After a few emails ("hi Rebecca, are you still there?"), I woke up and realized just how long it's been since I visited with you here. Updates.....
A couple of weeks ago, a dear friend introduced me to Thistle Farms in Nashville. I've visited their facility twice now, such authentic and strong women. Here's a bit of what they're about...
"Thistle Farms is a social enterprise run by women who have survived lives of violence, prostitution, and addiction. By hand, the women of Thistle Farms make natural bath and body products that are as good for the earth as they are for the body."
Their products are beautiful and truly good healing products, been using nothing but for a couple of weeks now. Oh, and the sweet lady in shipping told me to tell you that if you purchase something online from them, she takes time to pray over your product and its recipient. Really. How many of the items you purchase are prayed over?
For my gardening friends, are you starting your seeds indoors? I've been tending my little green indoor garden for a couple of weeks or so. This is so relaxing and rewarding for me. But I'm ready to get out there and dig in the dirt for real, aren't you?
I've been in my studio very little lately. The pull just hasn't been there. We go through these times, and I always say to roll with it. Forced creativity usually tells on itself.
Been making and packaging up a few things to take to my new little booth at Artifacts...a handcrafted artist emporium in a nearby town. It will be fun (interesting?) to see how I sell locally.
And last but not least, when the weather permits, I've been heading down to our old tobacco barn. For the years we've lived here, the old barn has sat quietly by, waiting for something. I've just never been sure what that something is. But lately I've been going down, cleaning up, clearing out, thinking, noticing. Got something up my sleeve for the old barn. The scheming's been fun.
So there you go. It's what's going on in my world of late.
But enough about me...what's been keeping you busy?
Rebecca,
So nice to hear from you again. I'm sad to hear that your studio isn't calling you--I love to see the result when it does. I am also interested to see just what you have in store for that barn. It looks heavenly in the photo.
Take care,
Anne-Liesse
Posted by: Anne-Liesse Ankeny | 04 March 2011 at 13:01
Can't wait to hear about your plans for the barn. I've been busy making fabric flowers to send to a friend in England & spending as much time outside as possible.
Posted by: Ginny | 04 March 2011 at 13:34
So lovely to hear from you. Seasons of creativity wax and wane, and like you know, it's best to go with the flow. I'm certain that you are being creative in other ways these days.
I'll be curious to see what plans you have for your barn...
Posted by: Lorrie | 04 March 2011 at 13:46
I too love to see what your studio comes up with, but I can attest to the fact that you can't force creativity. Looks like you're just embracing different facets of it. Well, I'm packing boxes and cleaning houses in preparation for a move next Tuesday to our "dream home". Have posted a little about it, but that will come to a screeching halt next week. We may not have internet for awhile in the new place!!! Whatever will I do?
Posted by: Karen B | 04 March 2011 at 15:03
So happy to hear from you, Rebecca! I've loved hanging the laundry outside again, watching my daughter run in the yard while I work, and... we are expecting again! I'm going to try my hand at a small veggie garden this year. I've not been too successful in the past, but I'm not one for giving up :) So glad to hear from you and I can't wait to see what happens in your barn!
Posted by: Suzette | 04 March 2011 at 15:47
I loved reading about Thistle Farms- thanks for sharing (I just ordered a few things!) I also love your new bracelets- especially the one with the pearls and the forget-me-nots. I want it!! Good luck at the show!
Posted by: gretchen ciccotti | 04 March 2011 at 18:00
I love your blog, Rebecca. I need to catch up but so glad you posted an update today! :)
Posted by: Courtney Walsh | 04 March 2011 at 20:04
Artifacts...do you know Paige at Hodgepodge? I love her! And those shops...wow.
Posted by: auntie bliss | 04 March 2011 at 20:55
Good to see an update. I'm looking forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve with the beautiful barn! I haven't started in seeds indoors and probably won't. I don't have a good set up for lighting. I think I should just set up a couple of quick and easy cold frames out side though.
Posted by: Jill | 04 March 2011 at 23:00
So happy for the update...I always enjoy your words:) The seedlings look so fresh & green; can't wait for spring! And I'm "drooling" over your big, beautiful barn{wish we had one}...curious to see what you're planning:) Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: Leah C | 05 March 2011 at 08:53
Rebecca - we are so grateful for you coming to Thistle Farms and spending time with us! Thanks for the post and we hope your readers will catch a glimpse into what we're all about here too. The door is always open - come back anytime. Love from Carolyn and the women of Thistle Farms.
Posted by: Carolyn S | 05 March 2011 at 09:51
We love having you here Rebecca! And as a matter of fact, I sold one of your wonderful necklaces just moments ago - so I would say it is safe to say you will do well in our local market
I have played in your booth more then I care to admit. And plan on playing more later this afternoon for a project I have in mind - and I know you have the tidbits to help me get there!
And to Auntie Bliss - she does indeed know Paige at Hodgepodge. Paige also owns ARTifacts! And I am blessed to call her my sister.
Posted by: Kendall Welsh | 05 March 2011 at 10:55
When we were still living in Nashville
I had hoped to have been able to head
out and see Thistle Farms. I first
heard about it in a British magazine
of all things! I think it's so great
that these women are being given the
opportunity to create such wonderful
product and be able to heal in the
process.
Posted by: .kat. | 05 March 2011 at 12:57
Great to hear from you again and glad to see that you are branching out to neighboring towns. You have much talent to share. Looking forward to seeing the results of the "barn mystery." Loving your bracelets--and your and God's tomato plants. I've been remaking clothing into prom dresses--very interesting and different from what I had been doing. Sometimes, all you need is a change to get those creative juices flowing.
Posted by: Sally Smith | 05 March 2011 at 16:38
Rebecca, I've been a big fan of yours and of Artifacts and was tickled to see your booth there! When Kendall posted that you were open, I admit to shrieking and jumping in the car. I bought one of your quilted journals (and some other goodies) to scrapbook our trip to England last fall. I hope you find your creative groove again soon because you've certainly sparked mine.
Posted by: Kate | 05 March 2011 at 16:44
Love that barn!! Maybe it would make a great studio? Or an antique store?? Your jewelry is amazing!! Love when there's a new post from you!
Posted by: Janell | 05 March 2011 at 21:25
Your barn intrigues me, as we have a barn that is under utilized, and it always seems we should do something great with it. Looking forward to seeing what you do with yours. Busy here shoveling snow this weekend, and conducting a school fundraiser via Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.
Posted by: Susan Beth | 06 March 2011 at 09:47
rebecca,
you're a fabulous addition to ARTifacts! we are so glad to have your creative presence within our midst--you've elevated our status!
thanks for opting to give it a go.
paige
Posted by: paige thomas king | 06 March 2011 at 23:53
I'm glad you've posted again. I love reading your blog. :) I've been starting an indoor garden as well, I absolutely love it. :D
Posted by: Brittany Carden | 07 March 2011 at 06:57
Rebecca, thank you for introducing us to Thistle Farms and Artifacts. I live in TN and didn't know of either one. They will be on my list to check out.
Your new pieces for Artifacts are just beautiful!
Posted by: Lana | 07 March 2011 at 10:13
I love that old barn Rebecca, can't wait to see what you do with it. And the bracelets are fabulous too!
Posted by: Rachel R | 07 March 2011 at 18:18
Drop by for a visit to see what I've. Bto been up to. Love your blog,your work, your style! Have plans for my barn too! Happy spring, Gerri
Posted by: Gerri lesley | 07 March 2011 at 19:17
Love the old barn ... I dream of having one someday. Wish I lived closer and could come visit your booth at Artifacts! Just placed an order with Thistle Farms. Thanks for sharing about them!
Posted by: Patricia | 08 March 2011 at 07:58
Good morning, dear Rebecca.
Nice to visit you again and look at the beautiful things you include in your posts.
I have been in the midst of an embroidery project for one of my daughters in law.
It is very relaxing.
I look forward to the finished project, sending it along and then posting in at my place.
Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise!
Enjoy this day,
Dawn @ 4:53 am
xo
Posted by: Dawn | 08 March 2011 at 08:41
Rebecca, I am so excited! I am visiting my mother in Shepherdsville, Kentucky on the 19th and we are going to drive down for the day to Clarksville to visit Artifacts! I hope there is something left in your booth by the time I make it down there! I have always admired your things and it will be wonderful to see them in person. I have my gift list and can't wait! I am going to Paris in 34 days so I will need something extra special to wear!
Posted by: Patty Rose | 10 March 2011 at 11:13