| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| ColdAntler |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 4:09:26 PM
hey all!
My name is Jenna, I'm a new farm girl in North Idaho. My homestead is called Cold Antler Farm, and you can see all of my antics at itsfarwalk.blogspot.com or itsafarwalk.com. I came up here by way of The great smoky mountains of tennessee, and share my home with two fluffy siberian huskies (who are working dogs!), nine chickens, a hive of honey bees, and a few gregarious rabbits. I live on a rented-retired cattle farm about 60 miles south of the Canadian Border in the Idaho Rockies. Here I write, garden, train dogs, sew, knit, spin, bake and play my fiddle. I'm working on writing my first book, which has been signed and I'm excited!
So this is my howdy, and i hope to get to know you fine people more and soon.
best and more
-j |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| katiem |
Posted - Aug 17 2007 : 8:26:56 PM
J,
so you're Going to Knoxville in Sept?
If your driving and coming through Memphis, let me know. You'd be welcome to camp out in our guest room.
We've got plenty of space and you'd be welcome.
Lemme know.
Thanks again for the input.
p.s. going to a beginning kyaking course tomorrow - should be fun - but blazing hot.
letcha know how it goes.
Kate
Kate, the closet farmgirl |
| ColdAntler |
Posted - Aug 16 2007 : 10:02:28 PM
long term fridge solution is pband j sandwhiches, sorry.
but, mast general store is on gay street in knoxville, its a big old fashioned general store with candy in barrels and friendly faces. yee haw is an old fashioned letterpress across the street. amazing work and cheap unique tennessee prints! i'll be in knox in sept!
http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5082124 |
| katiem |
Posted - Aug 15 2007 : 7:18:37 PM
Jenna,
thanks for the references. What are MAst general store and Yee Haw?
I've done the Cades Cove loop several times. It is always beautiful! I'll try to go again on this trip. I'll probably have to hog tie my 18 yr old very city-girl daughter to get her to go with me but she needs to see it. She was probably 8 yrs old the last time we went.
Hey do you have any ideas for a long-term camping refridgeration solution. I saw one idea in Mary Janes book but wondered about others. I do kinda have an aversion to big bright colored plastic containers so if anyone has any other ideas let me know.
Kate
Kate, the closet farmgirl |
| ColdAntler |
Posted - Aug 15 2007 : 08:46:11 AM
KATE! eat at the tomato head in market square, you won't be sorry. Stay anywhere but make sure to drop into MAst general store, and YEE HAW. if you can, get into those smokies and drive the cade's cove loop!!
http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5082124 |
| katiem |
Posted - Aug 14 2007 : 7:04:54 PM
Jenna,
I'm planning on going to Knoxville next weekend to take my daughter on a little college tour trip. We're checking out UT Knox and Middle Tennessee State Univ in Murfreesboro.
Got any recommedations on where to stay and neat things to see in Knoxville?
Thanks
kate
Kate, the closet farmgirl |
| ACountryGirl |
Posted - Aug 11 2007 : 3:27:29 PM
Welcome from Cal!
Nannie
http://acountrywoman.blogspot.com/ www.homesteadblogger.com/AStitchinTime
Live Laugh Love much! |
| Corinnelouise |
Posted - Aug 11 2007 : 11:06:46 AM
Welcome Jenna, these dogs are fantastic, we used to do long rides with dogs in Quebec. congratulations about your upcoming book, let us know when it is out.
Corinne
|
| katiem |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 6:40:38 PM
Jenn,
Thanks for the link creativehotlist. I checked it out and can see that I have some work to do.
got to get some trainging in some more graphic design programs and familiar with mac to be marketable. I up for it though. I think it is a great career that allows work from distance locations possible.
I really do like my work creating invitations and personal stationery. But, sI 'm afraid there is not as much call for it in the the mountain areas of say , CO WY ID MT. Where as, we southern bells from TN, AL and GA - we got to throw our big parties, "Cocktail Suppers" - "Engagement Suppers" - "Bridesmaids Luncheons" and on and on!
Personal stationery is nice is a nice product, too - but with more and more folks emailing - who needs to write on stationery (made of trees that have been sacraficed). Maybe I could come up with a line of stationery, invitations, and greeting cards all made of recycled or hemp paper and with mountain life scenes and motifs.
Sounds like a plan.
Being a writer is also a wonderful option for a career. I write also and have had a manuscript at a few publishers. I'm not aggresive and persistant enough with my endeavors to be published.
My manuscript is a children's book set in the depression era and is about a 9 yr old girl from south, Alabama who on a regular summer visit with her county grandmother gets involved in a near death experience with her mullato friend and the local town misfit, who is an adult with downs syndrome. One becomes the hero, one learns to trust, and one learns to withhold judgement until there is understanding. I like it - I think it's good - but I wrote it, so I don't count that much. The kinda cool thing is that it happens in a real place and most of the charaters were real people. I've done most of the watercolor illustrations - some need some work, still.
But, anyway -I do like to write - as you can tell by my much to long "quick replies" to you chat room posts. Sorry
Kate
Kate, the closet farmgirl |
| Maryjane Lee |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 10:57:31 AM
Welcome Jenna! Oh, my! You live in such a beautiful place on earth! I love the picture of your dogs! Looks like one is tasting the snow!Sounds like you are enjoying a wonderful life and looking forward to getting to know you. You will love MJF!
Hugs,
Maryjane Lee
The Beehive Cottage~
est. 1971 |
| Annie S |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 10:19:52 AM
Welcome Jenna. The area you live in sounds wonderful. And you sound very talented!!! Love the dogs - have two myself. You'll love it here - so many forums to jump into and share your experiences and learn from as well.
Peace and love.
Annie |
| theknottysheep |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 09:06:26 AM
Hi Jenna!
Welcome - love your pups - they are so beautiful!
I knit & spin too ... hope you have a ball here!
hugs
Kary
http://sheepatthebeachartstudio.blogspot.com |
| ColdAntler |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 08:35:07 AM
i was offered a job and a chance to move cross country all expenses paid, so i took it. I'll be back in the smokies someday, and you can count on that with one hand
http://itsafarwalk.blogspot.com/ |
| queenofdreamsz4u |
Posted - Aug 08 2007 : 03:20:29 AM
Hey there,
Welcome from northeast Alabama...about 2 hours sw of the Smokies 
Your doggies are beautiful and so is the snow!
Just curious...What took you to Idaho from Tennessee?
...til next time ~ queenofdreamsz
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com/artfulapronswap.html
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com/apronpocketswap.html
"hold close your inner child and always listen to the gentle whispers" ~queenofdreamsz
|
| Pearlsnjeans |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 7:12:17 PM
Welcome Jenna
Cold Antler Farm is beautiful!
Vicki
who says Farmgirls aren't elegant |
| Cheryl |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 5:43:35 PM
Welcome Jenna, Love the pictures!
Cheryl :) |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 4:40:22 PM
Welcome Jenna! So glad that you're here. Can't wait to visit your blog!
http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com |
| Holiday Angel |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 4:05:06 PM
Congratulations, Jenna, you got them hooked. There is nothing bad about the bountiful beauty the Lord has lain on you. That area of the country has surrounding beauty and one can find jobs fairly well if they want them. If nothing else open up his own Martial Arts business called, How to Ward OFF A Grizzly,and Run Like Crazy! lol
http://freewebs.com/hainchildrendivision/
www.http://heavenlyangelsinneed.com
President Childrens Division of Heavenly Angels in Need
http://paulinesholidayblog.blogspot.com/
http://freshoffthefarmtime.blogspot.com/
http://sugarslifeblog.blogspot.com/
|
| ColdAntler |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 4:03:02 PM
hi kate
I got this job just applying through creativehotlist.com. it lists all sorts of graphic and arts jobs by location. I got here by accident really. I was working in knoxville and taking it for granted, and i always wanted to live in the PNW. So i applied ona lark and it all happened from there. They packed and moved me and I've been here since.
If you want to move, save up a bit. land a job and move darling! It's not hard to find rural property to rent, and if you don't need much cash you can at least get started working somewhere part time till then. Honestly, my dream is to work for myself as a writer. But, its a long way off. But like you, i'm hoping to reach my own goals somehow too!!
http://itsafarwalk.blogspot.com/ |
| katiem |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 3:49:20 PM
Jenna,
Your photo of Cold Antler farm is PERFECT! I'll see it in my sleep.
Tell me it's not too late for me.
If your book is about hope - I need some. Share the wealth. Tell me it's not too late to chunk all that keeps me from being somewhere like your are and doing something like you are doing.
Can your company or someone you know use a self taught graphic designer with minimal knowledge and some decent fine art skills (drawing - some watercolor). I need some way to support myself in the back woods. I don't require much.
Oops had a crazy moment - listen to me - like I don't have a husband who would have something to say about where he wanted to live. Well, maybe I'll have to make my plans and hope he wants to follow along. He always says he wants to live in a small mountain town and he is totally ready to leave Memphis. He was the one got me hooked on the idea of living in the Rockies somewhere. He went climbing in Jackson WY when he was just a teenager and never got it out of his blood. His friends from high school either moved to WY or Alaska and he married me instead and somehow we got stuck in the delta. (Family, jobs, you know.) He is a fitness trainer and martial artist.
He loves mountain biking and hiking and climbing.
Well if you have any ideas on how to relocate. Pass them on. I'm serious
Tell me how you found your place/farm and your work?
Kate, the closet farmgirl |
| sherone_13 |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 12:35:26 PM
Hey Jenna.....I wash them the day before and then spray them with a water bottle the morning of, just to fluff them up. They hate it.......but they love me so they put up with it.
Sherone
www.taylorscountrystore.etsy.com
http://sheronesgarden.tripod.com/
|
| paradiseplantation |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 10:04:08 AM
Hi, Jenna, from Louisiana! I envy you your bees. That's still on my list of things to do, but I'm hoping I can push it up to the top, soon!
julie |
| ColdAntler |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 09:02:52 AM
shucks!
thanks for all the kind words and gentle greetings. I'll try to anwser up some of these questions. My dogs are named Jazz (red) and Annie (black) they are 6 and 5 years old respectively and come from Tennessee Sled Dog Rescue outside Knoxville. WE all lived back in the smokies till we came out to Idaho with my homesteading high hopes. I work as an email designer for Coldwater Creek, here in Sandpoint. But Work is only 4 miles from the farm so I can bike or drive back at lunch to sit on the deck and eat lunch with the chickens and the fiddle.
Cold Antler Farm isn't an address, it's an Idea. Cold Antler will be the name of my homestead no matter where it is. I love the archaic imagery of antlers and deer in ancient cultures. Deer was the symbol of the masculine, and I'm a hopeless romantic hoping to find my own "antlers" some day. A dreamy guy who likes the daily show as much as daily milking goats. The Cold part comes from my love of winter and snow, and the Cold Mountain poems of Han San, the zen buddhist monk. My heart is in Appalachia too, and I'llreturn to Tennessee someday, the book "Cold Mountain" also used Han San's poems about returning home to Appalachia. It all falls into a lot of Hope. Cold Antler Farm, is about hope.
The most important things in my life are my friends, my dogs, making music and my little farm. I'm hoping to find other Idaho farm girls who want to learn the fiddle or dulcimer so I can teach and learn with them.
here's a picture of Cold Antler, this past winter. It's open for staying over night through the UU're Home project soon! So if any of you ladies need a nice place to stay when you're visiting Mary jane's (I'm about 2.5 hours north)
and here's a picture of the town pof Sandpoint, Idaho. pop 8,150. Taken above town looking over the lake.
|
| Nance in France |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 08:49:49 AM
Welcome, Jenna! Cute dogs, and LOVE the snow photo.....miss that stuff! Tell us about your book, please and thanks! Nance |
| Miss Bee Haven |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 05:56:10 AM
Hi, Jenna. Welcome from Kentucky. As much as I don't like winter, the snow in your photo is looking pretty good today-LOL! We're forecast to have record breaking heat again today and never ending drought! Your dogs are just beautiful!
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" - 'Brother Dave' Gardner |
| katiem |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 05:17:19 AM
Jenna,
Just checked out your website. Completely awesome. You are very talented. I work in the field of graphic arts, but am self taught and will never call my self a graphic artist again after seeing your site. I am truly just a glorified printer. I work at an invitation/stationery store in their in-house printing department . I actually am thier in-house printing dept.
When I came there to work a year and a half ago, they had a tiny computer running one epson C88 desktop inkjet printer. They are very tight on their budget. Since I came I have gotten them to add, a new computer with a 17 in. monitor ( I was using aboun an 11 in.) a scanner, 2 more inkjet printers and an inexpensive color laser printer. We scan customer's photos or artwork to put on invitations or notecards. I also do line drawings to print on invitations, etc. We print anywhere from 300 - 800 pieces per day. It's nothing fancy but I love doing it. And the other gals who work at the shop know nothing about printing or graphics and they think I'm a genius. Little do they know.
I would love to do what you are doing - in terms of your lifestyle. Tell us more about your book yu are writing. I share some of your same interests. Unfortunately, I don't live in an area very conducive to thier pursuits. ( at least some of them)
Well, good luck and hope to hear more from you. I'm new too to this forum. My only problem with it is the amount of time it is possible to spend here at this computer typing all this stuff. I got other stuff I need to be doing.
See ya.
kate ( in the delta of Memphis, Tennessee)
Kate, the closet farmgirl |
