grace grits and gardening

ramblings from an arkansas farm girl

one week until HOME TOUR!

By

Sometime, months and months ago, we were asked if we’d include our home on the annual tour of homes. And by “we”, I mean me. I can’t blame John. He was out of town.

Yes! Of course. How fun!!! I clearly remember talking to my neighbor about it. I was outside with the dogs. Lucy gave me the “Boerner glare”. She knew there would be work to do.

Lucy knows there's work to be done to get ready for home tour!

As of this morning, we have exactly one week to get the house and yard ship shape because hundreds of people will be walking through. And by “we” I mean “we”. Lucky for me, John is the best when it comes to making our porch eat-off-the-floor clean.

Insane.

I was temporarily insane. Continue Reading

The Purple Ribbon

By

The Purple Ribbon Thrift Store, Fayetteville, Ar

Breaking the silence is a family affair at The Purple Ribbon in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Not only does this thrift store open its doors to shoppers, but the store offers a safe haven for victims of domestic violence. Hey y‘all—I don’t have many guest blog posts but this article was written by my friend, Laurie Reichart. Laurie is working to spread the word of the work being done by The Purple Ribbon, and I agreed to help by hosting this article. Keep on reading, because this is an important topic, and you may know someone who could use these services.

In 2014, Trish Collins brought home a steady income working for a large corporation, yet something pulled her in a different direction. She believes God has a plan for everyone and life can be uncomfortable when He’s calling to you. Trish knew leaving a respectable position and complacent routine would be difficult but she felt a stronger need to help others. After taking time off and regrouping, she came to the decision to open up a thrift store that served as a resource to victims of domestic violence.

Collins has been affected by domestic violence.Continue Reading

a certain slant of sunlight…

By

sunlight through the kitchen window

I know right off when the day is destined to be a good one. I can tell by the slant of sunlight through my kitchen window. This simple ray of sunshine, as yellow as the apples it shines upon, sends me working out into the yard all day long. The world could turn upside down and I’d be fine as long as I’m busy in the garden.

That was yesterday and yesterday was my favorite sort of day. A trip to the nursery and lots of digging in the dirt. Today I feel the ache in my back. It’s a good ache—the ache of transplanting hostas and moving around day lilies. Sometimes plants need to be relocated. Sometimes I think I must do it for the feel of it.Continue Reading

Food. Farm. Garden. Life.

THANKS FOR READING!