"Sometimes I have loved the peacefulness of an ordinary Sunday. It is like standing in a newly planted garden after a warm rain. You can feel the silent and invisible life."


— Marilynne Robinson

The Girasole Lady

Parsley & Sunday

Today is Sunday. Bliss day number 4.

Friday (day 2) was spent with my precious Grand daughter, and a visit with her Mama too. Not much activity, just a lazy rainy day.

Saturday morning found me shopping, again, with my youngest, Beth. We spent the morning together creating some wonderful holiday memories. Do I dare tell... we ate at In & Out Burger at 9:45AM!! That's right breakfast burgers. Never in my entire life have I eaten a burger for breakfast, let alone at a fast-food eatery. What can I say-I felt daring! We laughed, and happily ate our breakfast together. 

The afternoon was spent at home with ALL my girls. Chatting, eating and warm drinks enjoyed together. Saturday's are the official "family" day together. It is the time all the little chicks come home to roost under Mama's wings. I have been know to cry when we miss a Saturday together.   

Sunday is not even half over yet. The early morning was spent cleaning the barn. I feel horse happiness when the barn is clean with fresh pine shavings, and I know the horses are dry and snugly warm. Our horses really like to sleep lying down.

There is more rain and wind today, but I am OK with that. For the first time in a long time I am not fighting with the weather, just letting it be. I would imagine because my schedule for the next week is mine, and that feels great. It brings overwhelming contentment to my spirit.

It appears that Parsley is not in the least bit affected by freezing cold, rain or wind. Thank you Parsley for setting such a fine example.
The Girasole Lady

11 Days of Bliss

For 11 days I am on vacation from my "office" job. Yesterday was my first day of  the vacation bliss. While others may find their bliss in some far away place, my perfect vacation is being right here at home.

Yesterday started with a fire in the wood stove and a good cup of tea.
It was very  frosty outside.

Mother Earth blessed us with lots of sunshine.

There was horse keeping chores to be done.

A little exercise.....

Barn cleaning...with the most special little helper.

Even the Horse Shoer came and gave the horses a trim, I will say they were more than long overdue for a trimming.
The day wrapped up with a hearty spaghetti dinner, and some evening Christmas shopping. Yes-this is the first attempt of the season to begin the holiday shopping!
The day ended just like it began, in front of the warmth of the wood stove.
As for today...well, we shall see what is to come.

The Girasole Lady

With pomp, power & glory the world beckons vainly,
 in chase of such vanities why should I roam?
While peace and content bless my little thatched cottage,
and warm my own heart with the treasures of home.
-Beatrix Potter-

Renee's Garden Photo Contest

Hurray! My Sunflower photo won 2nd place in Renee's Garden Photo Contest 2010.

I have over 5000 pictures stored on my computer and this is my favorite.

Not only is it a beautiful picture, it is the inspiration for the name Girasole Farm. Girasole is the Italian word for sunflower.

This is my "moment" of fame, right? ok- I might be exaggerating a tad bit.

Speaking of "moments" last night I had my interview with Dori & Val from More Hip Than A Hippie

the Podcast will be aired next Wednesday October 20th.

Dori & Val were amazing at making me feel comfortable in front of a huge microphone looming in front of my face. By the time the interview was over I felt like we were old friends.

Huge hugs to my daughter, Kristina, for pushing me to do the interview and going with me to hold my hand.

Today I am attempting to take a few pictures of the Farm to design a new banner that is more personal.

It is also time to start putting the Summer garden to bed.

Right after our trip to the local Pumpkin Patch.

Happy Gardening

The Girasole Lady

Gourds

I have this fascination with Gourds. Last Summer (2009) I planted Gourds in the field. After researching several different methods on how to "cure" them, I stuck with the "let them alone on the vine until after the first freeze method"-that is how the Amish do it in Pennsylvania. After the cold weather set in I picked them from the field and set them just outside the garden under the Maple tree. They were "heavy" in weight, green in color, and starting to be covered in black/brown mold. I was certain I would find them in the Spring conglomerated in a big gooey pile of mucky mold. I did not give into the temptation to bring them inside and let them cure by the wood stove.                                               BEFORE

I passed by the Gourd pile several times during the winter afraid to touch them, or even look at them for that matter. They were getting darker and darker with the mold and changing beige in color.
When Spring finally arrived, and grass was shooting forth from the ground, the Gourd pile was almost completely hidden. I accidentally stepped on one and, as I practically fell over (yes-that seems to happen more often than you might imagine),  I was delighted to find that it was not the gooey mucky mess I had anticipated. WOW- the gourds were hard as rock, light as a feather, and had a cool rattle sound as your shook them.  I dug them out like a hidden treasure. I couldn't help but run around the field shaking them and yelling, "Look, look at my Gourds. They are beautiful". I collected all of them up and put them in the back of an old truck behind the shop.
                                                                           AFTER

 I have "Snowmen"  "Bowls" and "Dippers".

 After a Clorox bath.

I sprayed a clear coat on these.

My lovely friend, Christine MacShane featured some of the Gourds from Girasole Farm on her show, The House Whisperer,  yesterday.  I cannot wait to see how she finishes up with them.

Here is the link to  Christine's Show

If you are interested in purchasing a Gourd for crafting, or just dancing around with one in the field please email:  girasolefarm@hotmail.com.

They are $10.00  $5.00 each.

Happy Gardening

The Girasole Lady