It is a rainy day. As I sit in my favorite chair, I glance at the cedar trees that line up the driveway. They dance gently in the wind. The trees have grown so tall since the first time I saw them, back then, when we looked at the property. They were at most, three feet tall, growing wild and free. We considered getting rid of them to open up more land, but my love of pine trees convinced me to keep them all, and I am glad we did, because now, I can look at these trees and smile. They are so lovely, most of them towering over 25 feet, a testament to the passing of time.
I used to think that time is just human invention, human perception to guide humanity throughout the days while living in a material world. In a way, it is true; however, time is more than that. Nature speaks of it “all the time” throughout the seasons, the harvest, the growth of anything and everything on earth. Throughout the journey that each one of us sets on. Time is the silent keeper of our days. One has only to look outside, especially now that winter has given way to spring, and see how the landscape changes daily. Have you ever been amazed at how fast the trees grow their leaves? As if overnight.
The miracle of life throughout the eyes of time. Time becomes more precious when we don’t have enough of it. Youth doesn’t mind the passing of time in the same way, unless life depends on it. In late golden years, time becomes precious, almost borrowed, a divine gift of sorts. It takes on a different meaning; it becomes the friend and foe of life, a duality that only a soul who has lived well comprehends, while finding peace in that knowledge. The eternity of time suddenly seems to dissolve; it has a beginning and end.
Ever been in a situation where no matter how much you analyze it there appears to be no solution? In those instances, one hopes for a miracle, and many prayers after, a miracle takes place. Most likely, one recognizes and appreciates the miracle, however, many times, it takes a while to comprehend the full impact of that miracle and all the backstage work (godly work) leading to it. Sometimes, it takes time to see the whole miracle as it unfolded. It is then, when we start discovering little pieces of information that come to us bit by bit, leading us to understand and comprehend the magnitude of a miracle. It is this trail of awe that makes us see in full completion the experience of it. If gratitude and awe were strong before, the trail of a miracle not only humbles us, but plants a seed of hope, faith, joy, and peace within.
One realizes that human reasoning has its limits, and when reached, faith and hope take over. If you have experienced a miracle, a happy resolution to what seemed like a hopeless situation, pay attention to the trail that it leaves, and your perspective (more so) will be changed.
Spring is almost here, and the old farmhouse becomes alive again. That entails many chores, most of them delightful, at least in my eyes. To prepare this home for spring, I like to give the porch a refresh, change or move around things a bit, after a good cleaning. The side entrance gets new life as well. Both entrances are adorned with new wreaths (recycled). This year, it was time to change the tattered flag and replace it with something different. I love the farm animals’ motif on this flag. I have decided to eliminate the side entrance flag in order to simplify the outdoors a bit. It will stay up until the holidays, and then, I will remove the pole as well. Most of these items have migrated from indoors to outdoor use as I continue to declutter and simplify things inside. I love pine trees, so the pine tree sign stays all year and so does my two potted cedars. I found the little cedars growing outside when these were about two or three inches tall, and they have grown lovely. They look great during the Christmas season as well. In living simply, one of the things I have decided to eliminate is having artificial flowers all over the house, indoors that is. These flowers were repurposed for use on the side door arrangement. The rest of the flowers and many other items were donated to our local SPCA thrift shop. All the proceeds go to help pets in the shelter and families who need pet food and cannot afford it at a particular time. It is a great place. Once the holidays arrive again, I will eliminate most of my Christmas decor, and leave only a few items and our Christmas tree. I have already told members of my family that I don’t want any gifts, unless they disappear with use, such as a candle or holiday food items, if they insist on gifting. As I age, I find the need and want for things, whether decor or other has really diminished. I can appreciate the beautiful and lovely things without wanting these items. I have only left some meaningful items that represent gifts from people I love, and a few dear to me. I like the feeling of lightness and simplicity, and as I am enjoying this feeling, I think more items will have to find new homes and people who will appreciate these in their surroundings. It is a win-win.
The month of March is reserved for setting up the garden areas and for general cleanup. Areas that have not performed well will be eliminated, and other areas will be improved or simplified. The idea is to make the garden more enjoyable and less of a chore. Some potted plants will be condensed and in general, the areas will become less cluttered and easier to manage. March is also the time to clean and set up the veggie garden and also a time to plan what veggies we will plant this year. We also plan the outdoor projects for this year. We will try to tackle one project a month, if possible. One very important, and the first project we will tackle is fixing the way the grape vine is hanging. We let it grow over the veggie garden fence. Last year was the first year that we would have collected grapes, and the vine was full of grapes. However, when the grapes were almost ready to pick, they disappeared overnight, hundreds of grapes gone. I was puzzled. We think that deer had a feast, so we have to come up with a solution. We trimmed the vine, and we will start it again this year, higher up this time.
Outdoor projects will continue until September or October, depending on the weather, so there is not much time to do everything we would like to do. However, planning helps us take care of the most important issues and prioritize them. I will share some of these projects here.
I took this picture in 2012 or so; it still speaks to me. (Photo by M.A.D.)
The minute we open our eyes to receive a brand-new day we are bombarded by advertising, whether on the news, the items we already own, and it continues throughout our day. Whether we realize it or not, we are being sold something (material or other) all the time. It is no wonder that we feel the need to accumulate more things and think that we actually need most of these items to live. We have learned to build status, a persona, around these things, and many times, we confuse who we are with the number of things or status we possess. Society builds itself around opportunities to have and have more, as well as the perception other people have of what we own. If we don’t own, we might not feel at par with the rest and we feel diminished. Why is that?
We have placed more value on our material possessions than on the God-given gifts and abilities we have; we have become our possessions and to have less than what society expects of us is unacceptable for many people. If we don’t follow the herd, we feel marginalized because sometimes, we are. The day we open our eyes and wake up, that is the day that we realize that we are more than what we own, and that our human value surpasses all of that. We understand that any material items in our lives are a blessing and not an extension of our Self. Then, we become grateful and free, not controlled or cursed by our material possessions or even the emotional weight that these put on us. Gratefulness opens the door for generosity and sharing. The true essence of who we are starts to emerge.
Recently, a very special friend who I have not seen in 8 years came to visit. I was so happy, full of joy to have seen my good friend again. It was an unexpected blessing. Life is full of unexpected blessings. Those usually appear when you need them most. Blessings that refresh your spirit and bring joy to your soul. Sometimes, those blessings are present and not that obvious because we are not attuned to these. In a fast-paced environment, life sometimes seems to go by quickly and we plug in to the speed of life, unaware of the blessings along the way.
Ever seen something “new” on a road/place you have been countless of times? Later, you find out that it has been there always, and you were not aware of it because you were not attuned to its presence. Many times, unexpected blessings have been there all along, but we failed to see them. Sometimes, we realize that what we wanted so much is what we already had but failed to see.
Here in Southern Virginia, December is milder in comparison to Jersey, however, when it is cold, you can feel it in your bones, deep in your bones. Sunday, I woke up in the middle of the night and looked through the window; it was snowing, a little surprise since we were not expecting anything in our area, and it had been raining all day. It was a decent dusting that certainly spoke of dreaming of a white Christmas.
It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Christmas decor has become simpler for us since we moved here, especially outdoors. Indoors, I like little touches here and there, not too much, a little something in each room. Life has become simpler in many ways.
I have always liked the look of two potted trees at each side of the front door, and a wreath, but I did not want to spend money on two artificial trees and large wreath, so I made mine. From time to time, I might find a little cedar tree growing in an area where it should not. I remove it and plant it in a pot until it grows large enough (about 12 inches) to be replanted in the perimeter of the property. I have been growing three tiny cedars that were about 2-3 inches when I found them, all on the same day. These have grown quite lovely. These grow fast. I planted one on a cement urn. It will become an outdoor Christmas tree. Now its branches are not strong enough to support a string of lights, so I attached a bow.
Little cedar growing to become a Christmas tree. (Photo by M.A.D.)
I planted the other two cedars on large pots and placed them at each side of the front door. These look lovely and will continue to grow. When these become too big for the porch, I will plant them on our property, and I will keep an eye for any little cedars that can take their place on the porch.
Little Cedars in training. (Photo by M.A.D.)
I made the wreath from recycled ornaments and greenery that I already had.
Here, December is a prelude to the colder months, and temperatures and weather are all over the place; one day could be freezing, the next day, very warm. Overall, I have found summer to be hot and humid, and winter, cold and wet, and not every year we get a considerable amount of snow. In fact, one year did not snow at all. I find the weather here very variable. Do I miss the Jersey blizzards? No, but I do miss other things.
A little stroll around town during the season is magical. The town dresses up for the holidays, and in a warm evening, it is enjoyable.
A little bit of history. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Lighting the lanterns in the evening is a Chatham tradition. (Photo by M.A.D.)
The many lights around town are just lovely. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Almost as if straight out of a Thomas Kinkade painting. (Photo by M.A.D.)
People love to see the decorations on this home. (Photo by M.A.D.)
Stores dress up their windows as well. I have fallen in love with the magic of this little town.
For me, December is also a month of deep reflection in many areas of my life. A month of planning for the new year and of dreaming as well. But most important, it is when I celebrate the birth of my King and Savior, Jesus Christ, reflecting in all that it means and also, all the joy and beauty of the season: friends, family, decorations, food, traditions … It is all good, all a blessing.
Photo by M.A.D.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 KJV
This will be my last post for this year. I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season. May your lives be filled with all the joy and love of God, and may your New Year be filled with all His blessings. Until next time.
Just a few more weeks until the end of the year, and for us it means closing projects and getting ready for winter. According to The Old Farmers Almanac, we should expect a cold and wet winter. If they are right, that means planning ahead for many things such as pellet fuel and other weather-related items. During winter, the focus shifts from the outdoors to indoors, and all outdoor projects cease. In retrospect, what I have learned throughout the renovation process of this old farmhouse can be summed up in one phrase besides hard work, and that is adding value. For those not familiar with this blog – my husband and I purchased a dilapidated 1910 farmhouse and set out to fix it one step at a time, for the long term. At that point, there was not much value on the structure, but the land and a good foundation. We realized that anything we were to do to the structure would increase its value over time. Our main goal has been to build value over time. We had a minimal budget to make it livable, and from that point on to improve it. One of the things we focused on due to budget limits was to forgo “the fancy” and go for solid materials, whether recycled or new, and at a discount from various sources, preferably. We obtained materials through different venues: contractor surplus, Craigslist, discount stores, antique shops … and some we bought new from home improvement stores, but always minding sales and sticking to the budget.
At first, we prioritized on adding value vs curve appeal or latest trends. One of the main reasons for that was realizing that because we planned on living here for a long time, the newest and fanciest of materials would become “dated” over time, thus losing appeal for future buyers. It was the opposite approach to flipping a home, where the focus is to attract new buyers quickly. Adding value over time will continue to be the focus, until the time comes to sell, which will probably be in our late golden years. By now, we have more than tripled our initial investment, and we are satisfied with that. There is much more to be done “at budget,” however, always keeping in mind adding value. Curve appeal will continue to be added small bits at a time, which will enhance value. Adding value to a property can be done by adding features that stand the test of time or improving existing ones. Also, features that appreciate with time instead of depreciating. A good example would be adding land, or even building an addition that recuperates the initial investment plus, over time. Creating an attractive landscape is another way.
The concept of adding value can be applied to writing or anything in life. When I started this blog many years ago, I set out to write about two journeys at once, writing my novels and restoring this farmhouse. Both journeys have been rewarding and enjoyable; however, far from finished, more half-way into the journey. As long as I keep my focus on value and not on trends, quantity, or fast-paced agendas, I will be fine and on time.
I will share a few pictures of this old farmhouse decked for the holidays. It has been a long (and rewarding) way. Hope you enjoy them.
I hope you are inspired to give the old a second chance, and to keep on going toward your goal, whatever that might be, defying the odds.
I will end this post with a favorite quote.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
It is the season to look up, down, and all around. No matter where we look, there is something to be seen. From meteor showers to leaves on the ground, critters looking for shelter, or the bright moon, to planets that look like bright stars; all of it is beautiful. There is also the unusual, the unexpected, like a spring flower coming up in the garden in the cold weather, or the late red rose that doesn’t wither after a frost. All of it, although simple, is wondrous.
A majestic morning moon peeking through the leafless branches.
That very bright star on a very dark night.
The same star (I think it is planet Jupiter) zoomed in.
The ground covered in leaves (for the third time).
Nature is ready to take a rest, but it is still whispering its wonders, and displaying its magic.
Sweet potatoes that look like carrots (Photo by M.A.D.)
Here in the USA, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day very soon, on November 23rd. For many, it marks the start of the Holiday season; others call it Turkey Day, in reference to the main dish served, roasted turkey. When I think about it, there is so much to be thankful for, not only on that day, but every single day. From the moment I open my eyes to receive a brand-new day the simple blessings are many. Take a moment and think about it; even that first cup of coffee is a blessing not to be taken for granted.
It is easy to be thankful when everything is going well in our lives, but not so easy when things are not working as expected or when undesirable and sad events happen. It is then when a thankful heart, although difficult, will benefit us the most. It will open the door to peace within, even in the middle of the storm. Giving sincere and heartfelt thanks to our God when we feel “less blessed and challenged” will humble our soul and will be a step taken in order for us to appreciate what is good in our lives, which is plenty.
Being thankful in the midst of sad or painful situations is not easy, but it is a start, one that gets noticed by the same God that only wants to shower us with blessings. When everything is going fine in our lives, sometimes, we forget and take for granted many things, many people. We might want more, become unhappy with the status quo, and totally disregard our daily blessings. Sometimes, what brings us into focus are the same things we dread or fear, and those things become a tool to bring us back to a state of appreciation, and therefore, a grateful heart. Every day presents an opportunity to be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving Day!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace.
Romans 15:13 NIV
The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made.
This year I have been in the mood for Autumn days. It is almost here, and I have enjoyed already a few crisp mornings, decorated a bit to enjoy the season, and collected a few veggies from the garden. Wild turkeys have been visiting, and I saw the first large flock of starlings flying by. This year, they did not stop here, but kept flying. I hope the next flock does; hundreds of starlings pecking on the grass is lovely to see. The birds are almost gone, and I have not seen a hummingbird in the past couple of weeks. A few leaves have fallen, and some trees are starting to change color. Nature is preparing for a new season. Just as in life, change is needed for a new season, even when transition might hurt. Rebirth always follows.
Inkspeare 