Mowing the Driveway

Brrr...the paper whites are cold!

 
Welcome to Colorado...Last week it was in the 40's and this morning we registered -15 degrees. Brrrrr! Since Studio de Lilywillow is out on the plains, about 25 minutes from the Wyoming border we do get some weather, but this is nutty.

Located in farm country, the ability to "grow things" hasn't quite rubbed off yet (our thumbs aren't green), so it was with surprised relief I found our "chilly" paper white beginning to bloom - up, awake and pointing directly towards the sunrise.   Now, I'm not entirely sure our little plant doesn't need a sweater but I know the rest of Team Lilywillow sure does.

 
Case in point - Mr. Wilson modeling his ever-stylish, double-thick, polar fleece ear muff/sweater combo (eerily reminiscent of our paper white blooms beginning to peek through). He won't let me take it off...Enjoy & Stay Warm! 

Tail-Wagger Wednesday...Third Edition

Lesson #3: Dogs Love Naps

"Do you ever hear from somewhere way back deep..."

The call of the wild?  No.  Let me sleep." - Roy Blount Jr.

Case in Point, my pups love to burrow in, snuggle up and nap.  They can't get enough of them. They nap in the morning, they nap in the afternoon,  they nap all evening, and then "go to bed" and sleep some more.  Don't get me wrong - when they're up and about they're truly something to behold - chasing, sniffing, playing, digging, eating, drinking, chewing, licking...and then more naps.

I look at them enviously now and again, with their little huffy snores and occassional running dream feet and wish I could just curl up and do the exact same thing.

Switzer and Wilson, nose to nose and napping - my silver bookends... Happy Wednesday!

Oh Yeah...That's Bailing Twine Baby

Since going from city to country I have a new found appreciation for the radio show Prairie Home Companion.  They did a show in Montana about a month or so ago and played a song about bailing twine which I unfortunately cannot get out of my head - Chorus appears below...

The song rings true...I've become intimate with this handy resource since I clip two strings a day.  For those that don't know "bailing twine" is a florescent orange poly-something string that keeps a hay bail together.  It's virtually impossible to break and really does come in handy for the quick fixes.  I've personally used it to catch a horse, mend fences, tie things down from blowing away, secure latches, wrap packages, etc.  Fabulous!

 

Being a "creative" I started thinking about other things I could make out of my bailing leftovers...and while the results may be a little Blair Witch Project meets Little House on the Prairie I thought they were fun and wanted to share.  If you'd like your very own Bailing Twine Baby...shoot me an email (info@lilywillow.com).  It's sort of like art therapy AND free entertainment at the same time.  I was thinking I'd try to weave a coaster or a placemat next so look for those in a future installment.  Happy Sunday!  p.s. The 2nd picture is technically a Bailing Twine Horse - shhh, no laughing!

Bailing Twine Song Chorus:

It’ll close a gate, hold your bait, fasten on your license plate
Tow a sled, lace a Ked, hang your deer in the shed
Keep your ‘mater plants and your pants from falling down
It’ll fix a cinch in a pinch, let your stirrups out an inch
Double as a fan belt, stretch a pelt, catch a smelt

Tie your turkey legs together, pitch a tent in any weather
Make a leash for your lizard, save your family in a blizzard
Hang a wreath, knit a sweater, floss your teeth, nothin’s better than

Whoah, Balin twine, (whoa) Balin twine
When you’re hangin’ in the brink, when you’re runnin’ outa luck
The solution might be sittin’ on the dashboard of your truck
Balin’ twine, (just a little piece of) balin’ twine
Always, always carry balin’ twine
Always, always carry balin’ twine

- Stephanie Davis -

Open Season

Long day, longer week, sitting down for a little TV time and some R&R last night and the party begins here in farm country.  Remember when I wrote about the miscellaneous creatures that sometimes come to visit in Where in the World is Eaton, CO?  One of them stopped by, making a Run for the Roses across my living room floor - a tiny, FAST, silky gray mouse. 

So, I'm pretty sure my closest neighbors already think I'm nuts but if they didn't, they do now.  I screamed like I was being attacked by a bear. Jumping up and down on the couch, pointing and screeching like a hoot owl. Said mouse took a quick "jaunt" around the perimeter of the room, seeming to follow along with my pointed finger towards the kitchen and the hunt was on.

This is when all four pups realized we had an intruder.  UPS men and the gas meter guy - they never miss.  These targets are bigger, arrive in large, loud vehicles, and never actually come inside the fence to be eaten like a real intruder should.  The pups knew I was having a freak out but they just couldn't figure out why since they couldn't actually SEE the critter at first glance.

Then Switzer, catching a flash of silver fur out of the corner of his eye, crouched like a jungle cat and quite literally pounced (you don't have a sense for what a pounce is until you've seen it) on this poor little wannabe house mouse. Then the second chase was on because Switzer (enjoying a victory lap) had the little guy and everyone else wanted to see what he'd actually pounced upon.

Switzer's running from room to room with a little pink tail dangling from his clenched jaw, protecting his "kill" from the inquiring minds, followed stride for stride by the other three pups, followed by me pointing and screeching again to "take it outside, take it outside" and NOT drop it anywhere I have to actually see it...which he immediately does.

Now, you know when you watch the perfect hand-off in a relay race - Wilson, with perfect execution never let the "baton" hit the ground.  He's off and running with a mouth full of mouse, the other three are in pursuit for a taste of the same dream, and I'm following behind again with even more screeching and pointing. 

Here's the thing about Wilson - he's a deal-maker and will accept the "money under the table" every single time. Shutting the other three upstairs with a slam of the bedroom door, following Wilson back downstairs to the kitchen, we begin our "negotiations." 

Calmly collecting a "cookie" out of the cookie jar, Wilson squares off and assumes his manly dog stance across from me. Wrapping my hands in plastic bags, picking up the cookie, I request that he sit down and rest from his exertions and he takes me up on the suggestion.  Finally, dangling the cookie above his proud silver head I ask him politely to "drop it" in exchange for another tasty treat and he smoothly complies.

Scooping the soggy, dog-slobbery mouse up (with bagged hands mind you), I remove the offender to the Great Outdoors, release the hounds from their bedroom prison, and everyone receives a cookie for good sportsmanship and effort. So, in conclusion it's Open Season here in Eaton - and to future mouse intruders...you've been warned.   

Tail-Wagger Wednesday...2nd Edition

 Lesson #2: My dogs are not scamps or troublemakers...I am the culprit

"I like them all — pointers, setters, retrievers, spaniels — what have you. I've had good ones and bad of several kinds. Most of the bad ones were my fault and most of the good ones would have been good under any circumstances." -Gene Hill

Case in point, I have a tendency to laugh and take a picture of bad behavior instead of "correcting" the situation.  I know. It's all my fault they prefer the couch to their pillows on the floor or the view out the window from my bed upstairs then the actual view from their own front yard. I just cannot resist a snuggly pup. I do however wish they would occasionally save me a seat. 

 

What Tree Did You Fall From?

We've been saving this one!  Martha Stewart Weddings ran this in their summer issue a few years ago and we just loved the whole idea.  A Celtic approach to astrology, each week of the year has a corresponding tree and the tree is supposed to symbolize certain personality traits...sort of a Celtic Zodiac.

Find your birthday week and tree below:

Jan 1-11: Fir

Jan 12-24: Elm
Jan 25-Feb 3 Cypress

Feb 4-8 Poplar
Feb 9-18 Cedar

Feb 19-28 Pine
Mar 1-10 Weeping Willow

Mar 11-20 Lime
Mar 21 Oak

Mar 22-31 Hazlenut
Apr 1-10 Rowan

Apr 11-20 Maple
Apr 21-30 Walnut
May 1-14 Poplar
May 15-24 Chestnut
May 25-Jun 3 Ash
June 4-13 Hornbeam
June 14-23 Fig
June 24 Birch
June 25-July 4 Apple
July 5-July 14 Fir
July 15-July 25 Elm
July 26-Aug 4 Cypress
Aug 5-Aug 13 Poplar
Aug 14-Aug 23 Cedar
Aug 24-Sep 2 Pine
Sep 3-Sep 12 Weeping Willow
Sep 13-Sep 22 Lime
Sep 23 Olive
Sep 24-Oct 3 Hazlenut
Oct 4-Oct 13 Rowan
Oct 14-Oct 23 Maple
Oct 24-Nov 11 Walnut
Nov 12-Nov 21 Chestnut
Nov 22-Dec 1 Ash
Dec 2-Dec 11 Hornbeam
Dec 12-Dec 21 Fig
Dec 22 Beech
Dec 23-Dec 31 Apple

 

Now read what your tree means and discover what your tree says about you? Enjoy!

Apple Tree (Love) – of slight build, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant aura, flirtatious, adventurous, sensitive, always in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, scientific talents, lives for today, a carefree philosopher with imagination.

Ash Tree (Ambitious) – uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, trustworthy, faithful and prudent lover, sometimes brains rule over the heart, takes partnership very seriously.

Beech Tree (Creative) – has good taste, concerned about looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, keen on keeping fit.

Birch Tree (Inspiration) – vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, and modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

Cedar Tree (Confidence) – of rare beauty, adaptable, likes luxury, of good health, not shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, likes to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

Chestnut Tree (Honesty) - of unusual beauty, does not want to impress, sense of justice, vivacious, born diplomat, sensitive in company due to lack of self confidence, sometimes acts superior, feels not understood, loves only once, has difficulties finding a partner.

Cypress Tree (Faithfulness) – strong, muscular, adaptable, content, optimistic, craves money and acknowledgement, hates loneliness, passionate, faithful, quick-tempered, unruly, pedantic, and careless.

Elm Tree (Noble-Mindedness) – pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, oddest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

Fig Tree (Sensibility) – very strong, a bit self-willed, independent, does not allow contradiction or arguments, loves family, children and animals, a social butterfly, sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical intelligence.

Fir Tree (Mysterious) – extraordinary taste and dignity, sophisticated, loves anything beautiful, moody, stubborn, tends to egoism but cares for those close to them, rather modest, very ambitious, talented, industrious, discontented lover, many friends, many foes, very reliable.

Hazelnut Tree (Extraordinary) – undemanding, understanding, charming, knows how to make an impression, fighter for social cause, popular, moody and capricious lover, honest and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgement.

Hornbeam Tree (Good Taste) – of cool beauty, cares for looks and physical condition, good taste, not egotistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgement in an emotional partner, seldom happy with feelings, mistrusts most people, never sure of decisions, very conscientious.

Lime Tree (Doubt) – accepts what life dishes out in a composed way, hates fighting and stress, dislikes laziness and idleness, dislikes labor, soft and relenting, willingly makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous but loyal to lovers and friends alike.

Maple Tree (Independence of Mind) – full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

Oak Tree (Brave) – robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps feet on the ground, person of action.

Olive Tree (Wisdom) – loves sun and warmth, values kind feelings in self and others, reasonable, balanced, avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, has a strong sense of justice, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read, loves the company of sophisticated people.

Pine Tree (Particular) – loves agreeable company, very robust, very active, natural, a good companion but seldom friendly, falls easily in love but the passion burns out quickly, gives up easily, everything disappoints until the ideal is found, trustworthy, practical.

Poplar Tree (Uncertainty) – very decorative, not very self-confident, only courageous if necessary, needs good will and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, artistic nature, good organizer, leans towards philosophy, reliable, takes partnership seriously.

Rowan Tree (Sensitivity) – full of charm, cheerful, gifted with egotism, likes to draw attention, loves motion and unrest, event loves complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

Walnut Tree (Passion) – unrelenting, full of contrasts, often egotistic, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, difficult partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, jealous and passionate, no compromise.

Weeping Willow (Melancholy) – beautiful but full of melancholy, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful, loves to travel, dreamer, restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but isn’t easy to live with, demanding, good intuition, suffers in love but sometimes finds an anchoring partner.

It's Tacorrific!

Living the country life in a 1920's farmhouse means discovering little glimpses into the lives of those who have lived here before.  These "glimpses" have tended to fall into two categories:  (1.) Extremely random construction, renovation, and landscaping decisions over the past 90-odd years and (2.) the actual objects and things left behind.

Example A: I am not a fan of wallpaper - never have been.  It has its uses, like when covering up things that are better left covered. Case in point, the wallpaper in my bedroom was covering up equally tragic fake wood paneling...and a "hatch."  For the fans of LOST out there - this one's for you.

After removing two layers of wallpaper, one section of the wall just didn't quite look right. I pulled off the paneling and  a 2' x 4' opening was revealed - A "treasure trove" of discarded items from past inhabitants and guests, buried under old boards and about two tons of plaster rubble and dust. 

 I found a letter from the Eaton School District reminding parents to have their children immunized before the start of the school year dated August 1973, someone named Clay's old homework, a package of diapers (not used) from sometime in the 80's, beautifully illustrated "Old Maid" playing cards, galloshes, a full set of Milwaukee's Best bottles, a "naked lady" poster, an extremely LARGE yard sign sharing the previous homeowner's view on Jesus and marked on the back "Christmas 1960" in pencil, random clothing items (shirts, old jeans, socks and undies), baby shoes, and an XXL Taco John's uniform in fire engine red polyester with my new motto stiched on the sleeve - It's Tacorrific!

Example B: The fun doesn't stop there...I had the horse arena "turned" last spring (this means a tractor fitted with long thin blades suitable for a horror movie drives around and around in a circle breaking up and loosening the soil) and discovered this little fabric remnant.  To my mother's exclamation of "What is THAT" (with a mother's vocal emphasis on the THAT), I carefully washed the muddy bunch off in the sink until this lovely pattern appeared.  I love it.  I love to think about what this used to be - a window curtain, an apron, a little dress...

Example C:  And in closure...High on the list of "features" I dreamed about for my little farmhouse was a claw-foot bathtub.  I have always wanted one and set this high on my list of "requirements" for the new/old home. Sometimes we get our wishes in unexpected ways.

At some point in the history of this home my prized tub was removed from the house and planted in the ground by the driveway. Speechless? I know. Some former owner made the conscious decision to remove this little classic, dig a gigantic hole, and sink it up the rim in the yard. Not only that, they then created a footpath of stone leading up to and surrounding it. I occassionally take the path, look down longingly, shake my head and visualize my tub back in my bathroom where it belongs.

While I'm sure there are more examples to be discovered in the crawl space/basement of the house, until Jason & Grant of Ghost Hunters pay me a visit, I'm going to hold off on sharing those discoveries.  It's creepy down there!

"There is no such thing as absolute value in this world.  You can only estimate what a thing is worth to you." - Charles Dudley Warner

 

Tea for Two...Thursday's Surprise Guest

You know it's cold when the soft plastic flap on the dog door freezes solid and the dogs have to "knock" to get in. That's why yesterday's little visitor was so unexpected.

To be clear...I am not a creepy-crawly girl.  I do however have an unbelievably high threshold where ladybugs are concerned. 

This little guy/girl (I'm going to believe this lady was a she) magically appeared on the coldest day Colorado's seen all season, a shocking high of -10 degrees here in Eaton this morning, hanging out in the kitchen like she'd stopped by for tea.  We chatted for awhile and then I found her what I believe to be a suitable rest stop on the journey towards bigger and hopefully warmer things.

She got me thinking though, and there's a fitting quote from the film version of Under the Tuscan Sun that best speaks to what I'm trying to say (gentlemen excuse the cheese):

"When I was a little girl, I used to spend hours looking for ladybugs. Finally, I'd just give up and fall asleep in the grass. When I woke up, they were crawling all over me."

I guess, even on the days where things seem cold & bleak, when the wind's hitting you right in the face and you feel like giving in, sometimes all you need is a moment, to take a step back & breathe before you find your ladybug in the most unexpected of places. 

p.s. If you haven't read Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes, or if you've only seen the movie, you might be missing another ladybug...

Where in the World is Eaton, Colorado?

The single question I've answered the most these past 2 years..."Where is Eaton?"  We're nestled in Colorado cow country, surrounded by acres of wide open space and farmhouses fit for the covers of Country Home and Cottage Living (so sad to see you go) to the east and dazzling views of the Rockies to the west - About 15 minutes from Greeley, 35 minutes from Fort Collins, and a good 90 from Denver.  I spend some quality time in the car to meet clients, go to press-checks & shows, and make deliveries but it's totally been worth it! 

Eaton has a small "downtown" district with library, post office, school, market, barbershop, hardware store, florist, bank, bar, the Eat'In Ice Cream Shop (get it), and a personal favorite...a Chinese restaurant. Just think "It's a Wonderful Life," then go a little more rural in setting, throw in a fortune cookie, and you've about got it.

There is a lovely street market/farmers market each week in the summer months, a very enthusiastic homecoming parade during football season, can't forget Eaton Days over the 4th of July including town picnic, fireworks, & street dance, and of course the winter festival with holiday lights, Santa, and craft fair.

Why is Lilywillow located in Eaton?

Extremely good question.  When I relocated from Pittsburgh (Go Steelers) in 2008 and went Lilywillow full-time, I knew I was done with city living and ready for the "Little House on the Prairie" lifestyle.  Always wanted to be Laura Ingalls as a child - Now with 4 acres, a 1920s farmhouse, pitchfork & wheelbarrow, 2 horses, 4 pups, a garden planned for 2010, and surrounded by miscellaneous crops and critters - I'm living it in real life!

My "farm neighbors" include 3 herds of cows, sheep & goats, 10 horses, 2 mules, 2 donkeys, 1 shetland pony, a flock (for lack of a better word) of chickens and 1 extremely time sensitive rooster.  My "now and again visitors" include a lively pair of foxes, a great horned owl, turtle doves, barn swallows, meadowlarks, bluejays & sparrows, frogs & toads, jack rabbits & wild rabbits, field mice who think they should be farmhouse mice, and just batches of stunning ladybugs, bumblebees the size of your thumb, and kamikaze grasshoppers in the summer.

A fabulous source of design inspiration, a majority of our Stationery Collection is nature or life-inspired and you'll find the same (when I can sneak it in) with the Wedding Collection. While I'd give my left arm to have my house back from the coup d'etat Lilywillow has staged upon it, neither I, nor I would imagine my "four-legged" family would change a thing.    

In the Spirit of All Things New...

Welcome 2010!  Welcome to new beginnings, new promises, new resolutions, new commitments...ohhh how the list is long.  I think it's interesting how every New Years Day I wake up thinking I'm going to "feel" different, or the day is going to "seem" different.  Like the day should know I'm ready to make some changes.

This year I actually do...really, no kidding. I think 2010 is going to be a great year - full of growth, and purpose, good humor and cheer.

A close friend sends me daily "gratitude" emails. The moments, thoughts, or experiences she's grateful for from her day or in general (fabulous idea by the way).  She wrote yesterday that she was grateful for "cleaning up her side of the street." There wasn't any additional explanation which got me thinking...we all have some "street cleaning" to do.  Be it dealing with a difficult situation, taking care of what needs to be done, following through on a promise, making a life-altering decision...What better time than now?

So, in the spirit of all things new (and with cleaning supplies in hand) I'm committing wholeheartedly to communicating, connecting, informing, and expressing myself artistically this year...the very core of Lilywillow and what we hope for all our clients, customers, and dear friends.  Have a very Happy New Year!