It's been ten years now.  Ten years since I've seen my beautiful boy.  Every year I write something to commemorate this sad anniversary but I struggled this year to find words.  I spent days waiting for some kind of inspiration. and yet I was bereft of adequate words. I treasure this picture of my sister holding my adorable niece in her lap while her loving arms encircle my son and daughter. This is precious stuff my friends. The memories of what once was, forever captured in a photograph.  Memories are the one thing that loss can never steal away from us.  Pictures like this are a reminder of a life that was once whole and we can cling to that truth even when times are difficult.

My heart is especially heavy at this time of the year now.....for the last ten years.  It's a part of my new reality; that I will always wake up every September 4th to the realization that another year has passed without you son.  I pleaded with you to always be careful.  I told you many times that if I ever lost you, I would not survive.  But we don't get to choose these things, these awful, aching events that come regardless of the many hours we've spent praying, pleading with God to protect you.  So I sit here now with tears and coffee....living with just the memories of you to carry me forward.  I managed to survive without you because I had no choice.  My heart kept on beating, my eyes kept on seeing.  My feet, though they still stumble, kept on walking, carrying me forward so I could learn to build a different life than the one I had envisioned.  Some days I'm so tired that I struggle just to find breath.  I'm whining now.....lying in this rut of sorrow that I've dug for myself.  But soon....I'll get back up and get back to the business of building this new life.  But I'm going to give myself this day to muddle through this grief because.....a love as big as the one we've shared is worthy of that kind of grief.  

This morning I read a post by another blogger who has never had the joy of holding a child and that was what broke the dam...I was reminded of how incredibly fortunate I was to have 20 years with you...holding your hand as you held my heart.  I will be forever grateful for those years with you here.  It could have been worse...we could have never found each other.  Your memory will remain crisp and clear inside my heart.  My ears will still ring with the memory of your laughter.  I got to see you grow and learn and experience life for those 20 short years....and I wouldn't trade that for anything.  You still live within me.....always my beautiful child.

This blog post contains affiliate links which may reward me in the event of a sale with no added cost to you. I use these funds to feed my cats. Thanks for the cat food.
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Are you a patina lover like I am?  Nothing makes my heart skip a beat quite like a bit of rusty, crusty goodness.....except maybe running into Gerard Butler somewhere (can I get an AMEN?).  I may be married, but I'm not blind!  Anyhow....I digress.  I recently completed this adorable dresser and wanted to share it with you here on the blog.  I have a complete tutorial if you would like to learn how I created this on my tutorial page here.  

This dainty dresser belonged to my niece until she traded me for another dresser I painted for her.  It was painted in a pitiful shade of yellow-gray and all the gorgeous details were lost in the sadness.  I was compelled to bring her into her full glory, so I set to work adding color, color, color, along with drips and runs to highlight all her best features.  

This piece is now in my booth at Oak Street Mill Antiques in Cornelius, NC if you are interested in taking a closer look.  If you are interested in learning how I created this finish, then you will find full instructions on my tutorial page.  Here are links to all the products I used for this project:

Find the full tutorial for this finish here.

Happy Monday everyone!  I wanted to take a break from the Summer Porch Series and share a fabulous place with you.  If you haven't discovered "The Farmer's Wife" in Greensboro, NC, then do yourself a favor and check out this amazing shop.  I spent the weekend with family in Greensboro this weekend and we made a point of stopping in to see what new items and displays they've created.  I've been several times before and it never fails to inspire me!  Their displays are jaw-droppingly beautiful and let me say.....I have been to many, many shops so believe me when I tell you that this place is magical!  The shop owner graciously allowed me to take pictures while I was there so I could share the love with all of you.

See what I mean????  Oh.My.Goodness....  There is also a "secret garden" behind the shop, so make sure to go all the way to the back of the store and you'll see the door to go outside.  You may see a couple of cats cruising around and they just add character to the place.  A mainstay of their business is creating incredible floral arrangements for weddings and other events (the owners that is...not the cats).  Garden & Gun Magazine has an article including pictures of the upper 2 floors which are the living space of the shop owner.  You can find that article here.  Hope you enjoy the slideshow and be sure to add The Farmer's Wife to the top of your "Places To Go" list!  The address is 339 S. Davie Street, Greensboro, NC 27401.  Enjoy!

​This blog post contains affiliate links which may reward me in the event of a sale with no added cost to you. I use these funds to feed my cats. Thanks for the cat food

​Do certain colors seem to always catch your eye?  I just can't resist deeply saturated shades of blue.  I love so many different colors, but vibrant blues really stop me in my tracks.  Color has the ability to tap into our emotions and are often connected to certain memories.  I suspect that one of the reasons I am drawn to shades of blue is because I grew up next to the ocean and have many fond memories of times spent there with friends and family.  I may be part fish/part human because I have spent so much of my life in water.  I was the one mother at the pool who spent as much time under the water as I did above it.  It soothes every part of my soul.  

What colors move you, excite you, soothe you?  Pairing colors close to each other on the color wheel is harmonious and soothing to the eye while colors from opposing sides of the wheel are contrasting.  Contrasting colors excite the eye and demand attention.  When choosing your color scheme for a space, take into account what kind of feeling you want to convey.  The psychology of color is a fascinating field of study and there is an abundance of research available online if it interests you.  Today's design board is a soothing blend of blues and greens that is still interesting enough to be captivating.  It evokes freshness, like the grass in springtime.  I hope you enjoy what I've put together for you.  Wishing you a wonderful summer Sunday.  Till tomorrow.....

​This blog post contains affiliate links which may reward me in the event of a sale with no added cost to you. I use these funds to feed my cats. Thanks for the cat food.

There's simply nothing more refreshing than an early morning cup of coffee on the porch.  A light breeze carries the sound of the birds as they welcome the new day, and morning dew sparkles in the sun.  The porch is the perfect place to contemplate the upcoming activities of the day.  Maybe you enjoy reading devotions or writing in your journal in the quiet moments found here.

​Creating a place that is authentic to who you are and how you live your life should be the goal as you design your living spaces.  Think first of how you use the space:  do you read or watch tv there?  Is it a space where you like to eat meals or sit and visit with friends?  Be intentional about how you set up your porch so you maximize it's use and it makes sense for the way you move throughout your day.  This upcoming week on the blog, I will cover all the elements of a great porch from the ground up.  For today, I am sharing another design board to whet your appetite and help you to zero in on your own personal style.  I will post links to all the items shown on the board so you can quickly find them online.  I hope you find some inspiration this week as we continue on in our pursuit of the perfect porch.

Check back tomorrow for our continuing series on farmhouses porches.  We'll be exploring all new ideas for how to design a space that makes your heart sing.  Till then...

​This blog post contains affiliate links which may reward me in the event of a sale with no added cost to you. I use these funds to feed my cats. Thanks for the cat food.

It's Farmhouse Friday here at Farmgirl Outfitters, and in celebration of the official start of summer, I thought I would focus on one of the most southern of traditions: farmhouse porches!  What screams "Summer!" louder than a good ol' front porch? It conjures up memories of hand-cranked ice cream, catching fireflies in mason jars and playing tag in the front yard.  It welcomes neighbors to come and "sit for a spell" and charms passersby, offering a glimpse of those who live inside.  Your front porch is essentially your "welcome mat" to everyone who takes the time to slow down and take notice.  I pass by a sweet little farmhouse rented by my dear friend, Renae, on every trip into town.  Her decor is ever-changing and I look forward to seeing what she's done lately.

I love how her porch tells the story of who she is.  She's a patriot who served her country well.  It's a sweet, humble little white farmhouse and every bit of it is a part of who she is.  

 I just want to sit on her porch and eat a cold watermelon, letting it's sticky juice run down my arms just like when I was little.  Country porches hold all the memories of stolen kisses on the porch swing, before your parents turned the porch light on.  The nostalgia runs as deep as Mississippi mud.

Uh huh, you know what I'm talking about. Whispered secrets between best friends, the slam of the screen door on your way out and June Bugs clinging to the window screens.  These are the things we remember and the memories are as sweet as summer rain.
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In celebration of summer, I thought I would share some inspiration boards that I've curated for you, along with links to the products shown on the boards.  I will post one board per day through Sunday.  I hope you find some inspiration of your own as you pursue your own "perfect porch".

Thanks for visiting my blog and check back tomorrow for design board #2 as we delve deeper into the elements of the classic farmhouse porch.  Till tomorrow....

Have you discovered The Oak Street Mill Antiques & Collectibles yet?  It's an historic cotton mill that's been converted into an antiques and collectibles store lined with the booths of independent vendors.  It's the nirvana of rusty-crusty, chippy goodness!  You'll find everything from antique furniture to reproduction hardware, linens, vintage bottles, china and all kinds of home and garden collectibles.  There is literally something for everyone!  I've recently become a vendor there and I'm busily creating things to fill my booth.  Did I mention that it is owned by the lovely and vivacious Miss Janet Dellinger?  I think everyone in Iredell County knows this sweet lady!  I like to tease her and say she ought to just go ahead and run for mayor of the county!  The entire staff is very friendly and helpful.  

You can find Farmgirl Outfitters at booth #2311.  It's the second aisle to the left as you come in the front door, and the second booth on the left. Click on my "Shop" page here on my website to see what's currently in my booth.  If you're looking for something specific, stop by the front counter and ask one of the wonderful staff members and they will assist you.  Doors are open from 10 am till 6 pm Monday through Saturday and 1 pm till 5 pm on Sundays.  Like The Oak Street Mill Facebook page to keep up with current events and to see what shenanigans they are up to.  On the second Friday of every month, they fill their parking lot with vendor booths, food trucks and live music.  Make sure you mark your calendars for this monthly fun event!

Directions:  From Statesville, take I-77 south to exit 28.  Turn left at the offramp onto Catawba Avenue and go almost a mile.  Turn Right onto Oak Street and as you go down the hill, you'll see the mill on the right.  A whole lot of fun, just 30 minutes south of Statesville!

Diana Hicks!!!  You have won an 8 ounce container of Dixie Belle Chalk Paint!!  All you have to do now is message me the color of your choice and the address to send it to.  I will have it mailed directly to your house.  Yay!  You're going to love it!

Oh for the love of old farmhouses!  As I get back into blogging more regularly, I've decided to dedicate Fridays to all things farmhousey (is that a word or did I just invent that?).  Have you ever been out driving the backroads in search of these magnificent gems?  I certainly have and it's one of my favorite things to do.  I have such a penchant for old farmhouses and historic downtown areas.  

I'm enchanted by the varied rooflines, the wrap-around porches, the wavy glass windows (oh wavy glass...I heart thee), the old brick fireplaces......sigh...... 

In my mind's eye I can picture it in it's former glory with children running out the back door and hearing the slam of the screen door behind them.  I can see the row of work boots lined up on the porch by the side door.  Winter coats hanging on pegs and black and white family photos on the stairwell wall.  Fireplaces in every room including the kitchen and a sleeping porch off the back of the house.  There is just such a romance to it all.

I think that's why we are so enamored of chippy paint and all things rusty crusty.  They harken back to a time where families and communities were a tightly knit structure.  Sunday suppers, hand cranked ice cream and lazy dogs on the porch....oh my.  Throw in a porch swing with a quilt hanging over the back and my knees get weak.  Can I get a glass of lemonade to go with that?

In my dream world, I'm out for a walk and as I round a bend in the road there is a winding stream lined with shade trees and in the distance, at the end of a long dirt drive, there is a farmhouse that beckons to me.  It's wide front porch is like open arms calling me home.  The breeze that rustles the leaves on the trees is whispering "welcome home".   

Are you in love with farmhouses too?  Leave a comment below and tell me which of the six farmhouses shown here is your favorite and what you love most about it and you'll be automatically entered to win an 8 ounce container of Dixie Belle Chalk paint in your choice of color!!  All entries will go into a hat and the winner will be announced here on the blog this Sunday.

Another finished piece of furniture up for sale.  This one is a gorgeous antique caneback chair that I painted a soft robin's egg blue and distressed it in all the right places.  The seat cushion is newly upholstered in this neutral, yet modern linen fabric.  Cost is $85 and there is also a coordinating ottoman available for an additional $40.  Email me at [email protected] if you're interested.