Monday, April 13, 2009

a little farmhouse full of dreams






I'm certain one of the greatest events in a friendship occurs when you are able to witness the unfolding of one anothers dreams
This past weekend I finally saw the brick & morter real life dream come true of my friend Susan.
a simply gorgeous yellow farmhouse

Susan was martha to me long before I had ever heard of Martha Stewart.
Susan can do anything.
Days after Gregg passed away, she showed up at my home to wrap hundreds of twinkly lights on my humble Christmas tree.
She has made clothes for my girls
brought over wreaths made of gingerbread
dozens of elaborately decorated sugar cookies ( from valentines day pooh themed to Christmas angels glittered with edible gold dust & drages)
she created my wedding dress & my wedding flowers
brought over pumpkins filled with pansies
& handpainted scuplted pinecone wreaths
invited my family for 17 years of Easter celebrations
ever the gracious host, always having time to chat with her guests and make each feel equally important

Despite that we are one generation different in age, we are both mothers of four daughters and each love our golden retrievers. We connect.

For years she spoke about "the property"
The place she would construct her dream home, host weddings and events , grow lavender, & witness both the sunrise and sunset from her bedroom windows.
Susan, thank you for sharing Sweet Grace Farms with my family.

" Breathe beauty , art, & love into this place
let forgiveness and grace have their way
hang garlands of mercy from the porch
your light will shine bright to strangers"














































26 comments:

Kate said...

Paige,

Such lovely images and words so eloquently written about the greatest gift of friendship. How wonderful you have this woman in your life...just so nice.

I am glad you had a happy Easter surrounded in God's glory...perfect!

Kristin said...

My Mom is going to be very touched by this. I am so glad that you were able to be a part of our lives, of this sweet yearly experience.

To have my kindred friend in life have a warm friendship with my Mom is just so very amazing! I love that!

Lovin the images you took!

Janelle said...

I have always wanted a porch like that. Beautiful pictures...love the kite flying ones.

What a neat friend you have and great tradition of getting together every Easter...so special.

CMB said...

What a beautiful home...looks like the perfect place for an Easter celebration. How blessed you are to have such a wonderful friendship!

Anonymous said...

Oh Paige! What a lucky girl you are! What a lovely place! I didn't know Kristin had 3 sisters! You are so blessed to share in each other's lives! Also, Emi's outfit it out of this world cute!

the wild raspberry said...

what a beatiful home and a sweet friend. you are blessed!

3 Peanuts said...

How lovely to see a friend's dream come true!

southernjoy said...

What a GORGEOUS place...

Clare said...

what a gorgeous house and such great photos as always!! i love the kite:) c

Farmgirl Paints said...

What a beautiful home! Your post almost made me cry. You have such a sweetness in the way you write...it really is moving. Thanks for sharing all of those lovely pics!

Jennifer said...

Those pictures are all gorgeous. I love that house. So cool!

Anonymous said...

ummmm..... wanna share where you got Caroline's precious dress and boots?! So cute!!!! Love her! Of course, she would look precious in rags! =)

Love your friends house but love even more the fact that you have a such a sweet friend who loves you so!

fleur de lis cottage said...

How fun to watch a friends dream materialize and get to be a part of it. She sounds like a treasure!

Petit Coterie said...

Paige,
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. Your post about your dear friend was really touching. I love her home, it's perfect.
Thanks for sharing!

Jboo said...

Wow -- it's so beautiful there -- the house and the property too!! How nice that you have such a wonderful friend!

I can see that your girls take after their mama with boots, eh! :)

Hope you're having a good week!
Janet

Jeanne Oliver said...

Love your sweet friendships! The yellow farmhouse is so lovely and then adding the horses makes it look picture perfect!

Jennifer Paganelli said...

Friendship helps us lose the importance of self...I love your vision Paige.

Kasey said...

wow.
can i come live there too?
How sweet to have a friend like that!
looks like you have a lovely little Easter, and look at those beautiful girls.
xo

Unknown said...

Hi Paige
Thank you so much for leaving such wonderful and wise words on my blog. I have been so encouraged by the messages.
I love this post and especially your words "one of the greatest events in a friendship occurs when you are able to witness the unfolding of one anothers dreams". I think this is what true friendship is about. I collect quotes I love and this one is going to go in my quote book!
Best wishes
Catherine
Ps - sorry if you get this twice, not sure if it saved the first time so I sent it again

Anne Marie said...

wow! What a first impression of you! That post said so much to me...it spoke from your heart....I too know someone like that - and she is nothing more than a miracle!
You truly inspired me with that post, and I for one, think that being selfish leads to so much heartache for not only our environment but our community...people...and we need more people like you and your friend in this world....and you have simply a beautiful family!

so very nice to meet you~ via LolaB's...
Blessings,
Anne Marie

Tara said...

Gorgeous farm house!! And an even more gorgeous friendship, wow!! Thanks for sharing Paige, what an inspiring post...and your girls look like they had such an amazing time there!

whoopsadasie said...

Those are sweet words written for such a dear friend! Beautiful pictures of your family, as always!

Unknown said...

Oh how fun for all! Came by to share in my birthday give-away! come by and spread the word!

Jodee said...

What a sweet post for your friend, Susan! She sounds like an amazing friend and I can't wait to see what she does with her new property. I love, love, love her yellow farmhouse!

Hope you have a great weekend!

littlebyrd said...

She sounds like an AMAZING friend! This land and house are beautiful, just beautful!!!!

lily-g said...

okay! now she is living my dream life! Heaven! how gorgeous is the house and great family photo's too