Faded Prairie

{BE}lieve...

2012-01-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

here i am well into week 2 of my B.12 project...

my one little word for 2012 is to {BE} ...

i am turning this little word into different B words as i go through the year and my creative journey..

i {be}gan with {be}gin... :0)

{be}ginning my creative journey and really {be}ginning to live the life i dream, to {be}gin on living intentionally...

i have been absent from here due to exploring the why's of my business and who i really am...

hello soul hello business, creatively made, and beyond layers are all giving me the push towards beginning...

i never realized when signing up for the e-courses how entwined they would be...a prompt in one course would reveal an A-HA moment in another. questions asked lead to questions answered...they really are making a difference in my everyday...

so from {be}ginning to {be}lieving i go..

to really {be}lieving in my dreams no matter how big or how small, {be}lieving in myself as an artist, {be}lieving that my life of an artist and mother can run parallel, and {be} beautiful...

i won't lie..it has been a struggled for me to stay intentional, to not listen to those small whispered doubts..sometimes it seems so much easier to just give up...when i feel the weight sink deep within my stomach i try to just step away for a moment...

i have to admit the one constant that soothes me and replenishes me is the evening feeding and checking in on our little cows and their new babies...strange isn't it?? this one little chore though grounds me..gives me strength and assurance that my roots run deep, that i can let go and {be}lieve in my dreams...

how are you all doing with your resolutions or aspirations for twenty.12?? any struggles or ways cleared for you??

i hope you will all join me by...

{be}lieving...

Project {Be.gin} 365.1

2012-01-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

hello dear readers...

happy monday!

since i am {be.ginning} my creative journey and i need all the help i can get on sticking with my b.12 project i've decided to be accountable with a photo each day...

sheesh...that is a little scary for someone like me...

especially since i haven't picked up my camera since christmas...

thank goodness for my iphone!

with the apps and the quick uploading it hasn't been a burden {yet}...oh, except when there is no cell service, which as anyone who lives here knows the trials with that! :0)

one of my favorites is instagram {really who's isn't???}...

i *love* the vintage, surreal feeling that instagram brings to my photos...

can you tell my favorite subjects?? ;0)

some more favorite apps of mine are: hipstamatic, pictureshow, Ttv Ps, and picframe for grouping photos together...

what are some of your favorite apps?

if you are wanting to join in on a 365.1 project i've created a flickr pool where you can share your photos there as well! let us all {be.gin}!!

planking...

2012-01-05T16:23:00.001-07:00

so sorry dear readers...

the new interface on blogger is giving me a complete ache in the you know where! :0)

i've finally switched back to the old to bring you planking....

the good kind...on walls, and its usually white and i'm thinking this is definitely going to be my next project!

{i love the raw, natural beauty of these planks}

Source: desiretoinspire.net via Kristin on Pinterest

{oh.my. that's it. i'm in love}

Source: countryliving.com via Kristin on Pinterest

{this is a must for clancey's room}

Source: myblackbook.free.fr via Kristin

{i need a white piano too....it doesn't matter i don't play does it?}

Source: tickingandtoile.blogspot.com via Kristin on Pinterest

so what are your thoughts on wall planks?

oh and if a certain prairie girl decided to take a crow bar to her walls how would she go about adding planking?? :0)

do you apply it over the dry wall or does it completely replace dry wall? has anyone attempted adding this to their house? i would *love* to hear your thoughts!

Be....

2012-01-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

i hope you all had the most, wonderful christmas...

we enjoyed every single moment..it was the most peaceful holiday i remember for a long time...

we spent the time playing games, ice skating at beautiful bryce canyon, working over cows, and just being together...it was pure {magic}...

now here we are, 2012 and i feel SO excited! i just know the year is going to hold some extra special *fabulousness* for my little family :0)

we have made some plans for some big changes here and i can't wait to share...it is something we have been waiting 14 years for...it is definitely time!

i have also been making some plans for my little space here, i have been chatting with an insanely talented girl to help give the blog a little lift and new direction. in early november a new muse visited me and her story is waiting to be told. it really is miraculous how everything comes together...

when reflecting on 2011 one word came to my mind...{muddled}...

i had some Dreams come true during the year, some i never realized i had but i just felt as if the little trials drowned out a lot of the joy. it seemed that i really couldn't focus on anything and just {BE} in the moment...

so my one little word for twenty.12 is {BE}...

i also have a little confession to make before we go any further...i loose interest in things quite rapidly {the half-a$$ed projects throughout my house can testify} so making a commitment on one little word for an entire year is really not feasible...i don't think i can even remember what word i chose for last year, i definitely know it wasn't muddled! ;0)

so i'm changing up the way my word is going to work for me and my new found *love* of art journaling is going to help out, i hope you join me for my B.12 project...

every two weeks i'm going to come up with a new {BE} word...this word will help me stay focused and intentional in my living...

all my thoughts and direction will be written here...

my B.12 journal...

i recently came across an article on the life of an artist, how you as an artist can have all the mediums, the ideas, the space and desire to create but if you don't actually produce something you are a {poser}...yes, a poser and i am the biggest {poser} of them all! i can't tell you how THAT one little word has affected me, i know without a doubt that i DON'T want to BE a POSER!! i want to create, i want live an artful life, a creative life, i want to live the life i know i'm capable of living....to just {BE}...

{BE.GIN} is the first little word to start guiding me on my creative journey...i found this quote on pinterest tonight that reaffirmed the importance of beginning...

Source: en-cour-age.tumblr.com via Kristin on Pinterest

it really is that simple...{BE.GIN}...

i'm {BE.GINNING} by taking an in-depth business course with kelly rae and beth nicolls...i'm ready to take faded prairie to the next level and make the most out of it...

i'm also {BE.GINNING} with another e-course...the wonderfully, all inspiring, jeanne oliver's dream come true....{CREATIVELY MADE} rediscovering the beauty of your gifts...i don't know a better way to begin a journey than this...

i hope you will begin your journey with me, please share how you plan to begin. are you going to be accountable within the written word, are you going to begin by picking up your camera one extra time each day...what ever it may {BE}...just begin...

a vintage christmas...

2011-12-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

where did this month go??

oh, i had big plans to share with you all..

then the flu bug hit and here we are less than a week away from christmas...

things are definitely in panic mode here...

in the midst of the chaos i wanted to stop in and share one project that i completed and absolutely *adore*...

a vintage village from 2 gypsy girls....

it fits perfectly into my whole vintage, neutral christmas decor...

paula and deb's site is a pure joy to visit...*love* everything they create...you should definitely check out their junkin' christmas tree they just created!! *amazing*!

i hope you all have a wonderful holiday season...i'm shutting things down until the new year...

*thank you* to each and everyone of you for taking time and stopping in...*love* to you all!!

merry christmas and happy new year!!

Wednesday's Whisper No. 12...

2011-12-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

Source: iiiinspired.blogspot.com via Kristin on Pinterest

always look again dear friends, there will be a way...

Holiday Gift Guide: Unfurling Creative Wings...

2011-12-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

crAzY!!

oh.my.

i just can't seem to keep up with it all! oh, i can tell you we have been enjoying each and everyday of the holiday season!

i have some projects to share with you, some photos of our christmas tree hunting trip, and a couple photos of the cute babies that have been being born around here...tis the season!! :0)

but first my holiday gift guide for the special person in your life that may need a little direction into unfurling her creative wings....

*love* each and everyone of these...i hope you enjoy!

1. creatively made by jeanne oliver...i don't think i have ever been so excited for january in my life!! everything jeanne does and creates is pure beauty! *love* her!

2. terri brush is an *amazing* artist...i missed out on taking one of her classes here in utah last month and was so thrilled to see her offering online classes!! whoot, whoot! right now i'm taking her holiday class. we are learning paper clay, some soldering tips, and much more...i can't wait for the metal etching that also begins in january! will definitely be signing up for that one!

3. brave girls...definitely the most life changing e-course i have EVER taken...hoping someday to attend the camp...

4. she art by christy...i cannot tell you how much i *adore* this girl and her art!

5. somerset studio publication gives a girl direction and inspiration in many mediums...

6. she art 2 by christy...i told you i adored her! :0)

7. scarlet lime is my go to mixed media store...*love* the jumbo rolling stamps and my new favorite faber castell india ink

8. keeper of secrets & dreams altered tin...what better place to keep and write your dreams...this website is full of mixed media projects..one of my favorites...

9. soul*full ecourse sounds *amazing* i'm thinking this is on next on my list..

many of these courses have already started and are not starting again until 2012, but are definitely worth waiting for and taking...

Holiday Gift Guide: Romantic Prairie Home

2011-11-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

uuhhmmm...so confession time...

i'm still swimming in gravy...

ugh...wasn't it wonderful!! :0) oh how i *love* thanksgiving, it is my most favorite holiday and not because of the black friday sales! LOL!! did anyone go?? i have never been and probably never will go...crowds make me break out in hives! ;0)

now that things have settled it's time for another holiday gift guide...

this week....{Romantic Prairie Home}..

another confession...i'm not a pastel girl...not that i wouldn't want to be, it just seems that i can't quite pull off the look in my own home...

although the following beauties are enough to make me want redo the whole house!

enjoy!

1. a prairie home CANNOT be without ironstone...simply cannot, i promise!! ;0)

2. oh dottie angel makes my heart soar...her designs are *stunning* makes me want to go and bake a pie or something... :0)

3. wouldn't these bone dishes by alice's looking glass look *divine* filled with holiday goodies??

4. i can't tell you how much will power it is taking for me NOT to click add to cart for this beautiful scalloped mirror...sigh...andrea's photos always cause me to loose control! LOL!

5. sadie olive again girls...seriously could buy sara's whole shop...this time a lilac patchwork quilt

6. beautiful tracey has just returned from france and was able to bring some vintage goodness home with her...i'm not kidding, i would become a slosh if i could drink beer from bottles such as these! ;0)

7. now for maria and dreamy whites..i could also buy out her whole shop..i do believe santa could fit these lovely canning jars into my stocking...

8. the wheat field has been a favorite typography shop for me, i am seeing this quote everywhere i turn..thinking i must start listening to the whisper...

9. and finally dreamy whites again with this wooden traveling trunk...sigh...

and there you have some stunning romantic prairie finds..

this week holds some exciting things...a giveaway and a glimpse of a new direction for me! can't wait!

Happy Thanksgiving and Wednesday's Whisper No. 11

2011-11-24T07:51:00.001-07:00

Source: shadows-in-paradise.tumblr.com via Kristin on Pinterest

enjoy your thanksgiving weekend dear readers! i am so {thankful} for each one of you!

Holiday Gift Guide: Industrial Accents....

2011-11-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

happy monday!!

i hope you all had a wonderful pre-Thanksgiving weekend!

this list today started off as one for the vintage home...sheesh...i don't know what i was thinking..

there was NO way i was going to fit all the vintage goodness that i love into a nine square template!

so i've had to revise a little and break things down...

so this week Industrial Accents for your Vintage Home...enjoy!

1. Sadie Olive's industrial card cabinet..oh, how i would *love* this in my studio...

2. the perfect accent and a perfect color, a vintage turquoise fan...

3. i *adore* this vintage pitchfork...ours definitely don't have this much character and are definitely not as adorable!

4. old crow farm never fails to have amazing industrial goodness...*love* their industrial letters!

5. you all know i have a soft spot for vintage stools...oh.my.goodness check out that color!! sigh...*bliss*

6. i was SO glad that beth opened an etsy shop...her french wire basket is *divine*

7. another beautiful industial accent from sadie olive...

8. scarlett begonia vtg's vintage desk lamp is simply beautiful...

9. and no vintage home would be complete without a vintage scale...especially a grey one! :0)

etsy is still my go to site for vintage industrial goodness...there is definitely something for everyone. would *love* to hear if you have found in {drool} worthy industrial accents this holiday season!

Wednesday's Whispers no. 10....

2011-11-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

Source: rebeccacooper.blogspot.com via Leah on Pinterest

A Photographers List...

2011-11-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

i've tried....i really have...

i'm usually the last person to think of christmas until after thanksgiving...

but this year...

i think i'll blame it on the snow, wassail, and mindy gledhill's winter moon cd...

oh, and as always...anthropologie's catalog...

i've already put together some gift lists...sorry! :0)

every monday i'll share a different gift list; everything for prairie girls, photographers, a vintage home, and artists...hopefully you find something for that special someone on your list...

even if you are like me and don't think of it until after thanksgiving!! ;0)

first up...

The Photographers...

1. The iPhone Telephoto Lens...all i can say is...it's about time and a definite must!!

2. a Wild Flowers Workshop...not just any photography workshop...this will be held in round top, tx...wait for it....held at the most *AMAZING* location....wait for it....rachel ashwell's THE PRAIRIE!!! i know!! sigh....*dream* big girls!!

3. i *love* these iPhone cases...i simply can't decide which to pick...they definitely have something for everyone!

4. of course no photographer should be without florabella's photoshop actions!

5. this 50mm f/1.4g would make a great stocking stuffer!!

6. again florabella! this time her textures and vintage frames...

7. this calender dedicated to the oh.so.beautiful vintage camera would look divine on the studio wall...

8. okay, i have a confession...the next item is coming home to me...i couldn't resist!! a grey, rosette embellished camera strap...

last but not least...

9. a stunning fine art print from lucy snowe photography...simply beautiful...

there you have it my friends...a gift list for the holidays for the photographers in your life!!

happy shopping...{after thanksgiving!!} ;0)

A Creative Winner...

2011-11-10T15:55:00.003-07:00

Sorry so late in posting the winner of the creative giveaway...

*thank you* to all who took the time to share ways to keep your creative spark ignited!!

the winner of all the creative goodness is:

LeAnna who said:

"What a pile of lovelies! My spark of creativity involves photography, and I keep it alive by keeping my camera turned on. That might sound cheesy, but I've learned that there is nothing too insignificant to capture, and some of the most beautiful images are the ones I don't see until my eye is behind the lens."

i couldn't agree more leanna!

please contact me at fadedprairie @ gmail.com with your contact information...

thank you again to all, what an amazing group of creative souls!!

Wednesday's Whisper no. 9...{a little late}...

2011-11-09T19:26:00.002-07:00

Source: sweetpeaink.typepad.com via Kristin on Pinterest

a little late dear readers...this week has been *crazy* to say the least...

winner of my creative giveaway will be announced tomorrow afternoon!!

talk with you soon....

Thank You...

2011-11-04T14:46:00.004-06:00

a little *thank you* is definitely in order...

to you dear readers for joining in on my CREATIVE giveaway {there is still time to enter!!} and for being here to read this little area of blog land...LOVE each one of you!!

to kimberly taylor for the shout out in the premier issue of folk...your take on my blog brought tears to my eyes!! LOVE what you are and the folk are doing within the magazine...*stunning*...

and to michelle from vintage junky who invited me to participate in What I Keep Wednesday {a couple weeks ago..sheesh, sorry michelle for late thank you...}

here is a small sampling of what i shared...

be sure to stop over to michelle's blog and check out what other fabulous vintage collectors can't let go. including urban farmgirl and blondie n sc, two of my most *favorite* girls!!

really *thank you* to all who share what i do here! you are very much *appreciated*!!

wednesday's whisper no. 8...

2011-11-02T15:47:00.002-06:00

Source: atypicaltypea.com via Kristin on Pinterest

this is my favorite whisper so far...remember dear readers your light...

also, don't forget to enter the CREATIVE giveaway...it really is worth it i promise!! :0)

A Creative Giveaway...

2011-11-01T16:54:00.004-06:00

finally the CREATIVE giveaway is here!!

sheesh...please don't judge on my lack of getting anything done by a certain time! ;0)

the one thing i enjoyed about SPARK was the range of creative mediums offered to the students...i'm telling you they had a little something for everyone...

while reverse applique and wool felting just wasn't my thing...{again no judging please!!} ;0)

the junk journal and mixed media classes made me *smile*...i could have spent the entire two days in those classes!

i hope with this little giveaway you *smile* and whomever the winner is i hope they can get a taste of what i enjoyed at SPARK and can let their creativity soar...

The CREATIVE giveaway will include:

a package of vintage ephemera for all your mixed media creations...

Mindy Gledhill's cd {Anchor} as well as the sheet music for the song...

i *adore* mindy and her vintage style...her music is something that i always have accompanying me on my creative days...

a 6 x 12 signed Prairie Girl Art created by yours truly during Christy Tomlinson's class...

a dainty and petite SPARK necklace to help remind you of the small spark of creativity and all the possibilities...

{this necklace was created by the *uber* talented canela of cinnamon sticks designs}

i was SO lucky to have chosen a table near hers in the artisan market and we became fast friends!! the end of the post brings a little something else from dear canela!! :0)

a 24 piece paper pack from pink paislee and the house of three...

{daily junque} was designed by the *fabulous* rhonna farrer who rocked the Luella dress at SPARK...

a set of 5 vintage inspired rub-ons and one pennant stamp from jenni bowlin...

as well as a set of {daily junque} stamps and 3 jenni bowlin ink pads...

still with me??...we are NOT finished yet!! :0)

canela, who is unbelievably sweet and unbelievably talented is also offering a capture life hand stamped sterling silver and gem stone necklace as well as 10% off any order from her two shops

Cinnamon Sticks Designs or Cinnamon Sticks on Etsy

just use the code fadedprairie...offer good through November 6th! {can you say just in time...uhm...holidays!}

sigh...*love*...

{winner will have choice of gem stone in the charm}

did i tell you she was *FABULOUS* or what!! *thank you* dear canela!!

so...how to enter...

~GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED~

1~ leave a comment telling me how you keep your creative spark alight..

2~ visit cinnamon*sticks fan page and like!! be sure to tell her how ever.livin. fabulous she is or some such love! leave an additional comment telling me of your visit...

3~ tweet, blog, you know the third entry drill kind of thing...please leave a link here letting me know!

giveaway ends November 6th 5:00 p.m. MST..

that's it and good luck to you all!!

oh, and i do believe this has been the llloooonnngggeeessttt post i have EVER done!

The Search...

2011-10-28T14:58:00.003-06:00

this time of year is always so hectic...

due to the wet weather all summer and the gorgeous fall we have been having we were blessed with an extension on our permit. this means we are just starting into the fall gather when normally we would have been almost finished by now...{this is my little way of warning you that future posts are going to be crazy, full of cattle. the working of cattle, the herding of cattle, and of course the general cussing of cattle!!} :0)

before we are up to our ears in cattle we decided to make a trip to the pumpkin patch. we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful afternoon in our search of the perfect pumpkin...

acres and acres of orange orb goodness...

of course the kids found their perfects right off...

mine took a little more searching, but behold this beauty that came home with me...

richard was even able to find a perfect...

oh alright...he really couldn't have cared less...we were given the eyeball roll every time we packed another pumpkin over to the trailer, but the rest of us had a good time!!

now for the carving of our perfects, this is where my patience isn't all that great..oh, and not to mention i still have to sew a costume...did i mention i was a procrastinator?? :0)

enjoy your weekend dear readers!

i am working on photos of new goods that will be added to the shop on sunday...

also, the *amazing* giveaway from my little trip to SPARK has been postponed until monday...i have an *uber* talented artist that has decided to add in a little something, something for you all!! can't wait!!

beauty on the farm...

2011-10-27T17:17:00.004-06:00

while attending spark marci and i had a free hour to explore beauty on a farm...

never before have i seen old, discarded farm goods given a new home as stunning as this...

i hope you enjoy the few glimpses...

wednesday's whisper no 7

2011-10-26T16:58:00.000-06:00

Source: sueswink.tumblr.com via Kristin on Pinterest

the winged woodland...

2011-10-25T16:50:00.002-06:00

sorry for leaving you completely hanging last week...

i had planned on doing some sneak peeks of my booth for spark and also of our trip to the pumpkin patch. that was before the panic set in and the realization that i'm a huge procrastinator of the worst kind!!

i didn't capture many photos of my booth, we had exactly 2 hours to set up my four foot space...

yep, four feet...this was a HUGE challenge for me considering my vintage milk cans, wire baskets and such take up four feet themselves...

the tables were provided and that was that...i did what i could, is it what i really had in mind...definitely not but hey, complete learning experience right!?!?

i present the winged woodland....

a lot of vintage ephemera, galvanized goods, and green glass..

i'm thankful to say not much came home with me...*thanks* to marci and canela for the help in packing up...you two are complete sweethearts!!

i will be creating some more goods that i didn't quite get to that i want to include in this line...

if the weather {and my procrastinating self} permits photographing the goods should take place this week with a newly stocked store by the weekend...

it was such a joy to meet some *amazing* artists!! christy was as sweet in person as in her e-courses, jen jensen blew my mind away with her junk journals, and don't get me started on the ever hilarious donna downey!! *loved*, *loved* her!!

it is always a treat to meet readers of this small space, wish i could have visited more with each of them! it was a little crazy, hectic, and by saturday i was in complete auto mode ready to go home to cuddle with my little ones...

a HUGE *thank you* to marci for trucking me around all weekend to check out some *fabulous* spaces! hoping to share some photos soon...

hope your week is going well dear readers, i have a little giveaway planned for the end of the week! i enjoyed shopping and finding wee trinkets to include...

talk with you soon...

Wednesday's Whisper No. 6

2011-10-19T07:13:00.000-06:00

Source: lovemademedoitx.blogspot.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Inspiring Girls...

2011-10-18T13:15:00.004-06:00

it only takes one moment to have a spark ignited within your soul...

to have a blog post, photo, or piece of art really speak to you and set you on your way...

the print above came to live on the prairie {found here} not just to inspire me in the direction of my art but also on my e-course...this little girl spoke to me, and made me realize what i wish to {speak} to others...

this girl and her NEED to create has really helped me through this past month...

when my daily truth arrives from these girls it feels that i alone am being spoken to...

often i get feeling overwhelmed, wishing and grumbling that something bigger really has to come my way for true happiness, this girl reminds me to enjoy the small things...

this time of year always brings forth the validation of why richard and i choose to raise our kids in the farming way of life. the harvests are in and the hard work, and dedication my little family did throughout the entire year can be gazed upon with full hearts. this girl and her trip back home through farm country gave a new perspective on harvesting....

this girl's words always give me {pause}...

when thinking i was completely insane and all alone in making the decision of an artful, happy life over one that required a heavy heart, this girl took time to reassure. to remind me that moms everywhere are choosing something different....

and when i believe that things just simply are not going my way, that i have lost control and it is not fair, this girl shows me how to let go with grace, and faith.

where do you find your inspiration and the small whispers which help guide you...

Wish, Dream, Believe...

2011-10-14T16:36:00.002-06:00

when doing my shows this summer i've found that they weren't just an opportunity to sell *amazing* vintage finds but a place where i could give voice to who i really am and where i was at that point in my journey...

not only where the themes, colors, vintage goodness different but the {whispers} that were being spoken by my displays were different...

with spark just a week away i've seen a common thread of wish, dream, and believe being found every where i turn...

these gentle thoughts that are needing to make themselves heard not only to me but to others will be the major theme for my space...

the whispers will be tucked within birch bark, moss, and nature's goodness...

given a tender, magic place where the roots can grow deep and the wings have courage to soar...

there will also be a little industrial woodland thrown in the mix for good measure! :0)

if you are in utah next weekend be sure to stop by SPARK'S artisan market {open to the public} friday and saturday...

if not i promise lots of photos and some of the magic to make an appearance in the shop soon...

wednesday's whisper no. 5

2011-10-12T07:08:00.000-06:00

Source: myinspirationlounge.squarespace.com via Kristin on Pinterest

*thank you* to all for the thoughts and encouragement...

with your words i have wept and cleansed the last of the doubt from my soul...

i'm not sure if i can ever make it up to you all or let you know how much you all mean to me, hopefully one day i can give you the same {love} and support you have given me...

an intentional mom...

2011-10-10T07:14:00.001-06:00

this past month has been spent deep within quiet contemplation...

i'm at a crossroads right now, my little family is at a crossroads...

some big changes are coming our way, some scary changes that will effect us financially...

i've been torn between following my dreams, and passions or going back to school to finish my degree in something my heart really isn't into...

that nagging voice within telling me to do the safe, more secure route has been tough...

i see ladies who are following they passions, living their dreams and i think why can't i???

which mom is best for my family?? a mom who is full of joy and really living...or a mom who is bringing in a a steady paycheck and feeling stuck???

today i've come to a decision and i cannot tell you how {intentional} my day was...

just one day and the heavy burden on my heart has been lifted...

i feel the warmth and light upon my soul, knowing i am heading in the right direction...

i know the doubts will return, i know i will feel insecurities...

so i'm putting my dreams {out there} hoping they will be heard and a path will be opened...

* i would love to be able to continue with my photography and have it make some money!! LOL!! either by way of prints or to do some event photography. photo styling brings me such joy and i have one in the works that i can't wait for! this one is SO tough, the photography market is really saturated, so finding my niche is a little daunting...

* i'm crazy for e-courses and would *love* to be able to one day create my own. teaching photography, photoshop and mixed media techniques would be *amazing*...

* to create my own e-magazine...

* to become a contributor for a magazine, either as a writer or photographer...

* to continue doing vintage shows and sharing my passion for {what once was}...

* to write a children's book...

sheesh...this is tough...

the nerves are abundant right now...

i've taken the first baby steps to obtain my loftiest goals, i've taken the first steps in believing in myself...

i will be working and living each day with {intention}...

i believe that is the mom that is best for my little family...

i'm opening comments again...we've gotten a little more settled and i've created some things that hopefully will help in organizing my time. i've missed you all and will be SO glad to get back to visiting with you all again...xoxox

autumn...

2011-09-30T14:47:00.005-06:00

we had a beautiful september here...

although we had a couple stormy weeks, it made for some beautiful foliage...

minus the black hay that was turned to slime in the fields...kid you not...yuck...

now that haying is finished for the year we are able to relax and enjoy the gorgeous, indian summer evenings...

evenings spent basking in the glow of leaf-filtered sunshine while swaying gently in the tire swing...

evenings spent breathing in the silence and slowness of the season...

evenings spent soaking in life's glow...

wednesday's whisper no. 4

2011-09-28T07:09:00.000-06:00

Source: flickr.com via Beth on Pinterest

wednesday's whisper no. 3...

2011-09-21T07:22:00.001-06:00

Source: flickr.com via Kristin on Pinterest

searching...

2011-09-19T19:01:00.002-06:00

where do i even begin...

have you ever just felt lost?

i'm not sure what direction i need to be heading in...

i know who i am, i know what journey i want desperately to be traveling on...

so i'm searching...

can what i seek be found within a patch of mountain clover...

or hidden within the wide expanse of prairie...

i'm not sure what the answers could be...

i do know that it is hard, especially when i was so close; that i was where i needed to be..

i yearn to return to the path i was on at the beginning of summer...

a path where i could let my artistic wings unfurl...

but i'm a mom who has to make choices, choices that i hope are for the best for my little family....hard choices that leave NO choice {does that even make sense...}

so i continue searching, hoping, believing that i can return to my hearts truths...

i've decided to turn off comments for awhile...i feel guilty about not being able to reply to all your kind comments or to be able to visit all your lovely blogs, i'm still trying to get a handle on our new schedule...

i'm hoping to get back to normal soon, if you need to get in touch with me my email is listed in the sidebar or you can find me here or here every once in awhile...

talk with you soon....xoxo

a prairie evening...

2011-09-16T17:43:00.001-06:00

just wanted to share a glimpse of an evening on the prairie...

this was a photo shoot i did for my sister and her darling family...

beautiful, natural lighting with a touch of 1968 from florabella's new actions...

btw~ have you ever tried to get two young boys to {smile for the camera} while their wild prairie cousins are out amongst the willows hunting raccoons??? oh, and throw a couple cow dogs into the mix and it made for some interesting photos...i don't think my sis was too impressed with my photography skills!! LOL!!

happy weekend dear readers!!

wednesday's whisper no. 2

2011-09-14T07:03:00.000-06:00

Source: writespell.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Spark's Artisan Market...

2011-09-12T07:03:00.000-06:00

i'm over-the-moon excited about this event next month...

i hope i will get to see many of you in the classrooms as well as the artisan market where i will be showing some vintage goodness!!

i really have to say *THANK YOU* dear readers for your continued support on this little blog here...you really are the best!! i have been given more hours within the school district this year so my creative/blogging time has been hit and miss lately...i'm hoping that once i get into the swing of things i can get back in touch with you all through your own blogs and through your kind, sweet comments...i hope you can bear with me for a couple more weeks... :0) xoxox

Whispers on Wednesday...

2011-09-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

Source: writespell.com via Kristin on Pinterest

whispers on wednesday will be a day that i can share with you words or whispers that speak to my soul...that are helping in changing my world...

i hope you find inspiration and directions in these simple posts...

a story of a boy and his steer....

2011-08-29T15:57:00.004-06:00

the once was a young boy who dreamed of raising his own purebred gelbvieh cattle...

this young boy bid and won, all by himself, his first pure bred heifer, {flying caddie}, at the age of 6!!

he was officially in the business...

fast forward a couple years he was now old enough to join 4-H and could try his hand at winning grand champion show steer!

the morning after weigh-in M29X was a little sleepy...{it's hard work being 1330 lbs of fabulousness!!}

each morning brought a fresh pile of hay, bucket full of rolled corn and barley, and fresh spring water trucked in from over an hour away...good grief you can't expect him to drink water with chlorine in it can you!?!

each morning also brought bath time...

nothing better than being showered and scrubbed down in 90 degree weather...

once the young boy and his, *amazing* *kind* *loving* *would do anything for her son including rolling his show steer's tail in hot-pink foam rollers* mother, cut, combed, and blow dried M29x's hide till it shown like a pool of reflected moonlight it was showtime...

this young boy and his steer participated in showmanship and fitting the first day and tried their hand at bringing home a shiny new belt buckle with title of {grand champion steer} the next day...

while many kids were dragged around the arena by their anxious steers, the young boy and M29X quietly made their way around without so much as a snort, tail-in-air, how-do-you-do...

much to the relief of the now, professional tail-curling mother...

the final day was spent much the same in preparation for the young boy and his steer with a different ending though...

M29X was auctioned off and wouldn't be coming home with the young boy...

the young boy was left facing an empty stall and the job of cleaning up after a best friend and a weeks worth of hard work...

many tears where shed and the young boy with the rest of his family still morn the loss of M29X...

he was the most gentle, easy going 1330 lb steer any of the prairie family had seen...

but the young boy's cowboy hat is dusted off and turned to the morning horizon, for he is in the business of raising cattle, bringing to you the best quality of beef out there...

he is already eyeing over his herd of purebred cattle and trying to judge which steer will help in bringing home his dream title {grand champion show steer}...

while during the live stock show i posted updates on my facebook page...one post was of ian cleaning out the empty stall with a caption of: an empty stall and tears being shed for a friend no longer here....

a couple of days later a comment was made along the lines: {i thought he lost his pet, it just broke my heart until i knew it was his steer}...

well he did lose his pet and best friend...

can you imagine working with a 1300 lb animal morning and night for an entire year and not feel some connections?

i hope i can help you understand how much trust {this took a huge amount on my part...considering my 75 lb boy was hanging onto a rope connected to 1300 lbs of wild animal} and love was put into the raising of this steer...

the sacrifice and life lesson that my small boy went through...

yes, we are in the business of raising beef cattle, yes, we send our cattle to slaughter each year...

but it doesn't mean that we don't {live} for those cattle while they are in our care, they are given the very best so you, the consumers may have top quality beef for your own families...

the livestock show was an *amazing* experience for my little family...

it took a lot of work and dedication from everyone and it was a chance to show how much pride we take in the raising of our cattle...

i hope with this little story and explanation you get a better sense of what my family loves and works for here on the prairie...

changing my world...

2011-08-26T13:17:00.003-06:00

please watch....

are there words that can follow?

i have been touched by the power of beautiful words this summer...

i have also been touched by the despair that words can create...

a word...

is so simple, can take only one breath...

yet the strength, guidance, and acceptance created by one tiny utterance is profound.

i'm not an eloquent girl, words do not come easy for me...

i am more comfortable within silence, within the few whispers softly spoken...

but i do understand the far-reaching effects of words...

and i am ready to change my world...

august in review...

2011-08-22T13:59:00.003-06:00

sheesh...

still trying to catch our breaths around here from this whirlwind we call life...

sorry for the lack of posts lately...after returning from barnhouse and the awesome *craziness* of it all i think i hit a brick wall..

barnhouse was such a HUGE dream of mine {*thanks* dear boys!! xoxo}.... to finally have lived the dream really rocked me and i almost felt lost and found myself thinking {now what?!?!}...

so august was spent sending my {roots} down farther into this life that i *love* and {refocusing} on what is most important to me...my *family*...

my quiet moments, which were very few ;0) were spent reflecting on where i wanted my photography to go, what i wanted from the term {artography}, what new adventures and tasks i wanted to explore...

it has been good, i've missed you all SO much but i'm better for the little absence and i am feeling SO much more focused and ready for what happens next...

as many of you know this was our first year as *show steer parents* and let me tell you....we had NO idea what in the world we were doing!?!?

ian's steer weighed in at about 1350 lbs. and was one of the most gentle, calm, loving, animal ever...

i have oodles of pictures to share and some feelings i really want share, it was an amazing experience for us all and i hope to have my thoughts gathered together soon...

right after the stock show came our county fair...

even though we didn't help with the little buckaroo rodeo this year we were still running every which way...

ian entered into the gymkhana timed events with his little mare pippi...

it was a long hot day for both of them...

soon after that it was off to load up some old girls for the wild cow milking event that night at the rodeo...

i am not kidding it is one of the best, most *hilarious* events ever!! those old girls sure have their way with some big, old tough cowboys...good times!!

richard participated in this event and i do have a video just for you nicole!! :0)

ian did the hide race again this year, he came in second place and has the rope burn down the center of his face to prove it...poor thing...but he had a total blast! he is hoping to get into team roping for next year?!? where did my little boy go to?!? sigh...

i hope to post the videos a little later this week...i tell you HIL * AR * IOUS!!

i will also be opening up my little shop again soon, neglected little thing...i have started back to school, so it may take me awhile to get into the whole swing of things...

i can't believe summer has already come and gone...it was *fabulous*, stressful, full of adventures, and cherished memories...couldn't have asked for anything more!!

Barn House Market...

2011-08-02T14:16:00.003-06:00

*thank you* all for the kind words on the prairie schooner! :0)

while going through my photos i realized i didn't even get half of the booths there?!? it must have been a longer night than i thought on friday!

so if you have photos and/or blog about Barn House let me know and i can link readers over!! *thanks*

first up of course Barn House Boys...

{hi deb!!}

gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous displays!!

this little beauty SO wanted to come home with me...sigh...i think richard was thankful we live in a teeny tiny house with no where for me to have put it!! *LOVED* it!!

natalie with sparrow...

i could have bought her whole booth!!

my dear friend sue with bella...

she always has the most incredible industrial finds!!

seabold vintage market goods...

sigh....*bliss*...

the old school house...

only stacy's second show...can you believe this girls skills!?! *love* this girl!

and dear auntie joy...

holy hannah this girl is *hilarious*!! i don't think i've snorted so much in my entire life!!

{the only photo i have of joy is when she shared a water trough cool down with joe... :0) good, good times people!}

only a tid bit of what was offered i'm not kidding you...i can't believe how many photo opts i missed out on...should have put down the beer and grabbed the camera!! :0)

put this event on your calender for next year...you really don't want to miss it!!

The Prairie Schooner...

2011-08-01T16:52:00.002-06:00

i have been home since late last night from the most *unbelievable* experience ever!!

with a 20 hour drive with nothing much but my thoughts {and an *amazing* husband!} :0) i have yet to find the words to describe Barn House...

i cry thinking of the love, beauty, and complete *magic* that joe and jermonne have created and most important *LIVE*...

nothing but pure beauty in each and every way from the vendors, friends, shoppers, hosts, and location...

words are lacking; it is something i can simply not tell you about and have you understand...i hope with some photos the feeling of gentle *love* can be felt and shared...

i promised lots of photos and i do have many so i've decided to break it up into two parts, well maybe three, because i believe audree and tiffany deserve their own post!! :0)

first up....{The Prairie Schooner}...aka the saggin' wagon {NOT shaggin' wagon people!!} ;0)

the poor little thing had a pretty hard journey across the prairie...

i was worried that she wouldn't make it the entire day...

the heat and humidity where not very nice to her...but all was well and she made a beautiful covering for some faded goods...

this little photo is the first richard and i have had together since our wedding 13 years ago!?? can you believe it!!

*thank* you dear lara for the photo {it was SO good to finally meet you and your darling mom!!}, and *thank* you richard for being patient while i bossed, for building my crazy dream of having a covered wagon, and for being the best husband a girl could ask for!!

*thank you* dear joe and jermonne for including this humbled prairie girl, for the *amazing* support and encouragement, and for the *love* and *faith*... XOXOXO

*thank you* to all who stopped by and supported my dream...if you have photos please let me know, i would *love* to share them!!

tomorrow i will share some photos of the other booths and the *amazing* people who welcomed me with open arms...

Barn House....

2011-07-21T11:32:00.002-06:00

SO sorry for the lack of posts lately...

as many of you know i will be joining the boys in battle ground, wa for their vintage country marketplace!

i'm a huge mixture of emotions right now...

nervous, doubting, thrilled beyond measure, humbled, and completely honored...

richard and i traveled up to their fall market last year..{you can read about the adventure here}

i cannot put into words the experience, and to actually be apart of it this year...well...joe and jermonne warned that i might be the {crier} this year and i have to admit it has already started!! richard thinks i've totally lost it!! :0)

i hope you can understand my absence, i have been updating and checking in here...

i will be posting photos and such on my page until i get back the first of august...

i hope to see many of you at the show and if you can't make it this year i promise lots, and lots of photos!!

a tejas cow...

2011-07-15T17:24:00.002-06:00

have ignored the tejas lens and pistil film on my hipstamatic for way to long...

*bliss*...

enjoy your weekend dear friends!!

prairie meets france...

2011-07-14T16:16:00.004-06:00

i think i have lost count on how many times i've rearranged the kitchen, and the dining/living room...

today i think i've finally gotten it right...

well for now... :0)

at least until the shag, brown, 60 year old carpet can be replaced...ugh...

here are a few glimpses of the dining area for you...

the photos also hold a little glimpse of the {mood} of my booth for barnhouse...

i have *swooned* over the french bistro chairs on maria's site dreamy whites for oh, so long now...

and when i talked about {meant to be} here with the green lady...

these chairs where meant to be here on the prairie with their white and green chippy goodness...

*thank you* dear maria for the gorgeous french finds that where {meant to be}...

and for the wonderful, extra goodies tucked inside...

everything is much *loved*...

2 weeks...

2011-07-11T12:46:00.004-06:00

sheesh....

where did the past few weeks go to?!?

i was all in control telling myself...{you have four weeks until barnhouse, no problem, plenty of time...}

what?!? i'm down to two weeks before i pack up and head out...

ugh...

i am SO not going to be ready...

i've finally worked on some prints for my shop and a few to take to barnhouse {if they arrive on time?!?!}...

i have also been working on a few of the big projects that i just had to think up and try and accomplish...

it is finally coming together and looking like what i had in mind...

we shall see in a few weeks...

now on to painting and sewing...ugh...

some sneek peeks of my booth and some glimpses of finds that i'm having a hard time putting a price tag on and also a couple purchases that i am *absolutely* in LOVE with coming the end of this week...

A Pickle and Pinto Bean...

2011-06-30T10:39:00.002-06:00

hello dear readers...

i hope you are all enjoying the last day of june...

sigh...

where did it go? i always morn a little with the passing of june...it has become one of my most cherished months...

this june was packed with all sorts of activities...

one was swimming lessons for the kids...

so glad they are learning this skill...both richard and i cannot swim to save our lives...

yep, sink right to the bottom... ;0)

they all did *amazing* so we decided to celebrate with a little pie after their last swimming lesson...

i don't have problem with a little pie at 10:00 in the morning do you? i can't think of a better way to start the day especially if it is some world famous pie..

yep, pinto bean and pickle pie...

{pinto bean} my favorite!!

{pickle} my close second favorite

nope i didn't have a problem whatsoever with pie first thing in the morning...

it just might become a morning ritual....

after all watching the kids swim is HARD work...

enjoy your long weekend my friends and a happy 4th of july!! i hope it is filled with LOTS of pie!!

The Weekend...

2011-06-27T12:51:00.006-06:00

we made it through the weekend!!

the weather was gorgeous to begin with...then of course the good ole wayne county wind had to start a blowing...

but overall a gorgeous, fun day was had on saturday...

i forgot my camera so the iphone had to do...

just a few quick shots of my little space...

*thank you* to all who came out and supported the amazing vendors!

it was fun to visit everyone and to finally meet this chick!! so glad you made the trip down girl!!

i'm off to start building a little something, something for barnhouse...i think richard is just as excited as i am about my little idea...now if we can just get it to look like i picture it in my head...hhhmmm...should be interesting!! ;0)

THE Lineup....

2011-06-22T16:59:00.003-06:00

while busy getting ready for the backyard boutique this weekend...

i've been able to check into facebook now and then...

i have to tell you i had a HUGE panic attack when i saw the barnhouse boys announced the lineup for their july show...

Check out their {featured guests}....

A Cottage Industry - Camas, WA

A Thing For Roses - Sherwood, OR

Auntie's - Silverton, OR

Bella Shabby - Forest Grove, OR

Brocanteur Vintage - Camas, WA

Calamity Jane - Ridgefield, WA

Camas Antiques - Camas, WA

Chocolate Spider - Vancouver, WA

Duchess - Vancouver, WA

Faded Prairie - Loa, UT {smile...this is ME!!!!!}

Kindred Roses - Camas, WA

Lara Blair Designs - Camas, WA

Lisa Souers Designs Jewelry - Yakima, WA

Madison Park Antiques - Portland, OR

Maison Douce - Sherwood, OR

Manor Bourne - Portland, OR

Molly Mo's - Sublimity, OR

Platanitis - San Francisco, CA

Retreat - Camano Island, WA

Sara Smith - Scappose, OR

Seabold Vintage Market - Bainbridge Island, WA

Sparrow - Battle Ground, WA

Tarte - Aurora, OR

Teresa Sheeley Designs - Omak, WA

The Brough's Primitives - Camas, WA

Thea's Interiors - Portland, OR

Vintage Market by Fate - Portland, OR

Worthy Goods - Oregon City, OR

{Food and Drinks} by:

Katherine's Folies

Four & Twenty Blackbirds

(more on the beer/wine)

{Featured Musical Guests}:

Celilo

also featuring special musical guests,

Matt Cadenellie of The Don of Division,

Jamie McCullen of Great Wilderness,

Darin Joye of The Old Yellers,

and, Lauren Jacobsen on Fiddle

can you say absolutely *fabulous*...

i think i may be sick....i'm not so sure i can do this!?!? ack!?!?

maybe if i visit the drink area before the show i might acquire enough courage to get through!! ;0)

really, i am extremely humbled to be apart of this event...one of my dreams come true...

this will be it for the rest of the week so i can gather goods for this weekend, i will be posting on the inspiration studio friday though so be sure and stop by there...

talk soon...

Meant to Be...

2011-06-20T17:15:00.002-06:00

hello monday...

which is about over by the time i've sat down to this computer...

i tell you swim time takes a chunk out of our days...

but it sure makes for happy kids!

i just had to share a couple finds with you...

you know when you see something and know it was totally meant to be...

well...

i know!! isn't she a beauty!?!?

i found her in a little shop in boulder city...it was amazing i came home with anything from there...the husbands calf check almost didn't even cover an ice cream cone!! LOL!!

those girls know their junk and are not afraid to put a triple price tag on it! :0)

i guess they weren't to impressed with lady here...a whole whopping $20.00...NO way was i leaving Nevada without her...

then my dear mom, who was trying to save this next find until christmas but just couldn't...

gave me this...

the squeals were flying freely that day and my heart still soars with *love* for my new metal street sign...

*LOVE* it dearly!! *thank you* mom!! xoxo

oh how the discovery of meant to be treasures brings this prairie/gelbvieh girl much, much joy...

what about you dear readers, any new amazing finds that make your heart soar?!?

Vegas Baby...

2011-06-17T12:13:00.003-06:00

sheesh...

i tell you the laundry pile is ever mounting...

right when we got home from trailing cattle we repacked and headed south...

we went down to vegas for our niece's graduation...*congrats* makayla!!

uuuhhhmmm....the day we rolled in it was 106 degrees...their fist triple digit reading...

next day 108 degrees...

we about roasted alive...it didn't take long for all of us to trade boots for flip flops except for the husband...long sleeve western shirt, pants, boots and cowboy hat the whole entire time...

even pool side...

those cowboys and their ways!!

needless to say we were rejoiced and rejuvenated when we got back home to the sound of rain on the windshield, johnny, george, and earl blaring on the stereo...

and our windows rolled down enjoying the natural air conditioning...

*thanks* to the fillmore family for the great trip and i can't wait till we do it all again...

richard, hhmm, not so much...i think he is good for another 10 years!! ;0)

Gelbvieh Girl Thoughts...

2011-06-13T15:28:00.005-06:00

random thoughts this monday afternoon...

~ nothing marks summer to me more than the smell of russian olives...

~ we shouldn't be having ice on the sprinklers the middle of june should we?!?

~ either i need to loose a little bit of weight or clancey is going to have to get her own saddle, the two of us sharing mine makes for one sore tailbone...

~ i am completely behind in answering emails...please forgive me...

~ dragging kids to vegas doesn't appeal to me...

~ i can't live without my daily dr. pepper...especially after the kids have a sleepover night with cousins....

~ i can't live without my daily dr. pepper...especially when the kids complain about being bored...

~ i'm a gelbvieh girl through and through...

~ should i start a new blog called gelbvieh girl!?!? ;0)

~ why can't i figure out how to edit my videos from my iphone...

~ whatever happened to the days when you could find a good ole pair of working cowboy boots without the bling...cattle seriously don't care for the glare of sunlight off rhinestone boots...

~ i would give anything to be riding today instead of doing a weeks worth of dirty laundry...

~ i'm addicted to hipstamatic...dear susan it is entirely your fault... ;0)

~ still searching for my {forever} 2011 summer book...any suggestions...

care to share your random thoughts this beautiful june day??

A Backyard Boutique...

2011-06-06T12:57:00.003-06:00

just a quick little post today dear readers...

we are off to trail cattle to the summer permit...

i have a little plan in mind so you can share in the journey...

hopefully it will work out, i mean you all want to see the 2 foot wide trail in the midst of the 200 foot slick rock drop off right?!?

keeping fingers crossed no baby calves fall off this year, one or two do slip off every year and some how manage to survive the drop...

it sure makes for an exciting story of them being rescued by the cowboys being lowered over the side with lariats tied together, but we would rather not have to go through it...

i promise lots of photos for sure...

before we head off into the windstorm i wanted to share a little event i will be participating in...

a backyard boutique...

{held in loa, utah}

should be a pretty good time would *love* to see you if you are able to make the trip!!

i also wanted to give a *big* congratulations to ross and kaylin and their new little one!! i'm an aunt to one stinkin' cute little guy!! *love* you guys and your darling baby boy!! xoxo

oh, i'm still waiting for someone to post some pictures of farm chicks?!? ;0) i'm totally blog stalking anyone that i know went!! i'm also making a vow right here and now that i will not be missing the next one for sure!! ;0)

Summertime...Hipstamatic Style...

2011-06-03T12:38:00.002-06:00

summer has officially began for us and we haven't stopped since! :0)

we have been busy freighting out cattle, getting them ready to trail to the summer permit...

*love* this time of year!!

just wanted to give you a little glimpse of our everyday...

hipstamatic style...

happy summer everyone and to those of you hitting farm chicks this weekend....*jealous*!! ;0) promise lots of pictures okay!?? enjoy!!

In Trouble...

2011-05-31T13:59:00.002-06:00

hello dear readers...

happy tuesday and happy summer vacation!! YAY!! :0)

the kids have yet to utter the words {i'm bored} so i'm feeling blessed! ;0) the new puppy just might have helped the situation...if i can get clancey to put him down for two seconds i will try and get a couple photos...sheesh...that girl....

yesterday i made a little purchase and i think i just may be in trouble...

you see i have wanted an iphone for like {forever}!! since our cell phone company was selling out we decided to switch over to another company and i couldn't resist..

sigh...i *love* her and all her white beauty...

and please don't even get me started on instagram...

i got the same look from the husband...

{seriously?? you let her loose waving that thing in our faces when all we want is a flake of alfalfa hay!?!?} they really where giving the husband the what for!! ;0)

still trying to learn the ins and outs...

any suggestions, tips and tricks from my favorite readers???

do you instagram or TTV??

would like to know i'm not the only addict...

Three Hearts...

2011-05-26T12:39:00.002-06:00

i cannot tell you how much you all mean to me...

*thank you* SO much for all the kind words and encouragement with my last post...

things are looking somewhat better still no answers but feeling more calm and peaceful...

i cried when i read the words and thoughts you all shared with me...

i cried about the raw, tender, beauty you all possess...

what beautiful, beautiful souls...*love* you all!!

it is *amazing* how He works...

how it all comes together when you need it the most...

i signed up for this course quite awhile ago...

thinking to myself oh anything done by christy is going to be fabulous...

i can learn SO many more mixed media techniques...

little did i know how much my soul and {hearts} would need to be healed once class finally started...

i have started my journal and i have included all of your encouragement and sweet, gentle words throughout my first pages...

i will share photos soon...once the sun decides to grace us with some warm rays...

*thank you* again dear readers...you all *amaze* me..

big prairie LOVES...

Uncertainty vs. Possibility...

2011-05-17T14:07:00.003-06:00

i'm not even certain that i can put words to my thoughts on this post but i have to try...

i have to try so i might see a break in the dark clouds that have settled within my soul...

our family has been faced with a new trial, nothing life threatening or detrimental to our health...thank goodness...

but each morning when i awake i am filled with dread, a twisted, heart eating feeling...

uncertainty as to what is going to happen to my little family, how will we continue on and what of our dreams...

it is a wait and see {and lots of prayers} that everything will work out...

i believe the waiting is the hardest for me, i need a plan, i need to act and channel this frustration into something certain...

but why faced with change and the wait am i quick to focus on the uncertainty? am i the only one...

the only one to let the uncertainty feed upon me and turn me into someone i'm not familiar with...

a prairie girl who is afraid, who wants to hide....

a prairie girl who is looking for an escape...

a prairie girl who feels as if she has failed in every aspect of her life...

i'm trying...

trying to wake each morning and see all the amazing possibilities...

the possibilities that may not have come our way without this uncertain change...

the possibilities that will unearth new dreams...possibilities that reveal i didn't fail but soared on the winds of uncertainty...

Inspiration Studio {Ephemera}...

2011-05-13T12:02:00.003-06:00

nothing like waiting on blogger all day...ggrrr...

better late than never i suppose, now if i could just find what happened to my SPARK post i would be a happy little prairie girl :0)

just wanted to stop in today and let you know i am posting on the inspiration studio today...

sharing the beauty of {ephemera}...

hope you are able to join me...

Spark No. 3...

2011-05-12T12:55:00.000-06:00

SO excited to share some news with you dear readers...

april contacted me recently about my acceptance to show at an amazing artisan market...

SPARK!

i am attending the two day creative event and couldn't be more thrilled with the line-up of teachers this year!!

Christy Tomlinson will be teaching a She Art inspired collage class. {oh how i'm am SOOO stinkin' excited to finally meet christy!! her online she art class was one of my most favorite!! *loved* it!!

Amy Tan will be teaching a fun clothing alteration class.

Emily Falconbridge will be back by popular demand to teach a new technique using felt.

Jen Jensen, the desert rose, will be teaching a uber creative paper craft class.

April Meeker will be teaching one of her favorite past times, stamp carving.

Alisa Holland will be sharing her unique aesthetic using textiles, trimmings, baubles & more!

And...

Mindy Gledhill will be joining us to lead a creativity workshop and share her gift of song!

doesn't it sound absolutely *fabulous*!?!

i thought since i will already be in town why not pack up some faded finds and share my *love* for what once was...

is anyone else planning on attending?!? i can't wait! registration is still open {only 300 spots available} you can find all the details and registration form here...

hope to see you there!

Finds...

2011-05-10T13:30:00.003-06:00

oh how i *love* warmer weather...

which by the way we are not experiencing right at the moment..sigh..

we have had some {warmer} days which means cleaning, throwing away, and donating...

while others are busy with these activities i'm busy adding to my {stash}...

bringing other's discarded goods home to be cherished and shared!

our thrift store had the ultimate find the other day...

something i have wanted to add to my kitchen for awhile now...

a vintage barn light...

sigh...*bliss*...

and the price tag of $5.00 wasn't so bad either!

of course the eyeball roll and exasperated sigh of {what in the world are you going to do with that?!?} accompanied the loading of the goods in the back of the truck but i was not to be deterred!

i *love* warmer weather and all the possibilities it holds!

hope you all had a wonderful mother's day! i lucked out and had a day off hauling rocks! yay!! of course i'm telling myself it was the celebration of the day and not the rain and wind that caused it! :0)

featured photos & a winner

2011-05-06T10:24:00.002-06:00

friday's always happen to take me by surprise...

i had SO much planned this week for this little blog...

and then my husband plowed and harrowed our fields...

which turned up SO many rocks that we having been living, breathing, eating rocks each and every day...sigh...

you would think after a 100 years of being farmed the land would quit turning up those cursed things!! ;0)

i cannot tell you how much it has meant to me to be able to get lost within your delicate, gentle photographs...i do believe this challenge was my *favorite* by far {don't i say that every week?!?} ;0)

before i announce the winner, the featured photos from the challenge {whitewashed}...

simply stated's {Tree Blossoms}

*loved* everything about this photo!! *thank* you rebecca, my soul needed this this week! :0)

leah's {sweet tea}

what a peaceful, serene photo...*stunning*!!

now for the winner of florabella's luxe II texture set...

this was an *extremely* tough decision!! SO many wonderful entries and featured photos...all simply *beautiful*...

the photo i did choose as the final winner had a little bit of everything that spoke to me...the processing, the composition, and simple beauty...

almadr's {vintage spring}

*congrats* dear girl!! please email me at fadedprairie {dot} com or through flickr mail and i will get you your new set of textures!!

*thank you* once again to everyone who joined in each and every week!

i hope you all have a wonderful mother's day weekend! enjoy!

{Inspiration} Distressed Jewell

2011-05-03T14:22:00.004-06:00

today i would like to share an *incredible* artist with you...

i'm not sure i can even describe to you how in awe i am of her and her photography...

jewell is creator and owner of distressed textures; not only did the beauty of her textures capture me but her simple statement, " i have a thing for cows. it is common for me to stop on the side of the road, watch them, and converse with them."

do i need to explain or say anymore?...

my words cannot do justice to the beauty of this woman's soul or to the incredible depth of which her work inspires...

i will let you be transported along another time with just these few glimpses...

{brittle and bitter she stands}

{closure}

{a place for quiet}

{fireflies dance at the widow's house}

{the caption beneath this alluring photo reads: they were all she had left....}

{untarnished lands}

i have spent countless hours lost within her creations...*thank you* jewell for sharing your gifts, beauty, and raw talent....

i hope today, dear readers, you have been able to find a place of stillness and beauty somewhere within the midst of the noise and uncertain...

{all photos property of jewell, used with permission. for more of her *amazing* work you can visit her here}

{Mood} Whitewash...

2011-04-29T11:27:00.003-06:00

happy friday dear readers!

lets get right to the featured photos from the {prairie spring green} photo challenge shall we...

almadr's {vintage spring}

so glad this girl decided to join in our challenge! she is absolutely *amazing* in her processing and composition...she has been such a favorite of mine while browsing the inspiration studio group! *thanks* for joining in anna! xoxo

ally from {rugged roots photography}

what an *stunning* photo! loved the simplicity and promises this photo holds...

*thank* you girls for joining in and to everyone else who linked up! gorgeous, gorgeous photos!!

now for this weeks challenge...

{whitewash}...

let me tell you a little story behind this one...

i wanted to capture some crisp, {whitewashed} charolais cattle in our bright spring green pasture...

while getting things together for a quick four wheeler ride out to the pasture, i looked outside and what the h...!?!? snow?!?!? ugh...

well i thought it won't be so bad...it might just add that little {whitewashed} oomph to my photo...

step out my front door and seriously chickened out...stinkin' cold with i am not kidding...75 mph winds...

so this is my lame photo for this weeks challenge...

it's a little {whitewashed} isn't it?!?

i know...i'm stretching a little here but its all i've got for this week...forgive me! ;0)

for the rules:

~you have one week to enter...

~next week i will feature two photos here, those two photos will be entered to win florabella's new luxe II texture set at the end of the month...i will be selecting the final winner next week also..

~only photos that fit within the weeks {mood} challenge will be considered for featuring...

~you can link up here on this post or here in our flickr group...you can do one or the other, i just want everyone to have a chance to enter...

have fun! CANNOT wait to see your {whitewash} photos!

M29X...

2011-04-28T14:14:00.004-06:00

*thank you* everyone for the congratulations and support on the artful blogging article!

i'm not sure it really has hit, even with the magazine in hand :0)

while we are in the middle of gathering cows, spring farming, and baseball, baseball, baseball my oldest son decided to join 4-H also...

showing a steer...

M29X...

a purebred, 1000 lb gelbvieh steer...

yes, that was our steer that tried jumping out of the chute when it came to weigh in...

yes, he has his way with my 75 lb lanky boy...

yes, he is suppose to be tame enough to follow ian around, have a wash down, and allow ian trim the calico upon his forehead...

uuummm....

we have a LOT of work ahead of us... :0)

Artful...

2011-04-26T15:32:00.003-06:00

happy tuesday dear readers...

we returned from a stormy, snowy, cold spring break today...

i have to admit it is taking some extra effort to get out of vacation mode...sigh...

we had a wonderful easter though...

lots of eggs rolled and lots of peanut butter eggs eaten...

hey...at least the easter bunny put some in the kid's baskets...i mean she could have hidden them and eaten them all by herself in the middle of the night... ;0)

we did receive some disheartening news over the weekend...

i'll share soon, i really want your opinion and thoughts on a couple things...sigh...

change is hard...

but there was a little {pick me up} in the mail on saturday...

something i've been SO excited to share with you...

i was contacted the first of january on submitting an article for the amazing Stampington and Co.'s Artful Blogging...

eeee!!

it is a *stunning* magazine and i couldn't be more excited to be published...

especially right next to my dear friend susan of hometown girl!!

i hope you are able to pick up a copy; such inspiring articles!!

it wouldn't have happened without you dear readers...i really *love* and *appreciate* you all!!

XOXO!!

remember there is still time to enter the photography challenge {prairie spring green} here or here...

texture tuesdays...

2011-04-19T15:08:00.003-06:00

don't you just *love* tuesdays?

especially this one...it begins our spring break!

gathering cows, eating sand filled potato salad, and rolling easter eggs down slick rock hills are all planned for this week...

i also enjoy joining kim for her texture tuesdays...

this week we were challenged to use {sweet treat} and {silence} on our photo...

still looking for spring in other places since no such season exists here...sigh...

i will be taking a short break this week from the computer, i've decided to extend my {mood} challenge prairie spring green for another week...

you can enter here or here on our flickr page...

the entries so far are absolutely *divine*!

you all amaze me dear readers!!

enjoy your easter!

{Mood} Prairie Spring Green...

2011-04-15T10:41:00.006-06:00

happy friday dear readers!

are you ready to be challenged?!

first up the featured photos from last weeks challenge...{golden rod}...

farmgirl chaos' {golden boys}

this photo just brought sunshine into my day and oh how i want to hug and kiss those two sweets!!

lorraine's {sweet peeps}

*love* the processing and all the vintage goodness of this photo!

*thanks* to everyone who played along last week...your photos are *amazing*!

now for this weeks challenge...

i wanted to stick with {moods} of spring and all it's amazing colors, so this really has been a challenge for me...uumm...we really don't have {spring} here..well maybe once june hits! :0)

so i've had to look elsewhere for colors of spring...

this week it was the prairie spring green of a vintage scale...

processed with florabella's {hibiscus} and texture {chartreuse}...

so lovely readers give me your best prairie spring green photos! you can share here in our flickr pool or i've decided to add a linky at the bottom of the post...

for the rules:

~you have one week to enter...

~next week i will feature two photos here, those two photos will be entered to win florabella's new luxe II texture set at the end of the month...

~only photos that fit within the weeks {mood} challenge will be considered for featuring...

have fun and CANNOT wait to see {spring} on your prairie! :0)

dirt for dinner...

2011-04-14T17:11:00.005-06:00

just to let you know...

i'm a baseball momma now...

we are doing nothing but eating, breathing, living, baseball...

seriously eating it...it really isn't all that hard when the wind blowing like no other...

nothing like the taste of baseball diamond dirt for dinner...sigh...

{new photo challenge up tomorrow...still trying to think what it might be, did i mention that i have to go haul rocks? i wonder what you girls could do with the mood: ma kettle the rock hauler....} ;0)

Romantic...

2011-04-12T14:52:00.003-06:00

it is time again for kim's texture tuesday...

today i wanted something a little dramatic...

something with passion...

{can you tell i just finished a romantic, historical fiction novel...}

sigh...curse the hopeless romantic in me...

so i find this is what i created...

processed with florabella's vintage cloud texture and kim's magic 3...

i'm not sure if it is what i had in mind when i took the photo the other night...not sure if i even like it, yet it suggests a little flair is needed in my life right now...

instead of getting charged by a doggie calf that i'm suppose to {magically} help suck; to help him remember the need and warmth of milk in his belly...

it might sound innocent enough but i can tell you there was nothing innocent about the thoughts and noises of destruction he was directing my way...

and i can tell you there was nothing romantic about the whole event either... ;0)

{be sure to enter the {mood} golden rod challenge here, new challenge will begin friday}

{Mood} Photo Challenge...

2011-04-08T16:57:00.003-06:00

happy friday dear readers!!

we woke up to snow again this morning, with forecasts of more to come...

so needless to say i need a little warmth and a touch of spring...

hence the {theme} for the new photo challenge...

each friday i will give you a {mood} to capture with your camera...

don't over think it...just capture whatever the word means to you...

it is meant to help you really {see} and be {present} throughout your week...

to not only focus your {lens} but also your {being}...

so our first {mood} of the month...

{golden rod}...

share anything that speaks the {golden rod} mood here in our flickr group...

a bunch of gerber daisies spoke {golden rod} to me today...

i hope you have a chance to join in and that you are able to stretch your wings...{could they golden rod in color?} :0)

CANNOT wait to see your photos!!

now for the {rules}...

~you have one week to enter this challenge

~ next friday i will pick two photos to feature here and give you a new challenge...

~each featured photo will be entered into a end of the month drawing, this months prize...{florabella's new texture set}!!!

~you may upload any photos into our flickr group, but please know that only photos that fit within our weekly {mood} will be chosen for the features....

ENJOY!!

{quick question...would you rather upload to flickr or have a linky here on my blog?? just wasn't sure what is easier for you...let me know any thoughts...*thanks*}

his daughter...

2011-04-07T17:18:00.004-06:00

i always tell my husband...

she's your daughter...

acts just like him...i swear...

i'm not exactly sure what we are going to do about 8 years down the road... ;0)

sigh...

she received some baby doll bangs today...

reminds me of someone about 29 years ago...

hhhmmm....

maybe not so much {his daughter} as {mine}.... :0)

~new photo challenge coming tomorrow...be sure to stop in~

Faded Willow...

2011-04-05T15:53:00.003-06:00

the ever SO *fabulous* kim has started hosting texture tuesdays...

this weeks challenge was to use kim's {warm sun} texture...

this texture is just one of my favorites from kim...

she is a master artist when it comes to textures...*love* you dear girl!!

my entry this week...

i wanted something soft and full of texture itself...

something that represented {spring} and the gentleness of it's arrival...

processed with florabella's {gypsy} and {wheat} actions and of course kim's {warm sun}...

happy spring!

Nostalgia {Returning Home}...

2011-04-04T15:33:00.002-06:00

on friday i shared this photo and my thoughts on nostalgia here...

to me nostalgia is {returning home}...

a little bit of life that makes me more aware and present...

i didn't mean to take a week long vacation from this little place...

we celebrated two birthdays, celebrated the annual spring festival our school kids put on each year, celebrated our life as stewards by plowing, harrowing, and spreading the never ending piles of manure...{that last one was a stretch on the celebrating part...more like i celebrated that the winds weren't tainted anymore} ;0)

i was nostalgic...

i was aware and present for my family...

i think i also hit a wall, complete full throttle, head-long, straight into a meltdown...

with all the inspiration, lists of things to do, dreams i wanted to make happen right now...

i crashed...

i reevaluated where i wanted to be in life...

where i wanted this little space to go and what my main passions are...

i am feeling renewed with creative ideas, feeling more {together}...

i want to give a stronger sense of nostalgia while you visit here...

i want you to feel as if you are {returning home} for just a little bit...

to give a sense of calmness in this crazy thing we call life...

{bucolic beauty} brings spring...

2011-03-26T16:32:00.003-06:00

remember the fabulous karrina with bucolic beauty who won a the photo challenge in february with this stunning photo...

i made her promise to keep me posted on her *amazing* photos and what she created using the new florabella actions...

yesterday she posted this photo on faded prairie's facebook page...

i know...

{bliss}...

*thank you* karrina for sharing and bringing a touch of spring to this prairie girl's snowy weekend!

tools of the trade...

2011-03-23T15:05:00.003-06:00

spring is such a busy time here...

while trying to get the land ready to be sowed and nurtured...

we are also busy getting ready to bring the cows in off the range...

which means fixing fence...

lots and lots of fence...

{don't want our girls to bloat by getting into those luscious alfalfa fields...} :0)

husband.s tools of the trade...

fencing pliers and barbwire...

little one.s tool of the trade...

mud...

lots and lots of mud..

oh and my tools of the trade...

florabella.s b/w mink, kim klassen.s memorable texture and sigma 17-70mm macro lens...

don't know what the husband would do without me and my tools... ;0)

inspiration: typography

2011-03-21T15:53:00.002-06:00

typography: the art and technique of arranging type...

typography=*LOVE*...

typography=one of this girl's many obsessions...

maluna.tumblr

the wheatfield

chrisa braham

so does typography {oh, and let us not forget letterpress!!} make your heart go {pitter patter} also?

for japan...

2011-03-18T11:04:00.002-06:00

Bleed Red...

2011-03-15T18:36:00.002-06:00

the rest of the month on the inspiration studio, we are focusing on color...

i will be sharing some photos on friday and would *love* to have you join us by sharing your color photos in our flickr pool...

while pondering on what i will be sharing, what color, or vintage find i can use to style my photos...

this song came on the radio...

i wanted to share this message...

i couldn't have expected anything less from this artist...

to me that is the most powerful {color} we can ever find and realize...

the color of our souls...

the color that binds us all together in this journey of life...

She Art...

2011-03-12T13:57:00.003-07:00

i usually don't post on the weekends...

but i had to share...

as many of you know i have been taking a mixed media workshop...

the she art workshop...

this has been one of my most *FAVORITE* e-courses by FAR...

christy is absolutely *amazing*...

she seriously cracks me up...a full fledge, outright *hoot*...

each moment is chuck full of information and tips on mixed media...

how to create textures and layers with rub-ons, stamps, doodling and vintage ephemera...

registration is NOW open for the next class which begins april 11th...

christy has posted all the information on her blog today...

she is also giving away one spot into the course!!!

i KNOW!! eeeee!!!

there is NO doubt in my mind you will enjoy this class!! head on over to christy's blog today to find out more and to be entered into her giveaway!!

{be sure to let christy know that i sent you her way and i just might win a little something, something also! she is *simply* the BEST!!}

enjoy girls and i will see you in the she art community come april!!

good friends...

2011-03-11T15:21:00.003-07:00

yesterday afternoon was spent amongst friends...

little girls laughing and playing with all things pink...

moms taking photos, talking creativity, inspiring on another...

all while basking in the aroma of fresh baked bread {thanks to sarah!! such a kindred spirit and *amazing* bee keeping lady!!} and warm sunshine...

this little tote almost didn't go home with the *darling* girl who made it...

i KNOW!! isn't it fabulous!?!?

you can preorder the pattern here and visit the uber fabulous, amazingly, talented vanessa here...

SO blessed to live among such inspiring ladies and even more blessed to call them friends...

enjoy your weekend girls!

a little...

2011-03-09T15:03:00.003-07:00

you all bring such sunshine to my soul each and everyday with your kind words and encouragement...

i just wanted to say *THANK YOU* so much and hope the following photos bring

a little sunshine to your soul today...

E-Course Inspiration...

2011-03-07T15:18:00.005-07:00

i have a confession...

i do believe that i am a e-course junkie...

yep, anything and everything e-course....SiGn me UP!! :0)

today i wanted to featured a few of the great e-courses out there...

ones that i am taking and next week some that i {dream} of taking...

first up {she art workshop}...

this 4 week course teaches you how to create she art through mixed media...

my first canvas...

i have been dabbling with mixed media and altered art for about a year now and finally feel comfortable with my abilities as an artist...

*love* mixed media and i'm working on a little something, something...

a little hint....13 Hens.... :0)

christy is an *amazing* instructor and this has been one of my very favorite courses!

*thanks* christy!!

another one that i'm taking right now is vivienne's {you are your own muse}...

this course made me really nervous...

photography is all about stories for me...

the stories of {what once was} with my vintage finds...

the funny stories my kids are creating each day...

the story of stewardship with my photos of the farm and ranch...

but i have never turned my camera on myself and told my story through my lens...

this is what you are your own muse is teaching...

how to let go of your inhibitions with being the focus of the camera and sharing your soul...

really an inspiring and thought provoking course...

one upcoming course is susan tuttle's {photomanipulation 3}

susan's photography is absolutely *stunning* and during the 4 week course susan teaches cross processing, film grain, and turning a photo into a work of art...

really excited for this course to begin!!

these three courses are just a small sampling of what the blogging world has to offer...

i hope to talk about two or three a week, if you have any new or amazing courses please share!

now i'm off to get messy with my art! :0)

Prairie Soul...

2011-03-04T08:20:00.002-07:00

i shared this whisper on the inspiration studio today...

i *loved* how it turned out and thought i would share it here also...

hope your weekend is off to a fabulous start...

i finally have a weekend where nothing is planned...

i'm hoping to get my kitchen redo project finished so i can share next week!!

talk with you soon...

Vintage Country Marketplace...

2011-03-01T07:04:00.003-07:00

happy first day of march!!

one {dream} of mine this year was to share my vintage, prairie goods at a major show...

well it is finally official!! yay!!

the boys have asked me to join them at their vintage country marketplace july 30th!!

eeee!! CANNOT tell you how excited i am for this *amazing* opportunity...

excited and in full panic attack mode!!... ;0)

*thank you* dear boys for making a {dream} come true for this girl!

February Photo Challenge Winner...

2011-02-28T13:47:00.003-07:00

happy almost march day!

i awoke to a chilly morning but there was a touch of spring around me...

it could be totally wishful thinking but the stirring was there within me...

just a quick post today to announce the winner of my first photo challenge...

*thank you* to all who entered and played along; i SO enjoyed viewing the themes through your lenses...

the winner of florabella's luxe II action set is:

bucolic beauty's {far and away}

this photo simply spoke to me...

to the girl who once was, the girl who i'm learning to reconnect and listen to...

a gentle reminder that my little one who wears princesses dresses and orange sprinkler boots will all to soon be past the whimsical and nonsensical days...

*thank you* karrina for sharing your loved photo with us all...

please email me to let me know which version of actions you need..{.photoshop or elements} and i will get your prize to you!

Featured Photos...

2011-02-26T12:38:00.006-07:00

i just knew that this challenge would be my *absolute* favorite!!

all the photos were unbelievable and i had the most difficult time narrowing it down to five...

but five i picked and they are...

alabaster rose design's {vintage memories}...this is just beautiful...one item on the top of my finding list is an old mantel...sigh...*bliss*...

four corner design's {clocks}...this photo just speaks to me...*beautiful*

buckets of burlap's {old chippy door}...i think the chippy paint says it all...

4 story time's {rambler}...i think i need a rambler of my own...

country momma's {grandpa's shoes}....*love* the simplicity...

*thanks* to everyone for joining in this month and giving us a peek of your {loved} photos...

i plan on hosting some more challenges in march, maybe every other week...

any themes you would all suggest?? i have a couple in mind but would love to know what you think...

drawing for florabella's luxe II set will take place monday...

be sure to check back for a recap of the featured photos and the winner!

hope the rest of your weekend is *fabulous*...we are expecting more snow...sigh...

bull sale was a good time...3 came home with more phone bids going on today and next month...sigh...also, talk of me AI-ing pure bred heifers?!? you can bet this month will be full of adventures!

{dreaming}...

2011-02-24T15:04:00.002-07:00

as i sit looking out the window towards a dreary, windblown day...

i find myself dreaming...

of sunshine, floral~filled senses, and warm simplicity...

pinterest helped bring a touch of spring to my day and i thought i would share...

enjoy and {dream}...

{if anyone knows the original sources would you please let me know so i can link over..thanks}

oh, and since i will be leaving bright and early for a bull sale i've decided to give you all an extra day to enter our final february challenge {once loved} here..

final 5 photos will be featured saturday and a winner will be announced first thing monday...

absolutely *beautiful* photos so far...be sure to check it out!

Whitewashed...

2011-02-22T14:27:00.004-07:00

did everyone have a wonderful extended weekend??

i had so much planned but the kids and i got swept up in the adventure of trying to save princess peach...

all i will say is...dang...what happened to my {skilz} from 20 years ago??? ;0)

anyhoo...

i did manage to rearrange my living room and kitchen...

you know one good thing about closing shop....

having to bring some vintage goods home!! :0)

just a little preview until it is completely put together...

there is one item that i am going CrAzY over...

cannot wait to share!! hopefully i will have a little more discipline when next weekend rolls around.. ;0)

oh wait, there is a bull sale this weekend so i just might get side tracked while in the midst of all those wranglers....

just keeping it real girls... maybe this time i won't forget my camera so you can get side-tracked too...

what do you say?!? ;0)

don't forget to enter the {once loved} challenge here, this will be the last challenge held before i draw the winner of florabella's luxe II set...

speaking of florabella...yep, they have finally been released, texture set III!! whoot, whoot!! you seriously do NOT want to pass by this set! *amazing*

photos above where processed with {whitewash} i do believe it is going to be my favorite!

{oh and hint, hint; more faded prairie challenges coming up in march with aforementioned textures up for grabs}

Faded Prairie Photo Challenge {3}..

2011-02-18T11:55:00.007-07:00

this little post is going to be jam packed...

hang with me okay! :0)

first...

*THANK YOU* to all for your kind, kind words and encouragement with this post....

i am feeling relieved this weekend with my decision, relieved and grateful, that it was my decision, i wasn't forced into it by other circumstances, failures, and someone else's decision making...i'm not sure if i could have handled it otherwise...

just to clarify a little...i'm not giving up blogging or my etsy store...

blogging has given me *amazing* opportunities and friendships that i wouldn't have had otherwise, i am very blessed in this; i can focus more on my vision for this little piece of the prairie and hopefully will have opportunities to meet up with some of you faithful readers during my travels this summer!!

now for our winners of last weeks photo challenge....*loved*...

ally's {baby blues}..oh.my.goodness!!!

bucolic beauty's {far and away}...this photo speaks for itself...perfection!

deborah's cut out cookies...yum!! the focus on this photo just blew me away!!

i'm just jody's {heart}...the texture on this is *divine*!!

forever junkin's grain sacks...i share this *love* also...{she was so nervous on joining...*thank you* dear girl for taking the leap!!}

*thank you* to all who entered...*absolutely amazing* photos this week!!

for our final photo challenge of the month and keeping with the {love} theme...how about...

{once loved}...

share with us any item, vintage or antique, that was once {loved} and has found {love} again in your hands...

i do believe this is going to be my absolute *favorite*!!

for my entry my photo incorporates a couple of my *favorite* once loved goods...

barn vents, white ironstone, and milk/cream cans...

i just can't seem to get enough of these type of finds...*bliss*... :0)

CANNOT wait to see your once {loved} photos!! be sure to enter here in our flickr group...

*thank you* again for all your support and joining in on the challenges! i have some fun ideas for next months challenges...

oh...and i finally got around to creating a button:

{code can be found on sidebar}

would *love* to have you add it to your blogs and help spread the word about the photo challenges!

hope your weekend is fabulous!

Understanding...

2011-02-16T14:56:00.003-07:00

so i have to be honest...

this past month has been difficult...

i've had to make a MAJOR decision...

concerning my shop...

oh how i *love* this place...

meeting people who share a *passion* for vintage, discarded items...

sharing my heritage and giving voice to {what once was}...

but it is time to move on...

i have struggled with letting go...

i feel as if i have abandoned the small, shy girl of my youth...

that i have turned my back on her one true dream...

it has been hard, could have been harder...

i have some *AMAZING* opportunities this year...

some opportunities that a shy little girl could NEVER have dreamed of happening to her...

i am NOT giving up on my passion, i am just refocusing, going down a different path that has been opened to me because i was strong, and brave enough to take the leap and open my brick and mortar store...

to *live* ONE of my dreams...

i have learned that there will be regrets in life, it is life of course, we never know how to do EXACTLY right...

but i would rather my regrets come from my decision of letting go of something material, of something i felt i was really {to put it plainly} half-assing...

than regrets that i didn't take time for my little ones and family...

time moves SO fast that i want to try and immerse myself in each moment, and rejoice in the pure, simply, beauty...

so...

i hope you will understand my absence from this little blog here...

i have had to mourn a little...

and *thank* to that shy, little girl who once was for giving me courage, whispering loud enough, and dreaming of the kind of LIFE she truly wanted to live...

Faded Prairie Photo Challenge {2}

2011-02-11T12:56:00.006-07:00

goodness...

i had NO idea how hard it would be to pick 5 photos to be featured here...

i think my empty stomach didn't help matters either... :0)

so the first faded prairie photo challenge finalists in no particular order...

photomamato4's *APPLE LOVE* ....stunning use of texture and creativity...

Robyn's *CUPCAKE SEA*...simply beautiful, the bokeh alone makes my heart go *pitter patter*

Monica's *LUCKY IN LOVE*...this is just pure creativity...

Jo's *CHOCOLATE COVERED*...{dream} of these...beautiful, simple, photograph

Susan's *HOMEMADE*...i have to admit i have NEVER been able to bake bread to save my life, i think this is pure, raw beauty...

congratulations to the five featured photos!!

you will all be put in for the drawing at the end of the month for florabella's new luxe II actions!!

*thank you* to everyone who joined! the photos were all simply {stunning}!

are you ready for this weeks challenge?!?

of course it has to be *LOVED*...

with valentine's day approaching share anything, everything, and anyone who is loved and cherished in your life...

remember this challenge is for EVERYONE...you don't have to have the best, most expensive camera...you don't have to shoot in manual...you don't have to apply all the {rules} of photography...

just the desire to live in the moment and capture {pure beauty}...

my photo this week is my wee one...

i *love* that she is strong, independent, and dare i say completely {stubborn}...

i *love* that her imagination is used to it's full potential...

i *love* the pink she brings into our lives...

i *love* that she makes me shake my head and wonder...

so be sure to share your *loved* photos here..

cannot wait!! i hope you all have a wonderful, romantic weekend!!

A Dreamer...

2011-02-07T07:56:00.002-07:00

for the nettles were no barrier to me, a dreamer, I walked enchanted,

and nothing held me back

daphne du maurier

~rebecca~

p.s. be sure to enter the photo challenge here with your amazing food photos!!

Inspiration Studio...

2011-02-04T11:17:00.002-07:00

hello dear girls...

i just wanted to let you know i'm over to the inspiration studio today...

talking about whispers...

would {love} to have you come over and share...

also remember to join in the photo challenge for this week...

for the {love} of food...

share here...

5 photos will be featured each week and will be entered to win florabella's new luxe II action set!!

for more details on the photo challenge this week stop by here....

i hope you all have a fabulous weekend!!

February Photo Challenge...

2011-02-03T17:22:00.003-07:00

bbbrrrr....

while we've had the cold {below zero} temps here, we didn't get a drop of snow...

i know you can cuss...

my heart goes out to you all you are swimming in the white stuff...

don't fret you'll soon be swimming in aqua blue before too long right?!? ;0)

so with all the *amazing* photo challenges and linky parties i thought we'd give it a try here on the prairie...

once a week i'll give you a little challenge, something to stretch your skills, and view life differently through your lens...

don't fret if you haven't the best of the best camera, haven't made the switch over to manual, or just really haven't a clue as to what you are doing...

a great photo is a great photo {simple as that girls!} :0)

i just want you to have the desire to capture beauty, to sink yourself in the moment of everyday...

so the first challenge:

For the Love of Food...

i know...a little strange...

but food during february is {divine}...

the desserts alone are enough for my {heart} to go pitter patter...

one thing i can't get enough of...

cinnamon hearts...

so show me your love of food here...

i've created a flickr group for us all to view and join...

each week i will browse through the group and pick 5 photos to feature here before the next challenge...

at the end of the month one lucky featured photo will win...

florabella's new luxe II set...

let me just say...

simply {stunning}...

my two photos for this week's challenge were processed with blush and love from the set...

so there you go...

go and capture a moment of pure beauty this week...

cannot wait to see life through your lens...

Moments..

2011-02-02T14:55:00.002-07:00

today is an art day...

i enjoy these simple moments of quiet creativity with my kids...

what about you? how are you bundled up on this cold day??

Shop Talk...

2011-02-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

wednesday?!?!

february!?!

i didn't think it would be possible to get any more behind than what i already was...

and yep this past week...nothing getting accomplished but calving...

not me...

the cows...

thank goodness...

i haven't had a chance to really stock the shop, and search for faded finds...

but i have found a few...so just a little sneak peek of new finds that i'm working on getting photographed this week...keeping fingers crossed...but did i mention that i haven't done taxes yet?!? ugh...this time of year, i swear...

also this week....

~photography courses...

~*FABULOUS* giveaway...

~the why of what...

~and of course baby calves... :0)

i hope everyone is staying warm and cozy...

i don't know about you all but i am SO ready for {spring}!!

Photography Projects...

2011-01-28T13:40:00.005-07:00

today is tempting...

tempting and teasing us with spring...

so i am headed out to help baby calves suck, doctor calves, check on calves, and hopefully not have to help a heifer calve... :0)

can you tell we are in the middle of calving season?!?

the husband is off rounding up cattle..

so it is up to the kids and me today...

and i show you a picture of a hen...go figure?!?

i did want you all who are looking to improve your photography skills, learn the basics, and practice, practice, practice...

there are some *amazing* sites that are offering projects and linky parties on just exactly how to do this!

becky of {farmgirl paints} is hosting The Thrive Project!! *love* this...she shares tips and tricks on all the basics...*fabulous*!

jeanne of {a bushel and a peck} is taking photos with a purpose...

every friday during the month of februray she will post a theme and you take photos that fit within that theme...

a great way to practice and celebrate love all month long!!

and lara with {modern prairie girl} is hosting a fun, unique, photo challenge...

where you find any {still-life} object around your house and play!!

these are just a FEW challenges, and projects going on around blogland...

there are many 365 day challenges, 10 for 10, and 52 projects on flickr so spread your wings and challenge your photographer self!!

{i will talk a little bit more about some other challenges and e-courses within the coming weeks that i will be participating in! *love* this blogging land!!} ;0)

what about you?? are you already participating in some? know of some fabulous ones out there?? Please share!!

have a wonderful, tempting spring weekend!

While Away..

2011-01-27T15:29:00.003-07:00

while the boys are at work, school and away...

the daughter and i get to play...

not dolls...

not tea parties...

not princesses in pink...

but this...

{cowgirls} and indians...

so glad this little girl came along to teach me the difference! ;0)

The Savvy Photographer..

2011-01-25T17:45:00.003-07:00

this morning there was an unexpected surprise in my email...

Marsha with The Savvy Photographer left a sweet little note letting me know they were featuring a couple of my goods on their website!

Photo Displays that Rock...

Marsha has created an *amazing* site for photographers and all the goods one needs...

I am also *thrilled* that soon I will be contributing to the inspiration found there...

*thrilled* and somewhat sick to my stomach...ugh...

the old questions and doubts coming back full force again...

but I am {brave} and I'm learning to embrace those small whispers of doubt...

please check out Marsha's site, you will be *amazed*

WE' REstoring...

2011-01-21T15:59:00.006-07:00

soul restoration...

what an {amazing} journey...

right now i have SO many thoughts...

SO many emotions...

i have needed a little time to gather myself...

raw...

completely...

this has been one of the projects...

a journal of sorts...

as you can see i'm not the only one in the family who has chosen to embark on the creative side of this journey...

the kids have chosen to join in with their own journals...

this one belongs to me...

this one to ian...

his crell {corral} is closed for the season...{if you are wondering...yes...he has his mother's great spelling gene...} :0)

this one belongs to mccrae...

i don't know if i have ever seen cuter cowboys in my entire life...

and clancey's...well the first photo was the only chance i had to capture it...it hasn't left her little hands since she started...yes, it is pink and full of princesses...

i hope i can put into words for you later on how much this course has affected me...also a new book that i have been reading...i will be sure to try and round up my thoughts and feelings into one crell ;0) for you and share soon...

oh...*thank you* ALL for the wonderful photography tips!! i really appreciate each and every one!! XO

Prairie Colors....

2011-01-18T15:24:00.003-07:00

there once was a girl who *adored* neutrals...

greys, browns, creams, and most recently warm whites...

anything stark and raw...

but her spirit is longing for some color right about now in this dismal january weather...

sky blues, golden wheat yellows, prairie grass greens...

just little rustic bits to bring {sunshine} and {cheer} into her home...

on a completely different note...

i starting shooting manual about a month ago...

i think i've starting getting the hang of it...

except indoors...ugh!!

so all you fellow photographers any suggestions?? the thing that is getting me is the right balance between a slower shutter and aperture...oh and white balance is killing me...

all i can say is {thank} goodness for photoshop!! :0)

Artography...

2011-01-14T06:40:00.002-07:00

while perusing some new artist's blogs a while ago i read one word that whispered to me...

*ARTOGRAPHY*

the ability to combine elements of art to a photograph, layers and layers of creativity added in order to alter the feeling or story of a photo...

oh how my wings trembled with excitement, my spirit soar, how everything suddenly clicked by reading that one simple, beautiful word...

my journey has begun...

Purely Raw...

2011-01-13T14:30:00.002-07:00

so this post was SO not on the agenda for today...

but this post by jamie titled {whiskered} made me smile...

i have secretly had a crush for awhile now...

.......*ryan bingham*........

oh...my....

his voice is *absolutely* amazing...

rugged, raw, and gives heed to the {good ole boy} days...

once a tough rodeo circuit cowboy, he sings life stories...

i CANNOT believe that i missed his concert in park city last year, or the one in las vegas with willie nelson {not a BIG fan but definitely would have tolerated to see ryan} ;0)

anyone up for a little road trip and concert??? :0)