The Homespun Treadler

Quilt Progress

2012-02-17T10:40:00.001-05:00

It seems like an age has gone by since I was last able to work on my little basket quilt. You see, I made the pieces from scraps of fabric. I had about a yard of this homespun gingham that I had bought at wal-mart years ago.

I made a short 1914 afternoon dress from it, and it shrunk in the wash, so I gave it to Mrs. G's Daughter Kate, who looks absolutely fabulous in it. :D

I knew when I began this quilt that I wouldn't have enough to make the whole quilt, but I plowed on ahead instead. But I KNEW that Wal-mart would have more. They only have a few bolts of "Homespun" material, a black, a blue, a green, and my marooney red. So when I finished all the pieces I returned to Wal-mart to get more. I grabbed the red, bought everything on the roll (about 2 1/2 yards) and happily toted it home.
But when I got here, even in my dim lighting I realized... Wal-mart had changed their dyes.... I thought about going ahead with it, but the hues in these two reds were just too atrocious when paired.

So, as all seamstresses know, when a project becomes frustrating, set it aside, and come back later.

It's only been recently that I have been able to go to Jo-Ann fabrics (Forget Wal-mart!!) and lay a quilt piece on all their red homespuns. Though they didn't have an exact match, they had enough variety for me to be able to find something close. It does have a smaller check, but I think it rounds out the pattern very well!

I'm so excited to be able to start on it again! I've loved this quilt from the moment I saw it, and I can't wait to see it on one of the beds in the house.

I have one strip done, and another that's ready to put together.
I'll have more pictures as it progresses!
Much love!
Meggie

God's Gift of Life

2012-02-15T10:29:00.004-05:00

For the second year in a row, God has gifted me with growth and life for Valentine's day. On Friday, I received my order from Baker Creek Seeds. It's so exciting to me, after last years struggles with all the pink GMO seeds.

(You can see another little plant in the very back of the row. Also... this has been two days ago I wrote this... they have since TRIPLED in size, nearly every cucumber is up, and I have one little onion poking out of the soil. I'm afraid they're growing TOO fast. I'll have to transplant soon, and if it doesn't warm up I don't know what I'll do with them, any advise? )

Of course the moment I could I put them in the soil. Dad had "Built" me a little hothouse in one of his cabinets, and bought one of those little plastic "Greenhouses" (sadly this one leaks, but it still keeps my seeds warm which is all that matters to me.) I planted everything that needed to be started beforehand, Tomatoes, onions, broccoli, ect. Well, I also decided to go ahead and start my cucumbers. We had a lot of trouble with them last year, and even then we'd bought plants.

To my surprise, I went to the cupboard today to plant the last three "Rows" and what do you think? I had two little cucumbers peeping up out of the soil! I was expecting them to take at least a week, but no, three days!

Thank you God, for my wonderful Valentine's gift! Here's to two years in a row!

A Lovely Day

2012-02-14T13:34:00.000-05:00

I once again had the opportunity to attend "The Summit" in Pigeon Forge with Lady Weaver over new years. I'm always extremely blessed when I find myself among these missionaries. They're always so passionate and zealous. It's a stark contrast to everyday Christians.

After the last session though, which happened to be New Years Eve, Lady Weaver and I had the wonderful opportunity to go out to eat with the woman who knew us at our worst. Our Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. G! (A different Mrs. G.) We spent the afternoon at the Christmas Place after eating at the "Partrige and Pear" (Which I HIGHLY reccomend by the way, eccelent food, awesome victorian decor, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg... at least at lunch) It was a wonderful time of fellowship and reminiscence!

L to R :
Lady Weaver's sister Raechel, Lady Weaver herself, Me, Lady Weaver's Wonderful Mum Cathy, Mrs. G, Lady Weaver's Friend and Roomate Sonya.
Had a wonderful day ladies! Hope to do it again soon!

1911 long line corset

2012-02-12T13:29:00.001-05:00

I thought I'd show you some pictures of one of my latest sewing projects.

I decided to join in on Bridges on the body's 1911 corset sew along. Of course... I cheated and finished it off on my own...

Though I didn't regret it, I have had to go back and make a few adjustments since I took these photos.

I'll show some update pics later... once I take them.

I've also made some new WW1 era outfits, and adjusted some old ones. I'm also planning on making more very soon.

Hopefully these sunny days will prompt some lovely photoshoots for you. :D
Enjoy these!!

Just a Spinnin!

2012-02-10T13:26:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd share a few picturtes of the best day I had last week, or one of them.

This early spring weather has a way of drawing people to front porches everywhere, and that draw hasn't avoided me.

One day last week, I had all my pretty, fresh laundry hanging on the line, and nothing else to do, so I set to plying some yarn and soaking up the vitamin D. I felt like a true mountain woman

with my hound dog beside me and bare feet soaking up the rays.

Enjoy!!

My New Toy! .... Er... Tool!

2012-02-08T13:21:00.004-05:00

Is that what you think it is?

Oooooh Yes!!!

That is my Brand new! (To me)

Shiny! (Slightly rusty)

Ringer Washing Machine!!!

Isn't it exciting?!

Too much work you say? Probably, but let me explain.

You see, recently, I began doing my own laundry. I made my own laundry soap, using This Recipe, bought some little fabric crates to use as hampers and my own laundry basket.

Sadly a week's worth of laundry for me will only fill about half the washer, and mom was afraid I'd wear it out.

So, this new chore that I loved so much was going to, once again, become a rare ooccurance for me.

But then, I started thinking about something I had seen in my Grandad's barn. With the small amount of laundry I was doing, it would work perfectly!

Even better was, when I mentioned it to dad, he told me it was his and not Grandad's, meaning we could pick it up at any time! So here it is, in my yard and it works like a charm!

I'd like to use it through this summer at least, though I'm sure I'll have to switch back to the "Modern wonder" When it gets cold. Until then though, I'm looking foreward to getting to play.. er.. work, in the cold water on the sweltering days I fully anticipate this summer.

So as you can see, getting back to the simple life is really coming along for me.

Which brings me to my next point, I'm thinking of changing my blog name, and the look around here. I still love Avonlea, and making costumes, and still will be making pleanty of them. I find that I always feel like working "Harder" when I'm in calico, than when I'm in Denim.

But my heart now is in farming, and milling, among other home crafts. So, if sometime soon, you see the "Homespun Treadler" on your feed reader, it's still me. And I'll still be wrting about the same ole things, but hopefully more often. :D

Until next time
God Bless!
Meggie

The Ole School days

2011-11-21T12:15:00.005-05:00

Well I wanted to tell you a little about this dedication we had on saturday.

The mossy Grove school house in jefferson city was built in 1851 by Prof. R.R. Bryan and class was held there until 1918.

My dad and the crew of "American pioneer restoration" were hired to restore this building to it's former glory.

Here's a link to the Historical society's page on it http://www.jctnhistory.org/?page_id=30

Dad, and Mr. Bob Jarnagin, invited me to come in costume.

Dad and Bob

For me, any excuse to trot out a costume is a thrill!

And so, after an hour of ironing, and another standing in this strangely warm november sun, the event was a complete success!!

Mark Finchum's opening speech

Bob Tells about the project

Mr R.R. Bryan HIMSELF! Straight from 1851!

The President of Carson Newman Colledge, (A School built on these same old foundations) Final speech

The "Gang" (LtR) "R.R. Bryan", unknown, Me, Bob Jarnagin, Dad, Mark Finchum

All in all it was a marvelous time! After which I got to go to lunch and go shopping in my long dress... due to a lack of modern shoes to wear... (I had brought clothes but had worn what I call my "Clunkies")

Well until next time!

~Meggie March. ;D

Ps, about half of these photos were taken by the lovely Ginger Burchett of the historical society, so pleas make sure you ask before using them, so we can make sure it's one of my photos.

Intruder!

2011-11-18T12:57:00.003-05:00

So the other day I went to put in one of my favourit videos. A taped copy of the first season of "Road to Avonlea" that someone gave me when I was three years old.

So as you can imagine, it's a little worn out, and in places, doesn't play well.

So I pop it in the player, it shows about three seconds..... and stops.

I pull it out, fearing the worst.

Gladly, it hadn't been eaten and torn.

So I blow gently on the beloved tape, and savagely on the now hated player.

And as I go to put the video back in the player, praying for the best... I notice something...

Why yes, That IS a LIVE stinkbug INSIDE the tape!! Can you see it?

And so it was calmly evicted from its new forbidden home, and sent on its way.

And the tape played just as imperfectly as ever. :D

Rose Center!

2011-10-31T14:34:00.004-04:00

The Rose Center, in my opinion, is one of the most perfect venues for old fashioned crafts. Originally it was a highschool around the turn of the century. And in the surrounding streets there are some of the most exquisite examples of Victorian houses!

The building itsself is simply chock full of some of the most amazing antiques. I don't think I've ever seen real turn of the century clothes up close! Course one of the fellows who was running the show, upon my asking if I could take the above picture, asked if I knew what the sleeves of the blouse were called. ;D Do you know?

Mom frying hoe (corn) cakes on our woodstove

As for myself I had a marvelous time, meeting kind people and demonstrating my sewing machine.

(My sewing machine is just behind the orange apron)

As I walked through the gymnasium (built on in later years) I was shocked to hear (live!) A truly iconic East Tennessee Voice! Bill Landry!

Now if any of you have ever been in the east Tennessee area and watched WBIR Channel 10 at any point, then you have probably heard or seen Bill Landry. For the past 30 some odd years, Mr. Landry Has hosted dad's and my favourite TV show "The Heartland Series" in which Mr. Landry gives us a 5 minute vingette of local history. (Saturday nights they complie them into a 30 minute program)

So later Saturday afternoon, Mr. Jim Claborn (Below on the right) A good friend of ours and often featured member of the "Heartland Family", agreed to introduce us.

Needless to say, Dad was tickled!

Of course, my head swelled up when Mr. Landry asked Jim if I was an actress. ;)

But anyways, I'll end on this note. We all had a marvelous time! And my parents have agreed to let me open an etsy account in which you will find many of the wares above. And all will be at reasonable prices, and completely hand sewn or on the treadle machine!

Have a wonderful week!!

~ Meggie

A Cozy Winter

2011-10-29T12:53:00.000-04:00

Dad took down an old barn this week and as of this morning we have our first official load of firewood!!

Dad fixed up this old beut and hooked it to the tractor where we spent the better part of the morning avoiding nails... I MEAN!!! Cutting wood... (Sorry.. that thing scares me....)

As sad as it is to see someone's livelihood reduced to keeping us warm, I'm fully looking foreward to many cozy hours in front of a warm wood stove with a cup of hot cocoa. :D

Until next time!!!

~Meggie

A Bootfull of Gifts

2011-10-26T13:02:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd show you how the stockings turned out. Aren't they darling??

Thy Will Not Mine, O Lord

2011-10-24T12:29:00.004-04:00

Lately I've been discouraged.

Yup it's true, I admit it. Perhaps it's not elegant in Cranford, but I said it. You would think that with one of the oldest and most revered occupations it would be easy to learn about and be accepted.

But alas in this "Age of Equality" It isn't....

I keep watching people, and their reactions. I Watch how people act on an everyday basis and laugh at how they screw up their faces when I tell them my reasoning for being a stay-at-home-daughter, and someday, wife.

Here are some things I've heard;

An eight year old girl asked me why I was still living at home if I was 20...

A matron in my church told me I had to go to colledge because if I didn't my husband would leave me for being un-educated.

"Why don't you just date that boy? What does marriage have to do with it?"

A french guy told me if I went to colledge I could go to Europe whenever I wanted.

"I think a girl should wear what she wants, if you've got it flaunt it! Besides my underwear match my skirt, it's all good."

And many more.. trust me..

After a while it gets really old. Why can't people just accept me. That's supposed to be part of this modern mantra isn't it? Acceptance?

Or does that not include Biblical womanhood?

So here I sit discouraged..

"What's the point" Has entered my mental vocabulary a lot now. Usually as I give up and slide into a pair of tight jeans, or turn from my sewing machine to lose myself in a computer game. (my computer is in the same room) Or even when I go to type up a blog post.

So what IS the point. ...

For the first time in a while I picked up my Oswald Chambers Devotional this morning and this is what I read;

The viewpoint of a worker for God must not be as near the highest as he can get, it must be the highest. Be careful to maintain strenuously God's point of view, it has to be done every day, bit by bit; don't think on the finite. No outside power can touch the viewpoint.
The viewpoint to maintain is that we are here for one purpose only, viz., to be captives in the train of Christ's triumphs. We are not in God's Showroom, we are here to exhibit one thing- the absolute captivity of our lives to Jesus Christ. How small the other points of view are- I am standing alone battling for Jesus; I have to maintain the cause of Christ and hold this fort for Him....
..."For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ." We are enwheeled with the odour of Jesus, and wherever we go we are a wonderful refreshment to God.
So what is our point? Keep going. So that when God looks down and sees the same things we are, and is just as discouraged, He can look at us and say, "Ahah! There's one who's still striving for Me."

If God can look at us and smile, can't we keep going? One day at a time?
I think so.

As a side note though, To those of you who read my blog that are not stay at home daughters, please encourage those you see. We struggle daily against the wiles of this world. Being us is harder than it looks. Especially when we live in an area where being a stay at home daughter is virtually non-existent.

We've chosen this path for a purpose, and begging us to go elsewise is just painful.

Keep up the Faith Girls!!
~Meggie

question from my phone. . .

2011-10-18T19:36:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm not sure when I'll get to the library next so I thought I'd go ahead and ask. Does anyone know where I could find information on Edwardian and Teens clothing? Materials, patterns, hairstyles, underpinnings, ect. Mostly on the Teens though. I've found that I can wear 19 Teen's era clothing on a regular basis and not get funny looks. Plus I wear earlier Edwardian things to festivals. So any advise on that? Thanks a million! ~Meggie

Twenty's Pleanty

2011-10-12T13:05:00.000-04:00

You know, Every year on my birthday, people ask me "Well do you feel different now that you're___" No.. I really didn't. But this year it's different.

I've hated being a teener so much that, now that twenty has come along it's a big sigh of relief. No, I don't want time to fly, I'm perfectly happy being twenty.

But Anyways, on my actual birthday, last Saterday Dear Lady Weaver decided to surprise me with a Cades Cove Breakfast picnic.

Course no one said it would be cold, luckily i like cold. ;D

Anyhoo, I think I'll just let you enjoy some of the pictures from the photoshoot we had. What a blast that was!!

The Homespun Treadler

2011-10-10T12:28:00.005-04:00

Well I simply couln't wait to let ya'll know about this weekend's big success!!

Friday and Saturday were the beginning of my new "Career" As the "Homespun Treadler!"

We've been going to festivals as a side venture for as long as I can remember, and now my parents are passing the baton along to me and allowing me to spread my wings as it were. This weekend we set up at the "Olde Town Engine show" In Greenville, Tn.

My Products right now include Bonnets and aprons among other things. All of which will be made on my Mason Rotary Treadle machine that I mentioned in and earlier post.

Today I'm going to get some material for "Victorian Boot" Christmas stockings! How cute will those be!!!

Here are a few pictures of my set up, and of my latest costume (Made from a the folkwear Gibson Girl Shirtwaist pattern)

Also! Do any of you know anything about Edwardian hairstyles? I used wool as Rats to make it fuller, but my hair was so thin it kept falling down... :/ Any tips? Thanks a million!

Also Also! If any of you would be interested in any of my products, please let me know. I'm thinking about getting myself and etsy page, but I would need your support to keep it up. So please do let me know!

And lastly, if you have any ideas for crafts or costume pieces that you would like to see please tell me about them! I'm sitting at the beginning and raring to go!

Oh! And one more thing (I know I know) If you are in the area on the 28th-30th Stop by and see me at the "Rose Center's Mountain Makins" Festival in Morristown!

comment problems

2011-09-29T20:56:00.000-04:00

Hey, I wanted to let ya'll know I'm having trouble commenting. I try from my phone but it appears as an anonymous post. Then my computer is having trouble loading blogs. Something to do with the backgrounds. So i'm going to keep commenting from my phone and i'll sign them so you'll know who it is. Keep the comments coming! God Bless! ~Meggie

A Holy Dunking

2011-09-27T14:11:00.004-04:00

Bahaha Okay, So it's a much more serious matter than that I know. But that was just one of the things people said to me on that last day of july.

The others included, be careful of the shark and "If you die will you will me your bicycle?"

Now, to begin at the beginning. Yes, I am a baptist... and yes I'm 19 and had never been Baptised! I'm not sure why. I remember being 7 years old and practising going under water so I could get baptised. But we did a lot of church hopping when I was young, due to a split at our home church...

So I've been attending my little backwoods church for aroung 4-5 years now. I feel at home, and loved there, and I'm begining to do more than just sing and pray. So one sunday last october, God nudged me and I knew it was time to fulfill his command.

But there was a hitch....

I couldn't figure it... but there was something about that big green bathtub at the back of the church that scared the heck out of me! Maybe it's the fact that when I was little, the baptistry was off limits.. a "NO no" room persay. Or maybe it was something else.. I dunno...

But hey! My Grandparents were baptised in a mountain river, so why not me?

So I went to the pastor and he heartily consented. But by this time.... it was january... and BOY was it cold!

So we settled in to wait until summer.

By then we realized it was going to be much easier to go one mile down the road to the lake than to try to get the whole church into the mountains.

And now we're back to the day of. After service we had a meal in the fellowship hall, and then it was down the road in a convoy of church goers to the TVA boat ramp.

I'm afraid that from here, things got a bit hazy for me. I just focused on the task at hand. But I can tell you looking out across the water at my new family looked, to me, a bit like a scene of pride and prejudice, when Jane is going off to london and looks back at her family on the porch, waving and smiling. Course I was coming home, not going away.

Miss Lady Weaver's Mom once told me how good it would feel when I finally did as God asked, and she was right. I now feel as though I can take on the world!

Chicken pen!

2011-09-19T14:08:00.002-04:00

Well I thought I would post a picture of our chicken's new abode. They seem to like it, they just like it better when they fly over the walls... :/ Needless to say a roof is in the works... BUT!! We got our first two eggs yesterday!! Woot!!

Well, until next time!

God Bless!!

Meggie

Guest post!!

2011-09-12T12:41:00.001-04:00

Hey all! Just a quick note to let you know I was asked to guest post for Lady Weaver over at "Wonderlust Requiem" So Check it out!!

Old fashioned Photos

2011-08-26T12:40:00.003-04:00

Lauren over at American Duchess has been giving tutorials on creating and old fashioned look from a new photo. She's been going the whole nine yards, from costume and pose to backdrop, not to mention all the computer editing.

So I decided to give it a try as best I could with what I have (I left my camera at my best friend's a few weeks ago and have yet to get it back... *blush*)

What do you think??

Sewing extravaganza

2011-06-27T10:08:00.000-04:00

Hey all!

I thought I'd catch you up on my latest sewing adventures.

First off, I made a blouse from a past patterns teens era pattern... (don't ask the number...) I bought some pale green material to make it up with. But we were having a cookout at my aunt's that weekend and I needed something to wear. I didn't want to use my good material since I knew I didn't have time to make it up properly. So I found this peach print and plain lining in my stash, and gave it a try. I LOVE IT!!! It's one of my favourite things in my wardrobe now!

Next though, I have to tell you how I made the piping around the collar, cuffs, and down the front.

On my, New to me, 1912, Mason Rotary treadle machine!!!

Isn't it great! It came with a box full of attachments! My favourites are the ruffler (seen above, on the machine) and of course, the piper! I can just see the CW dresses I'l create!! :D

Finally though, I can't sign off without showing you the quilt I'm working on.

Farm Life

2011-06-21T09:46:00.004-04:00

A few months ago I left you with a cliffhanger post… And I’m afraid it’s still going to be. I’ve sadly become a bit of a perfectionist on it, and I want to take my time on it and make sure it’s good. :D
I figured though, that I’d catch you up on a few things that have been going on around our little farm. I am proud to say that it is now well on its way to becoming a working farm again!
As of a few weeks ago, this was our garden. There are peas, radishes, Onions, heirloom beans compliments of the G. family. ;D, and cabbages. Since then we have harvested the radishes and really need to get the peas up. We had a few terrible bouts of hail that did some serious damage to everything. The younger plants made it through okay, but the peas look terrible… And we’ve had a problem with things being way too dry… So we’ve been hauling water and struggling to make sure the newly planted things make it.

Look at the eerie mist that came up off the ice!!
But to me, every struggle is a learning experience. It’s such a wonderful feeling to work hard for something and finally reap the result of a full larder! I can’t wait to start canning and freezing!!
Now we have added Tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes
Secondly are my new babies. There is no greater joy to someone who doesn’t have children around to enjoy, than watching animals grow.
These guys were so curious about my camera!!

They’re not quite full grown, they still peep. :D But it sure has been a pleasure to see them mature to this from the little fluff balls we bought back in late April. God’s creatures always amaze me. These little ones could "talk", and walk, and run, from the moment they hatched. Can you imagine what kind of instincts God put In them from the start? And with just a few words?

To say the least, these past few months have been an absolute blessing!! I know these opportunities I’ve had are teaching me to be the best wife and mother I can. Sometimes I still struggle to make myself get up in the morning, but once I do, and I can start doing my chores, everything just seems to get better.
Everything seems to be going right, especially true when my hands are dirty.
I have a few more posts in the works, and I hope to get them out to you in the next few days, if not it’ll be the next few weeks. You see, it’s a 30 minute drive to my library and with gas prices the way they are, we’re having to be really careful and stick close to home. I Really miss blogging and I can’t wait until I have internet at home again so I can catch up with everybody here!
Until then!! Much Love and Huggs!!
~ Meggie

Guess What?

2011-04-08T11:55:00.001-04:00

Hey!

Wanna know what I"m doing this week??

Here's a Hint!

Fort Business, Update

2011-04-01T08:33:00.007-04:00

Well, Here I am headed home from KY. We've been up to see the fort and some of the local sites.

First off, here is what the fort looked like when I left last time.

And Now without further Ado, here it is now.

Can you see how absolutely MASSIVE this thing already is? Think of when it's done! Ain't no Indian gonna be able to vault over that wall!

The Long awaited and debated for "Water Gap Gate" I didn't get a picture of when my dad let go of that thing. It stayed exactly where he put it. Perfectly balanced. :D

The newest addition to the Fort Family. :D It's taller on the far side than on this so a man could climb on the roof and shoot invaders without being seen.

Home pegged Cedar steps

Outside the new corner house. Again, the absolute massiveness of it. My Dad is about 5'11"

We've seen some wonderful old buildings and homes ranging from Colonial to Victorian. All well dressed by fancy Derby people. (Most were surrounded by huge horse barns and white/ black picket fences)

This was a street full of old colonials in Downtown Danville

Next we went to Shakertown. I'll admit, it is an absolutely gorgeous little town, peaceful and serene. But they were a cult, and to hear about a cult on TV or some such, is a whole other story from actually touching things they built or being inside one of their dorm houses. Their main fault was a vow of complete celibacy, upon entering the town you gave up all your worldly goods, your marriage vows, and even your children, and became a part of the "Family." The whole community was based upon false prophesy. Now, If you can put the past behind you, and remember that these people are all dead and gone, unlike me, then you will probably enjoy a visit. The crafters are there year round, and the sheer craftsmanship of everything in sight IS magnificent. I'm not going to post any pictures, if you have a subscription to Victoria Magazine, you saw about as much as I did in last fall's edition.

Lastly though, we went to the Perryville Civil war Battlefield. The longest and bloodiest battle in KY, it lasted all of 5 hours... The Rebs were beat out 3-1 and STILL whipped Yankee Tail!! Course they subsequently ran out of supplies and men and headed back across the Mason Dixon.. I didn't get any pictures sadly... But! I did get an absolutely wonderful New old book. And a new dip pen. :D

The Cameo one of the church ladies gave me before I left.

The book though, is amazing! It's a modern reprint of a popular 1820s-30s How to book.

The American Frugal Housewife, by Mrs. Child.

I'm only in the second chapter, but already it has held some great tips on everything from keeping away moths to cleaning white kid gloves, and all on a budget. Some are just entertaining, knowing that a certain item is no longer available, nor in common use, but some are very practical. I Highly recommend it as a good read anyways!

Well, that is my week so far. and I hope yours is even better!

Luffles Muchly!

Meggie

New Dress!!

2011-03-03T12:29:00.004-05:00

Well here's a bit of a previes of my new dress, My dad took these pictures and he didn't catch the whole thing. So I think Mom and I are going to try another shoot later, when it's good and sunny again. It's a Sense and Sensibility 1914 afternoon dress. I have yet to make a sash, and I'd like to take up the hem with a few pin tucks and put a false "Under Layer" beneath it of a solid peachy pink. But anyhoo, like it?

Also, I have sort of a favor to ask of my Titus two ladies, yup that means you ladies that are older than me and have ever given me advise before!

You're all bloggers I assume, and I need some inspiring posts for my sister blog "Stay at Home Daughters Fellowship" Do any of you have any advise to give some young women who have chosen a homemaking life Vs College?

Any advise to those of us who are going the whole way and plan on having an old fashioned simple life? If you wrote it down would you let me post it? I'd be truly greatful!!

I'd like to have a series of "Titus 2" posts from you ladies that are willing to write.

If you have anything (And it can be something you have already posted on your blog that you think would work) would you email it to me? Avonleamountaindreamer[@]hotmail[.]com (remove Brackets)

I'd be eternally greatful!!

And by the by!! I'm getting internet soon! It's a sure thing, it may just take time to get everything set up, but I'll be sooo glad to be back posting again!

Love you all so much!!

Meggie

The Best of Lovers!

2011-02-18T13:54:00.004-05:00

Well... I missed Valentines... Which is sad seeing as it's my Holiday...

But I wanted to say, I had the best of days! Instead of feeling lonely and wallowing in my singleness, as I was cleaning the yard, I found that God had left me a gift!

FLOWERS!

They haven't bloomed yet, but what a day to discover them!

Who knows better how to love than Christ Himself?

Needless to say, I wasn't sad or lonely any longer!

Happy Valentine's All,

I hope spring is jumping fast on your heels as it is here!

~Love Meggie

Who Said...??

2011-02-01T09:50:00.002-05:00

Who said Homemaking doesn't have it's occupational hazzards?

Dad's Birthday

2011-01-23T15:53:00.000-05:00

On the 11 of this month, my Dad turned the ripe old age of 62. :D

mmm steak.. men are so easy to please, eh?
we were pleasantly snowed in, so we made the best of it with some steaks we had in the freezer, and I scrounged up enought butter and eggs to make a pie. :D My first reall pie as it were.

(Actually.. I had to use lard.. for lack of butter... animal activists don't hurt me! My mom used to make soap...)

Birthday boy cutting his pie. :D

I made the pie out of Spelt flour since my dad is Gluten intolerant. (Spelt has a lot less gluten than regular wheat flour) and my mom had bought some great big red apples maybe a week before upon my request. (Don't ask me what kind they were....)

I think I'll just let you enjoy the pictures, since there's not much else to say on the subject, we had a wonderfully pleasant day, and I think my Dad really enjoyed it. :D

mmmmm pie.....

impromptu family photo

Wonderfully old

2011-01-22T15:41:00.000-05:00

An older lady at the Church was going through some of her 90+ yo mother's things. She must be trying to clear out some things because she brought me a whole bag full of vintage jewelry and hats and lace!!!

I only got pictures of some of the jewelry, a few select favourites. On opening the locket pictured below, I noticed a makers mark.

Now I've seen my fair share of "Antique's Roadshow" so I decided on a lark to google it. (The name was clearly printed as well as part of the mark)

I went down the list until the mark appeared and guess what??? It was dated 1945!!

I was so excited! So I jumped on the others to see if there was a mark printed on them.

This one did, it was the same company, so I figured to find a close date.

The mark was placed only two above on the list from where I found the one above.

My jaw dropped.

I showed my dad the mark on the necklace, then showed him the picture on the phone. He confirmed it, they were identical.

Can you take a wild guess at the date??

1919!!!

Can you imagine? I'm wearing (Athough fake costume jewelry) a necklace that some fashionable lady bought in 1919!!! The others weren't near as remarkable as these two, but I thought I'd share them anyways. :D

I'm still in shock, and I found all this out over a week ago!

Enjoy the pics!!

~Meggie

Out With the Old, In With the New

2011-01-20T14:55:00.004-05:00

Well I hope ya'll are having a WONDERFUL new year so far!!

As for me, mine is great!

You see I only set Two resolutions, and those were to make my bed every day and keep my room tidy, and to read my page in "My Upmost For His Highest" Every day, and guess what?? I've gone 20 days and stuck with it! I'm so proud of myself, usually I have NO drive and my resolutions never stick, not even this long. But it was like it was already a habbit when I started, This time there was no margin for error in my mind, I was NOT going to quit, and I haven't :D

As I mentioned earlier I got to ring in the new year with my Wonderful best friend "Lady Weaver" okay well sort of... She had to take me home at 11:30... but still!!

We had an absolutely WONDERFUL weekend at "The Our Generation Summit" It was so nice to have a weekend surrounded by Christian people who truly had a drive for God!

If you are in Tennessee around New Years I HIGHLY encourage you to participate! Keep an eye on this post I'm going to have Lady Weaver Find some of the Video and some links on it and add them to this post. They Videoed everything... I just can't find it...

Videos:

Promo Video

For His Name? Or For Yours?

But anyways... I didn't feel right taking any pictures... so I got some of Miss Weaver and I afterwards. We went out to eat at a restraunt in Pigeon forge called "The Partrige and Pear" And here's pictures of it. :D

And it was raining so... yes... Weaver is wet...

Oishi!

Tata for now!

From Avonlea_Dreamer

And Lady Weaver

New Blog and Update!

2010-12-31T07:09:00.003-05:00

Hey Ya'll!

I wanted to let you know that this weekend has started off awesome! I was given a chance to go to a missions conference with Lady Weaver, up in the mountains. It's so amazing so far! Not only for the lessons, I'm following a "Women's only" Class schedule, (they had five or so classes you could chose from at one time) but for the people. It's so encouraging to be around people who, at a public restraunt, can talk openly about the Bible, and what God has done for them. It's not that people I know won't, it's that other subjects come up first. Yup.. it's sad either way you put it... So anyways... that's my weekend. :D More on that with pictures later.

Secondly, I started a new blog... yes another... But this one is more for my benefit. During the day, while watching home improvement shows, looking at magazenes such as Victoria, Going to Lowes, I keep looking at Doors, and Wallpaper, and kitchen cabinets and saying, "Now that's what I want in my Home of Dreams!" So I decicded to create an online portfolio for all my dream furnishing and of homes that give me inspiration.

So Click Here to check out my Home of Dreams.

or the beginings of it anyways....

A Very Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-24T20:08:00.003-05:00

Well Today may be it for the computer, So I wanted to stop in and wish you all a very Merry Christmas And I hope that you have a wonderful snowy day!

I hope that you remember, as you sit there opening gifts, who the real gift truly was.

I was thinking the other day what Christmas would be without Christ... well first off it would just be "MAS" (Or maybe "Must?" Must get that toy?")

And what Christmas is like today for those who Don't know Christ? Can you imagine Christmas without him? Without knowing what it's all about?

So Merry Christmas all!!! I love you so much!!

A question for you!

2010-12-14T20:16:00.000-05:00

Hello all! You'll have to excuse the formating on this post. I'm all cuddled up by the fire because there are a few inches of snow on the ground outside. :) Its a wonder for TN at this time of year. So I'm doing this from my phone. Meaning bad format and no pictures. But anyways. My question has to do with dry skin. Here in TN my skin is used to the hot sticky air of summer and come winter it gets so dry that it seems to suck all the moisture right out! For me the only thing that seems to work is to put a capfull of baby oil in my bath water. Now that poses a few problems. . . The least of which is keeping it out of my hair. The other is that it goms up the bathtub and makes things dangerously slippery. So does anyone have any good home/herbal remedies for dry skin? They would be greatly appreciated. :) ~ Much love Meggie Ps. If you asked me a question on an earlier post I promise I'll get to it but I'd rather do it from my computer. . . And there is no way to the library right now.

Quit Chuckin my wood!!

2010-12-12T11:26:00.001-05:00

Okay so My Bestie Lady weaver asked me two questions.

First~ Do I have any songs that trigger memories?

Yup... Any time I hear anything from Lord of the Rings, or anything celtic actually, I can't help thinking of the wonderful years I spent wrapped up in those worlds with my best friends. (We were young okay? lol!)

hmm... I dunno, sometimes when I listen to something I'll go back to when I heard it last... but that usually means I'm transported from one place driving to another place... in the car... Does that make sense? OR I'll go by that spot and think of the song I was listening to when I went by.

Oh! And I used to be able to "Imprint" a book to a cd. Like Alasdair frasiers "Fire and Ice" with "Green rider" And every time I listen to that CD I'm back on a horse running from evil bad... people.. Meaning... I read the book and kept the cd going the whole time, and they'd just become part of one another. Make sense?

other question.. What is my Favourite blog?

You expect me to chose?

Um.... I LOVE Sarah Jane's Romantic History, Mrs. G. At Pastoral Symphony Farm, Emily at "A Beautiful life, Wearing History, Casey's elegant musings, I think those are it for my ABSOLUTE favs,but anything I've followed I like. :D

Next question?

What would I say?

2010-12-11T11:14:00.000-05:00

well, my first question was from Mrs. G.

How tall am I? Well... I'm gonna say about 5'3" I stepped on a height/ weight scale at Wonderworks, (A local science and oddities attraction) and it said I was 5'4" but my best friend is 5'4" and I'm shorter than her by a little.. but I'm taller than my mom at 5'2" so.... 5'3" it is. :D

The other question was,

What advise would I give to other Stay at Home Daughters?

Mostly Keep going! No matter what happens or who tries to intimidate you (purposely or not) or how bad you feel, keep your chin up and go on. God chose you for this calling, and that means he has faith that you can do it! So keep going, keep learning, and keep your head up. Know that you aren't alone, there are dozens of us out there, trying our best to get where God has put us.

And finally, be content, be content and do God's work no matter your marital status, no matter if you can knit or not. :D And no matter what anyone says..

I sorta repeated myself, but I can't stress it enough. God chose you, he has faith in YOU, So have faith that he knows what he's doing.

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas

2010-12-10T11:48:00.003-05:00

Well my family and I have decided that we can decorate the house from top to bottom... but it just isn't Christmas without a tree...

Last year our Truck was down, we were sick, we were out of money.. and most of all our spirits were down, so the Sunday before Christmas, I went out and cut a spindly old cedar tree off the property.

That made it Christmas, not the presents, not the specials, and not the decorations.

Well this year we've been getting the "City Hall runaround" (My dad restores old buildings so.. we work for historical societies and city government a lot) We'll have money for presents and such later, and we have a truck this year... but we just couldn't get in a festive mood... So this time my Dad and I went out on the farm and cut a tree. We just couldn't wait any longer.

It's wonky, and it looks like it walked out of "Who-ville" but it's a tree. It's not half decorated, but it'll do.

Doesn't it just remind you of our King?

He could've been born in all this hype surrounding Prince William, and Kate Middleton, He could've had gold, and jewels, and rubies beyond value.

But he was born in a barn... Those of you who are farmers know what I'm talking about. Mud and dirt and poo and all sorts of nastiness. And he was born into a lowly carpenter's family. (I know what that's like... especially in hard times..)

He wasn't a posh, city tree, perfectly round and shapely, pre lit, and pre decorated, in fact unlike Da Vinci's interpretation, he was probably a plain ordinary man. He was a wonky, who-ville, country bumpkin, who was destined to save the world!

Much Love!

Meggie

Have a look at the history of Christmas trees Here!

Ask me!

2010-12-09T15:13:00.001-05:00

Mrs. G. did this on her blog and I thought it would be fun.

it's simple, comment and ask me anything, anything you want to know, then I'll post and answer as best I can! Have at it!!
And by the way, make sure all your questions are clean and something you wouldn't mind God and your Grandmother hearing. In other words be nice. Anything that isn't will be deleted and you will be banned from my blog. Much Love~ Meggie

New dress and thanks for the wishes

2010-12-08T14:46:00.004-05:00

First of, I want to thank Lady weaver for posting that... I think this was the worst cold I've ever had, Achey and stuck in bed all week. But I'm better now so lets see if I can get back into the swing of things.

So here's photos of my new dress. they're not best quality, cause we didn't get home 'till really late Thanksgiving night. Enjoy!

Dress: Made by me Butterick B5281

Shoes: payless

Tights: kmart

A cough Update

2010-12-06T15:54:00.000-05:00

Our Meg is sick as a dog at the moment...

Just a few days ago, we had our first decent conversation (i.e. four hours on the phone) in a long while. She was stuck at home, tied to some blankets and a rather comforting box of tissues - or so was my impression.

So why she's on her way to recovery I thought I'd entertain y'all with a brief entomology and a question of the phrase "as sick as a dog."

According to some authors, the phrase as sick as a dog was heard as early as 1705. It is quite possible that it was the invention of a phrase with no relevant meaning (unlike "the whole nine yards")... similar to the idea of being starstruck. Personally, this brings up the question how in the world can you be starstruck?... unless you're the unlucky chap who gets walloped by a chunk of molten rock from the skies. Others muse that the colloquialism came from either A. man's frequency around the animal led to the observation of how often it regurgitated or B. the negative linguistic connotation of "dog" (e.g. dog in the manger, dog tired, go to the dogs, etc.)

Apparently, American English has only version of the phrase while British English has numerous. "Sick as a... cat/horse/parrot" has been used over the years. The most interesting version of the phrase was used in 1731 by writer Johnathan Swift, "Poor Miss, she's sick as a cushion, she wants nothing but stuffing."

So my dear chickadees, here are my questions: how do you think the phrase originated? Can you think of any other colloquialism that you use constantly with no idea of the original entomology?

♥ Lady Weaver

Thank you!

2010-11-25T15:42:00.002-05:00

I'm just popping in here, while I have a moment at my Grandparents, to say Hello, and to simply Thank God for sending me all of you wonderful ladies! It brightens my day every time I come on here and see a new comment from you! Thank you so much for becoming a part of my life.

I hope you have a wonderful Holiday, dno't eat too much, and don't get too stressed before Christmas!

Love and huggs!

Meggie

(ps. I'm wearing a new 40's dress, that I'll get pictures of soon.)

Regal Regency

2010-11-20T11:13:00.002-05:00

Well I don't have too much time left here, so I'm just going to let you enjoy the pictures! This was made from (sadly) a poly/linen blend, (I was close at least and I couldn't beat $2 a yard!!!) that was on sale at JoAnn's and the pattern was the Simplicity Regency pattern. My mom and I had such a blast taking these! and all before the color was entirely gone. :D

So enjoy!!

Ps.. The hat was a fluke... it was a decorative wall hat I had made the mistake of buying, and when folded, it gently resembled a regency hat... (not really) hope you liked the pics!!

pss.. head over to Sahd to have a look at some photoshoped pics I did... and I'll upload the rest of those soon. :D

Giveaway Winner!

2010-11-17T10:43:00.002-05:00

What a blast! thanks to everyone who entered!

Now to chose, I went to Random.org. Put in one through eight, and it selected 3.

The third person to comment was Beasts belle!

Congrats to you!!!

I'll need you to email me with an address I can send it to when I'm done!

Giveaway closed... quick note..

2010-11-11T14:12:00.003-05:00

Well I gotta go ahead and close the giveaway while I'm here.. and I'll letcha know who won next week sometime. :D Thanks to everyone who entered! and Good luck!

also.. I have a new Regency dress, and I have pictures... but I left them in the camera at home... Isn't that how it goes.... :/

So be looking foreward to that!

Love and Huggs!
Meggie

Right or wrong?

2010-11-01T12:55:00.000-04:00

Lying, stealing, and murder are wrong. (among other things)
Helping, Giving, and patience, are good. Right?
We’ve known this to be true since the moment we walked out of the 5 and dime with that gumball we didn’t pay for and our mothers made us openly take it back.
As we grow older and more things of the world, more sinful instincts, are revealed, right and wrong aren’t always spelled out. There is a very fine line in some cases between good and bad, and finding it isn’t always easy. Especially for us young folk, just stepping into the world on our own.
For instance, wearing dresses to church, singing in the choir, teaching classes. When is this following what we believe is what the Lord wants? And when is it simply showing off?
This is something God wants us to find out for our selves. You can’t open the Bible to the book of "First Meggie" and it say, "On the third Sunday she sang" Nor Does God open up the clouds and bonk you on the head for wearing jeans. (at least not anymore…)
The answer itself is simple. Your attitude. If you Jump up, Grab a microphone and sing at the top of your voice so that everyone comes up to you and says how wonderful you are… needless to say it’s for the wrong reasons.
And yet if you take on the ten year old Wednesday night bus kids simply because you know they need Jesus, then I’d say you were on the right track.
Now here is my dilemma.
When is standing up for the Lord a good thing, and when is it simply pouring wind?
I recently got into an argument with my aunt (a sixty year old self professed "Hippie") when she posted an article on her facebook against a theocratic government. Personally I believe the Baptists and the Methodists and the Catholics should have no part in government, But I KNOW God should take hold of it and shake it to it’s knees. (I usually put it that there should be a separation of "Church" and state, but not "God" and state.)
I simply stated to her that I’d rather God were in control than who we have now. And she jumps up and begins ranting on how we have no right to keep two men from marrying or to keep a girl with "Modern Ideals" from "Making a choice"
Well I won’t go further on the details but that I don’t like to argue, and yet I was, and that it was long, drawn out and painful. I hated fighting with her. She’s my Aunt, and I love her, but I cannot stand for someone to slander God in any way. (And she’s a professed "Born Again Believer"… thought she drinks, smokes and most likely hasn’t been to church in my lifetime)
Halfway through landed on a Sunday, so I asked my youth, (including our preacher’s wife) advise on it. I had gotten a reply that morning and was so shook up I couldn’t stand it.
Our youth rep (a girl of 16) jumped up in arms about it, but Mrs. Becky, the preachers wife, told me I shouldn’t be arguing with my aunt.
So when is it good to stand for the Lord and when is it just arguing?
I feel like my attitude was right. (No brag, just fact) I felt for some reason Like I had to say something, to keep God’s law from becoming a doormat.
And that is just what the church and my parents have been teaching me for years is that because we haven’t stood for God, our country is in the state it’s in.
I also feel like I got through to her, if only for a moment. It was a statement I made that ended the conversation. She was stumped but came back a few days later and rectified herself. (needless to say… I didn’t reply that time)
And another line… when is asking advise like this gossip, and when is it simply asking advise?

On a lighter note, I have a praise report concerning an earlier post! I had a glimmer of hope from the 14 year old last Sunday. She told me she wanted to take a purity oath! Now whether she will or if she’ll keep it, is not for me to say. But the fact is she saw a light somewhere and told me she wanted to. Continue to pray for her! And for me that I’ll know what to say and when to say it.
I love you all, and thanks for the wonderful advise!
Meggie

40 Followers GIVEAWAY!

2010-10-29T14:50:00.003-04:00

Well the other day I jumped on, on my phone to find that I have 40 official followers! (41 now!) How exciting! And that doesn't include those who aren't official followers that still read!

So in thanks to all of you lovely, wonderful people, I'm going to give you something! (Well a chance at something anyways...)

If you are a long time follower you may remember my post on this lovely beret.

Did you like it? Well you can have one in whatever color you want! Plus a scarf to match! The scarf is super long (At least to this short person) and has a fringe at the edge, the beret will be made out of a soft novelty or baby yarn, and has pretty ribbing down it.

To enter, Simply comment here with the color you would like to have it in! (You may enter even if you don't have a blogger account, just leave me some way to contact you!)

For a second entry, Post about it on your blog and in a separate comment leave me a link to it!

So please go ahead and enter! You will have two weeks, (Maybe three if I can't get back in time)

I can't wait to get started on it!

Let's get caught up! casual wear, and butterick 4790

2010-10-20T11:52:00.003-04:00

Hello my Girlies!!

Haha.

I'm sorry if this seems rushed... but I've been at the Library for two hours and I'm sure mom will be back any moment... plus I'm hungry so I'm going to go down to the cafe and eat here pretty soon.

Anyways, I just wanted to post a few pictures, #1 of my new fifties dress, (My first). From butterick 4790 . My only caution with this pattern is, they haven't adjusted the sizes to modern measurements.... either that or I'm just not used to butterick. I mistakenly cut out a size 8 and it was waaaaaaay to small. So I drafted the piece across my stomack. it does okay, but I can't run or go fast or the front pieces of the skirt indecently flip open.. :z

But I love it and will probably make this dress again... in a larger size...

Secondly I want to show a little of my "Casual" fashion. I LOVE men's clothes for casual/ work days. They're modest, comfy, and can be pretty when worn right.

Shirt: Thrifted

Jeans: old worn out, had since 7th grade... from Wal-mart??

Shoes: payless.. old, worn out.. but I think they still have them.. strangely..

And there you go! Comfortable modest and pretty!

New Blog!

2010-10-16T12:02:00.004-04:00

I realized recently that not only do I need encouragement, but so do you! Stay at home daughters are not so few and far between as I used to think.

So I have created a place where we can come together, fellowship in Christ, Share tips and recipes, and most of all encouragement.

This will be centered for girls ages 15- 30, who are living at home and preparing to be helpmeets and mothers. But it isn't ONLY for us. If you are above that age or are already married, but once were a stay at home daughter, I'm sure we'd love to hear from you too! Sometimes all ho

Recently... (This is a rant! Viewer discresion may be advised)

2010-10-07T14:48:00.004-04:00

Recently, while talking to people under the age of twenty I have been told;

Being around drugs and alchohol isn't all that bad
When me and my boyfriend have sex...
I coudn't make it to church, I had to work (Or even better) My mom didn't wake me up.
@#$@#%# (Potty mouth anyone??)

And there are pleanty more where this came from.

Have you ever felt like just SHAKING people and screaming "DON"T YOU GET IT!?"

For those of us that understand, it all comes so simply! Drugs and alchohol are bad because they impare your judgment and even stupider things come of it.

Sex is for marriage, nuff said.

Church is more important than sleep because well, GOD is more important than sleep.

Recently it has come to light that fewer people than I ever thought don't understand this like I do.

Have you ever run into people like this? Of course you have...

How do you deal?

Especially since last night a #2 came from a girl who recently turned 14! And hadn't been a virgin for a YEAR AND A HALF!!!!

This is purely REDICULOUS! What are we teaching our kids anyomore? anything? Doesn't seem so from where I'm sitting.

So I'm coming to you dear readers... for advise.

How do you tell these people this is wrong? Especially without turning new believers away forever. Without making people think you're holding up a sign saying "No Sinners Allowed."

I'm running out of words... and courage. I'd love to hear scripture, stories of what YOU have been through, and pleanty of encouragement.

I can now read your comments from home, So please, PLEASE do!

Keep your prayers and your Emails and comments coming!

Love and Huggs

Meggie

Thanks for the wishes!

2010-10-04T15:17:00.003-04:00

I want to Thank Ya'll so much! First off for those of you who wrote! It is the Highlight of my day to get your emails!

Secondly for all the Lovely birthday wishes!!

Especially from my dear freind, Miss Weaver!

I had such a wonderful day! It was quiet and peacefull I had made a dress, from McCalls 5923 (Picture doesn't do it credit) and a really soft cottony material. (Don't know what to call it!! :/ )

But I wore it all day, While I cleaned the living room no less!! (This dress works very well with a pinny! {apron})

Anyways, then we went to a friend's cammpsite and just enjoyed ourselves all evening!

Then saturday we went to an auction all day where I got pleasantly... burnt.. (Not as bad as my Marmee though!! ) But on the way back we stopped at Sonic for ice cream where I had a birthday root beer float!

But wonderful wonder of wonders, that night as we lounged on the couch, tired as we were, who should pull up but my sister! She's my dad's daughter, and is 19 years older than me, and we hadn't seen her since christmas. But the best part was that she is officially 200 lb LIGHTER! She's been heavy as long as I've known her, and had a surgery last year and lost every bit!!

Now for the best part, Sunday I rededicated my life to the Lord... Big time.. And I'm going to be Baptised probably at the end of October. (Just never had the opportunity to do it before)

So here begins my journey. My youth and I have a fire under us.. and I believe we're about to put our little church on the map! Pray for us in this, pray that the Lord will keep us on track and keep us moving, and more importantly GROWING! Pray especially for me to stay where He wants me to be so I can do for Him what I may never have dreamed.

That's most important, but I have a few other resolutions.

#1 I'm going to completely change out my waredrobe by the time I turn 20. (one year) I'm going to get rid off all the ill fitting things I've had since 6th grade and make/ buy things that I WANT to wear. JoAnnes had a HUGE pattern sale two weeks running a while back and I got myself a great start! Including a great pull over your head and go, 50's dress.

secondly, I want to get the house entirely TIDY, and keep it that way. I've already got a head start on it, starting in the Living room. (Pictures to follow later.. )

And lastly, By the time I'm 20, I want to have taken over at least one household chore, ENTIRELY.. we'll see how that goes... Marmee has this policy of "It's my kitchen GET OUT!!" So we'll see. :D

Anyways, thank you all again! And I'm hoping to have internet again very soon, and be able to come back, full swing. I've ideas for Giveaways, an etsy store, and of course many many more posts!

Keep in touch!

OH! And if I do host a giveaway,what would you like to see me give?

Luvyabunches!!

Meggie

Pirated

2010-10-01T10:25:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! It's Lady Weaver from Wanderlust Requiem. Today is Meg's 19th birthday. As I am nearly 4 hours away (and have no way to deliver this personally), I had this brilliant idea - I would leave her a little note on her own blog... that way I could share her special day with you!

So leave her a little note of your own today!

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

My dearest Ann (with an “e”),

Formal Progressive Dinner - Feb 2008

It’s your 19^th birthday today. I’m sorry I can’t drive my way home to surprise you! So I suppose this will have to suffice. (plus I wanted an excuse to pirate your blog… mwhuhahahahahahaha)

How many years have I known you at this point? 14? We’ve been together for a long time :) It’s funny how we were worst enemies in K5. I’m so happy that it’s not the case now. Remember all the silly little memories?

Fabulous is fabulous, daaaahling. - Oct 1998

One of my favorite parties ever was the one where your aunt (was it your aunt?) that brought us all those vintage outfits to play dress up. Actually, birthdays at your place were always the best – like the time we stayed in Mother Kaye’s Cabin.

At Biltmore - Oct 2009

Almost all of my favorite memories have you in them – sorghum festivals, sleepovers in the winter, “Knight Hawks” banquets, random picnics in the woods, funny trips… I hope that these aren’t the last either. (In fact, you should come down and visit me! I think we have a Scot-Irish festival coming up sometime soon. *nudge nudge, wink wink*)

So I thought I’d let you know that I love you, and I’ve been thinking and praying for you. ^ᴖᴥ^ᴖHappy 19^th birthday, my dearest Meg. I wish you many, many more.

Take a picture of taking a picture? :) - Oct 2009

Love,

Your Diana

Out to the great unknown, hand in hand, together forever. - 1998

Looking for Pen Friends!!!

2010-09-22T15:12:00.002-04:00

Well Kate I've been thinking about this for a while and you made me go through with it. ;D

I get so lonely in my home without internet. My highschool friend have all gone off to colledge and my Church friends have their lives, So sometimes I get discouraged in my PRoverbs 31 walk.

My recent thoughts on a solution was to ask ya'll if you wanted to snail mail or email me?

Kate just from our comments it seems we have a lot in common, and I'd love to hear from you! (Tag answers and all ;D )

And any of you wonderful Ladies who would like to write to me please do!! It helps to get ancouragement from those who have gone through it and can tell me how!!

I am keeping up with a lot of you from your blogs (google reader works on my phone) but alas blogger doesn't. (cries) So I can read, but I can't comment.

So! Those of you who would like to write to me my Email address is Avonleamountaindreamer[@]hotmail[.]com (remove brackets) and if you like Snail mail we'll exchange addresses.

I can't wait to hear from you! And I'll try to get back and blog soon! Things are so hecktic!! I'm having a little endeavour with Ginseng and cornmeal is picking up by the thousands of pounds so I promise my next big purchase will be internet. (And after that... etsy maybe? what do you think??)

Write me soon!!!
Meggie

Tag and Run

2010-09-03T08:30:00.003-04:00

Well due to time and the lack of my camera, I'm just going to do a brief overview. Then the Lovely LAdy Helen, from "The thoughts from Ellerslie" has tagged me! Yay!

First off, Let me raise a big, big thank you to all those who commented on my comment drive! Ya'll are so sweet! And I'll keep all of your suggestions in mind as I post!

Secondly, Old Time Sunday went wonderful! my dress held up, I made a pinner apron to go over it, and some cuffs. Then I wore my white (farby) snood over my done hair. Sadly... no picture yet... as my friend who took the picture has yet to send it to me.. *grumbles*

Anyways! I made my first purchase at our new local JoAnne's!!! YAY! I got a "New look" pattern 6981, and some lovely pale green and pink print material. Once again resulting pictures to come. :D

Well without further Ado! on to the quiz!

8 books I've read recently

1. The diary of sarah morgan.. (a great non fiction read btw.)

2. The diary of Sarah Morgan part two

3. The Diary of Sarah Morgan part three

4. The diary of Sarah Morgan part four (it's really really long and has cut of my memory of what books I've read before it, but here are the last I remember)

5.Anne of Avonlea

6.Sense and Sensibility

7.Mansfield park

8........

8 songs or albums I listen to all the time.

1. Some great oldies by Doris day (in her early years) that my Granpa gave me

2. my Blog playlist, (no really!)

3. my Youtube playlist

4. I'm in~ Kieth Urban

5. If I Die Young~The Band Perry

6. Stuck Like Glue~ Sugarland

7. My Local NPR station

8. Hyms

8 things I LOVE!

1. My Church, and all that goes with it.

2. A Long walk in the woods and fields

3. Reading by candlelight/ Lamplight

4. Good Friends and a great big laugh!

5. "MY" mountains

6. The HISTORY of "My" mountains, and my people

7. Fulfilling my policy of "If something is too expensive, make it yourself" (Meaning Handcrafting things. :D)

8. Going to sleep at night knowing that "Both" My Fathers (Earthly and heavenly) are watching out for me.

8.Things I've learned this year

Gosh this is a bit of a toughie!!

1. how to downsize a pattern

2. how to then make it authentic to the period.

3. To sing no matter what.

4. people sometimes let you down, and there is only one perfect person who won't

5. how to "Let go and Let God"

6. How to get up out of bed and Clean house or do laundry

7. How to knit.

8. That no matter what people say about you, if God likes you, and that's what matters.

8. New recipes I want to try

1. A pie with a woven top crust.

2. Gf Pasta for my dad.

3. hot cross buns

4. Scottish Flatbread

5. I'd like to branch out from baking, but it's a bit of a security blanket. LOL!

6. Canning! (You can see my beginning attemps with my jam! Dad's already eaten two and a half jars! okay with my help)

7. My Grandmother's bisquits.

8...... aaand I'm out of Ideas.... refer to choice 5.

8. favourite online hangouts.

Eight? Seriouisly??

1. BLOGGER! (And every one of your wonderful online "Homes")

2. Facebook (Have to mention my "Local" spot. lol)

3. Google reader. (Sorta goes with choice one.)

4. Sense and Sensibility patterns forum. (Sadly my phone doesn't like it.. *Cries*)

5. Etsy (I love browsing all the loverly old things!)

for the last three I'll mention my TOP favourite blogs. I Love everyone's. But These were among the first. And they are such wonderful Roll models. They all have a good sense of old fashioned dress and old time religeon. And they are raising their Daughters into Proverbs 31 and their sons into wonderful God- fearing men. Thank you wonderful Ladies for giving us a window into your lives!

6. A Beautiful Life, our lovely Mrs. Emily.

7. Romantic History, Mrs Sarah Jane and her three cutie pie boys!

8 Pastoral symphony farm, The lovely Mrs. G. (She has been a bit more recent and I'm still getting to know her, but still!)

Muah!

8 projects I need to work on.

1. my new JoAnne's skirt.

2. the pattern I got for an Aran sweater. (Pray for me on that! it looks like a difficult pattern! but I love these aweaters!!)

3. A 1940's daydress (Maybe a dozen! lol)

4. An edwardian/ teens church outfit.

5. a pink Regency dress

6. Learn more about the Piano, guitar, and fiddle.

7. My ACT so I can take a few college courses.

8. Proverbs 31, and getting closer to my Savior

8 other people I think should do this.

1. Mrs. V.

2. Sabine

3. Miss Heidi

4. Kate, if you want to, go ahead!

5. beast's Belle

6. Emily.

7. Ashley & Gabrielle

8. Natasha

(Yes, those of you who commented on my comment drive all got tagged!! )

Comment drive!!!

2010-08-20T14:25:00.004-04:00

I WANT YOU to comment. ;D

Well I've been wanting to do this for a while now, so here 'tis.

I have exactly 36 followers! I'm so glad! You all like me enough to keep reading about me and my sewing and Bible adventures. Thank you So much!! *Big Huggles*

So Now I want all 36 of you to tell me something.

What made you follow me?

How did you find me?

Tell me a little about yourself!

What do you like about my blog?

What don't you like?

What would you like to see more of?

or less of?

I want to know!!!

So hit the post button right below here and give me a shout out!

Bunches of Love and Huggs!
Meggie

Newest Projects

2010-08-11T14:21:00.002-04:00

Well for the first off, my dress is nearly done!!

And though it is quite a spoiler, I'm going to go ahead and show it to you!

I rushed and took these pictures this morning, knowing I would be here today, and could show them to you. Here is everything in order I put them on.. and don't worry... these will be in color!

My Chemise is made out of a soft cotton, is about calf length, and if you look close you can probably see the saftey pin holding it closed for the moment *whistles*

I decided to try my drawers crotchless this time... we'll see how that goes. The corset is the only thing I have that is NOT period in the least! A friend gave it to me as a temp. It's spandex with boning in it... it's rather uncomfortable... but it'll work until I get up the funds to make/ buy a real one

And finally the finished product. it needs hemmed and a kick plate, some sort of trim.. maybe and of course buttons.. (I procrastinate on buttons can you tell?) oh! And I have to make a collar.

As my next project, I decided to teach myself to knit. Luckily... I learn quickly. That is, with several you-tube videos and a lot of help from my mom!

And my result is!

A sock!

One, sad, ill- fitting, itchy sock.

But hey! it's a sock right? (And yes, I know there's a needle in my toe... but mom has yet to teach me to cast of...)

I only wanted to see if I could. The next one will be better! and I'll have the right type of yarn.

My next project, (also a "See if I can do it, with spare yarn) is, A sontag!

Now this one is going much better!.. so far. It's a simple knit five purl five pattern and then you switch every five rows. As you can see, I'm not very far yet, so I haven't gotten to the crossing "Arms" yet. But anyways, there 'tis! my latests conquests!

Love and Huggs!

Meggie

Anne Inspired Dress

2010-08-03T13:07:00.004-04:00

Well I don't know why I've never posted pictures of this dress before, but Anne week over at "Bramblewood Fashion" posed the perfect opportunity.

Sadly I missed that, but I had this post ready. so here 'tis!

This dress is a revamp on Jenny Chancey's "1914 afternoon dress." It's shortened,like I did for my Biltmore trip. But To make it different I used sleeves from Simplicity 0000

I cut them down quite a bit so they weren't so hideously big, but they are still puffy.

Anyways. Hopefully I'll have a few more up later, Enjoy!

Love and Huggs

Meggie

(ps.. sorry, I couldn't find the number of that pattern, I'll look at it later and post it)

My life in a Bubble

2010-07-31T17:43:00.001-04:00

I can't count the nuber of times I have been accused of being "Sheltered." Stuck under the wings of my parents until I can't see all the cruel and aweful things the world holds. Some have been well and truely worried about me. Worried that when I step out into the REAL world, I won't know what to do or how to act.

But the truth is, I LOVE my Bubble! The further I venture into the world, the more I want to sink back into it.

People keep telling me how hard it is, how I'll never be able to cope with the truth. And maybe they're right.
People keep telling me that the world isn't mayberry anymore, NOTHING is black and white.

Do you ever just get so tired of what PEOPLE tell you? From where I sit, I CAN see what the world is. God never promised us that things would be easy. But he DID promise us everything would be alright.

The Bible Says our Righteousness is as filthy rags! The GOOD stuff we do looks like that paper towel after you clean the outsides of your house windows! Yuck! And if that's what our good stuff looks like, imagine what the bad looks like!

So that in a nut shell is what I can see from inside my bubble. I watch TV, I listen to the Radio, and the truth is, I'd rather turn it all off and sink into my nice coushy bubble.

I sound like I'm ranting, don't I? But the fact is, I'm about to tell you the best part. My Bubble isn't my parents, although they help me immensely! My Bubble insn't my bedroom with my Jane austen books and my nice feather pillow. My Bubble is a sturdy, tender, embrace of the promises of God!

He solemnly promised me he would never leave me or forsake me! We hear that all the time, but isn't it wonderful. Anything and everything we face, he's there. Not just behind us, or beside us, but Surrounding us! ehem... like a bubble. :D Just like he did for Joshua, and Gideon, and David, so will he do for you. He offers to take your problems off your hands, just like he does your righteousness.

And just like he took your sin.

God's bubble of promises give me the strength to walk out into the world and face those fithy dirty evil things this world has to offer, and it gives me a fliffy coushy pillow to fall back on at the end of the day.

The footprints poem says "It was then I carried you" in those dark and trying times, So when things get hard, pick up your feet and let him!

That bubble can help keep you from getting dirty and hurt by the craziness of the world.
So those of you who aspire as I do to God's will in Proverbs 31 should Stick with our bubbles!

Love you girls!
And stick with Him!
Huggles!
Meggie

Dala - Levi Blues

2010-07-30T12:51:00.000-04:00

I recently discovered this group on a pbs special called "Girls from the North Country" and I instantly fell in love with them! Their indy sound is gentle and sweet... and well, Just watch!!

Love and Huggs!

What I've been up to.

2010-07-29T12:14:00.006-04:00

This week has been rather busy.

Friends over, parties. This summer has been AMAZING! One of the best yet, I'll say.

But! moving on, here's a few of the projects I have been working on.

A few weeks ago, I spent quite a few days out in the summer heat in long skirts picking blackberries. And might I say, I found out very quickly that Blackberries are a lot more dangerous than strawberries! lol.

But yesterday, mom finally had time to help me make jam out of them.

Sorry for the quality on this one....

And long story short Voile! Six sparkling yummy jars of jam ready to eat.... and boy we went haywire for breakfast this morning!!! We made bisquits for with Dad's flour (spelt) and well.... I don't think we have any left! lol.

Next though, I rearanged my room and have started decorating a bit. I've started taking down the medieval fantasy things and putting up more of my Victorian.

It all looked so quaint and old fashioned when I was done that I had to show it off!

My endtable here is one of those with a cloth cover and a glass top... you can get them practically anywhere. For a while I've had some medieval things under the glass, but yesterday, I printed some pictures I had saved back, simply for inspiration, and with that and some of the flowers I pressed this spring I have a new inspiring table!

It's so nice to look up at night when I'm reading and see all these pretty victorian pictures!

I'm going to print more and put them in frames around my room. and I'm hoping to get some new prints from garage sales soon.

Well! There's more to come, I'm at the library for a good long time today.

Love and Huggs!!

Meggie

Some Splainin

2010-07-17T15:03:00.003-04:00

Well it seems I have missed Anne week.... *Cries*

I have been putting together posts and getting ready, but just couldn't get near the internet...

So here I am! At the library.. finally, but with no time to post them all... I will though!

Here's a sneak preview.
<---

Anyways, life is going along loverly!

Our youth has decided to host another "Old timer's day" at the end of August. Well that set my mind Reeling! At first I wanted a new Edwardian dress, but instead (and to save on doing that AND this) I chose to do a Civil war dress, and do it as authentically as possible. I had already contacted the lovely folk at the Sense and Sensibility pattern forum about Simplicity 7212 which I own, but after deliberation decided to go wit their suggestion of Simplicity 4551 I ordered my material from Abraham's lady, the "Pink-red Rose" (it came today!!! yays!!), and well now I'm here to order the pattern.

And Marmee's waiting so I better get back to it.

Love and huggs!!!!

Meggie

Sunday style

2010-07-01T12:33:00.000-04:00

okay so this was a few Sundays ago (member what I said about Dad taking the camera to kentucky??)

Anyways, this hairstyle was a little bit regency inspired. with the two ribbons.

It was also to help keep my tucked short hair up.

I was surprised it didn't all fall out!!

But anyways here ya go!!

(note the bare feet)

Pregnancy is no big deal anymore. (Sometimes a girl just has to rant)

2010-06-30T09:06:00.002-04:00

Okay so, I've had this written for a while and I just HAVE to post it. This happened on the 19th so excuse some of the date references. This is still pretty heavy on my heart so please comment and discuss!

Pregnancy is not what it used to be. The breaking news of teens these days is that it's as easy as if they had bought it at Wal-mart.

My thoughts: WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE!!!

Why is it that people seem to think it doesn't matter?

"Who cares?" they think, "Mommy will take care of it, and Daddy will pay for it, just like they did that puppy that followed me home from school that time in the third grade. Poor scruffy may he rest in peace."

And guess what? That's what happens. Twelve months later, grandma is holding a three month old baby while Mama parties to celebrate her sixteenth birthday. Not to mention she then brings home a new boyfriend

"Hey mom, This is Joey, he's twenty-five, We're getting married and he's gonna adopt little freddy and care for him like his own son. Not to mention the others there are going to be"

This is an ABOMINATION to girls like me. Few and far between as we may be. Stick together girls! It's sooooo much more worth it to wait on GOD'S TIME. Because then you get the WHOLE package; Love, Family, Eternity, And finally GOD'S APPROVAL!

Okay so the reason I'm saying this.. And I probably should have talked about it earlier, is, My best friend growing up, is two weeks away from delivery. We became friends when we were about five, but we started drifting apart in middle school. I was at my Christian school, where I thankfully learned a lot of my ideals, morals, and Bible vereses to go with them, but she was at a public school.

It's just disturbing to me. We used to dream as little girls, marriage, husband, babies, but it always went in the right order. At least it did for me, I don't know about her.

She had medical problems that they said may not allow her to carry a child full term, and she used to cry and tell me she didn't just want a baby she wanted the experience of pregnancy, feeling a life growing inside her.

So I attributed it to that. She wanted that experience and she got it. Well she wouldn't talk to me, I found out about it in march, second hand from one of her HIGHSCHOOL classmates. I continued to try to talk to her, Phone calls, letters, emails, text, facebook. No deal. I think at most I got three sentances out of her on Facebook.

Anyhoo, two weeks ago I got an Invite to her BABY SHOWER. I decided to go all out. Set aside my Morals for a time and let her know I still loved her. At one time she was a Civil war re-enactor, so I got Simplicity 2457 And with a little editing made a boy's baby gown, pleanty of pintucks, and lots of ribbons. It took all I could give during those two weeks to get it done.

Now I'm not saying I was trying to bribe her, just give her a little Christian Love. I could have turned away and not done anything, but we grew up like sisters, and I still loved her.

Saturday Mom call first thing to get directions, and she was very happy and bubbly, "Oh yes, I graduated Highschool, with honors" Talking about everything like it was nothing.

Well because of a storm and our lack of good directions, we got there about thirty minutes early. I Expected to see her glowing. This was exactly what she wanted, a beautiful baby boy due in less than two weeks.

Not really.

Short shorts and a low cut tank top stretched across her "Shelf" as she called it.

All I can say is she was no longer the happy bubbly shy and quiet girl I had grown up with... She was in the league of unwed pregnant teenagers. And she looked it. Deep in her eyes, she must have known.

But seriously?? What would convince one to give up the dream? Okay and not only the dream, but GOD'S reality!

In the end, I plan to wait. God has someone for me and he'll be exactly what I need. THEN come the Babies.

Thank you God for making me who I am! Thank you for giving me wonderful CHRISTIAN Parents and an amazing CHRISTIAN education. And thank you for teaching me what was RIGHT in YOUR eyes!

Love you all! (Give lots of advise!)

Meggie

Psalms 27:5

PS. Anyone know where I could get a good purity ring? Not nessecarilly expensive. It's more like baptism, to tell the world my views than me taking a vow. That vow has been here a long time.

40's style

2010-06-29T12:13:00.000-04:00

So Saturday I went to forever 21 will Lady weaver. "This time" I said, "I'm not leaving without something" Bad policy I know, but it's just so far away I can't get there easily.

But Don't worry, I spent $7.00. I bought my first bow headband. A deep silky blue.

Weeeell I just so happen to have a deep silky blue dress. That got me thinking. Lets do something different. Let's go 40's!!!

So I pin curled and Victory Rolled, then Red lipsticked and Viole!!!

A 40's style for church, which everyone loved. ;D

Love and Hugs!

Meggie

50 days to a Proverbs 31 woman

2010-06-28T11:32:00.003-04:00

Well I decided Last night that if I'm to become who I want to be (A good wife and mother someday) I need to start right now!

I also heard recently that it take fifty times of doing something to make it a habit.

So yesterday I decided to take fifty day and begin training myself for the houselife to come. I started of yesterday gathering ides and praying about it all, and For inspiration I opened my Bible to Proverbs 31. I'm going to print it and post it all over the house for my benifit. So whenever I feel like giving up I'll look at that and trudge on.

I started today with a bang.. as all projects go. I jumped up, made my bed, put on cleaning clothes, hung out the laundry for mom, and vacuumed her bedroom floor.

I intended to clean my room as wel for a start, but I had to go into town to return some movies and get groceries.

Anyhoo. I also found out, (Excitement of all excitements) I have unlimted internet on my phone! So once I get it activated I can at least talk to you wonderful folk a little. I've been catchin up on the blogs I follow until I could get here to activate my account.

I know.. I'm rambling... but I'm trying to do several things at once.

So I'm going to ask you to be my accountability partners. I'm going to post every day, or almost every day and tell you what I'm up to. And if I don't I want you to be on my case as much as possible. Make sure I do this. And join in if you like!! Just comment here and then link back to this post from your blog. (This is impromtu so forgive me)

Also I have a few fashion posts I'm going to get up for the next few days, so be on the lookout for them.

...Still rambling. There's just so much on my mind and I don't know how to get it out.

In a nut shell? Fifty days, doing as much housework and homemaking as I can. Then hopefully it will be a lifelong pattern. :D

Much love and Hugs!!

Meggie

Vintage ads from Google images

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - Trailer 1 - 1...

2010-06-23T16:35:00.000-04:00

Zomgosh Zomgosh Zomgosh!

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Breath

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Breath

play it again

Faint

Anne Fashion week

2010-06-11T12:30:00.002-04:00

Well Don't you hate it when your dad goes to Kentucky with the camera? And you have pictures on it you want to post really bad??

No?

Well I do...

Luckily! I Discovered Miss Ashley over at Bramblewood fashion, is hosting an "Anne of Green Gables" Fashion week at her blog starting on the 11 of July.

I've decided to join in as much as I can... I'm too excited about it to be left out!

So click on the pictutre, Head on over, Join in, or watch all of us who do!

Enjoy!!

American Honey Summer

2010-06-05T10:13:00.001-04:00

Now you've seen my clothes, Here's some of my Favorite Music!

I'm getting more into basic classical and old style early 20th century music.

But my long-time friend and love has always been country!

And my favorite band is (As you may have guessed)

Lady Antebellum!

So in Honour of Summer, Here's a little tune that has become my theme for the season!

Here's American Honey by Lady Antebellum!

There's Nothing Like New

2010-06-02T09:23:00.007-04:00

CLOTHES!!!

Seems like ages since I've had a good shopping trip! And I guess it has been, the last one was the last time I went school shopping three years ago.

Anyways! I thought I'd show of one of my new outfits and as I wear them, update you on the others.

First off though, a bit about my fashion style. If I had to put it in a category it would be, Classy, old fashioned, and country. And sometimes a bit medieval.

Today, I'm a bit more modern. My shopping trip yesterday was mostly for jeans. I'm a dress person, but sometimes I like to be a bit more slouchy in a good old fashioned pair of jeans. I searched, store after store, for my country style bot cut jeans. Nothing...I finally find a fade style I liked... aaaand they're skinny jeans.. So I cam home dejected and dissapointed... with one shirt. No doubt I loved the one shirt and thanked God for it!

But then my Aunt let me go back out before we went to my uncle's to say goodbye to my cousins (Who flew down to florida first thing this morning for a summer in florida with their mom.)

Two words- Rue 21.

Two more- big sale!!

Nearly everything in the store was under a 50% off sign or a $6- $3. And guess what? Two wonderful pairs of jeand under that %50! Then a really pretty dress to wear to awedding this weekend, and a new t-shirt.

Today I'm wearing one pair of jeans and the T-shirt.

It's a printed T. I usually don't wear black for any reason, but this one I loved!

*Reads back* okay I'm babbling... and about a T-shirt too. ;D But hey I'm a girl.. it happens!

Anyways, moving on! A bit of other fashion. On Sunday I try to be "Classy" Simply pretty. And different. So I'll add a hat or a slightly modernized old pattern. I've decided to start showing you some of them. This is what I wore this Sunday.

It's a little revealing for my tastes. I debated over a sweater until the last minute, then regretted my decision against it. But People loved it!

The dress was thrifted, the belt came from belk last winter, The hair flover came from Cato and the necklace was off a thrifted shirt. (Though I'm sure you could find something similar at Forever 21)

Anyways! More as I get them!

I Hope you are all enjoying your summer!!

I sure am so far!

God Bless!

Meggie

PS. I had a little fun on Picnik, can you tell?

A sewing Adventure.

2010-05-30T16:09:00.001-04:00

okay so this has been a while ago, but I was just looking through my pictures and came across these and thought I'd share.

I Went to Lady Weaver's, who is a total Lolita fanatic (As in Japanese way of dress) so I got all dolled up in semi- loli.

We then proceeded to Hobby- lobby to buy some material for a dress she was making. I even found some trim for the skirt I was wearing. :D

Then she came to my house the next night after a trip to "Forever 21" (Where we were nearly shooed out for taking a picture in the store.... )

hehe our one piccy in the store. :D

After an hour of pure sniffling, we had to go get some benadryl for Lady Weaver, who was allergic to my cat. And because neither of us wanted to get dressed again... we went in pj's...

But anyways, enjoy the pictures!!!

(Yes.. she's folding my laundry... )

Home cooking endevours

2010-05-29T08:52:00.003-04:00

Well There are a few things to catch you up on.

#1 Wild Strawberries!!!!!

There's a whole bunch of them at the end of my drive, sweet and pure and natural! So I went out a few times and picked as many as I could find. I then pureed them and they are in the freezer awaiting any strawberry recipes that you have to suggest. (By the by, please suggest something I could do with this. The only thing I have is adding them to frosting to put on a cookie)

My second endeavour is Noodles. My dad is allergic to wheat (Aka gluten) so I get the opportunity to home-make all kinds of things for him.

For this recipe I used Rice flour. I thought it would be soft and fluffy, and better for noodles. Wrong...

This recipe called for Xantham gum (Actually guar gum... whatever that is.... ;D ) Well I didn't have any, so I added an egg. (this recipe was in an "Allergy free" Cookbook so it didn't call for an egg) Anyhoo. We were terrified of them not staying together. So we let them dry as long as possible and tested two or three. They stuck! I was ecstatic!

So the next night I Carefully put together a spaghetti sauce, (Poured a jar of it over mushrooms and browned hamburger) and put some water on to boil. When dad got home, I poured the whole lot into the boiling water, and went upstairs with them to wait for them to cook.

When I cam down, low and behold! They were still together....

Stuck together in a giant wad... The bits and pieces that had come apart, had fused all the noodles together into one big globby mess...

Bless my father, he ate a plate of it with a smile on his weary face... (I never expected him too) And we served it the next night as normal with a pan of rice.

Needless to say, next time... I'm using spelt...

The Perfect Day (Lady Antebellum)

2010-05-20T13:29:00.009-04:00

Okay so the only way to describe this week would be by playing the song "Perfect day" by Lady Antebellum.

My Mom's Aunt and her dayghter (who's only a few years older than me) Came out for a few days this week from Nashville. I haven't seen my cousin Hallie since we were in middle and Elementary school. So This was a wonderful time to catch up and realize that I'm not alone in those silly little habits that no one else has...

My and Hallie's Bedroom

Cousin Katelynne and her friend Sarah

Haha no, we had an absolute blast. The first night they stayed at my house becuse it's closer to the interstate. It was a nice time to catch up, just me and Hallie before all the rest of the family glomped her. ;D In that time we got through maybe six years of boyfriends, school, life... aaaaand she trained my dog... (She's in lawyer training but she's a total Animal person... she snaps and they listen)

My new vintage suitcase on the deck Check out that view!!!

Aaanyways. The next afternoon we went up to a cabin my uncle is staying at in the mountains. And might I say and awesomely BEAUTIFUL Cabin! Where we played pool, lounged in the hot tub, ate a fantastic meal my uncle cooked on the grill, Played music, and basically had an amazing time!

I also got to hang out with my younger cousins (Ten and twelve I think) Who are going to florida to stay with their mom for the summer...

Cousin Alex in the hottub and ON the rafters (little monkey)

...Um I'm not sure what else to say... there are a lot of pictures, not alot of time to post... and definately not enought words to describe it all. So enjoy the pics! :D

Katelynne scrolling Chords for me

Whole clan

Oh! Also, I'm sitting in our amazing new library! Check out this pic I took from my Webcam just now!!!

A Rosy Bible Cover.

2010-05-14T10:13:00.005-04:00

I'm very proud of this, as it's my first experience with fusable interfacing. I also used some kind of adhesive between the layers, just for a bit more strength.

It's a Bible cover! I often wondered, while losing pens and Sunday School books, why I didn't just make a Bible cover.

Well a few weeks ago I gave it a try. The outside has a line from "The Secret garden" Why you ask? Well hold on I'll get to that. It reads "Where you tend a rose, a Thistle Cannot grow" And on the bottom left it has a reference to Phillipians 4:8, which reads, "Finally, Brethren, Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if tere be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." In short, my message with it is, think on the good things, and bad thoughts can't occur. Keep your mind on God and no one or no thing can turn you from him.

Enjoy!!

ps. It's being modeled by the Lovely Elsie Dinsmore from the "A Life of Faith" Collection.

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass it's about learning to dance in the rain!

2010-05-12T09:42:00.005-04:00

My Dear Bloggers... I've neglected you... Actually we've just not been into town, plus my Little Library has been closed for two weeks. "Why?" you ask. They're opening a new and improve HUGE (lets say that again) HUGE!!! Three story new one!! *Dances for absolute joy* So anyways, here I am at Lady Weaver's for her Birthday. (She turned

nineteen yesterday.) I'm having a blast! She had no idea I was coming. Her sister called me yesterday morning to ask me to come and surprise her. And Lady Weaver is supposedly "Unsurprisable" It was lovely to see her face when I came out of her sister's bedroom, casually asking what time supper was. (RC Cola in hand) :D

(you can see my hat that I was holding over the camera. It was dripping afterward!!)

But anyways, today I'm sitting here in my PJ's updating you on my life a bit.

Spring cleaning has been most of it. My mom and I have stayed home while my dad finishes this bit of the fort. I got up last week deciding on cleaning my room and then the library, (or more appropriately "The-room-next-to-mine-that's-covered-in-shelves-from-Y2K-waiting-to-be-filled-with-books) And then on to the catch all desk in the kitchen that my dad had asked me to clean. But when I walked into my mom's room she looked at me sadly, looked around her cluttered bedroom and said pitifully, "Help?" (Yes... that's how it happened....)

So for the next two days we cleaned, and scrubbed and vacuumed, and mostly organized. Then we moved down to the kitchen desk. Both are now spotless. :D

But anyways, here is what was my next "Letter from home" It was written about a month ago, So I'm not sure of the exact date. I just couldn't pass up telling you this little bit of spontaneous fun!

*<>*<>*<>*<>*

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass it's about learning to dance in the rain!

Hehe, our one big April rain shower was last Thursday, it stormed for about five minutes, poured blindingly for about three more and showered pleasantly all day. Well during the big gully washer, I decided to enjoy myself, took a few pictures and got blessedly and gloriously SOAKED!!!

Have a blessed day!!

Meggie

Springy Leaf Pile

2010-04-28T11:44:00.006-04:00

Well I kept the boys last week for about an hour. To keep them busy, I decided to give them a fun job that would make their Daddy proud to see them do.

I saw an errant leaf pile that instantly captured my attention.

So we walked around back and grabbed my garden rakes and I gave them one command. Make it bigger!

Once they did, I yelled now JUMP!

Thay had an absolute blast! enjoy the pics!!

Oh! Ps. I've run across a VERY good read. I'm not a parent yet, but a mennonite family that, well six or seven years ago, had twelve or thirteen kids, Gave my mom these child care books.

I picked them up recently on a lark and I have enjoyed them immensely!! They're called "No Greater Joy" By Mike and Debi Pearl. They tell it like it is, and though there's some points that society's oppinion made me balk at, when I do get married and have children, I'll refer to their books for advice.

So I hope everyone's days are good!

Meggie

Maybe We're the Ones Who Have to Prove Ourselves to Him

2010-04-20T17:54:00.003-04:00

Peter: You've seen him. I wish he'd just given me some sort of proof.

Lucy: Maybe we're the ones that need to prove ourselves to him.

~The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

My Dearest Friends,

I've decided to do a bit of "Testimonyizing" Today, mostly because of what has occurred on this rainy Tuesday morning.

To start off, I'll go back to the beginning. You could say I've been a Christian all my life. I was born into a Christian family and went to church for the first time when I was about three days old. I then went to a little Christian school up until tenth grade, when I was homeschooled. But that's beside the point. I "Got saved" when I was six. I repeated the preacher's prayer in Chapel one day. And looking back, maybe I did get saved that day, because I've known and loved Jesus Christ ever since. But when I was ten I was going through some troubles with a friend, Fighting back and forth. My teacher at the time was also a pastor on the weekends, (Christian school and all) So I decided the best thing to do would be to "Get saved" So once again I said a prayer, and went around to all my old teachers telling them what I had done. Needless to say my friend troubles didn't get better.

But once again, that's beside the point. Even though I graduated last spring, I started getting in with my Church youth at Christmas. Somewhere between being around them, and our Sunday school teacher, and going on some youth trips, I truly got saved. I'm not sure when or how, but my relationship with Christ has become so great and powerful since then.

I'm still working on it, I assure you. Like any other Teenager, reading my Bible has been just about the last thing on my mind. I've always said "If he has something to say he's powerful enough to tell me some other way" But truly, I think I just didn't know where to start.

Now here's where my Narnia Quote comes in. Sunday, our Teacher decided to give us a challenge. Read your Bible. Three minutes a day. Choose a verse. or two. "You spend more time than that on the computer every night," he said. He told us to get up a little earlier, go to bed a little later, but choose some time every day to read.

Well as I sat in service later that morning, I was flipping through our "Lifeway" Sunday school book and found that it has little "Daily readings" in the back. Excited, I showed it around. And I fully intended to do it, And text or call everyone when I did (since our teacher told us to be each other's accountability partners.)

Now, here's where the bad teenage Meggie comes in. Yesterday (Monday) Mom and I had some errands to run. I sat out in the garden, mindlessly pulling little weeds, until about noon, when we set off. We had to go to Wal-mart to get a new phone card, for our Straight talk, unlimited...er.... phone.. We had a great time, stopped by the library so I could talk to you wonderful people a little. I got some new books, and home we came. We got in not fifteen minutes before my dad came in from work. So we ate supper and gathered around the TV as usual.

I was excited, because one of the books I got was full of beautiful Victorian home floor plans. Now, I've had a spot planned out for my future home for years (My family has twenty some odd acres...) And this house would just fit, add a few rooms, take away others, And now I'm decorating my new non-existent home... And putting my non-existent husband and kids in it and planning a life and.... and.... and... Dreaming is what I was doing.

Well this morning I got up and the first words mom said were, "Did you put the new minutes into the phone." One word (And excuse me but this one called for it)

CRAP!

So I rushed down, grabbed the card, dialed the number.... aaaand.... It wouldn't go through. The phone had already been cut off. So I went down to borrow our neighbor's (aka Dad's employee... the boys' dad) phone, Called the number and selected "Add minutes/ air time" Instead of "Activate or reactivate" So even now I'm not sure if it worked and we have a phone. So I'm upset and crying by this point, And mom's trying to appease with promises of "Well we'll just get another card" and "We'll call Wal-mart" (You know how mothers do)

But nothing worked. I still felt miserable. So to block it out I picked up the book I'm reading, Which just so happens to be "A Daily Rate" By Christian author "Grace Livingston Hill" In this book a girl and her aunt take over a basically third class boarding house and are making it over with a good scrubbing and the Love of Jesus Christ. Well I've just passed a point where Celia, The main character has asked one of the girls living there to join her "Bible band" And read a verse every day. (Ironic right) Not until I read that Mamie (The other girl) Sits up and cries "Lands alive How could I forget on the first night!"

Once again... I nearly started bawling...

No wonder I forgot the phone card! How could I remember something that big when I can't even remember to simply read-God's-word.

So, needless to say I picked it up immediately. The verses were in second Corinthians 5. Verses 5- 15 was yesterdays and today's.

I still can't believe I forgot.

But now my eyes are open and I pray I never will again!

I find my eyes being opened a lot lately. Being new to a full relationship with Christ, things become very obvious to me. "Why believe?" Some say, "Because it's so much easier to let go of worries and let Him have them", I reply.

How do you know he exists? Look above. God has just given me a huge lesson in responsibility and I KNOW who gave it to me. Same as when I have a song or a word on my heart and am unable to sing it or say it, and someone else does. (That happens a lot!)

The how and the why are simply revealed to me as I go along. I've always known, but knowing and understanding are two different things.

Now I understand.

Comments greatly appreciated

Meggie

PS, I wrote this right after it happened, I now know the phone is on and working. :D

A Not So Secret Garden

2010-04-19T14:46:00.000-04:00

Hello, chicadees!

This is Lady Weaver from Wanderlust Requiem. I told Brain my plan to commandeer Meggie's blog would work... *evil laughter resonates in the background*

Alright, I'm not really evil... and I'm just joking about taking over the ~~world~~ blog. However, I am standing in for Meggie - with permission of course - in her absence from a computer. I have a few days worth of posts, and I am looking forward to passing them along to you!

Enough of that! Let's get on to her "letters:"

<<<<<>>>>><<<<<>>>>><<<<<>>>>><<<<<>>>>><<<<<>>>>>

My dearest bloggers!

Oh! to tell you what all I have been doing this last week!

Thomi (the gender confused cat - ask Lady Weaver to explain this comment to you) in the garden.

Okay so I can sum it all up in one word, Gardening!!

I wish what all I had done would show in pictures! but alas it is mostly underground yet... behind my house is a modest amount of open space. About six years ago I planted a rosemary plant and a Lavender plant. Both were about six inches tall. The lavender is now about nine inches and the lavender is about eighteen inches. I went out there about a week and a half ago and they were about to be overtaken by honeysuckle! (I thought it was wild strawberry, but Dad assures me it's honesuckle) So I started pulling, and I began to yank, then a few days later I got a handsaw and started on the two foot tall pine trees that were also taking over. I was about to run out of things to pull, and I was really getting tired, when I thought of something. My mom had planted Daffodils all over the place, and she had planted six by a rock behind the house. That rock is now surrounded by a gay youth of trees. The Dafodils were still there, but not getting near enough sun to bloom. 'Why not replant them?' I thought. Well six has turned into about thirty-six. I only have half of them done, and I need another softening rain to finish.

My hyacinths.

But, as I was planting, Marmee and I were talking and began thinking of something I could plant in between them that would bloom just after the daffodills went away. Lillys, she said and Lilly-of-the-valley I concurred. ;D So later when we went to Wal-mart I saw they had two pretty pink Lilly-of-the-Valleys for $5. A little too expensive for that day, but then I looked up, they had eight white ones for the same price! So Home they came along with a packet of assorted wildflowers.

This is the part where I back up just a bit to say about a month ago, I bought two packets of herbs, Sage and Thyme, to start indoors in ice cube trays, (Ingenius idea by the way) The sage is doing very well, I have about five that are flourishing in a big pot. The thyme all ran out of water and died while I was in Kentucky, sadly. So, To catch up, when I planted my lillies the other day, I made another little plot for my thyme.

Time for a Thyme bed. (This is where you smack Lady Weaver for her silly and slightly awkward puns)

Whew lots of work! Done you say? Oh no! Today, we went back to Wal-mart and Marmee let me come home with my two precious Pink lillies! And! A package of Forget-me-nots! And this afternoon, in the ground they went!

I must brag a bit and say what good the sunshine is doing for me! (not to mention the 'SON'shine. ;D) I feel Livlier than I have in years, and there's not a moment I feel as if I don't have to be outside. Whether I'm sitting in a chair reading, sitting on the ground pulling up little bits of roots and shoots, or doing something active and useful, there's barely been a moment I haven't been out there.

Lavender

Pepper Root nestled beside my garden.

Anyone else enjoying the fruits of their gardens yet? We're working on getting a vegetable garden going next week. (dances excitedly)

Please comment! I would love to hear from you!

Until then!

God Bless!

Meggie

Oh, I Could Write a Sonnet!

2010-04-16T21:28:00.000-04:00

Okay, so once I told you that my aunt made a mistake and ordered me the Sense and Sensibility 1910's tea gown instead of the 1914 afternoon dress for my Biltmore trip. She let me keep the first one, she said as a late Birthday presant. I hadn't had a chance to use it until now.

My local Wal-mart has recnetly downsized it's fabric department. *Sniffle* but it's okay, I got a great deal and they're putting in a JoAnnes across the road. Anyways the great deal was this really pretty latice and blue flowered print fabric. A little over a doller a yard! So I came home with four! One yard went into two very pretty pillow-cases for my bed, and he rest went into my Easter Dress. There is a small crocheted lace around the cuffs and it has a dark blue herringbone stitch to attach the lace and across the insert. It also has handmade eyelets in the back and is laced with a light blue ribbon.

I love it!! It's very comfy! And it's the first long dress I've been able to wear out in public!! *Uber excited!*

If you buy the pattern, I do reccomend using a Larger size on the bodice. maybe not the insert, but the rest, at least on me, was a little bit tight.

Other than that, I completely reccomend it!!

My Grandpa! Isn't he the sweetest! When I came out in my hat, he said "Wait! I have one too!" And he was so cool when I jokingly handed him my parasol! Hehe. :D

Last Weeks Fort Business

2010-04-15T14:11:00.006-04:00

The last day we were at the fort we got the second floor completely up. there's not much to tell, it went up much the same as the last level, but a bit more diffucult. the last two logs dad hooked to the truck with a rope to pull them up. (haha very authentic right?) but by the end of the day, we were all exhausted, sweaty, hot, and tired, and were begging to go home. So home we went. And into my garden I went and stayed. (notes on that in the next post) :D

Dad went up this week without us, Mom and I had a bit of unfinished business here. Two days ago, I was going to go get my Driver's licence. (I know.. I'm slow) But found out I had to have an appointment, so we're going next Wednesday. Anyways, after that we were going to go to the Titanic Museum. We did. :D Lady Weaver, her Sister, My cousin, My Aunt, and I, went and had an absolutely Amazing time!!! But that's information for another post... once Miss Lady sends me the pictures, *wink nudge*

But anyways, these may all be postdated, so bear with me. They'll also be letters from home, posted by the dear Lady-Weaver.
Anyways folks I bid you adiue!!
Until next we meet!
God Bless!
Meggie

He is Risen! Easter Greetings

2010-04-04T07:30:00.000-04:00

He is not here for he is risen as he said. Matthew 28:6a

My dearest friends, I come to you on this Glorious Easter day to wish you and absolutely wonderful day! As you read this I will be standing outside my Church in my new dress, watching the sun rise as the Son also rose.

But today, my friends, is not about the new dress, nor the sunrise, but about what I said next the "SONrise"

He rose from the dead on this day nearly two thousand years ago, but, unlike political views, this message still holds. He Died so we wouldn't have to.

Well I'll go, there's family to attend to so I won't make a long message. but I'll end on this note

And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, whichis taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go.

Jesus went to prepare a place for us, ALL of us and we are to go about our work until he returns.

So go on about your work, your day. Enjoy the cake! Love the eggs! And I will see you soon. and if I don't return? Look for me at Jesus' feet. :D

Two Fort Stories

2010-04-01T18:33:00.004-04:00

Well the second story is headed up quite nicely.

I got tenderly pink out in my modern t-shirt yesterday so today I went out in all my civil war finery again.

It's getting more and more diffucult to get the logs where they go. they're heavier and bigger now and each layer up the slide poles get that much steeper. but they've not got that many more to do.

Then it's on to the roof and the chinking.

This afternoon though we had a bit of a grand time, one of the ladies with the historical society picked my mother and I up and took us on a tour of their little town. So many beautiful old homes! and churches! Sadly no pictures as we stayed in the car, but maybe I can talk her into letting me get some next week. One was a wonderful old civil war era home and I'd love to bring out the hoopskirt and get some nice photos!

But anyways sprinkled throughout this entry are pictures from today.

"Fort" Rhymes With "Court" and "Sort."

2010-03-31T11:57:00.007-04:00

ehem, well I'm sorry I'm a bit late on this, but we headed home quite suddenly. Anyways, an exciting day last Wednesday. :D

I didn't wand to tell you all until it was final. I woke up early on Wednesday morning, got picked up and taken to the local radio station! There I got to sing and talk about the fort!

You can find the whole thing here unfortunately it's not playing yet... *sniffle* but it'll be there.

After that we went out to the fort and started stacking. they laid poles up against the highest layer and pushed the logs up it into place. they used the mules with some of the heavier ones.

(ps the header has to do with my dad's partner... he said before I could go on the radio I had to have a fort song... so he started rhyming... his main one was "Wart". ;D )

Fort Business

2010-03-23T18:58:00.004-04:00

Well! Hello!

We had a beautiful sunny day here today, the wind blew quite a bit, but it warmed up nicely!

Today we worked on the foundation and on the floor. You'll have to excuse my wording I'm exhausted. so here's some pictures of what we did today. :D

A Day for the Irish!

2010-03-23T09:05:00.005-04:00

Well as I am nearly full blood Irish, this holiday must be treated in a likewise manner. :D Well actually if my dad could read this... he'd have a cow. I'm "Scot-Irish" from Northern Ireland. My people were Protestant and left Scotland because of (what else) Persecution. And so they made a little place in the north of Ireland and so as not to be confused called themselves the "Scot- Irish"

Well they found Ireland not much better, it being filled with Catholics. And so they came here and found the appalachians so much like home they settled here. And here we've stayed. :D

But I still enjoy my bit of Ireland wherever I can get it. :D

Anyways, In honor of the day, my Marmee gave me some green plaid material. An unsightly pollyester... but still! I decided to make a pencil skirt out of it.... but I decided to do it at 9:30 pm on St. Patrick eve.... So in my haste a lot went wrong... and those of you who have ever worked with a polly know you have to take your time. It was still wearable! Don't worry! but it needs a lot of work. I used an old curtain as a lining, (that's using my resources, eh?) and put two pleats in the front on top. But either the material or where I placed the pleats made it poof... but anyways, it needs some work.

Then for lunch, also in honor, I decided to make "Fish and Chips", but upon a loook in the freezer... we had no fish. So! My first experience with fried chicken had begun!

My dad came in for lunch with one of his workers, so dad was able to help. We were a little pressed for time so Dad helped me cut up the potatoes. Then we put them, a few at a time into a little pan of oil. They took forever at that rate. But once they and dad's boild chicken was done, I took my three little boneless pieces, dipped them in egg, and rolled them in "Spelt" flour.

I was tottally surprised a t how fast they cooked, at most two minutes later they were done!

And I had a perfectly wonderful St. Patricks Day lunch. :D

Now! To catch you up on what I'm doing right now! Can you guess? No, I'm sure you can't! I'm about to have a full WEEK in Costume!!! I'm all dressed up right now at our temorary residence.

We are a few hours from home in a little town in Kentucky. My dad does restoration work and he's been commisioned to rebuild an original pioneer, long hunter, Daniel Boone Style, fort! Right now we're doing one blockhouse, which is the two story, corner builing that is larger on top than on bottom.

He's been working on it steadily for months and now we're here in "Old Kaintuck" as I like to call it, Ready and rarin to go!

I'll update you all tonight with pictures of what's going on and more info. How's that sound? I'm excited about a whole week in full costume that I can be with my favorite bloggers!

Well until tonight!!! God Bless!

Will you be my Valentine?

2010-03-04T14:19:00.000-05:00

Well Valentine just happens to be my family name, so on this particular holiday, one must go all out. :D I wore a beautiful new blouse made from the pattern mentioned not too long ago. I did

view "D" but instead of buttonholes, I put little blue ribbons down the front. Oh! and I made it from a blue rosebud material from my Marmee's stash. (Secret #52 as a huge "Little Women" fan... I have begun calling my mother "Marmee" Needless to say she loves it. :D)

Anyways, I was unable to take a picture of it because the last of my batteries died after I took pictures of this:

These are my Valentines Day cookies, that were enjoyed by my sunday school class. The recipe is a Loverly Lemon cookie from the Valentines issue of "Victoria"

They turned out absolutely fabulous! Nice and softly chewey. I highly reccomend the recipe! *Thumbs up*

Letters From Home

2010-03-02T14:11:00.002-05:00

My dearest bloggers,
Time and the economy seems to have taken hold on a body. Getting near a computer is getting more and more difficult. *Sniffle*

Wait, What?? No! No, no no. Don't worry!! I'm not leaving!!

Computer viruses seem to be about as prevalent and rampant as the flu these days. Every computer I've used or tried to use has come down with something... But! I've had an idea. Miss Lady Weaver has said I can send her letters via snail mail, written to you guys, and she will post them for me! So from now until times get better I will be your virtual pen pal. :D I have so much to say!! It has all been bottled up too long.

My latest projects all need pictures... I took none of them... So I'll get them to you in full explanation as soon as possible, along with beautifully handwritten letters for you to enjoy. :D

Love, your new penpal

Meggie.

(But you can call me Cordelia. ;D)

Bright and Springy.

2010-02-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

Well I'm excited. I had my first expeirience with "JoAnne's" yesterday. (Monday... yes I'm postdating this) It's like Heavan!!! And I found out that they're putting one in closer to home. Double yay!!

But the main reason I went was I needed material for a new dress. I wanted it light and springy. I had imagined yellow, but my skintone and yellow don't mix... So I sifted through patterns until I found the one I wanted. "New look 6699" You'll have to wait 'till it's done to see what I do with it.

But I found this beautiful green polka dot. And came home with two new patterns and two yards of it. :D (Lady Weaver you'll love the other one I got "New Look 6599")

Here's a preview. :D I have it all cut and I'm ready to sew. :D

A New Friend!

2010-02-02T11:47:00.003-05:00

I am very proud to announce that my very dear friend "Lady Weaver" Has a new blog over at "The Wonderlust Charm"

Please go check it out and give her a hearty welcome!!!

*huggles muchly* (I know I'm late....)

Meggie

Pass on a HUGGLE!!!

2010-01-23T10:30:00.004-05:00

Half hug Half Snuggle

Everyone needs a HUGGLE!!!

So pass these virtual huggle coupons along. Redeemable when next we meet. :D

(okay that was soooo spammy... but hey it's original. *grin*)

A New Year, A New Life

2010-01-14T09:28:00.003-05:00

Well I'm here for a few days and can use the computer however much I want. :D So I'ma take this opportunity to catch you up. #1 Glenmore went AWESOME!!!

I was not able to get my dress completely done, due to lack of time and materials. But this is how it turned out.

The house was gorgeous!! Bigger than it looks and beautifully decorated! And singing there was an absolute joy! Just like stepping back in time.

Then the next day it snowed! So I imagined this as my Christmas. even though it was December 5th. :D

Charlie my mini snowman. :D

Five days before Christmas, we were all disheartened because we didn't have a tree. The truck was down so we couldn't haul one anyways. So that Sunday I went out and foraged for a Christmas tree. It was lopsided and crooked, but I think it was the most beautiful tree we ever had! And funny story about the little bows. My parents had those one their first tree! They've been in our Christmas stuff for years, getting mouse bit and covered in age old candy cane. Last year I had expressly told my mom we needed to get rid of them, they were old and getting nasty.... weeeeell this year they came in particularly usefull. :D

I also decorated the house old fashioned. I used cedar boughs and holly (though not much because I only found one flowering bush)

We had a wonderful Christmas. :D

Me and my parents and grandparents on Christmas eve

I had my first experience with bread baking after Christmas. I did normal yeast bread, in our tiny little oven (since the big one died) and I didn't lower the shelf...so you can see the results of that. you can also see what happened to the other loaf since I couldn't fit both in the oven...

and then later I tried my hand at Irish soda bread. it turned out awesome as you can see. :D but it doesn't taste right if you reheat it... so my loverly copper (my dog) got most of it..

I also entered a gift exchange with the girls at "homemaking pen friends blog" I was paired with Fiona from "A Woman of Notes"

I was soooo excited to get all this!!

Then New Years was a long and complicated story, that you may get to know yet. :D but until then, I'll just let you wonder. But needless to say it was also wonderful!

So Happy Christmas and New years! a little belated. I hope yours was as wonderful as mine!
Much love!
Meggie

Tagged!!

2010-01-13T19:29:00.003-05:00

Okay so I came back and found out I have been tagged by the loverly Natasha Atkerson over at What I wear, What I do, and Why I did it.

Ok, in case you've never been tagged before

1. Thank the person who gave the award.

2. Copy the award.

3. Post it on your blog.

4. Tell seven things about yourself that your readers don't know.

5. Link seven new bloggers as recipients.

6. Notify the winners with comments on their blogs.
7. Keep being awesome

okay!! so here goes!!
1.I love walking. enough so that I even enjoyed an hour walk in the snow and 14 degrees the other day. I even walked to church in that weather. :D
2.Reading by candlelight calms me more than anything but walking.
3.I regularly wear my old fashioned costumes on a daily basis. In fact when I walked in the snow, I was wearing the warmest thing in my closet, my Edwardian skirts. :D
4.I have officially gone a month without a computer. :D No one thought I'd survive, but I did. :D
5.Now that I have discovered Burt's bees I REFUSE to put chemicals on my skin and hair.
6.I used to collect porcelain dolls, and fell so much in love with the "Elsie Dinsmore" doll that I bought her and part of her Trusoe. (and those of you know know... she was veeeery expensive....)
7. lastly... I have Jo March Hair envy...... Not when she cuts it but before, that long billowing hair... So I have decided to let mine grow. :D

I tagged:
Sarah Jane at Romantic History
Emily at A Beautiful Life
Emily Anne at The White Way of Delight
Rebecca at A Young Lady's Blog
Fiona at A Woman of Notes
Haley at Eating Cultures
And
Luthien at Pimp and Paint

As for me, I'm at my aunts for a few days, so I'm most definitely going to catch you all up tomorrow. :D

Until then!
Much love!
Meggie

No phone, no pool, no pets

2009-12-07T11:09:00.001-05:00

To quote the song "King of the road"

I have no phone... and for those of you who have dail up you know... no phone means no computer...

And so I am absolutely ACHING to tell you about singing at the local mansion and finishing my dress... I can't. I'm at the Library now without my camera or anything...

And so I'll tell you all about it as soon as I can! And I'll post so many pictures you won't know what to do with them!!

(We also had the first snow of the season...)

But until then, I must bid you adue!
Goodbye!

It's Begining to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

2009-11-30T18:17:00.005-05:00

Meggie walks in humming a familiar tune and sets a pointsetia on the table. The picture behind the little side table is of a Victorian snow scene and it's frame is decorated with sprigs of holly and pine boughs.

Well as of yesterday the Christmas season officially began. Okay so for some folks it began friday, and for others it hasn't yet. But for me it has!

My Christmas dress is nearly done! or as done as it will be before Friday, which is when I shall need it. I'm singing at the Local Victorian mansion for their staff Christmas party. I'm sure it will be a grand time! But here's a preview of my dress. I've got an old Lace curtain (or something...) that I'm going to Dye black and make a shawl like drapey thing to go on top. And unfortunately I wasn't able to do ANY of the embroidery. But maybe by next Christmas. :D

Ehem you'll have to excuse the poor piano..

it's been Mustard Yellow as long as I can remember...

I've been meaning to repaint it forever.

Here you can see the mile long flounce along the bottom

Also you may notice the changes in my profile. Not only am I getting ready to decorate the house, but I've redecorated my blog

So I wish all of you a happy start to the Christmas Season! And I'll get back to you soon with the completed dress! (Super Sqee)

Cranberry Sauce!

2009-11-26T16:00:00.004-05:00

I hope you all have a Marvelous Day!

I'm thankful for each and every one of you who Reads and comments on my Blog.

Here's a few more thing in my life I'm thankful for and couldn't possibly live without.

Good Books to escape into

The most beautiful mountains in the world!

The best friends a girl could ask for!

A wonderful Loving, albeit Crazy, Family

And a little brown church where I spend the best hours of the
week with some of the best Christian people in the world!

2009-11-21T20:13:00.003-05:00

Well! I've started on my Christmas dress!! I'm doing the past patterns 112. An Edwardian

reception gown. I'm so excited! I'm doing a marooney red, with a black lace overlay on the top and black embroidery on the skirt. I'm so excited! I nearly have the underdress put together. :D And I'll surley be ready for embroidery by tomorrow.

I'll update as I go along!

Thirty, Flirty, and Fabulous!

2009-11-16T11:20:00.002-05:00

No silly! It's my Thirtieth POST!!! YAY!!!!

I'm going to take this chance to introduce a few things to you!

First off My new skirt. Long long ago.. it was a bed skirt. Then it got turned into a Farbatrocious Civil war Costume. (This in particular was a "Cape") But cut me some slack, at least it was cotton, but hey, I was in the 7th grade... so yeah!

Anyhoo, I took out the elastic I had aound the top, put a few pleats in the front to bring the waistband down to size, and sewed it up the side. And get this! I did it all on the machine!! Yes be proud.. it's only every once in a while!

Secondly I wanted to say, I'd like to get an Etsy. Is it worth it? Do you sell anything? If I made some hats like in the previous posts, would you buy them? (Maybe $12?) Give me some insight into them!

anyways, I gotta go!

Much love!

Meggie

Smiles and Sunshine

2009-11-12T21:59:00.002-05:00

You know I am fast becoming attached to the beautiful sweet boys. I kept them again today.

#1 I want to thank everyone for the advise they gave. Elinor, I was thinking that maye that is my puropose, to show them the Love of God they wouldn't have gotten elsewhere..

...We're still getting used to the flash..

But anyways, Things were a whoooole lot better today. It was nice and sunny, so we stayed outside most of the day. We walked and we played with the dog, and we played Ring around the Rosie in the tall grass of the fields.

Towards one or two o'clock Little Cody was starting to get cranky, and we were all tired. So we came back to the house, and Cody went to sleep a lot easier than the other day.

It was so sweet he snuggled up to me as he woke up!

After they went home the family and I went to a Thanksgiving/ Christmas party at a friend/ neighbors house Her son joined the Army so they were giving him basically a whole smagagee party.But anyways, I just wanted to give an update, Keep praying and I'll keep on as I have been!

Much Love!!

Snakes and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

2009-11-10T20:51:00.004-05:00

Okay so I've mentioned before about keeping one of our men's kids... well I think I'll tell the whole story. About a month ago a fellow who had worked for dad when I was probably... oh gosh I must have been little because he helped build this house and we moved in here when I was two... Aaanyhoo, he came by and simply said "I'm starving to death, I need work." His wife had left him, he had three little boys, no electricity, no running water, and he was about to run out of unemployment. So when the opportunity arose, we put him to work. We offered him one of our cabins, but he was too proud to accept charity... until it got cold.

Correy on the left and Cody on the right... It took me forever to get Correy to stop running the batteries down on that flashlight!

But anyways down to the point, only one of his boys is in school, and only Kindergarden at that. The middle boy is the one we kept last week that was sick. Today, he ran out of places he could take the little ones during the day. He couldn't pay the people who usually kept them and the grandparents were wore out. So we kept them.. or mostly I did. Needless to say I"M wore out.

They were very good about looking at the camera and smiling, but the flash kept making them blink!

They're sweet boys, don't get me wrong, but they are boys... and they grew up without Church, and with a worthless lazy mother... So they're rowdy, but I've never known a boy who wasn't :D And the middle one is very defiant. But I also think he has hearing problems... but seeing as I know nothing of children... it could just be me. They did fine until about 1:00 when they got tired and started fighting. The little one, who's still in daipers, finally fell asleep, and I thought maybe I'll get to rest when the bigger one does... He didn't sleep. So to keep him from waking the little one, we went on a walk in the rain, he with a hood, me with a little umbrella.

Cody and Correy about to leave.

The little one slept until about 2:30- 3:00, and things got a little rowdy again. I taught them how to play "Ring- around- the-rosie" Which it was sadly clear they had never played before.

So it was fun, exhausting, and a total learning experience... I think we may have to keep them again soon. (I'm kinda hoping not tomorrow... but I don't think I'm right.)

But I want to ask the Christian mothers and sisters out there for a little advise! How do I deal with two almost completely unchecked little ones without getting completely exhausted?

Little Cody decided to try on "Mr.Clive's" Hat (My dad's)

Hats off! Part Two

2009-11-09T20:54:00.002-05:00

Yup another "Hat-in-a-day" Project...

This one is a beret, as promised, and it turned out soooo well! It was made with this pattern, though a little revised. I didn't repeat as much as it asked. So instead of 21 or more rounds I had 19, but that was only because I was using a larger crochet hook and a loose tension. Anyway! Lemme know what you think!!

Hats off!

2009-11-08T14:12:00.003-05:00

okay so I know.. I didn't upload all the pictures from tea...

I will! I promise!!

Anyhoo, this is what happens when you go from a gazillion projects... to none.. You get really bored... So yesterday I got tired of just sitting here roaming the computer until my eyes crossed.. So I dipped into my ample yarn stash and found this pattern here, and made this hat from it.

Sorry the pics are a bit blurry, but you can still get the picture. :D

I wore it to church today with the underdress from Biltmore, and a little shrug sweater. I got quite a few compliments on it and it's very comfy! And a really easy pattern. I highly recomned it!

I'm going to make an Ivory Beret next... though I have yet to find a pattern, I'll use the same site above to get it.

Tea for Two, and Two for Tea

2009-11-05T20:55:00.005-05:00

Well I'm late, but this flu is taking longer than it should. Apparently it takes TWO WEEKS to get over! So I thought I was better and it settled into my chest... oh well...

Anyways! I thought I would post this just in time for Emily's "Thursday Tea Time" over at A Beautiful Life.

Anyways, we walked in nearly 30 minutes late, but that was okay, they weren't busy. at least to my untrained eyes!

It was a HUGE room with a vaulted ceiling, it was called the "Library" dining room, but it only had on tall shelf of books. And though that would probably fill my whole library, it didn't make this look much like one.

They made us wait about fifteen minutes so we could have choice of tables. We chose one next to the window with an absolutely excellent view.

Our waitress, Natalie, was adorable. and though we didn't get a picture of her, she will remain in my memory. :D When they seated us they brought a cherry wood box. Inside were Bottles? Vials? of a raw version of each tea on their menu. You smelled them to choose them.

Close up on what was in the box.

(btw the chocolate truffle smelled AWESOME!

but not for just then)

A little while later they brought it out. Lady weaver had chosen a pinkish tea called "Wild blossom and berry" And I chose a spicy orange tea called "California fields"

When they brought out the food the waitress explained everything on out plates flawlessly... and it was a lot to remember. and she told us she was going to explain it first because people tended to completely forget all she said when she set the "Tier of deserts" in front of them.

She also said that earlier at the table next to us she had set it down in front of some little boys and they lit up like she was an angel.

Our foods included the signature Cucumber sandwiches, among other finger sandwiches.

Our "Tier of desserts" included white chocolate chip pumpkin scones, apple butter muffins, "Christmas" cookies, pineapple upside down cake, bon bons,and pecan tartlets.

We enjoyed it immensely!!

(I'll update this tomorrow when I'm more awake... so check back!!)

A Little Bit of Life

2009-11-03T12:29:00.003-05:00

Well I need to appologize for the delay on the tea pictures. it seems life has taken this moment to grab hold and tie my hands.

I guess I'll start at the begining. On the trip Weaver and I got to talking about NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) So with a week left to prepare I decided to join in. If I do say so myself I've got a good plot, characters.. ect. even with so little time to prepare.

Little did I know things wold be foiled.

Also, while I was Gone, someone from the local Victorian Mansion asked my mom if I would sing at their annual Christmas banquet. I'm excited, I get to make a period dress, eat with them, not to mention sing. :D I'm excited. :D

And so to get down the facts, Thursday we kept the sick boy of one of our workers. Unfortunately, despite our greatest efforts all three of us got sick. Yup the whole shebang... and nearly two days later I'm still stuck on the couch... in no kind of a writing mood.

And so I'm behind on Nano, and all I want to do is try to find a pattern for my christmas dress. Which I'd like to make two, an authentic one for the banquet and a modern one for all my family parties.

anyways, I'm nearly better and we'll see what happens with Nano and other things. :D

The Homespun Treadler

Quilt Progress

God's Gift of Life

A Lovely Day

1911 long line corset

Just a Spinnin!

My New Toy! .... Er... Tool!

The Ole School days

Intruder!

Rose Center!

A Cozy Winter

A Bootfull of Gifts

Thy Will Not Mine, O Lord

question from my phone. . .

Twenty's Pleanty

The Homespun Treadler

comment problems

A Holy Dunking

Chicken pen!

Guest post!!

Old fashioned Photos

Sewing extravaganza

Farm Life

Guess What?

Fort Business, Update

New Dress!!

The Best of Lovers!

Who Said...??

Dad's Birthday

Wonderfully old

Out With the Old, In With the New

New Blog and Update!

A Very Merry Christmas!!!

A question for you!

Quit Chuckin my wood!!

What would I say?

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas

Ask me!

New dress and thanks for the wishes

A *cough* Update

Thank you!

Regal Regency

Giveaway Winner!

Giveaway closed... quick note..

Right or wrong?

40 Followers GIVEAWAY!

Let's get caught up! casual wear, and butterick 4790

New Blog!

Recently... (This is a rant! Viewer discresion may be advised)

Thanks for the wishes!

Pirated

Looking for Pen Friends!!!

Tag and Run

Comment drive!!!

Newest Projects

Anne Inspired Dress

My life in a Bubble

Dala - Levi Blues

What I've been up to.

Some Splainin

Sunday style

Pregnancy is no big deal anymore. (Sometimes a girl just has to rant)

40's style

50 days to a Proverbs 31 woman

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - Trailer 1 - 1...

Anne Fashion week

American Honey Summer

There's Nothing Like New

A sewing Adventure.

Home cooking endevours

The Perfect Day (Lady Antebellum)

A Rosy Bible Cover.

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass it's about learning to dance in the rain!

Springy Leaf Pile

Maybe We're the Ones Who Have to Prove Ourselves to Him

A Not So Secret Garden

Oh, I Could Write a Sonnet!

Last Weeks Fort Business

He is Risen! Easter Greetings

Two Fort Stories

A cough Update