Iris...I Love ya.

Iris' are just starting to bloom all around the yard.

I can't wait to see them in full bloom. I really love those deep lavender blooms.

I moved the kindness rock and oh boy do we have some ants.

This has just been a little walk about.

Thanks so much for you visit.

Wishing you a very blessed day!

"I don't know why you keep the things you do?"

"I don't know why you keep the things you do?" said the husband to the wife.

Oh wow...I was amazed, a little dazed, and I have pondered on that mere statement now for a couple of days.

mmmmm...

Well..there is this old out of date wood cook stove in my kitchen. I will admit sometimes it has been a hindrance when trying to arrange or rearrange the kitchen.

but

Let's remember last year when that ice storm came through and everybody was powerless. Boy that eggs and that bacon along with the biscuits and gravy was pretty good and it did make a pretty yummy pot of pintos. I also found it refreshing when your daughter that was staying said, 

"This is fun! It's like camping out."

I do have a lot of old coffee pots and rolling pens and things like that stuck all over the place.

Yes, there is that old shaky cabinet that was my grandma's. I can't seem to get rid of that old thing.

But while others are trying to get that wonderful cracked and layered paint look,  

DA...DA....

We've already got it.

and

Where else am I going to keep all those cookbooks that I seldom use?

I know...this is junky..but I love this little brother and big sister. 

I use to tell Hannah and Louis it was them.

I'm glad I never pulled out all those useless nails everywhere. 

When you bought my that nice set of pans for Christmas( I have enjoyed the new pans.)

It caused an awful problem and this little #3 skillet that was Grandma Dorothy's little pan kept rolling out of the cabinet and it nearly got my toe.

I also liked it when Jack wanted to know if it was a real pan and I said yes and I told him that my 

Grandma would often make herself a small pawn of bread in it.

I do habitually keep old jars. 

I think this one looks quite nice with the flower it takes your eye away from the wrinkly table clothe.

Today I liked the little blue mason but someday  it might be a old mayonnaise jar or pop bottle.

but 

now this is the question in my mind:

Where you confused?

Did you not notice that screen door you just swung open when you walked into my world?

Did the lack of air conditioning and the wind from the fan leave you dazed on a warm summer day?

and with all this thought I have no apology or excuse.

Oh my...a little sun is peeking through the clouds. 

I guess there's always hope even on a rainy day.

Either Pin 'em Up or Pin' em Out

Here I go again...

I must get something established in this muddy patch.

This will be at least the fifth or sixth time I've planted the shading bed.

All my attempts have remained failures mostly do to pets. 

I have come to understand that this piece of dirt is irresistible to dogs

but now I know it is also irresistible to chickens too.

It's not a very attractive spot but I can't bring it in me to spend money on  this anymore.

So..I found some rocks from around and used the old chicken wire and tobacco sticks as 

a temporary fence.

OMG!! They have heard my pecking and here they come a runnin.'

They are so afraid of missing out on something.

These girls don't eat everything I plant but if they find something they like

they will keep at it until there is nothing left.

Wishing you all the best on you gardening endeavors!

BE BLESS!

Faces of Spring

Good Monday Morning

John 4:24 
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (words of Jesus)

Genesis 1:31
...God saw every thing that he made, behold it was very good.

I can't imagine a much nicer way to spend a day away than good ole front porch pickin'

David Holt is a true teacher and historian. He as made it his mission to learn, share, and teach the Appalachian ways and especially the music. The first time I ever heard him was in grade school.

Every year he would come and perform for our school. For those who haven't heard of him or

 Etta Baker you might be in for a little treat.

Isn't Etta a true flower!

I'll have to throw a little Doc Watson in since the Merlefest is this weekend.

This has been my version of Monday Music Moves Me.

Today is earth day and in honor of the day we were to pick songs about

the world, planet, people or cultures. 

Today and Everyday...

Let us be good stewards of 

the world we've been blessed with.

Thanks so much for the visit!

The Martha White Flour Power Hour

I was listening to the radio yesterday while doing the dishes and the started talking up a local bluegrass show that would be coming up real soon. One of the feature artist was Rhonda Vincent. 

Anyone familiar with Rhonda Vincent knows she is fairly famous for the Martha White Theme Song but she doesn't only sing about it she cooks with it too. She 's going to be doing some baking with

Cookin' with Paul; a locally famous chef . 

All this talking about Martha White got me thinking that whole lot of folks don't really understand just how good Martha White flour is but even less know how they have supported bluegrass and country music through the years.

I will say for sure I cook with Martha White. There was a time I might pick up whatever flours were on sale but my oldest daughter made a science project based on self-rising flour.

She tested Great Value, Pillsbury, and Martha White self-rising flour. I will be honest in saying at the time I didn't think there would be a great difference but I was so wrong. 

The Great Value was just pitiful. It didn't rise and the color was so unappealing. 

The Pillsbury rose almost twice as high as the GV Brand; the color was nice and attractive.

but...

When we baked that Martha White it rose even higher and was such a beautiful color and texture 

that I refuse to purchase other brands. Now I'm not an expert but I was convinced.

Everyone by now, knows what a bluegrass fan I am so I was familiar with the theme song. I've had fun  with it too through the years. I actually worked with a very sweet, older lady named Martha White and to pick at her I decided to learn the song and I would sing it to her in some crazy fashion or another. She would just laugh and giggle. 

Since I've gained so much pleasure from it I thought surely someone else would get a rise( I say hot-rise that is)out of it too.

http://www.s-w-b-a.com/mwbus.html

Now that's 

Southern Direction.

Thanks for the visit!

Monday Music Moves Me

This is another 

Monday Music Moves Me 

The theme is "MONEY."

I'm guessing that's to honor April 15..yuck.

Matthew 6:21  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

I have been blessed with many a treasure but money...not so much so let's just make good fun out of it all.

Wow..I do  like ABBA but this has to be their worst song ever.

If all you've listened to all this music about money 

and you're just not quite satisfied ..

take a look out at God's Coloring Book.

Thanks so much for the visit.

BE BLESSED!

The Spencer-Penn Centre's 2nd Annual Pig Cookin' Contest

The Spencer-Penn Centre is the most amazing community center. It's not hard to tell from the picture this was once an elementary school for the Spencer, Virginia community. My Daddy actually attended here for a year or two. At that time, it was also a high school also.  As modern time and modern take on money and education the decision was made to close the school.

Of course that was followed by outrage and hurt feelings for the folks that were effected. Nevertheless, the school closed. Members of the community rallied by means I'm not quite sure of and purchased the property for use as a community center. 

I have been wanting to visit but I hadn't got to it yet. It is only about a 30 minute drive from the house. The local radio is always making mention of the monthly music night and various classes they offer, now and again but yet I still had not gotten around to going. So when the advertised their "Pig Cookin' Contest" I was interested and sure enough not committed to anything else; Mama, Jack and I road on down to check it out. 

The event was much more than just a barbecue festival. There was a car show, civil war encampment, a wonderful artist creating wood sculptures with a chainsaw, bluegrass music and cloggers, local artist, crafts, and of course the food. 

We had such a great time. I apologize for not taking more pictures but I haven't quite overcome the way folks sometimes freak-out when I pull out the camera and I mostly wanted to enjoy the moment.

I think I was most impressed with the way they have utilized the building. Every room and piece of the property is being used. They have a library, and dance studio, they have cooking classes and basket making classes, aerobics and fitness; all while maintaining this beautiful historic building. 

I mean there will never be schools built like this anymore.

I can't wait till the next basket class comes along or music night. 

I'm ready. I'm ready!

I hope you are inspired to get out there and check out them out,

or

checkout what your own community has to offer.

It's there you just have to go.

Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting!

BE BLESSED!

A Walk to Remember~Sharing Virginia Outdoors Post

http://www.virginiaoutdoors.com/article/more/4319

Straw Hats, Bonnets, and an Apron

Straw hats and bonnets and apron take me right back to that

white frame house where my Grandma Hylton lived. 

Her house much like her was simple. 

Things that I treasure now as beauty she just saw as functional.

I can see her now in her straw hat and apron coming up from the garden well tended.

Sometimes she would wear a straw hat.

Sometimes she'd be wearing a bonnet.

Apron string tied around her middle

and

barefooted of  course.

This time of the year she might be still cutting salad

or sowing new seed.

Grandma didn't wear her hat to church.

I guess she say no need. 

I never saw more elegance than 

an old woman, a hat and some seed.

This hat isn't the one my grandma wore but it definitely brought those memories of her right back to my mind. She has been gone for quite some time now but her memory has faded from my mind at all. I even catch myself still speaking of her as I might have talked with her just yesterday.

If your fortunate and your grandmother is still living I encourage you to spend time with her.

Treasure her. 

It will surely add meaning to your life that can't be put into words.

Thanks so much for the visit.

Be Happy

and

BE BLESSED.

Monday Music Moves Me

Hello Music! 

Hello Monday!

Today's theme is the music your parents listened to and how it made you feel.

Folks that know me might already know what direction this music trip will be taking me.

My parents listened to old country which back then wasn't so old and gospel; all of which leaned heavy towards bluegrass music. 

I don't think I thought about how it made me feel. My Daddy is bit of a character and cut up, who could usually be found with a guitar on his knee. He would be just as likely to get up and dance around the room if the mood came over him. Not necessarily because he could dance he was just silly like that. Mama also had her zany moments too. Mama is blessed with an amazing gift for singing and harmony but she was also blessed with the ability to make up a sing song about just about anything. Mama also knows about every child's song there ever was.

So...

I have to say I was blessed with a kind of childhood that very few children get. 

There was never a lot of dollars around; they had surely been replace with love and laughter. 

I'm going to start this journey with some Johnny Horton. 

Riding in Daddy's truck with a floorboard full of so many tools our knees were about up to our chins most likely on our way to cut wood. 

Could you see that alligator?

Let's play one more of Johnny's song's.

Mama always loved this one so good.

This next song is a good silly one. This bluegrass band is probably best known for the song

Rocky Top 

but 

That's just one of many, many great songs recorded by the Osborne Brothers. They also stick in my mind so clear because Daddy loaded us all up and we drove to Lakeside Amusement Park to see them when I was fairly young.

I've been a fan ever since.

How about one more?

And another of Mama's favorites..

I'm going to end this musical train ride with a Hank Snow tune. 

With Daddy been a truck driver and spending his time in the military this song 

surely was a hit.

Thanks for stopping by

Keep Hoppin' 

and 

BE BLESSED!

Mad Hatter Strikes Again

Yes, I'm mad about another hat.

One semi-crumpled, plain black straw hat 

equal 

One upcycled , new hat creation.

My intention is to list this hat creation on Etsy

but..

I really like it myself.

Is this a dilemma for other crafty folks?

I hate to see things be tossed away. 

I love recycled and upcycled items.

One of the most repeated questions out of my mouth is..

"Are you going to waste that??"

I'm not sure if that's the country in me,

the southern in me, or just 

the mother in me.

Wow! The sun just popped out and I'm outta hear.

Thanks for stopping by.

BE BLESSED!

Just The Way You Are

Fading into Bluegrass~Monday Music Moves Me

Here it is again, another Monday Music Moves Me Blog Hop!

I've let myself be confined due lately. Between weather and work I really haven't had much bloggy wonderfulness going on but I have come to look forward to Mondays and hopping around and hearing the different ways people express themselves and find joy through music.

Today, the theme is the blues but and I don't feel like getting completely blue maybe just a little grey. 

If you've hopped by here before you know you might hear about anything, so today will be no exception. In some past post you know I might rock it up or chill out with some great bluegrass. 

Let's do both...

My first on the list for today is "The Unforgiven" a tribute to Metallica by the bluegrass band 

Iron Horse

Number 2: Nothing Else Matters~Iron Horse

Number 3: Cocaine~Pickin On Series. 

Who doesn't love Eric Clapton? Well we like his song on the bluegrass side too.

I have always liked this song but by no means am I try to promote or even lighten drug abuse.

Number 4: Statesboro Blues~Tribute to the Allman Brothers

Well I say...the sun has peeked through this snowy/icy Monday so let get alittle bluer...

Did ya make it all the way to the end of this post?

Oh my..ya might be fading into bluegrass....

Are you trying to figure out how ya got here?

Ya'll come back now ..ya hear!

You Can Beat It with an Ugly Stik~~Monday Music Moves Me

Oh my goodness! It is another Monday Music Moves Me blog hop. I have been honored to have been chosen as the spotlight dancer. I want to start out by apologizing if I break any rules. It will be unintentional. I also must apologize for being late. Mondays is usually a good day for me to get to the computer and blog around but alittle ice in the county has thrown the kids on a two hour school delay. 

If the weather's even close to good I will promise you all, I will be absent from the bloggy world and the good Lord blessed me with a pretty great weekend. 

                 It is a freebie day so I guess we can go where ever we want to today. 
I so have some Spring fever. I had promises myself back in January I was going to buy fishing license this year and fish. I have really done any fishing since I was a kid ..but I like it and I know Jack loves it. The old man(husband) use to be on a fishing craze but work has been a little demanding so the Jack cannot suffer anymore. Spending time with my boy and out on a creek bank or lakeside is truly two of my favorite things to do. So I'm excited and ready to do the thang. 

I'm not the one to watch every fishing show but I believe I probably have watched them all and I will tell you I think some folks lose all the fun for making it so complicated. The only  fishing show I care to watch is Bill Dance and Carolina Outdoor Journal. I also had to pick up a pole. I probably could have just found me one in building but I wanted my own. The questions I had was," What kind of reel? ....What kind of rod?" I almost went with the classic Zebco 33" but I really wanted the Ugly Stik Spin Cast Combo. 

I'm excited! 

I'm ready!

What you are thinking...

Where's the dang music?

So let's start with my all time summers on the way make me feel good song....Fishing in the dark by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

I'm country music lover but I really love Beach Music. If you didn't grow up in the Carolina's you might not understand the craze. Carolina beaches, shagging, and just plain relax, Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" has always been a favorite. I always wanted to be brown eyed because of this song but I have been blessed with my own brown eyed girl. 

I'm one of those folks who pretends to shagg but check out the real deal.

Jack and I are suppose to start training today for the 5K event the elementary school is sponsoring. We were both quite pumped up about it but they have cancelled practice due to weather so here's Emmylou to get us in the running mood.



I'll end this ride with one more Emmylou song one for all those who grew up with red dirt between your toes. Thanks to all of you who stopped by. I wish you a most blessed day.

Sit Down Young Stranger by the Country Gentlemen

I heard this song just the other night and it has stuck with me so.

I just love the Country Gentlemen.

There's something in his voice and a deepness in the lyrics.

There's no video to go along but so many times I prefer it that way many times seeing a video of a song will just kill it for me.

I hope you too will enjoy this song.

Telling My Life with a Song

This is another Monday Music Moves me Blog Hop. 

It's a fun one. I'll have to warn you; I'm a mixed bag when it comes to the music. I was a child through the seventies, hit my teens through the big hair eighties, spent many a evening at a church revival where my Mama and Daddy most always would telling the gospel through a simple guitar and lyrics, and I'm most certain I'm more backwood country than you could ever stand to really know.

so...

Let me see if I can round up a song or two to tell my story.

With my Daddy being a Bible toting truck driver I'm going to start you out with one that was most likely his song. I can't share him and Mama doing this song, which is the way my ear always hears it no matter which artist is sing it.

I'm Using My Bible for a Roadmap..

Mama's simple singing and love of minor chords always made this a favorite for me.

Unseen Hand

Seven Bridges Road is my all time southern rock favorites. Makes me think about the old camaro and a dirt road.

Didn't ever girl want to be Joan Jett...I sure did...

The best concert I ever went to was down in Rockingham, North Carolina. It was about a seven band outdoor concert; my favorite of course was Metallica. One absolutely crazy night finishing out with the worst thunderstorm I had ever seen but Wow...what a scene! It was such a fantastic mix Metallica just tearing it up all while lightening crashed to the ground. I did question in my mind if God was getting ready to take us all out.
So here's my favorite Metallica song Whiskey in the Jar. I have strangely thought this would make a most driving bluegrass song.

Wow!!How many song will it take to tell my story. Looking at this list I'm starting to feel kinda old. I'm going to finish this whole thing off with what I think is the most all time rocking bluegrass song ever.

Did you really think you could get out of all this without hearing more bluegrass?

Del McCoury's Vincent Blacklighting makes me visualize my old man on his Chopper and is the only time I ever thought I'd like to be a redhead.

Okay where's this ride going to end? Well....I don't know. I guess I should have included some song from Little Mermaid or Lightening McQueen but I didn't ya'll all know I'm a Mama several times over

so let's just chill out with some Kenny Chesney and I'll love ya...Thanks for stopping by.

Ask Granny: What Made Old Ball Jars Blue~~Sharing

I love this old history! Canning Granny is just the best place to go for good old fashion canning advice. Here is a post that I thought was so interesting. That is probably because I love these old jar. I'm an old jar lover. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I did.

http://canninggranny.blogspot.com/2013/03/ask-granny-what-made-old-ball-jars-blue.html?showComment=1362756835416#c6372989585827

It's a Monday Music Moves Me Blog Hop~~Baby~

Wow! How long has it been since I've posted? I'm so glad to catch up with all my bloggy friends...I missed ya! It is a Monday Music Moves Me Blog Hop. Many times I have tried to get in on all this hoppin' and either I've been interrupted or a technical malfunction has booted my whole post off or some other ridiculousness occurs. I always like hearing what others are into and hearing something out of my usual even though I don't always follow through with a post.

but....

It's a Monday that  feels like a Friday to me. My B-day was Saturday and I worked all weekend but it was all good but I feel like I'm on a little birthday high so I'll try not to be too much of "hell yeah" girl this morning or maybe my whole redneck side will be out you just never really know with me. 

so let's get to hoppin..

Well guess I'll end this up with a little Alison Krauss.

Thanks for stoppin' by

Ladies Holiday Photo Friday Blog Hop

Snow Day..Fun Day

Oh yes!!

That is a my happy boy. 

We finally got the snow. There has been a skiff here and there and all around us but this time we got some too. No it isn't alot but it was enough to do those things a boy dreams of and  we have promise via weatherman of more tonight.

Notice snowball in hand.

Awh...my angel

How good has this day been?

How much fun have I had?

How happy am I?

Well...I'm happy as a goat eating a cupcake!!

and..

the paper too...

Oh yes, that is icing on his nose.

Lottie and Dottie are jealous

but where's Bertha?

Oh...sorry..

Thanks so much for stopping by

BE BLESSED!

I sure am!