A Phoenix from the Flames

My Grandfather is the typical country man, going gooey eyed over a tractor, but to say he likes vintage is an understatement. His tractors must be older than him... he's 76! 

Four years ago we had one of the worst things happen that could to a farm, our barn went up in smoke luckily it was stopped before it spread to stables and the house. What was the cause? The oldest of his bloody tractors, sparking from the engine. 

Now my poor Grandmother hadn't seen my Grandfather for a few hours when she saw the smoke from the barn, if you know Bompa, you'll know he often goes for a wander and as you can imagine she panicked and went out to search for him. 

With fire engines on the way, J.K was getting increasing worried. What she saw next didn't help the situation, my Grandfather... riding out on his oldest tractor... which was itself on fire. 

Apparently he just didn't have the heart to let it burn! I swear living with him gives me heart palpitations... It was quite a picture I must say. Like a phoenix from the flames! 

Until this day he still insists on using it, 'it's fine' he yells as he's half way down the field with the door hanging off. I quite often look out of the window for a break from blog writing to see it on it's side in a ditch with him dangling out of the doorless contraption because he simply 'tried to pull that broken bloody tree down and all I did was slide in with it!' Only for his friend to come and pull Phoenix out of the ditch with a nice shiny new tractor... 'wouldn't you like one of those Bompa?' Oh well, at least the birds who have made their home in the corner of the tractor roof still have a house... 

Anyway... Must go and get Milo in, or Moose as he's often called. 

Bye for now, with 

Beautiful Boho Style

As a crafter myself, it has always interested me what other people can do with the simplest of objects and Anna from Equus Spirit Jewellery is no exception. 

Anna, a British woman who relocated to Scandinavia has a talent to turn an old horse shoe into a stunning dream catcher following the influences of the Native Americans and the boho style. Most farriers just throw old shoes into the scrap, who knew they could be transformed into such beautiful decorations. 

Anyway, after finding some of Equus Spirit's work flashed across Facebook, I thought I'd take a look. Convincing myself that Milo needed another Christmas present (he didn't... he probably had the most out of everyone) I ordered a stunning White Feather Tack Charm, that arrived with me quicker than ordering something from this country! The western and native american influences make the charm incredibly unique, with Anna's work capturing the free spirit of every horse as well as celebrating the species as a whole, something I think is important as a thanks for what horses have done for us. 

It's safe to say Milo loves his new accessory, with the turquoise stone for protection and calm along with the Tigers eye for trust not forgetting the delicate feathers (delicate and Milo... there's two words I wouldn't have associated together before) and Tibetan silver leaf. 

As many of my readers will have equine connections, next time a birthday comes around, be sure to check out Equus Spirit Jewellery for handcrafted brow bands, to rhythm beads (my next purchase I think), dog collars and jewellery for the human as well! 

Beautiful!

Check out Equus Spirit Jewellery's website, Facebook page and

Etsy Shop:

http://equuspiritjewellery.weebly.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Equus-Spirit-Jewellery/374626075882252

http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EquusSpiritJewellery

Due to all the support Anna's been receiving, she's currently running a give away on her website for a stunning dream catcher be sure to check out her website and enter!

Want to see a countryfied business of yours featured in my blog? Feel free to contact me!

Speak soon you country bumpkins! With a Kiss From The Country.

Nothing Like Country Pub Grub

Christmas is a busy season, with the festive 'holiday' seeming more like a carefully planned military operation than a time of relaxation. But now as everyone returns to work and prepares for the easter eggs to hit the shelves in the local shops, I must get writing the many blog posts I have planned! 

For those who read on a regular basis, you'll know as a country gal I do enjoy a hearty meal so my family and I relish a good country pub and our local fits the bill pretty well, with wooden beams, a roaring fire, and tartan print as far as the eye can see.

The food is simple but tasty with a brilliant Roast on the menu every Sunday and we all love a good Yorkshire pud right? Eat well but in moderation. The friendly staff make it a lovely experience and the secluded little hide aways make it perfect for large parties or intimate, hand holding under the table type meetings! Don't worry though, if you do end up eating a little too much and rolling back to your car as I did, you'll soon burn it off the next day out in the country field when your wading through mud up to your eye balls! 

Roll on the promises of spring, when I can return from a walk without leaving a boot in the mud never to be found again (this has happened on several occasions...)

Anyway, if your ever around my area, I urge you to try The Talbot, walk into the warm and soak up the country atmosphere served fresh throughout the year!

Bye for now, I think I may just have seen the top of the red boot I lost two weeks ago... speak soon with