Cottage Snapshots

Summer in Michigan.  The Great Lakes State.  Not only are we surrounded by the Great Lakes, but Michigan boasts over 11,000 inland lakes as well.  Just from our home, we have 9 inland lakes within a 10 minute drive.  Humidity in Michigan just happens, but when the snow is gone and the heat is on, you just have to......

Last summer, we stumbled upon a little place that we are slowly making our own.  Realizing what a gift it is, we are thankful every day.  Here are a few still shots from the view in and around our little get away....

 

Thankful to be able to stop and smell the flowers by the lake!

Smelling the Roses...

This past weekend was very busy with 2 different weddings that Forrester Farm provided flowers for.  I just posted some of the wedding flower snapshots on our Forrester Farm facebook page.  We are looking forward to seeing the photographer's photos soon.

Occasionally after a big wedding, if the bridal party family decides that they have enough flowers to enjoy and don't want to take too many flowers home, we share what is left with the venue staff and my family.  In anticipation of having my extended family over for dinner the day following the wedding, I scattered vases throughout the house and we are still stopping to smell the roses!

Have a happy Wednesday remembering to take time to smell the roses!

The Author of Perfect

 

 Photo courtesy of Flowery Blessing Blog

How many times have you thought, "if only _____, then _____ would be perfect."  Fill in the blanks with any number of your own answers.  I have similar thoughts which go through my mind more often than I'd like to admit!  It happens when I look at the accumulation of floral supplies in my office as I think of new storage solutions.  It happens when I look at a fully scheduled calendar for a busy family of 5.  It happens every time I step into my garage - Yikes!  And lately, it has been happening as I weigh out and pray about the pros and cons of possibly expanding into a larger location. 

How many times do we wait to do things until we think the timing is "perfect"?  Big and little things - whether it is finally doing something that you've wanted to do for a very long time, pursuing a small part of a big dream or even taking on a little house project such as cleaning a closet.

Years ago, my dad said such a profound and simple statement to me, and in hindsight, I see how much that statement affected me.  As I was wrestling with a big decision, he commented that if he and my mom had waited for the "perfect" time to have any of their children (6 of us!), they wouldn't have had any of us - and he couldn't imagine life without us - mess and all!

Sometimes I laugh at just how often I'll push through and do things without waiting until things make more sense, and yet with other things, I'll wait and wait - sometimes until an opportunity has passed by.

Today, as I was praying about stepping into a big opportunity, the pros and cons, what life would look like with or without this opportunity and ultimately, God's perfect will, I realized that the results are in the hands of the Author of Perfect.  The one who says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7.  

So, as I cautiously take a step forward towards an opportunity, I celebrate knowing that the Author of Perfect is in charge!  As I lay down what might just be "my dream" for His will, I know that whatever the results, I will firmly say:

Forrester Farm Blooming Bigger...

Our little flower farm began with a dream, a few flower seeds and a desire to share beauty with my family and others....

Having a booth at the Rockford Farmer's Market, word about our flowers spread and we began servicing brides for their most special day...

Along the way, horses, chickens, ducks and a bunny were added....

And the fencing and housing they required...

We've had interns from as close as Rockford and as far away as France...

All along, growing flowers and sharing with others...

Including retail customers at locations such as Heffron Farms Market...

 ...and both Whole Foods Markets in Ann Arbor! (back of car at delivery dock)

...and amazing couples and wonderful corporate clients!

We now have an opportunity to grow into an additional farm location that will  allow space for a you-cut flower garden, bridal- and community-floral classes and small events including farm to table dinners by local chefs.  We are asking for your help!  For exactly 1 week, starting today, we have our "idea" submitted to the Start Garden team for funding consideration.  There are two ways to receiving funding.  The Start Garden team chooses your idea OR you receive the majority of endorsements from the voting public (that's you!!!).  Would you please take a moment to look at the "ideas" that are presented this week, and if you like the Forrester Farm idea the best... vote! 

And we will celebrate in style!

To get started - go to the Start Garden site at http://startgarden.com. Log in with facebook and see and endorse the 1 "idea" that you think is best!  (Hopefully ours!)