Dream a Little Dream

Had the craziest dream last night.

For those of you that don't know - my dreams are very vivid, usually have a plot, and are in full color.

I dreamt that I was on horseback, following a big tour van on the way to the airport for a trip, where, I do not know.

from scenicreflections.com

Also, if you've been around here long enough, you know I'm afraid of horses.

So, here I am on the expressway, riding a horse like a car, following a bus.

Directly ahead of us - there is a huge, gruesome accident - my horse is hurt in the nuzzle - is that part of a horse?  I'm not sure.  It's what I call their mouths.

Thirty are dead - there is blood everywhere - Tom Petty is among the dead.

(I just watched Walking Dead right before bed - FYI)

My horse is lying on the ground hurt badly - and I'm in tears - I have to leave it - I have to evacuate the area.

Now I'm on a yacht.

I find out that the horse is in the infirmary on a lower deck, and I go.  I'm crying over a hurt horse, and the horse understands that I'm worried about it - so it gets up, and I put it's bridle on - and I'm thrilled beyond words that he's feeling better and walking around.  I'm so proud and showing everyone that the horse is OK.

There are many people on the yacht trying to sell me a cell phone.

The horse does ballet - vomits and drops dead.

It becomes a German Shepard dog that then becomes my best friend.

I get off the yacht and go directly to a house where my Spring Open House is going to be held.  It's full of things that I would never want to own, let alone sell.  There is nothing there that I've made - no snacks to serve - many of you have come - and I'm not even in my own house - but I'm in some other house that has a REALLY dirty oven, and I'm trying in haste to make baked beans to serve you.  I find one thing that I made to sell and it's broken.  No one wants it.

I try to use the excuse that I was in a plane crash and had no time to make anything, and explain that I'm still in mourning over the passing of my horse, and by the way, did you know that Tom Petty is dead?

A young African American boy comes into the Open House, he's a bit rapper like - and he's all like 'the Coop Keeper!!  Girl, I read your blog all the time - you are the real deal!'

I'm shocked that a teenage boy is reading my blog.

I look out the window and people are coming by the droves, and I'm dying a death of embarrassment, and I want to holler out - 'it's cancelled!  I'm sorry!'

Someone named Lisa Funt comes to the show - she's come from Kokomo, Indiana.

I apologize to her that she's driven so far and there's nothing to buy.

She eats beans.

I give her a McDonald gift card and thanked her for reading my blog.

Interpret THAT.

The Spring Open House will be held here

 - on March 16th from 9 til 2 -

Unless my horse dies.

Or Tom Petty.

2600 W 153rd Ave

Crown Point

I'll have aprons, paper mache sculptures, ridiculous chicken dolls, vintage items, cupcakes, cookies for sale, and possibly baby chicks to hold.

You can also meet my new refrigerator.

There will be a donation cup inside - please feel free to open and donate.

My friend Julie makes the most adorable glitter creations, and she'll be here too.

I'll be posting photos soon.

I hope you can stop by - I hope I'm dressed and my oven is clean.

Keep commenting for a chance to win the books from yesterday - winner announced soon!

A Month of Giveaways!

It's with a humble heart that I sit here and jot down this post today.

You guys continue to amaze me with your encouragement and kindness.

I've seen the light!

I'm going to be just fine, just fine (I'm saying that like Andy Griffith).

I'm recovering from an ear and sinus infection - it's amazing what a little extra fluid in your head can do.

I'm sure that's what made me so whiny last week.

Yesterday was the worst day so far - I literally spent most of the day reorganizing my Pinterest boards.

I'm almost embarrassed to say that.  

Daytime television is unbearable.

One day, I'll figure out how to add a 'follow me on Pinterest button' on here - but in the meantime, if you want to - just look for Jayme Goffin.

Without further adieu, it's time to give some stuff away!

I'm planning on doing a giveaway every week for the month of March as a way to thank you for all of your encouragement and kindness.

First on the chopping block is two books from Storey Publishing.

I've been pouring over these books the last couple of weeks and I love them.

The pictures alone are fantastic - but the content even better.

If you have chickens, if you want chickens, if you want to dream about getting chickens..these books are for you.  Don't let the hatching book scare you - it's a fabulous resource about chickens, whether or not you ever plan on hatching an egg or not.

I love Storey books - they've been a constant companion of mine since I left Chicago and moved out to the cornfields in Indiana.

I'm completely convinced that keeping chickens is good for your health.

Sure - there are a few challenges - like poop - rooster fights - raccoons, and assorted devilment, but all in all - I can't imagine a life without chickens anymore.  They calm me when I'm stressed, entertain me, make breakfast for me, and all in all add such a dimension of pleasure to my life.

I hope so hard that you'll give it a go.

Leave me a comment and let me know which book you'd love - if you'd love them both - let me know.

That's all.

No hoops - no blood to let - nothing to join or follow.

From the deepest part of my heart - I thank you.

You all make a difference in my life.

Let's Get This Party Started

Ok, talk about getting real - it's March 1st.  It's time.

Time to plan the garden, time to pick chicken breeds, time to make some decisions, dreams and plans.

I can literally smell the soil in my nostrils.

Thanks for being so kind to me the other day, I really appreciate it.

I can't be a fake blogger - I don't have enough talent for that.

My life is my life, and I blog my life, so there ya go.

If I'm feeling blue, y'all are gonna know about it.

: -)

The fluttery feeling that was in my esophagus has moved down into my stomach - but 

it's the good kind of butterflies.

Jensamom said that she thought the robin I saw was a sign, and I'm agreeing.

I need to hold on a little bit longer.

I need to dig deeper.

Embrace the homesteading more.

You know - it's funny when you 'say' one thing - like you want to live a super simple, frugal, close to nature type of lifestyle - and yet it's quite different when that is no longer a choice, but a necessity.

It doesn't quite seem as romantic then.

Now - there is nothing left that can be cut from the budget.

We don't drink, smoke, gamble, eat out, have paid for tv, trash service, the furnace as set as low as humanly comfortable, and I'm not about to eat hot dogs and macaroni and cheese in order to save money on the food budget - because that kind of nutrition, or I should say the lack of it - will cost more money in the long run.  You really do have to put your money where your mouth is.  

I don't get manicures, pedicures, or go to the hair salon anymore.
I can't remember the last time I didn't buy clothing that wasn't used.  Two years?  It's been a year since I bought a new pair of shoes, and those were shoes for running.

I've even given up - are you ready - Starbucks.

Although, I did apply for a job there yesterday.

Again, I feel incredibly thankful for your support and kindness.

Just a quick post today.

I wanted to  let you know how I calmed myself yesterday and that I am feeling a bit better.

I faced my fears and realized that 'worst case scenario' wasn't that bad, and that I still had an incredibly beautiful life.

So I work - so what?

I have to believe that everything happens perfectly - and if I end up out working among the English, I'm going to believe it's for a reason - that I will meet someone I need to meet - or that someone that needs me will meet me.

If I work outside the home, I will realize that it's because it's something my soul needs and the Good Lord has orchestrated the whole thing.

My cleaning job for yesterday was cancelled, due to me being exposed to the flu, and her having very young children - so what's a girl to do?

Go to JoAnn fabrics - that's what a girl does.

I bought a few items I needed in order to finish some things up for the Spring Open House.

How do I get anything done?

I made these ridiculous things to sell at the Open House, and ultimately on Etsy.

Now - if I can get $1000 a piece for them, I'm good to go.

Then, I got these texts.

They broke my heart, and then put it together even stronger that it was before.

Life IS good you guys - no matter what it is you are going through - we have to believe it's all for a reason, all for a purpose, and we have to strive to find the meaning, the lesson and the joy in it.

Gettin' Real

It's about 11am on a gloomy, snowy Wednesday afternoon.

The last Wednesday of February 2013.

Already - this year seems on fast forward, doesn't it?

I'm sitting in my 'studio' looking out the East window - I love this spot.

I'm about ready to sew some aprons for my Spring Open House to be held here on March 16th.

I do hope you will come!

I find my mind wandering from what breeds of chicks I will get this Spring, to what size vegetable garden to have - a realistic one, or a stressful one, whether or not to raise any meats birds, and if I choose to, how many.  I also keep reminding myself not to get ducks.

Soon the work of Spring will be in full swing.

My mind expects great things of my body.

My body never gets the memo.

I've been pushing thoughts of disappointment from my mind that I didn't cook enough soup,

 knit enough or 'get enough done' in general this winter.

I'm gonna be real with you guys right now and just share my thoughts and feelings.

I feel scared.

I miss Aaron.

Aaron was up on my couch for a solid week.

The BoyChild is finally well enough to go back to school, but dad gum it, I'm missing him today big time.

There is no one to wait on or dote over.

I never did get sick sick - and I like to think that my immune system is strong from 

eating such a nutrient rich diet.

Stop the presses - there's a robin outside my window at this very moment!

photo from Duncraft Wild Bird Blog

Flat out made my day!

Earliest one I've ever seen - it's always the first week in March before they arrive!

OK - back to me.

: -)

So my bones are aching for the boy.

I also feel scared today.

About money.

The lack of it.

I'm embracing my self imposed poverty - my voluntary simplicity the best I can.

I think the fridge threw me for a loop.

Perhaps I should have just bought an old used one off of Craig's List.

Does being frugal mean we can't have nice things?

Am I living in a fantasy land to think that I can stay home full time?

My cleaning jobs are getting sporadic, and Glen's hours seem to be whittling away as he gets home earlier and earlier each day.

I hate that feeling of fear that settles in your physical body somewhere in between your

 esophagus and upper intestine.  

 t

Let's just be real and say if I were to drop dead at the moment, there wouldn't be money to bury my corpse in any splendid manner.  Nay, I would be cremated, and I'm not even sure we could afford that.

OK..now I'm chuckling.

Law.

I have a brand new fridge chock full of food, my house is paid off, everyone I love is happy and healthy, and I have a warm kitty on my lap.  What more could a girl want?

 I'm sure we'll be fine - but I have to say - when I get this scared feeling, the first thing I want to do is to run off to Starbucks and beg them to hire me for the 5 to 10 am shift.  It makes me think that I could still have a life if I worked those hours.  I could still be there for Aaron, Glen and have the life I want here.

Funny thing - I am only willing to work at Starbucks.

I have no idea why.

Perhaps it's my inordinate affection with coffee houses, and the deep down belief that a good cup of coffee can make anything better.

Money is such a false sense of security, and I'm almost embarrassed to say that I'm giving into it right now.

All the very most important things in life - money can't buy.

Health and love.

or 

Love and health.

In whichever order you prefer.

I am blessed beyond measure with both.

I could have a bank account full of money, and a pancreas full of cancer.

I could have all the luxuries the world has to offer, and no one to share them with, or wipe my fevered brow if I were sick, which I wouldn't be - because I take such good care of myself.  

: -)

So you see - I am rich.

Just broke.

Not poor.

This too shall pass.

OK - really really - next post - a giveaway of two fabulous Storey Publishing books!

Thanks for listening guys.

xo

She Lives : -)

Remember my last post?

I was sitting here up in my chair watching the snow fall?

Well, it's a good thing I did sisters, cause that's the last time I sat still until this very moment!

I wish I had a report of exactly what it is I've been doing - but I don't. 

You know - I haven't lifted a single knitting needle yet this winter?

There's only a week left of the meteorological winter!

However, I did redo my 'studio/pantry/catchall' room.

It's still evolving.

This photo from Pinterest was my inspiration.

The only money spent was a few dollars for the curtain on the desk.

I must say, I might like to paint the walls a lighter color in the near future - but right now - ain't nobody got time for that.

The program that I used to lose the 100lbs a couple of years ago, started up again on February 6th and I've been busy doing coaching there.

Aaron has visited.

I've cleaned the basement and have been selling anything that comes loose up on Craig's List and eBay.

Last happy Saturday morning, I woke up and found a puddle of water in my kitchen.

My barely 10 year old fridge was broken...again.

Fourth time since we bought it.

I thought of blogging and requesting donations.

Help me save the unborn chickens!

Save the milk!

Support the meat!

Within a whirlwind of 48 hours I had an empty bank account, 10lbs of thawed meat and new fridge sitting on my inside front porch  - a half an inch too big to fit in the house.

I was nearly in tears during this -

and this....

Finally the beast was in.

She's a beauty, and the measured water fill feature has revolutionized my life.

Completely.

The fridge is only an inch or two bigger than the other one, and yet it seems ginormous. 

 I feel like saying 'Welcome to my refrigerator' when people stop by now.

Just when I thought I could catch my breath, I got a heartbreaking call from the BoyChild - he was sick.

I had to go get him.

I had to.

He wasn't about to lay there alone and sick.

Not on my watch baby.

These are the days I'm so thankful I don't work full time.

102 fever - aches, pains, sore throat.

I got him situated on the couch and turned my attention to the 10 lbs of thawed meat.

I cooked:

Venison Stew

Chili

Sloppy Joes

Turkey Cranberry Walnut Salad

Turkey Noodle Soup

Roasted Garlic Chicken and Potatoes

Meatloaf

He's on Tamiflu now, after a nose swab confirmed he has Influenza B.

He's had his eyes open for the last hour - it's the most I've seen the whites of his eyes since he's been here.

Guess who's sitting here now with a tickle in her throat,  and eyes and nose itching?

Yep.

So there ya have it.

A week (or two) in the life.

Better than a stick in the eye.

My next blog post is going to be a giveaway of two great new books about chickens from Storey Publishing!

Don't miss your chance to win!

When Quiet Comes

All thrifted treasures.  I've started collecting juice bottles, I have no idea why, other than they make me happy.  Everything on this shelf is thrifted other than the cookbooks - they were gifts.  Is anyone else over the Pioneer Woman? I feel badly saying that - but I just can't care.

I sit here now with a purring feline on my lap at 2:30 in the pm - 

I've had a mammogram, thrift shopped and purchased the week's groceries.

I'm saving grocery receipts to get an idea of how much I'm spending on food a month.
It's more than I want to, that's for sure.

I came home and had tea and talked with a friend on the phone briefly.

I spend a lot of time at this tea pot!  It remains one of the best gifts I've ever been given.

And now - I blog.

I never imagined a life like this - a life of routine - a life of uninterrupted thoughts.

A world in which things stay where I put them.

Oftentimes, I  feel like I'm missing out on something important.

Surely -there is some busyness that I need to attend to.

Busyness has been quite a coping mechanism for me.

For the record - busyness doesn't equal productivity, a higher social standing or personal importance.

I feel like life is in control, which for me - is a very strange feeling indeed.  I've almost always felt that life was a roller coaster and that I was strapped in whether I liked it or not - and oftentimes I'd forgotten the barf bucket and made a mess of the whole thing.

Have you ever run into a friend somewhere, like a grocery store, and they go on and on about how busy they are, and that they don't have a single second to spare?  They seem completely overwhelmed, and yet you can detect the slightest hint of 'see how important I am?  See how full my life is?  It must be good if it's this full.  I must be good.  I am important, and needed.

The books I ordered with my Amazon.com birthday gift card arrived today!

I used to be that person.

A few months ago, I was that person.

Today my life is tidy - it's organized.  It's quiet.  And that's ok. If you ran into me today and asked me what's new - I'd say 'not a bloody thing, have you got time for coffee?'.

Life is cyclical and today I feel more as if I'm on a Ferris wheel, calmly spinning, enjoying the view.

The crazy thing is - I can do anything I want right now - I mean - within reason.  I couldn't fly to Paris or go on a shopping spree - but you know what I mean.

All the things you say you want to do.

Go to the library.

See a movie.

Spend time with so and so.

Sew.

Read.

Create.

Redecorate.

And the list goes on and on.

I could do any of those things at this very minute - and yet I choose to sit with warm cat on my lap and watch the snowflakes fall.

Guess what?

I don't feel a bit guilty about it either.

Spring will be here soon with it's obnoxious to do list.

The ladders will come out, the hoes will be sharpened, the chicks will be ordered and the soil turned over.

Today I'm going to enjoy the quiet.

I'll try a new Kale Salad recipe for dinner tonight, and take a long hot bath afterwards.

I'll cozy up on the couch tonight and watch tv.

I'll be sound asleep by 9:30 in the pm.

I'll sleep like the dead.

I do believe there is healing in the quiet.

Lord knows we all need some of that.

Thank you all for such a wonderful outpouring of birthday wishes to Pam!  I hope I didn't embarrass you too much Pam - wasn't my intent.  Please let us know how your special day was!

Happy Birthday Pam in Colorado!!

I've just got a minute before I grab me mops and me brushes and head off to my cleaning job - so I'll have to answer your comments later....but I couldn't let the day pass without wishing a 

Happy Birthday to Pam in Colorado!!!

Girl, you just can't leave a comment here like this and get away with it.

First of all: Happy Birthday! It sounded like a good birthday, all in all. My birthday is this Thursday. I never celebrate my birthday because as a child, everyone always forgot it was my birthday. Everyone else in the family's is in August and somehow I always got overlooked. Never had a party, never got a cake. So, I just stopped hoping. This year will be different. For the first time in 56 years I will be celebrating my birthday. Wish me luck. I decided it was time. I am nervous...

And now: Aaron is so doggone cute! He will go far just on that beautiful smile of his.

I am glad you are well. Pam from Colorado.

I so hope that you are going to celebrate yourself today!!!

If I could I'd hop on a plane and we'd do it in style - but from the barren cornfields of Indiana this is the best I can do.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAM!!!!

Please join me in leaving a comment for Pam - wishing her a most wonderful day!