A Sprig of Lavender

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Rainy Morning Apple Pie

Because of having a wedding free weekend, I went to bed last night fully intending to go to the Rockford Farmer's Market with my girls this morning. At 8am while sipping coffee and watching the sprinkles drop from the sky, memories of being a seasonal fresh flower vendor at the market came flooding back. Spending a full Friday cutting flowers and preparing for the market. Packing as much in the vehicle before going to bed.

Waking and arriving at the market at 7am so as to be set up for the 8am rush. I loved it. My husband and kids loved it. We enjoyed the community and fun of it for 5 great years. Anyhow, back to the pie.... today I was glad that I wasn't setting up for the market in the rain!~

As the rain continued, a craving for apple tart overtook any desire for a healthy breakfast. Coupled with the fact that our teenagers are beginning to think of where they will move onto for their next phase of life, having them wake up to the smell of fresh baked anything is.... a mothers sweet ploy of incorporating fond memories of home!~

Pulling out my favorite pie crust recipe from the Taste of Home Cookbook, the dough rested in the fridge while I cut up apples.

5 red delicious apples thinly sliced, because that is what we had in the house.

If you make a pie/tart with organic flour and sugar, it must certainly be better for you than if you didn't use organic, right?

So, true confessions. I create my own recipes often (unless I'm making the peanut butter chocolate chip cookies or biscotti that my family and friends seem to love). Today was no exception aside from the crust. Looking online I found a French Apple Tart recipe from the Barefoot Contessa, and used her recommendation on 1/2 cup sugar and 4 tbsp butter. I placed my creation in the oven at 375 for 45 min. and washed the dishes.

Yes, hand wash. The colors were so much more vivid than the dark sky outside, I had to take a picture :).

45 minutes later, my teens were waking up and there was a fresh baked apple pie dish of deliciousness on the counter to welcome them....

Just add coffee!~

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Flowers...

Always in awe..

of variety,

of texture,

of color,

of beauty,

of fragrance.

Our creator makes beautiful things!~

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

A Love Story From The Beach

We love weddings!~ More than a beautiful wedding full of flowers, we love solid, strong, God ordained, healthy marriages. I heard a story today about love and marriage that I just had to share...

Because the rest of this week will be filled with arranging flowers for a special couple's wedding, I took my summer loving teens to the Grand Haven State Park beach. (photo above was taken at the Holland State Park last year but both beaches are along Lake Michigan, so the photo worked well for this story).

While waiting for teens to change into their suits, the cutest elderly couple sat down at a picnic table near where I was standing. Their backs were toward me as their eyes were on the water, waves and activity. After sitting there for a bit, the lady turned to me and said, "I just told him, it was 65 years ago when we met at this beach".

"Wow, that's wonderful" I replied.

The lady continued, "we were 18. We dated for a bit, but then I broke it off. Due to religious differences. He said it about broke his heart."

"Ah, I'm guessing that one was Catholic and one was Protestant?" I inquired.

"Yes, I'm Catholic and he is Dutch Reformed", she continued while looking at the man beside her, "After his wife passed away, he decided to try to find me again. He told me he wasn't sure if I'd want anything to do with him."

"It looks as though you did", I said smiling toward them. "How long have you been together now?"

"It was five years ago when he found me and three since we've been married" she replied, appearing very much in love.

"I'm guessing the religious differences have been all worked out?" I continued.

"Yes, we go to my church on Saturday nights and his on Sunday mornings" she said, smiling at her doting husband.

The conversation continued a bit about them living in Grand Rapids, MI and other topics. As my teens were ready to find a spot on the beach, I said, "Isn't it amazing the way that God can work things out in our lives?" The gentleman patted his wife's hand and responded while smiling, "It sure is, it sure is!".

May that adorable couple have many more years and beach dates together!!!

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Peonies & Ponies, yes please!~

Some days, I have to put the to do list on hold, grab the camera and capture some photos around our property. Often, in those moments, I'm reminded of what I'm thankful for....

Sunday, May 15, 2016

~Sweet May Wedding Flowers~

~simply sweet and stunning~

~roses, astilbe, oriental lilies, gerbera daisies, lisianthus & seeded eucalyptus~

additional photos can be seen when you visit our Forrester Farm facebook album at: Forrester Farm facebook

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Simple Pleasures

It's an art. Learning to take the time to appreciate the simple things. Giving thanks for the simple things. Taking deep breaths in the midst of our busyness and noticing, embracing and enjoying the simple things.

So often, the simple things are made even more special by what or who surrounds them. The lavender latte (yes, lavender!!!) from Ferris Coffee was even more special when savored in the company of my husband and son. The lavender and rosemary herbs on the table, a welcome sight at this time of the year, are enjoyed even more when family and friends are gathered around laughing, dining and enjoying each others company.

Cheers to simple pleasures - wherever you may find them, whether enjoyed solo or in the company of others!~