I Can Do Anything, But Not Everything...

~David Allen

Last year, my motto was, "Not my circus; not my monkeys". Cute and relevant for those of us who are born the eldest child and besides that, are completely convinced that we can fix the world's troubles- one crisis at a time. I name no names. *cough cough* Me.

woolart Monkey

This year, I am adopting a new saying, "I can do anything I want, but not everything I want". We have less than a week before this year's pop up shop, Creatively Maine, opens in Bucksport with me in the roll of ring master and all around monkey wrangler. In the midst of trying to get ready for winter here, and doing all the regular activities it takes to help Sean make this homestead work, I have significant time and effort poured into promoting not only myself, but 45 (and that list is growing daily) other talented local artisans. Most of these folks are people I've met working markets and shows through the year. They are people whose craftsmanship I admire. They are people, like Jean Fink of woolart, or Shea Rolnick of Gentle Meadow Goat Farm that I genuinely care about. I know what this venture's success or failure means to our family and to the artisans and their families. Sean assures me it is not the case, but sometimes, in the wee hours of the morning, I feel that the success or failure of *all of this* depends solely upon me. On the choices I made on who is involved in this year's shop. On the price I negotiated for  the rent of our space. On the advertising and promoting I can do. On the appeal of our website and whether people "like" our Creatively Maine facebook page. On whether a shelf looks better on this wall or that. On each and every display arranged to encourage someone to spend their hard-earned money with us instead of at Walmart, Target, or wherever else they might be inclined to shop. Between you and I... I am not sure that I am enough.

I started getting massive tension headaches a week ago, stressed over trying to help everyone in my path. I took a couple of aspirin (okay, a bottle of aspirin) and ignored the headaches. "This initial set up phase is relatively short. Once the shop actually opens, the stress level and list of things needing to be cared for will ease", I convinced myself. Last Tuesday's full-blown migraine with all the bells and whistles, gave me the wake up call I was in desperate need of. Sean warned me I was taking on too much. I knew I was taking on too much. But, sometimes it takes a little "congnitive recalibration" to reset a body. Well, this body. I *am* the kind of person that sometimes needs to be "hit over the head" to stop and think about a situation and then make some changes.

Oh Rachel. What a face! ♥

One necessary change for me was learning to say the hardest word in the English language... "No."

I am still determined to make a success of all the projects I am involved with, but I sat down and mentally figured out some guidelines for myself and some boundaries. I gave myself "office hours" to care for things shop related. No one complained about my not being there 24/7. I said "No" to some special requests asked of me. And, the world did not stop. The people asking managed to work their issues out and life ticked on. I asked other artisans to pitch in when the need arose. And, they did. I allowed myself time to spend with Sean and our daughters. I threw a stick for Molly. The "chore" of feeding the animals (which I had released to Sean a week ago) was taken back. I like spending that time with my animals and releasing that to Sean made me feel disconnected from this homestead and my life. I captured some video and took some pictures to share with you. Without the unnecessary stress, I painted some new pendants and that felt wonderful. (They'll be posted to our facebook page later today). I added in time for myself to eat and sleep. This coming Saturday morning I have plans to spend time with our family in our ministry. So, it has only been 3 days. And, I know me. The other things will come encroaching. But, Sean is here to help me to be balanced and to take care of me, so that I can keep helping others.

Our Pop Up Shop is only open for 7 weeks, but I can tell you that it will be filled to the brim with wonderful, quality hand-made creations. We get the keys on November 19th and Open our doors for the first time this year on November 23 at 11 am. Local friends, we are looking forward to sharing our work with you in person. Far Away Friends, please visit us online. We'll gift wrap and ship! In contrast to last year, we won't be updating "shop news" here. This page is remaining dedicated to all things homesteady and farmish.

That is what is going on in our world. Thanks for visiting with us today, friends. I am so happy you are here.

~Sonja ♥

Give Away, Give Away!

During the month that we hosted the Creatively Maine Pop Up Shop in Bucksport, one of the extra special incentives we offered was a PRIZE package filled with items donated from the artisans within the shop. We didn't talk it up too much online, since it was mainly available by visiting us at the shop. That can be difficult if you live in places as far away (or further than) High Point, NC,  Mountain View, CA or Liverpool, PA .

But, a winner has been randomly selected by www.random.org which selected a number between one and 293. It selected number 144. The winner of our prize package is Kim Laplant.  This is what Kim won:

1. CD of original music from Shawn Mercer $10.-
2. Organic soy scent tarts from Lally Broch Farm $12.-
3. Glass Lampwork Bead Earrings from Blueberry Bay Beads $30.-
4. Crocheted Alpaca/Silk Necklace with Glass Beads from Sarah Nugent $25.-
5. Two Bend-wood Heart Wreaths from The Woodshaper Shop of Maine $25.-
6. Cat Toy with Catnip from Ratz 4 Catz $20.-
7. Polymer Tree of Life Pendant from Laughing Llama Beads $18.-
8. Silver & Crystal Drop Earrings from Foxfire Design Studio $22.-
9. Retired Wine Barrel Wine Caddy from Verona Wine & Design $19.-
10. Tissues-To-Go Pack from Nancy Heald $2.-
11. Two Wooden Guitar Picks from Riff Wood Picks $20.-
12. Felted Vase from Rose Whitehead Fiber Fabrication $25.-
13. Retired Wine Barrel Business Card Holder from Verona Wine & Design $7.-
14. Votive Candle and Melts from Silkweeds $10.-
15. Two Goat's Milk Soaps from Gentle Meadow Goat Farm $10.-
16. Knit Cowl from Creations by Rose $12.-
17. Mosaic Eggshell Pendant Set by Lally Broch Farm $30.-
18. 30 Minute Massage from Cloud 9 Massage $30.-
19. Flower Set from Creations by Rose $18.-
20. Greeting Card from Amy Thompson $4.-

*****  Total Value $349! *****

Now, our friends in cyber-space have a chance to win some fantastic prizes, too! I have teamed up with Chris from Riff Wood Picks and Cherie from Cherrie Creations to offer you chance to win some cool loot. This is what you can win:

Five chances to win ONE of the pictured Riff Wood Picks created by Chris Gray. Riff Wood Picks make great gift picks for guitar, bass, and mandolin, and are hand made in Maine, USA. The combination of beautiful hardwoods, both local and exotic, create a unique and artistic pick that has the wonderful tone that only natural wood can deliver! Chris's hope is that those who give and those who receive one will each find joy in them. Visit Riff Wood Picks on Etsy and see their complete line of picks and other hardwood goods. :) Five readers will win one pick each, valued at $10 each.

Using paper products to clean up messes around the homestead is a pet-peeve of mine. I want to remember to reuse when I can, but honestly, I am guilty of using paper and throwing it away. We can go through A LOT of them in a week. I switched to cleaning cloths created from the remnants of towels or face cloths that had seen better days. They work to cut down on waste, but often they go missing. They'd get thrown away or our resident "Sock Monster" would eat them.

This is where my talented friend, Cherie came into the picture. I can sew, but it is not a great love of mine. I explained to Cherie what I was looking for and she created the perfect solution. Snapper Towels were born. These are the same size as traditional paper towels. The front of the cloths are a pretty cotton pattern; the back is absorbent terry cloth. They snap together to form a handy, reusable, eco-friendly, "green" roll of towels. The size of the towels combined with the heft of the snaps make sure that when a towel goes into the wash, it comes back out again. For light clean up, for example; drying water from counter tops, I simply snap the wet cloth back onto the roll and let hang to dry and reuse. For dirty messes, into the wash they go. Each roll has 12 towels.

Our 100% Cotton Bee's Wax Wraps are the perfect companion item for households who, like me, are concerned about the potential of BPA, estrogen, and other compounds leaching from some plastic products. I wondered what people used to use before the convenience of cling wrap. The answer I found that intrigued me the most was "homespun and bee's wax". After a little trial and error, I developed my own spin on that concept. I create colorful Bee's Wax Wraps using 100% cotton and bee's wax, a naturally antibiotic substance. Since the wax permeates the cotton, food particles do not stick to it. To wash, just rinse with lukewarm water and hang to dry before reusing. With usage, the waxed surface will naturally show signs of wear and foxing. To revitalize them, simply place them in a warm, sunny spot to melt and redistribute the wax. (You can also use your microwave oven to do this, but be sure to cover your surface to protect it from melting wax.) Each roll of Bee's Wax Wraps contain 2 large 11" x 11" squares (perfect to wrap around casserole dishes, larger plates or to wrap sandwiches in) and 4 small 9" x 9" squares.

We've been selling our Snapper Towels and Bee's Wax Wraps at Craft Shows and Art Markets. Now, they are available online on the Lally Broch Farm facebook page and will be coming to Etsy shortly.

One reader will win both, valued at $40 :)

Our final prize is a Lally Broch Farm Mosaic Eggshell Pendant Set. This set was painted to represent the branches of a symbolic family tree; that we are all part of one human family, interconnected. The tree is painted against a sunrise to bring to mind the dawning of a new day with all the hope that comes with it. A fresh slate. Another chance to get it right. One person will win this pendant set valued at $60.

This give-away begins at Midnight tonight and lasts until January 23rd at Midnight EST. Winners will be contacted with an announcement on this site and with another on the Lally Broch Farm facebook page. Winners have 48 hours to claim their prizes or the prize will be forfeit and a new winning name will be randomly drawn.

How to enter? Just use the link below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Our Final Days...

This is our final week in Bucksport- which is bitter sweet. On one hand, I am really looking forward to going back home to my family, homestead, and studio. On the other, I will miss the fun of setting up displays and chatting with all of you... and making money. I have to be honest that I will miss the steady stream of income. Having the shop has taken a lot of pressure off of Sean's shoulders and much worry from mine. Much, but not all. This is winter in Maine. Things freeze. Things break. Things must be replaced. But, if we are very, very careful, we just might have enough money to get through the winter drought and pay our expenses until the farmer and art markets open. Maybe.

Everything at the shop feels like "the last". Yesterday was the last Monday. Today is the last Tuesday. And, soon, it will be the last time I close the door and turn off the lights. That is a sad thought, but not one that leaves me saddened. This shop did what I hoped it would do. It brought some fantastically talented people together and showed us all what a true co-op might be like. Sure, we had it easy in that our rent, lights, and heat were paid for us. But, the bones of possibility are there. We had the chance to reflect on what worked and what didn't. We'll see what dreams may come.

After talking with Sean about what we can do to bring this experience to a close with a "Bang!", we came up with this thought~ "It is better to close the doors with a little more money in the bank and a lot more hay in the barn than to bring home decorations for the shelves in the studio." With that in mind, this is what we are offering from now until Saturday, January 10th at 7:00 pm EST: 

40% OFF ALL LALLY BROCH FARM EGGSHELL JEWELRY

*** OR ***

50% OFF ALL LALLY BROCH FARM EGGSHELL JEWELRY WHEN YOU PURCHASE ANYTHING FROM ANOTHER ARTISAN IN THE SHOP VALUED AT $10 OR MORE.

These are some of the great deals to be had:
LALLY BROCH FARM EGGSHELL 

BRACELETS: $30.-
40% off = $18.- OR 50% off = $15.- 

PAINTED PENDANTS: $40.-40% off = $24.- OR 50% off = $20.-

PENDANT SETS: $60.-
40% Off = $36.- OR 50% Off = $30.-

Maddock Stitches Fabric Bowls
25% OFF, starting at $14.50.

CAMERON DePAOLA SUCCULENTS ALL 30% OFF

Medium planters (pictured above) $15.00 marked down to $10.50

Hanging Planters (side) $25.00 marked down to $17.50

Large planters (right) $45.00 marked down to $31.50

 All CREATIONS BY ROSE cowls are Buy One, Get One 50% OFF
starting at only $12.- each.

All River Wind Woolies Wrist Warmers from Recycled Sweaters. Buy One, Get One 50% OFF.

Regular Price $28.- Sale Price $21.- each when you buy two. :)

For those of our friends who live "away", you can take advantage of this sale, too (with some exclusions- I am *not* shipping plants <g>). Payment must be made with credit or debit card by calling 207-323-4982 or through Paypal to sonjatwombly@yahoo.com. Shipping rates apply. More images will be posted on our Lally Broch Farm Facebook page. If you are interested in an item, please leave a comment and send me a message so we can make arrangements. Until payment is made, the item is up for grabs, so speak up soon! :)

Shop Hours: 11 am - 6 pm Tueday (tonight), 10 am - 7 pm Wednesday-Saturday.
Location: 74 Main St. Bucksport Maine
Phone: 207-323-4982

I hope you take advantage of this offer. I enjoy being able to give you all special deals and I especially enjoy creating beautiful things that provide for our critters' care. Thank you for your support, friends. I appreciate it more than I can say. ♥

Sean and Sonja ♥

Barn Time, Sleeping Puppies, and Shop News

I finally ventured into the barn for a minute to see the critters. I crept quietly. It was early morning and I did not want to wake them if they were peaceful. I know myself. I know how much I miss them. Their soft, goaty "meh"s would tug at my heart and I would be lost.


First, I encountered Ebony asleep in a mound of hay at the base of the stairs. The tell-tale empty bag of grain lay were she left it the night before. When Sean went in to get some grain for the goats and chickens, he discovered that Miss Ebony had helped herself to the bags. What she did not eat was strewn about the hay on the floor, wasted. Thankfully, both bags were nearly empty and so she did not eat herself ill, but this did not make for a happy Sean.

The Guineas were all awake and content to poke around in the rafters upstairs. I could hear the youngest of our chicks scratching. When they saw me, they lined up, waiting in eager expectation for their dish to be filled for the day. Haddie was the only goat roused, but the loose barn roos and hens were alert and watching for any grain that might be filched. They were out of luck this morning- Sean would be feeding them later.

Back inside, Miss Molly took over the newly emptied bed and was joined by Tasmanian. I didn't have the heart to kick them out of my bed- especially since it was laundry day and Krissy was due to wash bedding for me anyway.

This shop has been a blessing. It is a way for me to be free to create through the winter months when there are no shows and store sales have slowed down- without feeling as if I have left Sean to care for all the finances on his own. He doesn't feel that way and is quick to point it out when I mention carrying that guilt, but I feel better knowing that I am squirreling away something to help while I spend the rest of the winter holed up in my studio visiting with whatever muse decides to descend. Sacrifices are being made by everyone in order to bring this blessing to fruition. Time with Molly is one of them. I make sure to give lots of hugs and snuggles before I leave and when I come home, but again, I carry the guilt.

On Sunday, Sean came to the shop with me. Since we were only going to be there for a few hours, we decided to bring Molly along with us. It took her about 20 minutes to settle in, but before long, she was ready to be a shop pup, greeting people at the door with a wagging tail. Between visits, Molly spent her time looking out the door waiting for her next best pal, curled up under the desk, or out for walks to explore the area with Sean. I would love to bring her each day, but at only a year old, she has too much energy for me to curb while giving my best to our guests. We'll be done soon and everything will return to normal.

Every day the shop changes. Artisans bring in replacement work to fill in spaces where their items had sold and new artisans join us. At this moment, we have 36 Mid-coast Maine Artisans involved in the shop and are awaiting 2 others to join our ranks. I thought you might be interested in seeing some of our newest finds. :)

Cameron DePaola, who starts our non-GMO, organic seeds for us each Spring recycles planters and creates lovely succulent plantings. He grows them from baby slips. I have my eye on this banana plant, which will get quite tall and grow bananas!

October Fields Farm brought in some freshly dried organic herbs and 3-packs of 100% cotton wash cloths to go along with their vegan, soy candle and melt selection. They smell heavenly!

Wine caddies from Verona Wine and Design, healthy succulents, felted vases and woven purses from Rose Whitehead Fiber Fabrication add some color to the back wall. Amy Thompson just brought in this lovely print of one of her original water colors of Isle Au Haute. 

Braided wool ladies purses or totes from Nancy Heald are meant to last.

Jim and Teresa England of The Woodshaper Shop of Maine brought in a new mudder and fire truck with  removable and extendable ladders. Know any little boy who would like that? I do! 

I really appreciate all of the friends who have supported this venture by stopping in and commenting their well wishes to us. It really means a lot. And, a special thank you and shout out to Amanda H. for lifting my spirits this week when I was feeling a little overwhelmed with it all. Your treat is in the mail. ;)

Sonja ♥

Pop Up Updates!

I miss caring for the animals. I miss just visiting with the animals. I miss alien eyes full of speculation as to what treat I may have with me. I miss muddy hooves that magnetically land on newly laundered coats. I miss the smell of the barn and of goats, horse, and pig living snug in close quarters. I miss the rat-tat-tat of the male guinea birds. With setting up shop and caring for the day-to-day, I don't have the time or energy to even pop in to say "Hi.". Sean is caring for it all. And, while I appreciate all that that entails, I miss being a part of it.

And, consequently, you miss images to go along with updates from the homestead. Sean is not big on the picture taking. I can't blame him a bit. When you are single-handedly moving a disgruntled pig into the barn, you need all your attention focused on the the task in front of you. The same holds true for trimming hooves, worming animals, and cleaning out stalls- all of which has happened in the last month, multiple times. And, then, there were the ice storms that knocked out power three times in November-December.

In another three weeks, the shop will close its doors and life will begin it's regular rhythm once more. I will miss that, too. We are considering the possibility of beginning a long-term cooperative shop. But, that is a decision for another day.

For today, we have changed around our shop, added several new artisans, and I wanted to share some pictures of it with you.

Rose Whitehead Fiber Fabrications

Verona Wine & Design,
Amy Thompson, Artist
Depaola Succulents
Terekins Landing Tile Mosaics

Foxfire Design Studio

 This scene is an assortment of felted wall hangings from Rose Whitehead, matted watercolor by Amy Thompson, beaded wall decor by Teresa Vandy of Terekins Landing, and Cameron Depaola succulents.

The Woodshaper Shop of Maine. Jim and Teresa England combine their talents to create goods from wood; shaped, bent, or cut, their products are built to last. 

Fingerless Gloves and Mittens from: One Woman Studio River Wind Woolies Creations by Rose, Snow Wimzees on a shelf, an assortment of tactile, imagination toys from Storyteller Moon and The Woodshaper Shop of Maine.  

 Fleece lined, suede mittens or fingerless designs are sure to please. Adorable and practical! :)

On Tuesday, Gene Bowden popped into the shop carrying an assortment of original acrylic paintings. Many of them were sea-themed, all of them were stunning and we were thrilled to provide temporary homes for seven of his pieces. Mr. Bowden is 87 years old and lives just down the street from the shop. He worked at the mill for 30 years and built four residential homes in Bucksport, Maine. Now, retired, he paints.

Each week, we welcome new artisans to our cooperative. This week, we have added watercolor paintings by Amy Thompson, pen and ink cards by Casey Thompson, felted imaginative toys by Storyteller Moon, and paper-smithed cards by Bethany Smith. We anticipate adding balsam sachets, hand-made dolls, and glass-work stylus and pencils. Each week something new gets added to our shelves and new friends are met.

This Saturday, December 13th, you are invited to our "Meet the Artisan" event from 2-4 pm. Julie Maddock of Maddock Stitches, Chris Gray of Riff Wood Picks, Teresa England of the Woodshaper Shop of Maine, and I will be painting eggshell jewelry. Enjoy live music, by local Bagpiper, David Weeda. We hope to see you soon.

Sonja ♥

Butterflies in my Stomach; Determination in my Step

What do you get when you throw out a challenge to Dave Milan of the Town of Bucksport and Leslie Wombacher of The Bucksport Chamber of Commerce regarding the topics of shopping small, spending your money locally, and helping to bring hope and life into the town of Bucksport's Business Community in the wake of the announcement of the closing of Verso Mill?

OPPORTUNITY.

This one is mine. The home of Creatively Maine.
Open House December 4th from  4pm - 7pm

Last Thursday, Leslie approached me to discuss the opportunity to host a "Pop Up Shop" in one of Bucksport's empty shop fronts beginning on December 4th. The Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Bucksport had teamed up with an idea to bring more local shopping options for the town's people. Twelve days to turn a completely empty store front to a fully-stocked local shop? With their support, the backing of the building owners, and the help of other local businesses, like Bangor Savings Bank, what seemed improbable became a reality.

OPPORTUNITY. 

A shop of my own on Main St, Small Town America. Brick and Mortar. This blank canvas will soon be filled with needful things, homey creations made one at a time with respect and love by your neighbors.

What will fill this space? Goods made from wood: turned bowls, carved serving boards, outdoor furniture, wooden toys meant to last for generations, baskets, guitar picks and more. Fabric Designs: felted mittens and hand-dyed and felted hats, shawls, mason jar cozies, original designer clothing, recycled bags, purses, snapper towels, bee's wax wraps, pillows, crocheted children's character hats, and fabric bowls. Homestead soaps, lotions, massage oils, candles, and scent tarts to pamper and delight your senses. Original paintings, pottery, and glass designs- things to please the eye and with the magic to help transform a house into a home. And, a selection of jewelry created from eggshells, wampum, altered art pieces, hand-crafted glass beads, silver and copper work. And, so much more. ♥ I am so blessed to personally know each of the 21 artisans who are committed to adding their unique touch to this shop.

Together, we are Creatively Maine. 

Creatively Maine will be open for business through the month of December.

Our hours are:
Thurday, Friday and Saturday from 11 am -7 pm and
Sundays from 11 am - 5 pm.

Join us for our Grand Opening on December 4th. We'll have hourly drawings all day. You're Invited to our Open House from 4 pm - 7 pm. Light refreshments will be served. In an effort to give back to the Bucksport Community, we are pleased to offer a 10% discount when you bring in a non-perishable food item with you to Open House. We'll donate your items to the local food cupboard. On Saturday, December 6th, join us for "Meet the Designer". Visit with Artisans to talk about their craft and see live demonstrations through the day.

For the Month of December, please pledge to shopping locally. Every dollar spent within our community directly supports the families that make up the backbone of our towns. Together, we all make a difference.

Thanks for sharing today's exciting news with us friends. We'll share more images of Creatively Maine and its products as it takes shape here and on our Lally Broch Farm facebook page.

~Sonja ♥