From The Top Of Dodd Mountain

My Girls

2009-12-05T09:22:00.003-06:00

I haven't said much about my goats so I figured a quick update was in order.

We started out with Tweedie and Beth, well Little Tweedie kidded but Beth apparently didn't take. Tweedie had 2 bucklings that were as cute as could be but we didn't need a none milking goat and her bucklings so I gave them to a fella who needed some good brush goats to clean his property. So then we just had My sweet kidless Beth and Sams goat Flower. Well this week we gave Beth away and Flower well... Sam decided he wanted to try goat meat. Beth has gone back to Jeanette (her former owner and my boss at the park). I don't think she was happy here I think she missed her sister milk goats. I will miss my girl and the milk but then again I haven't had any milk since last fall so I won't miss it that much.

Life in the Moonshine Cabin

2009-12-04T21:01:00.004-06:00

I sit here tonight in my little home with a cozy fire in the woodstove; in awe of how much my life has changed. Just a few short years ago I would be sitting here looking at the latest have to have whatever! Now I'm reading Blogs dedicated to tiny homes and living a "Greener" simpler life. I am not the person I was. In many ways I think I'm better. I'm learning and growing. It's amazing!

We are settling into the cabin. It's been a slow process we are still sorting through what stays and what goes. Freecycle is an amazing tool! More and more I find myself willing to let go of things I thought were ever so important. In contrast Rick is holding tight to everything he feels is his. Guess we will have to build a shed as big has the cabin just for his stuff. :) All in all I like my little home. It's not the Mc Mansion I always dreamed of it is better.

I've decided I've neglected this blog long enough thus will start by posting weekly and hope to eventually post even more often.

From the top of Dodd Mountain I wish everyone a happy and good night.

Amy

Just a quick Update

2009-11-06T03:19:00.002-06:00

Nothing much going on on the home frount. Just work work work! We are slowly putting the finishing touches on the cabin and moving the farm animals closer to the new place. Rick has been doing a lot of Physical Therapy for his shoulder. Will Post Pics when I get the time.

Been Busy

2009-06-08T09:42:00.004-05:00

Well it has been a busy couple of months! Started with Folk School I had 3 students in my studio for 2 weeks. I enjoy teaching but I have to say it is hard for me to do there is just something about being an artist. I tend to get lost in my work and well I can't do that and teach. The students pay well though and seeing them walk away happy with what they have learned and made is always a motivator to continue. The season opened with a bang at the Folk Center. April was busy as was May though sales were down which I think is caused by our horrid Economy! But all in all it has been good despite the Economy!

We are officially living in our little cabin now. I wish I could find my camera (misplaced it while packing and have yet to find it!) I'd love to share all that we've done to make our home wonderful!

April rains drowned our garden! Things are just now drying up enough to till again and plant new plants. Maybe we'll get lucky and have fresh veggies by late July in the meantime we have a wonderful Farmers Market with all sorts of organically grown treasures.

May brought illness! My dear sweet hubby came down with a tick borne illness and was pretty sick for about 2 weeks. While we were dealing with that my own yearly bought with hay fever set in. It was miserable! But we made it through.

Now June is here! SUMMER!!!!! I love all the Seasons but Summer with it's warmth brings Swimming, Music around the Court Square, BBQ's and fishing etc etc. I just hope I can find time to do a little bit of it all this year as summer also brings people to the Park and that means more time spent working than playing.

One year older and switching focus

2009-03-05T18:56:00.003-06:00

Turned another year older the first of this week... Seems just like yesterday I was 16! The years have flown by. Do I have regrets? Well...Yeah... Would I do anything over if I could? Not a chance!! I'm happy with my life! I'm happy with who I am. Could I do better? Yes. Could life in general be better. Most Certainly! But I'm not going to sweat it. Life is to short to sweat it.

Time is soon drawing near and soon the 2009 season at the Ozark Folk Center will be here. Every day I find myself more and more focused on the Leather Studio and work. So for a time I'm going to be turning my focus to working in my studio and posting on my other Blog (which is all about my studio and the Park) I promise I will post a link to it the not to distant future.

Old Goat Woes

2009-02-23T14:12:00.003-06:00

No this isn't a post about our sweet girls Beth and Tweedie they are fine fat and happy. Still not sure if the visit with Cappy the buck worked but they are fine.

Nope this is about the other Old Goat in my life my Father! Talk about stubborn that old hillbilly just tops the list. He has a very bad foot! Mostlikely going to lose it! His doctor wants him in the Hospital NOW! But do you think the Old Goat will go? NO! The Law says we can't force him even though that is exactly what needs to be done! His Doctor is doing all he can but as long as the stubborn old goat won't do what his doctor asked there just isn't much hope. It is frustrating!

Helping Hands

2009-02-18T21:46:00.004-06:00

After the ice melted we got to assessing the damage. It is just a HOLY COW mess most every tree is damaged in some way... many of them lost thier tops. During the storm it sounded like bombs going off and gun shots as limbs and total trees broke under the wieght and came crashing down. The scene outside reflects the sounds heard. One would almost think that a battle was fought out there.

The past couple of weekends members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (a.k.a. Mormon) from all over came to lend a helping hand to those who found themselves and their property trapped by tree sized limbs.

Boy it's been a long time...

2009-02-18T17:43:00.004-06:00

Since my last post!

Well...Lets see the biggest happening was the Ice Storm we had here at the end of January! Here are some pics!

Lovely HUH! This stuff took out power for hundreds of thousands of homes including ours... We got lucky and ended up only being in the dark for 8 days many people were out a full two weeks and I know of a few who are still without electrcity due to thier location and the rough country the crews have to cross.

Resolutions

2008-12-30T20:24:00.000-06:00

Every Dec 30Th I sit down and write out a list of "resolutions" or goals that I hope to accomplish during the coming year. I then spend Dec 31st scratching through several that I know are there because I need to do them, but that said need to do or not I know I won't and next Dec when I sit down to review the list and write a new one I will have those I failed to do staring me in the face giving me a guilt trip. I despise guilt trips they are such a waste of energy that could be spent on something more uplifting.

SO...This year I thought I might do something different instead of writing out a list of goals a mile long and then whittling it down to a half a mile long I'm going to encompass my New Year Resolutions in one statement. Here Goes...

In 2009 I will strive to be the best "me" I can be in all aspects of my life. I will focus on the positive. AND... I will live, laugh, and love to my fullest extent.

Now I think that is a very doable resolution.

2008 in review continued

2008-12-27T19:33:00.000-06:00

After the February 5Th tornado Mother Nature wasn't through giving us a piece of her mind during February and March there were two yes TWO! 100 year Floods!!! And a All time record Snow fall! 13 to 18 inches in some areas. We spent a major part of February without power.

April finally came and she brought with her a wonderful change in our lives. The opportunity to have a Leather Shop at the Ozark Folk Center! Of course I jumped at it and I have no regrets it is the best thing I have ever done! I have a new "extended" family now! Every one of them Hubby and I have learned to love for who they are.

From the April to December the Shop has kept me busy!

In June I bought 2 goats Beth and Tweedy. Beth is just the sweetest thing! She has her moments but for the most part she is just awesome. Tweedy is a wild and crazy thing whose goal in life seems to be making Beth's milking time as miserable as possible!

I love my Goats!!! and I WANT MORE!!

July -September were pretty quiet except for Hurricanes Gustav and IKE!! Gustav dropped more water on us than we needed and the house we are living in sprang more leaks MANY MORE leaks Then IKE came along and tried his best to take the roof off But all in all mostly I was just so busy in the Leather Shop that I didn't have time to really fret over those matters.

In October however... Some members of our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) decided that we needed some help and after looking at our current home came to the conclusion the best thing to do was to build us a micro cabin (it is abut 16 ft by 24ft) so that's been an on going thing now for the past 3 months. Whenever the men have time (usually at night after work) They pop on over here and work on the cabin. My father gave it and them nicknames the "Moonshine Cabin" (cause it literally went up by the light of the moon" and the men he calls the "Moonshiners" which we think it is rather comical considering that they are all LDS and don't drink or make anything with alcohol!!!

Well that was 2008 in a nutshell. Next post I think will be about Resolutiions and seting business goals for 2009!

2008 in review

2008-12-18T20:28:00.000-06:00

As the year comes to a close I thought it might be fun to take a look back at what all has gone on here in our home and area.

January 08 brought us Snoopy

February brought a STRONG Cat 4 Tornado!!!

At one point it was within 2 miles from our home. We lucked out but our Branch President and his family weren't so lucky.

The Carr Family home BEFORE

AFTER!!!!

Winter storm #2 Dec 15/16th 2008

2008-12-17T17:42:00.001-06:00

It is COLD!!!! Monday and Tuesday it sleeted so hard at times that I couldn't see my car from my front door! We had no snow to speak of just Sleet and cold cold freezing rain.

BRRRRR! Meow Why am I out in this?

HA HA HA DOGS ARE SMARTER THAN CATS!!!

Beans and other frugal things

2008-12-11T06:07:00.000-06:00

Been budgeting and such and having a real hard time at it cause the prices at our local grocery stores just keep going up. I always thought that when gas went down so would the cost of food but as yet that hasn't rang true here. Meal planning has also been a bit stressful but that is mostly do to lack of practise. I will get over that soon enough as Rick has finally agreed to stop eating out all the time. You know you eat out too much when you realize you no longer find joy in it and it actually feels more like a punishment. So anyway I've been cooking much more and making extra so we have 2 to 3 quick to heat and eat meals so there won't even be the need to be tempted to eat out. Well yesterday I was trying to plan meals for the week using what I have on hand and honestly coming up blank so I called a friend just to get my mind off things for a bit and see how she was. Well during our conversation she mentioned she had beans cooking on her wood stove. What a Grand Idea! Not new to me in the least. I've done it a many a times just wasn't thinking in that direction I guess. So long story short I washed up some beans last night and placed them center back of our wood heating stove. I just checked them and they are doing wonderfully!! By tonight Rick and I will be able to enjoy a piping hot bowl of beans and a slice of corn bread! I made extra which I will serve in other ways throughout the next few weeks. Beans are wonderful food packed with good protein and fiber and they are very low in cost. They are also very versatile and can be added to meals to help the not so low cost items on the menu stretch a little farther. And Lets face it these days the only thing we need not be stretching is our waistlines!!

In the spirit of Budgeting and Frugalness I went to a favorite blogger of mine to see what she had to say on the topic of food budgeting

December is here!!!!

2008-12-01T10:06:00.000-06:00

We woke up this A.M. to Snow!!!! Just a little bit but snow nonetheless!

Almost December

2008-11-30T08:56:00.001-06:00

Where did the year go???

I was talking with Rick last night and we both agreed that this year has just flown by!

I've still got a few orders to get out and I'm having a hard time of it cause my mind is already switching over to next year and all the new plans I have for the Leather Shop!!

How fun!!! Now I just need to watch the movie.

2008-11-30T03:21:00.000-06:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

"You are observant, diplomatic and often aim to please. You are unaware of your
attractiveness and despite being uncomfortable with any form of attention, people enjoy your company. You can be impatient, stubborn and headstrong, but you are true to your word and mature for your age, often taking care of your family and enjoying a good book over chatting with girlfriends on the phone."

Correcting early morning posts and such

2008-11-23T18:32:00.000-06:00

Was just reading through my pervious post. Boy I really need to be truly awake when posting!! That way I won't have near as many corrections to make.

Ended up staying home from church....By the time I milked the goat, got breakfast and managed to get Rick up and around it was late and I was beat! I should have gone and could have but it is rather embarrassing when you realize you just slept through the entire meeting. I'd just prefer to avoid the chance I might actually start snoring during someone’s talk or lesson! I know! I know! I need more sleep!! Anyone got any ideas???

Well other than the fact that I made some yummy Chili I haven't done much today. Tomorrow my siblings and I (along with Rick) will have "Thanksgiving" with our mom. Then it’s back to the Leather shop for me as I have the Holiday Craft Show (Thurs, Fri, and Sat this week) at O.F.C. to get ready for. After that I'm going to focus on the Christmas orders I still have to fill and the end of the year clearance sale (to make way for next years stock) THEN I think I'm going to take a couple of weeks off and just focus on home! Maybe by then the cabin will finished and we can start moving in and making it a home.

Figured I'd best be postin'

2008-11-23T07:08:00.000-06:00

Well It looks like I haven't posted in forever truth is I have and have ended up deleting them cause after going back and re-reading them I decided They weren't worthy of the space they took up.

Lets see what has been happening around here.... Well the official season at the at the Park (OFC) ended Nov 1st. There are still a handful of crafters left though. We are the ones who are trying to make a living. With the state of our current economy though that is proving to be more of a challenge than ever.

Rick was declared MMI (maximum medical improvement) 2 weeks ago. Doesn't really mean much just that he is what he is and he isn't going to get better. Also means that Arkansas Workman's Comp can now reduce his monthly payments. We have applied for disability for him but it looks like we are going to have to get a lawyer to fight for his case. *sigh* I miss my husband!! I know he is still here and I am oh so grateful for that! BUT, He has changed so much and I can't help it I miss the person he was. I miss my friend, my rock! I miss..... Oh well doesn't matter anymore what is is just what is! Life goes on!

Well that is about it for now.

Till later...

SLOW time at the OFC

2008-08-29T21:26:00.000-05:00

Well it really has slowed down at the Ozark Folk Center. Last week the Leather Shop didn't even see a $100 gross in sales. It's these times that are a little frightening but we will strive on!

In the meantime I am working on a web site that will be my online "store front". Not so easy! I can surf the net send and receive info but for the life of me I can't program a web site with the info and set up I want so I'm looking for easy set ups that I can join in on. Been thinking about ebay but they keep changing their rates and then there is etsy But anyway still trying to decide...

On the Farm we are still enjoying milk from our dear goat Beth and eggs from our wonderful chickens. On a sad note we had to have one of our dogs put down today. Long story short he was a chicken killer and we tried to break him of it and when that didn't work tried to find him a home and of course we came up empty... There is a humane society here but they are so over whelmed that they couldn't take him so anyway we have had him and our other little dog either tied out or in the kennel and today he broke out of the kennel and well the other little dog came to the door and asked in but Major well he did what he always does and headed for the chickens!!! It just was the very very last straw!! He had to go.... It's done now and that is one less problem we have to worry about. It is sad though he was a sweet dog when he wasn't being bad all he wanted was attention. If he just would have left the dang chickens alone.........

Well I will keep you posted on what is going on with the online store! Until then be safe!!! and Goodnight From the Top of Dodd Mountain!

Ventures in canning milk

2008-08-14T21:13:00.000-05:00

It's been a little over a month since we brought our milk goat (Beth) home. We've really enjoyed having fresh milk... actually I should say I've enjoyed the fresh milk as Rick wont drink it raw. Rick and I both enjoy the Ice Cream and cheeses that I've made as a result of having excess. Ms Beth gives us 1/2 gallon a day which adds up fast SO it became very apparent a few days ago that we were going to have to do something besides make more ice cream and cheese.... So after some research I decided to venture into the realm of canning the milk after all Ms Beth will go dry for a few months during the winter when she is waiting and building up energy for a new little one or two as goats tend to have twins. So last night with my canning directions in hand I went to work and a little over 2 hrs later 7 pints of freshly canned milk sat on my kitchen table. Still had over half gallon left and then got another half gallon today so this evening I went to the kitchen and did it again. 2 gallons of milk reduced down to 14 pints of home canned "evaporated" milk. I'm planning on doing this at least once a week until she starts to dry off. Still plan on making cheese which I will freeze. I figure it is rather a mute point to even attempt to make and store ice cream. LOL I think my next canning venture may be canning pickled eggs if the chickens ever stop molting and start really producing again. I dearly wish our garden had worked out but with me working and Rick lacking the get up and go well the weeds got the best of it.

Well anyway thought y'all might enjoy hearing about this little tidbit of my life here on the farm.

Good nite! From the Top of Dodd Mountain!

Gearing up for FALL

2008-08-03T17:49:00.000-05:00

Well we are heading into the slow time at the Ozark Folk Center. August is the time that many families are getting ready to send the little ones back to school. It's okay to be slow as long as it isn't too slow. I'm using the extra time I'll have to stock up for the Fall rush when all the folks come through to do their Christmas shopping. I personally can't wait till Fall gets here! The heat here is awful. Can't seem to breath outside and sweat pours off whether outside or inside. I don't know how the animals stand it! But anyway I actually love all the seasons just don't love Summer and Winter as much as Spring and Fall.

This week in the Leather Shop I'm working on Leaves, Flowers, Dog collars and Hatbands. Also going to get the orders I have out of the way. Next week I'm most likely to work on more leaves and belts and wallets and such. I also want to do some more rearranging which I don't know how that will be received by the Crafts Director. The thing is I need more vertical display space in my shop cause right now it looks ever so bare!!

A little something cool on a Hot day.

2008-07-21T09:41:00.000-05:00

Ice covered apple tree

13 inches of snow on the mini van

View of the snow covered back of the house

View of where the wood pile should be

Promised Pics

2008-07-21T09:28:00.001-05:00

Well I have finally found a spare minute to post some of the Pics I promised earlier!! Here are a few of my Shop at the Ozark Folk Center.

Cheese, Ice Cream, Yummy!!!!

2008-07-20T20:35:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I made homemade sugar free Ice Cream out of goats milk! It was sooooooooo Yummy!!!! And the cold really was good on a hot day like today! I also tried a different cheese recipe looks good so far!!

Goat Milk, Cheese, The Tail of the Tailless Kitten and Idiot Drivers

2008-07-17T21:12:00.000-05:00

Well it's been a week and the goat and I are finally getting in the groove. Even though it means getting up 15 minutes earlier I have found that I really enjoy morning milking time. It is cool and the day dawn is breaking it's just awesome. The chickens don't get released until after the milking is done so while I'm milking they are watching I looked up this A.M. to see a dozen or so little heads watching as Beth and I handled the morning milking. Beth isn't giving the gallon of milk a day that she was supposed to be giving but the little over 1/2 gallon that she is giving is just fine with me as we can drink a quart in two days so that leaves an excess of milk that I end up needing to do something with so I'm learning to make cheese. So far I'm just doing Vinegar Cheese but hope to find some time this weekend to make hard cheese or maybe cream cheese!

In other news someone dumped a tailless black kitten on us! This really burns me! We have taken in as many as we can possibly handle and this one is just too much! I don't understand why people won't do the right thing. If your going to have pets get them spayed or neutered!!! The pet will be happier they will live longer and enjoy being your baby! Every female that has ended up here as been spayed I'm not rich so the males just have to Wait until I can save up the $$ for them but I ALWAYS ALWAYS get the females done! Yes it is an expense but the trade off is huge in my opinion. I get a loving pet and don't have to worry over that pet multiplying into a disaster!! If you find yourself in a situation where you can't take care of a pet then go through the proper steps to find the pet a good home if all that fails then put the pet down cause dumping it just pissed good pet owners off and worse causes the pet to suffer!!! ANYONE WHO READS THIS AND WOULD LIKE A TAILLESS BLACK MALE KITTEN PLEASE CONTACT ME!!!! "Stubby" is a very loving and playful little guy who really needs a good home!!

Idiot Drivers!!! OK one of my biggest pet peeves just one step down from the pet dumping topic is people who drive that obviously shouldn't!! I was almost hit yesterday by an Idiot Driver! He apparently couldn't read as the sign clearly said STOP and he didn't. He was apparently blind cause he didn't SEE me in the other lane! And he must of had very little knowledge of the car he was driving cause he didn't seem to know where the TURN SIGNAL was!!!! He was just dang lucky I was on my toes and I kept my temper pretty much to myself!!! JERK!!!! GRRRR!!!

Well y'all that's going to have to be it tonight! I'm beat and I have to go back to work in the mornin!

Till next time Take Care and Good night from the top of Dodd Mountain!

Fun with goats! And missed Singing

2008-07-08T20:36:00.000-05:00

Well we have goats!!! Two of them! One is milking one is too young yet. Beth (milking) and I had trouble this morning but she was in a better mood this afternoon. I hope by morning she will be in an even better mood. I'm a lousy milker!!! It's been way too long since I milked a goat and then it was done from behind not from the side. Also I had better control of my right hand, I've always had problems with it but since I broke it a few years back it has been a real annoyance. Just doesn't really want to grasp stuff right anymore. Anyway Milking time is going to be interesting until I get it all figured out, my aim is off and by the time I and Beth are both done in I'm soaked in goat milk, it's dripping off the milking stand and by some miracle there is a usable amount in the bucket.

Singing- I used to sing and used to love to sing I sang in the high school choir every year and I must have been somewhat good cause the powers that be asked me to sing the National Anthem and lead the Alma mater at graduation. But I have shied away from singing for many years now. Still love to sing but guess I just have issues... Anyway some of my friends at work have been bugging me to join in a ladies choir thing they are doing and well I was planning to go tonight but things got busy here at home and it slipped my mind. Dang it all!

Well that's about it for the night do plan on down loading a few pics I have from the trip we made to Bakers Creek and then some other pics too... But until then

G'night from the top of Dodd Mountain!!!

Taking a moment to Blog

2008-07-05T20:39:00.001-05:00

This has been a very busy week. Had to deal with our rental property and Ricks doctors appointments. Had to gear the shop up for the holiday too. It's hard to keep everything moving smoothly and keep the shop stocked. It is either one or the other can't have both.

Tomorrow we are going to Bakers Creek with the gang from the Folk Center. It should be a blast!!!

Monday I'm getting my goats!!! I'm oh so EXCITED!!!

Life is good! There are always hills to climb and rivers to cross but that is life!

Well best get to bed so we can be bright eyed for the trip tomorrow!!!

Donkeys, Goats , and Llamas OH MY!

2008-06-26T21:42:00.000-05:00

Today was a good day!! For the most part we stayed fairly busy with visitors at the park and when we weren't busy we were able to catch a couple of minutes visiting time with our fellow crafter's and interpreters. There were people from all over! From Washington State to Florida and several places in between! I love finding out about where people are from and telling them about Mountain View and the Ozarks!
I'd have to say that the highlight of my day was getting to meet the donkeys! There is a mule swing at the OFC and I'm not for certain but I think up until this year it was pulled by an old mule but he/she retired during the off season and 2 donkeys were brought in to take over. I don't think they have gotten the hang of things yet but they'll catch on. Anyway today I was able to go with Jeanette when she fed them. THEY ARE ADORABLE!!!! So now it is an absolute must that I try and visit with them often!!! If you come to the Ozark Folk Center you gotta stop by and meet those two!!!! And while your at it stop by and visit with me a spell in my leather shop!!!

If I haven't mentioned it... I'M GETTING GOATS!!! I'M EXCITED!!! YEAH I'M MOST LIKELY NUTS!!! I've been working in the evenings after work on the goat pen. It's gonna be something like a 40 ish ft by 16ish ft in size when finished, with at lease 3 sides 6ft high and the rest 5 ft high. Defiantly nothin fancy just hopefully sturdy enough to contain 3 goats! So far all I've gotten is grumbling from the others in the family but I'm sure that when they actually see and hear the goats they will really kick up a fit. All I have to say to them is "just learn to live with it!!!"

I'm contemplating getting a Llama don't exactly have the money to be spending on one but still giving it some serious thought anyway. I'm waiting. When I go and get Beth the goat I hope to meet the Llama see what he is like probably fall head over heels for him! That said I will still have to give it some more thought cause I don't think he will fit in my car! If I do get a Llama I will most defiantly be borrowing my brothers truck!!!

Who Am I?

2008-06-25T20:51:00.000-05:00

Hello! After reading and re-reading the last 6 posts I've come to the conclusion that anyone who happens to come up on this Blog is probably going to think I'm a mental case (and they would probably be right). So I thought maybe I should introduce myself and explain a bit about what I do and what my hopes for the future are.

First off I'm Amy, a 30 something wife and distant step mom to 5 kids (though some aren't "kids" anymore). I've always wanted to have a functioning farm but have yet to manage it. I've been married and divorced (he isn't worth ever mentioning again and I promise I won't!) and then married again (this time to an all around great guy). I was living a very happy typical American life until January 2007 when my hubby was in a life changing accident. Our world was turned upside down and due to the nature of my husbands injury the responsibility to pick up what was left and start again basically fell on my shoulders. Just as I thought things were finding a "new norm" in our lives everything started to fall apart here in Mountain View with my family so our plans changed and we moved back here to help see to things. It was the hardest move I've actually ever made. I didn't want to ever come back here to the family homestead (lots of bad memories and ill feelings). It has turned out for the best but that said it takes daily effort and lots and lots of deep heart felt prayer! As the saying goes "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."
I'm a Leathersmith - Several years ago (between marriages) I was living here on the homestead and well I was having a rather hard time dealing with the divorce thing and I guess I was bored and depressed, anyway one day I stepped into my fathers old leather shop looking for something to do and the next thing I knew it was hours later and I had carved several wallet backs. Growing up Dad never let me in his shop fact is I'd only seen him carve a handful of times. Now I did do a lot of lacing and assembly but never carving or stamping. So anyway... There I was looking at my work and comparing it to some of my fathers unfinished work. I could barely see the difference, and surprisingly Dad had to look extra close to see the differences too! All I can figure is I inherited the talent naturally. I began attempting to make a career out of leather working. Then I met and married my darling hubby and ended up putting the leather work on the back burner. I did it on occasion but for the most part I was too busy with life. Now that things have gone full circle well I'm back to doing leather work and I love it!
Hopes for the future - I have decided that it is best to do all I can to make this homestead as self-reliant as possible. We have chickens and are trying to get a garden to grow and produce and I'm looking forward to having goats to help clean up the place and give us milk and maybe meat eventually. I want to learn other handy crafts that might be useful someday too. Other than getting the homestead back in shape I also want to be able to support us for the most part on my leather income. This may be very unrealistic!! It will most defiantly be a challenge as it means that not only do I need to find ways to increase sales and production but also I need to find ways to trim our out going expenditures so that we can live within the means that the business income provides. It doesn't bother me to be poor as long as our needs are met. I've never been one to lust after wealth.

This Blog is my place where I hope to share all the day in and out activities and happenings here on the homestead and at my leather shop which is located at the Ozark Folk Center (a state park in Mountain View, AR). I hope this makes things a little clearer! Feel free to drop in from time to time and see what all is happening.

Amy (Signing off for the night. From the top of Dodd Mountain.)

2008-06-22T21:05:00.000-05:00

Been Thinkin... Not really a safe thing to do but been doin it a lot lately anyway. Mostly been thinking about how to make my Leather biz more profitable, will save that for another time though today as on the home front there is a lot to be thinking about too. I think I have a couple of goats lined up! YAY! Now we have to get the pen ready for them. They aren't pure milkers so we probably won't get a whole lot from them when they are grown and ready but I'm hoping that they will be good starter goats for us and maybe things will work out in a way that they will end up being bred to a billy which is a milker breed... There haven't been goats on this property since the late Forties early Fifties when my great grandmother had them here. I'm excited and even though there are those here on the farm that grumble cause I'm getting goats they are just going to have to live with that fact. So anyway here is the tentative plan that I've come up with. I get these two half breed doe's breed them to a milker billy this fall, they have babies next spring, we let the babies feed mostly and just milk them a little until babies are of age. Then we take those babies when they are old enough and breed them and they'll end up being our primary milk goats and the starter goats will be given a new home somewhere else...Well unless they turn out to be decent milkers that is. We don't need a lot of milk maybe just a gallon or even two a week if we get into making cheese that's all. No one here is a big milk drinker. So then why do I want goats? Well for one they can help clean up this place and then it sure would be nice to have milk and meat fresh from the farm. Might come a time that we will be really glad we have them! Also been thinking of how to improve the chicken pen, it absolutely needs new chicken wire for sure and also may need some new wall boards. The dog kennel needs to be built. It will be smaller than what they have now but they will spend the bulk of their time out on the leash lines anyway. Poor little fellows they would be free if it were not for their insisting on getting into things like the chickens. Next dog I get is going to be a big rather lazy one who only gets really excited when he has to come to my defense. Well it is getting late and I have to work tomorrow!!

Ramblings of an insane hillbilly

2008-06-20T20:20:00.000-05:00

I'm tired! Had another frustrating day in my shop. Don't feel like sewing the fabric I bought for the 4th of July decorating I'm doing... Had cheap Harps steak (well as cheap as 5 packs for $25 is anyway) and vegetable medley for supper tonight. Actually have been in a rather fowl mood all day just didn't feel well. Think I (with the help of my dad) have come up with something that might draw people into my shop. I will have to run it by Jeanette and then get it in the works if she gives the go ahead. I need to be doing other things too to get my items out there in areas where they can be seen and bought. When I first started doing leather work totally on my own it was just meant to be a fun side biz nothing major certainly wasn't planning on attempting to make it into our full-time way to support us! Now with Rick unable to hold a regular job, we really need this to become profitable. In order to be profitable I need to sorta expand my range...

Here in lies the problem! Marketing my stuff to others I'm fine with my stuff in my shop but I have mental hangups when it comes to trying to place my work in other places. I feel like I'm there begging I know I'm not and I shouldn't feel that way but I do. To top that off I feel horrible when the person in charge says No! I shouldn't! It's just business for goodness sake! But Alas I do..

Ricks Neuro Psycho (Shrink) Tells me that I have Multiple Anxiety Disorder with an Inferiority Complex...Now where she gets the right to analyze me I don't know cause heck she is Ricks Shrink not mine! ANYWAY... Personally I think she is the crazy one! Do I have anxiety? Sure! Just about anyone would who has been through and dealt with what has happened. As the the Inferiority Complex... I think she is wrong period I don't feel inferior! I just feel helpless! There is a difference!

Coming Soon!

2008-06-20T07:50:00.000-05:00

Pictures if I can figure out how to get them in my posts! I'm in the process of Decorating the Leather Shop for the Fourth and documenting the layout and inventory. So when I get them done I'll post some of them here. Also maybe some home pictures... Well Maybe..

A day of frustration!

2008-06-19T21:31:00.000-05:00

I spent most of the morning watching people pass by the Leather Shop and not even give it a second thought. It's like the building isn't there! Honestly I don't think they even see it. So out of frustration this afternoon I took a walk through the park just to look at other shops to see what draws people to them. The only differences I see are they all for the most part have a little sign hanging from them that identifies them. (ART, CANDLES, BLACKSMITH Etc etc.) And also most of them have these neat wall plaques that again Identifies The Building and what is inside. I don't know about the plaques but the State provided the little signs... I'm not certain but I think one for the Leather shop is in the works maybe. Also for the life of me my poor building doesn't seem to have a space to put a plaque,all my see able front is windows. Though at this point I'm not certain even a sign will help anyway... Have to get my brain working overtime on how I can spruce up the outside to make the people want to come in. Thought about putting up a handmade leather sign but the hangup is making it eye catching and weather proof. Dilemmas, dilemmas, dilemmas! Anyway if you come to the Ozark Folk Center (and if you don't your sure missing out on something Great!) stop by and visit with me (and my hubby when he is there). See all the interesting leather items I make. Maybe even buy something you know when you purchase hand crafted leather purses, belts, wallets etc. your actually saving money! How? Well your buying something that will last up to 15 or even 20 years! Think about how many Wal-mart wallets or belts you'll buy over that time period.... By my way of thinking in this day and age with everything that is going on in this world now is the time to look for things that will last instead of being a waste of hard earned $$$.

Life changes, the Ozark Folk Center, and interesting fortune cookie happening

2008-06-18T19:54:00.000-05:00

Well here on top of Dodd Mountain things never seem to be the same way from one time to the next. Life is always changing and challenging, Sometimes for the good and other times well heck if things were always good then we wouldn't learn anything and life would be rather boring. I'm just baffled at how much my own personal life has changed over the past 2 years. If I'd been told back then that I would find myself back home in Mountain View I'd have laughed and asked something like "I'm gonna die that soon?" Returning here wasn't in the plans in the least but things change. If I'd been told that my darling husband was going to end up in an accident and suffer a permanent brain injury I would have said impossible cause Rick was a really good driver and it just wouldn't happen to him. Well *sigh* things change... And Boy Oh Boy if I'd been told that I would find myself at the Ozark Folk Center (State Park) with a Leather Shop of my very own! Well I'd probably be looking for the hidden camera cause there is no way that could happen... *Smile* But... Things Change!
Speaking of the Ozark Folk Center... *Smile* I absolutely love it there and I mean L O V E IT!!! My being there is just meant to be! It feels like home to me (even more like home than my home). The others that are there seem like family. Now there are lots of members of the Ozark Folk Center family but so far only a handful have personally stood out to me. Of course everyone there is impressive what each and every one of them can do just astounds me. But Like I said only a handful has stood out thus far.
Jeanette and Shawn... Jeanette is the Crafts Director at OFC she is so nice and boy she has got it going. She has a wealth of knowledge. She is much of what I want to be in many ways. I'd love to be able to just sit and glean from her day in and day out. Shawn (Jeanette's husband) is awesome too! Seems to be an extremely intelligent fellow, you know the kind who can pick up on things with very little effort. I don't know what all he can do but I do know that he makes brooms, is wonderful at woodworking, spins and weaves, and maintains a lot of websites/blogs... There is probably a gazillion more things he can do or has vast knowledge of. Just a completely interesting person... Very friendly probably the type of guy who would give you the shirt of his back if he thought you really needed it. He and Jeanette sure are definitely made for each other.
There is Scott... He is the Blacksmith at OFC and simply a very Cool Dude!! In a very Monty Python sort of way.
Then there is Dolly... LOL She is Scott’s mom and shortly after meeting her I just couldn't resist the play on words... You know there is the Dali lama well she is the Dolly momma. Sweet as sweet can be and now she calls me her "Amy daughter".
There is also Sherman... Not sure how to describe him. Kind of an interesting old chap. His knowledge of tops (you know those spinning things kids play with or at least used to before the invention of the TV and later Game boy, Play station and Wii) and wood is remarkable.
Then last but certainly not least there is the wood carver BUBBA!!! He is a 101% complete HOOT! I want with all the fiber in my being to be as good as he is with people! I don't know where he learned it (my luck it probably comes to him naturally). WOW I just know I have to figure it out cause I sure want my shop to be and do just as good as his! Anyway these are the main characters I'll frequently share the most about with anyone who dares to ask. I'm sure as time goes on and I get to know each member better I'll be sharing interesting bits about them.
Fortune Cookies, I don't like them. Never really sure if I'm s'posed to eat 'em or just get the note out of them and discard the rest. Frankly I don't find them very good tasting. But anyway I digress. This past month Rick and I have ended up eating Chinese 4 times, 3 different restaurants (nothing new for us really with the exception Mountain View didn't have a Chinese place till recently and we are now among the poorest of the poor we should in no way be eating out at all... all I can say is old ways die hard) Anyway... 3 different restaurants now the kicker is only 2 different fortunes! Yes! That’s right I had a repeater!! Not just once but 3 times! Same fortune different restaurants. Usually I read 'em and add "in the bathtub" to the end and have a good chuckle. I don't hold much store in the so called fortune Heck the modern day fortune cookies that these restaurants give out are probably the one and only thing that is not made in China! That said I shall quote this silly repeater fortune "Now is the time to start something new." So I decided to do it thus here I am Blogging! This isn't the first time a fortune caught me be surprise several years ago I was having a really bad day (you may know the type) it was one of those days in which it just felt appropriate to quote a scene for the movie Bruce Almighty where if it could go wrong it did and Bruce has just had it and Looking up toward the heavens he bellows out something like Oh Smite me Oh mighty Smiter! Well anyway I was in that type of mood when I cracked open my fortune cookie and read “Be of good cheer he knows your sufferings and he is with you." I couldn't help but laugh! It fit completely and of all things it was in my silly fortune cookie!!