Before I start, I will warn you –
there will be no pictures with this post.
Just words. Just honesty. Just heart.
I promise the pretty pictures will come soon. ๐
Several months ago, I was diagnosed with an alphabet
soup list of symptoms and syndromes and “-isms.”
I won’t lie. There were a few rough months.
Let’s just say there was a lot of sleeping and
praying going on.
But, after a MAJOR lifestyle change and an even more
major diet change –
I am slowly working myself back to being healthy.
And, while I may not be anywhere near 100% right now,
there is a world of difference in how I feel today.
(I hope to share this journey with you this coming year.)
That said… I have decided to start blogging again.
During my blogging hiatus, I was able to really
think about blogging.
Did I want to continue?
Was my heart even in it?
Did I have the time or energy?
Somewhere along the way, I realized I missed it.
I missed the creativity and writing and sharing and
teaching and being able to interact with you.
But, something had to change.
My true spirit had to come through, or I would
be right back to doubting my worth and value as a blogger.
For years, I felt I had been just floating around trying to
find my landing place in the Blogging World.
And, then one day – my sweet Mama said to me,
after a conversation about canning tomatoes…
“you are a Farmer’s Daughter.”
And it’s as if a light bulb went off and everything
fell into place.
I AM a Farmer’s Daughter.
I am a proud child of a family of Southern Farmers
who earned their living tilling the soil and
making things grow.
But, I am also a Farmer’s Wife’s Daughter.
One who cooks honest-to-goodness homemade meals,
grows a garden, cans and preserves, and
makes from scratch.
Mama recycled and reused because she wanted
to – not because it was en vogue.
I realized that living in Suburbia, I had in essence –
lost my “farming roots.”
So, in many ways – my sickness has “brought me home.”
These are the same qualities I hope to share with you
through my blog.
Which is why my tagline is now
“Simple, Country Living.”
I always felt a little strange to talk and write and blog
about things “farmhouse” and “country” when I lived
in the middle of Suburbia.
Yes, we live on 5-acres and I plant and garden and grow
lots of things – but it’s not exactly a “farm.“
But, it occurred to me during this new awakening
that it doesn’t matter where you live –
it’s how you live and how you think
and what is in your heart.
I may not live in a 100-year old home –
and there isn’t a beloved barn in my back yard.
(yet! haha)
But, the “farm” is in my soul and it’s in my blood
and most of all, it’s in my heritage.
And THAT is also what I want to pass down to
my grandchildren.
The love of all things simple and country.
So, I hope you will join me on this new journey.
There will be some new additions which I will
introduce you to in these next few days,
gearing up to Monday.
If you are still reading, thank you for caring enough to
listen. I am excited and renewed and hope to impart
this same feeling through my blog – to you!
xxoo, Barb
Linda says
Welcome back!
View CommentLeigh says
Barb, You were the first blog I ever subscribed to and I’m glad you’re back. Happy New Year!
View CommentBarb says
That is so sweet. I am glad to be back. ๐
View Commenttracy says
I’m looking forward to your posts! welcome back.
View CommentPatty Soriano says
Barb, I’m glad to know you are doing better physically. I hope your new year brings you good health. My mom and dad grew up on large farms, and I live with cotton and corn fields around me outside a small rural town. I have a lot of respect for farmers and many of my prayers are for them. They are the heartbeat and backbone of our nation. Can’t wait to see what you bring us this year. Have a great one!
View CommentArell says
Welcome back. I am excited to see what you have for us! I am also glad that you are feeling better. My mother lived on a farm and I loved all of her stories. It will be so fun to hear your stories as well.
View CommentKirsten says
Barb, I’m so happy we’ve connected, and I LOVE that you have seen the silver lining in that cloud that covered you! It’s amazing to me what God will do to get our attention. ๐ I’m excited to be a tiny part of your amazing piece of the internet, and I just know that 2015 is going to be a great year! Thanks for sharing your heart – it’s truly beautiful.
View CommentJoanne Boulter says
Barb, I am so glad that I have got to know you through your blog. You are a very lovely person with a gusto for life. I like your honesty and most of all your warmth and style. Thank you for touching my life. Being ill can really change your life and perspective in life, I know from experience, but life does go on and the good Lord always opens away. Looking forward to more, glad you are back. Have a Happy New Year. XX Jo
View CommentShelia says
I’ve missed you, Barb, and I’ll be praying you will be feeling healthy really soon. Do what you want on your blog and I’m excited for you! Happy New Year!
View CommentBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;0
Carol says
Hi Barb…so pleased things are going better for you now and you’re back with us. I contacted you last Christmas from the UK as I had just discovered your blog,asking asked how you kept your cranberries fresh in the water around your floating candles. Your home looked so lovely at Christmas! Hope your health continues to improve and you feel more chipper. This comes with all best wishes from across the pond. Carol x
View CommentBecca says
What a beautiful post, Barb! I’m so glad you’re back and here to dazzle and inspire us with your never-ending creativity! (And, glad that you’re feeling better, too)! xoxo
View CommentTrudy says
Beautifully said. Glad you found your light again, and prayers that your health continues to improve. Thank you for sharing a bit of yourself with us.
View Comment