Make-Do Make-Over

My husband and I began our own ‘flip this house’ project over a year ago. Needless to say, the flip hasn’t hasn’t happened yet. “Flip” is a cute, quick word. We need a different word for what we’re doing to transform our house. A slower word. But, it is going to happen. When you’ve lived in a place for awhile, there comes a time when not just one thing needs attention, but nearly everything you look at either needs to be freshened in some manner, replaced or repaired. We Are There. So, over the past year, I’ve been idea idea hunting and planning. C’mon in and let me bounce some ideas off of you. I’d sure appreciate it.

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  1. Nancy says:

    Wow! What great ideas. It sounds like you’ll nearly be building from scratch! It’s always fun to see house all those ideas coalesce into reality. You must post pictures of your progress!

    Nancy
    http://www.liveasavorylife.com

  2. Lacey says:

    Shery, Pinterest has also given me many great ideas….it’s so addicting! Right now we live on a small ranch that we are renting, and renting is alright, but can be a pain! We have been searching for our own ranch for over a year now…..and we are beginning to get impaitent as our rental is older and has many problems like flooding, broken taps and pipes and doors that will not stay shut! Anyway….I have been collecting my stash of "someday" items for over a year and I, like you can’t wait to put them out where they should be!! There is also NO GARDEN area here so I’ve been growing almost everything in pots which we store in the garage for the winter…what a pain it is to have to haul them back and forth all the time and my truck can’t wait to have a garage for the witer!! Thanks for another GREAT post, I can’t wait to see your end product!! Good Luck!! 🙂

  3. Brenda says:

    Oh wow Shery, I love the pics you have pinned! I could live in any of those rooms! Especially love the top two kitchen pics. When we bought this property a few years ago I would not have picked this house at all. Hubs wanted this 10 acres all woods surrounding some really nice lawns and a couple of ponds also. But the house is a Modular. Brought in three pieces and set upon a basement. The previous owners tastes were not anything like ours. The cabinets and fixtures are low end and I have slowly been trying to make it ours. Some painting of cabinets in a bath and some in the kitchen. It is a lot of work but you will be so happy when you have made it over. The front of our house just has a deck like step up to the front door, I so want a porch…one day. Hubs is like your man, he wants to do it all himself so it goes slow. I think I need to let him have his pole barn first though because he built my hen house for me first. This past week he pulled up carpet squares from my work area "studio" in the the basement and has laid black and white stick down tiles. It has brightened my area up so much. I have been painting an old dresser to store some fabrics in and the man has also taken an old upright gun cabinet and added shelves that I am going to paint to store fat 1/4’s in. He built himself some beautiful new wall cabinets for his hunting rifles last year. I keep forgetting to share them on my blog. He is a self taught wood worker and does it for a hobby. Now plumbing, I do wish we would hire someone. My kitchen sink has had a leak every six months since we move in four years ago….. Looking forward to all your reveals as they get finished!

    ——-

    Hi Brenda, Ya know one thing I learned when writing the furntiure refinishing article about Norma Ploog (in the current issue of MaryJanesFarm) is that making do for the common man was the norm <with furntiure>. A lot of coveted antiques today are piece-meal examples. I have one. Buying lumber was a luxury, so often a discarded piece was recycled piece by piece. Your gun cabinet turned into a quilters fabric shelf fits right into that idea. Norma is refinishing a really ratty old shelf – tall, shallow – just right for folded fabric too. It is structurally ok, but needs paint and she’s going to add a beadboard door to it. Your checkerboard floor sounds really cheery. My mama’s kitchen floor is similar – red and cream. Thanks for stopping by!  shery

  4. Joan says:

    Oh Shery, I thought I was a BUSY lady but wheweee you do have it going. There is nothing like projects to keep one ALIVE. Your ideas are smashingly wonderful – I can see them now – very good. And the green house – oh yes you must – it will be a great happening at your ranch – wish I was close enough to be an ‘elf’ for you. I too am in a PROJECT – 6 yrs. ago after having disabling back surgeries my sister and I moved from the suburb to the plains – albeit we do live in a housing area. Our other home was 50 yrs. old and this one is 6 – new/new/new. So for 6 yrs. we (mostly me – I’m the crazy one) have been trying to make our new home look/feel like our old home – with all our old family antiques/hand me downs, new old finds and much sewing, refinishing and still more to do but you have encouraged me to pick myself up and get busy so here’s a CHEER for you and your projects and can hardly wait to see them come to fruition. P.S. thanks for the pic’s – got some ideas from them.

  5. Karin says:

    WOW!! I am so impressed. WE bought an old log (hand hewn) cabin 5 years ago. I have lived in it about 8 months total straight, other times it was visiting since I travel when I work. I loved your ideas. I have a terrible time trying to find soemthing that would work with the log walls. At first I thought it would be great but everywhere I look there is wood and logs. Being hand hewn there is nothing flat or level. This has inspired me to "try again". Now where do I start. I am finally getting a garden space (you would think with 200 acres I would at least have that. It has been cleared as of yesterday and they removed the old double decker outhouse that was someones idea of a joke. My husband sealed it off so no one would get on it and fall and that was as far as it got. (He travels also for work) I am finding that I can do just about anything (well almost). All I can say is THANK YOU… Keep us posted…

    Oooooo, a log home. Now there is a dream. I do know from others I’ve met over the years that log wall interiors are a challenge in ways unique to log surfaces. I bet you’ll get it all figured out. A little encouragement goes a long way…and thank you for that. You hang in there too…it’ll be so worth it in the end. Thats what I keep looking at.   Shery

  6. Margaret Taffi says:

    Wow! I also live in a trailer or modular. I call it my cardboard house! I plan on painting and replace all that faux stuff bit by bit! My goal is to get another place with land. I moved to 1/3 acre after hubby died and left 13 acres. I have been un happy ever since! I will make this home a real home this spring! Thanks for the ideas and motivation! Good luck on your projects!

  7. Terry wright says:

    Shery, as I read your blog, it occurred to me; ‘have you and Lynn ever thought about buying an old house somewhere and moving it to your place?’ It would be alot of work, but it might be more of what you want?! Home prices are good now, so maybe it could be profitable?

    Hi Terry,  Yes, we’d considered it, but we decided that it was more of a task than either of us were up for. Moving such a structure is a monumental undertaking and in our location, such a house would have to be moved from quite a distance. So, we just decided to ‘make do’ with what we have :o)   Shery

  8. Sandy says:

    Our entire married life of 40 years has been a looooong DIY project in one way or another! The computer engineer can also do anything and so we have never hired. Until last year. Our 35 year old DIY cabin at the lake had to be expanded to fit our growing family. It would have cost too much to fix everything and then add on so we rebuilt, hired the entire thing! Have exactly what we wanted. Inside is all pine and alder not stained, and dark wood floors. It is so nice to come here and have everything we ever wanted. At 66 years old we think we were too old to start over again from scratch.

    I think you will love cabinets of two different colors. The red is so warm and folksy! I love old stuff remade into something new and useful. You are so inspirational and have so many great ideas. I look forward to seeing your work in progress.

  9. Claudia says:

    Oh do I know what you mean. My house was built in 1875 and I love it, but it is my work in progress. I love pinterest too! I think Home is Home and I love making it warm and cozy! Love your blog!

    Dear Claudia,  WOW…1875 IS an old house. I bet it has so much character and charm. That is what I miss and hope to recreate in some fashion.  Shery

  10. Oh, wow, I LOVE all these ideas. You should do them all, when time permits, of course 🙂 🙂 Whatever you do in the kitchen, make sure the sink is one of those deep, old-fashioned porcelain sinks…that’s like one giant sink..nothing divided into two compartments, just the single large one. Those are cool, vintage chic and will make washing large, awkward objects so much easier 🙂 Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂

  11. Michele says:

    Oooooh, ooooh, oooh. I told you we were sisters. I, too, live in a trailer after recently losing my condo to foreclosure. But, like you, I have decided that this sweet little place can be the farmgirl home I have always wanted. I want to put in a footed vintage tub in my bathroom and am working on putting lots of beadboard in the kitchen. I actually have that cute flowered bread box and almost bought the red phone at the antiques mall yesterday. And the tile backsplash, yep, doin’ that too.
    Love your posts

  12. Shirley says:

    My friend displays her quilts in her log home and they are perfect !

  13. bonnie ellis says:

    Sheri: Your house trailer sounds like the size of our house. We have lived here 48 years. We have it mostly as we want it but the thing that happened is the wonderful decor began to fill the house to overflowing. I have rid myself of many things and kept the best. I like it here. We have a pantry. We have no basement but the pantry is where it’s fun to decorate. My kitchen is white. This way, whatever colors you want will show up and be accents. My next project is to build a barn in my garden area. Not much room here either but I am determined. Good luck with your project. I know what it is like to live in a space while remodeling. The first project my husband tried I had plaster on the counter and in every crevice of the house. Of course he never covered up any where! Bonnie

    Hi Bonnie! The barn-shed for your garden sounds great. I see on off in the distance here too, but with everthing else going on it is for sure a’ways off :o)  Thanks for writing.  shery

  14. You have some great ideas! And I like that your plan to put them to work in your mobile home.

  15. june says:

    Shery,

    Rancher, electrician, they’re both the same. " NEVER hire anyone to do something when I can do that." The problem with that is the hired someone has a crew, we only have a crew of one or 2. So the list grows. Oh well, when it’s done it will be perfect! Plus the cheaper cost gives you more money to go farther down the list. Lower costs/more patience.

    Your ideas and plans are wonderful, please keep us posted with more pictures. I love seeing your progress.

    _____

    Hi June! Thanks so much for the shot of encouragement!! You’re right too. When ‘admiration day’ comes (the day when you stand back and enjoy the end result), it will be great…..if we ever get there :o)))))    Shery

  16. Christine says:

    Great ideas! It will be beautiful when you’re done! Love the kitchen with the red cabinets! Keep thinking and dreaming on, and it will be done soon. Please post pictures as you get things done. Wishing you the best and God Bless.

  17. Treese says:

    Sheri
    You and I have a lot in common! We moved from a beautiful 5000 square foot Victorian home in another state to a small 3 bedroom modular home back in Colorado. We too thought of building a “dream home”, but are not sure we want to stay in this part of Colorado. So, every day I try to decide if we should improve this home or even bother because we may move. However, I find it depressing sometimes as it is a sad little house to me. We have put up a huge beautiful new barn and a huge hay barn, plus shelters for the horses, cattle and bucking bulls we raise. We built a beautiful heated chicken house I wouldn’t mind living in! LOL. I often say our critters live better than us!

    We have had to store all are beautiful antiques including furniture in a storage which to me is like throwing money away every month.

    I have always felt home is where you hang your hat, but I have never seemed to warm to this house, maybe because I have always thought of it as “temporary”. Good luck in your project. You are a creative person. I can ride, rope, shoot a gun better than most men, but the creative gene past me by. I can’t cook, sew, darn or do any of the artsy projects you and your friends do. I admire your talents. I am a pretty good oil painter of county scenes though.

    Treese/Colorado Cowgirl
    ———–

    Dear Treese,  You’re absolutely right about the temporary notion. I’ve been living in this house for many years without having married it. I finally decided to make this space MINE and make it look that way. I wish I could blink and make it done!

    If you get to where you can smoke a peacepipe with your home, I bet some sprucing up and all those lovely antiques would finally make your home your own. I think some of us girls are funny that way. Female animals are VERY fussy as to where they finally decide to make their ‘nest’ :o)

    I would love to see your paintings. Hey, I’m only good at a fractional spec of all there is to do on this planet. We can’t do it all and I don’t rope either. I can dally to help Lynn with a sick cow or calf, but I just never friendly’d up to a rope.   Shery

  18. Deena says:

    Shery, Pintrest has been a great inspiration for me too. I have been living out of boxes waiting to move for 20 years. I had decided to get out of "box mode" and started making a "nest" out of what I have. A trip to WalMart for a few detail items and it is looking very homey. When my daughter’s friend walked into the new area I redecorated she said, "Wow, I feel like I could just come in her and sit down." From a 17 year old it just doesn’t get much better than that.
    Thanks for the reinforcement and I look forward to more pictures.

  19. Emma says:

    I love all the things you have incorporated on this project. The colors are wonderful! Great job! My husband and I are just about to embark on a journey of building our new house called an earthship, out of old and recycled material. I love using Pinerest too as a sounding board to add just the right things to my taste and recreating it. Thanks for sharing!

  20. Marcie says:

    Hi Shery,
    I love all your ideas and the photos too. Yes, you are right about making your house your home with personal touches and nice comfortable things.

    This is our first home of our own. We are retired and have always rented and the last place we were in over a decade but managed so it wasn’t a rental but we did not own it so we really could not put down roots. Now, we can… we own this place. Our home is a mobile home and like you, we decided to make it look and feel like a house. We tore out the garden tub that was in the master bedroom and tiled the floor and made the room larger and re-did the master bath. We replaced all the cheap fixtures and re-tiled the second bathroom. We added a handmade wooden mantle to a wall in the living room and each room was painted a different color. We got rid of all the mobile home mirrors that were on the walls. We added a metal roof to make the place more secure.

    We landscaped the entire yard with native plants that attracts a lot of birds and butterflies and added a seating area for us… all in all the place looks so different from what it did when we arrived three years ago. This place does not feel like a mobile home anymore but feels like our home now.

    Yes, make your house your castle. I love all your ideas.

  21. Denise says:

    Hi I too buy things and wait for the item to show me where it wants to live. People are like that too. We get our homes but we have to live in them sometimes for years before they show us what they want to look like. Our home use to belong to my parents. We bought it 8 yrs ago. It has taken me that long to feel like it’s my home to change.My mom lives next door and doesn’t like some of the new decorating ideas that are out there. So I hesitated changing anything. Now like you said things need work and attention. I’m going my way!. I have always loved the look of painted stairs, I’ve got them now. The old carpet became dangerous. Now I have nice paint and cushy step pads. Sweet and cheap. Gotta love carpet remenants. My mom did help me make new curtains for the dining area and valence for my bay window in the kitchen. We too have a long list and my husband won’t hire it done. There are days I wish it was all done, but I guess that’s how life works. You have to have a list to function. Enjoy your list, I’ll enjoy mine and we’ll both get beautiful time together with our husbands, sawdust, paint, sore muscles, etc..

  22. Jan says:

    Hi Shery, Wow, what an undertaking you are doing! I love all of your ideas, especially the kitchen. Would love to see a picture of your mantle. I have been looking for one for years, just haven’t found the ‘right’ one in my price range yet. I love to decorate, but with a move facing me, soon, don’t know what I will have in store for the future. I am still working on trying to get that little place in the country that I wrote to you about a month or so ago. It is very small so I will really have to get creative with my decorating if I get it! Best of luck on getting the grant for the greenhouse. That would be awsome!! Will be looking forward to your progress reports. Thanks!

    ———–

    Thank you Jan. When I saw the mantel, I thought about it for a month. I knew it was what I wanted … but …. it kept nagging me and it will fit into the scheme of things. So, even thought the room isn’t done yet, I went and bought it. I think it will had the OLD feel to the room as much asnything else.  shery

  23. Sherri Hazelton says:

    Looks awesome. I am currently living in a mobile home,also, with another large one just feet away. Torn about setting up the second one, needs a lot of work, but may be moving in three or four years. Wondering about the grant for the greenhouse. Could you give me some info on that since I live in the beautiful state of Wyoming also? Straight across, a bit more than half way to the other side. : )even if I couldn’t have it here, my parents have 10 acres on the other side of Basin where it could be set up. Thanks much. Another Sherri.

    ——-

    Hi Shery,  Go to your County Extension office and they can give you the specs. I don’t know that much about it yet, but the structure is a frame with a ‘tarp’ over it. I may opt out if it doesn’t look wind worthy. As you know, we get REAL wind in this state.  shery

  24. Becky says:

    thank you so much for this. I also live in a modular home and have wanted to do some redecorateing but didn’t think it possible for such a home. You have given me inspiration and the desire to do something.

    Love your ideas and think it would be a good idea for me to make a trip to Idaho also.

    Thanks

  25. Reba says:

    Hey Shery,
    In 2010 I painted my kitchen cabinets cherry red on the bottom, and left the top white (they were all white). Most everyone thought I was crazy then! At age 55, I thought, why not??? Since then I have enjoyed my kitchen so much!! It is so bright and cheer-y. My house was built in 1973, a tri-level, look-alike to many in the neighborhood. But now, my neighbors, friends, and family are always looking to see what is "new" and interesting. I have found that the colors and style that usually catches your eye are what you should use. I was surprised at how it all came together. I have had so much fun with my home, even while I’m waiting for my "dream" home. I have a sign on my cabinet that says "Home is where your story begins." That is so true!!

  26. cora jo says:

    Shery, Welcome to "trailerhood". We also bought an old mobile…1978 model. Paint goes a long way, so does redoing. We added a room where the screened porch was…my sewing room. I love it here. We have nearly 2 acres on the river so our back yard is huge and private. Thanks for all the ideas, you really pick me up when I need it most!

  27. Lilli says:

    Hi, Shery…
    I am going to retire to a 30-year old modular (it’s paid for!) and have been contemplating many re-decorating tasks. I like the look of an "old" house too. Many times I have longed to be able to find a decorating book or magazine that would address the needs of those of us living in mobile homes…but to no avail. If anyone else has seen one, let me know. I am not "handy" or especially creative, so I usually have to see someone else’s ideas before making them my own. Sooo, when you are done with this project, how about publishing a picture diary of your journey? (Don’t forget to include how to paint mobile home paneling!)

    And by the way, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your blog. You are the bright spot in LOTS of my days!!

    ——-

    Hi Lilli! You made MY day Lilli…with your kind words of affirmation.

    I’ve seen a couple articles in magazines about mobole home make-overs – interiors. Only two. You’re right, there is precious little out there that would offer good tutoring on the subject of specific helps. Mobiles homes do pose challenges not seen in stick-built home…well, in the general sense. And, furthermore, there are a lot of people who live in them. A LOT. One could argue that what works in the way of ‘re-do’ in a ‘real’ house applies in a mobile. Well, anyone who says that hasn’t lived in one. Granted, some of it is true, but I know that so much of my discouragement happens when I stand back and look at something nice that I’ve done and the ‘it’ looks nice but ‘it’ is in a ‘trailer house’ room and looks it. Many folks don’t care. For those of us that do, the challenge makes us wrinkle our nose often. In my worst mood, I once said to my husband, "Dressing up a trailer is like polishing a terd". ;o) I was so aggravated with the cheap walls and FAUX wood trim…emphasis on cheap…as in crap. There, I said it. But, I’ve since combed the hair down on my neck and have simply committed myself to making changes that will make me smile. I will take photos and share of them, of course! Thank you for the vote of confidence.   Shery

  28. Barbara says:

    Hi Shery,
    Glad to know there is another 50 something remodeler of manufactured housing. We are enjoying making our new one even better on our 5 acres of prime California desert. My favorite room so far is the Victorian Library/one room school house living room. Will enjoy watching your progress. Maybe we can swap some ideas, too. I’ve been trying to convince my husband that a ranch in Wyoming would be even better than this place in So.Cal

    ——-

    The winters here keep the cattle population larger than the human population. From May until November it is God’s Country!! But, the winter…well, it sure ain’t for weather sissies and I AM one. I’m like a cooped up housecat that pokes her nose out the door into the frigid breeze and/or driving snow and decides cooped up is not so bad after all. Winter is no friend of mine anymore. BahHumbug ;~[  shery

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Hearts A'Flutter

“A good heart is better than all the heads in the world.” ~ Edward Bulwer Lytton

I really did try to write about something other than “lovey-dovey” (what with Valentine’s Day right around the corner), but the 1965 hit song by Jackie DeShannon was right. It was right back then and acutely true today … “What the world needs now is love lovesweet love.”

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  1. Love your hearts. Feel so bad for your little terrier. Cut n Heal works wonders for healing wounds like this. A vet used it on one of my horses years ago that had a wide open gash in her chest when she went through a wire fence. In a couple days you couldn’t even hardly tell. I love your blog, makes me dream of younger years.

  2. bonnie ellis says:

    Shery: What a delightful blog. Your hearts are beautiful. A new horse is fantastic. Almost better than the 50th wedding we have coming March 17. Congratulations on your new pet (I mean that literally). Happy trails. Bonnie

    —–

    Thanks Bonnie…and congrats on 50 years of marriage. Young people need to see more of that!! Have fun on your anniversary. That is a BIG milestone that many of us will never reach.   shery

  3. Jan says:

    Hi Shery, Love your herd of hearts, beautiful!! You are a very talented lady.
    Oh, your poor doggie!! What a terrible thing to happen, especially to an older pooch. So glad to hear that she is healing and getting along OK. My corgi is my constant companion. I know that love you are talking about.
    Congratulations on your new horse, Apple (love the name). Can’t wait to see pictures. Like you I have a love of horses in my blood and heart. My Dad told me that soon after I had learned to walk, I went right up to the horses at a place called Joyland, wasn’t afraid at all, and wanted to ride them over and over. After almost 40 years, I now have two horses! Yeah!! 🙂

    ——-

    Yep, Jan…I know your ‘affliction’ well and we don’t want the cure !! :o)

    shery

  4. Waynetta says:

    Lots of good thoughts and memories here. I enjoyed your words and related to the memories of when you were a little girl and Valentines. I enjoyed hearing about your new horse and your sweet little dog…hope she is doing better. The Valentine hearts that you made are beautiful and inspiring. Thanks for being open and friendly, sharing your thoughts and heart. Have a cozy Valentine’s Day!

    Right back at you Waynetta. Thank you for your kind comments. You made my heart smile … and then it worked its way out to my face ;o)  shery

  5. Jan says:

    Shery,
    Again this was a wonderful post. I always look forward to them. BTW thanks for the songs and poems.
    Happy Valentines Day to You!!

  6. Emma Dorsey says:

    I hope your dog Dotty has a speedy recovery!!! She looks like a true trooper in the picture. I guess even old dear Deer have their days!

  7. Liz Syverson says:

    Your writing validates the lifestyle of so many of us, thank you. I’m going to go look at my scraps and hang a homemade heart on all the horses stalls. I sure hope that good little terrier heals up. Older dogs are so wise and kind; they are to be cherished.

    ——

    Dear Liz, What a thoughtful response…….thank you so very much.

    shery

  8. Treese says:

    Thank you for the early Valentine! The hearts are very nice. I never got handy with a needle and thread, but like the end product.
    Hope, your little terrier heals up as good as new. The cut looks painful, but she has trust in her eyes. So, let’s hope she will be 100% soon.
    I too was a girl who grew up and stayed mad for horses. I have had a horse since the day I was born (that was a few years back!) and still have 28 head of them. My old war horse is 26 this year and slowing down a bit, but still as beautiful as the day he was born.
    Treese/Colorado Cowgirl

    —–

    Well, Treese, you’re a girl who has chores! I know what having that many horses requires!! 20+ head of horses is a 4 letter word: WORK. :o)  Buuut, when you love something, it is love-work. Thank you EVERYONE on Dotty’s behalf for the well-wishes!  shery

  9. I am so happy your dog is doing OK! I love your posts and always pick them from all the sisters to read first and all of it!

    Smiles, Cyndi

  10. shanna says:

    such fun reading. It reminded me that it has been way too long since I have done Valentines. With 6 kids there were a lot of them. Glad to hear they are still doing it somewhere. Happy Trails to you and yours!!!

  11. meredith (hereford girl) says:

    Shery, Thanks once again for being such a gift! Your writing is amazing and always touches my heart. I am so glad to know little Dotty is ok- Vetericyn is an amazing product and she will be healed in no time!
    A few years back our Jack Russell (Buzz) took an very unusual trip to the neighbors and found their Doberman very unhappy at his presence. Buzz had never, in 14 years, left home, and how he got back is a mystery- his front end and back end were only attached by his spinal cord. 600 stitches and one very talented vet later, he was back in one piece and lived another two years to a ripe old 16. SO I am sure Dotty will be fine! I know how heart wrenching an experience like that is, and how worrisome. Love is a wonderful thing! I love your herd of hearts and plan to try a few myself- thanks for the inspiration! Happy Valentines Day!

    —-

    HoleyMoley, 600 stitches on a little dog?! Sounds like he was held together by thread. WOW.  Jack Russells are as tough as Blue Heelers.  shery

  12. meredith (hereford girl) says:

    Shery, Thanks once again for being such a gift! Your writing is amazing and always touches my heart. I am so glad to know little Dotty is ok- Vetericyn is an amazing product and she will be healed in no time!
    A few years back our Jack Russell (Buzz) took an very unusual trip to the neighbors and found their Doberman very unhappy at his presence. Buzz had never, in 14 years, left home, and how he got back is a mystery- his front end and back end were only attached by his spinal cord. 600 stitches and one very talented vet later, he was back in one piece and lived another two years to a ripe old 16. SO I am sure Dotty will be fine! I know how heart wrenching an experience like that is, and how worrisome. Love is a wonderful thing! I love your herd of hearts and plan to try a few myself- thanks for the inspiration! Happy Valentines Day!

    —-

    HoleyMoley, 600 stitches on a little dog?! Sounds like he was held together by thread. WOW.  Jack Russells are as tough as Blue Heelers.  shery

  13. I love all the projects in maryJane’s Cluck. It helps fill the void in between the issues I receive in the mail 🙂 🙂 🙂 The heart project is really cute. You can make them all so different, and they’ll all turn out lovely 🙂 🙂 I’m farmgirl sisterhood member #2176 🙂 🙂

    Oh, that Jack Johnson song is really sweet 🙂 Thanks for sharing 🙂 Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂

  14. Vi says:

    Sending healing vibes to your lil Dotty!

  15. jonna says:

    Thank you SO much for this writting – it is exactly what I need. I was diagnosed with breast cancer & getting ready for treatments; trying to get out of myself & use the experience as a tool to be more giving; recently started making cards to send for those ‘in need’. Your blog is quite an inspiration! love ya girl, jonna from tn.

    ——–

    Oh Jonna, you have some challenges ahead. I pray that when you’re on the other side of all of it that you’ll have accumulated many POSitive experiences via caring hearts like your own. Best wishes to you for complete healing and all the strength necessary for the journey ahead. Thank YOU for writing.  shery

  16. Lacey says:

    This post tugged on my heart strings, your writing is just wonderful! I too have always been passionate about horses and loved being around them, until I was thrown off one at the age of 9 and broke my wrist and cracked ribs, after that I was terrified to ride….until 3 years ago when my wonderful Man, helped me to get back on….I cried the whole time as he led me around the yard….trying not to laugh…When we returned to the corral he told me how proud he was of me and then I told him I didn’t think I could get down, I was still shaking pretty bad, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a beautiful Diamond engagement ring and said "Will this help?" I laughed and cried and jumped down to hug him!! Since then we have taken many rides and I am slowly getting over my fears, this past summer I even took by beautiful boy BUCK out into the pasture to help my hubby check the cows!! My son, who has just turned 6, is already starting that stage of being "to cool" for Valentines, so I reminded him that even if he puts a smile on 1 persons face, it will be worth all the work we put in….since then we have finished the paper Valentines, made cupcakes and cinnamon sented playdough for his Kindergarten class!! Happy Valentine’s Day, and I sure hope your Pooch gets better quick! 🙂

    ——————

    WOWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!! WHAT a proposal story!! So romantic and so emotional all the way around. How could he wait through all of that and not let on what he was up to?? :o)  AMAZING. SO happy for you that you got over your fear…AND…lived happily ever after.  Now that’s a valentine story.  Shery

  17. Terri says:

    Hi Shery. I have read your blog for some time now and today I thank you for such wonderful, loving, and comforting words. Yesterday, my family laid my dearly loved father-in-law to rest and ushered him into the heavenlies. It was most difficult for me to watch my five twenty-something grown children grieve their beloved "Pa.." Today is the first day in the past six weeks since his sudden stroke that I have taken to sit and reflect. Thanks again from one farmgirl to another.

    Dear Terri, My condolences to your family. I know it is a comfort that a loved one suffers no more and resides now in a wonderful place, but they do leave a gaping hole. That is real love. Other lost things leave no hole. Your kids are lucky to have had someone who left them with such a hole and a lot of memories of their Grandpa to fill it :o)  I think that is their last gift to us. Love to you.  Shery

  18. Michele says:

    Oh, Sherry, I always love your blog posts. I am sure hoping yo ==ur little pooch heals fast. I am not a horse girl but I still think we might be sisters from another mother, I so identify with so many of the things that you write about.
    I do have a Problem, though. I have discovered that I am somewhat of a rebel when it comes to deadlines. For instance, I didn’t get hardly a thing made for Valentines Day But this week I am making hearts like crazy. Paper hearts, cards, fabric hearts, etc. I think there is something seroiusly wrong with me. All I can say is I’ll be ahead of the curve for next Valentine’s

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