Silent Auction Item

I won this beautiful handwoven table runner at a silent auction last night - I LOVE it!

I was told, the artist made two; one for the raffle and one to enter in the Langlade County Fair.  I'm sure it will win a blue ribbon.  

Our little church sponsored a table at the 2015 Hope Life Center banquet.  The theme was "Unchanging God in a Changing World" guest speaker, Jeffrey Dean.  Hope Life Center provides "physical, emotional and spiritual support in a confidential, judgment-free environment for those facing an unplanned pregnancy or dealing with a past abortion.  Their mission is to affirm life while sharing the love and forgiveness found only in Jesus Christ."  http://www.hopewi.com/Home

Our little church also bought a pack and play, car seat and diapers.  Thank you to those that donated money so we could do that.  We were the only group to bring something...they were surprised and appreciative.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Schuster Mansion - Bed & Breakfast, Milwaukee, WI

Justine and I drove down to Milwaukee to visit Anna on her birthday "weekend."  Justine found this place while searching the Internet.   We enjoy going to a small tea house by us and this sounded like such fun - a high tea experience.  This month, the presentation was on 1880's fashion.  

When I called to make the reservations, the lady asked me "where are you from?"  I said "Ringle, WI, - let me spell that for you..."  She replies, "oh my, you don't need to, as my husband grew up in Ringle."  I said "shut up!"  (Ringle is very small!)  She proceeded talking to me about it as she ran up to the the 3rd floor to hand her husband the phone.  Once he said his last name - I instantly knew where he grew up - the homestead.  I knew, because Al and I looked at that place when we decided to move out here.  However, it didn't have enough land for us.  That is what happens, a farmstead will be purchased for the land, divided up, often times leaving an adorable home with only a few acres.  We wanted animals - so it wasn't a good fit.  It truly is a small world!  The owners are Rick and Laura Sue Mosier.  

Our high tea experience started with Laura Sue and Rick dressed in period style clothing.  We were seated in the solarium.  Which, when they purchased the mansion, they didn't know even existed as this was covered with a roof.  

Laura Sue's presentation on tea history and etiquette was very informative.  We then were served our tray of savories and sweets along with a variety of tea choices.  As we ate, Laura Sue changed into a "tea dress" - that she made in period style.  She gave us a very interesting presentation on fashion from the 1880's showing us and passing around many antique examples.  I learned quite a bit about this era.

After, we were given a tour of the first floor.  I should say, that when Rick and Laura Sue purchased the mansion 7 years ago, the previous owner had started a renovation.  The mansion, over the past 100 years, had been turned into an apartment complex.  They have/are painstakingly reviving this beauty to complete period accuracy - they have guidelines to adhere to as it is on the National, State and County historical registries.

It is truly a beauty.  Laura Sue tells us that Mr. Schuster built this mansion from the "fortune" he acquired growing and selling tobacco.  I know not many think of Wisconsin as a tobacco state, but in the 1880's Mr. Schuster had a farm in Mukwonago, WI.

He decided to move to the city, where his warehouse was, and built this mansion for only $24,000.  He was married with 4 daughters, one of which is an accredited artist.  He was hit with a string of bad luck.  One of which was his warehouse being burned down in the Milwaukee Fire of 1892.  His wife decided to divorce him and she moved to California with the children.  Mr. Schuster, did marry again, and had 2 children with his second wife.  He had 1 son, who was an architect and worked with Frank Lloyd Wright.  I loved learning about the original family.  Rick and Laura Sue have several articles and photos of the mansion during the many decades up to today.

http://www.schustermansion.com/

I loved the experience, sharing in the history of tea, fashion and Wisconsin historical families.  I can not say enough good things about this place.  Should you ever find yourself in Milwaukee, keep the Schuster Mansion in mind.  I did bring Rick a gift - a brick from Ringle.  That was Ringle's claim to fame -  brick factory.  He was suprised and I think really liked it.  I told him I brought him a piece of Ringle to his home in Milwaukee.  If nothing else, it will be a good door stop.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Linked to:  http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2015/05/foodie-friday-and-everything-else.html

Happy Blogger Moment

I know that some people write their blog as a business, others to keep in touch with family, some to share their talents - there are a wide variety of reasons.  I started writing mine, well, for me.  Five years of jotting down my day and sharing it on here.  

Last night was a confirmation to me that maybe, just maybe I might be reaching others. It just ties in beautifully with my post this week about Rahab.  Like I stated in that post - we all can't all live out our ministry on a large scale - but, we can in our "own little world" - no matter how small we feel our impact might be, we can make a difference.

When I wrote that Wednesday, I didn't know how the Lord would confirm it to me, but he did last night.  Most know, my brother started a small rural church.  I wrote a blog post about this (you can read it here:  http://dickybirdsnest.blogspot.com/2013/07/good-samaritan-elderon-wi-apostolic.html )

Well, last night, we had a young couple come to visit.  When Frank asked them how they heard about us, they said they read it on a blog.  Frank came over and told me.  I went over and introduced myself.  He stated something about an interesting comment on the post...go read it...I had someone, I don't know challenge my "why."  I did reply honestly - it was that honest reply, I believe that inspired their coming.  Now, it wasn't me...don't get me wrong...it was His using my words, the ones He gave me - back in July 2013 to reach this couple in April 2015.  His conversion at work in me.  

I just wanted to share, maybe to encourage those of you who write a blog and wonder, "are the things I do or say on here reaching anyone..."  Yes!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Spring Junk Bonanza 2015 Early Bird

This has been our 5th year of going to Junk Bonanza in Shakopee, MN.  This event is promoted by Kia Nassauer, the style editor of Flea Market Style magazine.  I just went back and looked at my old posts about it, wow have things changed in 5 years.  It has been on our bucket list to be first in line.  In past years, the person who was, received a nice box of Gorilla Glue.  It's just saying..."I was first in line.."  Well, my friend Renee and I were...we shared the glue.

We buy the early bird tickets so we can shop 2 hours before the general public.  Now, over 5 years we have stood in some pretty long lines, however this year the line was unbelievably long.  I heard a security guard say, "2,000 early birders are expected."  I usually have time to take pictures of interesting booths - I didn't even get a chance.  It was truly a frenzy of activity.   We did have fun, I was inspired and we bought some cute things.   

Here is what I think was "trending" at the event:  Top 5 

1.  Industrial items - garage style shelving units on huge castors, factory utility carts and stands with pipe handles, old huge metal shop or office style desks - basically anything you might find in a factory or garage.  These items were cleaned, oiled and were ready to go for use in your home.

2.  Metal - metal anything - file cabinets, tool cabinets, small cubbies with drawers, factory bins for holding bolts, galvanized buckets, wash tubs, old milk crates - if it was metal it was sold.

3.  Farm junk - old nesting boxes, barn tracking, barn doors, barn handles, hooks, latches, chicken feeders, chicken waters, old feed bins, scoops, metal gears, hay forks - if it was old, rusty and in a barn - it was sold.

4.  Western Wear - cowboy boots, vintage "show shirts", vintage cowboy hats, spurs...if a cowboy would wear it - it was there.

5.  Pillows - lots and lots of pillows, made from chenille spreads, old feed sacks, burlap, bark cloth, vintage upholstery fabric...pillows, pillows, pillows.

I've decided that this year I would step out in faith and do a few shows out of state.  Like Junk Bonanza, but only 1 day events.  Once I saw these items were trending - I came home and told Al we need to dig in his pole building.  We have pulled some really interesting industrial pieces that we will be taking down to the Urban Farm Girl show in Rockford, IL.

I will have a few industrial pieces and other items on this trending list at my BYOT (Bring Your Own Table) Pop Up Sale here at our farm on May 6th - 6 p.m. - ? just a few hours of selling.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Rahab A Woman of Faith

I've been teaching a series of Sunday School lessons on girls/women in the Bible.  I really have enjoyed my preparation and study of each one.  I am learning so much more about these women and find myself admiring each one more than the last.  

Rahab might not be a woman one would admire.  Afterall, scripture calls her a prostitute.  Rahab lived in Jericho, a city surrounded by a wall.  Rahab was 10 when the Egyptians were drown in the Red Sea, she grew up with her whole community fearing the God of Isreal, "the one true God."

After 40 years in the wilderness, God chose Joshua to lead his people.  Joshua sent 2 spies into Jericho, they were sought after by the soldiers and Rahab hid them on the roof of her home under some stalks.  When they asked her if she had seen the 2 spies, she lied and said no.  She told the spies to climb down the wall, but made them promise that when they came to destroy Jericho, that they would spare her and her family because she helped them.  They told her to hang a red cord from her window and that would be the sign not to harm those in that house.  

After the battle of Jericho, Rahab and her family lived with the Isrealites.  She actually is the mother of Boaz, the great, great grandpa of King David.  She was part of the messianic line of Jesus.  She is mentioned in James - as a woman of faith.  "Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers and had sent them out the other way?"  James 2: 25   and  "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace."  Hebrews 11:31


This is what I took from my own lesson.  First the red cord...that of course is reference to the blood placed over the door at the time of the "pass over" of the death angel.  Even more symbolic to us - once we apply the blood of Jesus to our life - we too are saved.  Second, Rahab was a prostitute and God changed her heart and life.  God also used her, in the messianic lineage of Jesus.  

Rahab's actions, saved lives and revealed her heart of faith and showed us a woman who believed in God. Her example is still so relevant today.  No matter our past, how "bad" we feel we have been, God can use us.  God asks us to believe in him, live out our faith in actions - when we do, He can use us in powerful ways to change lives both now and for eternity.  

My brother is a missionary, he chose to move to another country and live out his ministry on a large scale.  Not many can do this, however, we can live out our ministry in our own "little world."  No matter how small we feel our impact might be, we can make a difference.  

I have thought about Rahab all week, thinking on all the mistakes I have made and taking comfort in the redemptive love of Jesus!  I will never tire of seeing His conversion at work, not only in myself but others as well.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Motivation Monday - "Rainy Days and Mondays"

I woke and looked out the window - this song came to my mind..."rainy days and Mondays, always get me down..."  Karen Carpenter.  

Well, rainy days and Mondays, don't need to get us down.  After all with out rainy days we have none of these.....

You know, April showers bring May flowers.  

I like Mondays - it's the start of the work week.  An opportunity to organize and try to get things done early in the week.  I usually get out my calendar, a piece of paper and make my lists on Monday morning.  

I am an optimist, it takes more than a Monday or rainy day to get me down.  I know that a cloudy, rainy day might not motivate us; but, the promise in the rain should.  Especially if you are a gardener.

  
This week I hope to get some more of my old inventory in the pole building organized.  I plan to have a pop up sale here on May 6.  I want to keep working on cleaning out the raised and flower beds.  I also have a few blog posts wirling around in my head.  I hope you all have a great week and thanks for stopping by this rainy Monday.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Saturday Spotlight at Old - Fashioned Girly Girl

Mandisa over at Old - Fashioned Girly Girl featured me over on her blog on her posts called:  Saturday Spotlight.  Here is the link to her post:  http://mandisachesser.blogspot.com/2015/04/saturday-spotlight.html 

Thanks for the nice comments.  It is only another confirmation that someone is reading this....

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Clip Board Art Class

This was a fun class, each project was so unique.  Both ladies are transplants to my area from California.  They did not know each other before the class, they talked about where they lived, similar experiences moving here and job prospects.  We all had a great time.  I wasn't sure Johnny would find stuff to make a board with - but, he loved it.  I had some vintage Monopoly game pieces and he made the neatest board.  He said "I had a choice to go to my friend's house or come to this class....I'm so glad I came here....this is neat!"  By the end of class he was thinking up ideas for the next one. 

Blessing from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Clip Board Art at The Hobby Farm

I have started out 2015 offering "art" classes here at my farm.  I'm calling it The Hobby Farm - learn a hobby...at the hobby farm.  I really have enjoyed these classes!  

April's class is "clip board art."  I saw some ideas on pinterest but took it in a vintage way.  This is what I came up with.

This one is made with scrapbook paper background, old 1950's greeting cards for flowers, broken jewelry on top and scrabble pieces that spell out garden.  I think they are cute.  The classes are always $15 and $7.50 for 4-H kids and students.  This includes all the supplies and a "treat."  

I have a stash of ephemera, all vintage, 1000's to choose from.  Some of these are from my "old" inventory and others my personal stash.  I really don't know what is in some of the boxes - I have to give a disclaimer..."you can dig, but I might want what you find..."

I displayed a few options for ideas 

The possibilites are endless.  I still have spots available, comment or message me if you would like to attend.  Each class has also offered me an opportunity to sell additional "supplies" and/or "kits."  Like a vintage craft shop.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Note of Encouragement

After weeks of procrastinating and days of digging for paperwork for the accountant....I did it - I took my 2014 year of records to the accountant.  I was hardly home from town when my phone rings...he was already done with them.  You might be a hoarder and procrastinator if it takes you longer to find the paperwork than the accountant to prepare it. 

This feeling of "why of why do I do these things to myself..." left me with this idea.  I wrote myself this note:

It was nice to read this this morning...why haven't I done this before?  I'm going to keep this up.  Yes, each day is new - and an opportunity for you to be the best you you can be.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Motivational Monday - Another Lesson from Martha

I recently was visiting with a friend, she follows my blog and knows about Martha.  She was asking me my opinion on a subject and why I felt the way I did about it.   I couldn't find the right words or way to explain it, other than using a Martha analogy.  

You know Martha is very independent - she goes about her day, doing what she wants the way she wants to do it.  I never see her pecking at other hens (roosters, yes...) she finds her own spots to scratch around in, her own brambles or bench to lay her eggs on and she struts around the yard like she owns it.  At night she goes back to the coop to roost and rest with all the other chickens.  

I like to think I'm like her.  I like to do the things I do the way I do them - I don't want to compete with others.  Oh, I'm happy that another hen has her own coop, finds some treats scratching around and that she is happy doing her own thing.  I just don't want to go to her coop to roost.   

I said to this friend, "you know, if I took Martha to the county fair and lined her up on the judges table with all the other hens....she would not like that!" and, I don't either.  

This is yet again a lesson I learned from watching Martha.  Look for pleasure in the things you do and in the way you do them.  In doing this, you will gain confidence in yourself and your own abilities.  Don't look around and compare yourself to other hens - there is no joy in that.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Week 16 Cookie - Sand Cookies

Sand Cookies:

1  C soft butter
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C granulated sugar
Cream together; add

2 tsp. almond extract
2 eggs
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1 t salt
beat together, add

1 C ground almonds
3 C flour

Mix 1/3 C brown sugar and 1/3 C ground almonds - this looks like sand.  Form into quarter size balls and roll into "sand" mixture.  Bake 350 till light brown.  Makes 5 doz.  

This is my own recipe.  I hope you enjoy them.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Body Pumping Fun

I haven't posted much about this because I didn't know if I would "stick" with it.  I'm happy to say...I found an exercise routine that I "like!"  

My friends Sue and Sue (I know, reminds me of Bob Newhart show..."this is my brother Daryl and my other brother Daryl...") and I have been doing body pumping.  I love it! 

As I reflect on the physical demands of being a "junk" dealer...I know I need to keep up my strength.  I remember 20 some years ago, the other dealers saying..."you are going to regret that....(as I carried in a dresser on my back....) - ya, right!  Well, they were right!  I now keep my physical limitations in mind when I purchase an item for resale - can I carry that by myself?  

Sue J. invited me and Sue M. to come to her body pumping class.  We have been going for months.  It has even become a routine for Al too - we call it "workout Wednesday."  Al drops me off and he goes to the employee fitness center at his work.  We really enjoy this.  

Body pumping is working out with weights to music.  It is hard, but I like how I feel after.  The instructor told us that by the end of the hour we have done near 1000 repetitions.  When you work out to the music, somehow it doesn't seem so "bad."  

I know my legs are stronger, I have less "vajiggle jaggle" under my arms too.  It is only once a week and I plan to start walking more now that the snow is gone.  Remember, I need to walk up Machu Picchu soon.  Well, maybe not up, but around.

Do you have a work out routine you enjoy?  Tell me about it.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.