Dirt Road Adventures: A Week of Surprises

Happy Sunday, and welcome to Dirt Road Adventures – A Week Of Surprises! Each Sunday, we review all the exciting events behind the scenes, on the website, and the sources of inspiration I discovered online during the past week. This weekly recap ensures you don’t miss any of our adventures.

I hope you have had a wonderful week. We began our week at the beach cottage and ended back at the farmhouse. It was a very unusual week weather-wise, but there was a bright spot that I’d like to share.

Most days, I love writing this blog and sharing all my ideas.

I’m so appreciative of all the comments and words of encouragement.

Then, some days, I feel lost and without an ounce of talent left to share.

On those days, I ask myself, is it worth it?

But it’s like the universe knows you’re feeling down, and then it happens.

Something wonderful happens to reenergize you and let you know that what you are doing does matter.

Last week, I received one of the most wonderful compliments, and I have to share it with you.

On Monday, I had this email in my inbox: I’ve written about your blog 🙂 How A Writer Feather’s Her Nest

Here is the article Frances Brown w/a Claire Gem wrote if you’d like to read it:

https://open.substack.com/pub/gemwriter/p/how-a-writer-feathers-her-nest?r=vyzrf&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcome=true

It was sweet and unexpected; I had tears as I finished reading her article. It was just the boost I needed to get my mind back on track.

I hope you’ll read the article and give Frances a follow.

It reminded me that we need to lift each other with our words and actions. Whether you are a booming business entrepreneur or struggling to become a blogger, artist, etc., we all need encouragement.

It’s easy to let criticism dominate your thoughts and allow yourself to become discouraged on your journey.

As you approach a new week, set a goal to lift someone up daily with your words. Be the encouragement that someone needs to take the next step and keep achieving.

I so appreciate how Frances lifted me up with her article, and she has encouraged me to do the same for others. I hope you will, too.

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Adventures I’ve had this past week

Our time at the beach was freezing. We actually woke to frozen pipes in our bathroom last Sunday morning. Fortunately, they thawed by lunchtime.

Then, we traveled home mid-week to balmy, warm temperatures. In fact, we had to run the air conditioner on Friday. And to top it all off, in between these drastic temperature changes, we had rain.

We would get ready for our walks, and Rudy would be so excited, only to look outside and see rain. We eventually got to walk and only had a few sprinkles to dampen the way.

We certainly hope for more seasonal weather in the coming week, and sunshine would be a nice addition.

Rudy gets excited to go outside.

In Case You Missed It

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and this past week was filled with ideas. I hope you enjoy the articles.

Adventures Off The Dirt Road

Why Didn’t I Think of That?

There are so many wonderful blog posts each week, and I’m sharing some of my favorites with you today.

There are so many creative ideas, and I’m always asking myself, “Why didn’t I think of that”? LOL

My friend Stacy’s new flower gardening book is shipping the first week of February. Be sure to get your copy on order. It’s such a beautiful book titled A Beautiful & Easy Care Flower Garden. It will make such a great Valentine’s Gift.

You will also want to check out her article on Indoor Plant Decor Hacks.

My friend Tammy shared an easy Valentine’s Candle Stand tutorial that I loved.

I can’t wait to dive into these book recommendations to melt the winter chill, from my friend Kim.

Oh, and check out this sweet and salty Valentine’s recipe from Anne and AnnMarie.

I want to add more art to the farmhouse this year and loved Jennifer’s article: Wall Art on a Dime.

I don’t think I’ve ever had Lemon Oatmeal Cookies, but I can’t wait to try Renae’s recipe.

Check out my friend Jen’s cute FREE Valentine’s Printables.

And just when you were asking for more cute Valentine’s Day Craft, KariAnne these 5 Simple Valentine’s Day Projects.

Thrift Store Haul

I had some really good success at the thrift stores this week. I shopped in both Wilmington, NC, and Asheboro. I feel that they are getting stocked back up after the holidays, and the choices are much better.

The antique picture frame was such a great deal at our local CUOC. I can’t wait to see what I find to put in it. LOL

The lamp and the lambs are both slated for an update in the next few weeks.

Deals on milk glass are always hard to resist, and the basket tray and tureen are both amazing.

I’m still looking for vintage light fixtures and more vintage art next week.

What are you thrifting for right now?