This day.

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Can you imagine a national holiday devoted to costumes, dressing up, and visiting your neighbors?

It sounds like a dream come true, right?

"Wait - we already have one!" you might say. 

But unfortunately, all is not as it seems. The holiday that millions will celebrate today is dedicated to and founded on a tradition of evil, and it breaks my heart that something as wonderful as costumes, neighborhood visits, and sweet treats is so hopelessly entangled with the rampant evil that Americans seem to be so enthralled with.

"Instead of hating evil, Americans toy with it. We toy with holidays like Halloween that were conceived in evil and that promote the “cute-ification” of evil, whether that evil takes the form of witchcraft, sorcery, ghoulishness, or some other form of malevolent imagery paraded before our children. We laugh at the very things that the Lord describes as “abominations,” and we find ourselves obsessively fascinated by, and attracted to, all things dark."

Read the rest of this challenging and enlightening article by Vision Forum Ministries.

But as Christians, we need to take back what the world would use for the enlargement of darkness for the glory and kingdom of God.  On this day, you can pray for your friends and neighbors, you can remember the Reformers, and you can make October 31st the most victorious day of all by refusing to fall in with the pervading evilness of today's culture.

For my family, this day is a day of celebration as many, many years ago, before I was born, my father gave his life to Christ on this day, bringing one more soul into Christ's fold and paving the way for one more family to live for the glory of God and furtherance of His kingdom.

This day is a day of thankfulness and rejoicing.  May it be for you as well!

Sharing the Blessings vol. 5

Presenting week five of Sharing the Blessings!

{Via}

How it works:

Each Sunday, I will post the new linky for the week's posts.  Add your link, then browse through the link pool, visit with other bloggers, and share your blessings!

What you do:

Just make a post, as simple as a picture or as elaborate as an article, and link up below so others can be encouraged.  Add the button below with a link back to this URL:

http://kelliefalconer.blogspot.com/search/label/Sharing the Blessings

 so that others can participate!

The blessings of family?  The fact that a friend stopped by with a cheerful smile and shared a good laugh?  The temptation conquered or the steaming mug of hot tea you enjoy each morning over devotions?  A verse of scripture that has blessed you?

I know, with the approach of Autumn and the Thanksgiving holiday, we start to think about our many blessings and how much we have to be thankful for more than the rest of the year.  Why?  Why should counting our blessings and encouraging others be an annual event?  I hope you will find something to share with us and link up below.  

Feel free to add the button below (linking to the URL given above) to your blog as well - help spread the word! If you’re not participating now, I hope you’ll come back & join in next week!

(To view all weeks of Sharing the Blessings, click here)

Simply sharing the little blessings that make life beautiful.  Won't you join me?

For Real Comfort

"I declare, there is nothing like staying at home with a blazing wood-fire for real comfort..."

I feel the slight paraphrase of Jane Austen's immortal summarization of true comfort is allowable, given the indispensability of wood fires to any sort of  blissful home-scene.  To illustrate -

Do you see my point?=)
  I cannot find the words to express how wonderful this stove is.  I don't think I've ever been this warm when the temperatures drop before - And once I master the art of fire-banking, I will hopefully be able to keep the thing going all night, as well!  Last night didn't go so good, as I woke up at 4:30 to find that the fire was out cold.
Oh, Trolls.  Freezing Trolls.

Remember the picture I shared a few posts back of my stove?

"It's surprising what a lick of paint will do, isn't it, Grommet?"
(Anyone else devoted to Wallace & Grommet? I'd love to know!=)

In this case, stove blacking... here I am with my darling helper priming the blacking with a rip-roaring fire in the yard.  We multitasked by roasted marshmallows and apples.  I think my agenda needs more of that in future...

We had a great time getting her set up... I think there were seven of us jammed in my tent, laughing, joking, and giving suggestions.  At last, she was in, and the ingenious method for getting the stovepipe through the stove jack in the tent wall installed.

The 6" pipe was inserted through an 8" pipe, with pieces of metal tubing screwed between them.  This allows air to circulate through the pipes, cooling down the 8" pipe to a temperature capable of direct contact with the canvas, rather than the smoking-hot 6" pipe.  Simple genius.

As I type, the perfect soundtrack of crackling tamarack wood brings these pictures to life.  I wish you could hear it too!
No wood has quite the same delightful crackle of tamarack=)

This is my nest.  It is quite nice for either reading or strumming.  Sleeping is a delightful activity, as well... and watching movies;)  And embroidering.

This is where it all happens - the creative impulses of my mind flow through my fingertips, USB cable imports all of the pictures documenting my adventures, and it all comes together to make the inspiring and cozy haven that is Accordion to Kellie.  Or so I fondly strive for it to be;)

My nook.

Tea, anyone?  It's just boiling... will you take ginger or peppermint?

Good Morning

Yes, I had a very good morning.  A new wood stove, hot tea, sweet blog comments, golden sunlight, crisp autumn air, and cheesecake for breakfast had something to do with that.

But the real reason is right here:

Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.  I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.   Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.  Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.   Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.  Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.

--Psalms 119:129-135

A bigger post with the stove update is coming soon!

Outfit: Fresh for Autumn

Yes, I really needed a new picture for my blog header.  

Something autumnal, fresh, accordionish, Kellie-ish.

And yesterday was probably the last clear sunny day we'll be having in quite awhile... =)  It was in the low 20's last night, and a good hard freeze brought sodden gray clouds today.  In other words, I am so glad that in the middle of blacking my stove, I decided on impulse to get those header pictures taken.   The wonderful Ellen, as usual, did a superb job, and we ended up with a super fun impromptu photo shoot, accordion and all!  

I didn't even look at my hair, but the work of the day had actually turned it into a fun messy bun... at least, that's what I'm telling myself.

I got to dress up in my new purchases, including these awesome Hunter boots I've been eyeing for many months.  They just went on sale, and when I found that there was just one left in my size (which is a small miracle - usually size 11 is not even an option;) I grabbed them.  They're perfectly wonderful - the laces, the glorious green, the slight heel for riding, and the great quality all combine to make me thrilled with them.

The beautiful pointelle sweater is new, as well.  I can't remember the last time I bought new clothes, as most of my clothing is either thrifted, sewn, or gifted... but with the growth of my Etsy shop, I decided to splurge on a few quality new staples to give my wardrobe an update.  Tasha just treated herself to this beautiful sweater, and as we love to match, I went ahead and did the same;)

Can I just say that I love wearing grey?

I've never had anything this color before - I usually have greens, pinks, and browns comprising my wardrobe - but I'm experimenting a little more with color lately, and grey is an absolute staple color.  If you don't have a grey sweater, I recommend you find one!  =)

I also made another skirt from the Walk in the Woods pattern, and I love the way this folksy rose print works with the sculpted styling and ginormous pockets!  The colors are also perfect for mix-and-matching with lots of other colors and designs.  You'll be seeing this one again soon;)

-------------------------------

~Hunter Watling boots - St Bernard's Sports  

~National Classic Cardigan (referred to by Tasha and I as The Grey Sweater;) - Amazon

~Print skirt -  same pattern as the Walk in the Woods skirt

~Layered tees - misc. thrifted;)

-------------------------------

Be looking for an update on the wood stove soon!  I am so excited to have wood heat in my little house - it's no picnic living in canvas when the temperatures make a little trip down to the 20s=)

Once I get it all configured, though, I'll be ready for whatever comes my way in style!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Grand Opening!

My very best friend Tasha has moved her wonderful blog over to Blogger, as (it is a fact universally acknowledged) whatever I do, Tasha's not far behind.

(and visa versa...well, for the most part;)

Please head on over to her beautiful new web home, Day by Day and give her a warm welcome!

Don't forget to follow her - her posts are not ones to miss! =)

Additionally, you will be glad you did if you stroll by her Etsy shop, Wool and Whatnot... simply put, it's adorable.

Have a beautiful Tuesday, friends!

Sharing the Blessings vol. 4

Presenting week four of Sharing the Blessings!

(The weekly link starting date has been moved to Sundays - I think that will work better=)

{Via}

How it works:

Each Sunday, I will post the new linky for the week's posts.  Add your link, then browse through the link pool, visit with other bloggers, and share your blessings!

What you do:

Just make a post, as simple as a picture or as elaborate as an article, and link up below so others can be encouraged.  Add the button below with a link back to this URL:

http://kelliefalconer.blogspot.com/search/label/Sharing the Blessings

 so that others can participate!

The blessings of family?  The fact that a friend stopped by with a cheerful smile and shared a good laugh?  The temptation conquered or the steaming mug of hot tea you enjoy each morning over devotions?  A verse of scripture that has blessed you?

I know, with the approach of Autumn and the Thanksgiving holiday, we start to think about our many blessings and how much we have to be thankful for more than the rest of the year.  Why?  Why should counting our blessings and encouraging others be an annual event?  I hope you will find something to share with us and link up below.  

Feel free to add the button below (linking to the URL given above) to your blog as well - help spread the word! If you’re not participating now, I hope you’ll come back & join in next week!

(To view all weeks of Sharing the Blessings, click here)

Simply sharing the little blessings that make life beautiful.  Won't you join me?

Cozy Plans

I've been starting to worry a little bit about the coming cold... Will I really be able to make it in my little tent when the temperatures drop to -10 like they usually do in January?  But with this little chap to keep me company, I think we will do very well together.

This little stove is the direct answer to my prayers, the loan of some dear friends.  I'm working hard to get it set up in the next day or two - Thank you, Claude & Rachel!

It seems to me the epitome of luxury to have a fire of my very own.  Not to mention an infinite supply of hot water for tea, in a miniature kettle that looks like it might excite the cupidity of Hunca Munca herself.

"There is no fireside like your own fireside."

~ Irish Proverb

That vintage Charm

It's everywhere - sought after, admired, imitated, adored. 

 It's that vintage charm.  Full of detail, beauty, and old fashioned grace.  It pops up in the most unexpected places... an old, well-worn roaster pan, for instance.  And with the passing of time come memories, of days lived and moments shared.

Now those once well-loved things have the chance to be loved once more, as popular demand brings back in to vogue the delightful craftsmanship of yesteryear - that vintage charm. 

New items in the vintage section of the shop!

Outfit: Farmgirl Vignettes

vi·gnette: [vin-yet] - short, impressionistic scenes that focus on one moment or give a particular insight into a character, idea, or setting.

Outfit:
Old Glory vine-print blouse - thrifted  ~  Kellie Falconer Design half-circle skirt - available on Etsy
Bello raspberry tee - online  ~  Justin cowboy boots - Corral West Ranchwear
Locket - gift  ~  Silk peony - thrifted