My Dream: It's All in the Baseball

 I mentioned this before, but I'm a dreamer, sleeping and not.  I do have big dreams and goals, however, I do have a "gift" of dreams.  I really do.  Anyway, I had a dream last night that I can't stop thinking about.  I don't share all of the ones I have, but this one I will.

My dad was 1/2 Potawatomi, Native American.  My mom a mixture of the ol'melting pot of America and Scotch/Irish.  This genetic, cultural mix, makes up who I am.  I truly think my story telling and artistic liberties taken while I tell them...ahahah...is my "gift" and it comes from this mix.  So, on with the story and dream.

In my dream, I was with some other native people, we were all celebrating something, together.  The other's looked to me for some direction as a "Christian."  When I shared my thoughts with them, several came up to me and said they now have to "denounce" or "give up a belief in" traditional spirituality.  My dreams have symbols, this one was a young man who said "I can't believe in the Condor anymore."  I was in Peru and the faces of those in my dream were like the ones I saw there.  The Condor is to them, what an Eagle is to the Potawatomi.  Anyway, I quickly grabbed that "young man's" hands and I said "No, that's not true!"  "You can be spirtual and be a Chrisitan."  I was shown a baseball, that is what came to my mind.  I said to him, "you see this baseball, how one side of the leather goes this way and the other side of the leather go that way, they are sewn together to make this ball stronger.  You can be both spiritual and a Chrisian" I told him.  

I know this, because I am.  Truth is, to be a Christian, one must be spiritual.  "God is a spirit" - you can't believe if you don't believe in the unseen.  Now, I do know that I don't put my faith in a Condor or Eagle.  For the record, I don't know any tribal member who worships one.  They both culturally, represent a symbol of one's spirtuality.  Whenever I see an Eagle, I think of my dad and say "thank you dad for all the lessons you taught me, thank you Lord for allowing me to appreciate them and giving me another day to see this Eagle."

  

I can't stop thinking about the baseball.  I couldn't wait for Al to have a cup of coffee so he would be awake enough for me to share my dream with him.  I'm sure some mornings he would rather go back to bed than listen...ahahah.  When I think about it, this baseball concept with the 2 pieces of leather, placed opposite and joined together to make stronger could be applied to so many things in life.  Husband, wife; horse,rider; attorney, client; just to name a few.  However, today....election day...I want to you think about this:  democrat/republican.  Yes, both sides make a complete America!  And I'm more of a "3rd party" talkin' here.  No matter if one was here; came here, free, enslaved or endentured; you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth or nothing to eat, America is stronger when we come together.  History proves it!  

I hate talking politics (and religion) thanks to my arguing, loud talkin' Scotch/Irish Kincaid family!  However, I though this dream came to me at a good time and I wanted to share.  Glean from it what you will.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.   

Motivational Monday - Anyway

 Good Motivational Monday.  Anyway?  What do I mean?  I know, I've posted similar themed thoughts on this before.  Truthfully, I do struggle with "this,"  I have my whole life.  I've made huge strides in the past few years in NOT feeling like this.  So, I've started this post, deleted most of it and started again. I think, sharing in a weakness, not only makes one face it, but writing this could help another.  

I had a huge middle section here, it went through some personal things about me.  It ended up being too personal...but, I did put my thoughts into words, read it, thought on it and deleted it.  So the abridged version would be what is left here. 

This word "anyway" came to me in a way that is more like this; would you do this "anyway?"  If you didn't have a camera to take a picture of it, a blog to "brag" about it, social media to post it to, family who appreciates it, a "thank you," recognition from peers - you see where I'm going with this?  In my PROGRESSION (word of the year) in working on me, this "anyway" keeps coming up.  

I come from a long line of strong women.  When I think of all the things these women accomplished not only in a day, but their lifetime, I am humbled to think, they did it "anyway."  No blog posts on how to can a tomato, no pefect picture at every step, no checking on likes, views, comments....they just canned, sink after sink full of tomatoes.  They did it "anyway" - maybe out of enjoyment or need to feed 1/2 dozen kids on a budget.  I wish I would have thanked each of them more!  Instead of just eating the tomatoes.

That annology, is exactly what this "anyway" is about.  I'm trying to find Motivation in my "anyways" without the "hey, thanks!"  Because, truthfully, I've been doing some difficult things and no one notices "anyway."  (see what I did there...teehee).  It had me down.  It really did, I have been working on me and some of the things I've tried the hardest not to do...no one even noticed.  But, guess what, I'm going to keep doing them "anyway."  I have to remind myself, that I don't need approval, recognition, likes, comments, views - from anyone other than (Jesus of course) myself.  Would you, Dicky Bird, do "this" "anyway?"   

I guess, it's right there that I find Motivation.  I would be a liar if I didn't say I don't like the likes, comments and views.  I would also be a liar if I didn't say that I don't compare mine to others.  I hate that I even check.  You all know, I want everyone to succeed and get the most out of their life experiences.  I really, really do!  This need to check on (whatever) is something, I've been working on.  I've written and posted all kinds of things "put your blinders on" "mind your own row" "I don't need my name in lights" - I'm a 7 (Enneagram Personality Test)  that's what 7's do.  

Well, this 7, is going to seek her contentment in doing things "anyway."  I love to share my thoughts, ideas, lifestyle on here.  I would do it "anyway" as a journal.  I do write this blog for myself, but I am tickled that you all decided to follow along.  I am always amazed when someone, I had no idea even read these, mention something I wrote about.  My numbers don't reflect, actual verbal "likes."  So thank you for that. 

So, today for Motivational Monday, think about the areas in your life, things that you do, would you do them "anyway?"  Maybe you already are and if so, good job!  I would appreciate some tips if you want to share.  

I have and would still do that, in the picture, "anyway."

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.    

Herb Crusted Tenderloin - S & R Angus

 

My friend, Renee and her children own S & R Angus.  When Justine and Anna were younger, they did their chores while they were away at cattle shows.   I can still hear my dad, "they are NOT walking a bull over to another building?!?"  "Dad, he is like a trained dog" (until the actual dog, bites at his legs - I did NOT mention that to my dad - he was a worrywart).  

Anyway, with it being just Al and I now, we have bought from her instead of raising our own.  We may still do a steer again, just not right now.  Anyway, have you seen the price of beef at the store?  WOW, buying a bundle or half is such an economical way to go.  Look for a reputable breeder near you.  

S & R Angus is a generational operation.  This is not your corn fed, feed lot variety!  Beef is their business, from calf to cut and wrap.  Plenty of pasture, rotational grazing, quality feed, vet checks, complete hands on herdsmanship of their product.  How can one put a price on that, yet they do.  Their product reflects the quality of their care.  It's easy to prepare an amazing meal when you start out with a quality cut!

I thought I would do a little post about this, as she is selling and some social media marketplaces won't allow "animal for sale" posts.  Yes, social media is being a stickler with stuff lately, as all of us know.  Anyway, I wanted to share my recipe for Herb Crusted Tenderloin.

Tip 1, take out your loin about 30-40 minutes so that it reaches room temperature.  The meat will be more receptive to the herbs and pan.  

The herbs I used to crust this loin were from my garden, rosemary and thyme.  I minced them and added it to some garlic salt, pepper, onion powder, however, you can use whatever herbs you like.  I also tie a string around the loin to hold it together during the process.  

Rub the herbs on the loin and brown in a pan.  I used olive oil.  Roll around till it forms a crust.

I like to put my loin or any meat actually on a bed of onions, pour the pan drippings in the roaster, bake at 375 for 20-30 minutes depending on how you like it.  

Tip 2, let the meat rest 5 -7 minutes before you cut it.  The juices will stay in the meat and not run out.  Cut the strings off. 

Don't forget the pan drippings, they are so good!  Drizzle that on, it'll look so pretty!  This was amazing, better than any fillet I've EVER had at a restraurant, not  because I made it, but because of the quality of meat!  

If you are close, click on the link to their website and place an order, you will taste the difference!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday - Trick or Treat

 Like much of 2020, Halloween, Trick or Treating has been either cancelled or altered.  I've seen so many creative mamas and grandmas come up with alternate ways to celebrate in 2020 and I'm sure Halloween will be no different.  Oh, I remember the good ol' days when I would run between houses in our neighborhood and beyond, for hours with my friends.  The paper grocery bag heaping with candy, spilling it out on the floor and my dad picking all the things he loved.  "You don't like these, right?"  He was almost as excited as I was to see the loot of candy.  

My week has been full of tricks and treats.  Tricks:  doctor, dentist appointments, family doing Covid testing, "up" from days of unbridled eating, working outside and it's too cold, fingers and toes froze.  Treats:  great response to my LIVE sale, custmers pick up items, had time to work on old book work (monkey on my back), met with 2 clients, picked up some cool items, consigned some cool items, processed near 400 apples (treat in winter).  

In spring, I cut back some old messy vines of bittersweet.  They hadn't produced berries for years (trick).  However, I found these today (treat). 

What have been the tricks and treats of your week?  

A major treat for us, was our apple trees this year, wow - thank you honey bees and trees.   I try to do a 5 gal pail or 2 a day.   We've dehydrated, cut up rolled in spices for pies, cut up with peelings still on for sauce (no sugar, just apples) and put in gallon size bags in the freezer.  I've shared pails as well.   Nothing goes to waste here at the farm, the peelings and cores are shared with the rabbits, chickens and pigs when we have them.  I love that kind of thing, from seed to compost.  Probably why we homestead and I love my farm life.  Nothing compares to delight (well, come on now....wink, wink) me...than this processs.  

It's really simple to do and you'll enjoy it in the middle of winter.

When my chickens see me walking with a pail, they come running.  They know I have treats.  

The dehydrator was working for days....

Isn't that pretty!  I love using these antique jars for my pantry items.  It makes me want to cook, just to look at them.  That represents about 100 apples.  

Today, on Farmhouse Friday, I will be doing more apples while listening to a podcast.  I've been listening to: 

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homemaker-chic/id1499566932

These two are a hoot.  I also follow their youtube channels:  Angela lives in Door County and I actually took a cooking class she taught.  

https://www.youtube.com/c/ParisienneFarmgirl/videos 

Shaye lives in Washington State

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgUsMN5zOxCIU1L6MFNnh6w

If you are looking for some homesteading, gardening, wine tasting, farm girl chic inspiration, these two have it.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Tips on Tuesday - Recharge

How do you recharge?  I mean, really recharge?  When our phones run low, we plug them in.   Do you take time to plug yourself in?  I know, for women, this is hard to do.  We tend to multitask everything.  At my age, I look back and think, how did I do some of "all that?"  Even thinking on how I recharge, some of that is multitasking and shame on me.  We deserve a few moments to recharge, unplug to plug ourseves in.

So, I was thinking of some of my tips on how to do this and thought I would share.

1.  Turn off your phone, get away from your laptop, t.v., podcasts - (no multitasking).  I purposefully will leave my phone in the house away from me, so I can have even 5 minutes to not think about anything or have any interruptions.  

2.  Go for a brisk walk, do some stretching, any kind of movement.  Along with movement, breath - deep, lung filling breaths.  Breath in to count of 5, exhale to the same, I actually count it out (I am OCD with counting).  Do this for just 5 minutes, it is a boost to your body.  I didn't know how beneficial this would be until my journey with Noom.  

3.  Find 5 things to be thankful for.  They may end up being the same 5 for many days in a row, but tell them to yourself anyway.  I like to start my day with thankfulness.  Look at yourself in the mirror, from time to time too, also a tip from Noom.  "Well, I do have meaty thighs, but thank you for carrying me though my day."  It sounded silly to me at first, but for me it works!

4.  Organize your thoughts.  I try not to do this while doing 2, but it sometimes happens.  For me, it helps to make lists of my day.  I need to at this stage of my life, I can't remember all the things.   I use my phone too.  I try not to go any further than 1 day at a time.  My calendar has a month at a glance, my daily routine is, at times, hour to hour.  

5.  Do something, at least 1 little thing that makes you happy.  For me lately, it's holding my new pet bunny.  Some days, it's needle felting or another craft.  I try to wind down my day reading, including daily devotionals.  I just read a book, it was a young reader's book, a classic.  I wasn't a good reader, nor were books or reading pushed in my home.  I missed out on some of these classics as a child.  I tried to catch up with some when my girls were little, but I enjoy these now too.  Little House, Anne of Green Galbes types.   

6. (an extra one today)  Learn something new.  Best when you can do that with the ones you love.  Here we are at a pasta making class.  Doing something new is a great way to recharge yourself out of the every day same old, same old.  

I hope you can "pencil" yourslelf into your day.  A moment or two to recharge, we all need it.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

 

Farmhouse Friday - Work & Play

Good Farmhouse Friday.  This past week, Al was on vacation.  We worked really, really hard...we did...we had to beat the snow.  As is, I still have junk under some snow and I am hoping the sun melts it soon so I can get rid of it.   

I've spent all summer working on destashing my stash.  Over the past 2 years, every estate buy out found a home in the barn.  At the end of last year it was all condenced into the recently vacated horse stalls.  Our daughters were ready and able to take their horses to their farm/ranch.  Over these past few months of my PROGRESSION (202o word of year) to a healthier me, my hoarding issues have taken front and center.  I have come to realize that I tend to fill empty spaces, ones vacated by my children and their pets, (empty nest and barn) with junk.  As if that could replace....but, I surely tried to (ahaha).  So, not only to make Al happy (wink, wink) but myself, I had a goal of vacating Town Hall Trinkets, LLC from our barn before the snow.  I had the luxury of selling under the barn lean all summer and using that area to stage a "last stop" for selling these items.  If something made it to that area, it could not go back into shuffle.  I did make a few altered exceptions.  No one bought the desks, so I kept the drawers and added the shells to the burn pile.  No one bought a few cool antique tables, so I took off top or bottoms to repurpose and added that to the burn pile.  So, some altered pieces of the stash made it back to be made into something else.  

With all that work done, we took off to one of my favorite places in Wisconsin, Door County.  I am on a tribal role, Forest County Potawatomi and Door County was home to generations of Potawatomi long before it was "discovered and settled."  I won't get into all of that, other than to say, when I sat on this log, looking up at this cedar tree, I couldn't help but think of my "roots" to this place.  

Cedar trees produce 2 types of shoots; long shoot is for the framework of the branches and the short shoot are covered with leaves.   I may not have been the long shoot or had a role in the framwork of my ancestrial tree; however, I would say that I do have a role for "season" of being the leaf.  

This is highway 42, at the "tip o' the thumb," between Gills Rock and the ferry dock to Washington Island at Northport.  It is one of the most photographed roads in the midwest.  I've been on this road in the fall, when people are actually, laying in the middle of the road.  Cars are backed up bumper to bumper - but, not this day!  We basically were the only ones.  I want to go back and get a winter shot of this as well.  

I would be missing an opportunity to once again bring my word of the year, PROGRESSION in a life lesson here.  I was thinking, one never knows all the curves and twists that was part of their jouney, until they look back and see from where they came.  What you don't see here is that along the side of this road are worn spots where cars have pulled over to stop, enjoy the view and maybe take a photo.  Our road to where we are today, has those too.   

I may have pulled off and took a look at what I've been through.  I even stopped, rested and filled that spot with stuff that caused a twist or curve, but I didn't stay there, I pulled up my big girl panties and got on with my PROGRESSION.  I also, took time to reflect on the journey and I'm moving on.  

So on this Farmhouse Friday, I am thankful for the twists and curves - lessons in my life.  I have faith in the ONE that constructs my road - He can see my path from beginning to end.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Tips on Tuesday - Real McCoy

 Remember the saying "real McCoy?"  I just looked up the origin and it comes from a prize fighter named "Kid McCoy."  The story goes like this, he was in a bar and another patron challenged if he was really who he said he was.  A fight ensued and as the accuser fell to the ground, when he stood up, he said that's "the Real McCoy!"  I didn't know that and I love it!

How to spot a "real McCoy" and I'm not just referring to the pottery.  However, these tips can be used in doing that too.  Have you ever wondered if something you had was valuable or real?  Not too many years back, this was so much harder to do than it is today, thanks to the internet.  

Here are my 5 quick tips:

1.  Look over your item, pick it up, does it feel "right."  If you think it's made of silver, is it heavy?  Whatever your item is, examine it to see if it fits what you are thinking it might be.  If you are wondering if your stand of pearls are real; are they cool to the touch, is there a knot between each pearl (this is done so if the sting broke, you'd only lose 1 pearl not all), is the clasp or fastener made to last or is is cheap.  Do a quick search on "how to tell if my ..... is real."

2.  Look for identifying marks.  Check the bottom, inside, back, along the rim - get out your magnifying glass, some are so tiny you can't see them.  Look for K for gold or Sterling, kind of marks as well.  Maker's marks will also give you a time frame to how old your item is.  Do a quick search of that mark, look under images and see if you can find the one you are looking for.

3.  Use ebay, etsy, collector groups as a reference too.  Even if you don't see any marks on something, you can still probably find it on bay.  I've looked up as broad a description as "pink vase" and have found things I was looking for.  The seller usually will have the name of maker and then you can search it.  Even if you are not sure if it is the same as yours, search it anyway.  I did this, and found out my pink vase was Lenox, it was way more valuable than I thought.  

4.  You could always ask an antique dealer.  Take your item to the antique shop or show, look for a booth with your type of item in it, ask that vendor.  Often times, they are willing to help.  I'm not saying they will give you a value, as they might charge for that.  

5.  You could always look for a "Red Wing Collector Society" club or a facebook group "For the Love of Pyrex" kind of thing.  Check out their website, posts and comments.  Is there any information or post about what it is you are looking for.  Message them and ask.

It's like a scavenger hunt with a bit of research.  One can't possibly know "everything" about "everything" however, the internet does....I hope these tips help.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.