Happiness Is...


Sometimes, it's the smallest things that make me happy.
Like a wee lady bug on the new raspberry canes.


The 'free pick' daffodil field in Bradner.


Yes, it's true. You can pick for free.


Only in the country would you find such a place.


Farm fresh eggs - so random in size.


And the new friend who now lives in our backyard.
I love these things.
What small thing makes you smile?

The 'Summer Issue' Winner is..


Mathew, I hope you have a lots of stamps!


Thank you for all the nice words about my  broken heart.
We lost our dog to a disease called cushings last Thursday.
It hit hard and fast.
She was 12 and has been with us from the day we bought this farm.


It feels rather empty around here now, but we have this crazy chicken to make us smile.


I finally moved the girls out of my dining room yesterday.
Having them in the house was sweet at first..but as they got bigger it wasn't so cute anymore.
When they flew up behind me one morning on to my couch as I was having coffee,
I knew they had to get out.


The coop is done, but not pretty enough to show you shots yet.
I need to paint, hang the crystal chandeliers, and of course the glass tile is on back order.
I have Heather Bullard to compete with you know!
Just kidding Heather. 
You have me beat hands down in the coop department.

Summer Giveaway..


The barn sale went really well, and it was so nice meeting so many of you.  But I must confess, my heart has been broken these past few days.  
Having a pretty sunny day like this one..made it a little bit better.


The yard is coming alive.


And what better way to add a pinch of happiness to my life...
and possibly yours, than..


A copy of the new magazine by Matthew Mead - Summer.
I've been a fan of Matthew since I first saw his stories in Country Home Magazine.
He has been my idol of the styling world.


They are sending me a copy of the new magazine, which makes me smile.
I also have a copy for one of you! 
So, leave me a comment - any comment, and I'll do a random draw this Friday.
It's that easy..and don't you think it should be!?

In a Chickens Mind...


Did you just call me chicken! 


"I don't know, what do you think?"
"Well, I think she's our Mother?"
"No man, this is bunk"
"Oh relax.  And it's bawk not bunk"


"Why are you guys staring at me?"  
"Seriously, What?!"
"I'm a chicken, this happens!"


"What the hell are those?"


"Calm down dude.  They're no better than us."
"Try and blend in..flap your wings."

Easter Sale in the Barn..


It's so eggciting! 
The Festive Nest is having a Spring Sale in the barn!!
Think Spring Everyone!
The doors are open again...


The paint cans are...well.. piling up.


The chairs and mirrors are primed!!


This chick is ready to go home with you..


..along with this bag.
Unless I get to it first.


Just a week before Easter, with something for everyone..


Angela and the girls have been very hard at work.
If you've been before, you know you won't be disappointed.
If you've never been, you don't know what you are missing! 
This is not your tacky craft sale ladies, it's handmade, it's adorable,
 and it's beautiful. 
Come and see us, I'll be sampling Missing Goat goodies and shopping up a storm.
Find us in the barn April 16th & 17th
10am - 5pm
#632-192nd Street (just off 8th avenue)
South Surrey, BC
Psst:  I'm going back for more pics to show you later in the week.

Come See Me...Please..


Ok, normally, I'm pretty shy.  Hush up Janis, it's true.
But, I've been asked to do a Missing Goat demo day in Abbotsford on Friday the 8th of April at the Save On foods.
2140 Sumas Way.

photo by Janis Nicolay

My biggest fear is running into former high school boyfriends. 
My biggest wish, is that if you live any where near Abbotsford, you will come see me,
and make me feel better.
I will give you extra samples!

photo by Janis Nicolay

I'll be in this apron and I'm forcing my sister to come with me.
I'm there from 2pm to 6pm - cocktails at 6:01pm!
My lovely sister in law has re-done the whole Missing Goat website and it's so pretty.
Please have a look.  Online sales are also coming soon!
(So is the rhubarb rosemary jam)

Lucky Duck...


Don't worry, this isn't a floral tribute to Mabel's life, I did a shoot for a magazine on flowers at my house.  Mabel is alive and did not have the second surgery all thanks to an anonymous blogger who left me the name of a vet.  She said I 'MUST' go see this woman.
So I did. 


As I was telling my friend Kim today,
I always felt odd taking my duck to the vet. 
People always looked at you funny. 
Generally, if a duck is sick, it's tough luck duck. 
Then I went to the new vet.
Treater of all things rare or unusual.


As I sat there, between the marsupial flying squirrel and two egg laying dragon lizards, I felt rather un-odd.  
I also felt unsure of which to be more concerned about leaping at my face,
but...didn't happen.
We exchange some light banter, then Mabel and I took our turn in the exam room.


She had the two month long file on Mabel.  All the drugs, the other operation.  Everything.
She thought the drugs were a bit over the top for a four pound duck.  I said I did too. 
I then explained how they had just given me a new antibiotic, but in my heart, I just felt like they were hurting Mabel more than helping her. I gave the vet the bottle of new pills.
I confessed that I did not give her the new drugs.  That she had been off all drugs for five days now, as my 'little voice' was saying this is wrong.
To let her be.


I've always tried to listen to my little voice. 
And, in this case, had I not, I would have killed my sweet duck.
It was the dosage for a full grown human being - or perhaps, in this case, small cow. 
So, though Mabel struggles to keep up with the others...


..she is happier. 
She is Healthier.
She is always watched over by Poppy ..and my little voice.
The vet gave me a topical solution to apply once a day, to draw out the infection.
This is what they use on the swans she told me.
"Well, of course, the swans", I said.
She also said she would never do surgery on her. 

So, thank you anonymous blogger - who ever you are.
Mabel thanks you too.