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Dirt Road Adventures – More About My Dad

Hey Y’all, I was amazed at the response I received about my Loft Tour. The majority of the comments were about my Dad. So I thought I’d give your a little more insight into my Dad and my Creative genes.

As y’all know I love DIY projects and get so many comments about my creative process.

First, I have always been a DIY fanatic. If I see something I love, I always thing “oh I could make that”. The problem with that thought process is, I rarely get around to making everything I think I can make.

In addition, many times I spend more money trying to make something than if I’d just purchased it to begin with. LOL.

But creating and enjoying the process is in my genes. I get more satisfaction from making something for my home or repurposing an unwanted find, than I ever would from the most expensive home decor item.


Where does Creativity Come From – My Dad

I obviously got the creative gene from my Dad. He was a welder and a farmer by trade but could really build almost anything.

He built both of the two homes I grew up in. The barn and sheds surround our home. The welding shop, located behind our house, where he worked.

He built The Ponds and the original pier, which had to be replaced when we acquired the property.

He built the cabin that is now our outdoor kitchen and the boat dock, that is now our bar, located beside the outdoor kitchen.

You can see his handy work in gates and fences that he built. Many have seen better days but I can’t get rid of them.

I mentioned that he could look at a picture and make whatever you wanted. Here is the coffee table base he made for me after one such photo.

In addition, I love this slate top coffee table he built for the cabin here at the Ponds. I rescued it many years ago and have used in sunrooms over the years. Now it’s back at The Ponds, on our screened porch.

I hope you enjoyed this look back at my dad’s creativity and where I get it from.



This is a look back at all my adventures this past week.

We had a gorgeous fall week here at the end of the dirt road. Sunday our weekend guest departed after breakfast.

I served the Baked Peach French Toast Recipe that I shared here last Sunday. It was delicious and it falls into the “it’s so easy even I’ll make it” category. You can see the link here on last weeks Dirt Road Adventures.

I got my wish on Sunday afternoon. We had unexpected guest who came to sit on my front porch. Even when it got to hot (because the sun was intense on the porch), we spilled out into the yard and chatted under a shade tree. So much fun catching up with my family. Sorta like a Sunday afternoon from the good ole days.

I’ve had some alone time this weekend and got some projects finished. My husband has been away on a guy’s sailing trip. I think he had a great time but I’ll be glad to see him later today.

In Case you Missed it

This week was filled with fall ideas.

First, I shared how to make a centerpiece without spending any money that you wouldn’t have normally spent. See all the details here.

Then I shared my loft tour. I joined 30 Blogger’s for a Fall Tour and you can still link to all the posts from here. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon, getting decorating inspiration.


Did you hear about our giveaway?

Thrifting with the Gals has been a blast this year and we wanted to share the love by offering one lucky follower some of our wonderful vintage finds. In order to enter, just head over to my IG post – here and follow the instruction.

Check out my good friends and thrifting gals – Ann at Dabbling and Decorating & Kristin at White Arrows Home

Adventures off the Dirt Road

Why Didn’t I Think of That?

Each week, there are so many wonderful blog posts, 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

Michele at Vintage Home Designs shared her renovated AirBNB. Isn’t it just the cutest? You have to see the before, it’s amazing.

exterior of front of white painted brick cottage with green front door with jute wreath 2 white rockers white table and 2 white chairs 2 white urns with large pumpkins on top

Kim at Shiplap and Shells shared Easy Fall Vignettes with Vintage Items

Check out this gorgeous tablescape from Chloe at Celebrate and Decorate. Love those plates.

A place setting a faux wood charger, a gray dinner plate topped with a salad plate that is cream color with branches around the edges also decorated with berries, acorns, feathers and fungi with an acorn candle set on the salad plate.  Crystal  water and wine glasses in the background along with the natural looking centerpiece of oak leaves, berries and pheasant feathers.

Bits & Pieces

Y’all I love brussels sprouts and can’t wait to try this – Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad (YUM) from Michael at Inspired By Charm

Autumn Entertaining Tips – Courtney at French Country Cottage

Check out this Kentucky Girl Camper Cocktail shared by Kristin at White Arrow Home

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Lucid Candle Co. is donating $10.00 for every Floral Heart candle sold to help pay for mammograms at a local hospital in Maine. I encourage you to check out this US based company that is giving back with their generous donations. Here is a direct link to the heart candle.

Other great deals:

I love my mattress from Sweet Night and they have a sale – Get 15% extra off with code DREAM Plus… many items are already on sale – Click here for details.


Did You know I have a YouTube Channel

Here is a video of my Loft Tour. I hope you enjoy it. If you’d subscribe to my channel, it would be greatly appreciated.

More Great Home Tours & Videos

Here you can see a link to my friend Stacy Ling at Bricks N Blooms who is an avid gardener and loves bringing the outdoor inside for her fall decorating. Here is her blog post and a link to her video. Also, see Jennifer at Cottage on Bunker Hill who like myself, loves DIY and Decorating. View her home tour blog post and then link here to her video, as well.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I look forward to sharing more adventures with you this week.

Kim | Shiplap and Shells

Wednesday 6th of October 2021

I'm so glad you shared more about your dad. I'm happy to hear that you get your creativity from him. That French toast sounds amazing! Thank you for the feature Rachel. I really appreciate it.

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Thursday 7th of October 2021

Kim, Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate you so much.

Ivory

Wednesday 6th of October 2021

Thanks for sharing how you became such a fabulous diyer, from your dad. He must be so proud of you. I loved read about your father very enlightening. Thanks for sharing

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Thursday 7th of October 2021

Ivory, I'm so glad you enjoyed this post. I appreciate you for stopping by and commenting today.

Michele Howell

Monday 4th of October 2021

That is so neat about your dad, and that you have some many things he has made. And your property is just beautiful!

Thanks so much for sharing our little Airbnb tour!!!

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Tuesday 5th of October 2021

Michele, I appreciate you for stopping by today. Thanks so much for inspiring me.

Jennifer Howard

Monday 4th of October 2021

Thanks for sharing me this week!! I love hearing about your Dad! My creativity comes from my Dad…he was an artist & photographer.

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Tuesday 5th of October 2021

Jennifer, It's definitely in our genes. You are so talented! Love sharing your ideas.

Marlene Stephenson

Sunday 3rd of October 2021

Thanks for sharing your memories, I know they are so precious to you.

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Tuesday 5th of October 2021

Marlene, Thanks for stopping by today. I appreciate you so much.