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Oct 28, 2016

Leaving Washington...Creating a new life in North Carolina


Happy Fall y'all. I am taking a break from painting the exterior of my little farmhouse today, to finish my relocation story from my last post. But before I do that, - being that I am a nesting type of girl I  recently created pockets of vintage sweetness in the midst of several home improvement projects. I'm making headway but 'oh my' what a job. My little house is not yet picture worthy as a whole, but I wanted to share with you some Farmhouse Fall vignettes that I recently created. I hope you enjoy the tiny glimpses and sneak peaks from the inside of my 'work in progress' vintage farmhouse. 

I really like those 'grown in America' miniature white pumpkins called Baby Boos. I wasn't able to find them this year. A last resort search at Wally World is where I adopted three little legal immigrant plastic pumpkins. Those three little faux Baby Boos show up in each picture below.
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And now for the rest of my condensed relocation story. April 2015, I sold my three bedroom, three bath home in WA state where I resided and did business for fifteen sun deprived years. I couldn't take it anymore and decided to leave WA and make major changes in my life. I purchased a tiny (570 square foot) very old farmhouse in the mountains of North Carolina. It was not on a whim, but it was sight unseen, in a  town I had never been to nor heard of, where I knew no one. Quite an adventure it was and still continues to be. I drove three thousand miles across the United States with my five dogs, one cat and a co-pilot (thanks Aunt Cher.)  It was a five day memorable trip and what a trip it was.
                                                               

Tiny pumpkins & rusty roses usher in the Fall season at my tiny farmhouse


 Before moving from WA I sold some of my furniture, tools and equipment. I still had a lot of personal belongings, furniture and business related items that were moved to NC. I figured that I could sort, sift and downsize once I arrived in NC. I am so happy that I did not rush to sell off my other possessions before I moved here. There was a method to my madness, and it paid off. It allowed me to start a small business soon after my arrival that created an instant cash flow. Not to mention, I brought along so many sweet vintage pieces that are just perfect for my farmhouse, both the interior and exterior. I even hauled a cast iron farmhouse style kitchen sink from WA to NC (just in case) and ohhh wait till you see it. That oh so sweet drool worthy sink deserves a post of its own.



                                                                        
                             


                                                                       
 
I've always been one to march to a completely different drummer and so it was, in this major move. I can tell you that painting old plank walls in this VERY small (five hundred and seventy square foot)  house that WAS filled top to bottom with furniture and unpacked boxes was no easy task. Oh, yeah - add in my fur kids to the mix. Then imagine remodeling and home improvement projects also going on. Oh how fun, NOT! Contortionist, yoga skills and muscles come in handy as I continue to work on and in this tiny farmhouse. Heck, it might have been helpful if I had seen the house (other than online) and through pictures, before I purchased it. However, that was not the case - I prayed, believed God and had faith. Faith means believing in things not yet seen. This move took a lot of faith, prayer, trust in God and hard work. God is AWESOME, and blessed me above and beyond, than what I deserve.


                                                                           
Tiny pumpkins weighing in









                                                   
Many years ago, before old windows and doors were popular I collected them. Their history told a story and I used to imagine what they would say if indeed they could talk. Where did those doors hang? Who walked through them? What kind of home were those vintage windows in? Who opened them to let fresh air inside?  What children peered out of them?  I upcycled vintage doors and windows way before it was cool to do so. I remember attaching legs to them to make end tables, a coffee table, a desk, as well as a dining room table. I  hung old chippy painted windows on my walls instead of artwork.

Later in life, I discovered a whole new world of vintage stuff. I began to really appreciate and admire antiques, quilts, and even my grandmas beautiful lace doily's. I started collecting items from the past and in the process I became a self proclaimed dumpster diva, roadside treasure rescuer, second hand searcher as well as a picker with a purpose- to create profits from my fabulous finds.
       
        
                                                                                                         
                                                                 
Small pops of fall color on top of the vintage jelly cabinet









The bedroom - with old wavy glass windows




                                                                          
















Front room in my tiny farmhouse


My comfy down filled sofa






                                                                    
And here she is in all her glory - My sweet farmhouse sink



                                                                      
Three Baby Boos nestled into a vintage soap dish



My sink was a wonderful find for just $45.00 on Craig's list






Galvanized counters and a hand made sink base













My farmhouse kitchen shelves


Farmhouse lace and rust.... what's not to love?








                                                         
  

                                                                     
My handmade kitchen tea cabinet
                                            
                                                                        
           

                                                                                      


                                                                                   


                                                                   


So there you have it.... Welcome to my little slice of farmhouse heaven. She is a work in progress and I continue to feel so thankful and blessed to be a part of history as I highlight the sweetness of this historic little house. When this farmhouse was built there was no electricity or plumbing. The original outhouse is just across the road in the woods. The place my washer and dryer sets is where families of past let down their bucket into the water well and pulled it back up for their daily water needs. Several local old timers that I have met since moving in, at one time long ago lived in my little farmhouse, and I have enjoyed their stories. And that was before a small addition was added to create a few more feet of space in the front room. Mind you, what is called 'the addition' is about the size of a motor home slide out. People did not need or use as much space as we have become accustomed to in recent years.

For me, for now, it is an 'almost' a perfect little farmhouse cottage. From the old original plank floors and walls, the wavy glass window panes, the sweet fireplace, and the wrap around covered porch, to the funky nooks and crannies, I love it. - Yep, she is pretty much a perfect place for me to nest in and call my home sweet home.

Thanks for visiting. I plan to share a few pictures in my next post of the three little pumpkins as they venture outside on a small journey around the local countryside. Until then please remember - It is never ever too late to create a happy childhood. Now go and play......


Blessings,
Tonita


                                                      
                                                                                   



                                                                          























































14 comments:

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Your tiny house is a dream! I love the faith of moving across the country!! Remodeling is always hard... sooo messy, my hat is off to you on that one!!! So cozy and so beautiful, I cant wait to look around more! Enjoy that sun, a wet October here in WA :-)

Hugs,
Bella

Donna OShaughnessy said...

Well Hello! I found your blog on the Two Men and a Little Farm blog and just became a follower. So glad I did! We live in a tiny grain bin house about 100 SF more than your farm house and love it after living in a BIG farmhouse for 20 years. I love all your pics and decorating. Really beautiful. I'll be back for sure.

Britt said...

I wonder what you have done with your little tiny house?
Do you took it with you?

And I hope that you enjoy your new house and it´s coming better for you.
You must show your new house outside.

Britt

mandy said...

Your new home is wonderfully charming, like a comfy blanket on a chilly night. Welcome to the East coast, where the good 'old sun visits us often.

Anonymous said...

Oh how happy I am to receive an email of your cross country journey & moving into a farmhouse just 520sf unseen. I admire you & loved the pics attached, smart move taking the sink - it's gorgeous. Love how you sweetly have decorated your little abode.

I recently bought a piece of property (.36 acres) sight unseen & hope someday to put my own small cottage (I'm in search of a house that needs to be moved!!) on it out in the country where neighbors are within hollering distance!!

Previously, I had a 1940s country summer house that belonged to a banker & his wife in the country with cattle to wake me in the morn, seeing the sun rise & set everyday. I loved that place for 5 years, but earlier this year sold it to move in with my 80 yr old mother to care for her. Prior to that, I had a 1900's country home for 16 years in a downtown little Texas town built from a Sears Kit with oak floors & walls - that was a huge labor of love fixing up & also purchased with only being able to see from outside. Loved it as well & raised my son in it.

Life is wonderful & people should walk out more on faith, I must hand it to you- - your faith is very strong to move from coast to coast!! WOW!!

Looking forward to reading & seeing more of your home & the 3 little pumpkins.

Being blessed,

Beverly

Tracy said...

Love it! Cant wait to see more.

DownTheLaneWithDaisy said...

You certainly got your money's worth on those sweet baby boo pumpkins".......I saw them in every photo. So, so cute. Just beautiful photos!

Tonita said...

Hi Donna,
Welcome - Your grain house sounds unique and also cozy.
Thanks for your sweet comment.

Valerie said...

Wow, I absolutely love the little peeks you have shown us of your new home! I can't wait to see more!

Mama Zeno said...

Is it me or do those pumpkins look very Happy.
Love your blog and cannot wait to see more of your adventure.
You are a brave strong Woman !!
Angie ��

Celtic Tree said...

Tonita! You're alive!! Glad to see things are working out in North Carolina! I have to ask - have you read "One Second After" a novel set in North Carolina?
Looking forward to your future posts.

FrenchHen said...

Hi Tonita,
Your kitchen is too sweet! You and I could be style sister's...Can you ever say no to a vintage kitchen or candy jar? (I can't!) am planning a small cottage and have many similar architectural pieces to use. I have a few questions about your kitchen sink; is there a way to private message you? Thank you for sharing your cottage!
Amy

Tonita said...

Hi Amy, Thanks for your comment on my farmhouse kitchen. Welcome. Sorry for the delayed response, I am not online everyday. I also love jars and they are perfect to store things in. My weakness are vintage chippy or rusty architectural pieces. My tiny house on wheels is 8x18' and my tiny farmhouse is 570' and I have made room to use vintage windows, doors, posts, & lots of ceiling tins in both homes. Cottages are charming. IF you respond to me and include your email I will catch it and contact you without making it public because I moderate all comments before I post them. That way I can answer your sink questions.

FrenchHen said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
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