Friday, October 24, 2014

Clothespin Bag

I don’t remember where I first saw this- probably Pinterest or a BlogHop. My dear friend Mary knits me the cutest stuff for my babies. But my knitting skills are limited. So, to return the favor, I made a clothespin bag for her. (And one for me, too, because I found these adorable Mermaid overalls at the thrift store.) You just buy some cute overalls (I chose a gorgeous baby-dress for Mary) and sew up the bottom. Hang it on a hanger, fill it with clothespins and it is ready to go.

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If you’ve read my first novel, you know about Mermaids. I am a Mermaid. If you’re heart has ever been broken, you are a Mermaid, too. My book is available on Kindle here: http://www.amazon.com/Invitation-Ocean-How-Became-Mermaid-ebook/dp/B00B8I9DL0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414166250&sr=8-1&keywords=mermaid+beach+ebook+phyllis+franklin

Am I shamelessly plugging my novel? Yes! But it fit so perfectly into this post, please forgive me.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Unassisted HomeBirth—A Collection of Real Life Stories

The HomeBirth book I co-authored with Amanda H. has been doing quite well on Kindle. So, I decided to publish a print version. Mainly because I want to save one for each of my two unassisted homebirth babies.

It can be purchased at CreateSpace (an Amazon company) here:

https://www.createspace.com/5033096

It will be available on Amazon in a couple of days, and of course, it is still available on Kindle.

Unassisted_HomeBirth_Cover_for_KindleThe Kindle cover looks slightly different than the print version. Here is the link to the Kindle eBook:

http://www.amazon.com/Unassisted-HomeBirth-Collection-Real-Stories-ebook/dp/B00HTO770Q/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1414114544&sr=8-5&keywords=phyllis+franklin

If you’d like to order a signed copy, please email me at PhyllisWrites@yahoo.com.

Swamp Planting

Here on Soggy Bottom Mini Farm, we have lots of water. We have low areas, ponds, and high-clay soils.
To best utilize these natural features, I planted some pumpkins and Hubbard squash in containers with drain holes in the bottom, then set them in the swamp. TaDa!  Raised bed self watering container!

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Windows Open – September 24

Ahhhhh. The temperatures finally dipped below 90 on the 21st, prompting me to take these pictures.

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It was a beautiful day for walking…

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or fishing…

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or bike riding.

And now, this morning, I was finally able to open the windows to a nice cool breeze.

I wait all summer for this moment. My windows will be open on every nice (not rainy) day from now till May (or April) when it once again becomes too hot and humid.

My favorite month is coming, and bringing with it our 11th Wedding Anniversary.

Lovely Autumn Blessings to you all!

-Phyllis

Saturday, September 6, 2014

It Feels Like September

I love this time of year. There is finally a breeze after a long hot stifling summer. I can work in the garden again- weeding, replenishing, sowing, planting. And there is a stillness in the air, a quietness that I can feel in my soul, refreshing my energy and lifting my spirit.

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Thursday, August 28, 2014

Farm? or FarmNot?

Is this a farm? Uhhh, no. Not at all. It was—by my definition anyway. We had chickens. I had a little garden. It was a beginning farm… a mini-farm.

But now the chickens are gone, and my gardens are neglected. It’s a weird feeling. Not failure, exactly. Just… struggle. It’ll take years and a lot of work to turn this place into a mini-farm.

So we continue to work, and pray, and live, and raise our children. My number one job right now is Mommy. Also wife, teacher, chef, driver… the list goes on, you know.

Even so, every now and then I just can’t help myself. I got a little crafty this week and repainted this yard sale find. My plans include adding a few more containers to my tiny garden and hopefully getting some veggies and greens this winter.

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Monday, August 25, 2014

Double the Yum

I got my first double-yolked egg today!

It was so exciting. Unfortunately, it wasn’t from my chickens. I don’t have any hens right now. :( I got these eggs at the farmer’s market. It was so neat to crack it open and see two yolks slip out.

No, I didn’t take a picture. I crack my eggs directly into the pan to save dish washing. No time for cameras.

Praying I’ll have my own hens again soon…