Farmgirl Follies

Small town on parade

Posted by Farmgirl on June 13, 2010  |  5 Comments

The Strawberry Festival Parade was Friday night.

The three-day festival is hosted by the volunteer fire department. Games, a dunking booth, bingo, tractor pulls and lots and lots of strawberry shortcake.

And strawberry pie.

Oh, and strawberries and ice cream.

She’s not with us this year, but we gathered in grandma’s yard like always. The kids waited eagerly with their candy bags. The adults chatted. The sun beams cheered us.

And I people watched …
Pondering my Dukes of Hazzard childhood and realizing how nice it is to have my own Uncle Jesse.

People watching is highly entertaining, especially during small-town parades.

Folks are excited and expectant. Lawn chairs find their way to sidewalks long before 7 p.m. start time.

Families and neighbors come together and laugh and greet and guffaw.

Kids run around.

And wait.

And watch.

And ask — again — how much longer.

And then … finally … it begins.

And my people watching slowly turns into overwhelming pride for this place.

The candy flies.

The mad grab begins.

And I continue to people watch and ponder.

First of all … does anyone find it amusing that a septic service truck is in a parade?

And secondly, am I the only one who find it hilarious that the people inside the septic truck threw Tootsie Rolls to the kids?

Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

And then it’s over.

They collect their bags of candy … pick out the good stuff …

And share the rest.

I love a parade.

Memory keepers

Posted by Farmgirl on June 10, 2010  |  7 Comments

It looks like a wonderful apple harvest this year.

The peaches look fantastic, too.

We’ve had some spectacular storms this spring, but so far [knock on wood!] the hail has fallen elsewhere and the fruit trees look beautiful. We’re expecting sweet juicy peaches and crisp, crunchy apples, and lots of other homegrown produce that’ll knock your socks off.

And when I say ‘we’ I mean my family.

My parents and brother are directly involved in the daily operations of Manfull Orchards. They grow the produce. They tend the orchards. They keep things growing.

It’s true … the legacy part, I mean.

We all feel the same connection to this place.

The roots are deep … they go back generations. In my memory, though, they come from my great-grandfather. He lived to the ripe old age of 101, and my siblings and I had the good fortune of growing up across the road from him.

On his 100th birthday, the newspaper did an interview. When asked the secret to such a long life he replied, “Hard work, eating eggs and Coca-Cola. I’ve eaten eggs every day for 90 years.”

And I can attest, he drank a two-liter of Coke every day, as well.

My brother and sisters and I were fortunate to grow up in the midst of wise folks.

Not only did we have the company of a century-old great-grandparent, but we had the daily — sometimes hourly — guidance of grandparents. My children never met my grandpa, but they talk about him often. His presence is still so very strong for all of us.

And we don’t have to look far to find him.

Grandma passed away last August, but her presence remains. Sometimes it’s almost palpable.

I think it’s because their legacy lives on in each apple tree and tomato plant and patch of blue sky.

They taught us to love God.

They taught us to love the land.

Most importantly …

They taught us to love each other.

Unconditionally and always.

And when you stay true to those three things …

Life is really, really sweet.

Even when it’s not.

Just keep on keeping on.

Enjoy the present, plan for the future and don’t take either for granted.

These mums are going to be spectacular in September …

… if we do what we need to do as best we can.

Which is really the case in any situation.

Do what you need to do.

Do it to the best of your ability.

Always.

Something to remember when you’re growing hundreds of tomatoes.

Each one is as important as the next.

Just like family members.

Individual parts of the whole.

And sometimes you have to let new members into the fold.

Like Freckles, here.

She showed up one day and isn’t leaving anytime soon.

Because she has eyes for him, only.

And he treats her right — something she never knew in her short time on this earth.

And really … all of us have a short time on this earth.

Which is why we have to make the most of it, remember the best parts and pass them on to the next generation.

Memory keepers.

That’s what we should be.

Primitive delights

Posted by Farmgirl on April 30, 2010  |  No Comments

Head on over to Farmgirl Finds and see what’s in store!

New primitives and rustic treasures arrive each week. And you don’t want to miss NEXT WEEK … our Anniversary Celebration & Tag Sale. Lots of goodies at reduced prices in the parking lot and beautiful treasures within the store.

We’re open Fridays & Saturdays, 10-4.

Come on in!

I spy …

Posted by Farmgirl on November 13, 2009  |  1 Comment

Christmas on display. Come see what’s in store this weekend!

Fabulous primitives. Join us for the Tour of Homes. Three houses. Exciting antiques.

You won’t be disappointed.

You will be inspired.

You may fall in love with worn and aged items all over again!

Gorgeous color. The very best new “old items” can’t compete with time-worn color.

Secrets revealed. We’ll show you our dirty laundry.

Buddy system. We all love primitives and rustic antiques. And we love to share that passion with you.

Come on over to Farmgirl Finds! It’s going to be a great weekend in Augusta!

Five Days …

Posted by Farmgirl on November 10, 2009  |  1 Comment

It’s going to be a busy week around here. The Primitive Christmas TOUR OF HOMES is Saturday, from 10-4. Saturday is also the official opening day of the Farmgirl Finds’ Christmas Open House. Every Friday and Saturday through December 19, we’ll open our doors for you.

Come on in and enjoy the sounds of a primitive country Christmas … the smells of cinnamon, spice and everything nice. We have ornaments and wreaths, twig trees, and rustic Santas and snowmen. Our selection of rustic antiques continues to grow each week. Whether you’re hoping for ladderback chairs, farm tables, a grand old cupboard or crocks under the tree, we can help you out!

Come see us! And if you’re free this Saturday, be sure to stop off for tickets and a map for the home tour. You won’t be disappointed. Three fabulous farmhouses filled with unique antiques and primitive treasures. These ladies have gone to great lengths to deck their halls. Trust me when I say …

You don’t want to miss it!

Home for Christmas

Posted by Farmgirl on November 6, 2009  |  No Comments

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Farmgirl Finds! Visit the shop this weekend for primitive holiday decor, Christmas-inspired candle scents and gift ideas. The shop is brimming with rustic antiques, twig trees, mitten garlands, primitive ornaments and more!

Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

And don’t forget the

TOUR OF HOMES
Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10-4

Visit the shop on Nov. 14 to purchase tickets and get your map. The drive-it-yourself tour will take you down country roads in the Augusta area to three, primitive-style farmhouses. You’ll enjoy visiting the interiors of these truly magnificent homes decorated for Christmas. Cost is $3 per person. For details, visit Farmgirl Finds.

See you soon!

We’re decking the halls

Posted by Farmgirl on October 29, 2009  |  No Comments

Farmgirl Finds will be closed Oct. 30-31.

We’re getting ready for Christmas!

Come see what’s in store for the holidays Nov. 6-7. And don’t forget the

Tour of Homes

Saturday, Nov. 14, 10-4. Get tickets and maps at the shop the day of the event.
Cost: $3 per person. You’ll visit three primitive homes, decorated for Christmas. Travel back in time to an 1800s farmhouse; a new, historically accurate home; and an 1890s farmhouse. All feature fabulous primitive antiques and rustic accents. Bring a friend!

What I love about fall …

Posted by Farmgirl on September 27, 2009  |  3 Comments

… is family first, of course. Followed by time spent at Manfull Orchards Farm Market. My kids (and my siblings’ kids) are the seventh generation to enjoy our family’s fruit and vegetable operation … and the free pumpkins!

But that’s not all. Sweet corn and tomatoes and fresh veggies in summer … peaches and apples and cider and Indian corn and squash and apple butter and … memories.

Memories are made every single ordinary day.

Even when we’re not trying to make a memory out of something, it happens. Something as simple as seeing your first pumpkin …

… might somehow impact how you feel about those jolly, orange globes every autumn after.

And whether it’s a memory about grandmothers or cousins or brothers … it shapes who we are.

Raking leaves with a cousin might not seem memorable at the time …

Maybe it doesn’t have to be. Maybe it’s a simple feeling of warmth, of safety … of a connection to family that envelopes us when we’re 35 and raking our own yard.

We may not be able to commit every detail to memory, but every detail shapes who we are, regardless. We don’t have to make a memory. We simply have to enjoy the here, the now … the simple things.

Those are the most memorable of all.

Message on a bottle

Posted by Farmgirl on September 23, 2009  |  5 Comments

History’s mysteries. I’ve stood in front of, beside and near this cupboard many, many times. And until recently, I didn’t know the wealth of information hidden within.

At some point I’m sure the doors were opened and its secrets revealed … before I was older and wise enough to take notice. I took notice the other evening.

A vast, marvelous collection of historical treasure amassed over decades … from previous centuries. Still revealing secrets after so many years.

For instance … I didn’t know that the tiny little town of Augusta had an apothecary on Main Street!

And this one … with its handwritten instruction for renewed health and vigor. Whatever it is, they crossed out one “desent spoonful” and wrote “half Table” spoonful.

If you’ve ever wondered how much a decent spoonful is, now you know!

Yesterday’s treasures. What are you keeping today that will fill the next generations with awe and wonder? What treasures will you preserve so those who come after will remember those gone before?

Always out on a limb

Posted by Farmgirl on August 20, 2009  |  12 Comments

Sara (Reid) Manfull

Aug. 15, 1917  to Aug. 19, 2009 

Loving, dutiful and hard-headed wife to a good man …

Doting mother of two daughters …

 Treasured grandmother to four …

Proud great-grandmother of nine.

She loved them dearly. From the oldest …

… to the youngest.

We love you grandma.

Thanks for everything.