Farmhouse Friday Week 17 - A New Toy

 Happy Friday.  Here is what has been going on this week at my farmhouse.

Here is my new toy.  I not only will use it to move things from one building to another, but garden to compost or greenhouse.  We had one but, it has seen better days.  It's like the "Cadillac" of wagons.  

My baby garlic is popping up.  I planted on Halloween on suggestion of my 102 year old client who passed last fall.  Her daugher and her did that and she said "it just seems fitting to plant garlic on Halloween."

My chickens are laying up a storm.  That is good because I eat a lot of eggs.  I have enough roosters so that soon, I will start to let them set and hatch out some chicks.  

This photo is my goal....what a pristine little garden.  My problem is, well one of them...teehee...is I dream too big.  Last year's garden just about killed me trying to keep up and I had to let some of it go in the end.  Less is best...less is best....less is best.  

I also wanted to share a quote I came up with due to an icky text message I had with a loved one.  It has bothered me all week.  I was trying to help, but saying what I felt was the "truth" - doing this over text messages - things can get misinterpreted.  So, after much pondering I came up with this:  "how you preceive it, may not be how I wanted you to receive it."

Often times, our past experiences, how we were raised, past trauma that influenced our parent's rearing, how we are feeling at that moment, even our stage of life, these all influence how we preceive things.  I know first hand because I'm working on not assuming and being offended.  Working on yourself isn't for the weak, doing hard things is HARD. 

Less is best....less is best....

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.

Tips on Tuesday - Taking Advice

 You probably can guess, I don't like to have people tell me what to do.  That is why I'm selfemployed.  I don't mind "it" if you present it in a way that doesn't sound like you're bossing me around.  ahahah.   This probably goes back to being the last child of 6 .... boy, I sure do claim that as the root of most of my problems...ahaha hmmm time for self reflection.

I had someone way better at navigating social media share some great tips with me about how to be "seen," gain new followers, playing the algorithm game, so that my posts will be in my customer's feed.   She told me that only 2-6% of my followers actually see my posts.  

One of the tips is to ask your followers to share your information.  Another thing you can probably guess I'm not good at is asking others to help me.  Just take Ringle Harvest Day for example - it's just mostly me doing everthing from advertising, managing vendors, marking booths to cleaning toilets.  I'm not complaining, it's just that unfortunately my life experiences taught me that I can only count me - and lately, I've been failing too.  

So, I'm going to take some advice from an expert at this.  She was freely giving so I'm freely taking.  Thanks Ann.  She was the event promoter for  Nellie's Barn Sale.  That is how I first found out about her was from the blog.  She also promotes the multi state Vintage Shop Hop which covers areas in IL and WI.   So, I guess I would call her an expert at this.  She is helping Becky from Tansy Hill Farm Barn Bazaar with her social media this year and I'm so happy she is!  

When you look at this picture, our booth Town Hall Trinkets, LLC is to the right of the open barn door.  I hope if you live near, you can come.  

O.k. back the reason for the post, taking advice - any advice - any subject.  First, be careful from who you are taking advice from.  Weight the instruction, how does it line up to your moral compass.  Will your actions harm or help your situation.  Then meditate/pray on it so you can make the right decision.  

Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

I'm off to give a few of her tips a try.....thanks again Ann.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Message in my Dream

 Today we finished up on an estate sale.  We had plans to meet at the house for a furniture pick up and to settle with the family.  This estate was a smaller house but it was packed.  It seemed like everytime we worked over there - even up to the picker sale part - we found items we didn't see before.  I won't go into all the details of all the things that happened while we were there - good and bad - but they all add up to the reason I had this dream. 

The house address has an E (east) side of the river for this road and many people went to wrong side.  So in my dream I was driving there and the sign said SW ? and it was located a map with the number 67?  When I got to the house, it looked like my grandma Ritchie's kitchen.  We found some items we didn't see before and I felt bad because the sale was over and it was too late to sell them.  Then I woke up.  So you know me, I had to figure it out.  

This is what I will take from it:  to dream of the direction south means the present/now and west means the past.  A street sign is a metaphor for being between 2 states of mind the rational and irrational.  Both of those are similar.  To dream of a kitchen can reflect your wellbeing as a result of hard work.  The 67 really stood out and that one is very interesting.  It symbolizes a reminder from your guardian angel that the talents and skills you need in order to make everything in your life achievable.  It's a time to focus on your family and nothing else (grandma).  You might not, of course neglect your work, but you should balance all aspects of your life.  You should be proud of all your hard work because it has brought you to where you are now.  Always give thanks to God for everything he has done in your life.  

I'll take it!  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin  

I Will Monday - Special

 For this, I Will Monday - Special, my thoughts run to trying to make things special.   I'm following my mom and Al's mom's (Marlene) examples.  Both of these women in my life have ALWAYS made holidays and events feel "special."  This year, Marlene did it again.  She has created such wonderful traditions and memories for her children, grand and now great grand children.  From hiding eggs, counting bunnies to guess how many jelly beans are in the jar, Easter was made special this year because of her.  We did miss Anna and Jon - but, look forward to our next visit with them.

My little grand love, is into unicorns and rainbows.  So, I had to try to make a rainbow pie.  It was o.k. - I tried...ahahah

She loved it!  It was good...not as pretty as the pinterest picture.

I also, made baskets for them.  I went on a "pick" Friday and bought several Native American baskets.  The one I gave Justine is a HoChunk basket (Winnebago).   Lisa dug through the books at the last sale and found the horse and pony ones I put in their baskets too.  

I only hope to somewhat live up to what these 2 ladies have provided for me and mine in my life.  I have been blessed by their examples of making sure things were "special."  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday 2022 Week 15 - Gift in the Mail

 

When you receive an unexpected (she asked for my address, so I knew it was something....lol) box in the mail and it feels like your own little Easter basket.  She may not know this, but I LOVE those real eggs turned into little pieces of art.  Thanks for thinking of me Cindy! 

I did find these a week or so ago while thrifting in Merrill.  Already to go....but, I do like them plain too.  

So that was a fun part to my week.  

The Tom's are dancing away out in the field.  I came over the hill yesterday and 2 were showing off in the middle of the road to hens on both sides.  Silly ... men... minds on "it" rather than getting hit by a car....ahahaha.  

We have had winter weather yet again this week.  It's snowing now as I type this.  WINDY Wisconsin for sure!  Poor Robins they returned too soon.

Our sale last Saturday was really good for us and our clients.  The sweetest thing was a boy who came to shop with his grandpa.  He was maybe 10/12 and he was like 5 or 6 in line.  He came in the door and announced to me "I'll take the metal bed and the table in back.  I'll pay for the bed now and take it and come back for the table later."  He was like a pro at "this."  When he returned, he was wearing his farm muck boots, little flannel jacket - adorable.  I sold him a few more things in a "bundle deal" and I asked "where are you putting this stuff?"  He tells us that he has a little shed on the farm that he is fixing up for his "man cave" (adorable!).  He says "I already cleaned up the other stuff and have it set up." He was telling us he loves old country music "you know from the 70's 80's" (wink, wink)....what a little "old soul."  Can we hire him?  

We were back at the other sale yesterday, we could only work 1 day this week as I ended up with a nasty stomach flu.  We wanted to be "done" Saturday with the "last" lot drop, but we will have to do one more.  I hope to squeeze it in during the week with pick ups at the end of the week.  

I hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend.  

He is risen and my hope is in the eternal life he promises for those who believe. 

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

 

Farmhouse Friday Week 14 "Tall Tales"

 Good Friday Morning!

I come from a long line of story tellers on both sides.  Scotch/Irish and Native/Potawatomi.  

My mom could spin a yarn like no other.  Colorful, made up little snip its on just about anything she set her mind to.  Mom collected (let's not lie, she collected alot of things...ahahah) old dolls.  In the extra bedroom, she had a shelf with many of the cute ones lined up.  Justine told me that she remembers when my mom would babysit her, while I worked.  Grandma would tell her stories for each one of those dolls.  One Christmas, just before she passed, she told the girls to pick something out from her house.  Justine picked a little doll and then shared that she remembered those days listening to stories.  That was gift for my mom as well.  

Now that I am a grandma and helping watch my little love, I try my best to make each of those days special.  I know that they are limited and go by so fast!  This week, I was thinking about tall tales.  So, I brought a Paul Bunyan book that we read and then came up with our own lumberjack "partners" like Baby, the big blue ox.  I'll admit, she wasn't as excited about lumberjacks as she is about horses...ahahah...but, she got into the story telling.

We made up our tall tales - I was Bird and Brenda the bear.  She was Lauren and Rainbow Gems the Alacorn.  For those not in the "know" an alacorn is a unicorn with wings (wink, wink).  We posted our posters in the "town square" to prove to the lumber camp we could do what we said and they would let us work.  We went for a walk in the woods, knocked down a million trees, made paper, made boards and then turned a huge mud puddle into our "pea soup lake" (in the book).  We actually came in and she helped make our lunch, a lumberjack size pancake each, which she ate the whole thing!  Lumberjacks work up an appetite.  She really gets into the stories (just like Justine did).

Next week it's on to Easter.  From tall tales to Jesus - if that doesn't sum up my mom's family tree to the roots (KY hillbillies) - for real!  

I worked alot this week too...not just fun and games....

Here is the building and address for the sale tomorrow.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wiscosnin.  

Moving On Vintage Pop Up Sale

 

One of my customers contacted me awhile back and wanted to know if I would be interested in buying or helping her sell some items.  She sent me some pictures and I thought, sure that would make some nice lots on Town Hall Trinkets On Line Estate Sales.  Well, between that time and now she had another baby.  They decided to move on for now from the "bar" business and let another person take it over.  

When we went to look at the sale and saw the setting in which we could use to stage it, we wanted to do a live sale.  The building is from 1880's, it has been a bar that whole time, hardward store, general store, butcher shop and those are only the ones I know.  I wish we could rent the room we are in - so cool!  Anyway, the sale is Saturday.  Here is the link to the event.   Moving On Vintage Pop UP  

More photos along with the address will be added Friday morning.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Tips On Tuesday - Picking a Partner

 Good Morning.  

I ended my Monday in a not so good way.  We were meeting customers for pickups on an estate and I got stuck in their unused driveway behind the garage.  It has an alley access and I thought it looked solid.  When I left, I literally slid down the side and buried the front tires.  I would share a picture, but I'm too embarrassed.  After like 30 minutes of trying, digging with my hands, looking for blocks or bricks to help me out, pushing front, back to no avail....I called Al.  I don't even want to call the family, it's bad....I may try to bring some dirt and fix it.  

Now, I should say, when things like this happen, my anxiety level are at a 20.  I don't understand mechanical, technical, all the "icals" that go with it.  I was thinking about that, this morning.  You know, I never had anyone show me the "why" or the "how" to, to any of this.  Even driving, I was the last of 6 and my mom didn't drive.  So, by the time I reached 16 all my siblings were married, families of their own...I was on my own...I remember my dad, bless his heart, getting upset with my driving skills and we hardly practiced because of it.  I remember my brother-in-law, Bruce trying to help me.  I went 3 times for my license!  First time, I broke the key off in the ignition - ya that happened - I put the trunk key in and not the car key and broke it in the ignition....my poor dad!  The second time, I made it as far as backing up....I've sucked at that from day 1....FAIL.  The 3rd time, I still made mistakes, but the driving tester had mercy on me.  This is why I have the anxiety.  It's like I "black out" and can't think when something stressful happens with vehicles, tractors, trailers, hay wagons, bailers, hooking up unhooking....all that!!!  Some hobby farmer I make!  Did I mention I backed into my sisters car 2 times in 1 week....there's that.  Oh and I drove up the exit ramps by mistake...I can't even do the highways because of it....my mind goes blank with "where do I get off....is that an on ramp?..."  Don't even get me started on the round abouts.  In Oshkosh one time I went round at least 3 times trying to figure out how to get off.   I actually HATE driving.  I can't even be a passenger sometimes, especially on those huge ramps, bridges....I just close my eyes or take my glasses off because what I can't see won't hurt me.  

So, as I laid my head down to sleep, I thanked him for helping and then he shared his not so nice evening....he came and helped me anyway....because he loves me.  I remembered what it was that made his evening not so nice - I was at the root of that too.....I forgot about something and it was my "mess" to clean up - he did it for me.  I will not start a million seeds this year, I will not start a million seeds this year, I will not start......that's all I'll say about that.  

So, my tip would be to find yourself a patner that will help you even when you drive them crazy.  Thanks Al, I love you.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

I Will Monday - Determined

 

Do you ever feel that way?  Maybe not even with a "problem" but just things in life?  I know I have.  

Thing is, when I set my mind to something - I do a really good job.  It's just setting my mind to doing it...ahahha.  

I've made lists, put motivational quotes on my refrigerator, set the timer, wrote in "ink" so it couldn't be erased, saved those TikTock songs (no one is coming) played them, told the "world" what I was going to do - all these things to keep me accountable.  Well, it's true...you can't teach an old dog....

For the love of....I can't stand this about me....I know it's all classic 7 issues....even at that....I don't like to hear or give excuses or complaints.  Ask my girls "well, I'm tired too and you don't see me complaining about it!"  (they "loved" that...ahahha).  

So, here I sit, looking at a list....I just don't wanna do some of it....it's all the "not fun" stuff.

Last week, while working on an estate sale, I said to Lisa "o.k. that was an not fun lot, now a fun lot" every other one....we were laughing because we don't like "glass."  Rusty, dusty, chicken poop covered....we're all about that!  

O.k. so time is a tickin away...wish me luck in crossing off some of the "not fun" things on my list....

This is my latest motivation...so true!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

April 2 is National Children's Book Day

 Did you have a favorite book as a child?  How about a children's book from your earliest memory.  Mine is "Where the Wild Things Are" 

It sticks in my memory because I was scared of the "monster" and the illustrations in the pages.   I also like Clifford he Big Red Dog.

I remember wanting a big red dog.  

Al said his was Curious George.  

For our children, it was any book by Mercer Mayer

Berenstain Bears

Little Bear

We also like Ronald Dahl

We read those when they were a bit older.  I better stop now becasue I can think of so many more.  So, today on this National Children's Book Day - read to a child, or just find an old favorite and reminisce.  Enjoy.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

April Interesting Facts

 Before the month gets away from me and I have a few minutes to share, here is the link to a previous post about April.  I forgot how cute I did posts back then...ahahah

April Interesting Facts

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday Week 13 - "Time to Reflect"

 Well, here we are again, another Farmhouse Friday.  I'm calling this week a time to reflect.  Here are a few of my thoughts.

A time to reflect - weather.  We have had a long winter here, this week we had an ice storm, schools closed, snow and very little sun.  Dreary and drab.  

A time to reflect - passing on.  This past week, my sweet friend, Sarah, passed on.  I will be attending her funeral today.  Totally unexected, I still can't believe it.  I also heard of 2 childhood friends that passed as well.  Then a family friend, actually better described as our daughters friend's grandma, passed on too.  She was such a giving and patient woman.  That's 4 in 10 days.  

A time to reflect - living your best life.  When my friend, Dawn, called to tell me of Sarah's passing she told me something her husband said that stuck with me.  It was something like, "well, that's it, time to live and not just exist."  I hope they don't mind my sharing that.  It is really insightful!  

A time to reflect - relationships.  I don't know what is going on...but, I've had some people reach out to me this week and share some very personal feelings with me.  Feelings they have of me....all were totally out of the blue.  I know some people post things on social media looking for "attention."  Come on...we all know that is true, we all have "those" on our feed.  Anyway, when I post something I don't even have that mindset that I'm looking for praise, sympathy, advice...I just share...no alternative motive.  I just like to tell my story.  Anyway, this reflection on relationships started with someone sharing a memory with me about a very hard time in life (we all face this time at some point) and she reminded me of how strong I was during it.  I didn't even remember and it really blessed me.  Then it just grew from there...the cherry on top, was a card I received yesterday.  When I opened it up, read it, I was crying because I had no idea someone felt this way.  It challenged me to send more cards to let people know what they mean to you.  It was pointed out this week as well, that I wasn't the best of friends to a childhood friend when we transitioned into young adults.  I am sorry she feels this way.  I saw our relationship differently I guess.  So, my reflection is....just be who you are, be present in today, learn from past lessons, let them go, move on, forgive, show love and kindness and for goodness sakes be honest and truthful with others and yourself.

Time to reflect - Town Hall Trinkets, LLC.  I had to say this to Al this week, "don't count me out."  In thinking on the "time to live" quote from above, I made some plans.  I've decided to do a few things on my "business bucket list."  I better do them now, while I am still physically able to.  Nothing that will change how I do things or even anything anyone would notice.  Just those "well someday I will..."  I'm not guaranteed someday. 

Time to reflect - Dicky Bird's Nest.  I still write this blog, because I like to write.  It's mostly for me.  It's been like my life's journal.  I don't expect followers, or comments, or any of that.  I would keep writing with none of that.  I am thankful for the couple of faithful blog friends who comment and encourage me.  I try my best to do the same to them.  In fact, this memory came up in my feed this week:   

I hope you all have a great weekend.   Until my next post...

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.