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Meandering the garden paths in the mist and thunder.</div>
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Wishing you could waste the day on the sleeping porch as the clouds rolled over the river.</div>
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Pondering the vegetable patch.</div>
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And traipsing through wet fields and muddy roads to visit chickens.</div>
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I was especially captivated by an original painting of Allen's hanging in the front parlor. A larger landscape of rolling hills and pasture land.<br />
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This was his family's farm in Tennessee. If you stared long enough you could see the trees and grass almost sway with wind. And imagine the work happening on the homestead. I love pieces of art that hold personal history. </div>
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The house is full of windows big and small that open up to a view that seemed to never end.<br />
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They all invited you to lounge on a cushion or rest your shoulder into a windowsill and just take in the drizzle and fog of the Arkansas River Valley.<br />
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By the time we were leaving I was damp and muddy and all my curls had sprung despite my big hat. But it was a wonderful, wanderful day.<br />
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<i>"I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it."</i> -William Shakespeare, <i>As You Like It</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-23419576521565746982014-06-17T12:33:00.000-05:002014-06-17T12:33:01.709-05:00Walking the walkI was rather <a href="http://www.jeanettadarley.com/2014/06/holly.html">sad Saturday morning</a>. I knew I couldn't and didn't want to spend the day with my face in a tear soaked pillow. I had to find a project. Be productive.<br />
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I'm obsessed with keeping a clear path around my beds and through the yard. But I can't always get my landscape team (husband and oldest son) to be as proactive as I would like them to be. And there is only so much I can do with my weed-eater. So I have been researching (<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jeanettad/in-the-garden/">Pinteresting</a>) all kind of garden walk ideas.</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jeanettad/in-the-garden/"><img alt="http://www.pinterest.com/jeanettad/in-the-garden/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOD-zkaGwf0Uft2_MG67lSM0V3ij7JYVQNjvlb4AxYblF9WRMb_ChhK95Tfl6kKbWCSb7T-igHPSQulU6ThdzqjS6sjiPGOTEV1YraOGBk2vyy-KMl5FmDWrbF7ixaEF7p1on-Q/s1600/garden+walks.png" height="424" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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I finally found one that I liked and still looked very natural. Ben doesn't want full on sidewalks throughout the yard. And he rolls his eyes every time I mention pavers.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/100557004154741079/"><img alt="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/100557004154741079/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgU8DM_mHBe4aQ2ZKhVAtmZRACXnk6dEMqe3W2-6ftOyGhNt3UjFtaN3NywFsOMiB0Www8R4HWz9Q6IeC_NsFVK5v-dGvTD155u-54D993nvan_9rLi6A2m6ZIGYs7oDJrwyo5w/s1600/walk.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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So on Saturday after a good cry I jumped up and started cutting some leftover wood. I took a large cardboard box from the recycling at work to lay down over the knee high grass. Then fit the wood planks in snugly between the raised beds.<br />
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The plan is to fill in between the boards with river rock. There is a place in town by the river that sells it for $7 a ton. Awesome landscaping deal there. Once the rock is down I'm going to sprinkle in concrete then spray it with water to set everything.<br />
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I can't wait till it's all finished! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-27167951516336466372014-06-15T11:58:00.000-05:002014-06-17T12:01:14.734-05:00Holly<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUNf8koOVPsDFlksJx4NMsa9gR5uGdLjFPHdNbs24jS5FAXAWWzV1VwUCU_yuhoXZg0UgWGnp2l7rjIIO7bXURB0OMv7GBjzKqe9FnmHomjBm-Zkmaf0p47ZZbvoKPVs2ic3aBg/s640/blogger-image-679493283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUNf8koOVPsDFlksJx4NMsa9gR5uGdLjFPHdNbs24jS5FAXAWWzV1VwUCU_yuhoXZg0UgWGnp2l7rjIIO7bXURB0OMv7GBjzKqe9FnmHomjBm-Zkmaf0p47ZZbvoKPVs2ic3aBg/s640/blogger-image-679493283.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've never wanted pets because they were to easy to become attached to. And it's hard when they go. </div>
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I've always said our goats walked a fine line between pets and livestock but for me Holly crossed over the line right into my heart.</div>
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She was my bottle baby since her mom didn't want her. I took her to work with me for about a month or more. Everyone was just in love with her. And how could you not be. She loved to jump and dance like all baby goats. And cried when she couldn't find me. </div>
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Working her back into the herd was hard. They never really accepted her but she was getting too big to carry to work everyday and too active to sit complacently in your lap. She wanted to run and jump and explore. A church office wasn't the best place for that. So we had to get her used to living with her goat family. That was hard. For me and for her I'm sure. She would cry and call for me. Making me feel like I'd abandoned her. But she started to learn her way. </div>
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We had to put her down this weekend. Thursday she just wasn't acting right. She seemed sad and depressed. She wasn't her usual talkative self. Friday her head was drawing back to one side and she was walking in circles. I brought her to the office with me. Her ears felt hot and she would stand with her head pressed into something so that it didn't lead her in circles. She tried to fight it but eventually she couldn't. I sat on the floor and held her head into my chest until Ben could come at noon to take her to the vet. </div>
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She stayed over night getting medicine and other treatments but nothing was helping. She had tested positive for worms and another parasite but had showed no signs that we were familiar with to indicate that was what was wrong. Even the vet said she looked fine. But we had been down this road with other goats before. And when she wasn't responding to the treatments we decided we didn't want her to have to suffer anymore. </div>
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Saturday was tough. I think that eventually we may get rid of all the goats. For awhile. I love raising them but I think we need to do a lot of updating to the pens. But things we just aren't able to do right now. </div>
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Holly, I'll miss your sweet sweet face.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-17893760796214204952014-06-08T13:24:00.003-05:002014-06-17T12:46:02.614-05:00Waiting - home for saleThis morning it's raining yet again. It's Sunday and the kids are still with grandma. We've worked at breakneck speed the last few days getting our old house downtown ready for an open house showing today. I painted the upper cabinets white while Ben installed a new light fixture ans worked on some much needed curb appeal.<br />
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We have been renting out this house for the past four years since we moved to the woods. That was never our intent but with the market like it was at the time selling it just never happened.<br />
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In the past four years we have refinished the floors twice, laid tile, painted more times that i want to count, and now the cabinets. IF you rent please notify your landlord of any and all water leaks and for God's sake please don't let your children play with sharpies unsupervised. And it is common courtesy to ask your landlord before installing a satellite dish, drilling holes in the original hard wood floors and cutting down a tree so you get better reception.<br />
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Needless to say I am done being one half of the renter/landlord relationship.<br />
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And then you look around at your hard work and continually kick yourself because you didn't do all these improvements while you lived there. We have tried not to make those mistakes in our new house but as soon as we got about halfway into a number of projects the old house came calling. Paying two mortgages does not a home improvement friendly budget make. So there is exposed concrete in a bathroom longing for tile ans an unfinished brick wall behind the fireplace waiting.<br />
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Waiting.<br />
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But if you know of someone looking to more to downtown Conway, AR, I know a very quiet street close to schools and nice restaurants. <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1925-Cross-St_Conway_AR_72034_M78855-17978?source=web">Take a look at this link</a> of give <a href="http://www.jcthornton.com/index.php?action=listingview&listingID=474">Kelley Chism</a> a call and ask her about the Cross Street house.<br />
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(The links could still have the old pictures of the old dark stained cabinets. I think the new paint makes quite a difference.) </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-85368703212543675682014-06-02T22:49:00.000-05:002014-06-02T23:02:35.891-05:00Drawing from boredomIt's June and we've had so much rain I have actually heard Arkansans say they didn't care how hot it would get they just wanted to see the sun. I recall that scene in <i>Forest Gump</i> where he lists all the different kinds of rain.<br />
<br />
big ole rain<br />
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little bitty stinging rain<br />
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sideways rain<br />
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It was a long cold winter that everyone was ready to crawl out from under only to be driven back inside and hope we hadn't wasted those cold months by not building an ark for spring instead of pouring over seed catalogs. I think we are all bored for the most part. <br />
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My boredom drove me to unbury my drafting table. Yes the rain drove me to clean. Off went the pillows and bags of tangled yarn and discarded cardigans. Out came my sketch books and scratch paper and pencils.<br />
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I'm finding myself here most evenings. <a href="http://www.jeanettadarley.com/search/label/art">Last year I was determined to bring my artistic skills back into my daily routine but fail miserably in that discipline</a>. The best I could muster was a doodle every now and then. I was an art student in college and it's odd to think how that drawing and painting encompassed my days 20 years ago hardly crosses my mind now. But I'm here for the moment and it feels good.<br />
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I'm not cloistering myself away. The door is open for that wondering child who is bored as well and I do venture out for this and that but seem to find myself drawn to the drafting table.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-41499630641424385542014-05-28T19:57:00.001-05:002014-05-28T19:57:26.321-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Rain won't wear me down<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgknIPlYVRfSt0y_3Rw56mF-RrfvQVqi3DAyPvzJKN_aYng4DxrGH2eZkl5n7lU8NbxFYYBWZM62q23mcfVO76SrvFNcpXZFcJTVQXT7X5gFS9P7PfCeOSUo6pt4LRDNkZ4Td8g/s640/blogger-image--2020501754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgknIPlYVRfSt0y_3Rw56mF-RrfvQVqi3DAyPvzJKN_aYng4DxrGH2eZkl5n7lU8NbxFYYBWZM62q23mcfVO76SrvFNcpXZFcJTVQXT7X5gFS9P7PfCeOSUo6pt4LRDNkZ4Td8g/s640/blogger-image--2020501754.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Moss Mountain Farm. Roland, AR. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-62676656849672833402014-05-27T21:00:00.000-05:002014-06-04T08:55:28.468-05:00I don'tI don't care for bullies and I don't suffer fools very well either. I suck at placating or handling with kid gloves. I don't like to see my people walked on or see smart planning inhibited by self serving egos.<br />
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Some call this bossy. Some call it being a bitch. Or crazy. And once again a female with a strong personality that doesn't act like a doormat is described in unflattering terms. But I'm pretty sure the world could use a few more strong personalities on the right side of the fence sending the packs wild dogs running with their tails between their legs. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-72021962284885155982014-05-21T07:28:00.001-05:002014-05-21T07:28:05.949-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Go ask Alice<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrWlxnqq5FTpK3Rf_AM80nKhGqRRx2L6ZwITrQzO44MXqSaz-YRcWM4ev6UDoX9CkuzcL4S99xTfNTbxchHBpRCFsFKvH3Xh0Sd-I5-obJsF-0ExRRlKJHlTMjrSWOVtt1jpliA/s640/blogger-image-412281436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrWlxnqq5FTpK3Rf_AM80nKhGqRRx2L6ZwITrQzO44MXqSaz-YRcWM4ev6UDoX9CkuzcL4S99xTfNTbxchHBpRCFsFKvH3Xh0Sd-I5-obJsF-0ExRRlKJHlTMjrSWOVtt1jpliA/s640/blogger-image-412281436.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-10899206874143641552014-05-20T12:25:00.001-05:002014-05-20T12:26:30.594-05:00The sign of the chickenYears ago Ben's parents had this metal sign made for us. At the time we were living in a small San Antonio neighborhood and I couldn't fathom any reason why I would or should have a sign with our name and a chicken in my house.<br />
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Little did any of us know what foreboding the chicken sign would have on my life now.<br />
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For years I lugged that thing around. Hiding it in closets, underbeds, the back of the utility room. I was all for the country, distressed look but a chicken?! Really?!<br />
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Then we moved to the woods. And not just any woods. Two acres of overgrown, barely cleared for the house, snaky woods.<br />
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Soon came the goats.<br />
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<b><i> "But why?!"</i> I asked</b><br />
<b> To clear the pens and chicken coup.</b><br />
<b> <i> "But why?!"</i></b><br />
<b> So we can have chickens.</b><br />
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Of course.<br />
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And there I was. Finally in a situation where the chicken sign could come home to roost. And I wouldn't change it for a thing. Well I would add more land for more goats and chickens and a barn and more gardens and OH a tractor and for me to be able to stay home and take care of all this stuff. But all of that is yet to come.<br />
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But someday.<br />
I had a sign.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-25126777878766831352014-05-11T21:32:00.000-05:002014-05-11T21:32:09.214-05:00Mother's Day Off<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-a74b11eb-ee31-1855-e19a-513697e8f04e" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So my family has finally usurped my reign over the remote today in honor of Mother’s Day. They have had enough of non stop HGTV/DIY’s<i> Rehab Addict</i> & <i>Salvage Dawgs</i> and I only got a little ways into the <i>Alaska: The Last Frontier’s Mother’s Day Marathon</i>. So I have been relegated to the top of Luke’s bunk bed for my solitude. I guess Ben is right: if it isn't something I want to watch there’s no way I’m staying in the room. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">But today was a fine day. In fact my whole Mother’s Day weekend was a smashing success. Mom took the kids on Friday and I was able to spend Saturday working in the garden, and pretty much staying at home by myself. Which I never get to do. There’s is always some one here.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mom and I broke with tradition and instead of heading out on our Mother’s Day shopping and junking spree we opted for Ben and the kids to cook for us. I picked out a new rose bush for myself and put together a lavender arrangement for mom. We have both been on a paring down kick. So buying her “a thing” would really be defeating that purpose. I recently bought myself a huge lavender plant and I knew she loved the smell. So fragrant. So relaxing. And what mother doesn't need something to help her do that.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The arrangement was a cinch to put together. I bought a nice pot in a light green color I knew she would like, 3 lavender plants from the herb section and a bag of potting soil. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I got a larger container because I wanted to give them room to spread out but the 3 plants were looking rather sparse in the big pot. So I picked up a couple of larger quartz rocks from the garden and grabbed some seashells and other beach finds to decorate and fill the pot. I was rather happy with the way it turned out and mom was so excited. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">After more than just one helping of the dessert spread we adjourned to the yard. Me to pull some weeds and finish placing the squash plants and her to snap pictures of our lush green yard and the roses that are popping out everywhere.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So we like to turn Mother’s Day into Mother’s Day Off. A chance to lay around and watch our TV shows. Or a chance to take care of all those things you enjoy doing but never have time. A day to not have to serve as a taxi cab, short order cook, chief bottle washer or hostile situation negotiator.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVW91SJSRtpd2xFH95PTCq1yFGId-Fzc4qykKz0CkVo7GurFZzq47QLCDOcBxvaa0SYl93vhAVXf8bo8agdjPelIY59VdpSWTsjwUOX6RETaK8Gip56wrBbmR84UojmKV1P3rLyg/s640/blogger-image-1250971763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVW91SJSRtpd2xFH95PTCq1yFGId-Fzc4qykKz0CkVo7GurFZzq47QLCDOcBxvaa0SYl93vhAVXf8bo8agdjPelIY59VdpSWTsjwUOX6RETaK8Gip56wrBbmR84UojmKV1P3rLyg/s640/blogger-image-1250971763.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-25381678435885039742014-04-28T09:12:00.001-05:002014-04-28T09:12:08.214-05:00Writing Giveaway Winner!The winner of the Spring Publishing Conference at UCA is.......<br />
<br />
NANCY ALLEN!!!!!! <br />
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<dl class="avatar-comment-indent" id="comments-block">
<dt class="comment-author " id="c7335508541119432784"><span style="color: purple;">Nancy Allen
said...
</span></dt>
<dd class="comment-body" id="Blog1_cmt-7335508541119432784"><span style="color: purple;">
</span><span style="color: purple;">
What a wonderful treat some lucky person is going to get! Put my name
in your hat, please. I love to write, and am very close to finishing a
silly novel about time travel in Regency England. Could this be the
spark I need? </span><br />
</dd></dl>
Nancy I hope this does light that spark becasue it sounds like something I would LOVE to read!<br />
<br />
<i><span class="fsl">The Arkansas Writer’s MFA Workshop at UCA will host a
one-day Spring Publishing Conference on Saturday May 3 from 9-2 pm in
Thompson Hall on the UCA Campus. This will be an annual conference on
publishing for the community and the region, this year’s conference will
be led by Writer’s Digest Magazine publishing expert<span class="text_exposed_show">, Chuck Sambuchino, named a leading influence in the publishing industry by Forbes magazine.<br /> <br /> The $125 conference rate includes:<br /> <br /> Continental Breakfast/Meet and Greet<br /> Morning Session: “Getting Published”<br /> Luncheon, Networking Opportunity<br /> Afternoon Session: “Agents and Book Options”<br /> <br />
An editor for Writer’s Digest Books, as well as a bestselling humor
book writer, Sambuchino edits the Writer’s Digest Guide to Literary
Agents as well as the Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market. His
Guide to Literary Agents Blog is one of the biggest blogs in publishing,
and he also blogs for WriterUnboxed.com.</span></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-68751783409498736822014-04-21T18:44:00.001-05:002014-04-21T18:44:09.078-05:00WritingI don't really consider myself a writer per say.<br />
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I just like to write and use it mainly as a process of working out thoughts or creating ideas. Sometimes the words in my head start to sound pretty good and I have a need to get them down quick. Most of the time these are just notes scribbled on scrap paper or the back of a church bulletin still in my purse. Sometimes I come back to these scribbles. Sometimes they become something more. Sometimes I don't find them till much later when I clean out my purse or move that stack of papers on my desk.<br />
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But I know a lot of serious writers. Those that the live for the process. Those that make their living from the process. Those that long to do so. They dream that some day their words will be on paper bound between a front and back cover. On a shelf for a curious reader to pick up and be inspired, entertained or even enlightened.<br />
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Last week I was lucky enough to <span class="userContent">win a free registration to the Spring Publishing Conference at the University of Central Arkansas. Since I am not able to attend I feel that I should pass this on to one of my aspiring writer friends who dream of being published one day.</span><br />
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<i><span class="fsl">The Arkansas Writer’s MFA Workshop at UCA will host a
one-day Spring Publishing Conference on Saturday May 3 from 9-2 pm in
Thompson Hall on the UCA Campus. This will be an annual conference on
publishing for the community and the region, this year’s conference will
be led by Writer’s Digest Magazine publishing expert<span class="text_exposed_show">, Chuck Sambuchino, named a leading influence in the publishing industry by Forbes magazine.<br /> <br /> The $125 conference rate includes:<br /> <br /> Continental Breakfast/Meet and Greet<br /> Morning Session: “Getting Published”<br /> Luncheon, Networking Opportunity<br /> Afternoon Session: “Agents and Book Options”<br /> <br />
An editor for Writer’s Digest Books, as well as a bestselling humor
book writer, Sambuchino edits the Writer’s Digest Guide to Literary
Agents as well as the Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market. His
Guide to Literary Agents Blog is one of the biggest blogs in publishing,
and he also blogs for WriterUnboxed.com.</span></span></i></blockquote>
So if you would like to attend this one day workshop on Saturday, May 3, at UCA in Conway, AR please leave a comment below telling me what you like most about writing or what your writing dreams are. I will draw a winner this Friday. If you would like to go ahead and get your own tickets or just find out more info about the workshop you can visit the website <a href="http://slewis17.wix.com/sambuchino">here.</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"> </a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-62765339735752925702014-04-05T15:14:00.000-05:002014-04-05T15:14:10.685-05:00The first year of A Homemade YearIt's been one whole year since <a href="http://www.jollygoodegal.com/">my friend Jerusalem</a>'s book <a href="http://www.paracletepress.com/a-homemade-year.html">A Homemade Year</a> appeared on book shelves. <br />
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It was a labor of love and a lot of sweat and tears and probably a few glue gun burns. I was never surprised that she would accomplish this at some point in her life. This was the girl that introduced me to Griffin & Sabine, who accented her art projects with elaborate story lines, who wrote a sentimental summary of our college years for our closest friends upon the eve of their college graduation (she and I were on the 5 year plan). <br />
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In the twenty years that we have known each other the fact that she would write a book just always seemed like a given and I feel honored to be a part of A Homemade Year. <br />
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Not just to have helped with the actual production of it but to be a part of her story. So if you haven't had the experience of reading A Homemade Year then here is your chance to win a copy. Leave a comment and a randomly selected winner will receive their own autographed copy from Jerusalem.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I began reading A Homemade Year one afternoon when I had no fewer than a
thousand things going on in my house. Almost immediately, I was drawn
into Jerusalem Greer's beautiful writing and became fascinated with her
journey through an entire year of liturgical celebrations---some of
which (Advent, Epiphany) I celebrate in my own home, but some of which I
never knew about before. Two hours later, I was still reading, happily
resigned to letting my plans for the day slide. Jerusalem so clearly
conveys the significance and beauty of liturgical tradition, and her
celebration-specific recipes and crafts are sweet and meaningful, while
at the same time completely "do-able" for everyone. This book is an
absolute treasure. I want to share it with everyone I know!"
—Ree Drummond, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of <i>The Pioneer Woman Cooks</i></blockquote>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-4892783395980952332014-03-30T22:03:00.001-05:002014-03-31T08:50:37.105-05:00I need a momentThere's that line from Tim Burton's Alice in wonderland where she's just been confronted with an unexpected betrothal and pressure from many people.<br />
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Alice breaths out the phrase "I need a moment" as if it was her last and dashes off into the garden. Of course that mad dash leads her to falling head over heels down a rabbit hole into a world that doesn't make sense. </div>
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But as Sunday is ending and Monday is looming and I never got a smudge of spring break to speak of all I can think of is...... "I need a moment!"</div>
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A moment with no one around me. A moment to work in my garden. A moment to have a conversation with myself. A moment to finish the brick veneer wall in the living room. A moment to scream. A moment where no one wants anything. A moment of silence. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-26051027157401060952014-03-26T14:42:00.002-05:002014-03-26T14:44:28.057-05:00Bring your kid to work day<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>So it's like having a baby and a puppy. At the same time. With you at work.</b></div>
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Somewhere in this past week and a half I have a acquired a 4th child. Kid, actually and literally. For all practical purposes I am mom to little Blessyou Holly. At least in her mind</div>
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<i>The name is a compromise like all things. I was always saying bless you because she sneezed a lot and Ben wanted to call her Holly. So either or both work. It's not like they ever come when we call them. </i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's wondering why she can't have a #nipplebucket like the baby goats at the Beekman Farm.</td></tr>
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I'm sure I'm doing this whole bottle feeding thing <b>all wrong</b>. We are both way too attached. But I only know one way to take care of a baby. Feed it. Clean it. Love it.</div>
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She's the biggest star of the church office and I'm so thankful that I work in a goat-friendly environment. </div>
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I'm sure I may be the only person in the world to text their boss asking if it was okay to bring a goat to work for the next few weeks. </div>
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Blessyou Holly has stolen all their hearts. Parishioners actually stop by just to see her or are surprised by her appearance and say that she has just brightened their day. Did I mention she's spoiled rotten.</div>
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But after a week of juggling my work schedule and Blessyou Holly's feeding, pooping, and social schedule, I was perfectly happy to leave her in the custody of the Spring Breakers at my house. It's good for her to not be dependent ONLY on me. Because eventually she will go back into the pen with the others. I can't have a full size goat roaming my house. The end tables would never survive.</div>
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She and her brother/cousin (<i>same daddy different moms who are half sisters-- see farm yard novellas!</i>) get along so at least she'll have a friend to pal around with. She just needs to get a little bigger so she wont get run over so much. And she needs to learn how to be a real goat. But hopefully I'll always be momma.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-1870145458668398812014-03-17T10:15:00.000-05:002014-03-26T12:14:47.251-05:00All kidding asideI've started to tell this story so many times only to have what I thought was an ending change and change and change.<br />
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Our livestock charges have been on the calm side as of late. We have secured most of the old fencing so as long as the gate is closed we have very little escape goat acts anymore. And our prison fence high chicken run has helped to do away with the untimely ends of our feathered friends.<br />
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But baby goat season is never with out it's share of farm drama. This year was more of a rollercoaster than any of the daytime soaps of my youth, or my daughter's ABCFamily favorites or even the last two seasons of Downton Abbey.<br />
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Late Thursday afternoon Pickles went into labor.As the sun set and the chill set in Ben and I stood vigil with head lamps strapped to our foreheads waiting. <br />
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Baby boy #1 was born just fine. He was all white just like his mom except for little black and brown spot on his forehead and ears. Momma started to lick him clean as baby #2 was making its way.<br />
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This is where I start to look back and kick myself for my ignorance. Where I wonder what are we doing even thinking we can raise livestock. We really suck at this whole farming gig.<br />
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Baby girl #2 was breach. And try as we could we couldn't get the fluid out of her little lungs. Her heart pumped and pumped until it didn't anymore. I tried to comfort Luke as he looked on in tears. They love to see the babies being born. But sometimes the harsh reality of it all is too much for him. For all the kids. For all of us.<br />
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We once again worried about a repeat of last year. Was there still another? We checked more thoroughly this time but still couldn't tell. And Pickles seemed to be done with birthing babies. We staggered in to wash ourselves of the mud, blood & poop. But somehow couldn't wash away the sadness. I started to bed with notion that these things happen sometimes only to let the guilt of our ignorance overwhelm me as Ben read about "throwing a goat" or something when their lungs were full of fluid. I really wished he hadn't shared it. Keep it for next year.<br />
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But then the impossible happened. Ben came home during the day on Friday to get something and 18 hours after the first baby was born Pickles had given birth to another goat! There were 3 after all! A little girl, finally. Unfortunately Pickle didn't want her. It was so heart breaking to see her push the baby away. I've had so many people express their surprise and disbelief that a mother would do that. This is where I have to remind them we are dealing with animals and try as we want to give them names and act like their instincts are ours at the end of the day they are still animals.<br />
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<i>Pickles was still having a lot of after birth problems. So much so that by the time I am writing this she is baby-less. We have decided not to breed her again. Its just not good for her or the babies.</i><br />
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By Saturday it was clear that we would need to start bottle feeding her if she were to stand a chance. So in the middle of history day presentations and family reunion 50th wedding anniversaries I was trying to figure out how to to get the poor little orphaned goat to take a bottle.<br />
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Like goat milk formula (yes, they do have such a thing) through the baby bottle, so are the Days of Our Farm Lives.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-5831790661517363832014-03-10T08:00:00.000-05:002014-03-10T09:43:50.773-05:00This day has been savedHappy Daylight Saving Time, which means....... It's baby goat time again. Not just at The Darley Farm but all over the goat loving world.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is our newest member of the herd.</span></div>
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Patches had a little boy Sunday morning. We had Luke's birthday party on Saturday and felt sure that all of the kids were going to get a lesson they wouldn't soon forget in child birthing.<br />
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Pickles is still very pregnant and looks very miserable just like a human momma in the last stages. We are sure she will at least have twins. I am nervous and hope to be around when she does go into labor just because she had so much trouble last year. We still have her baby Snowball with us from last year. He was wethered last season and still keeps pretty close to mom. It will be interesting to see if that all changes once the new babies arrive.<br />
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Try as I have I'm just not a fan of the taste of goat meat. And I'm not saying this because they are too cute and I couldn't bare the thought of eating them. I'm just not a fan of the flavor. So what are we to do with all of these goats that we keep acquiring? I'm dreaming of Angoras and Ben is looking into a milking machine. I must say that I do LOVE goat cheese and have found that goat milk soap is the best around for a facial cleanser. And it does pretty good on the hair as well. Maybe that is in the horizon. We will have our own little<a href="http://beekman1802.com/"> Beekman 1802.</a> Not sure when Ben will find the time to do all the milking. <br />
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Speaking of the <a href="http://beekmans./">Beekmans.</a> I am every so lucky to have signed up to beta test their baby goat cam. Can I just say it's the cutest this around. I just got to see Farmer John come in and tie up a light higher that the babies kept swinging like a pinata. When they are all awake it's like watching a baby goat pinball machine or a baby goat version of the West Side Story as they dance down the street. Baby goat parkour! The Beekman baby goat cam will be live to the public hopefully sometime this week. So stay tuned. I promise there is nothing that will brighten your Monday morning like a stall full of baby goats.<br />
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<a href="http://beekman1802.com/2014s-goat-births/">In the mean time take a look at their slide show of babies.</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-29759412519517242782014-02-25T12:46:00.001-06:002014-02-25T12:50:14.861-06:00Walk toward knowledgeMy first class on webdesign was great.<br />
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<br />
But wow! There is a whole lot of truth behind the low numbers of females in computer science. Out of six students, I was the only female. Now I have never been shocked to be the only "girl" (I use that term loosely because at 38 my "girliness" has long since past) in a group. And maybe we can attribute this to the fact that it was an outreach class not an actual college credit class.<br />
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Either way I'm loving this adventure. Maybe this is my metaphorical walk for <a href="http://www.alisonchino.com/2014/01/13/walk-with-me/">Alison Chino's #48walks series</a>. I'm walking toward knowledge.<br />
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During my time at the library I considered going back to school to get an MLS. After taking the GRE and I left a mess with my brain running out my ears I wasn't sure that going back to college was right for me. After all it has been 15 years since I've been to any kind of class.<br />
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But learning this. It's so applicable. I can see the results of my learning. And it's something I deal with every day.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-49272937075914645942014-02-24T08:00:00.000-06:002014-02-25T12:04:12.750-06:00Back to schoolWell sort of.<br />
I'm taking a class. Through the outreach program at UCA.<br />
On web design.<br />
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Since I have been working on the church's website for the past 2 years, I have really developed a thirst for knowledge about wed design and computer coding. I googled myself through building a new website for the church on WordPress using swift page builder, a great theme and handy plugins but I really want to know the structure behind all of that. Sort of the difference in knowing the paint color names by heart and what kind of wallpaper would go best as opposed to knowing that the framework and foundation of your house are sound and the best they can be.<br />
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It also seems like a magical secret language. I've spent some time on websites that offer some great introductory tutorials:<br />
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<h3>
<a href="http://code.org/">Code.org:</a></h3>
"Anybody can learn" is their motto. And it's true! They have great games and video interviews from famous people in the cyberspace world. Very encouraging approach! <br />
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<h3>
<a href="http://www.codecademy.com/">Codecademy:</a></h3>
This was a great website that I started picking up things on. The lessons are easy to under stand but my biggest problem was that there wasn't enough repetition. I'm old. Maybe I learn a bit slower but it seemed to move along and when I would have to stop and come back the lessons hadn't stuck that well in the old gray matter. And it was a little difficult to clear out the progress you had already made. But still a very good site with great exercises.<br />
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<h3>
<a href="http://girlswhocode.com/">Girls Who Code:</a></h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>MISSION</b>: Girls Who Code programs work to inspire,
educate, and equip girls with the computing skills to pursue 21st
century opportunities.</blockquote>
GWC is a great site helping to encourage more girls to go into computer sciences. <br />
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<h3>
I have also been a part of a few WordPress gatherings.</h3>
<h3>
<a href="http://2013.fayetteville.wordcamp.org/">Fayetteville WordCamp</a></h3>
<h3>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/wordpressconway">WordPress Conway</a></h3>
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And I am really looking forward to attending the upcoming <a href="http://www.hendrix.edu/news/news.aspx?id=68347">RaspberryPi Bake Off at Hendrix College</a> later this month. This nifty little mini computer can be used to make so many things. Even my friend <a href="http://www.thetwistedpurl.com/blog/">Cyndi</a> has a plan for incorporating it in the daily spin of her life ;)<br />
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As a kid I remember some magazine we used to get that had computer code listed in the back for games that other kids had designed. I didn't really understand what to do with it (and neither did any of my teachers at the time) but I remember being fascinated by it. I knew that this jumble of symbols and letters and words and characters meant something. Something secret that could do amazing things. A code I wanted to break.<br />
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So here I am some 28 years later tackling my own Rosetta Stone. I'm excited. And nervous. But more nervous to be on a college campus than to be in the class. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-53987296584342592612014-02-21T07:30:00.000-06:002014-02-21T10:25:56.712-06:00Clean out the fridge quicheQuiche is always an option at our house. We are never at a loss for eggs and I actually love recipes that allow me to burn through a dozen at a time.<br />
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Usually when I make quiche it ends up being one of those "clean out the fridge" kind of recipes. What little bits of leftovers sound good together?<br />
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Tonight a small serving of leftover collards and bacon were plumped up with some sauteed onions, spinach and more bacon. It is my philosophy that you cannot go wrong with more bacon.<br />
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Clean Out the Fridge Quiche - The Bacon Onion Collard Version<br />
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Get 2 Pie crusts, either already in the a shell or the rolled up kind you can put in your own plate. I never make my own pie crust. My dinners are always too "on the fly."<br />
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Crack 12 eggs. See working through our abundance.<br />
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Pour 2 cups of milk into the eggs. Honestly, I didn't measure this because well I rarely measure anything unless I'm baking but 2 cups sounds about right. Go ahead and add salt, pepper, paprika and garlic as you like to the egg and milk mixture.<br />
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Cut five strips of bacon into one inch pieces and saute them with about half a cup of chopped onions. When your bacon is nice and crispy and the onions are soft, add the left over collards to warm. Grab a handful of fresh spinach and give it a rough chop the add this to the greens just to wilt them.<br />
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Divide the bacon and greens mixture between the 2 pie shells then split the milk and egg mixture filling each about half way or until even.<br />
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Bake at 400F until puffy and golden brown, give or take 25 minutes.<br />
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This was a much welcomed meal that my family dug into after a busy day of work, school and sports practice before embarking on the nightly tasks of finishing History Day projects.<br />
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I hope you enjoy it. Remember cooking is fun and improvisational. How else do you think people come up with their own special recipes that everyone asks for for years to come.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31328774.post-21540164267719826712014-02-20T20:00:00.000-06:002014-02-21T10:35:49.521-06:00Ready to get gardening<div>
I am itching to get my hands in the garden.<br />
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Last night I was up until midnight laying everything out using the free garden planter on the <a href="http://www.smartgardener.com/">Smart Gardener website</a>. I cannot say enough about how much I love this app. In my early years my gardening attempts were plagued with over planting, forgetting to mulch, or to fertilize. Smart gardener now send me gentle email reminders of my tasks in the garden. <br />
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I long for all of these duties to be like second nature. I want to be a habitual gardener where the ebb and flow of the seasons tell me when to plant, when to harvest, when to save seeds, when to till up and weather down for the winter. But that probably won't happen until I'm not running kids everywhere. So until then I'll use Smart Gardener.</div>
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<a href="http://www.argardenshow.org/">The Arkansas Flower and Garden show</a> is this weekend. Be sure to stop by and see all the lovely ladies of <a href="http://arkansaswomenbloggers.com/">Arkansas Women Bloggers</a> at booth 17. The unofficial official "Social Media Megaphone of Arkansas" (they are handling the social media so be sure to follow them on twitter with the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23afgs2014&src=typd">#afgs2014</a>). I'll be catching it on Sunday. This weekend coincides with our yearly celebration of Ben's birthday and we are heading to the races again. I've been looking forward to the corn beef sandwiches all month.</div>
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But when I get back it's time to get busy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.smartgardener.com/jeanetta/229300-darley-farm">View my garden plan and many others at Smart Gardener. </a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041903126347982322noreply@blogger.com0