Category Archives: Uncategorized

Barn Art?

I saw my first ‘barn art’ cheerfully hanging years ago in an older gals’ barn. She invited me to horseback ride with her once she observed I knew a few things about horses. Being a Clarke County horsewoman that rode with the Blue Ridge Hunts, not any ‘ole yahoo would be riding with her or on her horses. It was a joy and delight when she invited me to join her.

Many visits were spent before she invited me to call her by her first name or go horseback riding with her. Really, the only reason I was able to meet her was because of her massive grapevine laden with grapes and a mutual friend.

She was interested in giving her grapes away. Our mutual friend thought of me. Sometimes friendships take a while, don’t they? A fine friendship grew between me, a young mother with five rambunctious children and a lovely older woman who enjoyed life with her husband, dogs and horses.

It was her stable where I first saw barn art. Cute, hand painted signs about horses and dogs of course.

I do not have a photo of the first ‘art’ we hung in our barn years ago, painted by my daughter. I left it there when we moved. I’ve often wondered if it is still there.

Our barn here is much larger than the old one, so I have had great fun hanging my ‘art’ in it. Won’t you join me on a little tour?

Brass Harness bells hang by the tack room door.
Mom read poetry to us as kids. This line is from The Man in the Moon, by James Whitcomb Riley. One of her horses name is above the poetry—Boomerang.
Mom, a twin herself, had two sets of twin girls. This line from the poem, The Twins, by Henry S. Leigh, we knew nearly by heart.
Mom raised Miniature horses. She had much art, such as this one, in her barns.
This pretty piece came with the barn.
The happy chicken coop.
No barn is complete without flowers or…
…a barn quilt.

Thank you for joining me.

Five Minute Friday Writing Prompt—Work

Work, here is a word with many differing ideas about it. I have ‘worked’ and successfully run our household for nearly forty-five years. Yet many folk do not consider this ‘work.’ Keeping a smooth running home is not real popular—never really has been, except perhaps during the ‘Leave it to Beaver’ days. At any rate it is my business, and I run it as such.

I do however have a one-day-a-week job outside my house. I say it helps me keep polite. It is a grand little job taking tours through the oldest home in town. I grew up in the tourist business, so it is a good fit.

My work at home has been a great success. Being my own boss, (wearing flip-flops all day!), setting my own hours schedule gives me flexibility to help in our community and church. There is a lot of freedom I could have never enjoyed with an outside job.

In all work there is profit. Proverbs 14:23

Abram’s Delight—oldest home in Winchester.

Garden Art

Do you have art in your gardens? I suppose that is the correct word—art. Perhaps statuary may be a better word. But that brings to mind lovely, thoughtful pieces of fountains, cherubs, beautiful women in flowing robes, or magnificent urns.

No, my “garden art” is more whimsical. Though I do have a couple stately pieces. Mostly animals, chickens, mushrooms, that sort of thing peek through the flowers and plants. Some have been gifts, others fun buys that add fun and conversation with visitors in our gardens.

Would you like to join me on a walk around the garden art?

This bunny cheerfully greets every visitor.
A birthday gift! It looks huge in this photo, but is only 6-7″ tall.
Do you have a gazing ball?
Helps me know which direction I am heading!
The only chicken allowed in the gardens.
My happy, green gardening assistant!
I am not keen on too many lights, this has a soft red glow though.
A more stately piece, wouldn’t you say?
No garden art is complete without urns somewhere!

Lego Art

This “One_local_gal” loves all things local. The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley is hosting its second Lego display placed all around the gardens this summer. A huge animal surprise awaits at every turn. We visited a few days ago.

Detailed, realistic looking wild animal art made out of legos is thoughtfully displayed throughout the beautifully kept vegetable and flower gardens on the property. Taking hundreds of thousands of legos in the building of just one animal makes it a wonder for adults as well as children to experience.

You can get a feel for them in my photographs, but it nowhere near as exciting as seeing these colorful, huge exhibits in real life. How does one pick a favorite? Which one do you like best?

Check out their website for more information @ themsv.org

They are placed all over the gardens.
Beautiful colors.
This rhino was in panels!
Down by the sea 🎶
Where the bugs?
I’m hungry!
Mr. Wildebeest
Did someone say there is a leopard around?
Yes, there is a leopard lurking!
Oh, I’ll keep a sharp eye out for the leopard!
The sea! Here I come!
Yay for the sea!
No worries here, I’m with momma.
No worries indeed, says momma bear…
…I am watching YOU.