In the Orchard // Apple Picking

A happy day spent in the orchard picking apples, and laughing until my side hurt watching the antics of Merlin and Bonnie playing together.  Those two have become fast friends, although Bonnie is overwhelmed sometimes by the amount of energy Merlin has.  He's not afraid of her at all, and is the most playful kitty I've ever seen!  Always playing with something - Bonnie's stubby tail, her ears and paws, leaves, bushes, blades of grass, and sometimes rocks!  When he's not playing, he's 'stalking' the big kitties (and sometimes my sheep! lol!).  Muffin gives him a gentle beating every once in a while to keep him in line, and Mitts is still adjusting to having another cat around.  I was happy to see him hanging out with all of us in the orchard and tolerating Merlin.  I'm so blessed to have these wonderful critters in my life...and to have homegrown apples!

What has been blessing you lately?  I want to know!

Treasured // Autumn Musings

Autumn Musings

Brilliant autumn colors, displayed to perfection in this beautiful treasury!

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Bow Slouch Hat in Orange // by Wool & Whatnot

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I woke this morning to find our first dusting of snow on the ground!  It was so beautiful driving through the early morning sunshine to my horse feeding job with bits of snow at the side of the road.  In celebration, use coupon code SNOW1 to get 30% off in the shop!  Offer expires tomorrow {10/29/13}.

Burnt Orange | New in the Shop

o u t f i t

Bow Slouch Hat in Orange // by Wool & What-not

brown sweater // thrifted

lace blouse // thrifted

brown tank // thrifted

brown eyelet skirt // thrifted

cowgirl boots // Ariat

Orange.  It's not a color I normally like.  But this hat almost has me loving the color...that's saying a lot!  Also, are you starting to get the feeling that I do a lot of thrift store shopping??  Yeah...they're awesome!!

Mein brother und mein photographer, Alex.  Doesn't he do a fantastic job?!

Sunday Style // Zebra Stripes

o u t f i t

brown sweater // St. John's Bay

cream top // thrifted

brown tank // thrifted

zebra print skirt // thrifted

brown flats // thrifted

heart necklace // stolen borrowed from mom

I am in love with this skirt.  Which kind of surprises me, because I've never really been a fan of wearing animal prints.  On other people yes, but not on myself.  But the style of this skirt is sooo adorable, and seriously, it's a thrift store.  I'm not sorry I did.  I decided to pair it with cream and brown, although I'm still not sure if the print is actually brown stripes or dark, dark grey.  It could really go either way, and depends on the light.  But I love it. *smile*

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The sermons these past few Sundays have been absolutely incredible!  Last Sunday was on keeping Jesus first in our hearts.  Continuing the story of Abraham, we read the familiar story of how God told him to sacrifice his son, Isaac.  He was willing to give up his only son because God told him to.  It's so easy to let something, or especially someone, become more important to you than Jesus.  He should always be first, and we need to constant put things on the 'altar' and leave them there.  Letting go.

Yesterday, we read about Abraham's faith in James 2.  We are saved through faith by Jesus, but we need to prove that faith by our works.  If we were on trial for our faith, would there be enough evidence to convict us?  I'm so thankful for these opportunities to examine my heart, to review my life, to make changes.  To grow closer to Him.  I needed to hear both of those messages so much, especially right now.

This month has been...well, it's been really hard for me.  Something happened three weeks ago which tipped my little world on end.  Something that made re-examining every area of my life a very important thing to do right now.  I thank the Lord for His unfailing love for me.  He is always with me and will never forsake me.  If there is one thing I can count on in this world, it's that He loves me.  Nothing will ever change that, and that's a very comforting thing to know.

What was your sermon about?  Do you enjoy wearing animal prints?  I want to know!

Vanilla Sunshine | New in the Shop

o u t f i t

Bow Slouch Hat in Vanilla // by Wool & What-not

denim jacket // thrifted

scarf // Fred Meyer

striped tee shirt // Big R

denim skirt // Chadwicks

mud boots // no idea - not terribly fashionable, but they work. *wink*

I love these crisp autumn days so much.  Cozy socks, hot chocolate, long skirts, boots, hats, sweaters... *bliss*  My morning was spent with a good friend who I don't get to spend nearly as much time with as I would wish.   I arrived at Jenny's house while there was still fog enclosing the prairie.  As we sipped tea and nibbled coffee cake (concocted by yours truly), we crocheted and talked.  And talked.  And talked some more.  About pretty much everything that matters to young women.  I've always wanted an older sister, and I'm so thankful for Jenny's godly wisdom and insight.  She's amazing.  We were having so much fun, and it wasn't until there was a knock at her door that we realized it was already 1:00 PM.   Jenny teaches music lessons at her house on Thursday afternoons, and her first student had arrived.  Hugs, and then I headed home.

My afternoon was spent most delightfully in the sunshine with my puppy, my kitties, and my bro snapping pictures.  I love the creamy vanilla of this hat.  It's so versatile and it really takes this outfit, which I wear a lot, from basic to brilliant.  Loving it.

How have you been spending these early autumn days?  I want to know!

Silverwood Theme Park

Silverwood Theme Park |  It's out in the middle of nowhere.  Well, almost.  I live about 3 miles from the park...and I can count on one hand how many times I've been there.  It's not that I don't enjoy amusement parks, but it does cost $$ to get in.  More than I care to spend.  So, when my very awesome friend Laura (who works there) told me about $10 day, I was like, "I volunteer as tribute!"

Okay, that was a 'bordering on sacrilegious' use of a Hunger Games quote...eh, I don't care.

Brett and Michelle

Okay, I have to say it - isn't that stuffed lemur thing caaauute??

I got talked in to going on two of the rollercoasters.  I do NOT enjoy rollercoasters.  At all.  But I was a good sport.  And I was so scared I couldn't even scream.  Believe me, I tried.  Also, I memorized the rules of the ride, much to the amusement of my friends.

1| Hold the black grab bar
2| Do not stand up
3| Face forward
4| Feet flat on the floor

And I followed those rules religiously.  What can I say?  I'm a rule follower who is terrified of fast rides.
But, despite my terror, I had a fantastic time spending the afternoon with Brett, Michelle, Matthew, and Laura.  The lines were super long, but there's always people watching.

The lovely Laura, working one of the game booths.

Speaking of people watching, there was a guy walking around the park with a shirt that stated, "Trust me, I'm the Doctor."  I was so, so tempted to go up to him and say something like, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry...but you have two shadows."  Or, "Don't blink!"  Or...something.  But I didn't.  Cause I'm a boring person.

me & michelle

I think I speak for us all when I say, "A good time was had by all." *smile*

Do you enjoy rollercoasters?  I want to know!