Midwestern jaunt

Last summer (has it been two summers ago?), I visited my old friend Melissa at her home in Ohio. Melissa and I go way back. We grew up across the street from each other in Indiana and I've known her since we were both 3 years old, making her my oldest friend. I hadn't seen her for years when she emailed with an invitation to come and visit. It was a nice trip. I love the little village where she lives and I had no idea that part of the country is so beautiful. And her husband is an antiques dealer, so her beautiful turn-of-the-century home is filled with treasures.

I meant to blog about the trip, but never got around to it. I ran across these photos on my computer and rather liked them, so I decided to do it now. I hope you enjoy it.

Melissa's home. I'm not sure when it was built, but I know it was in the 1800s.

A fallen apple from the tree in her front yard

Melissa tending her sumptuous garden

Abandoned farmhouse down the road from Melissa's home.

Cemetery in the village of Shandon. I have a thing for cemetaries, especially old ones like this.

Strange old photo in tramp art frame

Tramp art box

Collection of Union cases. I collect these as well. Inscription reads:
Elizabeth Spofford
b. 1765 d.  1849 m. 1783
to Justin Cole of Dalton
Mass. a Rev. Soldier
for Betty

Velvet crazy quilt throw pillow on vintage wicker settee

Dried seed pods from Melissa's garden

The Ohio countryside. Do you see what I mean about this part of the country being beautiful? Click for a larger view.

If you live within a state or two, this area is worth visiting. It is gorgeous, pastoral and historic with excellent flea markets and antiquing. And Cincinnati is close by. A good Midwestern trip.

Sharon

In the Secret Leaves Etsy shop now

In the Etsy store now...click on image for larger view.

Victorian Calling Card gift tag set

Gallery framed Paint Chip print - Bird's Nest

Gallery framed Paint Chip print - Garden Fairy

Letter writing kit - from the desk of Elmer Kiel

Letter writing kit - from the desk of Edna Kiel 

Sharon

Peacefield - A Horse Sanctuary

This post is kind of a horse of a different color... a little off the subject of my usual posts, but I've been meaning to write this for a long time. Last autumn I reconnected with a friend from high school, Elizabeth Lorenzen, through the wonders of Facebook. I was fascinated to learn that she had founded a horse rescue. I have always been a lover of horses, so I was really interested in what she was doing. She was interested in what I was doing too, and approached me about developing a line of horse-themed stationery items to benefit Peacefield. In November, at home in Indiana for Thanksgiving, I had the pleasure of visiting Elizabeth and her wonderful facility.

 

Click on images to view larger:
Me and a new friend. The horses at Peacefield were some of the friendliest, most social horses I have ever encountered.

Beautiful redhead

This is Elizabeth's horse Solomon. Still handsome at 27(!!!)

Colorful tack

Handsome Norman with Elizabeth in the background.

Ghost horse

Roommates

Elizabeth's organic garden

Photo courtesy of Peacefield Equine Sanctuary
Peacefield in the Spring. You can see more gorgeous photos here.

The Good Life

If you would like more information on Peacefield Equine Sanctuary, visit their web site at www.peacefield-equinesanctuary.org. Please support them--they are doing good work.

Sharon