Christmas Archives - A Country Girl's Heart -Beats that Matter

November 23, 2020November 23, 2020

Gift Guide for Chicken Owners

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Do you need gift ideas for the chicken owners in your life? My Gift Guide for Chicken Owners shares 15 ideas I picked. I had fun putting this list together. As a backyard chicken owner, I would enjoy any of these items.

No worries if the person you shop for lives in town or country, these chicken related gifts work for all. Items range from under $10 to $35.

NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.

15 Gift Ideas for the Chicken Owner

This mug from Lang sells for $25 .99. The cute box adds functional decor to any part of your house (2 gifts for the price of one).

Coffee Mugs

A coffee drinker loves to sport their favorite mug while enjoying a hot beverage, chicken lovers included.

Click on picture above to shop

Does the chicken owner in your life wear earrings? I know I could see myself wearing these to a farmers market. The 2 pictured examples showcase different art style.

Click on a picture to order or view other options

Ear Rings

Under $10

Click on the picture to order

Clicking will provide additional varieties. If you gifted a hen and rooster set with matching art and color, a person might choose to wear a hen in one ear and a rooster in the other. Now for the price of 2 sets of earrings they would, in fact, have 3 to choose from. How fun is that?

Metal Signs

Price $8.99. Click on picture to order.

Click on picture to order.

I like seeing metal signs decorating a chicken coop or barn. They also look cute on a front porch or in an entry way.

How about these cute socks (pictured below)? I think these are my favorite.

Socks

Click on any picture in this grouping to purchase

These socks look cute and imagine the fun and laughter to be had with them.

Any of these socks would tickle my fancy to unwrap for a present.

Click on any image to purchase or search for additional sock options.

This wallet has credit card slots and potential cell phone holder.

Wallet or Small Purse

Click on a picture to order

I like the outside pocket on this wallet.

I like the fact this key chain is hand made.

Key Chains

Kitchen Sets

Maison d’ Hermine Campagne

You may purchase individual items to make up a complete kitchen set: table cloth or table runner, placemats, along with the items pictured here.

Set of 2, 100% Cotton Kitchen Towels

Set of 4, 100% Cotton Napkins

Hot Pad and Mitt

Table Runner

This apron is my favorite.

Give the chicken lover in your life a new kitchen look.

Set of 4, 100% Cotton Placemats

Click on any picture to order and see other items in this set.

Kitchen Accessories

All of these add to any kitchen sporting a farm or chicken theme.

Click on the above picture to purchase these cute rooster hot plates

Who doesn’t like a cute hanging wire basket hanging in their kitchen., or bathroom or entry way? This basket might fit in any room of a house.

A chicken door stop provides an attractive way to hold the door open in the house or barn for the chicken enthusiast.

Click on a picture to order.

Door Stops

Fun Garden Decorations

These would be cute in a garden or near a chicken coop.

Solar powered, lighted chicken

Click on a picture for further details.

The chicken owner appreciates a good pair of chore boots. I feel lighthearted thinking about going out to the barn in style.

These boots come in these two design patterns and styles.

Rubber Boots

Click on either picture to order and see other options

Click on the picture to go shopping.

Salt and Pepper Shakers

Give the chicken lover in your life a cute way to show off her hobby with a rooster and hen. There are several cute options to choose from these are 2 of my favorite.

Sweatshirt and T- Shirts for a Chicken Owner

The saying and colors are one of my favorite I have seen so far. When you click on the picture you will find other options.

Who doesn’t like a cozy sweatshirt or chicken themed T shirt? Click on a picture to order.

A cute way egg ‘basket’ how be-it less practical. It would look adorable sitting on a kitchen counter or shelf.

Egg Baskets

A cute practical egg basket for 12 eggs or more.

Click on either of these pictures and you will find other baskets to choose from.

Chimes

Wind Chimes

Does the chicken owner on your list enjoy wind chimes. These are a perfect addition for a porch or coop.

Perfect for the t-shirt wearin’ chicken lady in your life.

Do you know of an item that should be in a Gift Guide for Chicken Owners? Leave me a comment telling me what you would add to this list.. Thank you for looking. Happy shopping.

Additional Gift Guides:

Practical Gifts for Homesteaders

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December 9, 2019December 9, 2019

Perfection In the Eye of the Beholder

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This blog often focuses on gardening, chickens and homesteading ventures. This post in honor of the season, I reflect, I share, from what is on my heart in my everyday life this week. It is a process we all, I hope, are traveling as we strive to homestead, raise our own food and connect with others along the way.

I have been thinking about perfection. My week itself lacked, the last two weeks, in fact and as I think about it the last few years. When I look back a tiny bit farther my entire life. I missed the mark over and over. I have a long list of where I have fallen short of expectations both by myself, others and what I understand the Bible to teach.

Now I ask myself who sets the mark? That mark I aim for. Whose standard is it? As I am the one striving toward this perfect (fil in the blank), what motivates me to pick that as the ultimate place of achievement?
M. Graber

What my parents thought, my grandparents? My teachers, my extended family? Schoolmates and friends? Jesus and God? Keeping up with societies expectations? Now that is an ever-changing mark.

Not getting the garlic planted perfectly staight, but it is planted.

I know from experience when learning or teaching there are different levels of ‘good’. The first time I picked up the fiddle, I struggled to hold the bow properly. Over time I improved, but in the 2 years I practiced, I am not certain I had attained perfection. That kind of perfection takes hours of practice. Now there is a thought. Reaching perfection takes repeated repetition. In other words, practice, and in essence experience. One only gains experience by trying repeatedly or practice. Focus goes a long way in producing a ‘perfect practice’ as does confidence. When those two elude me, I feel as if I am climbing a mountain on my hands and knees, clawing for every little progress.

Might perfection be in the eye of the beholder? Perhaps, but God sent Jesus to be a perfect example of how to live life. He nailed it and was nailed to the cross because of it. He chose to be a perfect sacrifice. He knew He had a job to do and He did it. Perfectly.

Working after dark to get the garlic in. Using a flashlight to see.

Last night Justified and my nieces and nephews took part in the Holy Walk in Bremen, Indiana. Justified, the name my Mom, Sheila, and I decided on when making a Christmas CD in 2013 have a soundtrack to sing too. My voice weak, Sheila could hardly sing, and my Mom at 78 bravely tried to focus. Her brother and my uncle had passed away that morning. She said it did not seem real. I venture to guess; she simply did not have the energy to process the fact and carry on with the day’s events.

Months ago, we planned to attend the Bremen Holy Walk and include the nieces and nephews. A meaningful way to connect with the next generation. Canada and Wyoming families were put on notification to prep for this event before arriving. My nieces and nephews love to hatch and carry out plans. The 2 Canada nieces prepared a song to sing and had practiced. Sheila jumped in to provide keyboard music. I knew her capabilities. My niece from Wyoming had practiced playing piano and brought books along to play.

Informed I was to organize the order we sang, I put the song order together. All the younger nieces and 3 nephews would join us in a couple group songs. We sang and played each with our own insecurities and horse voices, not enough preparation to be perfect, the underlying grief that our family member had passed on, and all the nerves that come when in front of an audience. The Canadian nieces sang a pretty song about Mary’s labor of love. The Wyoming niece played Away in A Manger while we gathered the younger children into a group to sing. We sang, with the children, imperfectly, but they had an experience of sharing in song.

They all headed out to the Holy Walk and Justified stayed to sing. I am not sure we have ever done such a performance. It was almost painful. I had 2 days prior, battling a 102.5 temp, I decided I was singing for the Lord that night. That resolve stayed with me. He promises in 2 Corinthians “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (KJV) I move forward trusting He will use what we presented in our imperfect performance to His needs.

If I waited for all to be perfect before I did anything, there is little I would have ever done. Barrel racing, riding a horse, roping, playing instruments, singing, relating to others, speaking my heart, more recently raising chickens, gardening, building and operating a website, learning how to structure and maintain an online business, selling products at farmer’s markets all manifested complete with their imperfections.

I showed up striving to do my best. There have been times my best was better than other times. I learned 25 years ago the danger of deciding I did not care. I care. I care to do my best.

As for last night it had its perfections woven in the imperfections. I hugged my Mom as we finished up our last song. She called I love you as I was leaving after I had told each child what a great job they had done. They had done excellent. The children and their mothers, and grandfather had experienced the Holy Walk. We had connected as a family while sharing the gift of music and the message of Jesus with others. I long to be perfect, have perfect performances. We are called to be perfect as Christ was perfect.

Again, whose standards decided perfection? Most would not consider a birth in a stable fit for a king. But it was perfect for God’s plan.

What first step (seemingly imperfect by someone’s standards) do you need to take today to get started to fulfill God’s perfect plan?

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November 26, 2019November 23, 2020

Practical Gifts for Homesteaders

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Check out a list of gift ideas for people living a homestead lifestyle. Prices range from under $10 to over $ 50 for a couple items. Have fun shopping for the homesteader on your list as you use this gift guide as a way to get you started.

NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.

Clock

This one has my vote. I would like to see this reminder on my wall.

If it isn’t for the person on your list, click on the clock and you will find other options.

Cast Iron

My aunt gifted me this pan and it has become my go to cast iron skillet for cooking eggs in various ways.

There are mulitple options to choose from when deciding on a cast iron purchase. Lodge, one of the best quality cast iron pans to purchase lasts for generations.

Click on the picture to order

Chicken Quote Puzzle

Puzzles

A couple different ways to stimulate your brain in those times of slow down. Click on either picture to order.

Candles and Such

Click on any picture to learn more and/or order

Click on The Farming Game to learn more.

Click on either picture to order

Games

One of my favorite games: Dutch Blitz

Heirloom Seeds

Here are a few other places to order Heirloom Seeds

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Seeds for Generations

Heirloom Solutions

Click on the above underlined companies to view thier selections and order.

To order Survival Garden Heirloom Seeds, click on the above picture.

E Book

Does the homesteader on your list want to hatch chicken eggs? Consider giving a guide to help them plan: Plan Your Hatch

Click to order

Signs

No homestead with chickens is complete with out a Farm Fresh Egg sign. There are many designs to choose from. I picked this one out for its appropriate shape. Hope folks know that price of 25 cents is per egg.

Click on image to order

Thermometer

Barn Theme Thermometer

I would put 2 of these to use here at home. One on the garden shed so I could look out to see the temperature and one in the chicken barn to get an idea of how cold it really gets in there.

Horse Theme Thermometer

Click Picture to order

Cardinal Outdoor Thermometer

I have wanted an outdoor thermometer for a couple years. I know right where it will go. Current local temperatures are always on this homesteader’s mind.

Outdoor Rain Gauge

Here are a couple examples, but if you click on either picture, you will find additional options.

Apron

For the homesteader who raises goats.

I grew up with goats and this puts a smile on my face.

Goat Apron

Click on the picture for ordering information.

Click on picture to order

A practical gift for bee keepers

Metal Honey Sieve with Double Screen

You may want to do a bit of sleuthing to find out if they already have this item.

Peet Dryer Original, M97-FS

Click on the picture to the left to see additional details and order.

Boot Dryer

Solar Powered Outdoor Light

Some places on a homestead may be hard to run electricity especially when in the beginning stages. A Solar Powered Light on a outbuilding is not only a green option, it allows for lighting in a remote place on the farm or homestead.

Sunforce 120 LED Solar Motion Light

I know exactly where I would use this light here on the homestead. In fact, I can think of a couple places I would like to have a motion light.

Click on the picture to learn more.

Click to find 15 gift ideas for chicken owners

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December 14, 2018June 21, 2019

Indoor Market #2: Culver

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On November 17, 2018 I attended my first indoor Farmer’s Market in Bremen, Indiana. I am looking forward to the possibility of a February Bremen Indoor Market in 2019 with a Valentine theme. I decided with eggs to sell and crafts to make I would try a second indoor market. I had seen on Facebook and Instagram that the town of Culver was hosting an indoor Famer’s Market twice a month through April 2019. Further investigation revealed that temporary vendors were accepted as space allowed.

Finding the vendor information and application links on the Culver Farmer’s Market Facebook page, I applied. A few days later I learned I was indeed welcome to attend the following Saturday.

The weather proved miserable by the time I arrived and was unloading the car. Wind driven rain, and temperatures in the 30’s had me shivering. The atmosphere inside was however was warm and friendly to this newcomer. I enjoyed the view overlooking Lake Maxinkackee. A fog hovered over the choppy, wind driven waves of the lake and I felt cozy inside the Beach Lodge. Happy with my display, I settled into painting on a couple different bird houses. I found painting at the Bremen Indoor Market gave authenticity to the finished birdhouses on display. If not for anyone else, certainly for my own satisfaction.

I made a short video to allow you to look at the variety of options to shop for at the Culver Indoor Market. So please be sure to click on the video and enjoy a close up view of many of the items available.

Watch a short video showing vendor wares at the Culver Indoor Market in Culver, Indiana

Each market varies a bit with vendors attendance and I did not get a picture of every available item. If you are local to northern Indiana and southern Michigan, be sure to check out the Culver Indoor Market this Saturday December 15, 2018. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the first and third Saturday’s now through April. The Market is free to visit and enjoy live music while you shop.

Location: Beach Lodge, Culver Town Park, 819 E Lake Shore Drive, Culver, IN 46511

Time: 9 am to 1 pm

Leave a comment sharing your favorite item from the video.

In Summary

I am happy to have attended this market and look forward to providing farm fresh, NON -GMO eggs, crafts and other items at future markets. I met locals, some who embrace similar values, and will enjoy getting to know how they homestead in their own unique way.

What did I buy?

Local grass fed hamburger and ginger snap cookies.

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December 8, 2018December 8, 2018

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

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Amid the hustle and bustle of December, the fun of sharing special times with friends and family, and the rush of preparing and attending events, I am going to take a moment in this week’s blog post to reflect back. Back to last July when we paid a visit to Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park, and specifically the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Another moment to examine the importance of this season, and finally memories of a friend, in my opinion, gone too soon.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

We did not find this awe-inspiring spot in the park, (One of many, right?), until late afternoon. We choose to spend one day exploring Yellowstone National Park. After stopping at Yellowstone Lake, Old Faithful, exploring the Old Faith Inn, the Gibbon River and Falls, and oh yes, on our way into the park I had fun climbing up a rocky mountain top along side a dirty, large snow drift which lingered into the month of July. You may read about this and other adventures from that day in various blog posts I have yet to write. Consider subscribing to the newsletter for updates from the farm, new blog post notifications and for offers I believe may be of interest to you.

We turned off of the the park road following signs to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. A sign read 3/8th mile hike to the bottom of the canyon. Sounded like something I wanted to challenge myself with. After all, its only 3/8 of a mile.

Looking down from the top of the 3/8th mile trail to the Yellowstone River.

Looking almost straight down, I could see a river raging and a paved trail with serious switchbacks. Oh, I was excited to begin the descent. I did note the views as I went down. I admit, I gave thought to the best ones where I intended to shoot some pictures on the way up. A good excuse to rest along my ascent for I knew going down, the upwards journey would indeed push my current physical limits.

Arriving at the bottom, I felt a bit small. Wyoming, in general, does that to me. Here, I felt it acutely. The river was rapid to say the least and the way the water fell down the falls left me a bit intimidated. Take a look in this video what it looked like to stand out over the falls and look down the canyon.

Beautiful colors, in the rock andwater captured my eye, but sheer magnitude exhibited by power of the water reminded me of the Creator and His might.

I did indeed feel exhilarated as I began the ‘only 3/8th mile’ climb back to the car. Do you hear a bit of sarcasm in my voice? The first and second switch back I challenged myself to get off the paved path by scrambling straight up, using rocks, and roots for foot and hand holds. The combination of high altitude and myself being less fit than in my past, I found after 2 I needed to resort to staying on the trail and slow down. Yes, I made use of those pretty views I mentioned earlier to rest, allow my heartbeat to slow a little and catch my breath. Did you know that when resting adrenal glands, it is important to not increase one’s heart beat too high? I was trying to be mindful of that, while the spunky spirit in me wanted to push myself. “Humm, now just what can I do?,” Summed up my thoughts “How far could I go without stopping?” Some part of me longed to go straight up the side as I had on the first 2 switchbacks at the bottom. As I was nearing the top I again stopped to soak in the beauty, the essence of the place and time, a unique to that moment feeling came over me. In my awareness of how my body was feeling, I found myself thinking of God, heaven, and a life after death on earth. I have heard others speak of a feeling close to heaven, but never experienced it. In that moment on the final stretch of the last switch back looking over the top of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone I felt as close to heaven as I have ever. Perhaps there is a better way to put words to what I was feeling, but for the present that is the best way I can describe it. I felt peace and a nearness to God, and His Son, the powerful, sovereign creator of the universe.

There is a one-way road that runs along the canyon. We left and found yet another trail to descend for an entirely different look at the lower falls. Instead of looking over, we could face it from downstream. The color contrast of the water and thecanyon walls, along with the depth and height, I attempted to capture to share with you. Here is another video to view looking straight down and across the canyon.

A high look out point provided a place to chat with other visitors to the park.

Another trail led down to a place to get a different look at the lower falls.

I badly wanted to make that hike too, but the daylight was fading fast. I was in need of nourishment from the last hike that had dropped my sugar levels like a rock.

I contented myself with a partial hike on this trail enjoying a mountain stream as I went. A rest stop on a cute little bridge provided an impromptu photo shoot by my husband.

Stacey Alexander

I believe it was the next morning that I received a phone call my friend Stacy had passed away sometime before our stop at the canyon. It may have been earlier that morning. No matter really, as I remembered the feeling I had experienced as I gazed across the top of the canyon. I marveled at the mystery that is the work of our Creator in us. I cried, hearing her daughters voice on the other end of the phone, knowing it only meant one thing.

I was reminded of the day I met Stacy. It was a cold snowy, day with high winds causing serious white outs and drive offs on the road that we lived on at the time. Stacy was returning from moving one of her sons and driving a high-profile moving van. She decided to park in our drive way until better weather or a plan to get home could be decided on. As I finished up my barn duties, I invited her and her little girl in for a hot drink to wait for the help she needed. A conversation and a couple hours later I had made a new acquaintance. I had also learned she worked as realtor. Fast forward about 6 months, my husband and I had decided we were going be purchasing a house. As I prayed about what realtor we should use, Stacy came to mind. I had not spoken with her since the day she needed a place to get out of the storm. To be honest, as life often gets busy, I had forgotten about her. That day as I prayed, she came to mind and I knew I had found a realtor to work with. We looked at properties for 6 months before closing on one. Stacy worked hard not only to help us find what we wanted, but also when we did, to make sure the process moved forward in a way we would not regret.

Stacy became a friend who I kept up with from time to time. On this day, her daughter was no longer a little girl, but still, seemed unfairly young to be calling me to tell me of her mother’s passing.

The Birth of Jesus – Fulfillment

Enjoy your family and friends this December as we gather to celebrate. Remember the ones who may be missing loved ones.

I have been going through a workbook titled God is Enough. This book takes an in depth look at the book of Colossians. This is one of many books ofthe New Testament that speaks of the mystery God revealed through his Son. As we hustle and bustle our way through the month of December I invite you to remember the birth of the One who completes God’s plan.

I found myself singing this song once again this week and realized how it sums up what I have been studying in Colossians. Take a listen to Justified singing Down from His Glory.

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November 28, 2018December 4, 2018

A Holiday Farmer’s Market

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With the garlic planted, I was ready to turn my attention to the upcoming Indoor Farmer’s Market and cweek to prepare for the first Indoor Market in Bremen. Knowing that the hens were molting I wanted to have more to take than eggs, if I would have any. Egg production drops off when the hens molt. I contacted my Mom and she was trilled with the idea of making crafts for the sale. Earlier in the fall I had looked over boxes of craft items my Mom had stored for future creations. The only item I was sure she had was A LOT of fake evergreen.

She had many birds, little wooden bird houses, other wooden pieces, ribbon, beads, fake snow, bows, and other pieces to create to our hearts content. I picked up some paint and found more in my own craft supplies. I probably have not even looked into my craft boxes for over 5 years.

Day 1:
Armed with my hot glue gun, a few bottles of paint, along with purchases I had recently made, I set out on an almost 2-hour drive to spend an afternoon painting little decorative bird houses. My Mom had come up with the idea to make the bird houses as if they were gingerbread houses, but first they would need a base paint. These cute things were no taller than 4 inches. I had purchased brown paint to hopefully resemble a gingerbread house.

After painting a few brown ones, I wanted to play with the red, green and white I had brought along. Time flew by that first afternoon. My mom and I had planned to take a break and make a short trip for coffee and donuts (for Mom) and food with more substance for me. A special way to spend time with family hanging out and expressing our creative side.

Day 2:
I looked out my window to see a whole bunch of white covering the landscape in the beautiful way only fresh fallen snow can. The drive took longer, but the pretty view along the way left me feeling like I arrived in no time. I sat down and went right to work with a paint brush. I seemed to move from one to the other thinking on ideas of what I wanted to create on a previous house as I worked. I switched from painting to work on a wreath. I needed to take a break from the brush. As I worked my thoughts went from gingerbread houses to a winter scene with snow covered pine trees. Humm I wonder…. if I could paint a pine tree….?

I recalled a time in fourth grade, that I had sat down with a blank piece of card board and various colors of chalk. I had messed around a bit with drawing, as a child might, but not with any flow or success. Drawing usually felt like a struggle, something that I had to think hard about. This day I was recalling, the picture began to appear beneath the splashes of chalk. I was looking a painting of 3 collie dogs, but drawing in chalk. I sat alone in our living room, mentally tuning into a creative, artistic zone. I heard the voices of people working in our house trailer that day as if they were a TV playing in the background. In reality, there was many who had come over to clean up a big mess, made when I had unleased an entire fire extinguisher on a single electrical outlet. The act alone, I was told, is why there was a heavy covering of dust like material in the entire house trailer. Had I not acted quickly, there would have been NO house to clean. I felt terrified when I saw flames coming from the outlet. Looking back, I now believe the drawing of the collie dog provided an outlet for emotion overwhelm. That day, the face of a collie seemed to me to simply appear from the strokes of chalk, there was a flow I had never felt before. I struggled many times after that as I attempted to draw pictures, but rarely, if ever, felt the synchronicity of seeing with my mind and creating with my hands. On the day in my memory…I wondered, ‘Could I draw the face of a collie with those pieces of chalk.’ I had found them when working to clean up the mess.

Back to the current day, sitting with a paint brush in hand I again felt the flow from my mind to the picture that appeared as I painted. The fact I was feeling a similar connection between my hand creating and the picture I was seeing in my mind had reminded me of the day of the fire.

Market Day

The day of the market arrived. I made use of the option to take items in the day before, so set up was fast on Saturday morning.

Having been a vendor at Bremen’s summer Farmer’s Market, I enjoyed seeing familiar faces of both vendors and customers alike. This time I sat painting, while chatting with people new and old. I enjoyed this version of a market. There were new to me vendors attending the indoor market, such as Millers Goat and Garden.

This of course caught my attention since I grew up around goats. A bit more about my child hood in the blog post titled: Roots and Wings: New Life ~ Goats. Word has it, a Valentine’s Day Market is in consideration for February. Be sure to visit and like the Facebook page for Bremen Farmer’s Market for updates using the link posted below.

www.facebook.com/BremenFarmersMarket

And stop by the CG Heartbeats Farm Facebook page for farm news, local market updates, new blog posts and other interesting bits of info.

In summary, Bremen’s event, A Holiday Farmers Market, was a success for me. I sold a few things, and conversed with people in the community I had not met before. I also had reason to spend 2 days with my Mom as we prepared. Simply put: A Holiday Farmer’s Market equaled a fun time! This years indoor market was a first time event for Bremen, Indiana. A first of many, I hope!!

A big thank you to Yoder’s Bremen Hardware in downtown Bremen, Indiana for providing the venue along with chairs and tables for the event.

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December 25, 2017December 27, 2017

Roots and Wings: A Living Moment

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I celebrated Christmas in a different way this year. I often find myself missing someone at Christmas and feeling lonely. It gets in my way of enjoying the day. Now I know grieving the loss of a loved one is going to happen, but this has become a pattern for me. A habit of wanting what is not going to be and choosing to live in the pain.

Some of the people I miss are my sisters and their families. They live a long distance from me and our connections take place during warmer months of the year. Largely due to the extra work it takes to care for my animals when we are having winter weather and the expense of travel I do not see them during the Christmas Season. I decided this year I was going to live in the moment(s) and enjoy myself in my current circumstances.

I created Christmas DVDs for each of their families and mailed them early so they would be able to view them Christmas day. I pictured a Christmas morning at their individual houses and the kids viewing the DVD’s. I left it to my sisters discretion of when it actually fit into their day the best. I knew that I was making a connection with my nieces and nephews even if I was not there in person. One of my sisters text me the kids were re-watching the video and the youngest was jabbering through the video. I guess she liked seeing the pictures of herself and her siblings on the TV screen. While it was special to hear the reactions, even without, I had a fullness and peace on my heart with the knowledge that I had planned for a way to connect with them.

Knowing I enjoy children, I decided to make plans with a different branch of the family. I felt compelled to invest in the lives of my in-laws. I made plans, but they did not turn out quite what I orginally imagined. As Christmas day unfolded, I learned, many I invited were not going to be able to attend. I had peace (that passed understanding). For you see, I believed in my heart that I planned and acted on the Lords prompting in my heart. I realized that He had prompted me to act and plan knowing full well how the day would reveal itself. He would use my actions as he had planned. It was only me who had a preconceived notion of ‘why’ I was doing the things I was doing. I could choose to be disappointed, if I wanted to be. In this circumstance, I rested in knowing He had it covered all along. Nothing happened this Christmas that He didn’t see coming. With that outlook the day was a complete success!!!! I rested in knowing He had it planned this way all along!!!

It was a cold after noon and I spent the remainder of the day caring for the animals. I believe my PM chores took me about 2 hours. What did I do when I was done? I fell asleep!!!! It was a restful, peaceful sleep, with the feeling of contentment and a happy heart! I had lived fully in each moment of the day!!

What did Christmas mean to you this year?

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December 18, 2017December 19, 2017

Roots and Wings: My Favorite Holiday

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Exciting! In one week, we get to celebrate Christmas, my favorite holiday!

I was born on Christmas. It was no easy feat to even arrive. I required a forceps and broke my moms tail bone getting here. I have in years past, and may again, been unhappy with the fact that I was turning one year older, but not this year!! I am choosing to take a look back and celebrate the victory of some of what I have lived through. I am choosing to feel thankful I survived a traumatic brain injury, broken pelvic bone, among other not so serious horse wrecks and, daily, I have awakened every morning to date, despite, low sugars, struggling adrenal glands, and low thyroid. Yep! I am going to celebrate!!

I have many fond memories of Christmas. One of the earliest, is going to my grandmas house to decorate the Christmas tree. Memories of home made gifts from relatives. A couple that come to mind at the moment are the cross stitched picture of a barrel racer with the words ‘dare to dream’. Shelves made by my uncle and grandpa which still hang in my house to this day. Homemade gifts are the best kind, in my opinion.

The presence of loved ones, a few who are no longer living on earth, are the memories I cherish the most. I carry the sound of their laughter, singing, and words of wisdom in my heart. Speaking of singing, a Christmas tradition I enjoy is caroling. It is not a tradition in the sense that I go every year. But when I do, the warmth in my heart over rides the cold air, that along with insulated Muck boots and Carhartts.

My intention is to impart specific impressions into the heart of those loved near and far. Encouragement, hope, joy, laughter, and a knowledge of the importance the difference a relationship with a Savior makes when times get tough. What better time of the year to sow seeds into others lives? This year I am looking for ways I can be intentional when it comes to connecting with people near and far.

There is a more important celebration than my birth happening across the world on December 25th. Jesus, God’s only Son, entered our world all to become our Savior. This often has me feeling my birthday pales in comparison.

I like Christmas for the gathering of relatives and for a period of time one can immerse in the reminder of what it is like to have faith. Not in Santa, but in a God who sent His son to eventually die for me, for us all. That is a pretty special gift wrapped up in a baby.

What are the ways you make connections with those close to your heart no matter the physical distance? Sending cards? Gifts? Caroling? A phone call? Enjoying a meal together? Viewing Christmas lights?

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December 15, 2017December 19, 2017

Roots and Wings: Christmas Candy

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I had the pleasure of making Christmas candy with a neighbor and friend last evening. I met her a little over a year ago. I stopped by her house to introduce myself as I realized there were people living in a house that had been empty. She had moved into the area from Iowa. I learned I am the same age as her mother. That felt weird to me at first. It doesn’t seem that long ago I was her age. We became friends quickly and last year made Christmas candy and snacks together. I hosted last year and this year was her turn. We intend to make this a tradition.

The snow flakes were speedily blowing across the landscape as I drove the short distance to her house. I admit, I entertained visions of driving a sleigh instead of my old car.

We chatted and laughed while we made chocolate covered pretzel complete with sprinkles, buck eyes, chocolate covered peanut butter sandwich crackers, and home made peppermint patties.

I snacked on the Chex mix she had taken out of the oven soon after I arrived. We drank coffee and told each other stories. Oh, did I say we laughed a lot? We did!! We decided to play Justified – Once in a Manger while we were crafting yummy sweets. She told me a story of when her little sisters were in the area to visit.

She said, ” Oh you should have seen them. They gathered all their dolls, stuffed animals, blankets and pillows around the lap top and huddled there, listening to your CD.” (Justified ~ Once in A Manger) My heart was blessed. A warmth filled my heart and bubbled out of my eyes ever so discreetly. How precious to have made a difference in the lives of little ones. I shared with her the special memories I had as Sheila, my Mother and I put the CD together. I am thankful that even though I was going through some dark moments personally while we put the CD together, the Lord can show up and bring beauty out of ashes.

These moments spent in the presence of people dear to our hearts are moments that live on much longer than presents under the tree. I challenge you to find ways to be intentional about what is important, no matter what struggle you are facing.

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