The Best Way to Be Prepared is to Plan Ahead - for a Conference

~ Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent (in chair), Smudge Moonbeam (black cat) 

and Sadie BeauHunkus Ridge (lower right corner) 

three reasons it's hard for me to leave home ~

Over the decades (yes, I am that old - lol), it's been a privilege to both attend and speak at various conferences, conventions and workshops as well as being the event planner. Along the way, useful information has been gleaned, too much for one blog post, but take what you can use and forget the rest.

If you're attending Ruth Soukup's Elite Blog Academy Activate 2018, give yourself a pat on the back for taking your blog business seriously! As best you can, tweak your blog or website before leaving home as it represents you in absentia. You'll hand out business cards like candy on October 31st so making your blog/website look good, if not great, is a priority.

The best way to be prepared is to plan ahead, always keeping a good and flexible attitude. Murphy's Law doesn't take a holiday and, let's face it, if it can go wrong, somehow, someway it usually will go wrong. That's okay because as my favorite philosopher Heraclitus of old said, "It is what it is".

~ mixed with water to boost immune system ~ 

Throughout the year I drink elderberry juice concentrate mixed in glasses of water to boost my immune system thus preventing viral infections or alleviating symptoms. Sambucol is an elderberry syrup developed by a female Israeli scientist and is what I use when I can't find the elderberry juice concentrate. (There are recipes to make your own but I've not tried that yet.) Take hand wipes and use them generously, beginning with those plastic bins at the TSA station. Studies show those bins have more viruses than a bathroom!

Before, during and after the conference, make sure you get enough sleep and healthful food. I take high protein snacks: nuts, protein bars, dark chocolate to tide me between meals or as meals. If I'm exhausted, I'll find a quiet place (my room or restaurant corner or sofa) and recharge my batteries. I'd rather miss thirty minutes or an hour than work myself into illness and miss everything.

Earlier this year, I attended She Speaks Conference and was continually amused at the enormous quantities of suitcases brought in by other attendees. My travel motto is, "Never take more than I can run with" and, as I've aged, the suitcase gets lighter and lighter although when traveling by car, I still tend to over pack.  Before packing and walking out the door, there are other things that make the journey less stressful and the return home easier and more pleasant.

You've made travel arrangements...vehicle has been checked over (gas, tires, oil, windshield wipers, etc.) or plane tickets purchased, airport transfer arranged, hotel reserved and copies made (either hard copies or with your phone), business cards printed with head shot photo (but, if you've got business cards now without your photo...use them!) so now...

Remove everything in your wallet not needed for this trip. Generally, that's everything except photo identification, credit card or two, insurance and/or Medicare cards and money (twenty $1 bills for tips). I take my ATM card but without plans to use it as it's easier and less expensive to use credit cards if they're paid off every month. Make hard copies (both sides) or photo (both sides) with phone and either keep in separate, safe place or e-mail to yourself.

I've a beautiful leather briefcase no longer used because it's a thief magnet and weighs too much but has great sentimental value so I keep it. Instead, I've begun carrying a one strap back pack that's black, lightweight and handles all the business paraphernalia (cards, copies, pens, notebook) as well as a laptop, necessary electrical cords, paperback and a small purse that's put into use once I board my final flight. A dedicated business card holder or a small cosmetic bag contains extra cards; I'd rather bring a few home than run out.

~ backpack, business cards, pen/card holder ~ 

What works for me - a pre-printed list that's checked as I pack. My clothes include a basic, all in black, skirt, underclothes, tees/blouse's with scarves to alleviate the black. A crushable black knit jacket helps with too cold planes or conference rooms. Jewelry is the same for the entire conference: wooden watch (conversation starter as I'm an introvert and need helpful aids...smile), turquoise bracelet and necklace with silver/turquoise earrings. To supplement the black skirt, one tee/blouse for each conference day plus a black dress. Turquoise or red Ariat boots are the only shoes other than slippers that wear next to nothing and do double duty as pool shoes as I detest walking barefoot in public places. Some women like to wear "killer heels" but I'm over high heels (heck, I can fall off my feet! haha) so "killer boots" are my "thing". Everyone has something (clothes, foot wear, jewelry, cosmetics) that gives them a sly smile making them feel confident or strong or self-assured. Boots do it for me because when I'm on the tractor or working with my horses weighing one or two thousand pounds, I'm in boots. (I take an empty water bottle and, once through flight boarding, begin hydrating.)

In other words...dress the part. You don't have to buy a new wardrobe but leave the clothes behind that say, "I'm a mom or dad" (nothing wrong with being a mom or dad but unless you brought your child, you're YOU for this conference. To get your money's worth, you need to focus on YOU...your needs, wants, making contacts, etc. What would you wear for church service or for a Friday night dinner/movie date with a new person? That's what you'll wear for the conference and, by the way, go light on the perfume or after shave lotion. There are a lot of people with allergies that are triggered by heavy scents; be considerate.

When you've received final materials for the conference peruse the speakers, workshops and one on one time. Match your field with someone who most closely resembles what you're doing or with someone who can assist in taking you to the next level. If you're a Mom or Dad blogger, take a look at all speakers who are Mom or Dad bloggers and choose where the two of you are similar. Or, if you're a fashion or food blogger, match, as best you can, with those in similar fields.

Make a note of people, workshops, 1:1, etc. you specifically want to meet and prepare your questions. What information do you want to receive from them? What can they say or do that will assist you/your blog/your business? When they're speaking, listen for the links between their subject and their talk that gives you an AHA! moment. What works for them and how does it work? How can you use that same information to work for you?

Prepare your branding statement or elevator pitch and keep it short. Be able to state your name, blog name, tag line and your area of expertise. Keep in mind the answers to Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How?

Talk to people...when you're meeting other conference attendees your opening questions might include: Is this your first time at this conference? If they attended last year ask, "What was your best takeaway?" Other ice breakers: "What's your number one accomplishment this year?" "What's your number one goal for this time next year?" "What's your area of expertise?" "Where do you receive the most exposure or results?"

If you take photos or videos of other people (with or without yourself), ask for their biz cards and make a quick note on what they're wearing. When you return home, it's easier to identify them so you can link with them on your blog or send a quick note. You could also put videos on your blog, YouTube or other sites thus using social media to gain exposure for yourself and others.

Keep all collected business cards in one place. It's too easy to toss a card in a pocket, back pack, purse, etc. and come across them much later but if you go with a specific place to put them, you'll have them all at hand when you get home.

Speaking of home...have a plan for when you return home. When and how will you connect with folks you've met? If a speaker was simply incredible, send a hand written thank you note (and include your business card) or if someone did an extreme kindness to you, send them a note. It almost goes without saying a hand written note is jaw dropping; be the one who causes the dropped jaw!

If you're in process of making a product to market and if you've the time, consider taking a media kit to promote your product, your blog and you.

~ coming home ~ 

Lastly, Thistle Cove Farm is being updated to https://www.thistlecove.farm. So many of you have been friends since the beginning, May 2005 (yes, I've been blogging more than thirteen years!) and along the way. All along, and not just when Dave died, you've tucked me in prayer, encouraged me, sent notes of kindness, showered me with grace and mere words cannot express my gratitude. Please know your name is in my prayer journal and on my prayer list; it's a privilege to remember you when I go before Abba God. Thank you.

"The wound is the place where the light enters you." -Rumi-

Dear Dave,

God restored the years the locust had eaten when He gave you to me as a friend, then husband. He and you gave me the best one-third of my life on this piece of heaven on earth, this Sanctuary we named Thistle Cove Farm. When I tell people how we met, then courted six years before finding our sanctuary here, the place of our heart, they gape. Really, there's no other way to describe the look on their faces: they gape at me. Apparently, in this day and age, six months is a long time and six years unheard of.

Your life had symmetry. You had twenty-two years then you and Cathy, the love of your youth, had twenty-two years, then you and I had another twenty-two years. Yes, it's true those first years were rocky, for both of us, as we made our way forward and, truth be told, we had our share of arguments but even they were overshadowed by the good great times.

I was used to seeing women grieve; indeed, aunts and grandmothers taught me, by example, how to grieve, but your grief staggered me in its enormity. It was bone crushing, soul baring and as relentless as an incoming tide. Yes, females taught me how they grieved and to help you I did what I did for them...I listened. I listened mostly without comments, without judgement, without condemnation and for as long as you wanted to talk. Day after day, night after night I listened as you worked your way through the darkness but, I have to admit, I'm so glad I never met Cathy because I'm afraid I would have compared myself to her. You never negatively compared the two of us, at least if you did, you never told me and I'm grateful for that gift.

Once, someone asked what did I see in you and I thought, "If you have to ask, I'll never be able to explain." I watched and waited as you made your way through the darkness, the alcohol and nicotine and thought, "Whatever you have left when you come through this is worth waiting for. I will wait." You loved Cathy with everything you had and, in time, loved me as well and, yes, it was worth the wait.

The three of us, God, you and I, built something wonderful, strong and glorious on this farm. We're leaving it far, far better than we found it; it's a testimony to love, hard work and God's grace and mercy. We've shared meals, gardens, festivals, animals, sheep shearing, the house and the land with family and friends as well as people we met the day they showed up at the door or camped in the meadow. All these years I've lived a life full of grace, filled with happiness and, perhaps more importantly, contentment. Within my heart and soul these old Appalachian Mountains hold a racial memory of kith and ken gone before both here and in those craigs and vales of Scotland, Ireland and Wales. You felt the same way once you acclimated to living daily life at a calming, peaceful, slow, love-growing pace.

The first time I saw this valley I knew I was home and, no matter what happened or didn't happen, I knew we could make a life here. We made a life the likes of which neither of us even dared to dream and as grand as it's been and as hard as we worked, God made it all come alive. He has lived here, with us, as surely as the wind rattles the trees, and has seen every sunrise, watched every sunset, heard every cry, wiped every tear, wept with every sorrow, rejoiced in all our happiness. All the while, He encouraged our dreams and gave us strength for both the journey and the work.

We've lived deeply! Our lives have been rich lives that are evidenced in every nook and cranny. Every stick of furniture, every animal, almost every blade of grass has a story, a history both before and since; to de-clutter is an act of treason, of tossing old friends to the curb, of saying, "You no longer matter." It all matters because being rescued, rescuing and the stories make up our lives. We rescued each other, then other people and, along the way, countless animals. I can walk to each unmarked space and remember who, lovingly, was laid to rest. Thistle Cove Farm became Sanctuary for all, beginning with you and I, who needed the succor of God's grace, mercy, love and kindness. It's been the same grace, mercy, love and kindness of God that's kept me safe since your Home going. The bitter agony of losing you is still a punch to my gut. It still catches me by surprise, causes tears to gush, brings me to my knees but I was right...had it not been for the animals, I would not have made it when you died. I would have given up and missed all the blessings God has for me but God has kept me safe. He's given me His strength, His hope and finally His peace. Yes, God has kept me but I'm still waiting for the light to enter the place my heart used to be.

Dave, we lived life on this farm and we lived it well and true! You grew me into the wife you wanted and I, willingly, became that woman. Yes, I trusted you...I do trust you...that much and you've never let me down. You were the husband women dream of...the words 'provider and protector' show your image in the dictionary. As importantly, you saved me from myself just as I saved you from the darkness and, in those final days, God saved you as you made your peace with Him. Ours is story after story after story of saving; it's what we did best.

You were as surprised to find love again as I was to find it the first time. I was content with friendship but love was the gift when unwrapped and now it seems the wound in the space that was you is so broken and raw, is healing even possible? I don't know. I am simply lost without you. I want to move forward, but I know I cannot unless God leads my way.

The Good Book says to everything there is a season and, maybe, this is the season of saying good-by to this particular Sanctuary, this beautiful valley, our peaceful farm. Dave, don't worry; even though I am no longer sure of anything else I know God loves me and is preparing me. For what, I don't know but I know He has a good plan for my life and I still choose to trust Him. He holds me in His right hand of mercy and will never fail me.

Dave, is tu gaol mo chridhe. 

Good-bye, Beloved.

Ponder this ~ "And still, after all this time, the Sun has never said to the Earth, "You owe me." Look what happens with love like that. It lights up the sky." ~ Hafez ~

A Brief Spring Interlude, Followed By Winter, Giveaway

For the past week, or so, weather on the farm has been spring like...meaning warmish temps, sunny days...a kind of make hay while the sun shines weather. Although it's too early for hay making, you get the point.

This weekend snow flurries are expected and I am reminded that whatever weather we get for Spring Equinox is generally what we'll have for possibly the next six weeks or thereabouts. Sunday is the Equinox with high temps in the low 40's and low temps in the high 20's. This weather pattern is for the entire northeast and I'm praying it doesn't turn into a no'easter. Some of our worst winter storms have been in March and April but the oil tank is full, enough wood on the back porch to carry me well through a week, the propane tank half full, the generator at the ready and I'm making white bean and sausage soup so it's all fine.

Temps today are supposed to be in the low 60's and sunny...thank the good Lord...while temps tomorrow are in the high 50's and sunny...thank the good Lord! As Mark Twain said, "A lot of people complain about the weather but nobody does anything about it." What could anyone do other than be prepared? I know I've got a couple of good days so will work outside and when days aren't so nice, will work inside. This is not what constitutes a Big Deal in my life.

Changing the subject...let's talk potty. If you're on a septic system, you need ROEBIC Septic System Cleaner. It has "special bacteria" to "correct systems that are overworked and sluggish" and was recommended years and years ago by a gent retired from the septic tank business. I simply pour the contents into the toilet bowl, leave overnight and flush in the morning and every now and again, I'll add some brewer's yeast as well.

This next product has the ever so cute name of POO-Pourri and is meant to be used in the bathroom prior to what might prove to be a odoriferous occasion. It has a strong over-scent of ginger which I find pleasant, certainly more pleasant than the "other".

Changing the subject...if you're on Facebook, please, would you consider "liking" Thistle Cove Farm? There are two FB pages for TCF...I got confused...but the "real" page has a photo of the hay field and house. Some of you know the farm sold last year but at closing, financing fell through and I kept the farm. I stated on the TCF FB page, the farm is back on the market and since Monday morning the page has had more than 900 views and more than a dozen shares! I keep saying God will sell our farm when He's ready for the next stewards to take over. I always keep in mind "wait is a verb", so do what I can do while I wait, and, just like heaven, I'm ready to go but I'm not homesick. If you'd rather not, that's fine too...no problem.

There's also a FB page for Thistle Cove Cottage; the little condo I bought after Dave's death. I bought it as both bolt hole and rental income and am getting closer to actually using it on holiday. Thus far, I've been too busy sprucing it up and renting but, hopefully, this is the year that will change.

Changing the subject...a few weeks ago, I talked about planners and now I want to talk about another 3-ring notebook, journal and Bible. Daddy has read his Bible through fifty (50!) times; every year for 50 years he begins with Genesis on Jan 1 and by Sept 15, he's read five chapters every morning. This year he's taking a break and not reading the Bible through but reading some of his favorite bits here and there. Mom reads three chapters every morning and in a year finishes the entire Bible. For a number of years I've read five chapters almost every morning; rarely do I miss and if I'm away from the farm, I take either my Kindle with KJV or a New Testament with me. Way back whenever, I started at Genesis and kept reading...when I finish the last verse of Revelation, I turn back to Genesis and begin again.

The blessings journal was begun in 2013 and is where blessings, prayers, hardships, answers to prayers, etc. are documented. While I'm not as faithful to do this daily, I do it frequently enough I'm able to have a partial diary.

The prayer journal has been an ongoing affair...since the mid 1990's, perhaps earlier...it's a bit scattererd. The sections are PRAY: Praise, Rebuke (forgiveness), Appeal (make your appeals know to God), Yield (to the whisper of His Holy Spirit) and each section has blank paper to jot down more of...whatever needs jotting down. The last section is blog ideas...way more than I'll ever have time to use!

In addition to prayer notebook, it's a journal notebook, answered prayer listing and a place to keep names of those remembered in prayer. Chances are, your name is on my list...but I won't show you so you'll just have to trust me. I don't get all hung up on knowing exactly how to prayer for you and because most of you blog, I know some ways to lift you in prayer. For everyone else, God knows.

My well worn Spurgeon is also read every morning; he gets my mind prepared to receive the Bible yet to be read.

May 30th entry is "Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards" from Song of Solomon 2:15. My sideline note says, "During daylight hours, the sun is always shining, although sometimes behind clouds." Such little comments require me to see with new eyes and strengthen my faith.

Someone once asked me, "I tell God what I want, otherwise how does He Know?" Well, dear one, that theology is weak, very weak indeed. God knows because He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent and knew you, and everything about you, before He separated light and darkness. IOW, before the beginning of time as we think we know it.

A few weeks ago, I thumbed through my red notebook and read past entries. The above from May 10, 1998, Mother's Day is Holding on to Our Hope : Hope Stealers are criticism, circumstances, bad counsel, self-doubt while Hope Promoters include prayer, faith, perseverance and the spirit of sacrifice. The best...Hope Rewards because God never gives us less than His best for us...according to His will.

It's a very good thing to re-read as it allows me to see my faith journey; how I've changed, grown, matured as a Christian and as a woman. Of course it was the Holy Spirit leading Dave to ask (only five days before his unexpected, sudden death), "How do I make peace with God?" but I think the years of seeing me, every morning, reading my Bible and praying, writing in my journal, recording prayers and answers to prayers, helped lead him to ask.

A dear blogger friend asked me if I would tell her what I told Dave; here it is:

"I believe Dave had a small heart attack on Sunday morning; at the time, I had no clue but looking back and reflecting on events, that's what I now believe. He had 33 radiation treatments straight through his heart to attack the cancer in his lower left lung. His heart was already weakened from decades of cigarette smoking and the radiation not only didn't kill, or even stop, the cancer, it further weakened his heart. The next morning, Monday, at 10, Dave called me to his side and said, "I need to talk to you; I need to know how to make my peace with God." My response was, "Dave, your question makes God so very happy. He and Jesus have already done all the work so you can spend eternity in heaven with Them. God sent Jesus to bring you Home and Jesus said, "To return Home, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Honey, it's not about religion; it's about relationship...the relationship between you and Jesus. Do you believe God sent Jesus to die for your sins? Just tell God you believe and want to spend eternity in Heaven with Him and His Son. God is delighted to hear from you; He's been waiting a long time. Just tell Him."

Dave said, "Okay, please leave me alone for a little while." I went upstairs, about 2 hours later I came downstairs and looked at Dave. He smiled at me, "Everything is just fine; I've made my peace."

Augustine of Hippo said, "our hearts are restless until we find our rest in Him." Dave was a good, decent, kind, honorable man and it was difficult for him to understand we are all sinners. He didn't do "bad" things...not the way people think of "bad". Because we're all sinners, God cannot look at us unless we are shadowed by the holiness of His Son Jesus Christ. Those bad decisions first made by Eve and Adam in the Garden of Eden and, down through time, by each and every one of us set us apart from God. But God loves us so very much, He allows us to make bad decisions...much like a parent allows their child to make bad decisions even when those same decisions will lead to disastrous results. God, the ultimate Parent, is there to pick up the pieces, to hear our repentance, to heal us with love through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Like so many, Dave was hung up on religion and Jesus isn't about religion at all. Religion is man-made; dare I say Satan made to deflect the true focus which is Jesus Christ. I don't think Jesus cares about religion but in order to go to Heaven, we must go through Jesus.  He died for us, He descended into Hell, He was separated from the perfect, good, holy Father God. Jesus paid such a price because of love...incomprehensible LOVE! We cannot stand before a holy God stained as we are with sin...lying, cheating, stealing, gossip and so on. Some find it difficult to believe...again, that's Satan at work, deflecting the true focus from Jesus but to believe is a small act of will. "Jesus, I believe." It doesn't take a theology degree or a preacher or priest or bishop or any religious authority figure. It takes the faith of a child...a child looking at their parent and saying, "Yes, Father, I believe You love me and I accept Your Son." 

As shell shocked as I've been these last four years, two things have gotten me this far...one - Dave made his peace with God and is in Heaven and, two - God loves me and has been with me every breath."

These things I believe with all my heart, soul and mind. 

If you'd like to win the black Bible holder, please leave a comment regarding something on this post and a way to contact you. Next Thursday, noonish, a name will be randomly drawn. The Bible verse is Joshua 1:8 "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your  mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." 

Ponder this ~ "Where one man reads the Bible, a hundred read you and me." ~ Dwight L. Moody ~

Blogging and Books

 ~ 9 years of blogging turned into books ~

Recently, Karen at This Old House 2, asked about blogging and is it dying due to other social media? I've been blogging since 2005, had my share of ups and downs, good comments and not so good comments and still enjoy the process. Some years ago, I blogged about leaving blog land; Kathy, Cedar Pond, encouraged me to continue and I'm glad I took her advice. Dave always enjoyed the blog documentation of our farm and lives; now that he's dead, it means all that more to me. 

 "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind" so says Jack Lewis. In November 2011 Dave died suddenly of a heart attack and this quote brought, and brings, me much solace. 

My blog into soft cover books were done by Blog 2 Print and contain front and back photos varying from valley views to photos of the house to, in 2011, a photo of Dave and I while we were in the Azores, islands about 1,000 miles off the Portugal coast. Book prices begin at around $15 and, depending upon what one wants, can go upwards of $100.00. Each of my books cost around $95 to $125 and, yes, that's expensive but I chose to go without other things so I could do this one thing. I will never regret that decision! If you visit their website, they'll give you a 15% coupon which helps. They also have some sort of Rewards program which I'm too stupid to understand -wry smile-.

My comment on Karen's post: "...about the only blogging "rules" I follow are "Keep it nice". If others want to follow a bunch of rules, fine by me but don't try to impose them on me; to each their own. I started blogging in the dark ages of 2005; an acquaintance was blogging and she said it was fun. Along the way, I blogged that I was thinking of stopping and a reader sent me a kind note imploring me to continue, so I have. I'm grateful to her for helping me make that decision; when Dave was alive, he loved reading my blog and took an enormous amount of pleasure in how our days/farm were being documented. Since his death, it's been an enormous source of comfort to me. As you know, I've often written Dave "blog letters" where I poured out my grief stricken heart and worked through the emotional pain and turmoil. I've had my blog made into soft cover books and they too have been a source of comfort. I also blog to sharpen my photography and writing skills and watermark my photos because they are MINE. Like others, I've had them stolen and watermarking them makes it a tad more difficult for the thief. I'm proud of my work, why wouldn't I want to take credit for it?
Finally, I've met a lot of lovely people in "blog land" and have visited some of them in person. I've stayed with Mags and her family in Ireland, Timi and her family traveled by train from their village in Hungary to the city of Budapest and we spent two lovely days together; Jane and Lance opened their home and we shared a delicious luncheon in Budapest. 
Blogging has brought a huge world to a more manageable level and has given me untold joys. Christian sisters, whom I'll never met this side of the veil, pray for me and I for them. When Dave suddenly died, people around the world tucked me into prayer and those prayers, heard by a sovereign God, sustained me.
It's like anything else in life. It can be used for good or evil; I choose good and my life has expanded in ways I could never have dreamt. Is blogging dead or dying? Perhaps but for those with eyes to read and hearts to share blogging will never die." 

This photo of Thistle Cove Farm was taken 2 or 3 miles, as the crow flies, away from the farm. Every now and again, I'll take a drive throughout the valley, camera in hand, and amuse myself by taking photos; a lot of those photos end up on the blog, in the books and on the book covers. Also, all my books have the tag line "The View From My Window, My Cup Overflows" on the front spine. There are two years left to print and one change I made with the 2011 book was to have the year printed on the cover. How much easier it is to find what I'm looking for when the date is on the cover, or spine, of the book!

I've mentioned, too many times, how I'm gathering the information gleaned after Dave's death, into a book. It's a far lengthier process than I'd first imagined due, in part, to the fact I'm still uncovering things that need processing and finishing. Just recently, I found several items that Dave never finished for his mother's estate and she died in 2008! Additionally, I found several items for Dave's estate and, for both estates, my lawyer has to petition the court to re-open the files and have me appointed Executor so both estates can be finished. AAAHHHGGGG doesn't begin to cover my emotional status! 

Added to that particular mix is the fact I have absolutely no clue how to publish a book. I don't have an agent...do I need an agent?...I don't have a publisher...do I self-publish, e-publish, publish a hardback or a spiral note book type that can be placed on the table and, along with a 3-ring  notebook be fully utilized particular to each person or family's needs? If you have any ideas or comments or help...whatsoever...please chirp. 

Finally (you say...finally! -smile-), Leigh, has written 5 Acres & A Dream The Book - The Challenges of Establishing a Self-Sufficient Homestead. I've looked through the table of contents and it's packed full of useful information. Somewhere in Southern Appalachia (hey, we could be neighbors!) Leigh and her family live on a 5 acre homestead where they live an agrarian lifestyle. We share many similar interests both in the home and on the land and, to date, she's sold more than 1,100 books since first published in December. If I were starting out, her's would be the book I would buy, read and heed.

Why do you blog? Please comment here and then write a post on why you blog and, if you have your blog printed, let me know it worked for you. 

Blessings ~ the myriad women and men whom I've met in blog land and in reality ~ my blog into books ~

You've worked me like a convict!

If laughter is good medicine, my heart is full and healthy. For almost a week, Stephanie, Beloved Sistah, visited and I haven't laughed so much, so loud and so long since well before Dave got sick in 2010! Steph is eight years younger than I and slipped into my heart the first moment I laid eyes on her, cradled in Mom's arms. When Mom brought her home from the hospital, the very first night, I slipped her from her crib and into my bed and was fully prepared to do my duty as Big Sister. Except for a very few times (that, frankly make me cringe) I've done just that. I'd definitely give that woman a kidney and, quite possibly, my liver if she needed either. 

Recently, she's had a few health problems so her husband brought her to Roanoke where I picked her up and brought her to the farm where I expected her to do a bit of R&R. Oh no, she did not! What she did do was pack up the dining room and Dave's office...massive jobs both as there were four pieces of furniture in the dining room and all filled with dishes and breakables. Some quite ancient, some antique, some only vintage but all extremely fragile. She would work feverishly (the only way the women in my family know how to work) and then, around 4 in the afternoon, we'd sit on the front porch where we'd shred paper. That's right...we filled eighteen fourteen gallon sized bags full of shredded paper from Dave's grandfather, his uncle, his mother, his first wife, Dave, a couple of companies...madness! We spent half dozen hours, on three nights, shredding paper that dated from 1932 in preparation for selling Thistle Cove Farm, here. The shredded paper was taken to Dr. Anne's for use in cat kennels and wasn't wasted. 

At one point, Stephanie turned to me and said, "You're working me like a convict!" then we both collapsed into laughter. These are halcyon days, even with all the work and made sweeter by Beloved Sistah's presence. She's home now, sorely missed but, God willing, the farm will sell so I can move closer to her and the rest of our family. In the meantime, I feel like Abraham; I'm preparing to move even though I don't know when nor where, exactly but am confident God, in His time, will make things clear. I'm hopeful and prayerful God will move me sooner than He moved Abraham; Abe was 75 when God said, "Go!" and Moses was 80 when he led his people out of Egypt! "Do Lord, O do Lord, O do remember me..."

In past years, God has moved me, several times, and truthfully sometimes I've never understood why. Dave has been dead a trifle more than 2.5 years and it's taken me this long to become emotionally ready to leave this farm. Like I've always said, "It takes as long as it takes"; grief cannot be rushed and it cannot be avoided. Grief will have its way and I believe it's best to walk through that valley of the shadow of death in order to come out the other side, in order to move forward with life.

I've been working on Thistle Cove Cottage, the Cherry Grove, North Myrtle Beach, SC rental condo and lots of other people have been enjoying it. (wry smile) This photo shows a portion of the dining and living areas but the table has been turned so the long side is against the wall. That gives much more space for both dining and walking through the area. 

The cottage is filled with meaningful things from home, such as this Hoosier cabinet in the full sized kitchen. Little touches like embroidery, baskets and Home Sweet Home plaques fill space. 

The master queen bedroom, with private bath, is comfortable and cozy and has balcony access to sit and watch the ocean. I best enjoy early mornings, sitting on the balcony, coffee in hand and having devotions, it's a sweet start to the day.

The second bedroom, with private bath, has twin beds and wall hangings from Budapest. The condo is deliberately not "beachy" because I wanted people to have a sanctuary, a place where they could feel the balm in Gilead when they returned after a long day on the beach, playing mini-golf, shopping or doing what they enjoy. The condo has a private pool, hot tub and rental rates haven't changed in two years. If you, or someone you know, would enjoy a beach vacation, please contact me for available dates. Peggy, "connected kin", is Manager and lives local so there's someone to call upon if need be.

My life isn't all that exciting right now...mainly work, work and more work but it's all good. I'm at a better place, emotionally, since I've been since Dave died and God is healing the hurt. I bless your name for remembering me in prayer; if not for your prayers and God's grace, mercy and love, I would not have made it. If you've time, please listen to Do Lord and Balm; both will lift and renew your spirit. God loves you with an everlasting love and underneath are His everlasting arms.

Blessings ~ prayers ~ Thistle Cove Farm ~ Thistle Cove Cottage ~ a balm in Gilead ~ laughter ~ Beloved Sistah ~ God's timing ~

Grow Your Blog

Welcome to Vicki's (2 Bags Full) Grow Your Blog Party; I'm so glad you're here! It's all pleasure to help Vicki with her party; she's a fantastic woman and has blessed my life greatly. On an update, Vicki said there are 596 bloggers participating, possibly more by now, so it's going to be a grand party...again, welcome to Grow Your Blog Party and Thistle Cove Farm.

~ some of my little flock ~

I'm Sandra and live at Thistle Cove Farm in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia. Dave, my husband, and I renovated this old farm house and farm, bred and raised rare breed American Curly horses, rare breed Shetland sheep along with Merino and Romney sheep and now have alpacas. Dave passed away in November 2011 and the resulting time has been spent getting my bearings, learning about finances and remembering to breath. It's been an incredible learning experience, the curve has been enormously difficult but I think, perhaps, I'm doing better. Thank God. 

For a short period of time I stepped away but am now back to writing a book, click here to see the beginnings, explaining to others how best to prepare for their own, or a loved one's, demise. There's so much one can do now to lessen the burden on whomever is left behind. It's a book everyone can use - marrieds or singles, those with children, those without, because someone is going to have to deal with aftermath. Do you really want a government employee deciding where your toddler or child is going to live or, even worse in my opinion, having to go into foster care? Have you thought about where your pets will live? God forbid they be dumped at an "animal shelter"! There are many ways to decrease the financial impact at a time when money is, possibly, scarce because of huge burial bills. Yes, it's a subject perhaps most would rather deny, but taking care of business now ensures your loved ones will have fewer burdens later. 

~ my paca nation ~

With God's help, I've kept the farm going...horses, sheep, alpacas, dogs, cats, guinea's, dogs, cats and me. The work is hard but, every summer, neighbor "Daddy John" puts up my hay and I'm able to hire Andy in the summer to help with the stuff that needs a man's strength and more farmer's knowledge. The farm is going on the market late February and I'm hopeful God will bring a buyer who will love this place as much as Dave and I have loved it. 

~ American Curly horses ~

I enjoy knitting, spinning, quilting, baking, cooking and reading. Each day is begun with Bible devotions because it takes a lot of work for me to get nice grin. Dave and I loved to travel, and either with him or solo, I've either taught agri-tourism or visited as a tourist most of eastern Europe, Russia, a lot of the Caribbean, 3/5 of the United Kingdom and all of North America. 

Thistle Cove Farm is on the cover of the movie, Lassie Come Home and was filmed in this valley in 1994. Above, the farm can be seen between Lassie and the yellow sub-title.

I have two gifts to give away, one international and the other domestic, please leave a comment and a way for me to contact you should you win. The first domestic gift (photo later) is a Bagallini Bag which is great for travel. It can be used as a purse or as a carry-all and unfolds from a smaller bag into a larger. The color is brown, trimmed with red, and is unobtrusive...a decided plus while traveling, I think.

The second international gift is a Thomas Joseph coaster, purchased in Dublin, The Republic of Ireland. It's delightful (click on coaster) and shows a sheep, driving a cart pushed by a donkey in harness, with the caption, “Form-ewe-la One”..., it's a pun on car racing in the USA. I adore puns, don't you?

Winners will be announced 15 February at noon; please visit then to see the names of the two people who'll receive the gifts.

If you'd like to follow me, the button is at the bottom of this page and thank you for your kindness. Should you wish to send a note, my e-mail address is on the left sidebar, about four down.

Thanks to Vicki and her long, arduous hours of work to organize the 2014 GYBP and you, for visiting. You're welcome here any time so come back soon, ya hear?

Blessings ~ Vicki and her Grow Your Blog party ~ my animals ~ Thistle Cove Farm ~ visitors...YOU! ~ 

Fat Charlie, Deer and Visa card Giveaway

It's not as cold as it has been but we've got snow, as evidenced by frozen laundry on the line. Yesterday, I took advantage, or so I thought, of the afternoon's clear skies, sun and mild breeze, to pin a load of laundry to the line. I detest using the dryer for a variety of reasons, the main one being, I'm cheap frugal thrifty Appalachian to the core, love the smell of sun drenched laundry and I'm cheap. Oh, sorry, been there, done that.  I thought there was time (don't we all, wry smile) to finish the day, get in the laundry and then get to my evening meeting.

No, to all the above. Oh I finished the day, but it was simply by being so far behind, I gave up. I fed the dogs and Carly, then raced out the door to do errands, take Charlie (story follows) to Mary, eat and attend the aforementioned meeting.

Bills mailed at the post office, Charlie delivered to Mary and then me to Italian Village to have hot chicken salad for supper. If there's anyone in town who makes a better chicken salad, please tell me who it is and I'll go eat there...but there isn't, so don't bother. Anyway, as I finished supper, I kept one eye on the encroaching twilight; the darker it gets, the slower I drive because of all the wild life. Yep, I left the restaurant and was within a mile of home when it dawned on me...I'd missed the meeting! Fortunately, it wasn't critical but apologies must be made and, hopefully, accepted.

~ Fat Charlie, knocked out and ready ~

Yesterday morning, about 7:10, Dr. Anne showed up to cut Fat Charlie because I believe very strongly in spaying and neutering. Fat Charlie is a barn cat, rescued, given another chance in life and I told Mary, "If you'll take him, I'll pay to have him cut." Happy, happy all around with the, probable exception of Fat Charlie -smile-. However, he'll live longer and healthier and, possibly, happier because he'll never know what he's missed in life.

Dr. Anne arrives to find the "operating theatre" all set up...table in front of the window, bright lights with towel spread over table. She gives Fat Charlie his "go to sleep" shot, arranges her vet supplies and says, "Dang! I have twenty scalpels  at home and didn't bring a one. Do you have a sharp knife?"
"Yes," I replied, "do you want a kitchen knife or pocket knife...?" "Hmmm, I think pocket would work." So, I hand her my Coleman hunting knife and Leatherman. It turns out the Leatherman is as sharp as a scapel so she proceeds and finishes in five minutes. By noon, Fat Charlie was fine although, due to meds, still staggering around a bit but by the time I got him to Mary, late afternoon, he was ready to leave me...ungrateful cuss!  I would show photos but last time I did that, folks got squeamish.

A few days ago, coming home, I saw this mama doe with her fawn. The field behind them held a dozen, p'raps more, deer of all ages although I didn't see a buck, only does and fawns. Beautiful!

A week ago, this was the sight...Dry Run creek was frozen, not solid, but enough to put a shield of ice over the top...again, beautiful!

The cave at Maiden Spring is frozen as well; this is where the Little River begins as it meanders down to the Holston River in Tennessee.

Thank you, Folks, for following Thistle Cove Farm; you are the reason I blog. It continues to amaze me that people find life on the farm interesting but I bless you for the gift. Someone once told me, "You're such an interesting person" to which I replied, "Not really but I do interesting things." I still think that true; God has blessed me (well beyond my deserving!) and I honour Him by giving Him credit and my life. He's getting the short end of the stick but it's what He wants and within my power to give.

A few weeks ago, I said when the follower count reached 500, I'd give away a Visa $50 gift card; that goal number has been reached. Would that I could to each, but I cannot, but to one follower, leaving a comment, you'll receive a $50 Visa gift card. Next week, Wednesday, January 22 at noon, the winner will be chosen by random generator and announced.

Blessings ~ Dr. Anne ~ Fat Charlie ~ Maiden Spring ~ the Cove ~ Dry Run ~ you followers, greatest folks on the planet! ~