Campagne Maison

Dear Friends...THIS is why I BLOG...

2012-01-07T06:12:00.000-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

As we progress into 2012, I want to thank you for your educational e-mails over the past year. I am totally screwed up now and have little chance of recovery.

I can no longer open a bathroom door without using a paper towel, nor let the waitress put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel.

I can't sit down on a hotel bedspread because I can only imagine what has happened on it since it was last washed.

I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking one's nose.

Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the years.

I can't touch any woman's handbag for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public toilet.

I MUST SEND MY SPECIAL THANKS by email now that rat poo is in the glue on envelopes making it necessary to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing. ALSO, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.

I can't have a drink in a bar because I fear I'll wake up in a bathtub full of ice with my kidneys gone.

I can't eat at KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes, feet or feathers.

I can't use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.

THANKS TO YOU I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.

BECAUSE OF YOUR CONCERN, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.

I no longer buy fuel without taking someone along to watch the car, so a serial killer doesn't crawl in my back seat when I'm filling up.

I no longer use Cling Wrap in the microwave because it causes seven different types of cancer.

AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face, disfiguring me for life.

I no longer go to the cinema because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS when I sit down.

I no longer go to shopping centers because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.

And I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a huge phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore and Uzbekistan .

THANKS TO YOU I can't use any one's toilet but mine because a big black snake could be lurking under the seat and cause me instant death when it bites my butt.

AND THANKS TO YOUR GREAT ADVICE I can't ever pick up a dime coin dropped in the car park because it was probably placed there by a sex molester waiting to grab me as I bend over.

I can't do any gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by the Violin Spider and my hand will fall off.

If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon, and the fleas from 120 camels will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor’s ex mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's best friend's beautician . .

Oh, and by the way..... A German scientist from Argentina , after a lengthy study, has discovered that people with insufficient brain activity read their e-mails with their hand on the mouse. Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.

P. S. I now keep my toothbrush in the living room, because I was told by e-mail that water splashes over 6 ft. out of the toilet.

AND, YES...I received every bit of this information via email!!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today! We love having company.

Au revoir,

Bonne Annee from Campagne Maison

2012-01-01T08:01:00.000-05:00

Bonjour et Bonne Annee from Campagne Maison

I am sharing great news with all of you today! "The Parisienne Farmgirl" is launching an online quarterly magazine that will debut in April 2012. She is super excited about this announcement and is hosting a very, very generous give-away for everyone to enter. Please hurry on over to her blog for all the details and for sign up information!

http://www.parisiennefarmgirl.com/

Be sure to subscribe to the magazine. I did and I am super excited and eagerly awaiting the first issue!!

***************************

Our humble little farmhouse is situated about five miles off interstate Hwy 75, in the beautiful Sweetwater Valley of East TN. Almost exactly midway between Knoxville and Chattanooga, downtown Sweetwater oozes with history and features many antique and specialty shops nestled alongside family owned and operated businesses. As a former Main Street director, I can attest that this town is the epitome of what the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Main Street REhabilitation program stands for!

No, my cottage is not a French chateau and to my knowlege, has no history of French heritage. In fact, she sits 4300 miles from the French countryside, built from lumber that was hewn by hand, on-sight, from trees that were cleared from the hillside almost 100 years ago. She has housed several families and undergone several REnovations--some good, some bad! But she is filled with a history of hard working people who raised their families to have strong work ethics, strict morals and a desire to contribute to the growth of their community and to society. They desired what I--like you, desire--a home that bids all to enter, "sit a spell", and put a great distance from the hustle and bustle of LIFE!

Even though it meant selling our home and RElocating over 400 miles away from our children, grandchildren, and friends, we felt compelled and destined to become the caretakers of this property. I knew immediately that she was to become our home in the country, our "Campagne Maison". I just knew, that I knew, that I knew!! Even though health issues and budget constraints are making our progress slower than we initially expected, it is still a "good" satisfying progress. Besides, our work, like life, is going to always be a work in-progress!

As I continue to share my REmodeling adventures with many of you this coming year, I look forward to seeing what inspirations that I receive from reading your blogs and hope that I return a few to you as well!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today! We love having company.

Au revoir,

Wonder

2011-12-25T08:19:00.000-05:00

May she always keep the wonderment of Christmas!!

"Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things"..Psalms 72:18

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Size Does Not Matter

2011-12-23T10:23:00.000-05:00

It's not the size of the tree or the number of gifts under it that really matters ....

TRUE STORY:

I am the 5th of 9 children. Needless to say, my mother was a real "stay-at-home" mom! My father always worked but was an alcoholic, so many times money was "nil or non". The local "Goodfellows" supplied what Christmas gifts that we received most years. They "magically" appeared on Christmas Eve--yes, Virginia...there is a Santa Claus. The only Christmas that I have any memory of as a child growing up was about the time we had a real Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

My younger sister and I were walking back home from visiting a friend when we passed a house that had REAL Christmas tree limbs piled up by the curbside. I assume they had to be trimmed off due to their size because they were fairly large branches. I picked up the biggest one from the bunch and my sister and I carried it home where we put it in a Mason fruit jar and made paper chains and ornaments for decorations.

I don't remember the gifts that were found under that wonderful little tree that Christmas morning or what we had to eat for Christmas dinner that day or anything else about Christmas that year. I just remember the JOY of finding that tree branch and the beautiful tree that me and my sister decorated that year.

You see, for me Christmas isn't about the presents OR about the tree. It's about the JOY of knowing that God has given ME/US the greatest gift of all time...

our Saviour

God Bless and Joyeux Noel from Campagne Maison

2011 Southern Angelic Queen

2011-12-19T09:22:00.000-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Emma Sue Wells

2011 Southern Angelic Queen

and Most Photogenic

She won one trophy, two crowns, two ribbons and a Christmas bear.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir

How can THIS be?

2011-12-09T05:21:00.000-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

How can THIS be? Our "little man" becomes a TEENAGER today...

6th Birthday

2005 Kindergarten Graduation

First lost tooth

the one that didn't get away!

as that Little Rascal, Alfalfa

(playtime at Mamaw's)

7th Birthday

8th Birthday

practicing his driving skills!

my little Ringo

#4 Rivercrest Colt

Happy 13th Birthday Kaleb!

December 9, 2011

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today! We love having company.

Au revoir,

One plus One equals One

2011-12-05T05:34:00.004-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

ONE rusty wrought iron bench/wine rack +

ONE busted up wooden skid =

ONE new bench (or possible coffee table)

This was a "FREE is BETTER" REpurpose, REfinish, REcycle project. The bench was given to me by my sister and the skid was a roofers discard. I cut the boards at random widths and sealed them with Minwax Wood Finish Special Walnut # 224. I am trying to decide if I want to use it for seating on the deck or take it one step further by sealing off the oxidation on the wrought iron and using it inside as a coffee table. Only time will tell!

I am linking this post up with: http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Is she CRAZY??

2011-11-27T07:33:00.000-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

A friend of my sister asked her if I'd be interested in having this 1930's era corner cabinet for the farmhouse.

In need of a good cleaning and some fresh white paint but none-the-less I SAW the beauty.

Who could resist the NATURAL cracklin' white and aqua paint?

There was no other way but to paint a fresh coat of the white BUT the aqua remained untouched.

With the addition of four HALF-shelves, I was able to double the storage space. It worked out perfect for the bottle height of all my craft paints!

Lace inserts for the door fronts and shelf edges....

Some stencils and Graphics Fairy decals

How NEAT is this?

Perfect Cabinet for a perfect corner in my perfect little farmhouse!

In a GOOD way, I'd say my sister's friend IS crazy. But I sure love to be on the receiving end when "one person's trash is another person's treasure". I also love it when I get to use my 3 R Rules !

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today! We love having company.

Au revoir,

Winner of "Outfit of Choice" The Roarin' 20's

2011-11-20T20:37:00.000-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Hello to all my Mamaw's blogging friends! I am Emma Sue Wells and I am 10 months old. I am writing a guest post for my Mamaw today.

A couple of months ago, my Mamaw made me this Roarin' 20's outfit to wear in the "Dazzling Dolls" State Beauty Pageant in Jacksonville, AR. I wasn't at the farmhouse in TN, so she had my mom take my measurements. This had her a little worried that the outfit may not fit but my mommy only had to make a slight underarm adjustment and it was perfect!

Mamaw even made me a pair of "bloomers" to match my dress (and to cover my diaper). She thinks of everything!

This is a picture of me doing "The Charleston" while I was waiting for my turn to go upon stage.

I know my Mamaw can't wait to see me in my outfit!

Thank you Mamaw! I won "Outfit of Choice" and have another crown to show you when you come back to visit!

Hugs and kisses, Emma....

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au Revoir,

In the beginning, there was none

2011-11-16T08:26:00.000-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Space for this Powder room was stolen from a bedroom. Bunk beds magically turn the remaining footage into a sleeping "nook".

This small but much needed RE-model gave me the opportunity to accessorize the room with a few of my favorite things--Paris posters,

.....Moulin Rouge Opera advertisements....

a two dollar shelf and a fifty cent wooden letter decoupaged with French music paper..

a little rhinestone bling...

a ten dollar chandy and lots of red French poppies...

....my collection of enameled tins sit atop another two dollar shelf

and a couple of ninety-nine cent brass door knobs painted with Rustoleum Hammered steel paint

In keeping with my 3 R rules, costs of this RE model were kept to a bare minimum by shopping at SAM's (Sweetwater Area Ministries) a local thrift store. This helps put money back into the community by supporting local church ministries as well as keeping good things out of a landfill!

Paint colors: Walls-Linden by Eddie Bauer Home and trim and doors-Country White by ColorPlace

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today! We love having company.

Au revoir,

Peace, Love and Haiven's 12th

2011-11-09T08:25:00.000-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

One of the things that we did on our recent trip back to AR was to help Haiven celebrate her 12th birthday. She is my "hippie" ANYTHING WITH A PEACE SIGN loving grandchild.

P-E-A-C-E

12 Candles

Making a wish!

How did this happen....nails that match the icing colors on the birthday cake (and this was coincidental)

Haiven celebrated her party at the home of her other grandparents in Wilson, AR. They were gracious to allow us to co-spoil her the remainder of the time we were there.

Thanks Gary and June!!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today! We love having company.

Au revoir,

Campagne Maison Peanut Brittle

2011-10-31T12:55:00.013-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

One of my favorite things about Fall is the cool weather that creates the perfect environment for making candy, one of which is Peanut Brittle. I actually have better results with Peanut Brittle than I do fudge and divinity, so I really enjoy making it (as well as eating it). As soon as the peanuts start showing up in grocery stores, I grab them up and start shelling them in preparation for cooking day.

CAMPAGNE MAISON PEANUT BRITTLE

2 Tbsp real BUTTER

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup white Karo syrup

1 cup raw peanuts

1 tsp baking soda

Combine the 1st four ingredients in an iron skillet. (Actually I use my Presto cooker pan). Cook on medium high heat until you can hear the peanuts pop AND the syrup begins to turn a wonderful caramel color. Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda. The mixture will start to foam and increase in volume. Stir quickly and pour immediately onto a LIGHTLY buttered or Pam sprayed cookie sheet.

Gently rotate and tap the cookie sheet against the counter top to spread the hot brittle around and into shape. Cool completely. Break into bite size pieces and enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Don't Mess with my Tutu

2011-10-30T17:35:00.023-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

It started out with a SIMPLE boring routine shopping trip to Walmart. But, as fate would have it, I found the cutest pumpkin onesie--perfect for Emma's first Halloween--while perusing the infant section. However, my creative itch kicked in and I HAD TO scratch it! It needed to be "kicked up a notch" with the addition of a black tutu.

As luck was in my corner that day, our local Walmart has started putting back FABRIC in their store and had a pretty decent selection of tulle. (WHY THE HECK did they take FABRICS out of Walmart in the 1st place??? ) In this area of East TN, the closest JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby are a 45 minute drive from the farmhouse.

After a quick Google search, I found this very informative video tutorial for making tutus from Jill at

http://www.oursevendwarfs.com/2011/07/my-first-tutu-tutorial.html.

Instead of using the suggested pre-cut spooled lengths--mainly because the only color available was white--I purchased yardage and cut my own strips. Knowing that it wasn't going to be a daunting project--NO SEWING--I picked out several colors so I could mix/match basic ones to accent alot of different colored onesies.

On my next SIMPLE boring routine shopping trip to Walmart, you can bet I will be choosing another colorful stash of tulle, as no well dressed young lady ever has "too many" tutus!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today! We love having company.

Au Revoir,

In Them Old Cotton Fields Back Home

2011-10-30T08:45:00.010-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

etched somewhere along a turn-row off US Hwy 61 South, in Osceola, AR, you may find this...

KBW + ESW

.....sentiments from a big brother to a little sister....

enjoying an afternoon of fun family photos

making more memories with our Mamaw

who is tickled pink

to be walking in high cotton

where old times there are not forgotten

In them old cotton fields back home!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today! We love having company.

Au revoir,

100 years

2011-10-20T20:00:00.007-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

TODAY would be my father's 100th Birthday...WOW

Voy Rivers Gillentine--(the cute little boy standing)

Daddy was the eldest son of eight children born to John and Hassie in Itawama County, MS on October 21, 1911. He led a colorful life and people were drawn to him by his magnetic personality.

By trade, Daddy was a mechanic. If it had a motor, my daddy could fix it. Some people wouldn't let anyone but him work on their automobiles. He also owned and operated a wrecker service and dabbled with used car sales.

Daddy loved to fish off the banks of the Mississippi River. One time he made news in the local paper for catching a 40 lb catfish on a 30 lb test line.

He loved to play Tonk and Dominoes and was very skilled at the games.

I've seen him counting money poured from a brown paper bag--winnings from the "skills" of his preferred art form, on--well, let's just say MORE than one occasion.

You couldn't make coffee too strong for him to drink and he chain-smoked unfiltered Camel cigarettes. He always gave us kids the pennies that came in the cigarette packages, which was always a real treat for us. He could be found sitting at the kitchen table EVERY morning at 4 a.m., drinking his coffee and smoking his cigarettes.

Daddy worked hard, played hard, and fought many demons during his lifetime. Somehow he always managed to survive them all.

He married my mom 1938 and they were married 43 years at the time of his death. Their union produced nine children, all of which are alive today. Each of us carry at least one of his traits and albeit, he was taken from us too soon, we are constantly reminded of him when we see those traits in each other's lives. Although Daddy didn't leave us wealthy upon his passing, he left us rich with memories of him enough to last our lifetime. And for that, we are wealthy beyond measure!

I love you Daddy. Happy Birthday.....I miss you so much!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. This is a milestone for me...my 200th post!

Au Revoir,

"THE"

2011-09-25T09:05:00.034-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

The.....Event

The.....Venue

The.....Pecking Order

The.....First born

The.....Birthday wish

The.....Hostess

The.....Big Brother

The.....Planner

The....."Gotcha" moment

The.....Poet

The.....Mamaw

The.....Babe

AND.....

The.....Baby

The.....First grand

The.....Rockstar Dad

The.....Newbies

The.....Texas Preacher

The.....Redhead

The.....Sexiest gal there!

The....New Ink

The.....Outlaws!

The.....Sister-in-laws

The.....Punch line

The....Grands and Greats

The.....Braggart!

The.....2011 SpazoKat Corntoss Champions

The....2011 SpazoKat Jr Corntoss Champion

The.....END

Over the hills to Grandmother's House

2011-07-20T07:06:00.022-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Bonjour! My name is Haiven Brooke Wells. I am 11.9 years old and next month, I'll be in 6th grade. I am spending a couple of weeks with my Mamaw Jacque. I like to write stories so I am blogging for her today.

Mamaw says that "I" am the rose in HER garden! She also told me that I should ALWAYS take time to stop and smell a rose every chance I get. Sounds silly to me but they do smell pretty good!

My Mamaw says that I am HER VS Model. I always laugh and then "strike a few poses" for her. Anything for my Mamaw 'cause she LOVES me and I love her.

I've been learning alot about life on a farm. I want to be a Veterinarian some day. I didn't know that cows liked to eat apples! My cousin Kaleb has spoiled "Mama cow" and when I come outside, she heads toward the fence and begs me for apples! My Papaw helps me feed her because I am kinda scared--she is so big and her mouth is always full of slobber. OMG..Mamaw told me that a cows tongue feels like SANDPAPER and that some people like to cook them and eat them!

One day we went to Duck Park in downtown Sweetwater, TN. I enjoyed feeding all the ducks. When you take time to smell the roses it makes you have a pretty fun day!

It has rained almost every day since I've been here. I spend alot of time sitting around and waiting for it to stop because then, I get to go swimming.

One day, Mamaw let me go out and play in the rain. She always lets me have fun but mostly, I think she just likes taking photos of me.

My Papaw had his birthday on Sunday. Me and Mamaw surprised him with a Red Velvet cake--and old fashioned vanilla MAYFIELD ice cream. That's HIS favorite! Mamaw said Papaw is getting old but she is getting younger. That must be true because she let me polish her toenails with silver glitter nail polish! She kinda ROCKS!

Uh, oh...."YES Grandma...VS models DO eat cake and ice cream"!!

My cousin Kaleb told me that I had to go to the Titanic museum. He was right--that iceberg and 28 degree water was AWESOME! I felt really sad when I found out how many people died because there weren't enough life boats. Me and Mamaw placed a rose petal in the memorial that will be placed in the exact location of the ship wreck on April 12, 2012. This is a special ROSE PETAL tribute to honor all the people that lost their lives in the tragedy.

It finally stopped raining long enough for me to enjoy some fun time at the pool. My Mamaw said that it looked like I was "walking on the water" in this picture. I am sure that she THINKS I do!

One day, we went to the Amish community and got some corn, tomatoes, and peaches. Everything sure tasted good after Mamaw cleaned it. She said that corn has silk but I never saw any! We also took a trip down to the Sweetwater Flea Market but I soon got tired of walking--THAT place is huge.

Don't tell my Papaw but one day when me and Mamaw went shopping, we ate at HIS favorite Chinese restaurant. I ate alot of Sushi. Me and my daddy love Sushi but every time I asked Mamaw to taste of it, she made an ugly face. I reminded her about smelling the roses but she never would try any!

My Mamaw has way too much laundry to catch up on and is way behind on her normal housework routine, but she says that she has plenty of time to do that after I go home. I think she thinks that pretty soon I will be too "grown up" to play with her but she is wrong.

I always have fun with her!!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. WE love having company!

Au revoir!

SOS

2011-07-06T07:59:00.012-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

John "Jack" Phillips, Senior Wireless Operator--Crew member TITANIC

a.k.a. Kaleb Wells

......I was off duty when the iceberg struck our great ship. Being summoned to my station around 12:14 a.m. April 12, 1912, by Captain Smith, alongside my partner, Harold Bride, we frantically began tapping out both CQD and SOS distress messages to all ships at sea. Captain Smith finally released us from duty when the rising water invaded the wireless room. At that point "it was every man for himself". I lost my life at the young age of 25, but my heroic efforts saved over 900 people. ...

If you are in the area of Pigeon Forge, TN, the TITANIC Museum is a must see! Boarding year round between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au Revoir,

www.TitanicAttraction.com

At what cost is Freedom?

2011-07-04T07:34:00.019-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Kaleb Wells and 1863 Civil War Soldier REenactor, Jonathan Shields

Tennessee Valley Railroad

We traveled into Northwest Georgia on Saturday via vintage rail/train from Chattanooga, TN to historic Chickamaunga, GA. We rode through the 1858 era Missionary Ridge Tunnel which is almost 1000 feet long. It was dug by pick and shovel and black powder explosive, as dynamite had not been perfected at that time. It took two years to complete, which was said to be a great accomplishment! We also learned that parts of the movie, Water for Elephants, was filmed at that location.

Through our attentive ears and teary eyes, we learned in great detail from Jonathan's "first person account" about the great Civil War battle that took place there in 1863. Over 34,000--not just Confederate or Union--but AMERICAN soldiers lost their lives in only 2 days!

"Chickamauga National Military Park was transferred from the War Department to the National Park Service in 1933 and, while close to 1,400 monuments would be built to mark the battlefield contributions of the Union and Confederate veterans from the states represented in the battle, not one has ever been erected to mark the contributions of the Tennesseans who fought and died at Chickamauga.

Unlike other Tennessee National Military Parks, there is no National Cemetery on the Park’s grounds. All of the soldiers left on the battlefield, with one exception, were buried in other locations.

Before it became a park, the forests of Chickamauga remained untouched, but not for any environmental or historical reason. The gunfire that raged on the battlefield was like a steel curtain that tore into every tree on the site. The bullets embedded in the trees make cutting them dangerous. Lumber mills in the region never accept any timber from the site of the battle".

Chickamauga National Military Park is open daily and offers a variety of activities.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum offers various group and charter trips

http://www.battleofchickamauga.net/history.html
http://www.tvrail.com

Beastiest

2011-06-28T08:43:00.010-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Call of Duty: Campagne Maison-Mission I

My grandson, Kaleb, is spending a couple of weeks with us this summer. Needless to say, he is a very active 12 year old with an imagination outta this world! Not only is he very skilled at all of the Call of Duty war games, he writes his own case scenarios. Best part is, I am an Army nurse and a very important character in his current novel. I'd say that makes me the "beastiest" thing alive!

"beast'iest" (adj) Of, pertaining to, or like-- better than the best, way over the top, cooler than cool, badder than Leroy Brown

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

When the Battle's Over

2011-06-23T08:42:00.004-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

(note the crown atop her head)

A circular piece of the rusty arbor fell off during the winter months and I noticed that the DH was inspired to use his creative eye at design...not bad for a beginner!

The first thought that entered my mind when I saw that he had made a crown for my Angel was the gospel song by Isaac Watts...

"Must I be carried to the skies on flow'ry beds of ease,

while others fought to win the prize, and sailed thro' bloody seas?

Sure I must fight if I would reign, Increase my courage Lord,

I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by Thy word.

..And when the Battle's over we shall wear a crown,

Yes, we shall wear a crown....."

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Happy Father's Day 2010

2011-06-19T04:31:00.007-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Mr. Campagne Maison

Happy Father's Day 2010

Father to Sammy II and Jeremey; Grandfather to Lauren, Kaleb, Haiven, and Emma

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Braggin' rights!

2011-06-05T16:42:00.008-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Today I picked my first ripe cherry tomato!

My mom and sister have over two dozen tomato plants covered with tennis-ball size green tomatoes, all the while I've been waiting in anticipation of seeing the blooms on mine transform themselves into the coveted treasure.

But today, as I was walking by my tiny cherry tomato plant, much to my surprise, look what I found!

Now, I can lay claim to braggin' rights by harvesting the first ripe tomato!

Ahhhhhhhh, I love it when "Underdog" puts on his cape and saves the day!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit. We love having company!

Au revoir,

2011 Osceola Heritage Musicfest Queen and Miss Hospitality

2011-05-18T07:44:00.010-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Emma Sue Wells

4 months

Miss Hospitality 2011

I can't believe she is growing up so fast!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Levee at Osceola, AR

2011-05-09T09:02:00.014-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

The word levee is from the French word levée (from the feminine past participle of the French verb lever, "to raise").

Artificial levees require substantial engineering. Their surface must be protected from erosion, so they are planted with vegetation such as Bermuda grass in order to bind the earth together. On the land side of high levees, a low terrace of earth known as a banquette is usually added as another anti-erosion measure. On the river side, erosion from strong waves or currents presents an even greater threat to the integrity of the levee. The effects of erosion are countered by planting with willows, weighted matting or concrete revetments. Separate ditches or drainage tiles are constructed to ensure that the foundation does not become waterlogged.

Levees are usually built by piling earth on a cleared, level surface. Broad at the base, they taper to a level top, where temporary embankments or sandbags can be placed. Because flood discharge intensity increases in levees on both river banks, and because silt deposits raise the level of riverbeds, planning and auxiliary measures are vital. Sections are often set back from the river to form a wider channel, and flood valley basins are divided by multiple levees to prevent a single breach from flooding a large area.

( my childhood home was to the immediate left of this pic )

(KEEP IN MIND THAT THE LEVEE HEIGHT HERE IS APPROXIMATELY 52 ft)

The Mississippi levee system represents one of the largest such systems found anywhere in the world. It comprises over 3,500 miles (5,600 km) of levees extending some 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) along the Mississippi, stretching from Cape Girardeau, Missouri to the Mississippi Delta. They were begun by French settlers in Louisiana in the 18th century to protect the city of New Orleans. The first Louisianan levees were about 3 feet (0.91 m) high and covered a distance of about 50 miles (80 km) along the riverside. By the mid-1980s, they had reached their present extent and averaged 24 feet (7.3 m) in height; some Mississippi levees are as much as 50 feet (15 m) high. The Mississippi levees also include some of the longest continuous individual levees in the world. One such levee extends southwards from Pine Bluff, Arkansas for a distance of some 380 miles (610 km).

**These pictures were taken yesterday by my brother from atop the levee close to our childhood home place. I have only seen the river this high once in my lifetime. Please join me with with your thoughts and prayers for this area of our Great United States.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse today. We love having company.

Au revoir,

**photo credits: Voy Gillentine

THE Ring

2011-04-28T16:07:00.025-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Replica of Princess Diana's, and now Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge, wedding ring

In 1981, I purchased this replica via mail order advertisement found in a local newspaper. I wore it for awhile then retired it to my jewelry box where it has remained all these years. I suspect that is why it is still in pretty good shape!

In celebration of the Royal Wedding, I thought I would wear it--along with my tiara, whilst sipping tea and watching all the wedding festivities on the tellie. (It is officially 4 a.m. April 29, 2011 and I am starting the celebration in grand American Tradition first--Coffee and donuts.....)

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Name Above All Names

2011-04-14T08:43:00.013-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

J E S U S

Name above all names,

Beautiful Saviour, Glorious Lord...

Emmanuel,God is with us,

Blessed Redeemer...

Living Word

El Shaddai

A local farmer planted this across the side of a hill down the road from the farmhouse. I could not get a bird's eye-view perspective for the picture but its impact is truly amazing! How appropriate for this Easter season.

"From the rising of the sun until the going down of the same, the Lord's name is to be praised" Psalms 113:3

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit. We love having company!

Au revoir

April in Paris Giveaways

2011-04-07T08:33:00.008-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Chelle from "French Charmed" is hosting not 1...not 2...but 3 giveaways this month!

Please go to her blog: http://frenchcharmed.blogspot.com to review the rules for entry. There are several entry options to choose from and the items are going to be great!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Here's MY Sign

2011-04-03T08:48:00.046-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

RE-purpose, RE-finish, RE-cycle and RE-think the possibilities! An old twin bed headboard went

from this:

to this:

A couple coats of left over Country White paint, vinyl lettering, and sealer made the total cost for this project $ 25.00. A tree was saved and a discarded object found new life!

I would like to say a special "THANK YOU" to Lorrie at http://fabricpaperthread.blogspot.com/ for her expertise with the French language. She is blessed with many talents and I am always inspired by her blog posts. If you haven't visited with her, please do--you won't be disappointed!

Linking back to Mary's "Boogieboard Cottage" at: http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/ , for Masterpiece Monday.

Joining in Linda's Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at: http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/

Joining The Shabby Chic Cottage with Gina for Transformation Thursday at:

http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2011/04/transformation-thursday-oh-how-far-weve.html

Joining Cindy for Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home, http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2011/04/show-and-tell-friday

Come join me and meet some amazingly talented people!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

What Happens at Grandma's...

2011-03-19T06:34:00.048-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

The picture on the left was taken of my son, Jeremey, on March 7, 1980. The picture on the right was taken of his daughter, Emma, on March 17, 2011. The outfit was given to Jeremey by his godparents and was what he wore home from the hospital. That was "back in the day" when the sex of the child was little more than an educated guess from the doctor, the mother's intuition, or a needle dangling from a string--all of which Mother Nature proved wrong in this instance!

....and here she is in a couple of her daddy's t-shirts

Emma is going to be the typical little girl that loves playing "dress up", as she was a real trooper for me that day!

I love keeping family history alive and try to stress the importance of it to my children and my grandchildren. Just being able to dress the grandchilden in their parents clothing brings back so many treasured moments from the past!

Little Miss Emma and I already have a pack......"what happens at Grandma's, stays at Grandma's"......

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse today. We love

having company!

Au revoir,

What A Difference a Day Makes!

2011-03-09T06:03:00.008-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Emma has gained 3 lbs 9 oz in 7 weeks

What a difference a day makes!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Spoiling time

2011-03-01T18:42:00.003-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

I'm headed back to Arkansas to get me some more shuga!! It's been eleven years since we've had a baby in the family and it's really difficult not being able to be there to spoil this one the way I did the other three. It's NOT like she doesn't have anyone else THERE to spoil her, BUT--they aren't MOI!! I'm certain all you other grandparents understand.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Daffodils

2011-02-26T08:45:00.011-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

"Daffodils"

I wander'd lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the Milky Way,

They stretch'd in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed--and gazed--but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

written in 1804 by William Wordsworth

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir

The Ugly Duckling

2011-02-23T18:33:00.017-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

I recently purchased two of these gorgeous yellow Ginger jar lamps at a local thrift store for $4.00 each. Seriously, I really hated to paint them as they were in excellent condition! But I had an "itch" and I had to scratch it!

One shade was still wearing a condom (as HGTV's Doug Wilson would say) but a quick removal of the entire ORANGE (well I am in TN where everyone bleeds UT Orange) shade material gave way to artistic liberties.

A little tweekin' with a flourish of baubles and beads, a coat of white paint, a glaze mixture of metallic silver and gold applied over an Elmer's glue crackle medium, topped off with a shade recovered with brown Zebra print turned

this Ugly Duckling

into a Beautiful Swan..

The most difficult thing about this REfurbish project was finding the brown Zebra print material--thank goodness for Hobby Lobby!!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Big Brother

2011-01-25T05:52:00.004-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Kaleb and his little sister, Emma

She has the best big brother!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Our little Emma

2011-01-22T05:32:00.012-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Our family continues to grow and we are being blessed beyond measure. Kaleb has a little sister ...

Emma Sue Wells

5 lbs 3 oz

19" long

January 20, 2011

Emma was named in honor of her maternal grandmother. She is my 3rd granddaughter and my 4th grandchild. It has been 11 years since we've had a new addition to the family. I am wondering just how long the new mother will let me stay and spoil her!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus

2011-01-01T06:50:00.017-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

When our family gets together, you never know what we will "make" our Mother do! Mom is 88 years old and this is the first time that she ever sat on Santa's knee! This just proves that one is never too old to REcapture the joys of childhood.

I sincerely hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday and want to wish all of you a very Happy and Blessed New Year.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Enamel Name Sign / House Number Giveaway

2010-11-23T05:05:00.007-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Yes, I've been busy-but happily busy! Finally after waiting four weeks on the installation, I have carpet in the master bedroom. We've been patiently walking around, over, and on bedroom furniture--well, most of you have been there, so there is no need to explain! There should be medals for those of us who "live" in a home during the RE-modeling process.

Moving right along....I was catching up on my favorite bloggers, Jennifer at The Old Painted Cottage, and found out about a generous give-away that I want to share. Hurry up, as time is running out to enter.

http://theoldpaintedcottage.blogspot.com/2010/11/enamel-name-sign-house-number-giveaway.html#comment-form

Good luck on your entries!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Finding Jimmy Hoffa and Bret Michaels

2010-09-04T07:40:00.034-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Bret Michaels 2010 'Custom Built Tour' continues to break attendance records, selling out cities from coast to coast all across America. The concert tour is in extremely high demand, with shows selling out in a matter of minutes after going on sale. Bret Michaels' Custom Built Tour recently played to a record setting crowd of 70,000+ people in Boise, ID.

NEW tour dates have been added for cities in Arkansas, Washington State, Mississippi, Texas & back to back nights in Minnesota.

Headlining for Bret's September 16th show in Fayetteville, AR will be this group, Finding Jimmy Hoffa...

Shawn Hoffa, James Hoffa, Jeremey Hoffa, Joey Hoffa, Chet Hoffa, Jason Hoffa

Named the "Godfathers of Southern Grunge" by a local entertainment firm and their fan base, Finding Jimmy Hoffa is well known in their community for combining many hard rock influences ranging from Clutch to Deftones, with deep roots in southern soil, creating their unique musical style. In their infancy, Finding Jimmy Hoffa was asked to perform the following summer at the Osceola Music Festival in their hometown of Osceola, AR, where they opened for Black Oak Arkansas, Jim Dandy, and Buddy Jewel to a large enthusiastic audience.

This kind of response to their original sound gave the band inspiration to record a self produced 5-song EP titled “What Would You Do” which was recorded at Dream Maker Productions. Later that year, the band was on a local radio program when they caught the ears of Massey Records President David Vanlandingham. Soon after, Finding Jimmy Hoffa was a member of Massey Records and in the studio recording their upcoming album “Southern Hospitality”. Produced by Mike Bailey, Finding Jimmy Hoffa was able to create a hard rock southern grunge feel that they felt captured their sound. "Southern Hospitality" is now available online and selected store.

These boys love their music and have worked for years developing their own unique style. I am proud to be the mother of Jeremey, an original Mississippi County Mafia band member.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.

Au revoir,

http://www.myspace.com/findingjimmyhoffaband

www.facebook.com/BretMichaelshttp://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/BretMichaels?ref=ts

http://www.visiblesinphotography/

Zsa Zsa

2010-07-14T13:00:00.001-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

On February 6, 1917, Sari Gabor, better known as Zsa Zsa, was born in Budapest, Hungary. She was crowned Miss Hungary 1936. Zsa Zsa came to the United States with her two sisters, Eva and Magda, in search of movie stardom. However, rather than seek out acting jobs, she sought out wealth and jewels. Zsa Zsa's theory was that "any publicity is GOOD publicity". Married 9 times, her only daughter, Francesca Hilton, was from her marriage to hotel magnate, Conrad Hilton.

Officially known as an actress, she is more famous as an "old school celebrity sex symbol". Zsa Zsa's most famous "act" was from her arrest for slapping a police officer while being stopped for a traffic violation. She was found guilty, spent 3 days in jail, and had to pay over $13,000 in court costs. Aunt to Paris Hilton, Zsa Zsa is now 93 years old and suffering from complications of a stroke that she had in 2007.

In 2009, lawyers found that she may have lost as much as 10 million dollars with swindler Bernard Madoff thru third party investments.

Zsa Zsa's is noted for her many quotes which include:

"I am a marvelous house keeper. Every time I leave a man I keep his house".

"Conrad Hilton was very generous to me in the divorce settlement. He gave me 5,000 Gideon Bibles".

"Husbands are like fires. They go out when unattended".

I am participating in Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. Please grab her button on my sidebar and head on over to the class room. This is our LAST Alphabet class and I am sure there will be lot's of good Z's and no zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit. We love having company!

Au revoir,

www.wikipedia.com

Yesterday When I Was Young

2010-07-07T04:00:00.003-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

my mom...Sylvia

"Yesterday When I Was Young"

My family was fortunate to have another REunion here at the farm on Father's Day weekend. Our father, Voy Rivers, passed away on March 1, 1981--29 years ago--but his memory REmains with us and his life will always be celebrated as long as there is breath in any of us. As I was looking at literally hundreds of photos that were taken over the four days that we had together as a family, to REunite and REminisce, I was touched to REcall the many blessings that the union between my father and my mother has brought to each of us. The greatest of all these are our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

My mother, Sylvia, celebrated her 88th birthday on Friday, July 2. Although her many trials in life have become a broken REcord to us, she none-the-less brings joy and happiness to us on a daily basis. I think you will agree that she looks amazing for her age. She started married life the early age of 15 1/2 and birthed all nine of her children at home!

This week I would like to share a few of the pictures taken during our REunion. I found myself looking into the faces of a few of my siblings via their children and grandchildren, as well as my own. The strong German jaw line, high Choctaw cheekbones, Irish red hair, and the large eyes, strong brow and nose of the French. We've been blessed with two more new additions to the family this year and there are two more in the oven!

Memphis

Jace

Ethan and Amelia

"Yesterday when I was young

The taste of love was sweet as rain upon my tongue;

I teased at life as if it were a foolish game

The way the evening breeze may tease a candle flame"

Madison

Maggie and Hayden

"The thousand dreams I dreamed, the splendid things I planned--

I always built to last on weak and shifting sand;

I lived by night and shunned the naked light of day,

And only now I see how the years ran away"

Owen

Boston

"Yesterday when I was young,

So many happy songs were waiting to be sung,

So many wayward pleasures lay in store for me,

And so much pain my dazzled eyes refused to see"

Parker

Conner

"I ran so fast that time and youth, at last, ran out,

I never stopped to think what life was all about;

And ev'ry conversation I can now recall

Concerned itself with me, and nothing else at all"

Evan

Haiven

"Yesterday the moon was blue,

And ev'ry crazy day brought something new to do,

I used my magic age as if it were a wand,

And never saw the waste and emptiness beyond"

Kaleb

Mya

"The game of love I played with arrogance and pride,

And ev'ry flame I lit too quickly, quickly died;

The friends I made all seemed somehow to drift away

And only I am left on stage to end the play"

Josiah

Sylvia

"There are so many songs in me that won't be sung,

I feel the bitter taste of tears upon my tongue;

The time has come for me to pay for yesterday

When I was young"

I will be linking this post up with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. On Thursday, please grab her button on my sidebar and head on over to class. I'm sure there will be LOTS of "Y" 's in class!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.

Au revoir,

"Yesterday When I Was Young" sung by Johnny Mathis

photo credits: Voy Gillentine

X marks the spot

2010-06-27T08:02:00.026-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

X marks the spot

Dear Ms. Matlock,

I've always thought that the alphabet letter X carried a mysterious air about it and after much contemplation over what to write about X this week, here are a few things that I have to report:

X used by the Romans denotes the numeral 10
X used in arithmetic multiplies or increases another number
X used in legal documents identifies a signature of a person who cannot write their name
X used by movie makers rates violence and subject matter for their audience
X used by mathematicians signifies an unknown quantity
X used in the garment industry declares a size
X used by proof readers deletes an entry
X used on a map marks a location
X used by lovers as a symbol to represent hugs
X used in the chromosomes of our reproductive system determines sex as female
X used in conversation nullifies a position from the present to the past

X is a pretty significant letter!

My pet peeve about the letter X is when it is substituted for Christ, when writing Christmas----that is just taking the letter to the Xtreme!

I am participating in Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday this week. Grab her button on my sidebar and head on over to class. It will be interesting to see what other students will be writing about the letter X today.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit. We love having company.

Au revoir,

W is for 1927 Wedding Gift

2010-06-23T20:40:00.011-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

"W"

Befitting the pages of a well written Danielle Steel novel, the love story between a high fashioned New York Model and a small town landowner/farmer, made its way onto the Society pages of NE AR history. Charles Wood swept Estella out of her high heeled shoes and shoulder padded silk lingerie straight off Fifth Avenue and into his arms and a new way of life when they wed in 1927 and moved to Luxora, AR. Big city gal, small town country boy....

Because I've had my hands busy helping with our annual Family Reunion, I haven't been able to get all the details of this weeks lesson together, so Ms. Matlock will probably make me sit in the corner this week. I do promise, however, to attend to all the details very shortly and write a REAL report of the account. I will have to give my mother time to "reflect" back on her memories and compare notes with me before I commit my writings to stone.

The friendship between Ms. Stella and my mom was unwavering. It resulted in my mom being banned from the local nursing home because she would sneak food and other contraband in to Ms. Wood. Like I said, fodder for Danielle Steel!

One of the things given to my mom upon Ms. Stella's death was a treasured wedding heirloom, the remainder of her Oneida Community Plate Silver Bridal Chest collection. After many years of wishing, hoping, begging and good fortune, Mama handed the heirloom down to me. I really think it was because the silver is engraved with the initial "W" and I am the only child of hers with that initial. Lucky me--or as I would prefer to say---BLESSED!

1921 Grosvenor Oneida Community Silver Plate Set

6 pc Place Setting sold for $ 34.25

My mom, Sylvia Gillentine and Ms. Estella Wood circa 1980

I am participating in Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. Please grab her button on my side bar and head on over to class. We are only a few weeks away from graduation!!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

V is for Voices From The Past, Papa's Violin

2010-06-13T07:04:00.017-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

modern version of a German Cremona Violin

Voices From The Past, by Faye Witt Moreland, unravels a bit of family history on my father's side, beginning in time of over a century ago. It is written in the 18th-19th-20th century dialect of Itawamba County, MS where John Gillentine's Alabama exodus landed him in the Hopewell community in 1840.

At the age of 14 (1907), the authors father was gifted a maple violin, made in Cremona, Italy c: 1895-1900 from his father. Next to the Bible, the violin was his most sacred possession. His ancestors migrated to Germany from England in the 11th century. It was from his German ancestors that he inherited his love of music, especially the violin. Upon his death in 1948, the violin was stored away until 1970, when it was given to the author by her mother. She had it REstored to it's original likeness and displayed it in her office for 34 years. Unfortunately, a family member stole it and to my knowledge, it was never returned.

This book is a personal treasure to me. The author, Faye Witt Moreland and I are second cousins. I've never had the pleasure of meeting her, but, through her writings I've gotten to know more about my father's family and their way of life growing up in the back woods of Mississippi.

Faye is a retired newspaper photographer/report, a member of the National Federation of Press Women, author of "Green Fields and Fairer Lanes", a Contralto Soloist and landscape artist.

I am linking up with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. Please grab her button on my sidebar and head on over to class. We're all about the letter "V" today!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

credit: "Voices From The Past" by Faye Witt Moreland

U is for UP

2010-06-08T06:39:00.021-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Up primarily denotes direction of movement and this song definitely makes your entire body move in all directions. I thought I'd change things UP a bit this week! Besides, I think Ms. Matlock will agree that every good student needs a music class.

"Up!"

It's 'bout as bad as it could be
Seems everybody's buggin' me
Like nothing wants to go my way--
yeah, it just ain't been my day
Nothin's comin' easily

Even my skin is acting weird
I wish that I could grow a beard
Then I could cover up my spots
not play connect the dots
I just wanna disappear

Even something as simple as
Forgettin' to fill up on gas
There ain't no explanation why--
things like that can make you cry
Just gotta learn to have a laugh

When everything is goin' wrong
Don't worry, it won't last for long
Yeah, it's all gonna come around
Don't go let it get you down
You gotta keep on holding on

It's 'bout as bad as it could be
Seems everybody's buggin' me
Like nothing want to go my way--
yeah, it just ain't been my day
Nothin's comin' easily

UP, UP, UP
can only go UP from here...
UP, UP, UP...UP
where the clouds gonna clear
UP, UP, UP,
there's no way but UP from here

UP lyrics sung by Shania Twain

I am linking up with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. Please grab her button on my sidebar and head to class to see what's UP!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.

Au revoir,

T is for Tongue Twisters

2010-06-01T07:40:00.014-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Tongue Twisters

A tongue twister is a phrase, sentence or rhyme that presents difficulties when spoken because it contains similar sounds - "Whistle for the thistle sifter" for example. To get the full effect of a tongue twister you should try to repeat it several times, as quickly as possible, without stumbling or mispronouncing.

Tongue twisters have long been a popular form of wordplay, particularly for schoolchildren, but they also have a more serious side - being used in elocution teaching and in the treatment of some speech defects.

Try to tackle this tricksy tongue twister today!

A tree toad loved a she-toad
Who lived up in a tree.
He was a two-toed tree toad
But a three-toed toad was she.
The two-toed tree toad tried to win
The three-toed she-toad's heart,
For the two-toed tree toad loved the ground
That the three-toed tree toad trod.
But the two-toed tree toad tried in vain.
He couldn't please her whim.
From her tree toad bower
With her three-toed power
The she-toad vetoed him.

My tongue is so twisted I have to stop here!

Grab Ms. Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday button on my sidebar and hurry on over to class and read all the other great "T"s for today.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

S is for Sequoyah's Syllabary, Sogwali, Sequoia

2010-05-26T15:54:00.023-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Sequoyah 1776- 1843

Sogwali was born in 1776 in the village of Tuskeegee, near Vonore, TN about a twenty minute drive from Campagne Maison. His mother, Wut-teh was the daughter of a Cherokee Chief. His father, Nathaniel Gist, was a white Virginian fur trader. Sogwali's name was changed to Sequoyah by the missionaries but he was known to the white man as George Gist.

Sequoyah became a Silversmith by trade. He married a Cherokee and had a family. Along with other Cherokees, Sequoyah enlisted on the side of the United States under General Andrew Jackson to fight the British troops and the Creek Indians in the war of 1812.

Although Sequoyah was exposed to the concept of writing early in his life, he never learned the English alphabet. Unlike the white soldiers, he and the other Cherokees were not able to write letters home, read military orders, or record events as they occurred. Driven by the desire to see literacy for his people, after the war, Sequoyah began in earnest to create a writing system for the Cherokees. He started by making symbols that could make words and reduced the thousands of Cherokee thoughts down to 85 symbols representing those sounds.

Sequoyah devised a game of this new writing system and taught his little girl, Ayoka, how to make the symbols. In 1821, after 12 years working on the new language, he and his daughter introduced his syllabary to the Cherokee people. Within a few months thousands of Cherokees became literate.

Sequoyah's Syllabary

By 1825 much of the Bible and numerous hymns had been translated into Cherokee. By 1828 they were publishing the "Cherokee Phoenix," the first national bi-lingual newspaper, along with religious pamphlets, educational materials and legal documents.

In recognition of his contributions, the Cherokee Nation awarded Sequoyah a silver medal and a lifetime pension. He continued to serve Cherokee people as a statesman and diplomat until his death.

The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum is located in Vonore, TN, Loudon County, TN. It is open Mon - Sat, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from noon until 5:00 p.m. It is the property of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians whose mission strives to promote the understanding and appreciation of the history of the Cherokee people.

"Never before, or since, in the history of the world, has one man--not literate in any language, perfected a system for reading and writing a language" (taken from www.sequoyahmusuem.org/ website)

It was also noted that the great Sequoia trees were named in his honor!

I am linking up with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday for this week's letter "S". Grab her button on my sidebar and head on over there to read all the other great "S" words.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

http://www.wikipedia.com/

R is for RED Skelton

2010-05-19T07:47:00.029-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

"R" is for Red Skelton, the artist

Richard "Red" Skelton

Triple Self portrait

On July 18, 1913, America's beloved clown, "Freddie the Freeloader", was born. He was named Richard "Red" Skelton. Red's father was a Circus clown who died shortly before his son's birth. It soon became evident that the clown gene was passed onto Red as he began working with the circus, but "Freddie the Freeloader" didn't made his appearance in 1951.

When Red was 10 years old, he was introduced into show business by Ed Wynn. And, by the time he was 15, he was working full time in burlesque, showboats, minstrel shows and the circus. Although Red Skelton is most noted for his success as a comedian and actor, he was a man of many talents including an accomplished artist. It was his love of clowns that actually motivated him to start painting. When asked why he became an artist, Red related a story that reflects his wit and humor.

"I walked into this gallery and was looking at a painting of a clown when the salesman came up to me. I asked him how much the painting was and he said, five thousand wouldn't touch it. I was shocked and immediately told him I was one of them and left."

As the story goes, Red Skelton went out and bought a set of paints, and began painting. A Red Skelton original could sell for as much as $80,000 prior to his death in 1997, and may bring more today. Red Skelton clown paintings are coveted by collectors around the world. His works are a sound investment in art, as well as a recognized collector's delight, revealing the man who painted them. His art work has proven its value with other contemporary artists and their worth has no limit. They are intensely moving, winning him the Footprints in the Sands of Time award... one of the highest honors an artist can receive.

Red was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame in 1989 and was presented the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Governors award in 1986. He was also a Free Mason, a Shriner, a member of both the Scottish and York Rite, and a member of the LA Shriners. He composed music and wrote children's books in addition to breeding quarter horses on his ranch outside Palm Springs. In the early 1960's, Red was the first CBS host to tape weekly programs in color.

Red's famous sign off at the end of his weekly television show was "Good Night and God Bless".

On September 17, 1974, at the age of 84, Red and Freddie passed away. Their body lies in rest at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, in Glendale, CA.

I am linking up with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. Please grab her button on my side bar and head over to class to read all the other student's "R" words.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit. We love having company.

Au revoir,

http://www.redskelton.com/BIOGRAPHY.htm

Q is for "Quinn the Eskimo"

2010-05-12T18:22:00.002-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

"Q" is for "Quinn the Eskimo"

......Come all without.....

....Come all within....

You'll not see nothing like the Mighty Quinn.....

"Quinn the Eskimo (Mighty Quinn)" is a 1967 folk-rock song written by Bob Dylan during "The Basement Tapes" sessions. The song became a hit in 1968 for the British band Manfred Mann, who released it as a single using the title "Mighty Quinn".

The subject of the song is the arrival of the mighty Quinn (an Eskimo), who changes despair into joy and chaos into rest, and attracts attention from the animals. The metaphorical lyrics have prompted suggestions that Quinn is a village elder. Dylan himself has said that the title character refers to actor Anthony Quinn's role as an Eskimo in the 1959 movie "The Savage Innocents". Dylan has also been quoted as saying that the song was nothing more than a "simple nursery rhyme".

Anthony Quinn 1915-2001

"The Mighty Quinn" with Denzel Washington

More recently, Dylan in his autobiography Chronicles Volume One (published 2004), makes further reference to the song: "On the way back to the house I passed the local movie theater on Prytania Street, where The Mighty Quinn was showing. Years earlier I had written a song called "The Mighty Quinn" which was a hit in England, and I wondered what the movie was about. Eventually I'd sneak off and go there to see it. It was a mystery, suspense, Jamaican thriller with Denzel Washington as the "Mighty Xavier Quinn", a detective who solves crimes. Funny, that's just the way I imagined him when I wrote the song--- The Mighty Quinn, Denzel Washington".

Dylan originally recorded the song in 1967 during the Basement Tapes sessions, but did not release a version for another three years. Meanwhile, the song was picked up and recorded by the British band Manfred Mann, who released it under the title "Mighty Quinn." The Manfred Mann version reached #1 in the UK Singles Chart for the week of February 14, 1968, and remained there the following week. It also charted on the American Billboard chart, peaking at #10, and reached #4 in Cash Box.

A later incarnation of Manfred Mann, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, included a dramatically different live version of the song on their 1978 album Watch.

A demo of 14 of the Basement Tape recordings, including the first of two takes of "Quinn the Eskimo", was produced in 1968, but was not intended for release. Recordings taken from the demos began appearing on bootlegs, starting with Great White Wonder, a double-album bootleg that came out in July 1969. The first official release of the song was in 1970 on Dylan's Self Portrait album, a live recording from 1969's Isle of Wight Festival. The live version was also selected in 1971 for the second compilation of Dylan's career, Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits Vol. II.

When Columbia finally released The Basement Tapes in 1975, "Quinn the Eskimo" was not among the double-album's 24 songs (although an Eskimo was featured on the album cover, alongside Dylan, The Band, and several other people meant to represent certain characters from some of Dylan's songs). However, ten years later, in 1985, the second of the original takes appeared on the three-disc Biography set. This version from the Basement Tapes was used again on The Essential Bob Dylan, a compilation released in 2000.

...when Quinn the Eskimo gets here, everybody's gonna jump for joy...

I am linking up with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. Please grab her button on my sidebar and head on over to class to read about all the other "Q"s today!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit. We love having company.

Au revoir,

http://www.wikipedia.com/

Happy Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-08T06:54:00.012-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Happy Mother's Day 2010

to my Mom

Sylvia Kathryn Deckelman Gillentine

Mom and Lisa

The mother of nine children -- all birthed at home! Busy rearing all us, she still had the time and patience to foster the 10th one, Lisa Kay, pictured with her above. Mom will be 88 years old on July 2nd.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.

Au revoir,

The Silent P

2010-05-05T17:37:00.014-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

"P"

Dear Ms. Matlock,

I saw my physician yesterday and was diagnosed with pneumonia. He sent me to the pharmacy for some medication. While I was there, I saw some photos of people with psoriasis and started having phantom pains. I can't stop scratching! Then, on my way home, I stopped for supper and developed ptomaine posioning.

Today, I have to see a psychiatrist because I have developed psychasthenia. I should have listened to that psychic instead of accusing her of being a phoney. Maybe the best thing for me to do is read a Psalm and stay in bed.

I would turn in my paper with a pseudonym this week, but I know that you check attendance and would miss me. I have studied really hard on my spelling this week, so please excuse me from class today. I will return next week.

I am linking up with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. Please grab her button on my sidebar and head on over to read all the other "P" words for this week!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.

Au revoir,

The Deck of Cards

2010-05-04T06:38:00.006-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

A Deck of Cards

Here is a new way to look at a deck of cards!!

It was quiet that day, the guns and the mortars, and land mines for some reason hadn't been heard. The young soldier knew it was Sunday, the holiest day of the week. As he was sitting there, he got out an old deck of cards and laid them out across his bunk. Just then an army sergeant came in and said, "Why aren't you with the rest of the platoon"?

The soldier replied, "I thought I would stay behind and spend some time with the Lord".

The sergeant said, "Looks to me like you're going to play cards".

The soldier said, "No, sir. You see, since we are not allowed to have Bibles or other spiritual books in this country, I've decided to talk to the Lord by studying this deck of cards".

The sergeant asked in disbelief, "How will you do that"?

"You see the Ace, Sergeant? It reminds me that there is only one God..

The Two represents the two parts of the Bible, Old and New Testaments

The Three represents the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost.

The Four stands for the Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John .

The Five is for the five virgins there were ten but only five of them were glorified.

The Six is for the six days it took God to create the Heavens and Earth.

The Seven is for the day God rested after making His Creation.

The Eight is for the family of Noah and his wife, their three sons and their wives -- the eight people God spared from the flood that destroyed the Earth.

The Nine is for the lepers that Jesus cleansed of leprosy He cleansed ten, but nine never thanked Him.

The Ten represents the Ten Commandments that God handed down to Moses on tablets made of stone.

The Jack is a reminder of Satan, one of God's first angels, but he got kicked out of heaven for his sly and wicked ways and is now the joker of eternal hell.

The Queen stands for the Virgin Mary.

The King stands for Jesus, for he is the King of all kings.

When I count the dots on all the cards, I come up with 365 total, one for every day of the year.

There are a total of 52 cards in a deck; each is a week - 52 weeks in a year.

The four suits represent the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.

Each suit has thirteen cards -- there are exactly thirteen weeks in a quarter.

"So, when I want to talk to God and thank Him, I just pull out this old deck of cards and they remind me of all that I have to be thankful for". The sergeant just stood there. After a minute, with tears in his eyes and pain in his heart, he said, "Soldier, can I borrow that deck of cards"?

My sister sent me this and I thought it was worthy of RE-sharing! I too will look at a deck of cards in a different way!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.

Au revoir,

Great Giveaways and a NEW Friend

2010-05-02T08:10:00.019-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

I recently joined in on a craft swap and have met a new friend. Her name is Roxanne and she is a Miniature artist. I am not an artist and stand in awe at the talents that God has given others to create with their own hands.

Please take a few minutes to meet Roxanne and see some of her fabulous creations. Her miniature dolls--WELL, you just have to take a look at them. I have no words to describe how they speak to your heart!

http://bakinginminiature.blogspot.com/

I have two great giveaways to share with you today. You don't want to miss out on either of them, so hurry on over and enter for a chance to win!

http://laurieannas.blogspot.com/

AND

http://itsy-bits-and-pieces.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit. We love having company!

Au revoir,

"O" is for The Big O

2010-04-27T14:02:00.016-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Seminole Indian Chief Osceola

"O" is for Osceola, Arkansas, my hometown. Us natives (no pun intended) proudly refer to it as "The Big O".

The original Osceola town site was named Plum Point, as referred to in the writings of Mark Twain, and was established in 1837 directly on the Mississippi River. The town of Osceola was incorporated in 1875. It was named in honor of Osceola, a Seminole Indian chief, who at one time was thought to have visited Indian tribes there, regarding an exchange of local land for Seminole land in Florida. I will talk more about Chief Osceola in a future post, but the "Big O" today will refer to my hometown.

Steamboats and river packets frequented the early village as a REfueling station because of the availability of firewood. The town was noted for its generous assistance to victims of the all too frequent boat wrecks, which occurred in the area. Although Osceola enjoyed an established river trade by the time of the Civil War, it was too small to be of military importance.

Located in central Mississippi County, adjacent to the Mississippi River, Osceola is the original County Seat of Mississippi County. Constructed in 1912, the Mississippi Country Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Many famous people call Osceola their home. Besides me, there is:

Bill Alexander, U.S. Representative from First Congressional District, 1969–1993
David Barrett, New York Jets cornerback
Maurice Carthon, former NFL and USFL player and NFL assistant coach
Ran Carthon, running back with Indianapolis Colts
Dale Evans, wife of Roy Rogers, TV and movie Star
Buddy Jewell, the first Nashville Star winner
Cortez Kennedy, former NFL defensive lineman
Albert King, Blues legend
Kemmons Wilson, founder of Holiday Inn

Jeremey Wells, songwriter and stage manager for Finding Jimmy Hoffa band and my rockstar

Gaylon Nickerson, former NBA player
Bill Ramsey, played baseball for the Boston Braves
Billy Lee Riley, Sun Records artist, Rockabilly star
Son Seals, Blues guitarist
Fice Musaveni, American Producer/Musician
Jimmy Thomas, Blues recording artist, lead singer for Ike Turner

I could elaborate for days about all the great memories that I have of the Big O. Honestly, I have never seen a sky more blue, the grass more green, or a rainbow with more vivid colors spanning across the Mississippi River, than I have in the Big O. I've never made dearer friends, had more fun, or loved as many, as I have in the Big O. I've never felt more sorrow, experienced more happiness, or felt as helpless, as I have in the Big O. Times were hard but they were good when making memories to last my lifetime, in the Big O.

I am linking up with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. Please grab her button on my sidebar and go over to read all the other great "O" posts!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.

Au revoir,

The Thorn Birds

2010-04-27T10:22:00.012-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Father Ralph de Bricassart: There's a story--a legend, about a bird that sings just once in its life. From the moment it leaves the nest, it searches for a thorn tree, and never rests until it has found one. And then it sings--more sweetly than any other creature on earth. And singing, it impales itself on the longest, sharpest thorn. But, as it dies, it rises above its own agony, to out-sing the lark and the nightingale. The thorn bird pays its life for just one song but the whole world stills to listen, and God in His heaven smiles.

Young Meggie Cleary: What does it mean, Father?

Father Ralph de Bricassart:

That the best is bought only at the cost of great pain.

The bird with the thorn in its breast follows an immutable law; it is driven by it knows not what, to impale itself, and die singing. At the very instant the thorn enters there is no awareness in it of the dying to come; it simply sings and sings until there is not the life left to utter another note. But we, when we put the thorns in our breasts, we know. We understand. And still we do it. Still, we do it!

Colleen McCullogh

The Thorn Birds, 1977

The Thorn Birds, starring Richard Chamberlin and Rachel Ward, debuted the tv screen in 1983 and was the 2nd most watched mini series (after Roots) of all time.

Second only to Gone With the Wind, this is MY favorite of all time love stories. As luck would have it, I found the book a couple of weeks ago at my favorite junk store. Reading it stirred up memories of Richard Chamberlin in his priestly black soutane. OMG, was he ever so handsome!! And, who alive can outshine the beauty of Rachel Ward? That was a couple made for the screen.

As with many books vs movie versions, the two end differently. I actually prefer the movie's ending over the book. If you haven't ever read the book or seen the series, this is a good read. I know it made a lasting impression on me! The book is still available on Amazon.com

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

Avatar

2010-04-26T08:19:00.002-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

James Cameron's AVATAR

I admit that I was a little "skeptical" about this one BUT it is great! If you want to escape to a mystical place, this is a must see! This is not your regular boy meets girl storyline. I think those of you that have already see it will agree.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

"N" is for "Nothing"

2010-04-20T11:27:00.013-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

This week, my post has nothing to do about anything: Nought, nada, non, no thing, no event, no remark! Just a word:

n o t h i n g

Shakespeare's play, "Much ado about Nothing," really was "much ado about something", ALOT OF SOMETHINGS: Social grace, deceit, death, war, honor, public shame, deception as a means to an end.

The play does have a happy ending, however. It reminds me of Queenmothermamaw's double wedding! She is celebrating her GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY. Please take time to visit her and send her an anniversary greeting. She is a great writer and always finds plenty of things to blog about. I know you will love her!

Actually, in Shakespeare's time, the title of the play really was "Much ado about Noting". In order for the plot to work, the characters had to NOTE one another constantly. And, according to Webster, that definition is:

N O T E : observe, notice, take heed of

So, this week I am NOTING the works of other students and heading off to read their "N" word for this week. Join me by grabbing my Alphabe-Thursday button hosted by Ms. Jenny Matlock!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/muchado/

"M" is for "Me", "Mariachi Band" "Mexico" "Margaritaville" and "Melanie"

2010-04-14T23:28:00.019-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Melanie, Jacque, and J. Karen and a Mexican Mariachi Band

Three of my sisters, Jenny, Melanie, and J. Karen, and I went on a cruise to Mexico where we were serenated by a Mariachi Band at the port in Couzemel. We had to leave Jenny aboard the ship to see the doctor, due to a bad case of seasickness, so she is not in the above picture. She was a sport about the whole thing and did get better the next day.

One of the places we visited en route was Key West, FL where we enjoyed a break at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.

I wanted a picture to include the signage, so I had to climb up into the window to have it taken. I like to say that I was "high" but not on the Margaritas!

I am linking up with Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday. Please grab her button on my sidebar and go over to read about all the other "M"s in class today.

Happy "M" day, Ms. Matlock!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit. We love having company!

Au revoir,

"L" is for "Limousin" Cattle

2010-04-08T03:00:00.001-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Limousin cattle are a breed of beef cattle originally bred in the Limousin and Marche region of France. They are recognisable by their distinctive chestnut-red coloring. The first herd was established in 1886 for improvement of the breed by natural selection. However, the breed may be as old as the history of Europe itself. Cattle found in cave drawings known to be 20,000 years old in the Lascaux Cave near Montignac, France have a striking resemblance to today's Limousin cattle.

Limousins are known for their muscular build, feed efficiency, ease of management and comparable calving ease to other breeds. Limousin cattle produce the leaner cuts of beef that have become a staple of the modern market. Breeders have worked extensively on their disposition issues since their arrival in North America. Most producers find them to be manageable and easy to work with, if not better, than any other beef cattle breeds available today.

Limousins are the breed of choice raised here at Campagne Maison.

I am linking up with Jenny for Alphabe-Thursday. Please grab her button on my sidebar and visit our classroom today. There are plenty of "L"s to read about today.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.

Au revoir,

http://www.wikipedia.com/

Easter 2010

2010-04-02T06:27:00.003-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Easter blessings from our home to yours!

"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written".

St. John 21:25

"He's Alive" NO one can sing it like Dolly Parton !!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

"K" is for a "Knight" at Campagne Maison

2010-04-01T03:00:00.001-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

A Knight at Campagne Maison

Sir Paul or Sir Elton, he is not, and, he does not sit at a round table. But, this Knight keeps the karma and kismet keen at Campagne Maison and serves as a backdrop for many Kodak moments.

I am linking up to Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. Grab her button on my sidebar to read all the other "K"s for today!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.

Au revoir,

"J" is for "Jacquelin Wells" aka "Julie Bishop"

2010-03-25T05:41:00.002-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Jacqueline Wells aka Julie Bishop

My mother named me Jacquelin after a childhood friend and I became a Wells when I married. This post is about another.

Jacqueline Wells was born Jacqueline Brown to a wealthy Denver banker/oilman on August 30, 1914. She moved to Los Angeles after her parents divorce and debuted onscreen at the age of 9. She soon became a busy child actress, working alongside Mary Pickford and Clara Bow, during the silent era under the screen name of Jacqueline Wells.

Jacqueline and Buster Crabbe in "Tarzan the Fearless"

Jacqueline took 4 years off from film work in her teens, during which time she attended school and took dancing lessons. She returned to the screen in the 30's appearing in a number of Hal Roach comedy shorts. In 1940, Jacqueline signed a contract with Warner Brothers, and made 84 movies under a name change to Julie Bishop. During that time she worked opposite Buster Crabbe, Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Roy Rogers, Laurel and Hardy and my favorites, Humphrey Bogart and John Wayne. In the 1950's, she co-starred with Bob Cummings in the TV series, "My Hero" and also starred as Allison McKenzie in "Return to Peyton Place".

Jacqueline retired from the screen in 1957. Among her many lifetime accomplishments, Jacqueline was a licensed private pilot and a painter. She entertained soldiers at the Hollywood Canteen during WWII and was named one of the 10 Best Dressed Women in Los Angeles. She died from pneumonia on her 87th birthday, August 30, 2001.

******Side note: Jacqueline is the mother of actress Pamela Shoop-Sweeny, whose marriage to Father Terrance Sweeney, a Jesuit Priest in the Roman Catholic Church for 24 years, led to their autobiography, "What God Hath Joined". The book records their trials and triumphs as the first Priest to marry publicly--a self-described "modern day "THE THORNBIRDS" only with a happy ending!

I am linking up with Jenny at Alphabe-Thursday. Grab her button on my sidebar and head on over to her place to read all the other "J" 's for today!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit. We love having company.

Au revoir,

http://www.almovie.com/

http://www.erbzine.com/

http://www.altfg.com/

http://www.wikipedia.com/

Marla's Celebration

2010-03-19T08:35:00.007-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Marla's Always Nesting Giveaway

In celebration of her 200th follower, Marla is hosting a give-away party with a $25.00 TJ MAXX gift card! Please go over to her place http://alwaysnesting.blogspot.com to read the entry rules. Hurry up, the party ends on March 21st!

Marla has REpurposed some pillows. I know you're going to absolutely love what she has done. She is Always Nesting....

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.

Au revoir,

"I" is for "ICE"

2010-03-17T03:00:00.003-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

ICE is formed when liquid water is cooled below 32 degrees F and appears in nature as snowflakes, hail, icicles, glaciers and polar ice caps.

Have you ever had to "test the ice"?

or skated on thin ice?

Here's a joke in case you ever have to "break the ice"...

What sits on the bottom of the ICE cold Arctic Ocean and shakes?

( A nervous wreck )

Did you know that it would be possible to start a fire with ice if it was carved into a lens shape and then used to focus the sun's rays onto kindling?

Food for thought: If it was ZERO degrees yesterday, and it is twice as cold today, just how cold is it?

I am linking with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. Please grab her button on my sidebar and head on over there and read all the other "I" words for today.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit. We love having company!

Au revoir,

"Idus Martias"

2010-03-15T08:16:00.010-04:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

MARS

Roman Calendar: March 15th

A Roman festive day dedicated to the god, MARS, on which a military parade was usually held.

"Beware, the Ides of March"... a phrase best known for its inclusion by Shakespeare in his play, "Julius Caesar", when a seer warned Caesar to be on his guard against great peril on the Ides of March. On his way to the Theater of Pompey, Caesar caught a glance of the seer and joked..."well the Ides of March have come..", to which the seer replied, "Aye, they have come but they are not gone".

Caesar met his death that day, March 15, 44 BC ,when he was stabbed to death in the Roman Senate.

Symbol for MARS

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

"H" is for "Howdy Doody"

2010-03-11T04:21:00.016-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Buffalo Bob and Howdy Doody

Say kids...what time is it?

It's Howdy Doody time,

Bob Smith and Howdy Do

Say Howdy Do to you

Let's give a rousing cheer

'Cause Howdy Doody's here

It's time to start the show

So kids let's go!

All you kids out there in "Peanut Gallery" can sing along....

Howdy Doody was a freckle-faced boy marionette, operated by 11 strings. His face donned 48 freckles--one for each state of the Union. His original voice was that of "Buffalo Bob" Smith.

Residing in the town of "Doodyville", other puppets on the show included Howdy's sister, "Heidi Doody", "Mayor Phineas T. Blaster", "Dilly Dally", "Princess Summerfall Winterspring" (who was later brought to life by actress Judy Tyler) and "Fub-a-Dub" who was a mixture of 8 different animals. The human population included "Clarabell the Clown", originally played by Bob Keeshan, who later became "Captain Kangaroo". Bob also played "Chief Thunderbird, the original "Kowabunga" man!

The show was created by E. Roger Muir and aired in the United States from 1947-1960 on NBC television station. The original "Howdy Doody" resides at Detroit Institue of Arts, but other duplicates, "Double Doody" and "Photo Doody" were made. " Double Doody" was used as a stand-in on stage and now resides at the Smithsonian. "Photo Doody" was used for personal appearances, photos, parades, and the famed NBC test pattern. He was sold to a private collector in 1997 for $ 113,000.

On September 24, 1960, the show ended with "Clarabell's Big Surprise", when "Clarabell" revealed to everyone that she could talk. With a tear in her eye, as the credits rolled, she said "Goodbye kids".

http://www.wikipedia.com/

I am linking this post to Jenny's Alphabe-Thursd ay. Please click the button to her link that is located on my sidebar and head on over there to read more fabulous "H" posts.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

I love...BUT... I hate

2010-03-08T08:33:00.019-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

I received my Summer 2010 issue of my all time favorite magazine, Romantic Country, this week. I just love Fifi O'Neal and her eye for style! I love Flea Market finds, I love chippy paint, I love vintage pieces, I love collections, I love salvaged architectural items, I love old and imperfection, I love understated romantic decor. I am a self described "Shabby Chic, Old World, Hollywood Regency, Parisian inspired Junkie" ---HOWEVER---

zoom in for a close-up....

there is something about this new "wrinkled" look that distracts my eye and drives me bananas!! The cover of the magazine is full of all the things that I love BUT, the "wrinkles" in that tablecloth throw me for a loop!

and...this slipcover....

All I can think about is the "tongue lashing" that I would receive if my Mama came over to my house and saw "un-ironed" linens. I grew up in the day of "STARCHING and IRONING". She taught me at an early age--back when stiff doilies were the rage and it was a sin to sleep on a pillow case that wasn't ironed!! My, my, my, the times-- they are 'a changing!

I know. It is weired. I am weird. You ask yourself, now how can a person who loves all the crazy mixture of mis-matched "stuff" that I love, HATE "wrinkles".....

(Maybe it's an omen, maybe it is a subconscious effort to drown out the inevitable--you know...the crow's feet--the neck--the buttocks--the thighs...oh well, that's just a thought)!

Tell me...what is YOUR take on this "wrinkle" thing? Please tell me that it isn't just ME!!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company!

Au revoir,

"G" is for Guillotine/Gillentine

2010-03-04T01:00:00.003-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

"The Tale of Two Names"

My grandfather and grandmother, John and Hassie Gillentine and children, circa @ 1920

My father, Voy Rivers Gillentine, standing, second from the right end

Gillentine: The Gillentines were Christ-loving people and were dedicated French Catholics when they lived in that country during the French Revolution. At the rebirth of the beheading apparatus, promoted by a well-respected physician, Dr. Joseph Guillotine, things didn't go too well for the family name, so off to England they went! There they became followers of the Church of England and brought their religious beliefs with them, when in the 17th century they landed in King William County, VA.

In Virginia they remained true to their Anglican faith, and when George Washington called for arms to free the colonies from all enemies, the only Guillotine eligible to go, wouldn't. He was/is called the family draft-dodger!! (Hey, we all have skeletons in our closets!!) As time went along, and I assume out of embarrassment of that association, the French spelling of the family name Guillotine was changed to the English spelling of Gillentine, of which it is known today.

Dr. Joseph Ignance Guillotine

1738-1821

Guillotine: A common misconception associated with Dr. Joseph Guillotine was that he was responsible for the creation of the guillotine. BUT, history dates back to the use of a beheading or decapitation design introduced on January 4, 1307 in Merton, Ireland. In the 1400's, the "Halifax Gibbet" was used with a record of the last execution by use of the machine in 1648 in Halifax, England. In 1564, "The Maiden", which was fashioned after the "Halifax Gibbet" was used in Scotland.

Dr. Guillotine was President of The Chamber of the Province in 1775, founder of the French Academy of Medicine, and Deputy to the French Assembly in 1789. On October 11, 1789, Dr. Guillotine submitted a proposal to the Assembly debate on the Penal Code, recommending "that death, without the accompaniment of torture, and by means of decapitation, should become the sole and standard punishment in France". A fellow physician, Antoine Louis, took the first practical steps towards the creation of the guillotine in France, in keeping with Dr. Guillotine's proposal. It was called "Louison" or "Louisette", but the press preferred to call it the "guillotine" as the sound of that word "had a nicer ring" to it. It is estimated that over 40,000 people died under "Madame Guillotine". I was surprised to see that it's last official use was on September 10, 1977 in Marseilles, France. I thought it became obsolete after the French Revolution!

This is a "G"ory "G"eneology of our family name, but none-the-less, I've always felt a connection to my French heritage. I am of the 28th "G"eneration of the family recorded in the exodus of England to VA. I am certain that as a physician, Dr. Guillotine felt that this method of death was perhaps the most humane. The compassionate gene still remains prominent in the "G"illentine bloodline today. Sadly, although he did not invent it, Dr. Guillotine's name will forever be attached to it. During the Revolution, the guillotine was used only on people with a noble status, all others were drawn and quartered by a horse, burned at the stake, or beheaded with a sword. I shudder to think about the device and pray that it is never used again!

I am participating with Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. You can click on her blog button located on my side bar. Please head (no pun intended) on over there and read all the other great "G" words for today.

I am also linking this post back to Amy at http://keepingupwiththeshultzfamily.blogspot.com/

Thank you Amy for the invitation to join in your for "FAMILY FRIDAYS" today!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.

Au revoir,

http://www.wikipedia.com/

www.freemasonry.com

"Voices from the Past" by Faye Witt Moreland (family historian and author)

"F" is for "Foghorn Leghorn"

2010-02-25T02:06:00.001-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Foghorn J. Leghorn

A leghorn is a breed of chicken, and foghorn describes his loud, overbearing voice. Both parts of the name suggest the association with "Senator Claghorn", a blustering Southern Politician who was a regular character on the Fred Allen radio show in the 1930's. One of the most famous of Claghorn's catch-phrases was...."That's a joke...I say, that's a joke, son", which soon become one of Foghorn's famous quotes.

Foghorn is a large, anthropomorphized adult rooster with a strong Virginia accent, a "good ol'boy" speaking style with a penchant for mischief. Many of the story lines involved Foghorn and his canine nemesis, George P. Dog, aka The Barnyard Dawg, engaging in one-upmanship through a series of pranks. Unlike other Looney Tunes rivalries, Foghorn is often the initial aggressor out of self amusement and subsequently on the "losing" end of the gags. Foghorn especially enjoyed taking up a plank of wood, while ambling along humming "Camptown Races" (doo da, doo da) coming to the sleeping Dawg with his front half inside his doghouse, picking up his tail and rapidly whacking his exposed rear end.

Even though Foghorn described her as "looking like 2 miles of bad road", his efforts to woo the widowed hen, Miss Prissy, often found him babysitting her bookish son, Egghead, Jr. Quite the masculine role model, those episodes kept Foghorn busy saying "pay attention when I'm talking to you, boy".

Foghorn was created by Robert McKimson, and was a star in 28 cartoons between 1946 and 1963 in the Golden Age of American animation. All 28 of theses cartoons were directed by McKimson in Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies for Warner Bros. Foghorn's voice was created by Mel Blanc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/ and http://www.stephen-foster-songs/

I am linking up to Jenny Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday. Please grab her button on my sidebar to read all the other great "F" words for today.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.

Au revoir,

"E" is for "Eclair au Chocolat"

2010-02-18T01:00:00.015-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

"Eclair au Chocolat"

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 cup boiling water

1 cup all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 eggs

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease baking sheet. In saucepan, melt the butter in the boiling water. Add flour and salt all at once; stirring vigorously. Cook and stir until the mixture forms a ball that doesn't separate. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition about 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth.

Put batter into a baggie. Cut a hole in one corner about the diameter of your thumb. Pipe the batter through this hole onto the cookie sheet. Make the eclairs about 4 inches long and about 3/4 inch wide. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and puffy. Remove for the oven; slit, removing any soft dough. Cool on wire rack.

Fill with your favorite pudding mix or fruit filling and frost with a chocolate icing. I filled these with a chocolate pudding which made them really rich--double chocolate whammy!!

This eclair recipe is leavened with steam and is a delicate pastry. When removed from the oven they have a tendency to collapse, so it is best to slit the eclair immediately and scoop out any soft inner membrane of dough. They are so light and crisp that I love to eat them at this stage--YUMO. Exposed to so many delicious desserts, just how do French women stay so skinny?

I am linking up with Alphabe-Thursday. Please go over to read all the other "E" words for today.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.

Au revoir et Bon appetit!

"D" is for "DIRT"

2010-02-11T01:00:00.015-05:00

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

Dirt

There is red dirt and black dirt

You can blow dirt and you can play in dirt

You can plow in dirt and you can plant in dirt

You can even buy buy dirt-- in bags--pasteurized, or you can get it dirt cheap

You can race on a dirt track and you can be annoyed by a dirt dauber

You can be a dirt ball, a dirt bag, and even a dirt devil

You can be poorer than dirt and you can be older than dirt

You can dish dirt and you can eat dirt

(this is my favorite way to do both)

photo credit: Tammy Hopper http://allrecipes.com

Dirt Cake Recipe

16 oz pkg Oreo Cookies

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup butter

1 cup Confectioners sugar

1 teaspoon Vanilla

2 3 oz pkgs Vanilla Instant Pudding mix

3 cups milk

12 Cool Whip

6-8 Gummy Worms

2 new 6" flower pots

2 bunches silk flowers

Line the pots with aluminium foil. Crush Oreos until they resemble potting soil and place 1 cup of crumbs into each pot. Combine the cream cheese, butter, sugar, and vanilla. Mix well and set aside. Mix the pubbing with the milk and beat well. Fold Cool Whip into this mixture. Gently fold the pudding and cheese mixture together. Pour 1/2 mixture into each pot. Top with remaining cookie crumbs and refrigerate at least 8 hrs but preferably overnight. Before serving, wrap flower stems in aluminum foil and insert into each pot. Strategically place the worms into the pots. Serve with a wooden spoon or small garden shovel.

I am participating in Alphabe-Thursday and linking back to http://jennymatlock.blogspot.com/

Please make a stop over to her place to see other featured "D" words!

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.

Au revoir,