Around these parts anyone within 20 miles would be considered a neighbor. If you've ever flown over Illinois farmland you would understand why this is true. Farmhouses are scattered at distances from each other. We actually live in a higher density area, but since Donna Neiler lives 9.71 miles from here I'll claim her as a neighbor.
I visited Donna's place last summer to pick up a cool 1950's end table that she'd held for me after Garfield Farm's barn sale. I've photographed her property many times for my photoblog and her place is always beautiful, whatever time of year.
Here's her barn all dressed up for the LaFox Christmas Tree Sale.
\LaFox is a very tiny community. Not too long ago it only included 20 homes. All that is going to change as there are plans for a developer to build 1,600 homes, encircling Donna's property.
When I visited last summer Donna informed me that a photography crew had recently been out to shoot her gardens and property for a magazine article. Finally the publishing date has arrived. The spread is featured in the May/June edition of Cottage Living magazine.
I encourage you to seek out a copy. I'd love for you to see the area where we live.
The photographs are stunning, especially the one taken from a high spot, probably the upper story of her home. This photo shows a sweeping view across her property to the cornfields beyond.
There's also a great shot of her corn crib, which is now used as a frame for her climbing vines. If you peek inside you'll spy a table and chairs, creating a fabulous spot for enjoying a meal or a cup of tea.
Actually many of the local farm wives use old corn cribs as gazebos and entertaining spots. What a great way to repurpose a structure.
Welcome to our part of the world, and like Donna says in the article, "I wouldn't live anywhere else but right here." If you grab a copy will you come back and let me know what you think?
As always, thanks for stopping by to share your day with me. I've done enough talking this week so tomorrow we're actually going to make something. It's very cool, I promise!
15 comments:
lovely - looks like the all-American farm so often depicted from a by-gone era.
Thanks for sharing!
I just read that article. She has a beautiful house and garden! It sounds like she is doing the best she can to deal with the new development, but oh my heart bleeds for her. 1600 new homes is going to make a BIG impact on the community...I'd rather be "nine miles from anywhere" any day!
Happy Mother's Day!
xoxo,
Mary
I just got this magazine in the mail yesterday and sat and wondered where I was going to find myself a corn crib :)(loved that idea) Her house and garden are just beautiful .
Wish I could grab a copy! It looks stunning. I would love to live 9 miles from anywhere. Most of my growing up was on a farm in the Drakensberg, 8 miles from the village. Bliss!
Oh, I can't wait to see it!
This all comes floating back...a vague memory and then it comes. Of course! I first read about this gal and her beautiful home right here on your blog somewhere. I certainly remembered the lovely home and the surrounding fields. So pretty. Hope that I can find this magazine, but it's unlikely.
Wow! I love that corn crib! Ours was very tiny. We might have been able to fit a foot stool in it and balanced a cup of tea on our knees! I'll be looking for the magazine...
Oh Paula, I can't begin to tell you how beautiful and comforting her place is. It is a historic home which was built for the daughter of Timothy Garfield who's property is now Garfield Farm Museum.
Mary - I'm so glad you have the magazine and have read the article. It's so good to know that you got a peek into my "neighborhood".
Birdie - I was trying to figure out where I could get my hands on a corn crib also. It would be a fortune to move so I think I'll settle on the teepee I've had my eyes on.
Robyn - It's quiet, it's peaceful, it's Illinois. I love it and like Donna said, I don't think I'd like to live anywhere else. (We actually are planning to retire somewhere else, but I'm getting very nervous about that. We might have to do half-and-half.)
Melissa - Let me know what you think. I think the photos are so stunning. Some were taken as the sun was setting over the cornfields.
Vee - Hmmmm, the magazine should be available somewhere in your area. I don't know if I've covered her here on this blog, she's been featured many times on my photoblog.
C.C. - That's one tiny corn crib. What were you feeding...pygmy goats??
I'm so glad everyone was able to stop by and see Donna's property. Thanks for visiting.
Suzanne
Thankyou...I certainly will pick up a copy of the magazine. Wonderful post.
I was at the pharmacy yesterday waiting for a prescription to filled and the magazine aisle is right next to the waiting area. (now someone is using their head in the marketing dept!) I of course took advantage of the free entertainment and started flipping through magazines. And Cottage Living was one of them! I saw the spread on your friend and thought it was a GORGEOUS garden and the corn crib is so creative!! Tell her I'll be over for a cup of tea in the corn crib on Monday!
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! Sherry
Hi Suzanne :)
I get that magazine in the mail! As soon as I read about it, I'll be back to tell you. It looks beautiful :)
rue
My copy of Cottage living came a couple of days ago. I tossed it in the pile with the rest of the mags and catalogs I haven't had time to look at. After reading your post, wonderful by the way, I opened it. You live where I would love to live.The way I would like to live, away from the madding crowd. The article was wonderful, the pictures even better. Now I have a better picture in my head of what it's like to be your neighbor!
I thought of you the minute I got my copy in the mail and skimmed through it. She has a beautiful property.
Thanks, I'm going to treat myself to that magazine today. Donna's farm looks beautiful and I'm looking forward to upcoming pictures of your garden too. suzy
Thank you all for your gracious comments on my garden. It gives me such joy ( and keeps me out of mischief)!
Plus, the community group was able to get the number of houses down to 1200! About one per acre in the scheme of things.
Again thank you! Donna
Post a Comment