The House at the End of the Road

in our what feels like endless attempt to find a house in Colorado, I came across this poem in Mary Jane's Cluck (I subscribe to MaryJanes Farm magazine and am a member of the Farmgirl Sisterhood).  It just brought about a warm feeling about what life is and what life should be. 

The House at the End of the Road

by Shirley Jean Pierce, Florida

adapted from Sam Walter Foss' poem, The House by the Side of the Road, 1897

There are gentle souls that give each day

With the peace of talents spent.

There are souls, like stars, that dwell to shine

In their loved ones' sweet content.

There are pioneer souls that blaze their paths,

The wagon ruts still call -

But let me live at the end of the road

And make a home for all.

Let me live in a house at the end of the road

Where the walk of life draws nigh -

Where folks who work hard and have calloused hands,

As good and as bad as I,

Can live and not judge another's heart

Or cast a critic's eye

Let me live in a house at the end of the road

And open my door to the sky.

I see from my house at the end of the road,

The rolling fields of life,

I see women who press with the ardor of hope,

Their aprons stained with strife.

But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears -

Both part of the infinite plan;

Let me live in the house at the end of the road

And be to all a kind woman.

I know there are lark-filled meadows ahead,

And mountains of wearisome height,

There are gardens to tend and children to mend

And day simply turns into night.

But still I rejoice when my sisters rejoice,

And weep with the women who moan,

With the dream of a farm at the end of the road

For a little girl too quickly grown.

Let me live in my house at the end of the road

And welcome the women who try -

They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,

Wise, foolish - so am I.

Then why should I look with a critic's eye

Or judge another's call?

Let me live in a house at the end of the road

And make a home for all.

Patience is definitely something we all are learning, but I know we all realize from our many, many (many, many) moves that the most important thing is being together. I'm so proud of the kids and how they have adjusted - it really makes me realize how little they really need in this society of ours that bombards us with advertising thinking we need everything.

Anyways, enjoy!



And here we are...

Yes, the move to Grand Junction has been made!  It's been anything but easy...we are slowly adjusting to desert life and still tirelessly searching for a home.  All we brought with us was what fit in our car:  a few toys, clothes, etc.  I think I'm going through sewing withdrawal!  My head is full of ideas and feel like I have so much to do, but no place (or sewing machine) to do it!  I plan on using this time to re-group and figure out where I want this business to go and other things I'd like to incorporate.  Plus, I need to change my logo, business cards, tags...everything has Jackson on it!  I also plan on working on my blog and make it more professional looking.  I've totally winged the whole blog thing and haven't taken the time to figure out all the things I can do to make it better.  Well, now I have the time.

Since my life has been turned upside down and inside out these past few months, I apologize to anyone who has been looking for hats.  I have a few still left in Jackson, but I'm definitely lacking in all the sizes and variety that I normally have.  Once I get my machine back I will work on special orders, but as far as doing any craft shows, etsy, or boutiques, I'll probably put that off until next year (though, those who know me well probably wouldn't be surprised if I signed up for one last minute and worked some all nighters!).  So, be patient and hopefully once I'm up and running again I'll be able to offer the best hats around and better than before!  Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need an order done!  Thanks for all your support!

Sunny Soleil Hats at Paper and Grace!

I dropped off some more hats at Paper and Grace yesterday...I'm going to miss all the cute Jackson shops I've discovered since we've been here!  Paper and Grace has long been a favorite way before my hats started there.  It's the perfect place to find a unique gift and a fun card.  Everytime I go there is something different that I have to have.  Their new location is great.  If you are ever in Jackson, check them out!

New location at Wort plaza

Another adventure, another chapter...

Well, the time has come to move yet again.  It's both sad and exciting.  Grand Junction, Colorado, will be our new home by the end of the summer.  My sewing business is temporarily "on vacation" until we get this move done, but I am excited to possibly have a bigger house and an actual studio to let my ideas soar!  There are so many things I'd like to add to my collection...more variety of winter and summer hats, plus travel gear for little ones and adults alike.  If there is something you need, please don't hesitate to contact me!  I have a few items in stock and can always dig out my machine and material for a custom order!

Watch out Grand Junction!  This crafty runner/wanabe farmgirl is coming your way!!!!  I think I'll have to change my logo to Mountain Soleil - Handmade in the Rocky Mountains!

Paper and Grace has moved to a new location!

Paper and Grace is no longer on Pearl.  They moved to a new, awesome location in the new shops across from the Wort Hotel:  55 N Glenwood.  It's such a great space and right off the main street.  Also, they now carry my new summer hats!  All organic, fun fabric, get them while they last!

Brenda's has closed :(

I'm sorry to say that Brenda's in Teton Village has closed.  The owner is very sick so please keep her in your prayers.

The peaceful porch

Oh, how I love coming home now! I finished my prayer flags and we think we have finally found a spot for the totem pole we have all been working on the past 2 years. We have been planning on trying to sink it in the ground in our back yard, but I like it on the porch to welcome everyone (plus it stays protected!). My prayer flags represent the wind carrying the prayers for more love and compassion, peace and harmony, more trees and fertile ground, the mountains and rivers around us, on our lovely planet Earth.

Fairy Fun

This years fairy garden is 100x's better than last years!  Now we just need them to come!  The cute little houses I found on Etsy and the little pathway of stones are from the coast of Oregon.  We even made little prayer flags.  Maybe just a few more flowers and the fairy garden is complete!  I just hope I can start planting my garden before June.  My poor little seedlings are getting tired of going in and out and in and out...

My kids love the little fairy garden and everytime we see something little they think I need to buy it for the fairies!

Now for sale in Teton Village!!!! Brenda's Gallery and Gifts

Yeah!!!!  Now I have 2 locations where my hats are being sold!  Brenda's Gallery and Gifts in Teton Village now has a great selection of my hats for sale.  If you haven't been there yet, go check it out!  Such a cute store with unique gifts for everyone.  Don't forget about Paper and Grace in downtown Jackson!  They will be moving to a new location on Broadway which is very exciting.  I'll keep you posted on that.  Ok...back to sewing...all my new fabric is calling me and I'm still waiting on one more box! 

Yes, it's April 29 and those specks you see are snow.  Never too late to have a hat in Jackson!

Nikwax Cotton Proof and SunGuard

I have found two great products to waterproof and provide sun protection to my Sunny Soleil hats.  I just wanted to share some information about the products I am using in case you were curious.

http://www.nikwax.com/

Wash-in waterproofing for cotton, polycotton and canvas.
Adds water-repellency and revives breathability.
Benefits of using this product:
Adds water repellency to cotton and polycotton and maintains breathability
Prolongs the life of gear and optimises performance in wet weather
Easy to apply - can be used in a washing machine or by hand, no tumble drying required
Can be used on wet fabric
Inhibits rotting of canvas caused by dampness
Will not affect cosmetic appearance
WaterBased - environmentally friendly, biodegradable, non flammable, non hazardous
Does not contain fluorocarbons

https://sunguardsunprotection.com/
Washes UPF 30 sun protection into everyday clothing
Blocks more than 96% of the sun's harmful rays
Protection lasts through 20 future washings
No need to buy special garments
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation

I've also had someone ask me about insect proofing the hats.  I couldn't find anything I could wash into the material, and honestly, I don't think I would feel that comfortable doing that unless it was essential oils, but then I assume they would have a smell.  Anyways, I couldn't find anything you could do yourself, but you can send your clothing into http://www.insectshield.com/ and they will treat your clothing with their Insect Shield (http://www.insectshield.com/PDF/IS%20Your%20Own%20Clothes%20-%20U.S.%20form.pdf).  It's the same product that all the big companies use when you see clothing that has bug protection.  Even Soy Genius Organic clothing uses it.  Insect Shield provides effective, built-in protection against mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges (no-see-ums) including those that can carry dangerous diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease.  There's such nasty little critters out there.  I may have to try this out!

The NEW Sunny Soleil Hat

Here's a sneak peak of my new baby/toddler summer hats!  They are adjustable in the back (velcro or tie), waterproof and UV protected, little loop if you want to add some "Hair Candy" (you know...the adorable hair clips you see all around the shops in town made by Renee Glick!!!), reversible, made of organic cotton or premium cotton, chin straps, and just soooo cute!  I just ordered a ton of organic fabric, so I'll be busy making more once that arrives this week! 

Thanks for coming! Jackson Hole Eco Fair 2011

The Jackson Hole Eco Fair was a huge success!  It couldn't have been a better day - the sun was shining, people singing and dancing, free stuff, and great information to hand out...plus, there was my stuff, of course!
Thanks again for all those who came out!  I'm so excited about the special order requests and also new possible store locations for my hats!  Stay tuned!

Here's my booth!

Organic fleece and fleece made from recycled pop bottles neck warmers.

Snack Happies Organic Cloth Napkins

Mountain Bebe sets:  Bib, burp cloth/napkin all in it's own little pouch - all organic!

Organic headbands

Introducing the Sunny Soleil Sun Hat!

So...what have I been up to these past few months????

With the holidays over I have been slowly reorganizing my sewing stuff, knitting, and also trying out some new things.  It's been a nice break, well, that is until I decided to do the Eco Fair 3 days ago!  I've been non-stop this weekend getting ready.  I have to say, though, I feel somewhat organized and have a plan for the rest of the week so I can get everything accomplished.  A few months ago I found some awesome organic fabric.  I had a few ideas, but nothing firm at the time.  I'm so glad I had it or there is no way I'd be able to order fabric in time for the Eco Fair!  Also, I cut more scarves and hats after the holidays, so all I have to do is assemble them.  At least I'll have a jump start on the summer sewing I was planning on doing!

I'll send an update later in the week on what I'll be selling at the Eco Fair, but here are a few things I've done this year so far...

Wow!  That is one clean sewing table (doesn't quite look like that right now...but it's been worse!)

This may be my new go-to present/wrapping paper for people!  It came out so nice.  I made a little care package for a friend doing the Boston Marathon and filled it with all kinds of "running goodies"!

These are the cutest shirts!  I made them for a friends "Pinkalicious" Birthday Party!  Once I made one I just had to make them for all the other girls!

This is an Amy Buttler pattern.  I've never made a really complicated purse before and decided I was up for the challenge.  I LOVE how it came out.  This is gift for my mom (hopefully she doesn't read my blog before she comes this weekend!).

This isn't sewing, but something else kind of cool.  I made red velvet cupcakes for my daughters class for Valentines Day.  Instead of using red food coloring (scary about what you read about food coloring!) I found a recipe using beet juice.  They were super moist and yummy.  Maybe not a deep red as some red velvet cakes, but at least I knew I wasn't loading up on food coloring.

Eco Fair Jackson Hole!!!

Hey everyone!  This is really last minute, but I just got a booth at the eco-fair next weekend!

Event Details


Date: April 23, 2011

Time: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: Powderhorn Park (located behind Sears and Main Event) or Jackson Whole Grocer parking lot area depending on weather conditions

Free Admission!

Come on out!  Plus, I'm sure your kiddos need a nice new hat for the spring and cool summer nights camping!

vtineday

Triple Love Valentine's Day Card

Modern greeting cards and party invitations by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Some of my fav Jackson shops

As many of you know (or if you've received a gift or card from me), Paper and Grace is one of my favorite shops in Jackson (even before they started selling my hats!).  Definitely a must to stop and check out when you visit to find that one of a kind gift.  Plus, there is the cutest knitting shop right next to it - Knit on Pearl.  Even if you don't knit, it's just a cozy shop with amazing yarn to look at.  It's inspired me enough to take a class last year and finally learn myself! 
There's another shop that opened up this summer that for some reason I just had never gotten around to checking out until yesterday - WORKSHOP.  The address is 180 E Deloney, just about a block past town square.  I've been a fan of Susan Flemming jewelry for awhile and now she opened up her own store along with some other crafty artists.  I loved just about everything in there (hint hint for those looking for something to buy me).  Susan's jewelry is amazing.  I don't own any myself (hint hint), but have bought some necklaces for my mother and mother-in-law with my daughter's artwork.  So amazing.  Plus, she is so genuine and nice.  I have a link to her shop on the right hand side of this blog. 
Also, rarely can I go into town without a stop to Skinny Skis.  Those of you who know me know that I am somewhat of a snob when it comes to running shoes, workout gear, clothes, or just sporty items.  I try my best to just look, but it's hard for me to leave without buying something.  This shop is also on Deloney, but opposite direction from WORKSHOP. 
So, you know where to find me if I ever go downtown (and where to shop for me if you really don't know what to get!  Just kidding - sort of).