Nicole- I can only imagine what 100 inches of snow might be like! We have NEVER lived anywhere where it snowed like that! Your story made me smile and your recipe sounds like it would be great for us to try. Thank you!!!
Tess S.

Tess, thanks for reading.  This winter has been quite unusual for us.  Our "typical" snowfall is usually only 20 inches per year, but I’ve been told that folks who have lived here longer remember the winters from their childhoods being this way.  Enjoy the recipe!  -Nicole

Nice to know Texans can go any where and be at home. Back here in Arlington we are having our second snow storm in 2 weeks. Definately different this year.  And time for chili and cornbread.

Rose, I’ve been to Arlington many times!  A very dear friend lives there, and I hear from her as well that your winter this year is harder than usual.  Stay warm!         -Nicole

I love many recipes and traditions from my childhood as well. I bake lots at Christmas, but the kids will tell you that toll house cookies are not for Xmas- those are get up early and make before school/work. I still make a few things that would have ended big with my mom, like peanut bars. I am still trying to master a good biscuit. But it is all good.

Wow! When I was growing up in Connecticut, I don’t think we ever used more than the three snow days built into the school calendar except the year Kennedy was assassinated, which used up at least one for his state funeral.
May I tactfully ask how many servings are in that recipe. My household contains two people.

The recipe serves 4-6.  Any leftovers are delicious the next day for lunch! Enjoy!

-Nicole

Oh, I had to laugh when you told about your husband taking a bite of that spicy chili 🙂 I lived in Norway for one year, and that was something I picked up on really quickly. They’re not as used to spicy foods as I was coming from the Northwest.  So I had to learn to tone it down a little bit, too 🙂 🙂
Thanks for the macaroni & beef recipe!!! Awesome!!                                    Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather 🙂

Nicole, you are a good sport with the 100" of snow. Love that you treasure your family recipes and things passed down to you. Laughed at your husband’s reaction to the chili. Poor guy. Your Mom’s recipe is similar to one my Mom made and I make a lot that we call goulash. No idea where the name came from, but a big favorite of our whole family. Thanks for sharing.

Hey Nicole!
Is it cold enough for you? We are missing our fresh veggies from the garden too. Like you we are still buried in lots of frozen snow and counting the days till spring.
Let’s count together shall we.. 1,2,3,…
Stay warm,
Beach Blessings,
Deb

Hi Nicole:

What a wonderful, funny story of your family life. Thank you for the recipe. My daughter is coming home this Thursday from college and I think she will be wanting some home comfort food.

Hugs,

Betty

Hi Nicole, I kind of go along with Ruth. Your recipe sounds like my goulash, except for the maccaroni, I use a box of mac and cheese,adding the macaroni so it can cook, or cook it, then add the cheese when it is almost done. My family likes it with bread and butter. I am ready for spring and I am already going through garden magazines and planning. It wasn’t bad here today but I don’t think winter is over yet. I also agree that the kitchen can bring a lot of comfort to people, as simple as a cup of coffee or tea and a cookie or a meal that has memories tied to it. I really enjoy what you write, makes me feel like I know you as a friend. Keep writing and spring is on the way.

Brenda, What a sweet thing to say!  Thank you!  We are getting nice weather this week (so the weatherman says), but we ALWAYS get snow around St. Patty’s Day!  I won’t be packing up my sweaters just yet!  Thanks for reading!  – Nicole

Loved the caption under the picture! Wonderful idea for a special breakfast..something your daughter will always remember. I lived in Florida for 40 yrs..and now live in Ohio..winters are hard to get use to..but spring and summers are amazing!

Ah yes, long winter days, – but they make spring just that much sweeter. I have always felt sad for those in the southern parts; they never get to experience the true changes of season. Blessings, and stay warm!
H

Just back in from the enter-from-the-outside-only, snowed-in cellar. One more unpredictable consequence of this extra deep winter freeze is a frozen pipe. I am so fortunate to have caring and helpful family to unfreeze this potential disaster.
I really do love winter, but this year is a test of how much winter can I love. It’s the very best time to see animal tracks in my yard. The river otters are bold enough to let me watch them at play. The grey squirrels have come very close to be fed (not out of hand, but close). When deer, foxes and coyotes cross through my yard in daylight, I can enjoy their presence and admire their grace. I don’t have to rake any more leaves for a while. Running the snowblower gives me a great sense of POWER!
There! I feel better about this winter already. Thanks for brightening up this chilly winter day. Rosalie

Rosalie, you go, farmgirl!  Hope your frozen pipe doesn’t create too much of a headache for you! 

                          -Nicole

Ahhh…I too can relate, Nicole! I live just across the sound from you on Long Island. It seems like everytime we turn around there is more….snow! It is absolutely beautiful to look at, yet not so beautiful to shovel as we know all too well.
I agree with your sentiment…Bloom where you are planted. As the snow is falling our family enjoys watching the gorgeous red cardinals at the feeders right outside the winter. Here in the NorthEast, we may have to "deal" with winters wrath, but we also get to enjoy all of its splendours!

That’s the spirit!  I haven’t seen any cardinals lately, but I did see a beautiful, large red-headed woodpecker today. 

      -Nicole

Bloom where you are planted is biblical. I don’t know the chapter and verse, but it’s in reference to the Israelites thriving when they are in exile. Just so you know. 🙂

Thank you, I didn’t know that.  Would love the chapter and verse if anyone knows it.

      -Nicole

I enjoyed your "Wicked Winter" blog. I LOVE the snow. I’m born and raised in New England (RI) and think this is one the best winters we’ve had since I was a child. It was always like this then….snow on the ground all winter long and up to your thighs. If you live here, you need to learn to enjoy ALL of the seasons. That’s what New England is all about! I don’t think anyone enjoys driving in it; it is dangerous; however, we live here and we can’t change it. Too bad it can’t snow just on the weekends! It is beautiful, though, isn’t it? Where is the Sisterhood Chapter? Is there one in RI?

 Susan, my Sisterhood Chapter meets here in Connecticut, but you can search for one near you here: http://maryjanesfarm.org/Chapters/Search.asp

-Nicole

Great column, Nicole. I loved the idea of a fancy breakfast with candles! Stay warm!

Hi Nicole, being your close neighbor over here in Brookfield,
I hear ya! I LOVE snow, being born and raised in Ca.I didn’t see much growing up. But this is crazy!
I keep busy organizing everything in my house, like a little squirrel rearranging the nuts over and over.
So, I’m really looking forward to our meeting. When is it going to be, again? Take care and be safe! Sue

Hi, Sue!  Hopefully we will be able to have a Sisterhood chapter meeting very soon!  I’m so looking forward to meeting you!

     -Nicole

Nicole, I think the Bible verses Sarah had reference to for "Bloom where you are planted" are Jeremiah 29:1-14, where Jeremiah tells the exiles to build houses, raise families, and be good citizens where they are living, even though it’s not their homeland. Possibly the same idea could be found in I Corinthians 7:17–"Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him…" Also, Esther definitely bloomed where she was planted. Thanks to Sarah for pointing this out!

Many would think I’m crazy…but being keep at home for a few days under a lot of snow…seems to me like Heaven! Each November I make sure that we all have what it takes if winter decided to be bad…So, being with my love dones…surrounded by snow…Hey…That’s me! Love to read you…Brigitte

Glad to hear you got outside and spent time with your daughter.

Nicole-
SO well said. 2010 was not a "good" year for me…I lost my beloved grandfather at the age of 98 and 1/2 to cancer in January and my beloved Dad to cancer in August. In the midst of that we had to put our sweetheart of a dog to sleep after 11 years in May. Needless to say I was happy to say goodbye to 2010. All of the tragedy- taught me an invaluable lesson…to stop running around and just "be". I have learned to enjoy everyday or at least something about everyday. I have let go of many things that were taking time away from my family and now enjoy quiet nights at home with them. I’m lovin it and look forward to just taking the time to enjoy the little things in life! That is my "resolution" this year!
Thanks for sharing your great blogs with us all. MaryJanesFarm has enriched my life so much, and I have met so many wonderful sisters.
Thank you and Congratulations to you!
Farmgirl Smiles,
Laurie

Laurie, so sad to hear about your losses.  Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.  Farmgirl Hugs,

                               – Nicole

Lol….I totally agree with you! In fact, that *was* my New Year’s rezzie! 😉

I can relate with what you have said about the sabatoge of resolving to lose weight at the beginning of the year, only to find you have gained at the end. The PROCESS of taking better care of yourself is a much better way of tackling the issue and probably accomplishing the same goal without stressing about time constraints. I find it difficult to give up sugar and baked goods. But by making them myself instead of buying off the shelf, I know I’m making healthier choices in the ingredients I use. I might find it difficult to give up candy, but I choose dark chocolate over one heavily laden with high fructose corn syrup. I might find it difficult to drag myself out of bed early and brave the chill of winter air for that morning walk, but I might flick on demand exercise and get my cardio in front of the TV or time myself vacuuming the floor.
I’ve been making doctor and dental appointments that I’ve been putting off.
I’ve been forced to slow down when I was laid off last year, something that was needed but I wasn’t initially admitting that to myself. Now I’m honoring the fact I have the time to do all those things I had set aside that give me a sense of accomplishment, joy and satisfaction. Hey, I might even finish that crochetted tablecloth, de-clutter the corners, closets, studio and garage and claim back living space (things that I began to do last year.)
Now my husband is wishing he could "retire" too, and who knows? I may become that country girl I’ve always pictured myself being, since we’re considering a move to "Mayberry", Kansas! Looking toward the possibility of moving after 32 years of accumulation may necessitate setting aside my goal to begin painting again, but it has given me the incentive I needed to get serious about letting go of those things that no longer serve us and re-claiming living space and a sense of serenity. Looking forward to the next chapter of a slower-paced environment sure appeals to us right now…here’s to 2011!

It’s so funny! Here I am sitting in front of my computer (I give myself an hour of Web…kind of a little reward during my working day, since I’m home alone!), and about to comment…And there it is! All I wish to share…Farm Chick #2245 (Heike!), just did it before I could! What’s more funny is that ‘girls will be girls’! I’m from Canada and my spiritual twin came from the USA! Like her, I decide this year will be different! No more sens of failure…I’m always telling peoples how positive I am…So no more ‘obligations’…As I grow older, I try to let go things that doesn’t make me happy… I use to be a big shopper… But, as I’m trying to regain a light home, and try to give up stuff that I never use, WHY buy new useless things… Well, I think I’m on the right way… Not totally cured, but it’s not as hard to say NO to myself…What I now do when I received my SEARS Catalog; I make a ‘wish list’ with all I would buy if I win the lotto…And than, I just put it into the fire…Sound stupid…But it helps me a lot! So I leave you on that!

Wonderful post, Nicole. I feel the same way. Sometimes we unintentionally complicate our lives. So this year, no resolutions per se for me – I have my list of things I would like to accomplish this year and if I don’t get to do everything, I’m not going to fret over it. I’m going to definitely slow down and simplify and cherish all the things, large and small, that bring happiness into my life.
Ali
Farmgirl #12

Nicole,
Thanks for the reminder to slow done and take a look around at what one has done and what one has in life. We are sometimes so busy "doing" that we don’t just take a moment to just "be".

I love your new years resolution to slow down,appreciate, and celebrate your accomplishments. I’ve gone part time this year at my job, and my goal (I need to write this down) is to slow down, declutter & organize my home, become a volunteer and teach myself to appreciate the small stuff! Thanks for the reminder!

Beautiful throwback. Love the pics of all the snow.

What a surprise to see my mom’s apron pictured here! I am glad that you like and use the apron and now it is famous! My mom will be thrilled to hear about her apron that she wore in the 1950’s.
I enjoyed this blog, Nicole. You are a talented writer! I am looking forward to more installments.

Hi! I love aprons, too. We live in Rhode Island, and have been to Sturbridge Village a couple of times–I’ve thought longingly of going again, especially during harvest time, since we’ve never seen it then.

Hi there, I too am a New Englander, CT is where I reside. I am a farm girl raising wool producing animals, a spinner and knitter an I have an attraction to vintage aprons and crochet pot holders. I thought I’d say "hey". Maybe we will cross paths some day here in beautiful CT.  Respectfully yours Pam

I love it! My favorite part? The coordinating detail on the pocket! Who knew?!?! it is just too cute. I am an apron lover, too. When my grandmother moved, my aunts threw away all my great grandmother’s aprons. She had TONS. I was so sad I actually cried. Happy New Year!

I saved a few of my mother’s dressier or unique aprons when we cleaned out her home. Hers are half aprons. One has a sleeve at the top instead of ties, the sleeve holds a very heavy plastic piece, like boning that fits around the wearers waist. Another looks like it may have been made from handtowels, and is trimmed along the edges so that it protects the wearers clothing while seated.
I like full aprons and so these are set aside to make patterns from for my use.

Nicole, I, too, love aprons! Really enjoyed your decriptions of your collection and each’s use. I have one large cobbler’s style apron that I LOVE to wear when I’m cleaning. It has huge pockets that hold lots of the odds and ends that one finds when working her way from room to room. At the end of the day "treasures" can be easily sorted and distributed or trashed!! My mom always wore an apron. I guess I learned my appreciation of aprons from her.

I love aprons too. I am interested in buying some if anyone has any to sell. I would like to see some pictures of them and have the price of them. So please if you know anyone who has any aprons for sale I am interest in the full body aprons. Thank you everyone and Have A Blessed Day. Barbara

 Barbara, have you tried Ebay?  It’s a great place to go for aprons, even vintage ones, reasonably priced. 

                –Nicole

Nicole-

I loved your blog about collections and aprons. I received 2 handmade aprons from my Mom recently and just love them. They are the full body style and very pretty yet practical. I also have some family heirlooms that she handed down to me. My husband even has his own "fly fishing" apron that he wears when he cooks! I also collect teapots among other things. Collectibles in many forms are my "treasures". Thank you for your lovely blog.

Thank you for reading!  Your mom’s aprons sound so very special. 

                              -Nicole

Hi Nicole, & all you fun ladies that respond here,
Last year I made vintage full body aprons for my three girls, and a mommy & me matching ones for my daughter in law and grand daughter who is turning three, she calls them "cooking dresses" and wears hers when she plays mommy with her little cousin… I have a picture of my grand mother wearing hers to gather eggs , she just held up the skirt and filled it up, also one where she is feeding the lambs a bottle. I too love aprons.

I was lucky to find this website. You definitely can write and teach and inspire. Keep writing – I’ll keep reading.

Not to laugh "at" your misfortunes, but many parts of this blog were funny enough to read out loud to my family!  Only because of the painful ability to relate…

Re-using an old (as in "we already own it") artificial tree is still green, right? The "reuse" part of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle? We went through this very same agonizing decision and decided to go with the artificial this year… our kids are 3 and 4 and drying live trees are a horrific example of piles of needles by Christmas day. We live in Montana but the weather precluded our being able to go cut our own tree in the wilderness this year. BUT… it’s not the tree, it’s the LOVE right???

*sigh* I miss the smell…

The last artificial tree I bought was back when my daughter was a baby, her first Christmas.  Back then, I couldn’t imagine a real tree with my new baby, four dogs, three cats, and a reptile!  In the end, we all have to do what’s best for our families at the time.  I missed the smell of the real tree, too, so I would purchase a "real" wreath for the door.  Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed my post!

-Nicole

I once wondered about real vs. artifical, but probably only once! We wouldn’t have one if it wasn’t real. I think the deal is you have a tree for 1 of 2 reasons — it’s either about the ornaments or about the tree. For us, it’s the tree first, then the ornaments. Neither way is wrong!

There’s tree preservative you know. I wouldn’t go without it. Some years I make it, some years I buy it, depending on time.

Thanks, fun post!

Just an idea!  Whenever I put up a real tree for Christmas, I purchase TREE BAGS. They are large plastic bags that you place under the tree stand when you bring the tree into the house. Then, you pull the bag down around the stand and cover it with your Christmas tree skirt.  After the holidays, you simply take off the ornaments and pull up the bag for an easier removal.  Once outside, I remove the tree stand.
Hey! I just thought of something! You could use a couple of old sheets to make your own ‘bag’ and bypass the plastic bag.
Good luck!

Janice,

That’s a great idea.  Thanks for sharing, and Happy Holidays! 

-Nicole

This is so funny. Our live tree fell over three years in a row! So now I take fishing wire and tie it to a stationary object.  Problem solved.  I am a live tree girl all the way.

My vote is always go with what the child/children want. It may sound corny but Christmas is for kids. You can’t go wrong with making memories just by looking at their face/s. It’s worth it all. When they are small, they are amazed by the lights, artificial and green.

We have done both, depending on the heat and where the tree is positioned. Great revelation for determining what type of tree, right?  No matter which one, the work is worth it in the long run!

A Merry Christmas to all and a Blessed New Year!

I must admit I have never cut a Christmas tree. I am an artificial tree person because I could put the tree up at Thanksgiving and enjoy it until Epiphany. A real tree would never survive that. Beside the "kids", at 22 and 25, don’t seem to care. Though if I ever live in the country and can put a stop to the constant rushing I would love a natural tree.

If you cut your own tree, and water it diligently, it will last from Thanksgiving to the Epiphany. One year, I noticed this light green color at the ends of the branches. Upon closer inspection,the green turned out to be new needles growing!! I called the farm we got it from, after asking all the relatives, the great uncle finally told us that this could happen but it won’t continue for long. I had no needles that year! Your tree is lovely Nicole, may you continue this wonderful tradition!

Nicole, your story brought me to tears – there is indeed something special about that dog’s heart. They know you like no-one else! Congratulations on your anniversary, and may you have many, many happy more.

Oh Nicole — thank you for adopting a shelter dog (and not thinking they are ‘broken’ because they are in a shelter)! I truly believe that you get the dog you need rather than the dog you may think you want. Each of them have their gifts & lessons for us and our lives are enriched with their companionship — you have the perfect examples of that! – From the dog mom of three shelter dogs who have taught me patience, to live in the moment, to play like crazy and to rest when it’s needed!

What a beautiful girl she is.I am a grandmother to several furbabies as well as regular babies. They really do become part of the family. After my cat of 18 years had to be put down due to cancer I wasn’t sure I would be able to do it again. With all of the furbabies from my daughters ( 1 morkie, 1 white german shepherd,1 orange kitty, 1 black and white kitty and one really huge long haired cat named Freak who thinks he’s a dog), I’m starting to think I may want another. Or two or three. They are like potato chips , it’s hard to stop at one. Happy Anniversary and I hope there are many more to come

Happy Anniversary to your family and Bonnie. I too am an animal lover. I must admit I do humanize my pets, against the professionals warnings not to. At the moment I only have four dogs. Taylor, a husky/australian shepard mix, Moondoggie, a Jack Russel Terrier, Coco Channel, a hmmmmm…some kind of terier/chihuahua mix, and Zorro, an Queensland heeler. Shadow passed away on my son’s 21st birthday, and Duncan, my daughter’s beloved cat passed away this past September also. Those were the last two animals that we had as a "family". Reminders of my children’s youth and the happy times they brought us. I still get tears in my eyes as I remember them. Shadow did not know he was a huge lab mix that weighed over 100 pounds and prounced around like a jackrabbit; he lived with us 14 years and the doctors told us he would not live past 7 because he was too big. Duncan, doctors told us would not live past 8 years, but passed away faithful to the end at the age of 17. He was the exact replica of Garfield. I know I talk about my pets as if they were my blood, but it is so hard not to when they go through more with you than any human does. Life is not complete without a pet, at least for me. Enjoy Bonnie for many more years to come! Thank you for you post.
Carolina

We’ve had two rescue dogs, and they have been the best dogs ever. We felt we were meant to have them, as if someone said, okay here are your people, to take you home. Our first dog had many health issues, but we quietly paid the vet bills, as he was a member of our family and that’s just what you do.

Nicole,

what a fabulous dog Bonnie is. She has it in the eyes :). I had a husky/shepard, Caesar, who was my first child. 17 years we spent together :). A few months before he passed, we got Rex, our giant, furry, rambunctious GS. We rescued him from a backyard breeder, and I often said he was sent to "test my patience" :). I did not think we would survive the first year. But we did, and he is the perfect dog for us, and I think we were meant for each other. He is my son’s brother from another mother, that’s for sure, lol.

Nicole,
I have 4  furbabies, cats. Which one would I part with,  you might ask.  Not a one. They all mean something to me. My late husband picked the oldest one out. My niece gave me the second one just after my husband died. A library patron gave me one after my first cat disappeared for three months. That left me with 1 cat. So I readily accepted another one. Then my Lord Albert came back and did not tell me where he had been, three cats. I have a liking for black cats. One showed up at my sister-in-laws, guess what? Yes, now I have 4 cats. Love them all. Gets kind of uncomfortable at night when all 4 hop in my twin bed with me. But I love everyone of them. Why pay a lot for animals when they can be had free, either from a human society or strays. Have a good day.

Very well written, Nicole. So very happy for you.

Love your story about Bonnie! I haven’t had a pet for quite awhile and have been thinking of going to the shelter to find a friend and your story makes me want to even more! Thank you for sharing with us!

I remember the first time I cooked a turkey for Thanksgiving. I was so proud of myself until my mom pointed out that I was to take the giblets out before I cooked the bird. Now it’s funny but back then I was mortified. Keep up the good work and I can’t wait to hear more stories.

Welcome, Nicole!

Welcome Nicole! I have the farm girl bloggers all on my blogs side bar and try not to miss a post. Love to read anything farm girlish. I always add something different each year to our spread at Thanksgiving but have been trying to farm a few things out to guests to bring in the last couple of years. It is hard for me to give up complete control but I have decided I would like to not feel so stressed bringing it all together especially since I now have 6 grand children and 2 younger niece and nephew that are apart of our celebrations now.

Thanks so much!  It’s easy to get stressed at Thanksgiving when trying to pull it all  together, but it’s important we remember to enjoy it!  Sounds like you have a great one coming up with all of your family!  Enjoy! -Nicole

Welcome, Nicole, from another suburban farmgirl. This year I will be cooking Thanksgiving in another kitchen other than my own. I am in Montana at my daughters’ home instead of in Georgia. The weather is perfect for Thanksgiving, I think (I like cold)!

I look forward to hearing more about cooking…I would rather cook than go to a restaurant, too.
Reba

Welcome Nicole…I look forward to your future posts.
It is good to hear from another "city" farmgirl…sometimes it’s hard to live the farmgirl life in the middle of a big city but I think it is important for us to try.
About Thanksgiving…not long after we were married 20 yrs ago my husband claimed the turkey cooking as his job…I take care of all of the side dishes…we share the stuffing preperation…both of us prepping the night before and sharing the duties gives us some much needed time together.

Welcome Nicole!
Great to meet you and learn about your family thanksgiving traditions…My hubby and I are from opposite coasts.. Me the west, he the east and we now reside in the East as well!
I’m a beach farmgirl now living in America’s hometown! We gather with friends and family each holiday here and the one thing we have on our table that I didn’t grow up with is FRESH cranberry relish!
Welcome again and Happy Thanksgiving!
Beach Blessings,
Deb

You "Schiacciare!" looks mighty tasty! I’ve never roasted one but I think I’ll give it a try! Love that you can start it in the am and come back to it in the evening…Now, what to do with those home schooled children of mine while I cook the squash behind their backs? Maybe I’ll tell them it’s our Science experiment for the day and we can eat it for dinner too! I love spaghetti squash cooked in the microwave, seasoned with butter, salt and pepper" too… yummy!
Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Deb

I’m going to try this on my boyfriend…..he claims he doesn’t like most vegetables ~ lets see if I can trick him into eating squash!

I am a Weight Watchers member. One of my leaders used half of her spaghetti squash for "spaghetti" and the other half for dessert. She mixed crushed pineapple, some cinnamon, and the squash together (you could add some sweetener of your choice if you’d like). A small salad on the side and you have a great lunch or dinner.

I remember this from my days as a newlywed (17 years ago)! It was the surprise recipe going around in our newlywed group. Definately not pasta, but very tasty; with a nutty kind of crunch. Thankfully, I don’t need to hide veggies as my son loves them. Now, potty training, that’s another matter…

Paula, You are a rare talent indeed! You can do anything.
You should have your own talk show. Your flow of writing is so comfortable and fresh. Thanks for your interpretations
on life and now cooking!

Peggy–pls do!

I love to make spaghetti squash with tomato sauce. Delicious that way. Also with butter and brown sugar. Love your daughter’s response.

you can boil a spaghetti squash also. Just be sure to knife a hole in it along the way to keep it from exploding. It is a little more energy efficient to not start up the oven for just one thing.

Enjoyed your post. I love your polish pottery. I have several patterns myself. I sadly noticed a crack in one of my favorite pieces today 🙁 No longer living in Europe a quick trip to Poland to find a replacement, just doesn’t seem to be part of the plan. I love seeing how people display their pottery. It really deserves to be seen, not just stored away in a cabinet.

hi,your post reminded me of nights when I feel the cupard is bare and my son says there is just nothing in this house to eat and i am thinking too,that there is just nothing to eat,and then I start just throwig odds and ends together,and by the time I am actually done my meal is fabulous.Yes,bringing the outdoors in really lifts my spirits.Here in Mo.This morning all of the breakfast ladies were talking about bringing in our plants before frost.Have a great day,carol

Yes…bringing as much of the outdoors indoors is decorative therapy for me. I love the natural offerings that every season allows you to take samples of. A bowl of fallen leaves mixed with acorns, evergreen springs & cones is free "vitamin R"…as in Restorative :o)
Love your post and the thought gathering journey.

I to am a rock girl. I have a shallow dish filled with all different types of rocks tht I collected from the poudre river in Colorado. It was were I went to relax and rejuvenate when I lived outside Fort Collins, at a verystressful time in my life. I look at them almost everyday and I am transported to the cool forested mountains, riverside laying on a huge boulder just soaking in the sun and fresh pine filled air, or watching the golden fall aspens shimmer in the wind. It was and is my happy place and it always brings my mind and body peace and calm even just concentrating on the rocks that take me back there.

I cannot agree more on how bringing the outdoors in can calm you and bring you joy. Great post.

I love your dried arrangement! I have one also, full of interesting and varied shapes and sizes. I don’t even know what all of the plants are, except for oats, thistle, and eucalyptus. Here in CA it doesn’t rain for 6 months, so there are lots to choose from–already perfectly dried just for the picking. And now I definitely need to grow some Chinese lanterns for a colorful addition. They are gorgeous! One good thing about a dried arrangement–NO WATERING!!

My husband and I have started collecting on our journeys – I keep them in old glass canning jars that I have collected over the years. We have shells from Florida, stones from our Maine trip, small pieces of driftwood from various beaches. We enjoy looking at the collection, but the bottles and the inhabitants of the bottles, and we look forward to building the collection together.

I’m a rock girl too. Early this Spring I interviewed a family who were dealing with their great-grandmother suffering with Alzheimer’s. When they finally had to move Great-Grandma to a "home", one of the things they didn’t know what to do with was a big quart jar filled with her favorite rocks, as she (like me) always tucked neat rocks away in her pockets and they found their way home with her.

As soon as I got home that day, I carried a quart mason jar around my house and moved rocks from dresser top, bookshelves, entertainment center, etc all into one central location. My Happy Rock Jar! Hopefully it will mean something to my family when I am gone, some day!!

1

Guess I am odd. I only have african violet plant and one little gourd. I did collect stuffed Garfields till my ex gave me my last one and since he is my ex, and the last one to give me one Garfield lost his appeal and I been collecting him since he came out. I did collect porclin dolls but now my adult niece has them.
By the way I am a Michigander too…..
When I lived in Utah for a few years and than moved back to Michigan me and a friend drove up to Tawas to Lake Huron beach for I missed the "Great" Lakes and wanted to see them and feel the sand and water, it was cold but I walked in the water anyways…heck whats cold Great Lakes water to a Michigan girl right! ;c)

We love to bring the outdoors in too! We’ve collected rocks, shells, feathers, acorns, leaves, deer horns, driftwood, walking sticks, sand, and sea glass from all across our great United States down to picking up treasures right in our own back yard. Outside heals the inside.. We need nature to be balanced…all year round! Lucky for us we have the mountains, oceans, deserts, tropics, and farmland to lure us out of our dwellings and connect with nature!
Great post for someone who was tongue tied…!
Deb

Personally I think quilts made with enormous time and love were made to be used, another idea is to hang the very precious – want to see but not use for fear of damaging it – is why not hang the quilts on a rod on your wall, they are there to enjoy just in another capacity and from what I’ve seen look wonderful too.
Love your collection – all facets of it. Don’t have any myself but do admire how much time and effort goes into making them. The closest I’ve ever come to making one, is a patchwork doona cover, that my oldest son has on his bed and just loves it. Had to reseam a few places just last year. Still on his bed tho.

I never knew any quilters growing up. Only read about them in "Little House" books. Then, at about 20 years old, I got hooked. Saw a package of precut squares. No, I had never sewn. No, I did not have a machine. But that did not stop me and umteen years later I still love to quilt. When I heard from mom that when I was little, we had some quilts from "somewhere" and they were thrown out when they got used up and tattered looking, I was horrified. But, as mine get older, and old quilts come my way, I see that there are many ways for this fiber art to fulfill its lifes mission. Whether on a bed, under a baby or as a "kiki". Sometimes life just wears them down and the only way to save a bit of it it to recreate it, remake it into a new memory. Wish I had the talent and guts to do it myself.Thanks for the article,

I have a large collection of antique quilts and I make a large number each year. I display mine, use them, fondle them, rotate them, stack them on beds, give them away and covet those I don’t own. Is there a right way?? Who knows, I just do what I like. And I really like quilts!

I think the only guilt should come from tucking it away in a cedar chest and not using it. A quilt is to be used! As a crafter I have made lots of gifts for friends and family, not necessarily quilts, but hancrafted items I worked hard on. I can say honestly that I would prefer to see those items in use than stashed out of sight (and out of mind) in a drawer. As far as quilts go, I am all for repair where possible. I am repairing a crazy quilt my great great grandmother made because my aunt was using it to move furniture! Repurposing them is good though, if there is too much damage to repair it. I have a quilt pillow my Farm Friend made for me, and I love it!

I have only a couple of quilts that I feel are "too" antique to use everyday. The rest are on beds chairs and couches and meant to be used. They are to bring comfort to any person visiting or coming to our home,especially when it is cold outside. They go along with a fire in the fireplace and REAL hot chocolate on the stove. Once I gave away a quilt to someone and when I went to visit found in in the bottom of the dog cage. I like dogs but a thrift store blanket would have been a better option instead of something that took me 2 months to make and love. My quilts are for people..especially those that need a little warmth and hugs in their life. I say use them, love them and share them…just not with a dog. Lee

I am a firm believer in The Velveteen Rabbit! If you ever worry about using your quilts in whatever form, bed covering or bear, think of the Velveteen Rabbit and know that your quilts are becoming more and more real with every use.

That Kiki is as REAL as real can be, and I bet it has been worth it for the quilt and for your child and hopefully for you too.

I say use em. That is what they were made for. I make quilts for my siblings, their children and their grand children all the time and I want them to use them. I put a lot of love into them and I want to know that when they snuggle in at night they are wrapped in that love. I want these beautiful children to go to bed at night and think about how much they are loved as they drift off to sleep.

If you want my view, there’s a book called Joseph Had a Little Coat that expresses it nicely! 😉

I think there is definitley room for all three camps when it comes to quilts! Some quilts you obviously want to take better care of than others but that’s no reason why you can’t still put them to use. Every quilt has a story behind it and that story grows the more the quilt is used and passed down through the years.

I don’t know. I am in my 60’s now, and have been hand quilting for some time. I have my great grandmothers crazy quilt that has some spots that have decayed, but I can’t see cutting it up or anything. I know first hand how many hours are put into those 12+ stitches per inch hand quilting and know how satisfied I feel when it is finally completed. To know that someday someone will cut it up and not really use all of it, the quilt I made with love hurts.

I love my quilts and to quilt. I want the ones I have helped make to be used. I shared the joy of creting them with my grandmother and I have a quilt tht she made me that though its sort of fragie I use all the time. Sleeping under it or wrapping up in it reminds me of the love that wentt into it and the love I have for her. I don’t put it on the bed and leave it because my dogs are really hard on stuff like that, but I use it often. I also have bears made out of an old quilt and use some of my quilt pieces for table runners and coasters. Love is best shared.

I am a quilter and I want my quilts to be used. That being said however, I am careful about who I give my quilts to. I would just cry if I saw one of my quilts lining a dog’s bed. I think re-purposing a quilt is great. After all, the whole concept of quilts in the first place was to find a way to reuse worn out clothing. So no guilt necessary, enjoy.

I have old family ones dating back to the mid 1800’s up to 1940. I use the one that was made in 1940, its in the wedding ring design with a pale orange backing, this one keep me warm in the winter. The older ones I put away and pull out to show. I don’t see nothing wrong in remaking them into other objects for you still will have the memory of them around, better than throwing them away when they are wore out. I made my nephew and niece quilts when they were born, they ended up looking like your daughter’s "kikie". LOL! And a sweet girl made me a small one to hang on the wall, which I do. What makes this one speical is her mother was my best childhood friend, and she died from cancer and I stayed close to her children and it was her youngest daughter who made the quilted wall hanging for me.

I love all kinds of quilts. For my mother’s 80th birthday, I sent all her family and friends squares of material and they embroidered or decorated them and added their names. It became my mother’s most precious gift. Often as she spread it out on her bed, she would tell stories about each family represented. Mother is gone now and the quilt is on my bed and now those stories are mine.
Since being retired, I have been sewing baby quilts for the hospital for new mothers. As I work on them, I say a little prayer with lots of love for that new baby and mother.
Quilts can be pieces of beautiful art to be collected and displayed; or used and cherished or even remade. They can mean a lot of different things to different people.
Faith
10/8/2010

It truly can tear ya apart…that beautiful hand pieced and stiched quilt, with stains and rips. Quilts are a part of my heritage. Starting with my grandmother several generations back (not sure how many greats) who boarded a ship from Ireland with her husband and son, but did not make it to America. She died during the trip, and was wrapped in one of her quilts and buried at sea.

Many of her descendants learned the art of quilting, as with most from that time out of need. The winters of the Appalachians can get very cold. It has continued down through the generations including mine, and hopefully we will pass it to the next.

Quilts I agree were made to be used. When you are tucked in under a homemade quilt, you are tucked in a blanket of love. I am sure there are those very special ones that will be placed at the foot of a bed, or hung to display that won’t get tattered and stained. Thats ok, we need to leave examples for our childrens children to see and learn by.

The quilts that most of my older ancestors made were not of the fancy type, so they did get used. I have pieces of one of my great great grandmothers quilts that I found cut to fit an old wooden ironing board, used by my great grandfather! It was covered by a couple layers of heavy cotton, I was thrilled to find that. I shared it with my sisters by cutting into hearts, and framed for them to keep.

I love my quilts and the women that made them, some have passed on, I find peace wrapped up in their stitches.

It is like the words of Erma Brombeck, "If I had my life to live over…" Well I personally use ALL my quilts. Even those that are close to 75 or more years old. Why not. You cant take them with you and why not enjoy them while you are here. There is nothing more comforting than being all wrapped up in an old quilt at night during the winter. I use everything, good china and anything that is in my house is subject to use. If I want to eat out of the good china daily for regular meals I will. YOU CANT TAKE IT WITH YOU so get out those old loving quilts and enjoy them.
Chris
http://www.chriswheelerquilts.com