Greetings, dear ladies! It is rather hard for me to do an "about page" so here are 10 RANDOM FACTS instead. I am choosing to answer with some sentiments from favorite quotes and literature as well:
1. I am in love with history!..
“If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.”
~ Rudyard Kipling
2. Dark chocolate is my weakness and my strength :) Milk chocolate has no power over me...
“What you see before you, my friend, is the result of a lifetime of chocolate.”
~ Katharine Hepburn
3. My dark hair reaches my waist and my Heavenly Hairdresser has begun weaving in some silver highlights...
"Long hair minimizes the need for barbers…"
~ Albert Einstein
"Gray hair is a crown of splendor…" (this keeps me going ;)
~ Proverbs 16:31 NIV
4. I own over 1,000 books (purchased second-hand) and read several at a time because I dear reader, am a moody reader...
“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!
How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! --
When I have a house of my own,
I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”
~ Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
5. I drink my coffee with heavy cream and raw honey. I *love* my morning cup...
“I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now.”
~ Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
“She hoped to be wise and reasonable in time; but alas! Alas!"
6. I ball my head off when reading aloud to my family… (I'll never forget my husband's face when he saw me struggling for words with tears pouring down my cheeks while reading to my four year old. I couldn't even finish the sentence. "What's wrong?!" he asked. "Charlotte died!!!", I cried. You wouldn't believe his expression when he found out that she was just a spider…)
“She hoped to be wise and reasonable in time; but alas! Alas!"
~ Jane Austen, Persuasion
"To me, a lady is not frilly, flouncy, flippant, frivolous and fluff-brained, but she is gentle.
She is gracious, she is godly and she is giving...
You and I, if we are women, have the gift of femininity.
Very often it is obscured just as the image of God is obscured in all of us...
The more womanly we are, the more manly men will be, and the more God is glorified.
As I say to you women, 'Be women. Be only women. Be real women in obedience to God."
~ Elisabeth Elliot
8. I am a very passionate person which can be good and it can also be bad...
10. I love being a keeper at home (oops, I suppose you already know that!)...
“I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.”
~ Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
“A quick temper, sharp tongue, and restless spirit were always getting her into scrapes,
and her life was a series of ups and downs, which were both comic and pathetic.”
~ Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
“A quick temper, sharp tongue, and restless spirit were always getting her into scrapes,
and her life was a series of ups and downs, which were both comic and pathetic.”
~ Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
“That is a good book it seems to me, which is opened with expectation and closed with profit.”
~ Louisa May Alcott
“It's sad if people think that's (homemaking) a dull existance, [but] you can't just buy an apartment and furnish it and walk away. It's the flowers you choose, the music you play, the smile you have waiting. I want it to be gay and cheerful, a haven in this troubled world. I don't want my husband and children to come home and find a rattled woman. Our era is already rattled enough, isn't it?”
~ Audrey Hepburn
“Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.”
~ Jane Austen
What about you? Do you share any of my weird "randomness"?
Thank you to all the ladies who have been so gracious with kind comments this past year and I look forward to reading your inspiring blogs this upcoming one! It is nice to see what like-minded women are up to!
“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think.
It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”
P.S. You may be interested in visiting here to find out the purpose of this blog and your creative calling!
Love, JESI am an old-fashioned, Bible-believing, wife to my "one and only" for 18 years, homeschooling mother, who embraces her role as "keeper at home". We live on a 25-acre prairie farm. For fun… my three main earthly weaknesses (in no particular order) are coffee, dark chocolate and hardcover books. What about you? My hope is that this blog will inspire you in the arts of homemaking, homeschooling and homesteading. Have a lovely week!
What a fun post!! I'm soo happy to know I'm not the only one who cries during story time!!
ReplyDeleteAnother kindred spirit :) Thanks for sharing!
DeleteVoted for you sweet friend, you're in the lead! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Katie! :)
DeleteJust to make you feel better about crying over Charlotte; I cried with Snoopy Come Home. He had to choose between Charlie Brown and the little girl who owned him first. It was dreadful.
ReplyDeleteI am in tears!!! That is a rough one...
DeleteGreat post Jes! Happy New Year to you and your family! Hugs~
ReplyDeleteThank you Sara! :)
DeleteGlad I'm not the only one who cries during reading aloud!!!! The worst time was when Jack died- you know, the Ingalls beloved dog. OOOOOOOOOh I had to shut the book, walk away, and have a good cry. My husband was worried what was wrong and my girls said, "You know mommy." HAHA!!!
ReplyDeleteHis,
Mrs. U
Oh, Jack dying!! We went through that chapter last winter and I could barely breathe!!! My daughter and I were both crying! Thanks for sharing, Mrs. U ~~
DeleteDear Jes,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this!
I wish you and your family a very happy new year!
And to you and yours Carolien!!! :)
DeleteIt is splendid to know more about you! Have a beautiful day and beginning to this coming year!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! Thank you Jennifer :)
DeleteIt is splendid to know more about you! Have a beautiful day and beginning to this coming year!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! Thank you Jennifer!
DeleteLoving your blog and all the wonderful information. I have been poking around for hours! happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! Thank you :)
DeleteCongratulations on your awards and especially the nomination for WW. I'm not familiar with the first two, but I love the WW blog hop, and you certainly deserve the nomination for that great post. We were out of town for a bit so I haven't even looked at the list to see all the nominees yet. Can't wait to do that and read all the posts again. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you Magnolia Tea ;)
DeleteCongrats! I'm so happy to have found your blog this past year and I have enjoyed every post and loved learning more about you from this post. I look forward to another year, and must say that the book I Love You Forever wrecks me every time I read it - bawling by the end! You have great taste in books, Pride and Prejudice is my all time favorite and I noticed you quoted Jane Austen a few times, love her.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Annie! It looks like I have lots of kindred spirits out there ;) This was fun to learn!
DeleteI just stumbled across your blog and love you already!! Congratulations on your awards!! And I should tell you I laughed when I read #6...I did the exact same thing!! I was reading it to my 6 year old daughter and I could not continue reading, I was so upset. My 15 year old son, laughed, saying, 'Mom, it is a spider!" I feel we are kindred spirits!! We also share a love of dark chocolate...I feel I can't live without it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Michelle! What I love about blogging is getting to "meet' people with similar interests! It turns out that I am not the only "weird" one :) A pleasure to know another kindred spirit ~ JES :)
DeleteYour list read like something I would have written, and Charlotte's death still brings me to tears. :)
ReplyDeleteVictoria
Another kindred spirit!!! I am so happy to "meet" you Victoria :)
DeleteHi there, since you are introducing yourself, I wanted to de-lurk and tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I'll never be a homesteader, but I understand the desire to make the home a haven. The older I get, the more important I see that it is. Thanks for all your hard work in sharing your stories with us!
ReplyDeleteDear Stacey, thank you for de-lurking :) Sometimes you wonder if there is anyone out there reading as you do all this typing... I appreciate you sharing very much! Love, JES
DeleteThis was so much fun to read, JES. You had me giggling when you said you were crying about Charlotte :) Whenever I read 'I'll love you forever' to my son I always cry!
ReplyDeleteI a amazed at how many books you have! And 'Stepping Heavenward' is also among my favorites :)
Blessings to you, sweet friend!
I read a lot of blogs but yours is the one that I can't get enough of. I love everything! Truly I am inspired every time , thank you for sharing your life with us, It is my dream to do so many of these things you blog about. so inspired!
ReplyDeleteYour sweet words are like honey this morning! Thank you for the encouragement. It is always so nice to hear from like-minded ladies or that inspires me! :)
Delete...i'll take that coffee just now :)
ReplyDeletei just found your site and i am thrilled
thank you for being in service to our Father above
ginger
Thank you Ginger for taking the time to share! :) Nice to "meet" you!
DeleteJust found your blog a few days ago and I love it! It is so refreshing in our wonky world to find a place like this. Question- do you make your denim skirts or buy them? If you do buy them, where?
ReplyDeleteHello there! Thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself :) I find most of my denim skirts at second hand stores (and in excellent condition most of the time) such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army Store (you will be amazed at how much they have there!!!). I have also found some nice, new ones at J. Jill from time to time. Hope this helps!
DeleteI love this!! I really enjoyed getting to know more about you with each entry; the quotes applied to each were icing on the cake! I can so relate to #6...I've been reading out loud to my children for over 20 years now and have to say, that's happened to me on many occasions.
ReplyDeleteGood books sure pull at the heartstrings don't they! Thanks for hosting such a neat link up Candy. I really enjoyed visiting some of the other entries :)
DeleteHi Jes, I love no 3 about your hair, mine is very curly but short (it doesn't grow long, just wild - not man short but shoulder length short) and my heavenly hairdresser is more than weaving silver He's given me a great shot of white right in the front. I'm often not sure how I feel about that but I'm trying to work through it. Thanks for stopping over at my about page and I agree we have so much in common. Blessings to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Terry! I have accepted the heavenly highlights and I hope you do too :) It is fun to go against the grain and besides, it saves time and money from having to dye! Hope 2015 is full of blessings to you and yours!
DeleteLove all the quotes, JES. I kleenex so often when reading to the kids that I don't have to ask for the box anymore - they just go get it! I'll agree with you on second-hand books and dark chocolate - both a weakness and a strength!
ReplyDeleteAh, thanks for sharing Abi! Looks like there are many other gentle hearted souls out there when it comes to books! And sweet souls when it comes to chocolate :)
DeleteI feel quite sure I have just stumbled on a new friend! I'm looking forward to getting to know you better through your blog. Anyone who loves Jane Austen (particularly Pride and Prejudice) and has even read Ishmael is definitely someone I want to know.
ReplyDeleteHilary at Wholesome Reads
http://wholesomereads.com
Wow, you know Ishmael too!! A kindred spirit indeed!! Thank you for taking the time to share! I look forward to making a visit to your blog :)
DeleteI love random facts lists! No 1, 4 and 6 are so me as well. The boys will often ask why I am stopping during reading - I just have to get the tears under control. Yep, cried when Charlotte died, but I also cry at happy bits too. Don't ask! Like when Mr Bhaer came back for Jo in Little Women. Your three favourite books - love them all, although I am also a huge Dickens fan.
ReplyDeleteHi Jayne,
DeleteThanks for sharing! I also cry at happy parts, especially those moments someone comes to the Lord. I just ball :) As far as Dickens goes, I have 4 books on our shelves and they are waiting till we study the Victorian era in our homeschool. I really can't wait. I saw a few BBC dramas to know that I will love the real thing!
Have a lovely week!
JES :)
I come a little late to this page of your blog, but I must contribute just a few words. It seems we have much in common. Chocolate, books, history, denim skirts, and a few "highlights" in the hair. I must share this story. I, too, cry while reading books. I cried when Charlotte died. Before children and home schooling days, I taught in public school. I was reading Where the Red Fern Grows to my students. I knew what was coming. I read it several times to myself so I would be sure to not cry. It didn't work. I sat there in front of my class of twenty-two students and could not read a single word. I cried and couldn't stop. One of my students had to finish the chapter. Oh, the love of a good book. Thank you for contributing such a wonderful blog to the blogger world. May the Lord continue to bless you as you honor Him.
ReplyDeleteOh Donna, thank you so much for sharing! Where the Red Fern Grows was a tough one for me too!!! I remember reading it in school and being sad but to reread it as an adult was even more devastating! So glad to hear that there are others with the heavenly highlights too :) Thank you for your encouraging words also!
DeleteIt is a pleasure to "meet" you! Your blog is absolutely lovely. I share your love of reading, your love of dark chocolate and coffee, though I have never tried honey in it. I also share your bit about crying when you read to your children, and Stepping Heavenward is also my favorite book and I'm currently reading Pride and Prejudice. Since we are likeminded in these few areas, I will have to look into reading Ishmael as well. Thank you for blogging, it feels like a gift to sit down and read it and look at all the lovely artwork.
ReplyDeleteAmy
Oh Amy, your comment has made my day! I didn't realize how many kindred spirits existed out there! Thank you for taking the time to share! :)
DeleteI just bought a new denim skirt, and I'm living in it!
ReplyDeletePLEASE make this blog into a book. it would be so beautiful and i would buy tons of them to give as gifts. I discovered it tonight while looking for calendula oficinalis. Clicked on the pic, and woah...I LOVE THIS BLOG. Right up my alley. My husband bought me Old Time Country Wisdom and Lore for Christmas. I whooped with joy!
ReplyDeleteOh, it is so nice to meet you! And thank you for the encouragement! It seems like there is more of our kind out there than I ever could imagine! And it is wonderful! Regarding a "book", that would be fun! Perhaps one day! :)
DeleteHi, Jes, I have been reading your blog for quite awhile. I am retired, so don't "fit" the usual reader, I'm guessing. I so enjoy your writings and the sites you share. Thank you for your ministry. Blessings to you and yours. Have a Blessed Easter.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind introduction! I am happy that homemakers of all ages can get together and share with one another! :) That makes my day!
DeleteMy daughter is grown, married and has two step-children. I am no longer have children in my home - - something I truly miss. I still do try to keep my home in the way I did when I was young. Thank you for all your beautiful encouragement. Blessings
ReplyDeleteI have this idea that when my nest is empty, I will hope to be a blessing to my family by keeping my grandchildren stocked with herbal remedies, baked goods and lots of love! Perhaps more card writing, visiting of the sick... Lots of freezer meals to be helpful to those in need. A well-stocked pantry and being hospitable in a moments notice... So much we can do at home! Thank you for sharing Julie! :)
DeleteCoffee,chocolate and books! Yea are a kindred spirit indeed!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful!!! Happy to meet you! :)
DeleteJes..I love your blog. I have been a long time reader;) You actually encouraged me quite awhile back about having very limited, humble living space. I am having a hard time trying to subscribe to receive emails. I have internet on phone only. Am I missing this option on your site?
ReplyDeleteThank you and God bless.
Thank you sharing a bit! Yes, on the side-bar, there is a "sign" that says FRIENDLY FOLLOWERS. You will see people's faces who are following but under that, you will see a tab that says FOLLOW BY EMAIL. Just type in your email address and that should do it :) Have a lovely weekend!
DeleteOh! I also wanted to ask if you would be willing to do a blog post soon on frugality? I know you have many posts along those lines, but I always love your practical, sensical tips;) I loved the one about children's toys. It has been awhile since I read it, but loved "the new toys scare me"...haha...I can relate!
ReplyDeleteHee, hee. It is true about those toys! I do have lots in the DRAFTS box about frugality but haven't finished them probably in fear of scaring people away with my ideas :) But really, I will try and finish some up in the next few months or so... Thank you for sharing your input. It does help! :)
DeleteJes, How wonderful to find a like minded woman and women here. I look forward to spending much time here reading your posts and advice. Oh, and I cry while reading, watching Masterchef LOL, watching my children achieve, the lambs playing in the paddock in fact at most times of joy or sadness. Much cheer, Debra - Great Southern Western Australia
ReplyDeleteWell then we have a lot in common! :) Thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself and share a bit about yourself! Have a lovely weekend new friend!
DeleteIt occurred to me as I was browsing down this page for the second or third time that I've never posted. I found your blog at least a year ago and fell in love with it. I love the homey atmosphere, I LOVE the black-n-white print-outs (so simple and beautiful in our world of technicolor everything), and I have had it pinned to my taskbar for months now so I can reference it for whatever.
ReplyDeleteI am a SAHM to four Manlings (ages 15-21) and married to my Hubs for 20+ years. With the possible exceptions of my preference for milk chocolate to dark (although I eat dark because it's better for you) and no honey in my coffee and I've never read Ishmael (but will put it on my To Read list), we are definitely kindred spirits. I still read to all my guys, and I have left them hanging in mid-sentence many times to have a good cry. The Yearling, anyone?? :(
I am so happy you shared here. It makes it that much funner to get to know people from the other side of the screen. Although you prefer milk chocolate, I think we can still be friends :) Now, while we haven't read the Yearling yet (it is on my favorite movie list so I don't know why we haven't...), I will say that I was handkerchief in hand during the film!! Thanks again for dropping by and commenting! :)
DeleteThank you for starting this blog. It has been my go to for information to be the keeper of the home. I worked outside the home for more years than I want to count. I always longed for being a keeper of the home, however it was not in the cards for me at the time. Now I am retired and strive to live a life that pleases me and your blog provides the inspiration, affirmation and inspiration to do just that. I like dark chocolate also. Plus I tried coffee with heavy cream and honey and it was delightful. I see why you like it. It is so comforting to know there is other ladies that desire to be keepers of the home and homestead. Thank you again for your blog. powersd29@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to share! And I LOVE that you tried your coffee with heavy cream and honey! That made me smile :) I am glad to hear you are enjoying your time at home. It is such a fun place to be if we look at it through the right lens! Have a wonderful week!
DeleteWhat a wonderful post! I think I like this quote the best! “I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to read this post Marci! I am glad you like that quote... It is one of my favorites also! :)
DeleteHello there, I just wanted to thank you for your beautiful blog. There used to be so many Christian women blogging, yet one by one they have slowly disappeared. Well done for continuing to shine Light into the lives of homemakers everywhere. I for one am very grateful to be able to come here and be encouraged in my role at home. May God bless you, and thanks again. Love, T xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to encourage! The kind comment is very much appreciated :)
DeleteHey JES,
ReplyDeleteI've followed your blog for ages now and only just now realized that you have no social media?! Is that true or can I simply not see it?
Also.... I'm an admin for Green Moms Blogger Network (predominately a Facebook group where we grow each others blogs) and every time I'm on your site, I think about how you are a perfect fit. I'd love to talk to you more about that.... or social media. Or ways to make your blog a smidgen more friendly (like did you know you can get rid of that blogger bar at the very top of your blog? I was on blogger for ages before switching to WP and know a lot of the tricks)
Sorry this is all out here on your about page... but I didn't see an email contact either...Keep up the great work!
Hi Brittany, thank you for the interest in our little blog! Actually, you are right -- I am not on any additional social media beside this little space and Pinterest. I would love to hear from you if you are still interested in emailing... pleasewritetojes@hotmail.com is how you can get ahold of me! :) And thank you so much for the sweet encouragement!
DeleteJust want to share a beautiful short story that I immediately thought of you after reading!
ReplyDeletehttp://deeprootsathome.com/queens-ride-short-story-agnes-turnbull/
Thank you for thinking of me! I actually had it queued on my reading list and since it was lengthy, I had to delay in reading it... And then I saw your comment and KNEW I had to read it! It was lovely Candi May! :) So much to reflect on! Thank you...
DeleteLoved this JES! :)
ReplyDeleteDon't even get me started with "The Velveteen Rabbit"! Thank you for the encouragement with the heavenly highlights 💗
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!! Just spent 3 1/2 hours browsing AND printing many, many pages. I've just begun a gluten-free life and it was incredible to find a "LIKE" minded woman who accommodates the many styles of lives. Thank you so much. Will definitely be following via email!
ReplyDeleteMy one question is, how old are you? And yes, im a chocolate lover too. Coffee well, maybe iced coffee now and then...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I am in my early 40's 😉
DeleteIm not too far behind. Im in my mid 30's. I wish i had half the wisdom you have. 😁 Ill just pick your brains if you dont mind. 😆
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you Megan!
DeleteWhat a refreshing and delightful stop on my journey through life. I love to find a place where Christian women can stop a while, share and refresh my soul. What a treasure! I found your page while looking through Jenny (Elefantz) and was immediately drawn to you
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the details of your life and interests.
I too am blessed with a wonderful husband of 40 years. Before our marriage we were at high school together and just knew that we would always be together.
We have been blessed with two sons and their wonderful wives and our adorable granddaughters.
Thank you and may God bless you for sharing and I will add you to my short list of blogs that I really love.
Lorraine
Hello JES! :)
ReplyDeleteI have been visiting your blog every now and again for a few months. You do such a good job on it. It is so very lovely to just meander through. I love the old artwork you display, as well as the quotes and Scripture to bring your point home. And I also like your recipes! I will be trying the crazy apple cake this autumn.
Your life sounds idyllic, even though I'm sure it can feel so ordinary at times? But I appreciate the time you have taken to share your experiences with us. I would so like to send you something. Do you have an e-mail that you wouldn't mind sending to me?
Sincerely,
JAE
Hi JAE, thank you for your kindness! I do appreciate it! As far as my life being idyllic, it definitely has had its share of challenges! I try and focus on the positive... and as I write to encourage others, it also is a pep talk to myself :) You can reach me at pleasewritetojes@hotmail.com. Have a beautiful day!
DeleteKindred souls! Are you a Mayflower descendant? I ask bec of the Biography about them titled "Of Saints and Strangers". If so we are distamt relatives
ReplyDeleteHi there! Thanks for introducing yourself! I am actually not a descendent from the Mayflower but have much respect for them. I guess you can say that I can relate to them in many ways... especially during a certain time in my life where I had to leave my family, friends and homeland behind... but that is another story for another day! Glad to meet one of the ancestors!
DeleteI love your About page and your blog. I love many of the same things you do- the books, the quotes, but most of all your love for the Lord. I'm glad to have run across your blog (and Instagram) this morning.
ReplyDeleteAh thank you for reaching out and taking the time to share!!!! I love knowing there are others out there who love the same beautiful things! It is comforting in these strange times!
DeleteLove, live and die in a rugged denim skirt...me to a T! Now that i am older my hair no longer reaches my waist, but it is as long as God gave me for now, and more than just a sprinkle of grey!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog... I really must get back to mine!
Ah, thank you! ☺️
DeleteP.S. Those longer denim skirts are getting hard to find 😳
Somehow I have to say, I found you and think it was through Jenny ELEFANTZ blog.
ReplyDeleteYou gave me such a peaceful feeling reading all your wonderful words of life and love, lessons on cooking, to DIY. I plan to forward your site on to others who will share your feelings and I plan to post "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. by Theodore Roosevelt So many memories of growing up came back to me about my mother canning, making do, sewing, thank you JES. (85 years young)
This makes me so happy to hear ♥️ thank you so much for sharing Marge Gray 🤗
DeleteBEAUTIFULLY put,
ReplyDelete~d on the prairie
I found your blog from Pinterest. I feel as if you’re a kindred spirit…Stepping Heavenward is also one my 3 favorite books ❤️ Thank you for sharing. Your blog is a wealth of practical wisdom. God bless, sister in Christ!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to comment! So glad to "meet" another kindred spirit ❤️
DeleteIt's so heart warming to me to see a sincere appreciation and sense of joy in homemaking still. In my time, I know it was seen as lazy, selfish, or some how " lucky " to be able to do so. Even now, that my children are grown with children of their own - I am a stay at home Nonna (Grandmother), I have at least one grandbaby with me almost every day. Lots of work with very little rest - and I wouldn't wish it any other way.
ReplyDeleteWell, I still wish toilet training were easier, but...it will happen. Ha!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share! I can't wait for the day I have grandchildren roaming through my home ❤️
DeleteHi Jess, I'm Yesika from South America. Several years ago I read you, and it is a great blessing. I would like to know if you have IG, and how can I find you?
ReplyDeleteHi Yesika, thank you for your encouraging words ❤️ You can find me @jesthepilgrim ❤️
Delete