tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47168414637263060142024-03-06T23:40:25.154-08:00The Pastoral Dollmaker~Christine Crocker~they wore tatter'd silke dresses & no shoes on their feet~Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.comBlogger179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-29492430071561964732014-04-28T02:30:00.000-07:002014-04-28T10:39:14.069-07:00flower'd frocks and garden walks~<div style="background-color: white; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN95YMTHYL8dSfY_Ib1uy6vbTTcyHAJY0US169JI0Ce-Mlmf_RuUWm4nB2bW6NDH0n-7pasQrM-1Yuz3GEI4PxU0NNQ08Zbx6elUtJSGkGLSSblOW8-qViLsR_Rg_MUUW1nnqRb5i15wA/s1600/white+crabapple+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN95YMTHYL8dSfY_Ib1uy6vbTTcyHAJY0US169JI0Ce-Mlmf_RuUWm4nB2bW6NDH0n-7pasQrM-1Yuz3GEI4PxU0NNQ08Zbx6elUtJSGkGLSSblOW8-qViLsR_Rg_MUUW1nnqRb5i15wA/s1600/white+crabapple+flowers.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">good morning</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">dear friends~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">as these spring days begin to lengthen and warm,</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">a meadowlark sings in the old rose by the dollhouse door</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">and myself, the doll maker, sits inside, keeping snug by the fire</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">with my sewing in hand.</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">It seems my spirit & my sewing begins to flourish best just when the farm begins</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">to awaken from her long winters nap.</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">So, as these early days of Spring begin to warm and sturdy little green leaves and blooms begin to unfurl</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: -webkit-auto;">you may look forward to </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">that cheerful celebration of wonderful surprises with flowr'd frocks & garden walks</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">and little dolls all in a row.</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Christine</span></div>
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Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-89059359294808311242014-04-23T08:12:00.000-07:002014-04-23T11:19:29.795-07:00News from Deerfield Farmhouse ~ Spring 2014 Issue of Doll News Journal ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">Hello dear Friends~ </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;">I'm so very happy to share this news with all of you~</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;">I wanted to let you all know that the Spring issue of</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; position: static; text-align: center; z-index: auto;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;">the <a href="http://ufdc.org/doll-news/" target="_blank">Doll News Journal</a> is just now out.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; position: static; text-align: center; z-index: auto;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;">The Deerfield Ladyes and I are deeply honored to be published in this</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;"> beautiful issue of the magazine,</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; position: static; text-align: center; z-index: auto;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;">which is entirely devoted to </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; position: static; text-align: center; z-index: auto;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;">dear</span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; position: static; text-align: center; z-index: auto;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;">~ <span style="font-size: large;">T</span><span style="font-size: medium;">asha </span><span style="font-size: large;">T</span><span style="font-size: medium;">udor~</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: inherit;">and you all know how very much I admire dear Tasha~</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-1Gumvi-je1JbB_RkHuGKPhGsuJGKYaAiWtpWFHcqTsC6W9FfknwYkpQg8DQvoPBb4PCgeJo3Q0zRWWn6-xrEilDW0jxZcsAXqL70KQzhiFhzqn5i4TB8Yemwo6PMDtp-fXPCe09HtU/s1600/Doll+News+Spring+2014+cover+461x604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-1Gumvi-je1JbB_RkHuGKPhGsuJGKYaAiWtpWFHcqTsC6W9FfknwYkpQg8DQvoPBb4PCgeJo3Q0zRWWn6-xrEilDW0jxZcsAXqL70KQzhiFhzqn5i4TB8Yemwo6PMDtp-fXPCe09HtU/s1600/Doll+News+Spring+2014+cover+461x604.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH95z__Zq_OG0UkQC8FmEWGPf-hIFFGNmSSEtLyJhVd52CqH7E5vya77yVkSL9MmhRwmHdOdtKLGiW25wBqG8VF4EGH22sRlZRHn2fdCkJInBB-oXOALPxCykt5o_Qxc37BhmgkLdaLjA/s1600/2014-04-23+10.49.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH95z__Zq_OG0UkQC8FmEWGPf-hIFFGNmSSEtLyJhVd52CqH7E5vya77yVkSL9MmhRwmHdOdtKLGiW25wBqG8VF4EGH22sRlZRHn2fdCkJInBB-oXOALPxCykt5o_Qxc37BhmgkLdaLjA/s1600/2014-04-23+10.49.52.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">~ first pages ~</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">It is a very beautiful and wonderful issue produced by long time Tasha Tudor </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">appreciator and doll lover, volunteer editress, Laurie McGill.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"> My article was beautifully written by</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">associate editor, Ann M. Leis.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><i>Thank you, thank you dear ladies</i>!!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">~you can subscribe to get yours by clicking the link above and visiting their website~</span></div>
Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-75975187158966021092014-04-19T13:48:00.000-07:002014-04-19T13:48:12.954-07:00Easter blossoms~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqcxfzA1g1WG7Bkp_BB2v2IyzjS0rOvpQzVCVGpg0k5Uu5LtZOQyIfGjj27HwsScT7yv7Ado9BVY8Xmit6OGZZRmLPG8eQgzxsSQ17lt0isfB1pOd75qqC5Td7VWb1gm5yJQ83P8_thw/s1600/20140419_095618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqcxfzA1g1WG7Bkp_BB2v2IyzjS0rOvpQzVCVGpg0k5Uu5LtZOQyIfGjj27HwsScT7yv7Ado9BVY8Xmit6OGZZRmLPG8eQgzxsSQ17lt0isfB1pOd75qqC5Td7VWb1gm5yJQ83P8_thw/s1600/20140419_095618.jpg" height="640" width="410" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">the delicate blooms of white crabapple blossoms</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">fill the old house with their scent</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">and remind us</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">that today is a day of </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">joy, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">remembrance</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wishing you all a very </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Easter~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">with love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">on this day,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Christine & family</span></div>
Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-6679772063963094872014-03-02T14:51:00.000-08:002014-03-02T14:51:17.544-08:00 Sunday supper~ Hen Pott Pye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkew5PKVT9WfHXQ0jSdGlC1sd45-68QUNDFRry9mk-Dey3w5eoCBYODuHcr1YKlBESJe9Qsu-YarF39TKWIAzvrSy7jBpK05SqcCIepa6rFMoF7OYhILWiOmx33vZUzGktHi8M057VHc/s1600/hen+pott+pye+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkew5PKVT9WfHXQ0jSdGlC1sd45-68QUNDFRry9mk-Dey3w5eoCBYODuHcr1YKlBESJe9Qsu-YarF39TKWIAzvrSy7jBpK05SqcCIepa6rFMoF7OYhILWiOmx33vZUzGktHi8M057VHc/s1600/hen+pott+pye+003.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fragrant, bubbly and hot from the oven for our Sunday supper</div>
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Hen Pott Pye</div>
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We have freezing rain and more weather coming over the hills towards us from the mountains~</div>
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Our March weather is always contrary, so we've got a good fire going in the big fireplace, a good old movie going and having our supper in front of it~</div>
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I hope that your day has been a good one, doing something you enjoy~</div>
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love,</div>
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Christine</div>
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Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-82655196753196071272014-02-14T12:15:00.001-08:002014-02-14T12:15:31.695-08:00from me to thee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1hMxlQPWGjwMxV9VQDjRXth7mx04FyLgBebLhRmftSzFPNg8Gwh5svd7ZewFbcYDQNDAc3gL2H2qoYPf8sjfNcEupginQozE5-f90RtIAHYFy0QfK53Mkp_N2sgKoeDRtdbcClKGiAo/s1600/valentine+for+a+ladye+feb+14+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1hMxlQPWGjwMxV9VQDjRXth7mx04FyLgBebLhRmftSzFPNg8Gwh5svd7ZewFbcYDQNDAc3gL2H2qoYPf8sjfNcEupginQozE5-f90RtIAHYFy0QfK53Mkp_N2sgKoeDRtdbcClKGiAo/s1600/valentine+for+a+ladye+feb+14+2013.jpg" height="640" width="479" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>ime is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> but for those who love,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> time is eternity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> ~Henry Van Dyke</span><br />
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I send my love</div>
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from me</div>
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to thee~</div>
Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-87902966792840169382013-11-11T21:29:00.000-08:002014-04-16T21:36:01.221-07:00Ode to the Farmer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QT0gxC4XH1aRJn85kgfnht9EFbGDFYTy0jaN22xHlcUwVce07R1CHI8nBXrW-8NcBcVZnKt9Ej8PPD94-ndKVGCBvZZN9hPD3FIaay2-vbFlbG3uKgtPY-dRESJQl9j-SEXP161s6_U/s1600/odetothefarmer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QT0gxC4XH1aRJn85kgfnht9EFbGDFYTy0jaN22xHlcUwVce07R1CHI8nBXrW-8NcBcVZnKt9Ej8PPD94-ndKVGCBvZZN9hPD3FIaay2-vbFlbG3uKgtPY-dRESJQl9j-SEXP161s6_U/s1600/odetothefarmer.JPG" height="604" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-70991098103924165582013-10-31T15:34:00.001-07:002013-10-31T15:34:14.895-07:00Ol' Stingy Jack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8A8G-6kfEKXv2WIb4vsyD5-rMTMjX9-pfG4cJdLLIt91WdMwEhBYDDpK_oMiDzw3x76cmZdqlaBx7gBG04OBHhw7LKko5noRxwRbCzyllCUkmkfN4Ieh0UpJ68of3leSNuHbdblrcfQ/s1600/stingy+jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8A8G-6kfEKXv2WIb4vsyD5-rMTMjX9-pfG4cJdLLIt91WdMwEhBYDDpK_oMiDzw3x76cmZdqlaBx7gBG04OBHhw7LKko5noRxwRbCzyllCUkmkfN4Ieh0UpJ68of3leSNuHbdblrcfQ/s640/stingy+jack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ol' Stingy Jack </div>
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sending wishes for a Spooky All Hallow's Eve~</div>
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Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-70364368311969141202013-08-28T14:01:00.001-07:002013-08-28T14:19:53.766-07:00Happy Birthday, dear Tasha Tudor, with love<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3ouZjFPwdItjfhvJ9ajzbioqgHYtoh5ygvTo6maNTtDtEKmMy-5vrLIhg5M4GMtDqAXWY-UkH-rbQoi4DwzcdI5w70hHJXmgViH8lo4QNvA0CxPQ-vLC4mRUBfo1MZjmoT7b5kHvajE/s1600/drawn+from+new+england+happy+98th++birthday+Tasha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3ouZjFPwdItjfhvJ9ajzbioqgHYtoh5ygvTo6maNTtDtEKmMy-5vrLIhg5M4GMtDqAXWY-UkH-rbQoi4DwzcdI5w70hHJXmgViH8lo4QNvA0CxPQ-vLC4mRUBfo1MZjmoT7b5kHvajE/s640/drawn+from+new+england+happy+98th++birthday+Tasha.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">A</span> tinge of fragrant wood smoke is curling up from our chimney into the chilly air above our old farmhouse this early morning. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;">T</span>he sun has not come up over the hills just yet and I am here writing to you by candle light, with a proper cup of hot tea to drink and a sleepy kitten lying on my lap.</div>
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A perfect early morning to quietly reflect on how such an extraordinary woman, <a href="http://www.tashatudorandfamily.com/"><span style="color: #339999;"><span style="font-size: 180%;">T</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">asha</span> <span style="font-size: 180%;">T</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">udor</span></span></a>, touched my life completely. </div>
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Today would be her 98<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span></span></span> birthday and in celebration of </div>
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the amazing life she led</div>
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I'll go about my day as I always do...enjoying each quiet moment and task. </div>
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Shortbread cookies will be baking for afternoon tea, hand sewing the hem of a small linen petticoat for a doll, reading a few pages of a treasured book of Tasha's extraordinary life...</div>
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and in keeping these little rituals we all feel the loss of her a little less and somehow, </div>
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we feel even more connected to her and to all those whose lives she touched.</div>
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~</div>
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Tonight as I cook over the fire and light our evening with hand made candles, </div>
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we go on.</div>
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Enjoying our family and each season as it comes, without rushing... it is the quiet celebrating of taking joy and the gentle side of life that she loved and bestowed on us all. </div>
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~</div>
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My gardens speak of her, with herbs and old roses and deep indigo lupine-late blooming this summer~ the tangled potato & pumpkin patch and apples hanging from the trees down in the old orchard.</div>
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My attempt at knitting a shawl, slow going as I have so many irons in the fire, is snuggled in a basket by my chair. I hoped to have it ready by the time the first frost nipped my cheek on my early morning walks through the gardens. </div>
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As chilly as it is this morning, I know </div>
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I must knit a little more each evening now....</div>
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Each thing we do here as we live our lives close to the land, every dream we dream.</div>
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everything has it's roots growing deep in Tasha's garden.</div>
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The seeds that she planted in the hearts of those who loved her are </div>
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growing and stretching towards a deep blue summer sky today.</div>
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~ </div>
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The garden that was planted in my heart the day I first read a story of her, first saw her gardens, stood by her barn door, amazed at how tiny she was, first hearing her voice and chuckled at her wry New England humor.</div>
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I was given a name for what I already loved...</div>
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but just didn't know...</div>
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a candle was lit...a garden planted...</div>
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and there, I found my kindred spirit.</div>
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What a gift she was to us.</div>
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and is still...<br />
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<a href="http://thepastoraldollmaker.blogspot.com/2008/07/road-to-tashas.html"><span style="color: #339999;">http://thepastoraldollmaker.blogspot.com/2008/07/road-to-tashas.html</span></a><br />
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The Tudor Family is having a very special giveaway to celebrate dear Tasha Tudor's 98th Birthday !!<br />
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<a href="http://www.rookeryramblings.com/2013/08/tasha-tudor-day-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Rookery Ramblings Tasha Tudor Day Giveaway</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">~this is a repost of my thoughts on Tasha's 95th birthday~</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">still feeling the same~ still missing her~</span></div>
Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-48440351610317011092013-08-25T11:52:00.002-07:002013-08-25T11:52:26.887-07:00sunday morning~ a little herb strewing~<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"Herbs do comfort the wearied braine with fragrant smells which yield a
certain kinde of nourishment."-</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">William Coles, 1656. </span></div>
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</span><span style="font-size: small;">I've been cutting herbs to hang from the beams in the little house this
morning~ the fragrance of lavender, costmary -bible leaf- and lemon balm hanging
overhead and strewn across the wood floors has filled the rooms~ so calming and
refreshing ~ it makes this such a serene place to be in while I work, getting
the little house ready for doll making.</span><br />
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<br />Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-64835403126642391662013-08-21T13:02:00.003-07:002013-08-21T14:54:12.794-07:00peace and plenty & a simple life indeed~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Fall 2013 issue of A Simple Life has arrived at last!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">and what a beautiful issue it is~</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">filled with wonderful articles, stories and beautiful photos~</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">as well as my essay,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">~the Old Chair~</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">you can order your own issue or subscribe to </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.asimplelifemagazine.com/Subscriptions.html" target="_blank">A Simple Life</a> magazine</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">~~~</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My lovely Peace and Plenty sampler was stitched by me using one of the wonderful sampler designs designed by folk artist and needlework artist</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/notforgottenfarm?ref=em" target="_blank">Lori Brechlin of Notforgotten Farm</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I absolutely love it~</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">it's folky and early, like all of Lori's wonderful designs </span><span style="font-size: large;">& just right for our old farmhouse here on</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Deerfield Farm~</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-10363001584698490372013-07-04T12:57:00.004-07:002013-07-04T12:57:36.511-07:00let us then live in peace<div align="center">
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'<span style="font-size: x-large;">L</span>et us then live in peace and friendship together, doing to each other all the good we can.”</div>
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~Thomas Jefferson~<br /><br /><br /> A wonderfully wise man,<br /> our Thomas Jefferson ~</div>
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<br /><span class="text_exposed_show"> born in Shadwell, Virginia <br /> on Apr. 13, 1743<br /><br /> and died at his beloved home, Monticello<br /> in Charlottesville, Virginia<br /> July 4, 1826, <br /> the 50th anniversary <br /> of the Declaration of Independence</span></div>
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Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-48929601492841202582013-05-27T09:38:00.003-07:002013-05-27T09:38:38.764-07:00in remembrance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoL4VcUzAt7P9-YrKAhrXZfjaizLgoPV-uYhBMXfI6yUqzoJPDM0bM8A_bSLweMzOseybLiU9Pdcdcgtd7_wr6VG3BpUsH-DCzluDiCT8PTVOvHtQb2j1ifN7E5ZdMLU8UnB7kwyBr7WY/s1600/remembrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoL4VcUzAt7P9-YrKAhrXZfjaizLgoPV-uYhBMXfI6yUqzoJPDM0bM8A_bSLweMzOseybLiU9Pdcdcgtd7_wr6VG3BpUsH-DCzluDiCT8PTVOvHtQb2j1ifN7E5ZdMLU8UnB7kwyBr7WY/s640/remembrance.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-85253995315469378142013-05-24T08:13:00.001-07:002013-05-24T08:13:46.178-07:00peaceful and content<span class="userContent"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
We woke to a very wet and chilly early morning here on Deerfield Farm. Every leaf, every blade of grass and the mint fields stretching out to meet the hills are covered with droplets of rain and everything in such beautiful shades of gree<span class="text_exposed_hide">n...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Mist covers the low places and the pond and doves are calling back and forth. The scent of wood smoke in the air from our chimney.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> It reminds me very much of visiting Tasha Tudor's home and gardens in her beautiful kingdom of Vermont. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUZW3HwC-6nBK-0G0kGteUo3cHCrfa6JlxUFd0bw_WHsEI04v1ajC5X6GVVFiCAtEo8aZdbmezB4G8EQ2ZaX4h8uK0ILHZ0KCLk_tpkvqjPnNES2NaYaezRaWfXdxsGykcP38h7Ep3Wg/s1600/TashaTudor+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUZW3HwC-6nBK-0G0kGteUo3cHCrfa6JlxUFd0bw_WHsEI04v1ajC5X6GVVFiCAtEo8aZdbmezB4G8EQ2ZaX4h8uK0ILHZ0KCLk_tpkvqjPnNES2NaYaezRaWfXdxsGykcP38h7Ep3Wg/s640/TashaTudor+garden.jpg" width="622" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> photo of Tasha Tudor's gardens by Richard Brown</span><br />
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Wishing you all a beautiful Memorial weekend, be safe and enjoy this beautiful spring day!</div>
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<br /> And here is a little something for you~</div>
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~~~</div>
<span class="text_exposed_show"> "<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> n the dark of early morning just between fading starlight and the first bird call, she opened the door out into the kitchen garden.<br /><br /> Wrapping her shawl closer, she stepped onto the stone stoop. Sipping hot tea from an old handless cup decorated with mulberry-black pastoral views, held in both hands. Steam rose from her cup, she sighed with content, warming her hands against the early morning chill. <br /><br /> The fresh scent of garden herbes and the apothecary rose enveloped her as she stood in the doorway. Rain left droplets along the saw tooth leaves of the Ladyes Mantle and there, a small cottontail darted away from his breakfast of tender lettices.<br /> As the pale light came through the trees she could see that it would be a damp day. She drank the last sip of tea & slipping the empty cup into the pocket hidden beneath her flowered petticoat, she walked down the brick path, out of the kitchen yard and down a trail through the tall grass into the apple trees...."<br /><br /> excerpt from " Song of the Doll maker" by Christine Crocker of Deerfield Farmhouse <br /> published in "A Simple Life Magazine" Winter issue 2010.<br /><br /> photo by Richard Brown of Tasha Tudor's gardens </span><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
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<br /></span> Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-51072974922696522682013-03-31T17:38:00.000-07:002013-03-31T17:38:26.861-07:00 Easter Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGt4g_fx04r1xy8QEYgzsmjc0i8b3EZk6SebtmEjnd6BvBl2YYntBNBYGHdrZz4MNwD79_u5wga4myjtmGVJRV_afPBsKQ6FIH9jzuZasiJKY4bZeFvga48F3syG1rHzROS7uWyj64TnI/s1600/simnasho+Warm+Springs+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGt4g_fx04r1xy8QEYgzsmjc0i8b3EZk6SebtmEjnd6BvBl2YYntBNBYGHdrZz4MNwD79_u5wga4myjtmGVJRV_afPBsKQ6FIH9jzuZasiJKY4bZeFvga48F3syG1rHzROS7uWyj64TnI/s640/simnasho+Warm+Springs+church.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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the old church at Simnashio</div>
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I hope you all had the loveliest of Easter Sundays~</div>
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I hope that you have had a day of Rejoicing and</div>
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filled with love and family,</div>
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a chocolate bunny or egg or two,</div>
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and a moment to reflect in the beauty of this day~</div>
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it has been the loveliest Easter Sunday.</div>
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a spring like day, warm soft air, birds singing,</div>
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a chorus of frogs down in the creek, daffodils</div>
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waving in the warm breeze.</div>
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The lawn has sparkles of brightly colored egg shell remnants left from</div>
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the Bunny McEggers Grand and Great</div>
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Easter Egg & Scavenger Hunt...</div>
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another great success!</div>
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Thanks so much Uncle Bryan!!</div>
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Great Grandma & Grandpa were here today</div>
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holding great grand babies and visiting </div>
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~lots of wonderful food and laughter~</div>
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I think my house was rattling with all the laughing and</div>
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everyone talking at once...</div>
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my very favorite thing is to sit back and watch them enjoying each other and themselves. </div>
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To let fleeting times like these just flow over me and soak into my soul.</div>
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Looking around our table at all the people I love together, talking and laughing.</div>
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Eating wonderful food that we all made together, the little ones frosted the cookies and hung them</div>
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on the Easter cookie tree, a little frosting on the corner of each little mouth, using their best</div>
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table manners, using the good silver, drinking from old pressed glass glasses, napkins carefully placed just so...please and thank you...my Mother exclaiming at their table manners...</div>
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just a lovely day together, nothing amiss, sharing food and love for each other.</div>
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The big & best things in life are indeed the little things. </div>
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Our days are made up of precious little things that make the big things...</div>
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wonderful Easter egg and spring flowered colors..</div>
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memories.</div>
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wishing you all a wonderful week ahead,</div>
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love to you,</div>
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Christine</div>
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Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-25299968676001793862013-03-29T07:32:00.002-07:002013-03-29T07:58:05.824-07:00good friday sunrise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0D9DlePiF6eWtufOkyS0eqh_PqmAl0t6Moqw6R031M3hT7njC2odQA_XTqwyhlH11t87FGwNzC7cFtnQZToBYwSY5byd5s3g13BTb4Ec4Ahed7DdCccnl-MMYLctgHSPBOx7tkiWtlw/s1600/sunday+sunrise+march+24+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0D9DlePiF6eWtufOkyS0eqh_PqmAl0t6Moqw6R031M3hT7njC2odQA_XTqwyhlH11t87FGwNzC7cFtnQZToBYwSY5byd5s3g13BTb4Ec4Ahed7DdCccnl-MMYLctgHSPBOx7tkiWtlw/s640/sunday+sunrise+march+24+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Good Friday sunrise over our little Deerfield Farm<br />
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~Wishing you all a happy and Blessed Good Friday ~</div>
Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-37833649932901540452013-03-25T13:56:00.001-07:002013-03-25T13:58:51.900-07:00soon.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzn5InOMS2aceMSjNse-TZfLss5fV0LyJVTNswYpNm397DuoZBsWkiSPDFL2HnihRGYOnYpj08g8ps9BFhEFH8I_QD5n1pwKQ0XCxx3y6Vwd5bcRX3d93uAyoeQAuKJq7VFrbZp8rY8oM/s1600/may+gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzn5InOMS2aceMSjNse-TZfLss5fV0LyJVTNswYpNm397DuoZBsWkiSPDFL2HnihRGYOnYpj08g8ps9BFhEFH8I_QD5n1pwKQ0XCxx3y6Vwd5bcRX3d93uAyoeQAuKJq7VFrbZp8rY8oM/s640/may+gardens.jpg" ssa="true" width="478" /></a></div>
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my garden last spring</div>
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<br />
<br />
this winter weary season will quietly come back to life~</div>
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in indigo,cerise and lime..<br />
with soft warm air, meadowlarks and frog-song lullabies...<br />
armloads of long stemmed purple doubled lilacs..<br />
<br />
I'm digging in the garden today.<br />
Moving old brick, neatening edges...sorrowing a lost rose...<br />
glad at so many volunteer columbine under the leaf mulch,<br />
pale green yellow of the poplar grove trees...<br />
soon..<br />
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I hope that the sun is shining on you wherever you might be today. </div>
Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-47456821495127950362013-03-20T19:21:00.002-07:002013-03-20T19:25:04.785-07:00riding the wind with love and popsickle smiles~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ihTCXNHgb4Il8JvYNFRQPY7qwm82uCfq8J1s9gZtYfS7ZpzBwHNuzX8XAeZ3Dmtt4ZcO158c046q3isjGoui3Tcqf8__qcwdb5VZvzTtZLI3vyftFNib7q6H8hMo3LRGGKLw3LfzHXg/s1600/my+grandbabies+Large+e-mail+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ihTCXNHgb4Il8JvYNFRQPY7qwm82uCfq8J1s9gZtYfS7ZpzBwHNuzX8XAeZ3Dmtt4ZcO158c046q3isjGoui3Tcqf8__qcwdb5VZvzTtZLI3vyftFNib7q6H8hMo3LRGGKLw3LfzHXg/s640/my+grandbabies+Large+e-mail+view.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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the March winds whip, blow and howl. It teases, tickles and torments, like cousins will do to one another. </div>
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wild winds carry away the dry leaves, dust and last remnants of grey days, </div>
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soft rain washes the winter weary faces of the counryside</div>
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and in it's place~</div>
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fresh green pastures filled with wildflowers and grasses and ocean blue skies~</div>
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days like today leave us with the promise that soft warm days are peeking</div>
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around the corner just waiting to be lolled and luxuriated in...</div>
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with popsicle smiles and bare feet. </div>
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these are the happy little sunshine faces</div>
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that I love... so much that it truly hurts...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0aHwc-ETa1TzaY6vOaAll3MPqBTU7xkeHlX6N40ICyQMXXnlvKd6Igy6YZ6AnjcxGFT3DaCOC5xGOTVmM2Db5LUW8jnUJ7IwUNuOrV29pQLgMw1PWuOy6RnvCFMvZDS9FeGR98qZW-Y/s1600/little+matthew+bozarth+wearing+grampa+bobs+hat+February+22+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0aHwc-ETa1TzaY6vOaAll3MPqBTU7xkeHlX6N40ICyQMXXnlvKd6Igy6YZ6AnjcxGFT3DaCOC5xGOTVmM2Db5LUW8jnUJ7IwUNuOrV29pQLgMw1PWuOy6RnvCFMvZDS9FeGR98qZW-Y/s320/little+matthew+bozarth+wearing+grampa+bobs+hat+February+22+2013.JPG" width="236" /></a></div>
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and then...there is this little man...</div>
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...lordy..</div>
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oh me, oh my, how much can one Grandma's heart take...</div>
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well, I'll take all of it, </div>
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Happy First Day of Spring!</div>
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Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-56323477392345387472013-03-01T11:43:00.003-08:002013-03-05T12:02:35.542-08:00warming in the early morning sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHzhKa8wCISNg7t_sE2hkdXwDZVamgSTRN1YMmu0-JPSqgXbNVM87pHAGSx8OJpXYL3qpIvE21RgS3GTaFO_VdNRhTRJZrefMKByHh9QZ1an2n_sGLWYGRJXY9UFNDNgu9Kb9IsdcazQ/s1600/early+lamb+march+1+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHzhKa8wCISNg7t_sE2hkdXwDZVamgSTRN1YMmu0-JPSqgXbNVM87pHAGSx8OJpXYL3qpIvE21RgS3GTaFO_VdNRhTRJZrefMKByHh9QZ1an2n_sGLWYGRJXY9UFNDNgu9Kb9IsdcazQ/s640/early+lamb+march+1+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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~ early morning sun warming my favorite chalk lamb hand made by <a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/photos/nettylacroix" target="_blank">Netty</a>~</div>
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"The March wind roars</div>
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Like a lion in the sky,</div>
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And makes us shiver</div>
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As he passes by. </div>
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When winds are soft,</div>
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And the days are warm and clear,</div>
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Just like a gentle lamb,</div>
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Then spring is here."</div>
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Our first day of March here on Deerfield Farm is warm and calm winded. Robins and Red-Winged blackbirds fill the trees with singing and flitting from the water barrel and then to the wet earth to stretch a worm from it's sleepy garden bed.</div>
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There's a slight yellow-greening of the tree tops down in the poplar grove and in the tea fields, tiny mint leaves, burrowed down in the winter mulch have begin to send out dark runners.</div>
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The rhubarb has deep red shoots pushing up through it's blanket of grass hay and the old lilacs by the barn door have fat buds.</div>
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I know this calmness and first taste of a soft and almost warm day, with the grass fields beginning to lose it ochre and put up it's tufts of spring greens, is only a fleeting taste for us.</div>
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The winds begin to blow and howl when Spring first decides to grace us with her presence.</div>
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So, this calm and almost warm first day of March is so welcome to our winter weary souls.</div>
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I hope that wherever you are, that the sun is shining on your face and the sure hope of Spring warming your hearts!</div>
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Happy March my friends!</div>
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love,C.</div>
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Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-17852785519663445232013-02-16T10:29:00.003-08:002013-02-16T10:34:07.367-08:00our Humble is so very pleased<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE8qRkXReCa94MnkrOAOyPhR4EvNXJlS1SPIieX50PfqZg_nlgf3A4EMOK-lv7RvP1lWk0E_ES9_3k5cO6sC34Knr5anL7fUBRMGg-gsWV6phXxKiyGu6rqrHkkiiCdlj7G_mSHzjnCE/s1600/Project1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE8qRkXReCa94MnkrOAOyPhR4EvNXJlS1SPIieX50PfqZg_nlgf3A4EMOK-lv7RvP1lWk0E_ES9_3k5cO6sC34Knr5anL7fUBRMGg-gsWV6phXxKiyGu6rqrHkkiiCdlj7G_mSHzjnCE/s640/Project1.png" uea="true" width="636" /></a></div>
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little Humble recently became the very happy owner of her very</div>
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own wee Sewing Coffer and a Farmer's Wife flax comb~</div>
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both are lovingly hand made<br />
by Lori & Peter Brechlin</div>
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of <a href="http://farmhousenotforgotten.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #783f04;"><em>Notforgotten Farm</em></span></a><br />
<br />
are they not the loveliest little things?<br />
<br />
Peter hand made them and Lori has given them her special graining and aging~<br />
They hand make many other wonderful little wooden items <br />
that any seamstress and collector of fine folk art would love~<br />
<br />
as you can see, little Humble is ever so pleased.<br />
Thank you Lori & Peter Brechlin!</div>
Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-24997504387748097782013-02-14T11:41:00.002-08:002013-02-14T11:41:57.301-08:00sweetest love <div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkR_4Bwpmk1KMTbj8EytoGYrqFaEuaHlsAvLH9QOIczeF9LA792ZsIdb2Vj_KqTHVwaWhJWDXMFazdxW5j8ZVT2ysVLW6AYtswRaDngarfNefglC9WLzOVPe5sWqiY4LkW2U9_m-YI9fc/s1600/Augusta's+valentines+happy+valentines+day+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkR_4Bwpmk1KMTbj8EytoGYrqFaEuaHlsAvLH9QOIczeF9LA792ZsIdb2Vj_KqTHVwaWhJWDXMFazdxW5j8ZVT2ysVLW6AYtswRaDngarfNefglC9WLzOVPe5sWqiY4LkW2U9_m-YI9fc/s640/Augusta's+valentines+happy+valentines+day+2013.jpg" uea="true" width="476" /></a></div>
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one of my very favorite dolls~ little Ladye Augusta of Deerfield Farm</div>
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...last evening, </div>
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by the candle lit fireside</div>
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our Augusta had a gentleman caller....</div>
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they sat side by side and listened to the quiet crackling of the fire</div>
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he leaned in closer....and whispered into her crumpled little ear</div>
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"oh my dear"..."how lovely you look this evening"...</div>
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and then pressed a hand written letter,</div>
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sealed with crimson wax, into her hand. </div>
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and while bowing low</div>
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he kissed her mitted hand,</div>
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and bid her good night...and a wish to see her on the morrow.</div>
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Inside, he had written in beautiful spidery letters, all in sepia ink</div>
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"I love thee - I love thee,</div>
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'Tis all that I can say</div>
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It is my vision in the night,</div>
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My dreaming in the day."</div>
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~Thomas Hood~</div>
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she could not have been more surprised...</div>
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Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-76572395525661437442013-01-01T09:27:00.003-08:002013-01-01T09:27:45.929-08:00blessed beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBOvT1ixRw02zf8JxG0uVajMf7K1y4xMdQlIZyKa_hhBEgy4If0KVuYnFLxJOSfkkhgjG5glwcbe5fNjKUfxTIQSUjxcWDLUGiJIJ0LbH8bB0PscW3mBXl-fRSh6tz9qZ-Qu1rOf8kgM/s1600/happy+new+year+from+Deerfield+Farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBOvT1ixRw02zf8JxG0uVajMf7K1y4xMdQlIZyKa_hhBEgy4If0KVuYnFLxJOSfkkhgjG5glwcbe5fNjKUfxTIQSUjxcWDLUGiJIJ0LbH8bB0PscW3mBXl-fRSh6tz9qZ-Qu1rOf8kgM/s640/happy+new+year+from+Deerfield+Farm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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~ a view from my window~</div>
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just as the last sliver of the winter moon slid down the icy mountain side into the west</div>
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the new year sunrise came and kissed the fields with pale pink frost~</div>
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a beautiful beginning for our new year.</div>
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sending much love and happy wishes to all of you,</div>
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dear friends and family~</div>
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Christe' & Bob</div>
Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-54753494448004685262012-12-21T20:09:00.002-08:002012-12-21T20:15:29.726-08:00at the edge of dusk this winter solstice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRG9hD1VO7WUtVfjB59hgO4RYWoTNAasDl3A7dmirOempegBPz3LsSHmKcuyjwt1dgxvtIQWJR4rYjDlbJgAlXwc6wDpxcRjfDEOzHcBvOfPrNP-oG3TOMU2ZappOkdiUXHxbqWA3gm2w/s1600/snowy+split+rail+and+fields+Deerfield+Farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRG9hD1VO7WUtVfjB59hgO4RYWoTNAasDl3A7dmirOempegBPz3LsSHmKcuyjwt1dgxvtIQWJR4rYjDlbJgAlXwc6wDpxcRjfDEOzHcBvOfPrNP-oG3TOMU2ZappOkdiUXHxbqWA3gm2w/s640/snowy+split+rail+and+fields+Deerfield+Farm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Deerfield Farm at the edge of dusk this winter solstice</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening</span></div>
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By Robert Frost 1874–1963 </div>
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Whose woods these are I think I know. </div>
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His house is in the village though; </div>
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He will not see me stopping here </div>
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To watch his woods fill up with snow. </div>
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My little horse must think it queer </div>
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To stop without a farmhouse near </div>
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Between the woods and frozen lake </div>
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The darkest evening of the year. </div>
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He gives his harness bells a shake </div>
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To ask if there is some mistake. </div>
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The only other sound’s the sweep </div>
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Of easy wind and downy flake. </div>
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The woods are lovely, dark and deep. </div>
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But I have promises to keep, </div>
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And miles to go before I sleep, </div>
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And miles to go before I sleep.</div>
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I can't help but love Robert Frost. Who cannot help but love him...his words are just as though</div>
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he's read my very thoughts and feelings, even before I knew I thought them or felt them... and puts into words the quiet ache of so much wonder and beauty in our world.~</div>
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God bless Robert Frost </div>
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Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-85879511172969196222012-12-16T12:43:00.003-08:002012-12-16T13:30:19.432-08:00peace, love and light<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NybSR9DO4x1cpXqIMh4jRGsvZ5NvGuUpvvdy_hMrMIroiOVTBctQGz_zW1Px2t4wvOj5w8KgcgXct96zupZMv9aZkaVMvHqKSQ1VBGs9y4PzlseWksr5bNv4wqlM_J7WQxKMHdmCD_4/s1600/candle+lit+Large+Web+view++right++638x460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4NybSR9DO4x1cpXqIMh4jRGsvZ5NvGuUpvvdy_hMrMIroiOVTBctQGz_zW1Px2t4wvOj5w8KgcgXct96zupZMv9aZkaVMvHqKSQ1VBGs9y4PzlseWksr5bNv4wqlM_J7WQxKMHdmCD_4/s640/candle+lit+Large+Web+view++right++638x460.jpg" width="461" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">there hasn't been sleep or words...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">very early this morning, before the light had crept up over the hills behind our farm,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I stood on the little landing between the snug little rooms</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">at the top of the stairs,tucked under the eaves of this old house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking in, my two oldest grandchildren, just 10 and 7 were sound asleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I am so very grateful that they are here,warm and safe,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">just as they were when their Grandpa and I read them stories and tucked them into their beds last night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our 2 littlest ones, 3 and 4 months are safe at home with their Momma and Daddy,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">cuddled and kept close, precious beyond measure.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Their sweet little faces, soft with peaceful child dreams, make me ache for those so shattered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Those little faces will make us all even more vigilant for their safety and others around us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">and gives me hope for the future of every little child.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray in my heart of hearts that all 4 of my little grandchildren will grow </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">and live their lives</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">with love and hope, peace and shining light...just as they do now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray that peace and love and shining light</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">will be a balm for the hearts of all those who are without it this </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">snowy Sunday morning~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Christine and family</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">~~~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our 2 children and their spouses are teachers for 1st grade, 5th grade and high school~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">They too,ache and are shattered, hearing the unfathomable and heartbreaking stories of courage and loss that are coming from Sandy Hook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now they and their teaching partners across the country must be even more vigilant as they go about their days at school, watching over each student and visitor, doing all they can do to keep their students and each other safe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">And they will go back to school tomorrow morning and every day after that, to teach and help make our children's world a much safer place. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know that, like me, everyone of you are hugging your children and grandchildren close, your nieces and nephews, friends and family, all of them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hug them close and tell them you love them...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and if you can, please hug a teacher.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-87808019985013634522012-10-31T09:50:00.003-07:002012-10-31T10:00:01.122-07:00merry hallow's eve <div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4hDZt9XWH0NZtjTBWt9wUn0Okoa-_TvnqLfQHx7asEVeB_PbutCNN2684RvRzs3WrP_bwrFAOSKwyC5bkVU6jqN94-9i_UNMKJHZConlCnpzMJmuC6fERB_YNwiNj0PDNPK7mCEA4P0/s1600/early+cemetery+at+dusk+near+Tasha's+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4hDZt9XWH0NZtjTBWt9wUn0Okoa-_TvnqLfQHx7asEVeB_PbutCNN2684RvRzs3WrP_bwrFAOSKwyC5bkVU6jqN94-9i_UNMKJHZConlCnpzMJmuC6fERB_YNwiNj0PDNPK7mCEA4P0/s640/early+cemetery+at+dusk+near+Tasha's+home.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> saw old Autumn in the misty morn </span><span style="font-size: large;">Stand, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">shadowless like Silence,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">listening</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To Silence."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>homas <span style="font-size: x-large;">H</span>ood</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9h8D4jyax-zhbBkyc1NVUtnrhNcIO31NStdHLLTTbNV1-e-teKsP4suZr_TE50BqUE3AfimbI4rkMp09eMF5Hp5p3NwS46Qatxdup7qc12wsuNckU3brZi1wac4MArIJSJbsuZwNV94/s1600/early+tombstone+in+cemetery+near+Tasha+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9h8D4jyax-zhbBkyc1NVUtnrhNcIO31NStdHLLTTbNV1-e-teKsP4suZr_TE50BqUE3AfimbI4rkMp09eMF5Hp5p3NwS46Qatxdup7qc12wsuNckU3brZi1wac4MArIJSJbsuZwNV94/s400/early+tombstone+in+cemetery+near+Tasha+home.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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~ images from an ancient cemetery near Tasha Tudor's home in the Kingdom of Vermont~<br />
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Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716841463726306014.post-63614941965916367272012-07-04T08:40:00.002-07:002012-07-04T08:40:41.381-07:00Happy Independence Day!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgDzulKbXpI1-cKJEIGPHIHT4Ro4uVwIv_yIetX9vW1C18bJU0DJNJc42bO4Ls8TNjs3FQR2kEQ2G8b3o85mJfU5asGb7vHQXXq2XypkLy0S2N7fDm3JthxfK9fTaCHjZbWOh2WQVLc8/s1600/4th+of+July+porch+at+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgDzulKbXpI1-cKJEIGPHIHT4Ro4uVwIv_yIetX9vW1C18bJU0DJNJc42bO4Ls8TNjs3FQR2kEQ2G8b3o85mJfU5asGb7vHQXXq2XypkLy0S2N7fDm3JthxfK9fTaCHjZbWOh2WQVLc8/s1600/4th+of+July+porch+at+home.jpg" /></a></div>Christine Crockerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533913606916785532noreply@blogger.com6