The closer we get to Christmas; the more excited Elfie becomes. Some would call him hyper; I think it’s just part of the holiday mischief that overcomes elves as the hustle and bustle of the big day approaches.
Of course, living in the country, hustle and bustle aren’t really part of our vocabulary...it’s more like mosey and move along little doggie. Between my mom and I, our big excitement every day is seeing how many eggs we collect. Yesterday it was ten, and to be honest we both did a little hooting and hollering. Elfie was less impressed until Grandma Jo...Which he now lovingly calls my mom, told him they could use the eggs to make cookies. That was a tone changer as Elfie danced a little jingle. He LOVES cookies and milk.
​
Grandma Jo let Elfie know, before they could make cookies, she needed his help with wrapping presents. This made Elfie nearly delirious as he uses to help wrap presents at the workshop in the North Pole. Other than getting caught on the tape roll one or two times (actually thirty-seven times) Elfie did a great job and Grandma Jo was pleased to put presents for Brycen and Annabelle under the tree...Yes, not to worry, the big kids each got a present too.

All this wrapping of packages made Elfie extremely hungry and thirsty. We have been trying to watch the little guy as elves are known to overindulge, especially on sweets. We have all heard the stories of Buddy and know of his love for the sweets, especially candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup. 

​In life sometimes lessons are learned the hard way and that is exactly what happened for my mom and I as we left Elfie unsupervised in the kitchen for like twenty seconds (actually it was closer to five minutes). Grandma Jo had fixed Elfie a plate with cookies and had poured him 2 ounces of milk to drink and dip. We left Elfie happy and content watching Frosty the Snowman on television while I shut chicken houses for the night and Grandma Jo transfer clothes from the washer to the dryer. 

Upon returning to the kitchen, we find that Elfie has eaten ALL the cookies except the two on his plate! He also filled his glass of milk to the very top, spilling the rest of it on the floor. Grandma Jo was not very happy as Elfie shouted out, “That’s why we have cats and dogs”! Grandma Jo furrowed her brow as Gypsy, Koda, Zak and Charlie G. Jefferson lapped up the spilt milk without hesitation. Elfie’s eyes twinkled just a little.

With Grandma Jo’s brow still furrowed and hands on her hips (the fake one and the real one), she said, “We made those cookies for ALL OF US”! Elfie, showing some remorse (extraordinarily little), grinned sheepishly while pointing to the saucer with two cookies, as crumbs fell from his mouth. Grandma Jo put Elfie on the spot by asking if he would of left us any cookies had we been gone longer? With this, Elfie took several big gulps of his milk and squeaked out a barely audible, “I’m sorry”. However, It was loud enough and with that, Grandma Jo unfurrowed her brow and forgave Elfie as she munched on a cookie, sipped some milk and they joined in chorus singing...Thumpety, thump, thump, thumpety, thump, thump, look at Frosty go. Thumpety, thump, thump, thumpety, thump, thump, over the fields of snow.
​
To be continued...

​Yesterday morning Elfie asked if he could go out exploring the farm on his own. I explained to him that it might not be the safest thing for him to venture out without me. A beautiful bald eagle has been spotted around the pond, coyotes and a bobcat have been captured on the game cam....and we know what the chickens are capable of.
​
Like most elves his age, Elfie enjoys his independence but still needs the support of his family. It was decided that Elfie could use my phone to get an Uber since they have established door-to-door safety standards. For extra security measures we contacted “Farm Dogs on Guard”. They sent one of their top officers, Marilyn, to spend the day with Elfie and his Uber. With the additional security measures in place, Elfie was able to do a wider tour of the farm without me accompanying him. I felt confident, he was in good hands (Paws, Hooves...Whatever). 

​The Uber app made it easy for Elfie to select the size ride he would feel most comfortable with. We felt the compact options were more fuel efficient but didn’t offer the safety features we were looking for. So, he settled on a mid-size SUV, which we later found out, stands for Sheepy Ultimate Voyaging. We were delighted to find out his driver would be Poppy. She has been moonlighting as an Uber driver since her summer job of mowing lawns has come to a halt until spring. Poppy stated that she does still operate a fertilizer business year-round and offers the Uber service between fertilizer application gigs.
It was noted on the app that Poppy has been known to stop along her Uber route and complete a fertilizing job, but she does her business and quickly moves on. Riders seldom complain as when booking a mid-sized SUV, they anticipate a slower paced mode of transportation. For riders seeking a somewhat faster, but still leisurely ride, Uber recommends a Granny or Gramps driver accustomed to partaking in Sunday drives.
​
Looking at the app we could see Elfie’s ride was just two lawns away. He quickly packed a snack of peanuts and cola, then anxiously awaited Poppy’s arrival. She pulled right up to the door so Elfie could hop on. You should of seen the grin on his face. Elfie was so excited about his big day. Once Marilyn from Farm Dogs on Guard appeared, they were good to go. I watched as they headed off for a day of fun, waving bye with the tiniest of tears in my eye. I knew this was a special day. 

​Wanting to stay in touch, I sent my mom’s phone with Elfie and told him to take lots of pics and touch base on occasion. The Uber app allowed him to send updates about his location and estimated time of arrival at each location they visited. Elfie was most impressed by the heated seats and spectacular view his Uber ride offered.
​
With Elfie safely off on his adventures, I went about my daily chores. I must say, Elfie became proficient at selfies. Taking pics of himself constantly, he quickly became the Kim K of the elf world.
First stop was to check in on Dandelion and Buttercup. Elfie got a great shot of them as they wished him a most excellent day. After visiting his friends, it was off to Billy Bobs. He heard it was like Billy Gail’s in Branson...It was NOT. No food to be found at all. This was the perfect time to snack on his peanuts and coke while moseying along down a dirt path. 

​Next, they headed out to pasture where domesticated cattle can often be found grazing the land. They were in luck; the domesticated cattle were nearby and not off over the hillside out of sight. Like a tourist at Yosemite, Elfie pressed his luck in trying to get a closeup with a domesticated cow. Marilyn, with Farm Dogs on Guard, felt the domesticated cattle were getting too pushy and it forced her into protection mode. This defensive behavior caused the domesticated cattle to back away, but not before Elfie got some great selfies. 

​By this point in the day’s adventures, Elfie and his Uber driver were growing hungry. They decided to stop at a roadside hay stand for a little something to eat and a short nap. Having refueled, Elfie, Poppy, and Marilyn headed out to visit the giant Watering Hole, which is a major attraction to the local waterfowl who call it, The Pond. It is also known to draw in visitors migrating for the season. Elfie was super excited to stop here, as part of the Watering Hole was frozen over. It reminded him of his old home up North with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

With a full day of fun behind him, Elfie punched in home as his final destination on his Uber app. What a day, what a day, what a day.
​
To be continued...

​By now Elfie was getting a little hungry. Since Grandma Jo introduced Elfie to farm fresh eggs, he cannot stop thinking about them. They are quickly becoming a favorite; they rank right up there next to cookies and milk. We decided it was time to head back to the main house for a sit-down meal. On the way back we passed a little cabin that had recently come onto the market when the mouse family moved to a larger residence where the rent was not controlled by the Feline Management Company. Elfie loved the rustic feel of the cabin, it reminded him a lot of his childhood home at the North Pole. The cabin is within easy walking distance from the pear tree, where he could dine when hungry and collect twigs for a fire since the cabin came with a chimney. (Barely visible in photo, but proof of a working fireplace)
 
Before heading back to the big house, Elfie met with the landlord, Charlie G. Jefferson and landlady, Pamela. It was then that he found out, monthly rental payments must be paid in catnip. Elfie was certain this would be in violation of the Santa “clause” he signed at birth when his parents smooshed his right foot onto an ink pad, then onto a piece of paper. It was then that Elfie was reminded, not only was he an Elf...but he was in fact...MOUSE SIZED. We decided that, even though Charlie G. and Pamela were fat on kibble, it was best that Elfie adhere to the rules and regulations of the Santa “clause” and not tempt fate.
​
To be continued...

​Well, you know what they say...It’s all fun and games until somebody gets hurt.
Yesterday morning started out like any morning here on the farm. I was trying to get my outside chores done before the rain set in. I was in a bit of a hurry as I had to move hay for the cows, get bales tarped, pull fresh hay to pad down a nice bed for Poppy, unload the car and mix chicken feed. Not that I will melt in the rain, despite what my brother has told me for years. It’s just that doing chores dry is much more pleasant than doing them drenched.
Being a good sport, Elfie tagged along to help me as best as he could. We got some new hens about a month ago and they are starting to lay eggs...Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!!! Even the girls are shocking themselves, as you can see by the face on one of the Blue Plymouth Rock girls as she looks at her very first egg! 

​Anyhow...Elfie climbed up into a nest box to help collect eggs. Next thing I know, I hear a small pop. Looked over, thinking Elfie my gut of broken an egg, but his back had gone out. I had cautioned the little man to lift with his knees and not his back, but in his haste to get the job done, he hurt himself. I quickly rushed Elfie and the eggs into the house. My mom said she would ice Elfie’s back and let him rest, while I finished chores. Leaving Elfie in capable hands, I headed back out to mix feed. 

​Yesterday was such a beautiful day, perfect for getting some work done outside. After morning chores were done Elfie and I decided to tackle some bigger jobs around the farm. Elfie volunteered to run the dozer to push some feathers from the road. I asked if he had experience driving big equipment and he told me, back at the North Pole he would often drive the snowplow clearing a path for Santa’s sleigh for takeoff.
 
Up North Elfie would also plow paths through the snow for the reindeer so they could easily get from the barn to the garage where Santa parks his sleigh. Since we didn’t have any snow yesterday for Elfie to plow, he took it upon himself to clear the driveway of leaves (It was more like, A Leaf, but let’s not crush the elves spirit). 

​While I went on about my merry way this summer, so did the weeds. They sprung forth from the somewhat questionable fertile ground and flourished. So as Elfie dozed the drive, I went about taming the garden of weeds. These were not your regular run of the mill weeds; these were monstrous weeds and proved to be a formidable opponent. I chopped down this spiny creature and tossed it onto a pile to burn, however it had second thoughts and sprung back towards me with the speed of a jack rabbit being chased by a coyote. This was an educational moment for me, lesson learned the hard way, why you should wear gloves when working with gigantic spiny weeds. My language brought Elfie to a stop. From nowhere he pulls out a pad of paper and pencil. He begins writing feverishly a note to Santa. I apologized profusely, but Elfie explained an infraction is an infraction and must be reported. Yikes!
 

Due to Elfie’s misadventures yesterday with some chick named Jolene, he has enlisted help from a private security firm called Farm Dogs on Guard.
 
When I spoke with Lucy, the top-ranking officer with Farm Dogs on Guard, she stated Elfie was their very first celebrity. The famous, Elf on a Shelf family is like royalty here in America. Normally Lucy and her staff, which consist of her daughter Marilyn and son Zak, patrol the premises of a twenty-acre property known as Hybrid Hollow Farm. They prevent losses and damages by predators who regularly seek out free chicken dinners. This is the first time in the company’s history that it is, in fact...a chicken which is causing the alarm.
 
Due to Elfie’s small size and apparently...appetizing good looks, when he is outside of the residence and hanging out in areas known to be frequented by poultry, Farm Dogs on Guard will go into a heightened sense of alert to ensure his wellbeing. Non-lethal forces will be used to control crowds of curious chickens, ducks, and guineas that may gather when Elfie makes public appearances or just wants to volunteer around the farm. 

​To be continued...

​Farm Dogs on Guard will provide Elfie with surveillance of the immediate area, while doing foot patrol if needed. Farm Dogs on Guard are most well known for their “Pretend Sleeping” maneuver, which Lucy demonstrated for this interview. While in the Pretend Sleeping mode, Farm Dogs on Guard are able to provide those in the coverage zone a calming and protected environment. Should danger appear, they spring to their feet immediately and sound the alarm if needed.... WOOF, WOOF, WOOF....calling in for backup to handle any situation swiftly, restoring calm and order to the farm.
 
Farm Dogs on Guard is a privately owned security firm which operates 24/7 and acts independently from local law enforcement agencies, which do not provide protection of livestock and/or elves.
 
This has been a public service announcement. Please return to your regularly scheduled Facebook scrolling.

​Elfie asked if he could help with chores today. Guess he felt a little guilty about eating all our pecan treats. I am not sure if he felt guilty before or after I shared his escapades on Facebook??? Either way, he did help me feed Buttercup and Dandelion.
 
All was going just fine until some Chick ran up and grabbed Elfie by his hat and took off across the yard with him. This is one of those times I’m grateful not to have neighbors. No one needs to peer out their kitchen blinds and watch me running across the yard yelling at some Chick, to leave my elf alone. I’m sure if I lived in the city, this would earn me a white jacket with extra-long arms. 

The whole event was like some parody of Miley Cyrus doing a backyard cover of some Dolly Parton song. This Chick came in like a wrecking ball, snatched my elf and ran. I’m certain her name was Jolene. The whole incident left me singing the blues. It sounded a lot like this...” Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene I’m begging of you please don’t take my elf. Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene Please don’t take him just because you can.”
 
As I was gaining on Jolene, she decided to drop Elfie and head out to the asparagus bed for a dust bath. Elfie was a bit shaken, but no worse for wear. I promised to share any and all treats I receive for Christmas with him to help settle his nerves. I told Elfie he will not need to sneak them. So, anyone that wants to send treats to Elfie, I’m happy to retrieve them from the mailbox for him, because he’s not tall enough to reach. That’s what friends do for friends. Message me for Elfie’s address if needed. He is not picky, but is especially partial to fudge, peanut brittle, and Snicker Doodle cookies with the chocolate kiss in the middle. Just saying.

To be continued...
​

​Mom and I put our tree up. We decorated with a mix of old and new ornaments. Lots of little treasures and fond memories hang on that tree. 

​I added our elf to the tree. Didn’t think we had anything to worry about. I know folks with kids have elves causing mischief around their homes. Figured since our elf is over 50 years old, that he was probably beyond the age of causing any trouble. Boy was I wrong. 

​I’ll be dang if the little arthritic guy didn’t muster up the energy to eat all our sugar pecan treats that our friend Deb so kindly made for us. I was being good and only eating two or three a day, making them last. Got up this morning and he’s cleaned out the container. Even licked up the crumbs. Last time I trust him to watch over any homemade goodies.

​To be continued...

ONLINE BOOK LAUNCH: I have “BIG” news to share. I know many of you have been suggesting I write a book. Well for many reasons I have dragged my feet...fear, finances, where do you start, how do you start, fear, fear, and a sprinkling of more fear.

Well last year at the Wildwood Art Fair a lady, Pam Wilson, entered my booth and basically nudged me off the cliff. We had a great conversation about my heritage breed photo project and my plans to do a book of the farmers and the rare breeds of livestock and poultry that they care for. Pam told me she worked for a local publisher, Davis Creative. She gave me a business card and said she would look forward to hearing from me.

So instead of doing what I might have done in the past, I mustered up the bravery to put myself out there in a world of unknowns. I met with Pam and Cathy L. Davis, founder of Davis Creative LLC. and we discussed many things and several book projects I’ve had in my head and on my computer just waiting to move forward. These ladies answered the many questions I had and put my fears to rest. Not only did they understand where I was coming from, but they were encouraging and excited about where I wanted to go.

I had been researching book publishers for a couple years, can’t tell you how nice it was to find someone local and that I could meet in person if needed...not to mention the personal attention by people that know me and understand my mission.

While I continue to work on my heritage breed photo project, I’m looking at another 2-4 years before I’m ready to publish. With that in mind, Cathy and Pam chatted with me about my other books that I hope will see the light of day. We also came up with a collection of my Facebook stories since that is what you, my friends have been asking for. Trust me...it’s in the works....maybe by next summer???

In the meantime, I have been presented with the most fabulous opportunity through Davis Creative, to write a chapter...just a single chapter, for a anthology or collection of stories by several writers. Maybe this is a baby step, feels like a giant step...but it’s a start! I’m going to be a published writer...Oh My GOODNESS!
I was challenged to write about “Positive Perspectives on Creating a Life Worth Living”. My chapter will be published in the “Living Well” Anthology. I say challenge because I’ve not been given a topic or a deadline since high school. Naturally I over thought it and made myself all nervous with absolutely no writable thoughts at all coming to mind. With the deadline looming I shut my door and told my mom she would not see me till I finished. A deadline, a deadline, a deadline....did you know my ceiling fan makes fourteen complete rotations every 17.5 seconds? I really should take my nick knacks down and dust. How did I actually learn to type, because I failed typing class? Obviously this was going nowhere fast, but somewhere, somehow I got out of my own way and I just wrote. I wrote about real life just like I do on Facebook all the time. Plain, simple, just my life as is. Low and behold, they loved it...and I beat the deadline...Whoop, Whoop!

So I am here to let everyone know that there is going to be an official “Online Book Launch” Wednesday June 26th 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Sometime in there I will have a live interview with Cathy about my chapter and other happenings. You need to sign up or register to listen to the online launch. A link is listed below If you need help, let me know.

Then on Saturday June 29th a reception will be held to introduce those involved with the book. Copies will be available. The reception will be held at Silver Lining in Town and Country 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Sadly I am not able to attend this event, but please, if you are in the area...stop by...mingle, meet Cathy and Pam, several of the writers, and grab a copy of the book. I can not wait to get my hands on it, should be very inspirational and empowering. I’m honored to be a part of this project.

I’ll share more info as I can. I’ll have books at some of my shows, and on my website. I’d be happy to sign one for you if you like. This will be my first published book as a writer. I’ve been very fortunate to have my photography published in a couple books and magazines. You can find a list of them in my website. Most notable is the Whole Goat Handbook by Janet Hurst and Interpretations by the Columbia Art League.
So this is my big news I’ve been sitting on. I’m excited to finally share it with you. Fingers crossed it is well received and only the beginning of more books to come.

Cathy shared....
Join Amy Kramer Baue, Ann Baur, Kristy White-Barton, Debbie Baumoel, Lisa Bianco, Jody Budo, Michele Burghardt, Kim Carr, Patricia Eder, Kerry Ghormley, Dianne Graves, Tara Kraus Gregor, Nadine Kouba, Mikell Miller-Rush, Meaghan Shaffer, Melissa Swank, Pam Wilson . . . and more!
​
Online Book Launch registration for Wednesday June 26, 2019
I’ll be interviewed live sometime between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. Register to follow along online.
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https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin…

​I was in heaven today...donkey heaven that is! Spent some time at the Foxwood Farm in Pike County photographing four jacks and a John mule. Two of the jacks are Mammoths, which are on the endangered list.

Can’t wait to look through my shots. What a great day. All five were like big dogs, hard to get pics of because they wanted to see what I was doing and they love to be scratched. What a fun time.

ST. LOUIS ART FAIR PREVIEW NIGHT: Just got home from the St. Louis Art Fair (SLAF) Jury Preview Night.

Laura Miller, Executive Director, of the SLAF gave an overview of the jury process and the five judges introduced themselves as they settled in for a long weekend and important task of selecting this years line up of artists for the fair in September. With applications from across the USA, Canada, and a couple from other countries such as Argentina...the judges will spend the next three days reviewing images from which over 1,000 applicants will be cut by the time the final round of judging takes place on Sunday.

Artists are divided into two categories...2D and 3D. No set amounts in any medium are given or required. It is simply up to the judges to pick the very best line up of artists they can. It will be no easy task as the level of talent applying is impressive.

​Preview night is a chance for all submitting artists to see their work projected as the judges will see and score upon. You also get a chance to meet the judges and view all the applicants so have a better understanding of your competition and what you are being judged alongside of.

It was a wonderful evening and I look forward to seeing what the judges come up with. By the look of tonight’s images, the judges have their work cut out for them.

I love that SLAF offers this opportunity for artists to preview all the applicants. Such a learning experience, plus it’s pretty cool to see your images projected on big screens!

Traveled to Hermann Missouri today and scored big time as I was able to purchase some original artwork by Dominic and Indigo. They have a nice studio in the back of their mom and grandmas shop, Saleigh Mountain Leather Company on 4th Street. ​

Dominic and Indigo have a variety of subject matter they like to paint, from landscapes, dinosaurs, fishing boats, and rainbows. I of course really liked the landscapes with sheep and the one of the Apple Stand...reminded me of the Farmers Market. ​

​Pieces will be signed and dated with the year by the artist upon purchase. Dom and Indigo’s studio is open same days and hours as the leather shop where you can find an assortment of handmade goods from handbags to saddle bags and everything in between. Tuesday-Saturday 9-5. More details can be found at
https://saleighmountain.com/

​Twice this week I’ve had the pleasure of sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. To counter balance this I’m going to hold baby ducks.

Inner harmony will be restored

​SHOUT OUT...To my college roommate Robin for helping me set up for my show this weekend and working my booth today so I could grab pictures of artists....and maybe a flower or two, or two thousand.

The show opens back up at 10:00 am tomorrow morning
(Sunday April 29, 2018)

Show...Best of Missouri Life Market

Located...
Powell Gardens
1609 NW US Highway 50
Kingsville, Mo 64061
816-697-2600

Hours...
10:00 am - 4:00 pm

General admission to the garden applies. Adults $12, Seniors $10, Kids 5-12 $5
Parking $5
Garden Members are free.

Over 70 artists, fine crafters, and artisan food & drink.

For more information, please visit
www.missourilife.com/best-of-Missouri-life-vendors/

Hope to see you there, it is a gorgeous setting.

​My mom was not happy when she did my chores this weekend and had three snake encounters. At least she is growing up some. In the past once she saw a snake, she was done doing chores till winter freeze.

While she still is not fond of them, she has learned how to two step and do-si-do, so there are additional benefits to having snakes around besides the mice and other problem critters they might eat. It’s a whole nother story though when it comes to eating our eggs...and if my mom had seen this snake attempting to eat duck eggs!!! Well, let’s just say I named him Sean...after Sean Penn in Dead Man Walking! I’ll have to relocate him to another part of the county for his sake.

We also have a big garter snake I call Spot. He likes to hang out by the shed. I set out some water for him today. Hopefully he’s eating bugs in the shed. By the size of his girth, he’s not missing any meals.

Don’t tell my mom about Sean and Spot, maybe she won’t run into them next time she does my chores. I don’t have time to be grounded, so they best stay out of sight.

Puppy Update....Zak, Marilyn, and Natali helped me water cattle while Lucy slept under the house. She is wise and sleeps all day. Natali is old, so she’s retired and does whatever she wants...as for the pups...Zak is a goofball and likes to hangout wherever I go. Marilyn has become an excellent guardian and works all night with her mom, but still has energy to play with her brother and keep him in line. ​

Marilyn is definitely the aggressor, but Zak is much bigger...so they have a mutual understanding of respect for each other. If she has a bone or the other day she had a feather to chew on...Zak will stand nearby to see if he can intimidate her. She lifts a side lip, gives him the stink eye stare, and he goes on about his business. If Zak has something good, Marilyn just ignores him, she could care less what her younger brother has or pretends to have. ​

​Zak likes to swim and come to the house wet, wanting in on the couch. Marilyn attracts ever dirt nugget, burr, stick, and leaf that can possibly be found. I’m positive 50% of her body weight is just junk and dirt. She will be going good to the groomers in a week and a half. It will be lovely to not have half the farm dragged in the house attached to her coat.

​Saving myself some money today! Was going to go to town and get my body hair waxed off so I’d look good in shorts and short sleeves this summer. Instead I saved myself time and money by singeing it all off while burning brush. Yowee, that smarts!

According to the old wives tale, Smoke follows beauty. In that case, Mother Nature must think I’m gorgeous, because I couldn’t see a thing for all the smoke in my eyes.

​Quiet morning after the storm yesterday. The baby ducks have taken to bug catching like ducks on water! 😄😄😄

Between the ducks, chickens, and guineas, they keep the insect population at a minimum. In thirty years out here I’ve maybe had three or four mosquito bites. I love it! Bad thing is, I forget not everyone has a natural army of bug eating machines. Normally takes less than a minute at someone else’s home before I become a buffet for every mosquito in a two mile radius. It’s why I seldom venture away from home.

I have wised up and now carry Skin So Soft with me to all art shows, just in case the bugs are out.

Spring does not disappoint. The variety of color, textures, and life are amazing.

Relocation of black snakes has become an almost daily ritual. Apparently the only thing tastier than a mouse, is a fresh laid egg. While my mouse population thrives, the egg numbers dwindle. On the plus side, the snakes are extremely gorgeous and look stunning coiled in a nest of tattered feathers while consuming a mid day snack. ​

Another thing of abundance is duck nest. We have had three sets hatch already, and have at least four more moms in nest. It’s rare to catch a mom off her nest as the Muscovies are diligent mothers and care takers...however, everyone must take a walkabout on occasion. In the nest of feathery down, are numerous eggs. I didn’t risk counting as the mom was watching and waiting to flog me should I venture too close. 
​

​A roadside poppy not far from the house, provided an exquisite pop of color that I enjoyed twice...once on my way to town, then on my return for which I stopped for a photo op. A rain storm had moved through while I was in town, leaving the bloom a little dis-shelved, but no less brilliant. When I went to visit the bloom today, sadly someone had picked it. I’m hoping another will bloom soon amongst the weeds in the roadside ditch. It’s the only poppy I see all year. I wish they were more abundant around here and that the blooms were longer lasting. I would plant some, but my critters find everything to be a delicacy. I once worked at a nursery and had every color iris, mum and rose. My place was gorgeous for about three years until my animals discovered the Floral Buffet, which only went to prove my fence building skills stunk and my choice of flowers was delicious.

​Our Beauty Bushes are in full bloom. I’m not sure of their technical name, but I love them...as do the bees. They are a great source of food for the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The bloom looks like a cross between a honeysuckle and a trumpet vine flower. Does anyone know this real name of this bush?

AROUND THE FARM: Celebrating a victory in court! We appeared before the judge this morning and it was unanimously decided that hence forth Marilyn’s legal name will now be Pigpen.

In other good news, Pigpen will be opening her own cleaning service....

​Do you have an excess of mud or dirt around your yard? Is it keeping you from enjoying the great outdoors? No need to fret...Pigpens Cleaning Service will have that mess mopped up in no time flat. Pigpen Cleaning Services uses only natural fiber for picking up all that dirt and grime. No need to worry about hazardous chemicals. Pigpen Cleaning Services will roll, jump, and frolic in your dirt & mud until it is all absorbed into the natural fibers, where your dirt & grime will be whisked away and disposed of in the household of company co-owner, Kim C.

​Hurry this offer expires soon as Pigpen Cleaning Services will be making a visit to the groomer, which will temporarily shut down Pigpen Cleaning Services until the natural fibers of this cleaning machine, are replaced. Current forms of payment being accepted....Doggie Biscuits.

I’m taking a workshop today on “How to be more like a duck”. This workshop should help prepare me for future art shows where rain is expected....or not expected, but you get rained on anyhow.

I will be learning how to stay afloat in different water conditions, including a special breakout session on Street Floating...not taught in most water safety classes. I’ll also be learning how to let water roll off your back, different paddling techniques, and most importantly....how to remain calm in wet conditions.
There is a bonus session on how to survive on bugs and worms if you can’t make it out of your tent at lunchtime to grab something from a food vendor because it’s raining too hard. I think I’ll skip this session, but it’s good to know it’s available should I ever decide to take it.

Today’s workshop is being taught by Lawnmower Momma ( who I relocated a couple weeks ago because she built her nest on my mower). Two of her kids are helping give instruction and demos for the workshop, they are already water experts. I have much to learn. Big improvement for myself over last years Washington Art Fair where I got soaked securing my tent and art, lost my glasses that floated down the road...luckily found them the next day hung up on someone else’s tent pole...also fried my phone that got drenched in my pocket.
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This year when the rains hit at several different times, I was better able to protect my art and secure my tent...having a decent tent makes a world of difference...Thank you Bari! 💕 But now it’s time for my advanced “How to be like a duck” training. I must waddle along. Have a good day.

Since it’s National Heritage Breed Week, I would like to highlight an animal everyday that I have been fortunate to meet over the past year in my quest to gather images of rare breeds of livestock and poultry being cared for by Missouri Farmers.

This is Otis, a Mammoth Donkey. Isn’t he GRAND! I got to spend some time with Otis last month at the Foxwood Farm in Louisiana, MO. where he shares the rolling pastures with another Mammoth, two Standards, and a fine looking saddle mule.

Did you know that Mammoth donkeys like Otis are listed as critically endangered! We have the ability to change this. I will do my part by visiting with area farmers and documenting these amazing creatures in an effort to raise awareness that not only are exotic animals in danger of extinction, but so are farm animals.
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If you would like to help me with my photo project, please visit my website or my Patreon Page @www.patreon.com/KimCarr Thank you from me and the critters. #nationalheritagebreedweek #heritagebreedweek #mammothdonkey #rarebreed #livestockconservancy #donkeyoftheday #otis #donkeysofinstagram #iloveanimals #farmlife #animaleyes #animalphotographer #heritagebreed #photoproject #patreonartist #savetheanimals #endangeredspecies #missouri_photos #missouri #donkey #kimcarrphotography

Due to the storm Saturday night at the Schlafly Art Fair, my tent suffered some damage. A friend of mine found a tent for sale on Facebook, which resulted in a trip to Gerald, Mo for me today.
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Since it is a very small world, it ended up that I knew the folks selling the tent. We were neighbors at the Union Craft Fair for five years...so it was nice to catch up with them, and get a replacement tent that I can use this coming weekend.

Well now....since I like to put as much as I can into a day anytime I leave the farm, I contacted my friend Gail who lives in Gerald. Funny the town has like twelve residents and I know three families! Anyhow, at Gail’s I got to hang out with several Heritage Breed animals...fingers crossed I got some good images for my photo series of rare and endangered farm animals.

Jed and Winky, two Brabant stallions. The Brabant is the founding breed for the modern day Belgian Draft Horse. It is estimated that there are less than 100 purebred Brabants in the United States...and I stood face to face with two of them today!

Buckley the young Randall steer left nose prints on my phone. Most likely if you attend the Mid-Missouri Horse, Mule and Ox Farming and Historical Craft Days which is held at Gail’s place the first weekend of October...you will probably see Buckley among the crowds as he is being trained to wear a yolk and help with some chores around the farm. You can find more info about the heritage days event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MidMoDays

Alice the Arapawa Nanny kept a keen eye on me as she had a new baby that liked to test his vocal cords. I think he liked hearing himself talk. Baelfire the young ram wanted to show off his beard. He heard they were in style right now and is hoping I will make him and his beard famous. I’ll try my best.

​It’s so hard to believe all of these animals are on the endangered list! What a shame. I’m so glad to know folks like Gail that are working hard to preserve these wonderful breeds for us all to enjoy. I’m still trying to meet up with other Missouri farmers raising rare breeds. If you know of someone that might like to be a part of my photo project...please send them my way. You can also share my Patreon page which tells all about my project. www.patreon.com/kimcarrphotography

Of course for me...the cherry on top of this wonderful day was Tommy the white Percheron Draft Mule! Any day is better when I get to nuzzle a mule or donkey. 😊
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Be sure to mark your calendars for the first weekend in October. Make plans to visit Gail and her beautiful critters during her Heritage Days event. Make sure you get some cherry cobbler or cinnamon rolls cooked in the Dutch Oven At the Chuckwagon. You will be thanking me for this insider tip.

​While someday I dream of living an “Off Grid” life, I’m not there yet. In the meantime I practice mini survival skills and often set obstacles in my day to day living to challenge myself. If I do not personally plan out these challenges, they are then given a higher ranking as I award myself mental merit badges.
This weekend I took on two unplanned obstacles so I could keep my skills sharp since the comforts of farm life sometimes lull me into a false comfort zone in which I become lazy and dull.

My first challenge was arriving at my friends house on Friday after a long, hot day in the sun setting up my booth for Art in the Park. Volunteers made sure I had plenty of water to drink, and Art in the Park has trained me to keep two frozen wash clothes with me at all shows...so I was able to clear away the sweat on occasion and get temporary relief from the heat.

I went about setting my booth up at a sloths pace in an effort to conserve energy. I’m not positive if this method really worked, however I did complete my set up before sunset and I was still standing upright...so I’ll chalk it up as a success.

Upon arriving at my friends home I was tired and dirty...and did I mention, dirty and tired?? She wasn’t home, so with dark approaching I went to let myself in. Key number one at door number one, didn’t work. There were two keys, so I felt pretty good thinking the second key would grant me entry where I could then collapse in a heap on the floor till regaining enough strength to make it upstairs to shower and sleep. Ends up, door one was a no go with either key, so with duffle bag, my cooler, my friends two coolers...because she didn’t have access to a freezer...my backpack, and my fans battery bag...I headed around back to door number two with what looked like enough survival gear to last a month. Again I tried key one...nope....by now the duffle bag strap is cutting off my oxygen and I wobble as I try key two...no go. Finally I get the brilliant idea to set all my worldly possessions down on the patio as perhaps they are throwing me off kilter and not allowing me to properly align key to lock.

Now functioning freely I attempted entry again at door two with both keys...no success...so leaving my belongings on the patio I head back to door one to try again...no such luck. A slight panic starts to set in as it is growing rapidly darker and I am be motivated for success by the fall of a shower and comfy bed. As what seemed to be a last option, I head to door number three where I find the screen door locked. At this point my typical animal behavior kicks in...Fight or Flight? As I head back to door one I am running scenarios through my head...how long before the neighbors call the police? If I’m arrested I’ll skip the shower without a doubt. Will they give me one pillow or two? I like at lest two. Will I get head lice? Will someone bake me out in time for me to do the show on Saturday? What friends can I call and crash on their couch if I don’t get arrested? I was in the process of planning things out as I stood at door two trying to gain entry as I used the handy dandy flashlight from my phone to shed light on lock as I again tried to gain entry into the house. As I squinted trying to see what I was doing I got a brilliant idea that perhaps I should put my glasses on so I could properly see what I was doing. So I trek back to my van and grab my glasses. I head back to door two with my two keys, cellphone flashlight and glasses on...Whalah! Magically the door opens. What a sense of relief as I pull my things inside listening for police sirens....nothing but crickets and the distant chatter of folks enjoying an evening outdoors.

With that challenge successfully conquered on Friday night I allocated myself some bonus mental merit badge points. With everything now running smoothly I waited till load out on Sunday afternoon to initiate my second challenge. Busy with tear down I placed my backpack with my money in a tote which I padlocked for safekeeping so I wouldn’t have to keep my pack strapped to me as I worked.
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​Everything with tear down went smoothly, even had a volunteer help me fold up tent walls and get them neatly stacked for pick up by the volunteer golf carts. I had everything in a nice pile and was asked if I was ready for a golf cart to load my stuff and take it to my van. I told her I would move my vehicle closer before tying up a golf cart. With that in mind I reached into my pocket to grab my van keys so I could go move it to the loading lot.

In my pocket I found one good brand of chapstick tube which was empty but I kept scraping the plastic across my lips all weekend in hopes that I might get the last tiny bit stuck at the bottom of the roll. I also found a tube of nasty off brand, gritty orange flavored chapstick which I donated to my trash can today...there was a lifesaver wrapper, gummy bear wrapper, a wad of lint, and something that I think was doggie biscuit crumbs...lets just pretend it was doggie biscuits...makes me feel better since I’m not current on my tetanus shot...but for my friends who think I should be current on tetanus...let’s just say that I am. Life is easier this way.

Anyhow...while my pocket held an assortment of treasures...it did not hold any keys to my van. As I stood in the sun and tiny beads of sweat emerged from inner skin layers and rolled down my nose I envisioned myself like a skier down a snowy slope. As I blew the sweat from my nose I mentally saw myself drifting through the air like i was parasailing. While I entertained myself for a brief moment, reality kicked in...my van keys were in the back pack locked in the tote....the keys to the tote were locked in my van. 🤔🤔🤔
Use to be I wondered how folks come up with little sayings like...”She’s not the sharpest crayon in the box”....well mystery solved. I can check that off my things to wonder about list.

While pondering how to resolve this challenge I did a little dance much like the one the little bird does as he comes and goes from a cuckoo clock. I paced back and forth till my MacGyver like skills kicked into action allowing each to free my backpack and keys...and yes...the tote is still usable.

As far as weekends go, it’s not the most mental merit badge points I’ve ever scored...but all in all...not bad.
The flower picture is simply because I am currently going through a love/hate relationship with locks, and flowers are easier on the eyes.