I have always had a fascination with the city.
New York City. San Fransisco. Rome.
London. Paris.
Large bustling cities where people are
hurrying around in every way possible,
always on the go. Where restaurants stay
open all night, and strangely – there seems
to be no grocery store or Lowes or gas
stations in sight.
(I always wondered if people who live in
the city actually cook.) LOL
I remember taking my sweet Mama to New
York City for the first time in her life.
It was the “first” of many things she had
done on that trip.
My son and I had recently moved away from
the family farm after being there for 27 years, after I remarried The Hubbs.
Looking back, I always thought that moving
away was the hardest on me…but I realized
soon after that it was hardest on my Mama.
Her babygirl and grandson literally up and
moved hundreds of miles away to a new life.
We would not have those Summer nights
sitting out on the porch watching “lightening bugs” aka fireflies light up the yard at dusk.
She would not hear the back door slamming because we had walked in to eat some of her country ham biscuits after she called and
told us to “come and eat.”
But, on one fateful Saturday morning, my
sweet Mama boarded her very first plane
ever, and flew to Newport, Rhode Island
so she could visit her babygirl and her
grandson.
Her first plane ride ever! And she did it
all alone. I am pretty sure I was more
nervous for her than she was. I chewed
at least four nails while waiting on her
plane to land, and until I saw her towards me.
She stayed with us for over a week. It was
just before Christmas. We toured all of the Newport “Cottages,” went antiquing in little
out-of-the-way New England villages I had discovered…and had an idyllic time together. Sometimes as a family, but often it was just
me and my Mama.
But, there was one more surprise I had in
store for her…. New York City.
On a very cold Monday morning, me and
Mama and my son loaded up into the van
and headed to the Big Apple. I was
comfortable with the drive, having been
there several times before.
Mama – not so much.
Less than an hour into the trip there, it
starting snowing. Not enough to make
me turn around, but enough to make my
Southern Mama worry to death we were
gonna get caught in some horrible blizzard.
To make matters worse, I don’t think she
was prepared for NYC traffic. Is anyone
ever prepared for NYC traffic? 🙂 70mph
smack dab down the middle of New York
City surrounded by yellow cabs and city
buses and honking horns. Lots of honking
horns.
I think she prayed and bargained with the
Lord a whole lot that day. I can still hear
her. “Lord, just get me back home and I
will (fill in the blank.)” 🙂
(Years later when driving through Rome, I realized that New York City traffic was nothing in comparison) :-0
While there, we really saw the sights.
We froze to death while doing it – but it is
still something my Mama talks about today.
She loved Ellis Island and looking up
her family names. But, she especially
loved the Broadway show we took her to.
We saw “Beauty and the Beast.” Fabulous!
Now you are probably wondering why
I am talking about big cities and a trip
to New York City while sharing pictures
depicting the country?
Simple. While I have a fascination with
the city and love to visit there… I am a
country girl at heart and always will be.
Barefoot. Tobacco-field tomboy. Peanuts in Coca-Cola. That kind of gal.
So much so – when The Hubbs retired from
the Corps, we moved back home. Cause the country is where I was born and the country
is where I will die. I got country dirt in
my blood. 🙂
Whether you live in the country, love to
visit the country, or one day want to move
to the country – I wanted to give away a
“Little Bit of Country.” It’s part of my
new line of “All Things Mason Jars” in my
online shop, Farmhouse Decor. Part of the American Farmhouse Collection.
I’m giving away one of these darling
Pint-Jar Soap/Lotion Dispensers.
Is this country or what? What a perfect
way to add a “Little Bit of Country” to
your home.
Look at some of the other items now
available as part of this line…
Quart-Jar Candleholder…
Hanging candle chandelier…
Toothpick holders. (cutest thing evah!)
A salt and pepper and toothpick caddy
(jars included)
And if that isn’t enough…a countertop
drying rack for all of your jars and bottles
…or coffee cups. 😉
Winning is easy. I am using Rafflecoptor
and its so easy to use. The drawing will be
open for a week, and I will be announcing
the lucky winner next Wednesday after
verifying the winners entry.
Until then, if you just simply gotta have a
“Little Bit of Country” right now, you
can visit my shop at:
www.farmhousedecorshop.com
Good luck to everyone…and please feel
free to share this contest. Send me the link
and if you are the winner, I’ll throw in a
bunch of REAL NC cotton. 🙂 xxoo
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
Barbara, I have live so many places, but I am a country girl too. I like to visit cities but they do not hold much allure for me!
View CommentThank you for your kind giveaway… and now I’m off to visit Farmhouse Decor!
Barbara F. says
It seems I lost my comment, any way I love the cotton, and yes, some city gals cook, everyday, and we have Lowe’s and tons of supermarkets and specialty stores selling food from just about every country on earth. I visited Farmhouse Decor and I want the small bottle tree, or glass drying rack? Love that. xo
View CommentLaura Janning says
I love everything from both collections!! I am sharing your giveaway on FB. Thanks!
View CommentGena says
Love the Hanging Quart Mason Jar Candle Chandelier! Thanks for the giveaway!
View CommentStacey says
I love the copper looking wall basket and the woven wall basket. They are both gorgeous. I’m off to find that hanging quart mason jar chandelier….
Liked you on Facebook. You’ve found some wonderful goodies.
View Commentkimeric kreations says
Beautiful products 🙂 love them all!
View CommentImSoVintage says
Nothing better than the country. Wonderful products 🙂
View CommentThe Texas Cowgirl says
Lovely products. A mason jar is a true staple in any southern woman’s home…I even have them used a light globes on a wagon wheel chandelier!
View Commentmarty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Oh what lovely mason jar treasures. You have such a great eye for decor, these are all wonderful. I love all of your country pics too, especially that cow picture. Hugs, Marty
View CommentJenny Sellars says
Want want want want want!! LOL! I have had a bigger one next to my kitchen sink forever but would love the smaller size for lotion! PICK MEEEEEE! 😉
View CommentMelly says
I like everything but I am coveting the darling Oef cups the most. I’m a country girl too and so was my Mam. Your lovely post has made me miss her even more than usual.
View Commentytxrose says
You have some “oh so lovely” items. I love the American Farmhouse items the best, especiall the Hanging Quart Mason Jar Candle Chandalier–oh my! Thanks for the opportunity to be selected for one of your products.
View CommentAnonymous says
awesome giveaway….i have a larger size for my dish soap by the kitchen sink and it is lonely and would love a partner…:-) thank you for the chance to win…audra bender a1bender@earthlink.net…www.audrabenderphotography.com
View Commentpinkladynz says
Love all the farmhouse!
View Commentsuzyq says
Wow!!! Please tell me that I can join the fun (I’m in Australia)……..I would dearly love to win this giveaway. Beautiful photos today!
View CommentSuzyq
Mary says
Oh my I love everything, your website is awesome….I especially love the glass farmhouse cabinet for sure, I can vision it hanging on the wall in my bathroom.
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View CommentAnonymous says
the mason jar lotion dispenser is just too cute…would love to have one!
View CommentMs Misantropia says
Oh yes, I’m a country girl for sure. I hate big cities, the traffic, the noise, the people. I feel happy for your mama, who is once again close to the people she loves 🙂
View CommentJennifer @ Town and Country Living says
Great story and beautiful photos! I’ll check out the new stuff in your store!
View CommentAnonymous says
Love everything in your shop especially the printers cabinet. What a great find. Geversman@aol.com
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Emily says
Fun story and photographs.
View CommentFarmhouse Decor is enchanting. Wonderful collections that are fun to wish for. The item I am “drooling over” is French Printers Cabinet. Just love it! Thank you for the chance to win one of those darling Pint-Jar Soap dispensers.
(By the way, there is an old saying: “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl.” I know this is true because I am a country girl.
Ann says
I absolutely love the soap dispenser. No, wait. . .I like the candle holder. Or, maybe the chandelier. Never mind. . .I like them all.
View CommentEmilou says
Your photos are grand, and your experience with your sweet mom is so endearing. Thanks for sharing and your give away. Very generous.
View CommentSandi @ The Primitive Skate says
What an Awesome Giveaway. Love the Farmhouse collection. The mason jar salt and pepper shakers and tooth pick holder would fit right in at my house.
Thanks for the chance.
Sandi Allen
View Commentsandraallen260@centurytel.net
Ginger Zuck says
Love your mason jar soap/lotion dispenser. I just a love for all things mason jars. All your items are adoreable. Great giveaway! I will definitely check out your shop!
View CommentEmilou says
I love all the American Farmhouse items, the three metal jar carrier and jars is a true Americana item. Thanks.
View CommentSonia says
I like the American Farmhouse items the best. 🙂
View CommentSandy A says
I love any and all of the Mason Jar items-always a favorite of mine…
View Commentpballard says
Love your blog, glad to have found you! Thanks for the chance at this great giveaway!
View CommentCeekay-THINKIN of HOME/Doublewide Decor says
Hi…this is Ceekay’s kitchen sink. I just wanted to enter into the giveaway because if you saw what Ceekay has her dish soap in….well, you would understand. That wonderful mason jar…would be a huge improvement!!
View CommentCindy says
I love all of the American Farmhouse items! They bring back memories of being at my great grandma’s farm in Tennessee
View CommentMichele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says
Barbara,
Found you through marty at A Stroll Through Life – and love love love this post. I actually made me cry. I lost my sweet precious Mom in 1993 and I think about her every single day still…..I think your trip for your Momma was awesome, I love NYC and have done those fun touristy things, and everyone needs to do it at least once.
Bless your heart, and your Momma’s……….and by all means enter me in this incredible giveaway. I am going to bop over to that sight some more to “window shop” but I would say once of those zinc drying racks is something on my oh please please please I waaaaaannnniiit list!
Thank you!
View CommentAmy Kinser says
Hi from Tennessee. So nice to meet you and happy to have found your blog. Can’t wait to get to know you better and follow along.
Blessings to you, Amy
View CommentJackie says
I loved your post on being a country girl. I too was born and raised in the country on a cotton farm actually!. Even though we live in a very small town now, I miss the country and the farm. Love everything in your shop. Especially love the willow door basket, the metal spout bucket and the hanging quart chandelier.
View Commentl8blmr says
Love the wineglass/mason jar/cup holder drying rack! I’ve been looking for one! Now all I have to do is find a few extra $$ and buy it!
View CommentNancy Carr says
The mason jar items are rally sweet and homey. The little mason jar toothpick holder is adorable as well as your other items and the furniture pieces.
View CommentDesires of the Heart says
Wow!! such cute things. I love the little salt and pepper and toothpick caddy and the bottle rack if so cute also. Love a chance to win. Finding you thru Marty, I will be back. Blessings, Linda
View CommentJoani says
I love them all but the soap/lotion dispenser would be my favorite. Love the country as well. Have a great weekend.
View CommentEvey's Creations says
🙂 I absolutely LOVE the French collection! Especially that sweet French Receipt Tea Towel! <3
View Commentxoxo
Evey
Nancy Carroll says
Of the Mason jars I like the quart candle holder. I also love the French farmhouse furniture…that mantel and printer’s cabinet are to die for!!!
View CommentDorinda says
I love the large chalkboard and the mason jar items, especially the cute salt and peppers!
View CommentAnonymous says
I love the little toothpick holder. My dad always has a stash of toothpicks and I would love to give him this little holder to corral his toothpicks. Jill Jones
View CommentShirley@Housepitality Designs says
Great giveaway Barbara!….the jar collection is so cute!
View CommentErin Kaven says
I think the toothpick holder is brilliant.
View Commentshannon i olson says
nothing better than simple country memories! That toothpick holder is so cute! Great line.
View Commentnayana@CherishDreamLive says
I like hanging quart mason jar chandelier…
View CommentAnonymous says
Hello from Murfreesboro, TN. I NEED the drying rack! Love it. Thanks for the chance. Regena in TN.
View CommentCharm Bracelet Diva says
Love it, thank you!
View CommentPeggy says
Love the soap dispenser – thanks for the chance to enter!
View CommentSally says
I love the Bistro sign – gorgeous!!
View CommentSabrina says
I love all the Mason jar items!!
View Comment❀ JoAnne says
Lovely country images! I love the tin office file hanger. Great giveaway!
View CommentLori @ applegrovetreasures says
Really enjoy both but would probably go with the American Farmhouse Collection…really like the metal pieces, esp. the pitchers and pouches!
View Commentpinkladynz says
Would it be too much to have 6 pieces in the kitchen. I think I will start with the salt/pepper/toothpick holder!
View CommentThanks for the giveaway.
Anonymous says
I love everything in your collection
View CommentGrammy Goodwill says
How hard to choose. I love the vintage French sign, and the pillows, and the French script ribbon. It’s so hard to pick just one thing. Thanks for the chance to win.
View CommentMary Redo says
Wonderful giveaway!
View Comment