1/1/11

1/1/11 aka January 1, 2011...all those ones...does this mean day one...the first step...I think so!

It's time to take a good hard look at what I've done in the past, what I'm doing now and what I will do in the future...

We've had gentle rains falling for the last couple of days, washing all the snow from the fields and the lane. I can see the green from the fields...the winter wheat survived the blanket of cold that covered it for several weeks. Amazing how God's work always manages to triumph over hardship. This is what I am counting on in my life journey this year.  Just as the snow will return to the fields I will have real life snowstorms, but I know that spring is coming and I can bloom again!

I have been in prayer and know that my time of changes is here.

Love and Prayers...Vickie

                                                 Christmas sale at Cardinal Lane Farms


Only two more days to complete my Christmas preparations, we celebrate our family time on Christmas Eve. This year we are not exchanging gifts due to many financial difficulties within the family...I'm sure that is occurring in many families across the country. We will count the blessings that God has bestowed upon us and might I say, they are many. We just have to take the time to recognize them.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Take the time to love, laugh and live.

Prayers for a great 2011...God Bless...Vickie

Smile

It's time to start pouring candles for the 2010 season.

My free standing candles, especially the Buckeye candle have been best sellers for the past couple of years. I have been debating about keeping or removing the container candles from my line. After my decision to keep them I plugged in the large wax melter to start the process. As I lifted the lid to check on the melting wax I was greeted with the image of a smiling face on top of the wax. I guess this was the right decision!

Love and prayers...Vickie

Change and new life

Full Moon, Abundant harvest

Changes are coming to Cardinal Lane Farms, both the business and the farm. Now it's time to be quiet and listen for God's answers.

As I sat on the front porch tonight I was in awe of God's handiwork. The full moon was illuminating the waiting fields. Just as the fields are in anticipation of the seed that will produce an abundant harvest, I too am in anticipation of my coming harvest.

Wait with me to see the transformation and the blessings that are in store.

Blessings to all...Vickie

In again...Jennifer took my car again today. The lane is passable but the roads are iffy at 5:30 in the morning. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel...the sun is bright and the forecast is for days in the 40's! I need to find my summer wardrobe.

I spent the morning with my coffee on the phone and online. Every morning at 10:00 I call and talk with my Mom. This is a part of my day that is a blessing. I miss my dad and my grandparents but there is something about Moms that is special. I know in talking with several of my friends that when you lose your Mom there is a void that cannot be filled.

After I talked to Mom I called a friend in Kentucky and as we talked we looked up new websites to motivate us. I miss Wannetta. She moved to Kentucky several years ago but we both have unlimited long distance so we can keep in touch. We craft, solve problems, and chat in general by way of Ma Bell. It would be better if we could do all this in person like we used to but we make do with what life has given us and thank God for being able to still stay connected. We have decided that this year we will meet at least once a month. Half way is about 2 hours for each of us and it is doable if we are stubborn and stick to the plan. Our latest big plan is to swap "junk"(another man's treasure) on each trip to get ready for a big barn sale a couple of times a year. We are both in the mod of downsizing our lives and the need to simplify is strong. With things still tight for most families a sale like ours is a great way to obtain things you need without spending beyond the budget. A gentleman once said it is a sin to hold onto things you don't need when someone else is in need of it...that has stuck with me for many years, I guess because it is true.

I may do some baking today. I have a sourdough starter that is ready to use and Amish friendship bread sounds good. The timing is right since I have a meeting at church tonight and I can pass out the extra loaves. I can get my taste fix without having leftovers to tempt me. Sounds like a plan. Of course, as I always say "Life is what happens when you make plans." We'll see what gets done on my list today and what waits for tomorrow.

Love and prayers
Vickie

One more try

OK let's try this again...I just sat here and typed my heart out with a very long post and then lost it. It's now somewhere but I can't find it!

I was saying how much I hate winter...hate is a harsh word, but then so is winter. I have a half mile gravel lane that runs along side the farm fields. The winds strip the white cover from the fields and deposit it onto my driving path. I have a 4x4 that most of the time can get through but my daughter has a small Ford focus that is no match for the drifts. She has to get out to go to work so I always insist she take my car leaving me inside with no way out. I should be working on my resolution to purge my house of all the things that I have saved over the years, but for some reason on days like this I get distracted and don't get much of the mountain moved. I try to look on the positive side and know that I have done some and after all the longest journey begins with the first step. When Spring arrives I will have enough for a great sale. I am also giving part to charity. I am so blessed that I know I need to share with those who have less than I have or who are in a situation they never thought they would be in. We never know when we may be in a situation that would call for help from others.

I will post the rest of today's lost post later but for right now it's back to the mountain

Love and prayers
Vickie

Behind is the norm

I need to start posting more often, but it seems that I am always behind. I have realized that in my life behind is the norm. Could it be that I try to do too many things???? I have learned to say no to some things and to some people. I just need to expand that practice. If I don't take care of myself I will be of no help to others...light bulb moment! LISTEN, VICKIE, LISTEN!!!!!!

The weather is taking a turn. That means that winter is closer that I like. I love three of the seasons and I tolerate winter. I know it is beautiful to look at but I can get beautiful on a
post card. I prefer the seasons that allow me to get out in nature and enjoy God's amazing work first hand.

Work?

I have been trying to clean my house today but have been sidetracked at every turn. One good sidetrack was being able to get the waterfall on my pond working. I couldn't get the splices to stay but with wirenuts and electrical tape I have power! I will pick up more supplies and do a proper fix next week. At least now the goldfish have moving water. I wish I could till the garden and get ready for planting but it won't happen today. I look forward to working in the dirt and yard. God certainly knew what He was doing when he created this wonderful earth.

First

My first blog!
I am blessed and I thank God everyday for His protection, His guidance and most of all His love.