Fabric Swatches Reveal a Poignant Story

I can’t wait to share with you my almost completed Italian round gown — and a look at what it took to get dressed in the 18th century!

Also, in my research of 18th-century women’s dresses I discovered a poignant story from England’s Foundling Museum on how fabric swatches told the story of mothers and the babies they abandoned. It got me thinking of how clothes tell a story…but most of all, it got me thinking of the “garments” we should be wearing — garments of praise, love, etc.

So come and pull up a chair and spend some time here in Vermont with me!

I want to thank Samson Historical for the wonderful underpinnings in this video (stays, shift, stockings, hat, shoes!). They are a godsend for people like me in love with all things 18th-century. Visit at https://www.samsonhistorical.com/

And make sure to visit the Foundling Museum’s site at https://foundlingmuseum.org.uk/

Lessons from Heidi on this Swiss National Day

It’s August 1 and that means the Swiss National Day celebrations are in full swing here at Old Stone Well Farm. And, yes, as you can see the red dirndl won! Thank you to all of you who voted which dress I should wear.

But on this day, I not only spend time with the cows remembering an old Swiss folk song from the 16th century, but I reflect on the God moments I found while revisiting an old friend — Heidi. I never realized how spiritually rich this children’s classic was.

Come and celebrate with me — and Fritz. He has a starring role in this video! Also, watch to the end and enjoy the heart-tugging tune of that Swiss cow song. Let me know how you enjoyed Swiss National Day with me! Share with friends!

Blessings!

On the Low Rung of the Ladder

We are taught at an early age to climb the ladder of success, but do we ever talk about the ladder of faith? What if our journey is all about coming back down to the low rung after climbing high?

It’s summer here at Old Stone Well Farm in Vermont and as I battle beetles in the garden, flies in the house, bad hair days (hint: I share a wonderful 18th century hat I am making…you get a glimpse of it in the video preview!), a rambunctious Bernese Mountain dog, I invite you to ponder with me Jacob’s dream about a ladder with angels and what it means to embrace each rung we find ourselves on.

And please watch till the end as I need your opinion on something. Please hop over to YouTube and leave your opinion/vote in the comment section, and if you haven’t already, click subscribe to the YouTube channel. Can’t wait to hear from you!

Blessings.

Finding Peace Within

Take my yoke upon you…Jesus invites us to a life where burdens don’t weigh us down. Here at Old Stone Well Farm, I recently discovered a way to ease the burdens and find peace within no matter what the day brings. Come, join me! (This is a short note today as I am running to get ready to lead worship today!!) More to come! I promise!

Life Getting You Down? Try a Joy Snack!

Sometimes life feels like you are always stuck behind a tractor full of hay bales — slowing you down, blocking the view ahead and leaving no room to pass. Life can try its best to slow you down — and get you down.

But lately I found peace amid these hiccups…and it has something to do with my joy snacks. Come, join me and find out my recipe for these “snacks.” And let me know what your joy snack will be today! Like, comment, share with others.

And remember, no matter what is happening right now in your life, the promises of God are true. There is a peace that passes all understanding.

Blessings!

Walking Softly

There’s a Cherokee proverb that goes, “walk softly on the earth.” It’s a reminder for us to care for the resources we have.

So when I discovered a new way to garden that doesn’t involve ripping up the ground, I got so excited. The method is known as “hugelkultur” — used in Germany for centuries.

And the best thing about hugelkultur is that it uses rotten logs, and I have lots of them on top of Sofie’s Hill.

So come, join me here at Old Stone Well Farm as I share with you how we can walk softly on the earth, even beyond gardening. I would love to hear from you.

What Dandelions Taught Me

Who would have thought that dandelions weren’t pesky weeds but rather amazing plants that can be used in so many ways to benefit our health. Ever since becoming an “accidental country pastor” I have changed they way I look at dandelions (thanks to the local farmers who opened my eyes!). I now embrace them for the beautiful plant they are. They have taught me about God’s provision — and God’s love for us. Join me as I share with you some insights I discovered as I tried my hand at making some dandelion wine. Drop me a note and let me know if you will now see dandelions differently? Will you embrace them, too? (And perhaps make your own batch of dandelion wine?!)

My Days Are Changing

Schedules to-do lists, routines — I love them all. While having structure in your life is good, sometimes sticking to a beloved routine does more harm than good. I recently discovered this as I begin a new chapter in my life. My old routines just weren’t serving me well and were stressing me out. Come join me as I share some thoughts and tips about breaking free and letting God really make all things new — including your days! As always, share with friends (I have plenty of room for everyone in my old kitchen!). Like, comment and, if you haven’t already, click subscribe on YouTube. I appreciate all your support for my growing YouTube channel.

Blessings!

Heavy Crowns and Responsibilities

Yes, I watched the king’s coronation the other day. I am a royal watcher. But beyond the pomp and pageantry was a powerful reminder for kings and common folk alike: We are all called to care for others. That responsibility might feel heavy at times, but the burden is lightened when we know we don’t do it alone. So come and join me here in Vermont where spring is finally bursting forth at my 18th-century home. And I share an announcement with you.