I love this project Deb – so clever. I’ve embraced mason jars lately beyond canning because they’re so simplistic and fun. I might have to visit Johann Fabrics and find some burlap scraps – looks fun to work with.

Hope you have a Great weekend!

Very inspired by your super creativity! I did some embroidery hoops and now onto this – yea a new fun thing for decorating this year and I have most of the supplies – even better. I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. God bless.

Deb,

What a perfectly fun and easy Christmas craft. This will so perfect with my little grand-girls and I just “happen” to have a ton of jar lids too! (Smile!) Thanks for sharing… I’m going to give it a try next week!

Big hugs,

Dori

These ornaments are so sweet! I rarely have time to craft this time of year but these look do-able in a small block of time! Thanks so much for the idea Deb! Merry Christmas to you and your family and your corgi boy!

I love this but how do you get the middle of the lid out?

what a beautiful collection!

Love your newsletter! I have learned so much & you always have a positive attitude!
Thanks, thanks, thanks!

Great idea! I love the cards and I know anyone receiving them would certainly appreciate it. Have a blessed holiday!

Sue

Receiving cards and letters was and is always a treat. Be it pen pals many years ago or friends spread across the USA. I still try to keep the tradition alive although I admit that email makes it so easy to just type away. But I still love a hand made card. PS If I don’t win can I buy a set? I’m lovin your pictures!

I love to send cards of encouragement or just a hello to my family and friends. I have a few Aunts who are not on the internet and while phone calls are nice they tell me it is a joy to get the mail and find a card or letter. I love the selection you have and would like to share them. Thank you.

I sent a card last Saturday as a matter of fact. I’d rather send birthday greetings to family and close friends by USPS rather than email. A note or letter can be cherished and remind me to be thankful for the one who sent it.

Love, love your cards. I still send card for occasions, but I also send cards for no reason. Just a note to brighten someones day. Even my grand children love getting cards. But, boy oh boy! They don’t teach cursive in school anymore. So good luck, kids these days can’t read it, so you must print. Sad, sad that beautiful hand writing is going away!

My sister and I enjoy finding unique cards to send to each other. We send cards for all occasions. And sometimes just because. I just took a class in making embroidery cards. Just sent one out the other day. I think it is sad that people don’t take the time for letter writing. It is a lost art, but not for me. I will continue sending my cards and letters.

I love sending and receiving note cards. Especially ones made by the sender. I love making note cards as well. All my recipients remark how much it means to them. Keep up your lovely photo shoots. I love every picture you have shared on this site.

I love the cards that someone has spent time to pick out just for you, and the art of handwriting is so beautiful…It expresses that you are WORTH the time!
Receiving the card makes me feel like it was a touch of the person, like a hug!!!!

A pretty card can be displayed. I tuck them into the edges of picture frames, under the edges of my kitchen cabinets, peeking out from behind mirrors. When they fall down, I usually replace them with new ones, but sometimes not. Currently I have a Valentine from last winter, a five month old birthday card from my granddaughter and another one from my grandson. But I also display notes, snapshots, leaves and pinecones. They keep me inspired.

While living in Germany, our 4th grade teacher connected each of us to another 4th grader in the US so that we could write to each other. That first start of letter-writing has led to many years of sending letters to family and friends. And now I send over 30 postcards to my great-nieces and nephew, brothers and sister, and many friends whenever my husband and I travel in the United States and especially when we are in other countries. How exciting to get a stamp from Iceland!

I always look forward to your posts, Deb. I am a Beach Girl at heart. “Snail Mail” is still the best, and I always try to send a few notes out. Anyone who gives me a gift or a gift of they time, gets a handwritten thank you. People say they don’t have time, well I don’t either, but I do make time. I firmly believe in random acts of kindness, and a thoughtful letter or note is tops on my list! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

But how are we to send you nice cards and notes if we don’t know your name and mailing address?

What a lovely idea Deb! Every word is true, I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive a special card, just for them, in the mail! Thanks for the offer and Happy Thanksgiving. Sandi on the Cape

I love to send and receive, cards. The beauty about them is that , not only has the time been taken to send your thoughts, you can read them over and over. I miss the times before computers when writing was an art. I have boxes full of beautiful sentiments from friends and family. Some of my favorites are from my kids do course… All those mothers’ day cards, & the ones before they could even write their names….

Your cards are absolutely gorgeous, & I would be honored to be able to send them to friends & family.
Becky in Orem, UT

Good Morning!

My mother is 84 years old and still writes cards and letters to family and friends. I often tell her she should write short stories because she has such a way with telling others special things she wants to share. Family and friends tell us how much they look forward to her letters. Birthday cards, etc. are also going out daily from our home. Mom looks forward to our mailman as she loves handing him her little bundle of love to go to those that are fortunate to be on her list. She is an awesome lady.

Card Giveaway entrant! I really like that sending a physical card in the mail gives you a record or memory to keep of that person – their handwriting, their note to you, and it’s now such a surprise. I still have hand-written notes from my mom and grandma and they mean the world to me. Thanks!

I love getting a letter or note in the mail. There is nothing like cuddling up in a comfortable chair and savoring over the letter or note. You cannot do that with an e-mail.
Marilyn

I love sending out personalized cards and letters to people that I care about because it let’s them know that I care about them, and that they are special to me. I know that the mail will brighten their day, and it makes me smile thinking about that. Receiving happy mail is far and in between but it makes my heart all warm and fuzzy! Thanks for this awesome give away!!

I exchange letters with a woman I worked with almost 15 years ago. To take the time and sit down with pen and paper I feel shows that person that you really care.

I just turned 58 but I can still see my precious grandmother’s home made cards. A sweet little note with a picture of a bird, flower or a poem written especially for me. I cherish the memories of being loved so very much. I look at my hands now and I see hers. My prayer for my grandchildren is that they too may feel the love that even death cannot take away long after I am gone.Everyone’s hand writing is unique,cards help us realize that and help us know love is like that as well.

Your cards are very beautiful. I really miss receiving cards and hand written letters. That is a part of my past that I won’t let go of. I still send cards for any reason and always send special Christmas cards. It is sad when each year the return Christmas cards become fewer because people don’t want to pay the price for a stamp or take time from their busy lives.
Not long ago, I bought stationary and used a nice pen to write letters to friends and family, no one returned a hand written letter. I love writing letters and cards and will continue sending them because it makes my heart feel good.
Happy Thanksgiving

Deb! Beautiful! Those cards are just plain fun, warm, and beautiful. Great eye! I love the familiar penmanship. I love that you know you were in someone’s thoughts as you receive snail mail in an instant gratification, texting world. I can barely make it inside my house before I’ve opened and devoured every word of a hand written note. I love looking back at those notes. I have notes/cards from my very special grandmother from years before she passed. I have notes from my baby sister when I went off to college and she was but a fifth grader back at home. And on and on. Mine are in a box, but I think I’m gonna find me a cute vintage suitcase!

The amazing part about relating to your story is the fact that I actually received a hand written card from one of my fellow farmgirls in the mail today and ran straight in the house to open it before anything else! You really do get excited to receive that old-fashioned snail mail. I enjoy sending old-fashioned cards because it allows me to be creative and keep things personal. It means so much more to eliminate the technology and let others know that you really are there and thinking of them by taking time to write them.

what a beautiful collection!

Love your newsletter! I have learned so much & you always have a positive attitude!
Thanks, thanks, thanks!

Great idea! I love the cards and I know anyone receiving them would certainly appreciate it. Have a blessed holiday!

Sue

Receiving cards and letters was and is always a treat. Be it pen pals many years ago or friends spread across the USA. I still try to keep the tradition alive although I admit that email makes it so easy to just type away. But I still love a hand made card. PS If I don’t win can I buy a set? I’m lovin your pictures!

I love to send cards of encouragement or just a hello to my family and friends. I have a few Aunts who are not on the internet and while phone calls are nice they tell me it is a joy to get the mail and find a card or letter. I love the selection you have and would like to share them. Thank you.

I sent a card last Saturday as a matter of fact. I’d rather send birthday greetings to family and close friends by USPS rather than email. A note or letter can be cherished and remind me to be thankful for the one who sent it.

Love, love your cards. I still send card for occasions, but I also send cards for no reason. Just a note to brighten someones day. Even my grand children love getting cards. But, boy oh boy! They don’t teach cursive in school anymore. So good luck, kids these days can’t read it, so you must print. Sad, sad that beautiful hand writing is going away!

My sister and I enjoy finding unique cards to send to each other. We send cards for all occasions. And sometimes just because. I just took a class in making embroidery cards. Just sent one out the other day. I think it is sad that people don’t take the time for letter writing. It is a lost art, but not for me. I will continue sending my cards and letters.

I love sending and receiving note cards. Especially ones made by the sender. I love making note cards as well. All my recipients remark how much it means to them. Keep up your lovely photo shoots. I love every picture you have shared on this site.

I love the cards that someone has spent time to pick out just for you, and the art of handwriting is so beautiful…It expresses that you are WORTH the time!
Receiving the card makes me feel like it was a touch of the person, like a hug!!!!

A pretty card can be displayed. I tuck them into the edges of picture frames, under the edges of my kitchen cabinets, peeking out from behind mirrors. When they fall down, I usually replace them with new ones, but sometimes not. Currently I have a Valentine from last winter, a five month old birthday card from my granddaughter and another one from my grandson. But I also display notes, snapshots, leaves and pinecones. They keep me inspired.

While living in Germany, our 4th grade teacher connected each of us to another 4th grader in the US so that we could write to each other. That first start of letter-writing has led to many years of sending letters to family and friends. And now I send over 30 postcards to my great-nieces and nephew, brothers and sister, and many friends whenever my husband and I travel in the United States and especially when we are in other countries. How exciting to get a stamp from Iceland!

I always look forward to your posts, Deb. I am a Beach Girl at heart. “Snail Mail” is still the best, and I always try to send a few notes out. Anyone who gives me a gift or a gift of they time, gets a handwritten thank you. People say they don’t have time, well I don’t either, but I do make time. I firmly believe in random acts of kindness, and a thoughtful letter or note is tops on my list! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

But how are we to send you nice cards and notes if we don’t know your name and mailing address?

What a lovely idea Deb! Every word is true, I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive a special card, just for them, in the mail! Thanks for the offer and Happy Thanksgiving. Sandi on the Cape

I love to send and receive, cards. The beauty about them is that , not only has the time been taken to send your thoughts, you can read them over and over. I miss the times before computers when writing was an art. I have boxes full of beautiful sentiments from friends and family. Some of my favorites are from my kids do course… All those mothers’ day cards, & the ones before they could even write their names….

Your cards are absolutely gorgeous, & I would be honored to be able to send them to friends & family.
Becky in Orem, UT

Good Morning!

My mother is 84 years old and still writes cards and letters to family and friends. I often tell her she should write short stories because she has such a way with telling others special things she wants to share. Family and friends tell us how much they look forward to her letters. Birthday cards, etc. are also going out daily from our home. Mom looks forward to our mailman as she loves handing him her little bundle of love to go to those that are fortunate to be on her list. She is an awesome lady.

Card Giveaway entrant! I really like that sending a physical card in the mail gives you a record or memory to keep of that person – their handwriting, their note to you, and it’s now such a surprise. I still have hand-written notes from my mom and grandma and they mean the world to me. Thanks!

I love getting a letter or note in the mail. There is nothing like cuddling up in a comfortable chair and savoring over the letter or note. You cannot do that with an e-mail.
Marilyn

I love sending out personalized cards and letters to people that I care about because it let’s them know that I care about them, and that they are special to me. I know that the mail will brighten their day, and it makes me smile thinking about that. Receiving happy mail is far and in between but it makes my heart all warm and fuzzy! Thanks for this awesome give away!!

I exchange letters with a woman I worked with almost 15 years ago. To take the time and sit down with pen and paper I feel shows that person that you really care.

I just turned 58 but I can still see my precious grandmother’s home made cards. A sweet little note with a picture of a bird, flower or a poem written especially for me. I cherish the memories of being loved so very much. I look at my hands now and I see hers. My prayer for my grandchildren is that they too may feel the love that even death cannot take away long after I am gone.Everyone’s hand writing is unique,cards help us realize that and help us know love is like that as well.

Your cards are very beautiful. I really miss receiving cards and hand written letters. That is a part of my past that I won’t let go of. I still send cards for any reason and always send special Christmas cards. It is sad when each year the return Christmas cards become fewer because people don’t want to pay the price for a stamp or take time from their busy lives.
Not long ago, I bought stationary and used a nice pen to write letters to friends and family, no one returned a hand written letter. I love writing letters and cards and will continue sending them because it makes my heart feel good.
Happy Thanksgiving

Deb! Beautiful! Those cards are just plain fun, warm, and beautiful. Great eye! I love the familiar penmanship. I love that you know you were in someone’s thoughts as you receive snail mail in an instant gratification, texting world. I can barely make it inside my house before I’ve opened and devoured every word of a hand written note. I love looking back at those notes. I have notes/cards from my very special grandmother from years before she passed. I have notes from my baby sister when I went off to college and she was but a fifth grader back at home. And on and on. Mine are in a box, but I think I’m gonna find me a cute vintage suitcase!

The amazing part about relating to your story is the fact that I actually received a hand written card from one of my fellow farmgirls in the mail today and ran straight in the house to open it before anything else! You really do get excited to receive that old-fashioned snail mail. I enjoy sending old-fashioned cards because it allows me to be creative and keep things personal. It means so much more to eliminate the technology and let others know that you really are there and thinking of them by taking time to write them.

Absolutely breathtaking !!!! What a beautiful area! My wonderful husband and I happily married now. For 32 years!! Also from Reno!! Well although we lived in Sparks for the last 16 years ! We followed our COUNTRY DREAM ! And now live outside of Boise ! Idaho! On our 26 acre farm! Chickens,dogs! Cat! Goats and horses! Too! EIEiO ! We have been here two years now and go to Reno every couple of months for various reasons! Our grandson is at UNR! Miss it sometimes but we are WELL adjusted now and with only being 6hours away from Sparks, it’s ok! Pi don’t think we would ever move back! We have found such a different ! Country peaceful lifestyle here! You are also surrounded by such a different environment than Reno! toooo many people there now ! Anyway! beautiful photos! Soak up the gorgeous beauty that surrounds us noW!!! Your country sister,Cindy

Oh my goodness, Deb. I cannot get over the gorgeous colors. This year I thought our colors in Tennessee were beautiful but they just don’t compare to the New England colors. I’ve got to see them someday.

Your pictures are just fantastic. I love the photo of your Mom – it is beautiful. And of you and your hubby!

Big hugs,

Dori

These photos are breathtaking. The leaves in my neighborhood are not too colorful.
Marilyn

Hi Deb, I too have enjoyed the show this year, here in NY. Just spectacular. Words can’t describe that rich colorful beauty. Congrats on taking some great pix of it!!!!

Thanks again for a wonderful posting – love your pic’s!!! We don’t have a lot of different types of trees BUT what we do have have come out in all their glory, because we have not had snow yet. Every time we even look out the window, we shake our heads in wonder of what has happened in our own yard, never before have we had such beauty. God has shown us some of natures best. Love your Mom’s painted leaves, before reading the caption, I was totally captivated with their beauty, wondering what trees they came from, still they are beautiful. God Bless.

Sounds delish! Here we stuff it with meatloaf! your basic one dish meal. 🙂

Deb,

This recipe looks so good. I’m really eager to try it. I’m not much for baked squash but I’m thinking I’ll like this! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

Hugs,

Dori

Sounds yummy! I usually stuff mine with lentils, celery and onions for one of our meatless dinner selections.

What a creative, beautiful way to use dried corn and hydrangeas! I’m pinning to save in case I have access to hydrangea flowers in the future to make a wreath like yours.

Im jealous…for three years I have not gotten any flowers on My hydrange bushes. I don’t know why….but it has been very cold these last three winter’s In My area. I cant figure out why I havent gotten any blooms on Mine…..other people In My area dont seem to have any issues. Could I be doing something…wrong? Like.. over watering or under watering them? I miss my hydrangea. Susana

WOW everything looks AWESOME. LOVE LOVE LOVE the dried hydrangeas especially since mine didnt even bloom this year. What’s up with that?? Oh well there is always next year. Be Blessed and keep creating beautiful flowers. 🙂 Neta

Right there with you Deb,
this year the weather has caused us to holding on.
My Strawberries & raspberries are still blooming, all in various stages of growth.
Enjoying fresh berries in September. The bees are buzzing around still.
You are not alone Sister… Grace

Deb: Living in Minnesota where after a hard freeze (as you know from living in New England) we don’t have anything alive; I think I am hanging onto the beautiful blooms too. We have had rain here at the right time and things are lush and beautiful. Our fall colors are late because of it. I did put up a few fall decorations but it is still in the low 80s here. Enjoy your flowers. You really have a special gift of combining them in such beautiful combinations. Wish we were closer.

This is my first season planting a flower garden that’s packed full of zinnias, beautiful blue bachelor buttons and love in a mist. It will be bigger and better next year.

So beautiful and thanks for the tutorial!! God bless.

Hi Deb,

It’s gorgeous! Have you seen a picture of the bride with it on? I bet it was beautiful. I’d love to see it. How special that she’ll have that as a keepsake now.

– Dori –

Oh my, Deb!!! You’ve got me tearing up!!! We lost our last dog, a Jack Russell, last summer. He was 15. Our baby girl, another Jack, we lost two years ago. She was 13. We keep saying “no more dogs! No more dogs!” Our hearts have been broken so many times. We just don’t know if we can take it anymore. We’ve been talking Corgi over the past year…but have held strong. We put up the barrier. But then, I see your little guy and my heart just melts! Don’t do this to me!!!! I shake my head and think “no, no”, but my heart is starting to melt. And I thought I was so tough……..

Let’s encourage him. They were great pictures. Back in my simple high school days I tried to get shots like that. I tried on Cape Cod, Long Island, Newport RI, and Connecticut. Enjoyed myself immensely, but of course I didn’t have particularly good cameras or understand different film types etc.

Beautiful! Love the peace of the ocean! Very powerful yet so serene! I’m on my farm in Idaho and I miss the ocean! Next year I’m hoping we will visit ! Take care!

Thanks for posting this! It comes at a very bittersweet time in our lives, too – my oldest son is going off to college this coming-up Tuesday morning.

Plus, a bit of serendipity to sweeten it – this week’s video on marieforleo.com is about taking serious unplugged vacation time to rejuvenate yourself!

Deb, your writing is exquisite! What a wonderful trip to the ocean and the peace and tranquility that it brings.
Enjoy this season of your life. It is bittersweet, but opens up new horizons!
Have a great rest of the summer!

Deb,I don’t know what it’s like to be at the ocean, but in Minnesota we have 15’000 lakes and many rivers that give the same effect. Your pictures are just wonderful. I chuckled at your dog. Our Alaskan Malamute used to lay with his back to the door in the dead of winter with the same pose. Pure delight.

Deb, you are a girl after my own heart. I’m a suburban mountain top farm girl at heart but my first love is the ocean. I am currently mourning the summer and the wonderful times at the beach. My home is quiet now. As my daughter studied abroad in Osaka, Japan for a year things were hectic because of her time being 13 hours ahead of mine we would chat around 4ish in the morning! So not much sleep for me. I did have a housemate for the year. My daughter’s university roommate, a study abroad student from China stayed at our house. We had lots of fun and I can cook some authentic Chinese dishes now! My son graduated last May with his Masters Degree in Higher Ed Counseling from CCSU and has his first real job, so he is away and we are all filled with pride. My daughter will graduate in December this year from UMass Amherst with an independently designed degree in Japanese Commerce and Culture. This week a visiting alumni business owner spoke to her Management theories class and her professor passed along an email saying after speaking with her the CEO thinks he has a department in his company that she would do wonderful in, so she is sending her resume and trying to stay focused on doing well for graduation. I am especially proud of both of my kids’ school efforts as they both had learning disabilities since Grade 1. It took my son 11 years to complete his BS Degree and his Masters. It has taken my daughter 10 years ( 4 yrs part time ) to be on track to graduate in 3 months with her BA Degree and a Minor in Japanese. So I am certain that if my kids can do this nearly child can aspire to one day attend college with patience and hard work. They both have tremendous student loan debt but wouldn’t change a thing. They are both really loving and caring young adults. Although I am disabled now I had some wonderfully fulfilling jobs during my career years. I guess at 61 the only thing I can be is grateful for every day on Earth, and hopes for my kids’ happiness in their future adventures. Well I guess I’ve never been called a brief writer so maybe this will count as my application letter to join the farm girls. You all seem to be full of joy and it’s lovely how you so freely share your experiences. It’s refreshing! PS ….. Your husband’ photos are stunning. Thanks for sharing.