It’s The Little Things

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The continual thought in the back of mind for some time now has been, Simplify.  I have this painted door in my guest bedroom with that word on it, and the thought has become more and more important to me.
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  1. denise says:

    enjoyed your simpler joys in life! I’m always looking for new antique places to visit in TN, what area were you referring to for your home town, if you don’t mind me asking. I’m in the middle TN area. thanks!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Denise,

      The town nearest to us is Fayetteville. We have the greatest town square. Numerous Antique stores. If you visit, be sure to go to His and Hers… it’s my favorite store! Right off the square, you can’t miss it. It is small but they have the greatest selection and prices. I never leave there without something!

      Where in Middle Tennessee do you live?

      – Dori –

      • denise says:

        thank you for the information I’ll have to go there and check them out some Saturday. I live in the Smyrna area north of Murfreesboro. Have you been to Woodbury, TN? they have a nice selection of antique stores too. I just found them a couple of months ago and want to go back later on. also, if you ever get to Dickson, TN they have some good ones too and one more to tell you about is in Clarksville, TN called Miss Lucille’s. thanks again!

        • Dori Troutman says:

          I’ve never been to Woodbury, but the funny thing is that someone else mentioned it to me recently. So I think it is worth a trip! 🙂 I had actually looked it up on my GPS to see how far it was. So someday I will do that! Our square in Fayetteville is so nice because it is really an active, happening place. Great places to eat and lots of shops. You can easily spend a day.

  2. Nicole Christensen says:

    Oh Dori, love this post! I was giggling the whole way through, thinking “me too”, “me too”…LOVE THE KITCHEN!

    And you and ‘your girls’? Beautiful…those are your sisters, right? Three beauties! And the precious grandbabies? You are so blessed.

    If we lived closer…can you imagine the trouble we could stir up? Crafting, sewing…

    Someday we all have to meet up! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Nicole,

      What a sweet compliment – my sisters! 🙂 Love those girls of mine.

      Oh, wouldn’t we have fun? I’m working (in my mind anyway) on a way to have a meet-up!

      – Dori –

  3. Colleen says:

    Hi Dori,
    Not much to say but a heartfelt echo of all you just shared. Your posts make me smile every time.
    Happy summer!
    Colleen

  4. Meredith Williams says:

    Beautiful baby calf! We raise Herefords too! Always enjoy your posts and your photos- I especially loved your kitchen.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Meridith,

      Yes, I pretty much love my kitchen. It’s a toss up between the kitchen and my craft room on where I spend the most time! 🙂 Likely the kitchen.

      Thanks for writing!

      – Dori –

  5. Karen(old cowgirl) Montoya says:

    Hi Dori,
    My fav’s are: Sunrise over a hay or wheat field in the Summer, Sunsets at the Ocean and New Mexico, the red rock in Bryce cannon. The smell of new mown hay or grass, homemade bread just out of the oven, books that not only hold my attention but also make me laugh out loud, fresh juicy Tomato, peony’s in bloom, roses that still smell wonderful, my dog Sophie giving me her “I love you” soft eyes, the smell of puppies, the smell of horses that have been running free and come in for grain, and friends like you.
    Hugs and blessings
    Karen

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hello Kay, Good to hear from you!

      I love all those things too. And I got a sudden feeling of “homesickness” when you mentioned the red rock of Bryce Canyon. Where we lived in Utah was only 20 or so miles (as the crow flies, not on any roads!) from Bryce Canyon. You could see some of the red hoodoos not far from our house. Sometimes I miss it. Mostly I’m happy to be away from the hot, dry climate… but sometimes I DO miss it.

      Happy Fourth to you and your sweet Sophie!

      Hugs, dear friend.

      – Dori –

  6. Joan says:

    Oh my what a fun time I had today – you tweaked my thinking of ‘Simplifying’ – I have tried twice now in the last 10 years, once when I moved from my home of 42 years and just last month in my home of 10 years. I LOVE crafting, antique-ing well just all that you wrote about and I too have to stop because there are so many other wonderful things that God has provided me. Thanks for bringing on the thinking. There is a new group of ‘country girl crafters’ starting to get together so maybe a new Mary Jane’s country girl group – oh so fun to LIVE!!! the country life. God bless

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Joan,

      Thank for your sweet comment. Simplifying is so difficult to do. I’ve noticed how much easier it makes life when I keep the clutter down! But every now and then I have to go through my “stuff” again and de-clutter!

      A country girl crafters group would be so much fun. There are so many neat things to do together.

      Thanks again,

      – Dori –

  7. Kate Manning says:

    Thanks for the email today! I used to paint furniture and fun signs like yours, but in 12/13 I was with my 91 year old Mom….she was very active …she tripped on a curb and fractured her skull and died 12 days later. I suddenly had three extra homes plus 4 more vehicles and a lot of responsibilities . I was overwhelmed…,put away my knitting and my art toys and gave myself to shock, grief and responsibility . The first year was hell and I missed my craft, but the inspirations were gone. Now after a year and a half, I am starting to “come back’….,life is hectic, but we are in a new home, a new lifestyle ( living in the country and growing grapes for wineries) and still trying to part with several houses’ worth of treasures ( you will not see me on hoarders).
    I have been reading your blogs and it is as if I am hanging out with a good friend. The signs and your favorite things today…I feel as if I have turned a corner and creativity was awaken. Now making plans for a studio !!!
    Thank you for inspiring me.
    I’m baaaaack
    Love to you
    Kate

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Kate,

      Your comment really meant a lot to me.

      Life can give us some really tough things to deal with and losing your mother so quickly and so tragically would be very shattering. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through.

      Thank you for reading my posts and I’m so thankful they make you feel like you’ve got a good friend – I’m thankful continually for the friends I’ve met here.

      Make a sign for your “studio-in-the-plans”!!! And then email me a picture!

      Tight hugs,

      – Dori –

  8. Marilyn says:

    Amen.

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It's The Little Things

IMG_0189-002

.

The continual thought in the back of mind for some time now has been, Simplify.  I have this painted door in my guest bedroom with that word on it, and the thought has become more and more important to me.
Continue reading

  1. denise says:

    enjoyed your simpler joys in life! I’m always looking for new antique places to visit in TN, what area were you referring to for your home town, if you don’t mind me asking. I’m in the middle TN area. thanks!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Denise,

      The town nearest to us is Fayetteville. We have the greatest town square. Numerous Antique stores. If you visit, be sure to go to His and Hers… it’s my favorite store! Right off the square, you can’t miss it. It is small but they have the greatest selection and prices. I never leave there without something!

      Where in Middle Tennessee do you live?

      – Dori –

      • denise says:

        thank you for the information I’ll have to go there and check them out some Saturday. I live in the Smyrna area north of Murfreesboro. Have you been to Woodbury, TN? they have a nice selection of antique stores too. I just found them a couple of months ago and want to go back later on. also, if you ever get to Dickson, TN they have some good ones too and one more to tell you about is in Clarksville, TN called Miss Lucille’s. thanks again!

        • Dori Troutman says:

          I’ve never been to Woodbury, but the funny thing is that someone else mentioned it to me recently. So I think it is worth a trip! 🙂 I had actually looked it up on my GPS to see how far it was. So someday I will do that! Our square in Fayetteville is so nice because it is really an active, happening place. Great places to eat and lots of shops. You can easily spend a day.

  2. Nicole Christensen says:

    Oh Dori, love this post! I was giggling the whole way through, thinking “me too”, “me too”…LOVE THE KITCHEN!

    And you and ‘your girls’? Beautiful…those are your sisters, right? Three beauties! And the precious grandbabies? You are so blessed.

    If we lived closer…can you imagine the trouble we could stir up? Crafting, sewing…

    Someday we all have to meet up! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Nicole,

      What a sweet compliment – my sisters! 🙂 Love those girls of mine.

      Oh, wouldn’t we have fun? I’m working (in my mind anyway) on a way to have a meet-up!

      – Dori –

  3. Colleen says:

    Hi Dori,
    Not much to say but a heartfelt echo of all you just shared. Your posts make me smile every time.
    Happy summer!
    Colleen

  4. Meredith Williams says:

    Beautiful baby calf! We raise Herefords too! Always enjoy your posts and your photos- I especially loved your kitchen.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Meridith,

      Yes, I pretty much love my kitchen. It’s a toss up between the kitchen and my craft room on where I spend the most time! 🙂 Likely the kitchen.

      Thanks for writing!

      – Dori –

  5. Karen(old cowgirl) Montoya says:

    Hi Dori,
    My fav’s are: Sunrise over a hay or wheat field in the Summer, Sunsets at the Ocean and New Mexico, the red rock in Bryce cannon. The smell of new mown hay or grass, homemade bread just out of the oven, books that not only hold my attention but also make me laugh out loud, fresh juicy Tomato, peony’s in bloom, roses that still smell wonderful, my dog Sophie giving me her “I love you” soft eyes, the smell of puppies, the smell of horses that have been running free and come in for grain, and friends like you.
    Hugs and blessings
    Karen

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hello Kay, Good to hear from you!

      I love all those things too. And I got a sudden feeling of “homesickness” when you mentioned the red rock of Bryce Canyon. Where we lived in Utah was only 20 or so miles (as the crow flies, not on any roads!) from Bryce Canyon. You could see some of the red hoodoos not far from our house. Sometimes I miss it. Mostly I’m happy to be away from the hot, dry climate… but sometimes I DO miss it.

      Happy Fourth to you and your sweet Sophie!

      Hugs, dear friend.

      – Dori –

  6. Joan says:

    Oh my what a fun time I had today – you tweaked my thinking of ‘Simplifying’ – I have tried twice now in the last 10 years, once when I moved from my home of 42 years and just last month in my home of 10 years. I LOVE crafting, antique-ing well just all that you wrote about and I too have to stop because there are so many other wonderful things that God has provided me. Thanks for bringing on the thinking. There is a new group of ‘country girl crafters’ starting to get together so maybe a new Mary Jane’s country girl group – oh so fun to LIVE!!! the country life. God bless

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Joan,

      Thank for your sweet comment. Simplifying is so difficult to do. I’ve noticed how much easier it makes life when I keep the clutter down! But every now and then I have to go through my “stuff” again and de-clutter!

      A country girl crafters group would be so much fun. There are so many neat things to do together.

      Thanks again,

      – Dori –

  7. Kate Manning says:

    Thanks for the email today! I used to paint furniture and fun signs like yours, but in 12/13 I was with my 91 year old Mom….she was very active …she tripped on a curb and fractured her skull and died 12 days later. I suddenly had three extra homes plus 4 more vehicles and a lot of responsibilities . I was overwhelmed…,put away my knitting and my art toys and gave myself to shock, grief and responsibility . The first year was hell and I missed my craft, but the inspirations were gone. Now after a year and a half, I am starting to “come back’….,life is hectic, but we are in a new home, a new lifestyle ( living in the country and growing grapes for wineries) and still trying to part with several houses’ worth of treasures ( you will not see me on hoarders).
    I have been reading your blogs and it is as if I am hanging out with a good friend. The signs and your favorite things today…I feel as if I have turned a corner and creativity was awaken. Now making plans for a studio !!!
    Thank you for inspiring me.
    I’m baaaaack
    Love to you
    Kate

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Dear Kate,

      Your comment really meant a lot to me.

      Life can give us some really tough things to deal with and losing your mother so quickly and so tragically would be very shattering. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through.

      Thank you for reading my posts and I’m so thankful they make you feel like you’ve got a good friend – I’m thankful continually for the friends I’ve met here.

      Make a sign for your “studio-in-the-plans”!!! And then email me a picture!

      Tight hugs,

      – Dori –

  8. Marilyn says:

    Amen.

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I Am A Flower Farmer

Bio Pic

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My daughter, Andrea, and I are Flower Farmers.  Well, sort of.

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  1. Cyndie Gray says:

    My dear “sister” 😉 you are a delightful gal and so very much like me it is crazy!! Why do we do this to ourselves? So thankful for wise words out of the mouths of babes and your dear daughter. What a fun flower-filled summer you will have! 🙂 so wish I was close enough to stop by your stand!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Cyndie,

      I ask myself that all the time… “Why do I do this to myself”?! 🙂 I wrote this blog post and then was tested at the flower garden again last night when we had zinnia after blooming zinnia with blooms that were not formed correctly, so it resulted in flowers that could not be used (pretty sure it is a result of the bugs that were eating the plants, had obviously managed to get inside the blooms and eat there too). I wanted to cry as we were cutting blooms and handing them to the little girls to dispose of. Then I saw them playing Flower Girl with all the blooms and decided it wasn’t so bad after all! 🙂

      Happy Summer, Cyndie!

      – Dori –

  2. Emily says:

    Dori, what a beautiful post! Love seeing the flowers growing in your garden and knowing you and your family are enjoying sharing them with others. In sharing, you all are receiving many gifts in return.

    Take care.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Emily, thank you. You said it perfectly. Sharing really does bring back so much in return.

      – Dori –

  3. Debbie says:

    My dear Dori,
    I so loved this post! You ARE a flower farmer! With all it’s ups and downs and worries too, you and your flower farm will continue to bloom. Aren’t daughters just the best?
    They always know how to bring us back to center when we start spinning, Don’t they?
    Love and hugs!
    Fom your flower farming and farmgirl blogging sister,
    Deb

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Deb,

      I can always count on you to lift my spirits! 🙂 I just wish you’d been with me in the garden last night when I almost had another meltdown. I don’t think this is going to be a good Zinnia summer. 🙁

      And YES, daughters are the very best. I can’t imagine my life without mine. She is pretty much everything to me.

      Hugs to you, friend.

      – Dori –

  4. Angela says:

    Dori- I can so identify! We always manage to go on vacation in July, leaving a nicely weeded garden. And then come home to a weed infested garden! We have to learn to step back and see the big picture! I hope my daughters grow up to be just like Andrea – such a sweetheart!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hello Angela,

      We are looking forward to Monday!

      That was the sweetest compliment you could’ve ever paid. I’ll share it will Andrea!

      Hugs,

      – Dori –

  5. Karen(old cowgirl) Montoya says:

    Dori,
    I once read a saying that “out of the worst of situations a rose grows and blooms”.
    Think of the Dust Bowl tragedy, the beetles, Hurricanes, floods, drenching rain that tears up the soil and all that is planted there.
    You see dear Dori life can be so unexpected that we need to enjoy it while we can and not worry about all the things that befall those who choose to toil in the soil.
    I love roses and I have planted many (now even through all the trackters and all the machinery- they are still blooming even with the tall weeds). But I was worned not to plant them because of all the things that go wrong. Well, even through some rust, bad bugs and all, they bloomed and smell so good. I just did not worry about it and they knew and responded for me. You see ? Just go with what ever is given you and you will be rewarded even though sometime it may be so hard to do.
    Love and Hugs,
    Kay

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hello Kay!

      I love that saying. I’m going to write that down and tape it right to my computer monitor! 🙂

      I’m so happy that you have your roses keeping you happy, even amongst the construction and the weeds! And they smell beautiful no matter what, don’t they? There’s a lesson in that too!

      Hugs back… and thank you so much for always commenting and encouraging!

      – Dori –

  6. Esther says:

    Dori – Yes, it’s so discouraging to come home to a weed infested garden, but I’m sure it will survive and bloom beautifully! Aren’t daughters and grand daughters just the best for lifting our spirits? I’m noticing this even more as I get older. I’ll bet it won’t be long until you have a Flourishing Flower Farm!!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hello Esther,

      I am so very thankful every single day for my daughter, my grand-daughters and also my daughter-in-law. I would be so lost without them. And yes, I think we need them more and more every year. And yours are especially wonderful!

      – Dori –

  7. I love this post, but if your little cart goes missing, don’t come looking at my farm, as I will have it well hidden! Of course you cried; Nature can be a beast! If you didn’t understand that, you wouldn’t be a real farmer. But, as these things go, you will also have flowers. I’d love to see this patch of Wonderful, and I may come visit some day soon, if you’ll have me. The most beautiful flowers in your garden are your family!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Wayve,

      I would LOVE to have you come visit! 🙂 Maybe you can give me some advice on the bugs that are wiping out our Zinnia blooms. Maybe what we need are some Marten bird houses like you have in your strawberry fields? Do you think that would help? We are in a bad way.

      I’ll be in touch and we’ll set us a date. Early morning or early evening is probably best… this heat is crazy!

      – Dori –

  8. Kathryn Daniels says:

    Dori, I just read your post. I wanted put out the effort ( & that is what I’m doing) because it made me lol. The part where you said u “sat down and cried” over some type of flower. I can relate. It may not be anything as beautiful as the flowers that you and your daughter grow but after the past 8 months of being laid low I have sat down & cried over a bug eaten anything & everything that represented at one time held a sign of life only to show up dead. It just struck me funny and gave me the one & only lol moment of my cherished day. It means a lot & THANK YOU for posting that comment. Have a great day!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Kathryn,

      Thank you so much for writing to me! You can’t know how much I appreciated it! And I’m so happy that I could make you have a good “laughing out loud moment”! After my good cry in the garden, I’ve had a few more close calls (ha ha!) and then forced myself to laugh and move on! Oh is it ever hard!

      Thank you again… keep writing!

      – Dori –

      P.S. And if you could see our bug eaten flower garden tonight you would probably struggle to see anything beautiful in it, just like we did. Hoping it will look a little prettier tomorrow morning! 🙂

  9. susana says:

    Sorry to hear of your bad luck….the first time I grew zinnias they were plentiful, but then the next season they got root ROT and I got nil. I find its best to wait til after fathers day or plant the seeds at the top of a hill for the firstnplanting. Saves. And have better luck, as the hill will melt , if we get too much rain but the seedlings wont drown. Hopefully your next week plantings will come up. Its one good thing about zinnias, you can plant them every week. And cut them and more grow up.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Susana,

      Zinnias are so amazing aren’t they? The more you cut and use them, the more they bloom! They are the miracle flower!

      Happy Summer to you!

      – Dori –

  10. Colleen says:

    Dori,
    KEEP ON planting and taking care of that gorgeous flower garden! I loved seeing all your pictures and look forward to seeing the flowers! Have a great summer!
    Colleen

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Colleen,

      Oh have I EVER been thinking of you all in Utah this month! 🙂 And wishing I was there for about 4 days… or more!

      Big hugs,

      – Dori –

  11. Maxine says:

    I love seeing & hearing about your flowers. It’s always hard to have something we put alot of effort into not turn out just right tho, isn’t it! Even if it’s “just flowers” (which are not “just” at all) You have put so much time and effort into your business, and brought so much happiness to others, I can see. Even those of us who can only view them on-line. Everything takes time to learn & work out the quirks, and in nature, so much is out of our control even then! Happy farming!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Hi Maxine,

      Thank you. It’s been a frustrating season for sure. We try to only post the positive!!! Ha ha! 🙂 Kind of like the hours at the farmers market yesterday and only sold 8 bouquets… came home and put the other 9 on the flower cart and they were gone this morning! We said, “Now WHY did we go to the farmers market”? 🙂 We are going to give it a month and see if it improves. Mainly it is a good way to get our name out there for more events, which is what we really love to do. Thanks for your encouragement!

      – Dori –

  12. Marilyn says:

    Dori, I, too, am a worrier and am finding it hard to be patient. At 67 and newly retired from teaching, I find I want changes now. After all, I’m 67. Doing for fun has never been a part of my thinking. I’m learning. Thank you so much for your beautiful blogs and being there for all of us.

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Marilyn,

      Doing for fun is one of the hardest things to do sometimes isn’t it? I think part of my problem is that I genuinely love to be busy working… I think I would rather clean house than go anywhere. So it is hard to just let myself jump in and go do something for fun. I’m really working on that!

      I appreciate you writing and your sweet words to me. It made my day.

      – Dori –

  13. Dori I too love zinnias. I live in Virginia on the Eastern Shore. I have grown zinnias and they grow well here sometimes. I have the most luck with cosmos, but they aren’t good for cut flowers. But when I look at the little barn, when I am coming up our lane It Is pretty and this is a welcoming sight for visitors to see. these cosmos come back every year and reseed. they are orange and yellow. A good ray of sunshine to see. Love your cart and you always have a great blog. Hugs Juanita

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Juanita,

      I love Cosmos. We do use them in our bouquets for a touch of filler. Have you grown the Double Click? They are a gorgeous pink. And yes, they are the most welcoming flower! Our Zinnias are FINALLY growing normal beautiful blooms, but what a struggle! Thanks for writing!

      – Dori –

  14. Sara says:

    Dori, thank you so much for sharing your daring flower venture idea! Thanks especially for showing that one doesn’t need to have a business plan, a website, a storefront, a financial justification(!) for doing something like this! How refreshing! You have given me a completely new perspective on sharing my farm bounty with others–if they like it, they’ll happily receive it, if they don’t, at least I enjoyed growing, harvesting, arranging and offering it! And with a supportive family member! A double blessing! I hope some day to have a lovely daughter-in-law who wants to dream by my side, doing similar farmgirl things with me! Bright harvests to you!

    • Dori Troutman says:

      Sara,

      Thank you so much for writing and for your sweet words. I think winging it is so hard sometimes… but then there are some things that just can’t be learned except by doing! 🙂 And wow, we are learning! I do so love doing this little venture with my daughter. There is nothing like it in the world. Every day I feel a heart full of thankfulness for our relationship. I too hope you have a daughter (in-law) to share your farmgirl dreams with.

      I’ll keep you updated on our flower farming venture!

      – Dori –

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