8 x 8 oil on linen. It’s so fulfilling to be painting in oils again. I’ll never tire of studying this landscape. More to come…

Oh little blog… I have missed visiting you. I love the history that you hold. At times I have thought that it was time to end but I’m not ready to close that door. Let’s pretend that it hasn’t been so long and that the ups and downs of life don’t keep us from writing or using our creative voice. Let’s just do a little recap and catch up…

Last year was a bit of a challenge. We had to say goodbye to our sweet Oliver and it absolutely broke my heart. I had his companionship for 14 years- in the studio, in the kitchen, at the barn, in the garden, in my lap on the couch. His passing left such a void in our home and in my heart. The sadness that I felt overtook my creative voice for a while. I suppose that is a natural part of grieving.

After the Philadelphia Flower show last March, my ongoing issue of tendonitis progressed and placed limitations on what I could do physically. Simple, everyday things like brushing my teeth, picking up my coffee cup and washing my hair were very painful- not to mention packing, shipping and doing the most basic tasks for my business. My creative voice got quieter and quieter.

Don’t get me started on politics. Drama and uncertainty has played in the background noise of daily life.

On a happy note, my sweet husband and son fashioned beautiful cedar raised beds for me over the winter and what a difference they have made! Our potager has been going for a number of years but this is the first year that I have gotten to enjoy it more than feeling the burden of the work that is needed to do digging and weeding. The boxes and the stone walkways have been so easy to manage this year. I hope to do a blog post about that process!

Did I mention that we got a puppy? In confusing fashion for the family, I cried all of the way home from seeing the precious, squirmy puppy-breath puppies. I am a “both/and” person. Both happy (about puppies) and sad (about Olie) – at the same time. It is beautiful and abundant but sometimes confusing and overwhelming.

Oh, I do love dogs and one day I want a whole herd of them… or pack, or gaggle. Oliver’s little sister Gracie was adjusting pretty well but we wanted to introduce a puppy while she was young enough to play with him and teach him the boundaries here at the farm. We knew a puppy would be easier to acclimate to the chickens, cats, horses and Lily- the guinea pig.

We couldn’t decide on a name for the puppy so we settled on two derivitives of and including Theodore- Theo and Teddy. He really doesn’t seem significantly confused. He politely ignores or responds to all three names.

Having teenagers makes life busy. Really??? Some of us weren’t prepared. I thought those toddler years were pretty dang extreme. What was I thinking?

Where do I give my list of 10 things to do or not to do??!! Here I am rambling on and on and not giving any advice/tips to hold your attention. If you are reading thus far, bless your heart.

Speaking of “bless your heart” – we went to MS to celebrate my grandmother’s 100^th birthday! It was a trip down memory lane to share with my family the many places and family that were a part of my growing up. My grandmother is something else. I wish that you could hear her voice and see her hands that I have known all of my life. I think I could draw her hands by heart. It was lovely to hold them again.

I’ve been going to PT for a while now and I’m happy to report that my arm/elbow has gotten much better!  What a difference. The puppy graduated first in his puppy school class. As shown above- he has out grown his older sister in only 8 short months. There were 4H presentations and horse shows, track, Young Life camp, Horse camp and the Newport Flower show over the summer. So many good things…

Fullness. It’s hard to sum up. My cup runneth over.

I am beginning to find my footing, my rhythm and my voice again. It was a bumpy year.

I think that we are caught up Little Blog. I hope to come back more often. You are such a good listener. ; )

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Oh, what fun way to spend a beautiful August day! If you are in the neighborhood you have to stop out at Sennett Parcel Farm for a great day of food, music, and equine beauty! The event is open to the public. You can bring a picnic lunch or purchase lunch on the grounds. Joelle’s French Bistro from Skaneateles is providing a luncheon. Tickets are required. Garden party attire is encouraged (there is a prize for best dressed and best chapeau!)  The event is being held tomorrow at 11:30 and goes throughout the afternoon.

Michelle Masters Studio will have a basket of goodies, topiary and an original drawing that will be donated to the silent auction to benefit the Saratoga WarHorse organization. This non-profit group brings together retired racehorses with veterans for a three-day experience that has proven to be effective and invaluable for those struggling to adjust to life after military service.

We want to wish our friends at Sennett Parcel, Claire Affleck and Lily Henson the best of luck in their events tomorrow. The Masters family will be cheering you on!

Shown below are  photos from last year.

There is a new market and cafe in town and I am so happy that my products are included in their offerings!  The market is owned by the Hourigan’s- a local farming family with deep roots in the community. Farmboy and his dad have had the pleasure of working with them for many years!

What a beautiful building and interior space. My pictures don’t do it justice.

Located on a picturesque spot in Elbridge, New York- Bailiwick Market and Cafe is a community gathering space offering food, art and fresh air. Local artisan goods and locally sourced foods are available for purchase. Live music is also featured throughout the season.

I love the giant dairy cow out in front of the building… it’s spots are painted in the shapes of all of the continents. How fun is that!?

A herd of dairy cows graze in the pasture next door- very apropo.

Stop in for a visit when you are in the area! You will be glad that you did.  For more information visit:  http://www.bailiwickmarket.com

Oh my, what a busy couple of months it’s been!! I have so much to blog about! How will I ever have time? I haven’t even mentioned my latest Fabulous Find. I spent the summer testing it out to see if it worked the way that I had hoped (teaser).

The Clothesline Festival was a complete washout for me this year. : (  I think that it was my last outdoor festival. (Never say never, I know.) It rained buckets and my new tent leaked. I had quite a bit of damage. Lots of cards to throw out and many prints to reframe. It was very discouraging.

On the happiest of notes… please meet Onyx- the newest member of the family. Maybe HE is actually my BEST FIND EVER… besides Farmboy, of course! Onyx is a sweetheart… a big, still growing 3 yr old draft cross- 1/2 Percheron and 1/2 Quarter Horse. The picture below hooked me… what a sporty, handsome guy!

He came from Corner Haven Farm in Trumansburg, New York. The owner Michelle Debell is known for her schooling, training, horse shows and turning out some wonderful mounts. Queenie, Lala, Onyx and I have been out for a hack a number of times since he’s come to the farm and I have found him to be fun, brave and willing. I hope to have many years with this guy and lots of fun riding with my girl and with Junebug. How fortunate I am to be able to share a great passion with my mother and my daughter. What a gift.

Queenie and North went through a loooong winter and were so happy when it was warm enough to turn them out without their blankets. Oh the joy of rolling in the snow when you are itchy from shedding and have to wear a blanket all of the time! I’m not sure if it makes me excited to get back in the saddle or nervous with all of that bucking, kicking and rearing!

Well, it’s finally happened. We have eggs. It’s like Christmas morning every day. Philamenia, Lucille and Stormy are such good chickens. I swear Lucille comes to the door to tell me to check the box if she is out and goes back in the coop to lay her egg.

On a different note… Countess Cluck is now apparently Captain Cluck and looking for a good home.

While he is only doing his chicken-y job… chasing people with claws and spurs bared doesn’t go over well. Gracie has become a tremendous asset. Captain Cluck will not go after us in the garden if Gracie is there! That little turkey… Cluck not Gracie. I know what you are thinking. Can’t go there. ; )