Beth's Bliss 'n Blossom Farm

Out and about on Saturday

2007-05-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

Saturday started out sunny and warm as my hubby and I headed down to the Living Green Expo at the MN State Fairgrounds. First, just entering the fairgrounds brings memories of the State Fair and all the glorious foods and sights I love. It was actually quite busy when we pulled in and parking was tough. I hadn't been to the Expo in a couple years and I was so surprised to see how big it had become. There were many vendors with all different kinds of things from CSA Farming to Bio diesel to Soap makers and crafty stuff to everything you could imagine and IT WAS PACKED!!! We manuevered around for a while up and down the isles of displays, especially the soap ones!

Then as the rain came we headed off to the bookstore to find a new book by Maryjane Butters. What glee I felt finally having The Stitching Room book in my hands! So many ideas to try, new things to learn. Head on over to Maryjanes site a pick up your own copy www.maryjanesfarm.org . It is awesome! I will post some pictures of the many things I make from it. First is the pin keeper. A simple design I think. I spent most of Sunday embroidering what will be a sunflower that includes evey state and even some countries where us farmgirls reside.

Sunday was family day and we took the kids to the movies- Spiderman 3 was our movie of choice- ok the kids choice- but it was ok. Then we went to see my inlaws which is always fun. I talked to my FIL about planting, he has a green house with tons of different plants which I will get in a couple of weeks for planting. I am trying a few new varieties of hot peppers and a new kind of tomato. Will have some rhubarb soon- can't wait fro strawberry rhubarb pie!

My Princess

2007-02-14T13:24:00.000-08:00

Almost 18 and still my baby girl. Life is sweet. Like I am learning from friends like Miss E, rejoice in the moment.

Joyful, joyful Lord we adore thee...

A New Light

2007-02-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

Here we are , well into 2007 and I am finally getting to this blog again. It feels strange to me that though I keep up on others blogs, I neglect mine.
So many changes since my last post its almost too much to put down here. How about a Top 10 changes since 2007 list?

10. Global Warming- just a democrats way of stirring things up? yeah right!!!!!
9. This links to my unbelievable SMALL bill- for heat.
8. I have reconnected with some old friends which I have dearly missed.
7. Seed catalogs are here and I am busy planning an enormous garden for this year.
6. I joined up with one of my dearest friends The Soap Maven and am doing her Newsletter- now called Bliss & Blossom Farmhouse Journal. We are also looking to colaborate on more projects soon.
5. Renewed Faith. Lifting up the Lord in my daily life and giving thanks for all things.
4. Online store- it has just come to life and is growing every day- thank you!
3. National Champs- Sweet Ellens son on a winning team. It's great to be a Florida Gator!
2. State Champs! My son on not only a championship team but the first team in school history to be undefeated all season! Go Eagles!!!!!!

And the number one big change this year......

1. I have started a new business- which goes along with my farm business and part time job at a fire company The Firehouse Soap Company. making soaps designed for fire fighters to get the grit and grime of fire fighting off their skin. also great gifts!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Yes we are Eagles!

2006-10-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

THE EAGLE'S SECRET
The eagle stood proudly on the edge of his nest. As he gazed at the mountains and valleys before him, the eagle's thoughts returned to his childhood. He could remember clearly his first attempts at flight. Time and time again he had fallen out of control toward the rocks below. Time and time again his ever vigilant mother was there to save him.

The eagle recalled asking her, "What's wrong? Am I not as powerful as you have led me to believe?" His mother's answer would provide for him one of the most extraordinary moments of his life. Sensing that he was at last ready, she revealed - the eagle's secret.

"All eagles were born to soar. It is why we were created. Our power, however, comes not from what we can see, it is in the unseen. It is the wind, not our wings, that lifts us to the high places. It is our vision, not our eyes, that makes us rulers of the skies. But, above all these, it is our spirit, not our speed, that leads us to be strong and free."

Long time, no see.

2006-10-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

Well here I find myself into October and it has been a while since I've written anything. My web shop has kept me hopping as well as taking on a new project. And of course it is Football season and that in itself can run me ragged.
And now as if that wasn't enough Minnesota has decided to drop some snow and cold my way. My daughter came in this morning from her daily walk the dog ritual and informed me that the pool has a nice slab of ice on it. Never did get out to finish putting it away.
The one thing I do enjoy about the cold weather is the warm, yummy food. I am a true blue hot dish kinda gal. I love chilli, Green pepper and rice hot dish, Chicken wild rice, basically if it has a bunch of my favorites- mixed together- I will eat it. Gravy- the best! So I found myself at KFC (I know but it was the only thing in town) and had a KFC bowl. Absolutely sinful I tell you. Mashed potatoes then gravy then corn then popcorn chicken then MORE Gravy and on top some shredded cheese. OUTSTANDING> So I now make my own with the leftovers (yes Isabel I did say leftovers) from a great baked chicken dinner. And its better than KFC's anyday. By the time summer is waning I am sick of salads and the grill ( hard to believe but true) and I am ready for the stick to your ribs/warm you all over kinda food. I even share it with the family pets to get us all with happy, full puppy tummies.

So enjoy some fall pictures of us doing what we do- Football.

Free Design Contest!

2006-09-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

Susie at BLUEBIRDBLOG is having a contest and giving away a FREE website design.

http://bluebirdblogs.blogspot.com/

Thanks to you Miz E for sharing this with everyone. By the looks of things, I could really use some help. =o[

American Lit 101- Journal entries 1-10

2006-09-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some American Literature 101 questions to ponder. There are 62 in all which I will post coming up. This is an English class my 10th grade son is taking.

1) What image does the word revenge bring to your mind?
Explain the emotions a person seeking revenge might feel.
Is vengeance always the best way to deal with people who have wronged you? Why or why not?

2) What is motivation?

3) Do you ever hope that you will live on long after your death?
What might you do to make future generations remember you?

4) Do you think it is always best to know the truth?

5) What does the word democracy mean to you?
What do you think are the responsibilities of the citizens of a democracy?

6) What is grief? Can grief be good? Can grief be bad?

7) Is there such a thing as a “Just War”?
When is violence necessary?

8) What is Virtue?

9) What is the well-lived life?
How can you achieve the well-lived life?

10) What is the “Ideal Citizen”?
What is citizenship? How did the Greeks express citizenship?
How do we, Americans, currently express citizenship?

Can we not "look" our age and what not

2006-09-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Susie is turning 54 tomorrow and today she seemed, well, a bit sad. She told me that when she turned 40 people would say she doesn't "look" her age at all. So now she feels she is "looking " her age. First off, Susie is a beautiful person, not just on the outside but also on the inside. And the lines in her face and the gray in her hair is part of who she is. It shows her journey to the place she is at now. So what is with this whole "look" thing anyway. And what is 40 or 54 supposed to "look" like? I guess I don't care if I "look" 40 or 50, I would just like to feel like 18!

Stay tuned for Football updates

2006-09-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

National broadcast of the Totino Grace Eagles vs Mahtomedi live on channel Fox Sports North (641) on Friday October 13th at 6:30 pm.

Friday Nights at 11 pm locally on the Randy Shaver Prep Sports Extra on chanel 23, but can be viewed on KARE11.com.

Eagle Sports Online -- Check it out!!

Prep Sports Online has selected Totino-Grace High School to receive a fully-sponsored, high-tech website that will be customized to our athletic program. http://www.thetgeagles.com/ will feature our football team throughout the fall season, capturing all the memorable moments for athletes, families, and fans alike. PSO will cover every event from regular season match-ups through the play-offs. Check out the website!!!

TheTGEagles.com

Don't forget to order your own personalized Tote---- just $25.00 plus shipping.

Go Gators...from up nawth fan!

2006-08-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

Saturdays Scrimmage

2006-08-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

Smiling for the camera
Nice tackle

OK Miss E- Here's the best I can do for now. Will work on a video highlight movie as the season progresses. Most games from Totino Grace, if broadcast, or at least highlights can be seen on Fox Sports North. We get Gator football on Fox Sports- Sun.

Dreaming of Friday Night Lights

2006-08-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

Not a bad start for a Rookie

2006-08-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

Last night was Football Kickoff Night at the high shool and it was a blast! Football is here and what a way to start the season than with an interception and the best hit of the night against the star running back. After the game at the BBQ, both coaches and players alike said to my son, " Way to go Rookie!"

Gone to Carolina in my mind....

2006-08-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday and I am home with my favorite people- my 4 kids. Spent yesterday with family at my inlaws, also the best, and then shopping for sports equipment. Do you know that though Mn does not have a clothes tax, shoes are taxable which of course prompted me to argue with the pimply 16 year old behind the counter who replied they are not shoes(?), they are sports shoes. OK whatever, hurry up mom blah blah blah. So I pay the tax and move along, drone. Found great football shoes for my 15 year old but alas at 110.00 dollars PLUS tax they aren't in this weeks budget. Not after new skates and new FB shoes for the 10 year old. They are the best though something called armour something.

So this morning we are picking fresh veggies for a garden omlette and french toast. Yummy !!! so I decide to play some James Taylor and the kids are like who is this, well this is the music I listened too on sunday mornings in college finishing my course work that was due Monday and possibly nursing a hangover from the frat party the night before. My mornings meditation. Walk on down a country road........... ohhhh Mexico. Guess I'll have to go now.

Landslide

2006-08-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

I took my love and I took it down
I climbed a mountain and I turned around
And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills
Well the landslide brought me down
Oh, mirror in the skyWhat is love
Can the child within my heart rise above
Can I sail thru the changing ocean tides
Can I handle the seasons of my life
Well, I've been afraid of changing 'cause I built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get older
I'm getting older too Well...
Well, I've been afraid of changing 'cause I built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Children get olderI'm getting older, too
Well I'm getting older too
So, take this love and take it down
Year and if you climb a mountain and ya turn around
And if you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills
Well the landslide brought me down
And if you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills
Well maybe
Well maybe
Well maybe the landslide will bring you down

More words of wisdom

2006-08-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

During my life I have had a few good friends. In high school it was Carol. We were inseperable for 4 years and had some amazing times. Then I moved to Minnesota (from NY) and had Debbie, whom I had known since I was 13 or so. We both summered at Chautauqua, waitressing, hanging out and partying. Then she got a great job at Dulles and moved East. By this time I had met my future husband and we married and settled down in St Paul. But as mental illness took over , he became more difficult and demanding of my time and friends were few and hard to find. And with 4 kids and my busy schedule that was ok. then came the farmgirls. And especially Ellen and Is. They offered me friendship and support at all times (even slightly intoxicated as I escaped my stressful reality). And here I have Susie, a co-worker and amazing friend. Friday, after a hard night at the homestead Thursday she offered me her shoulder to cry on and kind words of advise. Her simple "If he knew better , he'd do better" will carry me down the future turbulent roads I will travel. So you three wonderful women I will call my NMW friends. What is an NWM friend? No Matter What friend. The friend that sees you at your worst and stays to help. WHo sees your faults and loves ya the same. Who tells ya the way it is even though the truth is painful and then helps you back up. You are three of the most amazing women I have ever met and am lucky to call my friends. I will always be your NMW friend!

Irish Festival ~ Harriet Island St Paul MN

2006-08-13T08:39:00.000-07:00

Oh what a grand day! We had a fantastic time seeing and eating our way through the festival. We saw so many interesting people. And don't ya just love the Irish lilt. I could listen to them talk for hours. We met a nice lady from just south of Dublin. She reccommended some things to see and do when we travel there this spring. Hope you enjoy the sights of the day.
There were so many people this years and many stages to hear the Irish performers.

My daughter, Shana.

State of Mind

2006-08-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

It's all in a State of Mind
If you think you are beaten, you are:
If you think you dare not, you won't.
If you like to win, but don't think you can
It's almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost;
For out in the world you'll find
Success begins with a fellow's will;
It's all in a state of mind.

For many a game is lost,
Ere even a play is run,
And many a coward fails
Ere even his work begun.

Think big and your deeds will grow,
Think small and you'll fall behind;
Think that you CAN and you WILL;
It's all in a state of mind.

If you think you are out-classed, you are;
You've got to think high to rise;
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the fellow who thinks he can.

FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE!!!!!

Down on the farm

2006-08-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

A lesson learned

2006-08-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

I have this biblical lesson in my head that helps me deal with things like this. It was about Jesus employing people when he was here on earth, some started first thing in the morning and some started at many other times during the day, including up to ½ hour before the end of the day. When they were all paid the same wage for a days work some started to complain and Jesus said to them… I honored my contract with you didn’t I? If you want something different when you sign your contract you have to say so or be happy that your contract was fulfilled.

I remember the minister saying that His lesson is not as direct as it sounds. The benefit of living up to the contract you made and not complaining is that you are a happier person because you don’t waste time evaluating other peoples contracts, with a side benefit that you will begin to be a better bargainer in the future knowing that you can ask for what you want.

If this sounds judgemental, it’s really not. It’s just that it does make me happier not to evaluate other people’s contracts, once I got out of the habit of wanting to know what other people got that I didn’t. It still takes some work sometimes but I figure every time I even think about it, God must smile.

Thanks for the wisdom Susie. You are truely a great friend.

Start to Finish

2006-07-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

Gardening

2006-07-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

I have never enjoyed gardening more in my life than I

do this year. Even the mosquitoes don't seem to bother me as much.

Maybe it isn't that it is growing as much as it is what is growing. For you see I am growing plants from seeds of love. These tiny seeds that I received from friends this year, seeds I planted as our friendships began and I am watching them blossom and grow everyday. When I sit quietly in my garden and weed and tend it I feel their presence with me.

These women, farmgirls, friends.

Chautauqua

2006-07-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

Miller Bell Tower, Chautauqua Lake NY
Hall of Philosophy
Athenaeum Hotel
Reading on a typical Chautauqua porch

I had promised to post this essay I wrote many years ago . Not surprising i have found farmgirls who know of or who have been to Chautauqua. Chautauqua Institution is a wonderful place. My dad found it when I was 5. He liked it because it was close to home (200 miles) and had so much intellectual activities he could enjoy. So off we went for a short 2 week stay. Then the next year it was 3 weeks and finally we were spending our summers there for 9 glorious weeks a year. I learned many lessons there as well. I went to club and learned to sail, even got my skippers certification. Spent many hours in the craft room making boondoggle neckalces and key rings, painting pottery and making all sorts of stuff.

Unlike most famlies that summered there, we did not own property nor have the wherewithall to do so as most of the 1800's houses were well over a million dollars even back then. We did rent a room, one for me and one for my folks, in a rooming house. The bathroom was down the hall and on the main floor was a community kitchen. I loved it. Most of the hotels there offered a room and meals so as a teenager I would stay at the hotel and serve 3 meals a day to the customers. I also worked at the childrens school for several years. It was a great place for a college student to work during the summer break.

Miscellaneous Facts About Chautauqua

The Chautauqua Institution was founded in 1874 by Lewis Miller, an Akron, OH, inventor and manufacturer; and John Heyl Vincent, a Methodist minister (later bishop).

The Chautauqua Institution is a National Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designated a National Historic Landmark June 30, 1989.

Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his "I Hate War" speech from the Amphitheater platform in 1936.

Ronald Reagan addressed the Third General Chautauqua Conference on U.S.-Soviet Relations via satellite in 1987.

Carlos Roberto Reina, president of Honduras, was the first foreign sitting head of state to visit Chautauqua. He spoke during the Second Chautauqua Conference on Central America in 1995.

Thomas Edison was the son-in-law of Chautauqua cofounder Lewis Miller.

George Gershwin composed his Concerto in F in a Chautauqua practice shack in 1925.

The Athenaeum Hotel was one of the first hotels to have electric lights.

Kellogg Hall (built 1889) was moved from Bestor Plaza to its present site in 1905.

Watching a Dream Die

2006-07-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever stood still enough to feel the wind stop blowing, to hear the birds stop their chirping, then all you have is an eery silence. I did today. As I cleand up my sewing room and put away my inventory from the market I realezed I had just watched my dream die. I thought it was a good dream. Something I looked forward to. Something I could attain. But some things just don't come to pass. At least not now. i am very saddened today as I see things I love dissappear in front of me. So I work furiously to put the reminders of what is lost to me away so i can not dwell on them. I pull away from friends I hold dear to quicken the end of this dream turned nightmare by mental health.
Growing up with parents like mine was more than difficult. And as many teens I rebelled. Then I ran, I ran over a thousand miles to get away from them. I found love and then marraige and then children. My life is all about my children. My marraige is just there. It is empty and without love. Well i should with out being "in love" for I do love him. I was "in love" with him for years. But finally the mental health crap took that away. For you see he is bi-polar. And goes on and off his meds. For 6 monthes he has been off. He is at the point of driving me insane. If I could I would run a thousand miles again. Start over

2006-05-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

This is an excerp from a friends blog that just had me rolling- Thanks Lisa!

I needed to get out of my cave and, get in the sun. I felt a home improvement bender coming on, so I got in my car and headed for Menards, About a mile down the road, I see check engine, so I stop at the gas station add oil and, coolant and of course the light stays on. I get to Menards and I’m walking around thinking I look ok, and I look at the mirrors, and I see a big chili stain on my left boob. I've been walking around in the store for a while, talking to sales guys and stuff, how embarrassing. I go to the bathroom and, wash off my boob, so now I got a big wet left boob! So I think whatever, I am just buying bags of bark. I’m thinking .... why doesn’t the check engine light come on for us, in our minds?I go to Target and, try on some clothes and, am horrified to see how fat I got this winter, (check engine!) so I go buy some diet pills, and man do they work I was buzzing around here so hard I was seeing stars,(check engine) Oh well I got a lot done. check engine!

Screamin Eagles

2006-05-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

This year, Totino-Grace finishes first in Class 2A
Plainview, the dominant small-school boys' team in True Team so far this decade, won its fourth Class 1A state title behind dominating performances by senior Brady Flies and its relays.
Roman Augustoviz, Star Tribune
Last update: May 20, 2006 – 11:05 PM
Chris Beach took over the Totino-Grace

boys' track and field program three years ago, he wanted to establish a perennial True Team power -- like neighboring Mounds View had among the big schools.
On Saturday, the Eagles took a big step in that direction by winning their first Class 2A title in the coaches- sponsored state meet at Stillwater High School.
Totino-Grace -- led by football players Alex Rooker, Brandon Turner and Tony Pastoors -- won seven events and finished with 444½ points to 395½ for runner-up Fairmont.
"It was a great day," Beach said. "Actually, we had quite a few [personal records]."
Last year Totino-Grace, in its fifth True Team state meet, took second place. "That gave us motivation," Beach said. "We had a lot of seniors returning and they were excited about the opportunity to do it -- win it for the first time in school history."
Pastoors said Beach reminded the team of his dreams for the program on the bus ride to Stillwater.
The athletes did the rest. After winning the open 400, Pastoors anchored the Eagles' 4x400 relay and held off a Fergus Falls runner in the stretch in the meet's last event.
"The coolest part about this is, it's a team thing," Pastoors said.
The Eagles won seven events in all. Rooker took first in the 100 and 200, Turner in the triple jump, and Matthew Griswold in the 300 hurdles.

Birthday Bliss

2006-05-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

My oldest and youngest..

Blazin a trail
The birthday boy! Oh to be 10.

The joy of Prom

2006-05-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

Ahh the prom. What fun. So much preparation goes into a night for a teen. First the big search for just the right dress, a dress which you will only wear once and one you hope noone else will have. Then of course it's shoes next. Don't forget the wrap (which never got worn) and the purse, earrings, necklace etc. Now we are closer to the big day and must make the appointment for hair and nails. You want 50 dollars for someone to brush your hair and put in a few bobi-pins are you serious. Lucky for you I can do your acrylic nails. I am a mom with skills! the big day is here. We have found the perfect restaurant, figured out who is driving. The hair is ok- seriuosly just ok I mean it did cost me 50 dollars I would think it would be magnificent. Then there you are at the Grand March. Stunning, beautiful, so grown and now mom is trying to hide the tears, my daughter is a gorgeous young woman. Priceless.

Mom you shake my world apart

2006-05-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Ode to you

I live in the here and now
you live from the past
a lifetime ago
a childhood , a memory
Remind me of the wrongs of my teenage past
never seeing the me of today

grown and gone for years
my life became my own
without your influence and negativity
twisting words and recollections in your mind
bringing the misery to me once again

you try to become part of my life again
a person you do not know
grandchildren who are a nuisance, a loud annoiance to you
So now you are seeing a momma bear protecting her cubs. Why did I bring them with me to visit? you ask. Because they represent the best part of me, of who I am. But you don't want to see that. Do not cross me over my children because I will become ferocious. You look at the 4 best grandkids you could possibly have and all you see are your own shortcomings. So Leave, go back to the east coast and live with your "family" your blood, not one you "got" one day back in 1965 when they said they had a baby girl for you to take home. Remember when you said maybe you should have gotten a dog instead. I think it would have been a good idea too.
So now you are leaving in 10 days. I don't know if I am happy or sad. Maybe both. Happy because we do better with a 1000 miles between us. Sad that you will never see your grandkids again and they are spectacular. If I ever see you again doesn't really matter. It never has.