Friday Farm Favorites

Gloucestershire, England or the Cotswolds is such an enchanting place.  We love its history, stunning gardens, art galleries, natural beauty, and farmland.  My favorite thing is waking up to the sound of lambs baahing, roosters crowing, and wood pigeons cooing. Every morning and evening, Farmguy and I walk around the little village where our cottage is located.  Yesterday, we happened upon a friendly and curious herd of cows.  They had the sweetest faces and the most entertaining mannerisms.  I hope you enjoy them as much as we did! Have a wonderful weekend!  

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Tuesday Tunes

  England doesn’t have a national anthem; however, unofficially the beautiful “Jerusalem” hymn is seen as such by many English people.  “Jerusalem” was originally written as a poem by William Blake in 1804.  The lyrics, written by Hubert Parry, were added to music in 1916 during the gloom of WWI when an uplifting new English hymn was well received and needed.   “Bring me my bow of burning gold! Bring me my arrows of desire! Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold! Bring me my chariot of fire! I will not cease from mental fight, Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand, Till we have built Jerusalem In England’s green and pleasant land.”         “Sea Dreams” 8.5 x 11.5″ acrylic on canvas. by Tonya Rieley Hengerer   After visiting a number of wonderful art galleries in the Cotswolds as well as spending the last week in England’s “green and pleasant land,” I was inspired by this country’s many breathtaking landscapes to pass a delightful afternoon painting.  This worked out well as Farmguy was watching the Euro Cup. 🙂

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Through the Garden Gate

  “Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help.  Gardening is an instrument of grace.”   ~May Sarton   Photographs taken by Tonya R. Hengerer at Hidcote Manor Gardens and Kiftsgate Court Gardens in Gloucestershire, England–the Cotswolds

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Till the End

Most days I feel grateful to live on Green Hill Farm, surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains and pastures as well as my farm animals and pets.  It’s not always easy, but I do feel enriched by the work that I do here and the special interactions I have with my animals.   **In memory of Clover, Hamish, and Ivy…my beloved sheep who passed away this year.

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Tuesday Tunes

  “Grudges are for those who insist that they are owed something; Forgiveness, however, is for those who are substantial enough to move on.” ~Criss Jami, Salomé:  In Every Inch In Every Mile     “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” ~Pericles      

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4th of July Pet Safety Tips

With 4th of July festivities fast approaching, The FACE Foundation has shared some helpful hints for keeping your beloved, furry friends safe and sound during the holiday as well as a number of helpful hints for summer safety in general. I hope you will take a minute to read this very informative post. Your pet will thank you! 🙂 Have […]

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The Happiness Tag

I received a wonderful surprise today when I was notified that I’d been nominated for The Happiness Tag by my creative and inspiring friend and fellow blogger, Judy from Edwina’s Episodes.  Judy expressed in her nomination that my blog “always cheers her up.”  I was touched by her lovely gesture and compliment.  I was also happy to hear that my […]

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A Summer Fling

Originally posted on fourth generation farmgirl:
I’d like to start with the fact that I don’t normally get emotionally involved or gush over dessert.  Yes.  I enjoy decadent treats in moderation: a piece of Victoria sponge or chocolate cake on occasion.  I don’t, however, just lose my mind over sweet things…….until last week. It started out innocently enough.  My dad is…

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