Sunday, April 3, 2011

At home with Flower Patch Farmgirl



I feel like I've been gone a month.  It was soooo good to get away...to run home to my roots with my girls in tow for a week of refreshment and recharge.  But honestly this part of my trip is what I looked forward to the most all week long.  I made a friend a few years ago when I started this crazy blogging hobby and just fell in love with Miss Shannan Martin from Flower Patch Farmgirl.  Her writing won me over immediately, but it was her fun take on life and the way she loved on her kids that had me at hello.  I just KNEW that someday our paths would cross. 


Well with a little 5 hour detour and a few butterflies...I made my way across miles and miles of farm country and found myself pulling into her driveway.  I was giddy and nervous and excited to say the least.  I mean this is bucket list stuff we're talking about.  It's surreal meeting someone you've read about for 2 years. 




I got to watch her parent with that calm patient demeanor I just knew she would have.



I got to see her cook for me.  How crazy is that?  I HAD HER SALSA!  A lot of her salsa:)




We stepped into the Martin home and became a part of the family.  It was beyond wonderful.  I fell in complete love with her precious children and sweet Honey.





The beauty of her farm.









It was just as exciting to meet her brood as it was her.  They are like little celebrities:)  Each with their very own big personalities!!  Our kids played so well together...thank heavens:)  We fell in love with Calvin and his "big man" talk, joining in on our adult conversation.  And then Silas...oh my goodness!  He's a doll baby with those lashes that go on forever.  You just want to squeeze him.  And of course the spirited feisty Ruby in all her glory.  They were everything I envisioned and more:)




Cory bravely took on the kiddos and let us hit the town one night.  We went to a fun little shop and then to her favorite Mexican restaurant.  Brooke from Beachy Keen Girl is Shannan's close friend.  I've been reading her blog forever...so it was a mega treat being able to meet her too. What a sweet heart!







She lives in Amish country.  You know I was loving that!  Charming little black buggies and farms galore.  It was absolutely beautiful.  Tons of little cemeteries and churches.  It was a step back in time.




She let me take as many pictures of her house that I wanted...yay!  I knew you'd want that sneak peek:) 





Her favorite colors are blue and green.  Various shades define the soothing shabby sweet space of her home.  I loved her eclectic flea market style.  Nothing matchy matchy, but cohesive and comfortable.





Where the blogging magic happens:)





Loved those little farm paintings.







She has a thing for maps, and letters and numbers.  Love that!






I'm soooo glad I just up and did something a little crazy and made that extra effort to meet her.  So so grateful that God somehow drew me to her blog two years ago.  It really is amazing how friendships can forge over the miles and without that face to face connection.  I'm pretty sure we will be life long buddies...blog or not.  My sweet Indiana friend holds a key to my heart.





Have a blessed day.

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58 comments:

  1. You are so brave and you have such good judgment when it come to the character of people. I've learned so much about blogging and living life fearlessly from you.

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  2. I love that you were in my neck of the woods...Goshen! I've been reading your blog along with FPFG for quite some time, and it is so fun to see worlds colliding. Thanks for the sneak peaks into your lives! Looks like you had a lot of fun. Gotta love those buggies...

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  3. Oh, I'm so glad I decided to peek into blogland this afternoon ( I was going to take the day off.) I love FPFG and am dying to share some guac with her someday. I'm so glad you took the risk to meet her. This way I get to meet both of you vicariously. And thanks for showing me her home. I love seeing it from your pov. I agree, Silas, Ruby and Calvin are lil' celebrities to me. Ok, have I gushed enough, yet? I hope you are still enjoying your chick week! Your girls are growing up so beautifully. It's good that you have time with them. Drive safe if you're not home yet.

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  4. Yay, I love FPFG. We so need to sit down and share a big bowl of guac someday. I'm so glad you took the time to meet her. This way I feel like I get to meet both of you vicariously. So cool to see her home through your eyes (I didn't realize blue and green were her favorite colors, too) And Calvin, Ruby & Silas are pint sized celebs. Happy you're enjoying your chick week. Your lil' chicks are growing up so beautifully. I'm glad you got this time with them. Have I gushed enough, yet? Drive safe, if you're not home yet. :)

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  5. Becky! I just met this girl. She came over to my blog one day and she said hi and I liked her RIGHT away. I mean right away : ) You know those people that just send out good vibes within the first second? She was it : )
    She reminded me of you.
    You remind me of Jesus.
    I heart you.
    Big puffy heart you.
    Wanna drive to Pennsylvania to meet me one day? : )
    Will you still love me even though I am not pretty and supermodel like as your blogging friends are? I hope so : )
    I will stick some numbers and letters up on my walls for you!

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  6. Oh Becky..what a dear sweet post!
    It felt like I went on a little trip with you..you tell the story so well!
    What a beautiful friend and what a visit to cherish.
    I loved the memories you've captured here and thank you..for bringing us closer to this dear girl and her sweet family and home xo

    Deborah xoxo

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  7. she has a beautiful home and the pictures you took are just lovely! I am glad you took the effort to meet her. Years ago I had an online support group for my breast cancer and we finally decided we were going to have a reunion and meet each other, I flew to San Antonio when my husband took me to the airport in Seattle he said, " are you sure you want to fly to Texas and be with people you have never met in real life?" I said, " these people know my deepest thoughts!" We have remained in contact and have had many get togethers. I am glad you were brave enough to do this, and loved that your kids had fun together too...just a lovely feel-good post today!

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  8. I love it, the new friendship, the beautiful home, the kitties and little kids. So wonderful thank you for sharing it.

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  9. Sniff Sniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiff! Becks. What a fun surprise to see what you captured in my home! Your words here are so kind. We loved having you guys climb into our world. Love you, Girlie!

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  10. How fun is that! I think it's so amazing how God has used blogging to enrich so many peoples lives. I just love it! Her home is beautiful...

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  11. You were in my neck of the woods. Glad you had a wonderful time. I love her blog.

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  12. OH you are so lucky to have met her and her family!! What a wonderful post:)

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  13. Ohhhhh I love me some Shannan! You lucky ducky!

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  14. First..I'm refreshed with you that you got some time to just ENJOY life:) this was a beautiful post to beautiful women...I mean really ..deep heart beautiful! This is what blogging is all about..friends for life. thank you for letting us into your life!! both of you!
    xo

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  15. Yay! Glad you had a great time in our neck of the woods and with Shannan, of course :) It was so great meeting you :):) Hope you are having a relaxing sunday at home today!

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  16. i'm so glad you're still alive! : ) i've missed you all week! amazing pictures and what a beautiful family those Martins are! and their home is equally gorgeous. so happy you got the treat of meeting each other.

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  17. loved this post! i'm so excited for you that you got to meet shannon. i just recently started reading her blog and i LOVE her! if you're home, i'm glad you had a good time...if not, safe travels :)

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  18. It was so nice meeting you on Friday. I love what blogging has done for women-it's a connection of the deepest kind, opening up our souls and letting love in when we least expect it. A connection without being there in person.
    xo
    Char

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  19. This is the coolest thing that you just did it! It looks like you had an amazing time with an amazing person. Love her and her blog and her darling kiddos!

    What a darling home also, so glad she let you post pictures for us!

    Megan

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  20. fun stuff :) i started reading both your blogs recently - i can imagine you hit if off :)

    thanks for all the wonderful photos of her house - too cute!!! you are rockin' the photography - loved all of these!!

    xo ellie

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  21. What an awesome post and trip...... sounds like a friendship made in heaven. Love following both of your blogs. Be blessed :)

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  22. It looks like a party, and I won't say that I'm not jealous. That salsa! The cat feedings! The numbers and maps!
    Now I desperately need some coat hangers with cool letters above them, so thanks for that. It looks like you midwesterners know how to have fun. If either of you happen to feel like driving like, 450 hours out of your way, give me a call.

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  23. Yay! That was so pretty. Thank you for posting a pic of her cute blog corner. Sweet.

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  24. Popped on over from Flower Patch and I love all the photos....thanks for the tour:) It is wonderful when you take online relationships to in real life realtionships....the amazement of social media!

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  25. love her and you. how cool! Guess who is up in my hood....the coop keeper. I am having a great time.

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  26. That part of the country looks so beautiful, and so does your freindship. Thanks for sharing.

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  27. Oh how I love that you two got together, the only thing that would have made that visit even better...is if I could have been there!! You two in the same room, soooo fun! I love you both, such a blessing to me. Thanks for all the pictures of her lovely home, I have always wanted to see more!!! So fun!

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  28. Well, you already know I love Shannan! And I love you! And I say next time you head that way I should meet you on the open road and we can caravan to the farm! :) Sooo glad you guys had fun!! I knew you would!!

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  29. Hi Becky,

    Looks like you had an amaaazing trip - love love love the way you photographed Shannan's little piece of heaven - I also read her blog:-). As you say, it's incredible how the journey of blogging leads us to new friendships too!

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  30. This is my first visit - over from Flower Patch Farmgirl! What a wonderful time you had together. I bet you're glad you threw caution to the wind and took that 5-hour detour! I guess Scotland is on another level when it comes to detours, but remember, if any of you are passing this way....!

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  31. Ok meeting a blogging friend could actually become surreal. Glad you took that extra step to meet her !
    Friendship Quotient Test
    How are good are you at keeping friends?
    http://www.3smartcubes.com/pages/tests/friendship-quotient-test/friendship-quotient-test_instructions.asp

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  32. Beautiful. I've followed your blog for a while - and now I have another blog to follow.

    What can you tell me (or find out about) the linen/sack ruffle bag on the chair in the photo with the little farm prints. I love it.

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  33. How FUN! What a wonderful bonus to your family trip! Great photos! :) Welcome home.

    ~h

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  34. A new perennial
    for your garden : )
    Sometimes we never
    know, do we? It's
    all about taking
    the risk and listening
    to that little voice.
    Hope you are home
    safe and sound. Can't
    wait to hear all about
    it!!
    xx Suzanne

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  35. Thanks for that great tour! How cool! Wow - to live in the country would be relaxing.
    -Trish

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  36. That is so great! Shannan lives in my neck of the woods. I've always been in awe of her! She is great, and I'm glad you got to meet!

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  37. Looks like you had a great little side trip. Shannan's home looks so calm and peaceful. Reminds me of my Grandma's farm up north. It's nice to escape the hustle and bustle of the city every now and then. The picture of the kitties made me smile. I can almost hear them meowing for their morning meal. Cute.

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  38. What beautiful scenery!!! Love all the pics:O) Glad you had an awesome time:O) Have a great week!!!!:O)

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  39. Well, you know by now that I adore both you and Shannan, and am really struggling with my jealousy that you got to hang out together!!!! :)

    I love all your photos, and her home is just as adorable as I KNEW it would be!!!

    Next time, I'm coming. Ha!

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  40. Sounds like an amazing experience! A wonderful post:) And awesome pictures!

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  41. this looks like a lot of fun becky!!!
    how fun to meet shannon and make the internet come alive!
    :)

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  42. Amazing story! and ....amazing pics Becky!
    How fun!
    Do you think Shannan would post about how to make that yummy salsa?

    Beth

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  43. oh how fun! I wish Shannen's farm was in Arkansas, I might just buy it! Love your pictures of her home - you really did a beautiful job showing it off.

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  44. What a treat to meet Shannan and her family and her home is fantastic, I am so glad she let you take all those photos! Glad you had such a nice time meeting her! xo

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  45. I think that trip looks absolutely fantastic, I love road trips. I feel like I got to know Shannon a little better through all your pics, she just seems like someone everyone needs to have as a friend. Glad you're having fun! Next time you make plans to come to Seattle can I have dibs for a few hours, maybe? :)

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  46. Love this post! I have enjoyed her blog for some time & her littles - oh my I adore them!! Mom said you grew up around us! Maybe sometime we shall meet you as well :) Beautiful photos - love her house as well!!

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  47. You are a truly beautiful person Becky and it shows in every post you write. How you feel about these lovely ladies you have met through blogging and then get to actually meet in person ~ well you just capture it all with your words and photos. Glad you are home safe & sound. xo

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  48. Love this! So jealous! Her house is so eclectic and fun, just like her! Y'all are both a delight.
    Blessings,

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  49. Oh, what fun! Just love meeting blogging buddies! Loved the pictures and sharing in the special time that you had last week!

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  50. how sweet to meet a new friend! it looked like you two had a great time!

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  51. Oh Becky that is soooo fantastic!!! What a wonderful treat for you all!!! oh you just made me smile big... taking the extra mile to meet up is sooo very cool!!! you have such a huge heart!!!!
    Xo,
    LuLu

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  52. What fun!

    I want that purse on the green chair.

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  53. Now that is precious and wonderful in every way! I love it that you took the time not just to read her blog and get to know her, but to have some cherished time face to face! Just awesome. What pretty children she has!

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  54. Okay, I need to know...just how far are you willing to go to meet a fellow blogger? Is 1700 miles too far (27 hours)?

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  55. oh, i'm sooooo jealous! shannan and you, together? how beautiful. thank you for sharing your beauty with us. (i've missed you) xo

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  56. Wow, amazing house. Loved everything, she has very similar taste to me! What a great journey to make. Very cool!

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  57. Wow! What a small world... I often read her blog, and have just read about them moving ....

    I felt I should say hi as I have read your blog backwards from the most current to here so far...

    You are giving me such a lovely visit to your country.

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