Joy List Monday

Joy List Monday

 ♥ a weekly ritual ♥

 a reminder to stop and pay attention to the little beauties and graces 

that make life magical and to set aside time for gratitude each day

 ♥ nature

little caterpillars on the move on a warm November day

 ♥ warm November days

above average temperatures for late November in Wisconsin

 ♥ the feeling of the holidays 

it is starting to look like Christmas, the decorating has started

♥ movie date with my family

Murder on the Orient Express

♥ fresh baked chocolate chip cookies

yum

 

Small Business Saturday and The Winner Is ....

Happy Small Business Saturday

Do you have a favorite small business?

Do you have a favorite local shop you like to do business?

 First observed in the United States on November 27, 2010, it is a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which feature big box retail and e-commerce stores respectively. By contrast, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local. Small Business Saturday is a registered trademark of American Express.

My small business started in 2013. It is just a wee little business, for one person to handle. I do not make enough money to support our family, just enough to continue to have fun spreading joy and flowers. My goal for 2018 is to continue to deliver flowers and smiles.

 The winner of the Small Business Saturday giveaway is Jessica of Barefoot by the Sea

Thank you to all who entered the Small Business Giveaway.

  

Joy List Monday and Happy Thanksgiving

Frosty Milkweed

Joy List Monday

♥ a weekly reminder  ♥

a reminder to stop and pay attention to the little beauties and graces that

make life magical and to set aside time for gratitude each day

♥ sunshine

after two weeks of damp mist, cold to the bones grey November weather

 ♥ kitten silliness

Penelope is a sweetheart, she likes to sneak up and attack when you are not looking

♥ thanksgiving dessert

homemade cinnamon ice cream all ready to go for Thanksgiving dessert  

♥blog friendships

thankful for all of my blog friends

your encouragement, friendly advice and the friendships we have built over the years of blogging makes my heart swell with gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving my friends.

 

Small Business Saturday Giveaway

Back in 2013 I started The Little Garden That Could. Each year I added another piece to my business. I started out with selling flowers at my Farm Stand in front of my house. The summer of 2016 I also sold at the Bruce Farmers Market.

2017 I wanted  to try to have more control over how many flowers I would need to harvest. I created my Flower Subscription Service.

 

This week I added two more features to my website Flower Shop.

Living Gifts

sweet succulents that I can deliver to your friend or loved one

to bring a wee bit of green to the office or home

Stationery

photo cards using photos we took from our garden

 

 

Pollinators in the Garden

 Small Business Saturday Giveaway

 Small Business Saturday is November 25th.

To celebrate I am giving away four cards from our Autumn collection, featured below.

  To enter all you have to do is leave me a comment or e mail. I know I have some readers who have trouble leaving comments on the blog. I appreciate all of my readers and customers.

The winner of the giveaway will be announced on Small Business Saturday, November 25th.

Thank You for all the support and love!

Carla

 

Welcome Penelope

Welcome Penelope

 Meet our new kitten.

Penelope has stolen our hearts.

 Of course she has a story to go along with moving in with our family.

During my week on my Meals on Wheels route, while stopping into the kitchen to pick up the meals, one of the cooks mentioned she found a kitten on the side of the road. She said it was Siamese and just the sweetest thing. She asked if I knew of anyone who would like a Siamese.

She showed me a few photos of her and I knew right away who would love to have her, me.

Jane brought her to our home and showed us the wounds she had. We all felt she must have been hit by a car. My dad helped us clean her wounds. She would purr when we cleaned her wounds and put her medicine in her ears. She had mites in her ears. They were so gross!!  

She slowly began to heal. She began to eat more and more. 

She got stronger and stronger.

Then one day, we knew she would be okay. We all gave a cheer.

She loves her pet (fake) mice, cozy rugs and sitting on your lap.

 

11.11

In  honor of today, I am sharing a journal post my son wrote. I asked if I could share it. It has to do with the visit that we took to The Highground.

The Highground is a 155 acre memorial park located in Neillsville, Wisconsin. It pays tribute to veterans of all major 20th and 21st century wars that the United States has participated in. They have monuments dedicated to all of these major conflicts, including the ongoing War on Terror. They have also left space on their Korean War monument for when the conflict is over and peace is secured. I particularly thought that leaving that space open was very thoughtful of them, it shows the level of concern that the builders of this park have towards these conflicts and the care they show to those who were involved. Very touching.

The park is quite adamant about being known as a Veteran's Memorial Park, rather than a War Memorial. I respect that about the park. Multiple efforts have been made to make this park especially dedicated to veterans. One of the coolest gestures to this, is the WW1 doughboy statue. Most of the doughboy statues in the United States are posed with their rifles at the ready and their hand posed ready to throw a grenade. Highground changed their statue to show the doughboy holding his rifle by the front stock, with his hand out in a gesture of greeting to all whom enter the park. The staff has done an amazing job of making the park a special place for veterans. 

A very stirring PTSD walking path is located in the woods. 

The Learning Center is a building located outside of the main park. It has over 4,000 books available, a computer area, and room dedicated to all the soldiers from Wisconsin who have died in recent conflicts. 

My time at The Highground Memorial Park helped me to truly appreciate the sacrifice that so many brave men and women have made for this country. It was an eye opening experience that I would recommend to anyone who is a veteran or not.

Sam TePaske

 

On the Road Friday ~ The Highground Verteran's Memorial Park ~ part 2 ~

 Welcome to On the Road Friday.

Over the Labor Day weekend our family visited The Highground Veterans Memorial Park.

~ read part 1 ~

The Highground is a special park. It seeks to continue to focus on the healing for all who come, regardless of the name of the battle which left scars.

It is the vision of The Highground to honor human courage and sacrifice wherever it is displayed, without either denying or glorifying the pain and suffering of war and of life.

 Kilroy Was Here

During World War II this was the symbol for the American Serviceman.

 Wisconsin Persian Gulf Tribute

An honor for our newst veterans. The mission reads " May this tribute honor all branches of America's Military who served through multiple conflicts in the Middle East while marching forward in the Global War on Terrorism and be a place of hope so that we do not walk past you but with you. Let this be an anchor for education and solace while securing in memory sacrifices made. With hope and prayer, the Wisconsin Persian Gulf Tribute will provide a safe haven for all to reflect and to heal." 

 Fragments

This was the memorial that really moved my heart.

The Vietnam Veterans Tribute

known as Fragments

is the first veterans tribute in the United States to include a women in the statuary. Under her poncho she carries the burden of the Wisconsin service men killed in Vietnam. The 1244 names are inscribed on the bundles of bamboo-shaped bronze rods in the back of the statue. They are interspersed with wind chimes ~ never meant to be read but to be voiced in sound so that the prayers left here go out to the hillsides and beyond. 

You will notice that not one of the figures in the statue is complete. They flow into one, much like war, each are dependent on each other and strengthen each other. The rifle is turned upside down - a sign that a Medivac is needed;  a piece of orange glass is seen as a reminder of Agent Orange. Many veterans gave their lives afterwards as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals.

The artist did not sign the statue. "It was signed with the cost of things. It was signed in sound. It was signed by us all."

 

The U.S. Military is us. There is no truer representation of a country than the people that it sends into the field to fight for it. The people who wear our uniform and carry our rifles into combat are our kids, and our job is to support them, because they're protecting us. Tom Clancy
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/veteransday

 Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.

 -Abraham Lincoln

The U.S. Military is us. There is no truer representation of a country than the people that it sends into the field to fight for it. The people who wear our uniform and carry our rifles into combat are our kids, and our job is to support them, because they're protecting us. Tom Clancy
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/veteransday

The U.S. Military is us. There is no truer representation of a country than the people that it sends into the field to fight for it. The people who wear our uniform and carry our rifles into combat are our kids, and our job is to support them, because they're protecting us. Tom Clancy
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/veteransday

The U.S. Military is us. There is no truer representation of a country than the people that it sends into the field to fight for it. The people who wear our uniform and carry our rifles into combat are our kids, and our job is to support them, because they're protecting us. Tom Clancy
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/veteransday

The U.S. Military is us. There is no truer representation of a country than the people that it sends into the field to fight for it. The people who wear our uniform and carry our rifles into combat are our kids, and our job is to support them, because they're protecting us. Tom Clancy
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/veteransday

Happy Thanksgiving it is The Hodgepodge

Thanksgiving poppers ~ another past idea for a table setting for Thanksgiving. I made poppers, I will share more down in my answer  # 6 (in the random). I also made pumpkin pretzels. Dip pretzels in orange colored white chocolate and add a green M&M.

 Pretzels

M&M's 

Candy Melt

It is Wednesday and that means it is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join the fun! 

 1.  In a rut, in a jam, in the groove, out of synch, off balance, out of touch...which saying best fits some area of your life currently (or recently)? Explain.

 In the groove. We have our holiday plans all finalized for traveling to be with family. Other plans are falling into place for Christmas preparations.

 2. What is it about somebody else's style of work (coworker/employee/shared volunteer project/household chore) that makes you crazy? Why?

My buddy that I do our Meal on Wheels route with. We work two weeks on two weeks off. We will sub for each other if something comes up. Most of the time we try to schedule doctor appointments and vacations during our two weeks off.

My buddy on the the rotation, asks me the night of the next day to sub for him, if he needs. Drives me crazy, because I am a planner. He is not, so these are doctor appointments that he has known about for weeks!! He asks me the night of! Making it very difficult for me to sub for him.

 3. What's a tradition that always makes you feel at home?

Favorite foods, games, movies and stories.

 4. A favorite song with a girl's name in the title or lyrics? Any reason why this is a particular favorite?

This is my sisters favorite, it came to mind when I read the question. I am not sure why it is a favorite. I will have to ask her when I see during the Thanksgiving holiday.

 

5. Share a favorite quote, verse, or saying relating to gratitude or thanksgiving.
  

This is from my friend Anne at My Giant Strawberry

 

a reminder to stop and pay attention to the little beauties and graces that make life magical and to set aside time for gratitude each day

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

 

What are Indian Corn Poppers? Well, you use a paper towel roll or toilet paper roll and fill it with treats. I used Kit Kat bars, stickers and added a question. We have a fun game called Family Dinner Table Topics. I had Sam and Atticus look for some fun questions to put into the poppers. Here is an example of some of the fun questions. Which wild animal would you like to tame and keep as a pet?  If you lived during the Gold Rush would you have journeyed West to strike it rich? If you could speak another language which would you choose?

 

On The Road Friday ~ The Highground Veterans Memorial Park ~ part 1 ~

 In honor of  Veteran's Day, I am going to break down our visit to The Highground Veterans Memorial Park into two posts.  We visited The Highground over the Labor Day weekend.

It is the mission of The Highground to honor veterans and their families and to educate about the cost of things --- human cost.

It is the vision of The Highground to honor human courage and sacrifice wherever it is displayed, without either denying or glorifying the pain and suffering of war and of life.

The park is located 4 miles west of Neillsville, Wisconsin on Highway 10. The park is open 24/7 and is open year round.

 One area of the  park is dedicated to PTSD. 

The area is a beautiful wooded area with in the 155 acre park. 

 Nestled in the area are four miles of hiking trails.

 Along the trails are benches that can turn into a chair and table.

 Welcome

 Good Bench ~ Good Spot ~ Good Company

Fun sayings were on each bench.

The Treehouse is nestled among the four miles of hiking trails. The tree house is uniquely structured around a 170 year old green ash tree.

 The wooded area is beautiful. 

The time in the woods is peaceful. I pray the PTSD program will be successful. I do believe nature can relax and clear the mind. I know it helps me to get away and outside if I am having a difficult day.

 The trails are carpets of soft moss.

 

 I am the short one!

 We found a blackberry patch!

"We heal the past by bringing its lessons into our hopes for the future."

The Highground

 

Hello November ~ It is the Hodgepodge

2016 Thanksgiving place settings. I used broom corn and acorns. Each acorn had the initial of a Thanksgiving guest.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join in!

 1. What does/did Halloween look like at your house this year? Did you decorate? Pick pumpkins? Carve pumpkins? Expect trick or treaters? Wear a costume to a party or event? Make a costume? Feel glad you didn't have to come up with a costume? Cook a Halloween themed treat? Eat all the leftover candy?

Yes, I do Autumn/Halloween decorating.

We carve pumpkins and roast the pumpkin seeds.

We decided to hand out candy this year. We took a few years off after a kid was pushed off our steps by his siblings. He fell off the step and dumped all of his candy. 

As I am answering the Hodgepodge questions our lights are on and we are up to 20 Trick or Treat visitors and no mishaps. 

 
2. What are you waiting for? Elaborate

My son received some news that change his after graduation plans. 

Waiting for him to decided and praying for answers.

 3. Do you wish you were friendlier, braver, more creative, more athletic, or something else? Explain.

With the answer of question number 2 ... patience. I want to fix things, help find the answers quickly ... patience, Carla. 

One day at a time.

 4. When it comes time to paint are you a do-it-yourselfer or do you hire someone? What was the last paint job completed at your house? What room most needs painting now? How do you feel about wallpaper?

When it comes to painting, my husband is the painter. He loves to paint and does a fantastic job. We painted some outside trim on our home.

Our kitchen is in need of a re do.

I love what Kris at Junk Chic Cottage  did with her new living room using wallpaper. Love it!

 5. What is one specific thing you felt gratitude for in the month of October?

Our family enjoyed a week getaway to Madison, Wisconsin. We had great weather, awesome family time and memory making.  

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I am starting to create our 2017 Thanksgiving place settings. Do you have place settings at your Thanksgiving table? Any fun ideas?