Today marks my 56th trip around the sun. In many ways, this has been the best year of my life. But it also has definitely been the absolute worst. I have written this all down for my kids But perhaps it can also offer hope for others. To inspire them to keep going. Never give up. Just Keep Twisting Hay.
The Long Hot Summer
Last August marked three months without rain. Despite daily watering around the foundation of our home the clay soil had started to shift the foundation at Storybook Cottage. We could see small cracks in the walls and ceiling starting to develop. In many ways, this would be the foreshadowing of several things to come.
Just a short time later I sat in the parking lot of a doctor’s office. I had just been informed that I had Lupus, an autoimmune disease that currently, there is no cure for. I was thankful for the diagnosis. To learn that after years of doctors telling me that my constant daily pain was “all in my head” or “just the normal part of growing older”, I wasn’t crazy. But there would be no easy fix.
Within days, I would begin following the Auto Immune Protocol (AIP) Diet. This restrictive way of eating makes the Whole 30 diet seem like a glorious buffet.
A few weeks later storms finally brought rain but also so much more. A tornado with 80-mile-an-hour winds took its toll on our home.
As Mr. Decor was still recovering from a broken back we would need to hire workers to repair the wall. We were shocked to learn this brick garden wall would cost over $16,000 to repair.
Within two weeks, while we tried to file and navigate our insurance claim, our HOA threatened to put a lien on our home. In fear we would lose our home, we paid the repairs as we could not wait the months it would take insurance.
A Rocked Foundation
A few weeks later we would come to learn that the storm had truly shifted the very foundation of Storybook Cottage. The repair was extremely messy and very, very expensive.
The repairs completely tore up garden beds I had spent years creating, as well as damaging cement walkways and more.
No sooner did we catch our breath I had a horrific accident. Getting up in the middle of the night I tripped on the way to the bathroom. I broke my jaw, several teeth, split my chin open, and bruised my left orbital bone. My mouth was wired shut for weeks. (At this time I still have one more surgery to go as well as some extensive dental work.)
But Wait There’s More!
June almost finished me off.
Our floors has begun to have issues due to the foundation woes. They needed to be replaced. However the removal of the existing flooring proved to be an almost insurmountable task as it had been super duper glued directly to the foundation. Various means of removal proved useless.
Also during this time Sweet Guy developed a virus that to this day we are unsure of what it was. All tests for Covid, Flu, Strep, etc. came back negative. He battled 103+ degree temperatures for almost a week. I have never seen him so ill.
Still recouperating myself it truly pushed me to my limit. Mr. Decor was working out of state at this time so I had to truly dig deep to find strength to get through each day.
Finally, the new flooring was in!
I was starting to feel better!
But there was only a short respite. All of the shifting to the foundation during repairs had somehow damaged a section of plumbling located under the foundation. We had no hot water for a week while the issue was resolved.
We are currently walking on eggshells, barely breathing. Hoping against hope that Storybook Cottage has finished with its year long temper tantrum.
Do you know what my mantra was during this time?
Just Keep Twisting Hay
In the book The Long Winter, Laura Ingalls Wilder recounts the hard winter of 1882-1881. Endless blizzard after blizzard bombarded the prairie. Trains were not able to deliver goods. The town ran out of coal to burn for heat, and even the lumber yard in De Smet sold out of all its sawn boards. Food was scarce, to non existent.
Pa came up with a solution to keep his family from freezing to death. He traveled to the Big Slough and returned with a wagon full of hay. He twisted the straw tightly together to create something similar to a log of wood. This kept the stove going for both cooking and heating one room of the house. Laura later joined Pa in the efforts to help her family.
Despite near starvation and exhaustion, Laura never gave up. She just kept twisting hay.
Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society. It shows the “snow blockade” from March 29, 1881.
Hello Stranger
Looking into the mirror today feels unfamiliar. My face is hagard. There is a definite gauntness. I have lost almost 25 pounds due to the AIP diet, jaw wiring and limited foods I can now manage to eat. I am also still missing two teeth as implants are so expensive. So there is a bit of a hallow look in my face.
Most women would not think “Let’s schedule a photo session!”
But as hard as this year has been there has been SO MUCH BEAUTY!
I have been given a glorious opportunity to share my Little House clothing collection.
The wee boots were an early birthday gift from my dear friend Carol. They belonged to her dear Aunt Vivian.
When I look into the mirror I don’t quite recognize myself . But I do see SO MUCH LOVE!
It’s no secret that I rarely ask for help.
But this past year my dear friends have shown up in ways I never dreamed of.
I only had six weeks to create the initial twelve costumes that were featured at the Simi Valley Festival.
So This Is Love
I sent out a call for help and my dear friends showed up for a day of stitching and stuffing prairie pigs and ponies. These items I would sell in my booth to help offset the travel costs and be able to donate to various Little House fundraisers.
I adore these women!
Even far away friends kept me going with beautiful letters, thoughtful gifts, and texts such as “You can do it!” and “I am so proud of you!”
So yes, I wanted to remember ALL OF THIS. This year that has rivaled Dickens in that it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Earning My Stripes
It’s been on my bucket list for several years to recreate this amazing blouse Laura Ingalls Wilder wore in 1917/1918.
Laura’s blouse has many of the features of the the Armistice blouse. The style was a transition from the Edwardian Gibson Girl shirtwaist to the simpler fashions found at the end of World War I in 1918. I wrote another post about these blouses HERE.
Silk and Thimbles
Blouses during this era definitely were influenced by military uniforms. This was one reason I decided to search for a blue and white striped fabric. Although we have no idea what color Laura’s original blouse was.
It took me about two years to locate a fabric with just the right width of stripe. While Laura’s fabric appears to be a delicate cotton batiste, I was only able to find a similar stripe in linen.
In what I can only describe as Little House magic the fabric was sitting in a scrap bin in a small store in NYC’s garment district. There was just enough for what I had in mind.
A few months later I found a pattern that I thought might work. The Silk and Thimbles Marcelle blouse, view A.
In the end I had to adjust the pattern quite a bit to get it closer to the final look. The collar alone was redone three times. I had to shorten it considerably.
Making the blouse was a slow, tedious process.
Fenton Photography
By dear friend Anisa of Fenton’s Photography, showed up on an overcast day to take the photos. She is a master of her craft. Her specialties are wedding and maternity shoots.
I put a wee bit too much starch in the collar. Next time I will use a bit less so it lays closer to the original.
Of course, a side by side shot, was created just for fun.
The Fashionista and I are leaving for the East Coast festivals later this week. Mr. Decor and Sweet Guy will keep the home fires burning. I feel so incredibly blessed to have the love and support of my family. This truly has been the greatest gift of all.
While there will probably be no new DTA posts during this time I will share snippets on my Instagram account.
Thank you dear readers for your lovely support and good wishes as well. You are treasured!
Laura
Wow, Laura, what a year. Happy birthday! I’m so sorry for all the bad that has happened this year—but so thankful for the good and the beautiful throughout. That side-by-side of you and Laura is just stunning.
I knew you were having one thing after another but I had no idea that the flooring being redone was an issue from another mess.
I surely admire you for your courage, and dedication. Your your determination to forge through like the train .
It seems when life throws us curves and most of us will bend like a reed in the wind to adjust to the storms and diversities that are thrown/blown our way.
It’s during that period that we become our strongest and not stiffen when these things happen otherwise we would snap/break.
It’s during these times/moments that we have to rely on our unseen hand of God to guide us through that storm and that’s why one keeps on Twisting Hay. ♥️
Oh my dear sweet friend, you are such a positive inspiration to so many of us. Your inherited grit and determination from your Ingalls forebears shines brightly. I wish I lived closer to you so I could help wherever you needed it, but be assured you are in my daily thoughts and prayers from afar. Have a blessed birthday….you are so deserving of life’s best. Love you. ❤️
FIrst of all, happy birthday, Laura. Another trip around the sun and it certainly hasn’t been the best of all time, has it? But you not only survived, you thrived. Your costume project would be a challenge if all else in the world was ticketyboo. But you did it. You have traveled, met wonderful people, had dear friends, and a beautiful family, who haven’t been without their own physical challenges. You, my friend, are a survivor, and survivors deserve to celebrate. So I hope you have the AIP equivalent of a best birthday cake ever and are wined, dined and feted to the max. No one deserves it more! Happy new year, for it is a new year for you.
I will echo Miss Barbara’s sentiment…what a year! Talk about being bombarded with problems, most of them expensive and/or life changing. Fabulous picture of you with Laura. Happy Birthday! You are on my prayer list for healing.
Oh my goodness, Laura, what a diary of misfortune! And how you overcame it all! You are one amazing, admirable woman! Anisa’s photos captured only your beauty and I cannot detect any gauntness whatsoever! And your resemblance to Laura Wilder is incredible! I hope this birthday year is full of only good and happy things for you. You have really been tested but nothing has kept you down as you kept on twisting hay! Thank you for the nod to Aunt Viv’s little shoes – I love the way you honor vintage treasures. Have a wonderful time on your next trip! ~ carol
Wow, what a rollercoaster year! Hopefully this next year will be much calmer and you’ll be able to regain some equilibrium. Highs and lows like that can be so exhausting! Happy birthday!
Laura, you are a blessing and an inspiration. You definitely have Laura Ingalls Wilders determination to keep going no matter what. All you have faced this year reminds me a bit of what Job in the Bible went through. Sure you didn’t have losses like he did, but you had a lot of hardships. I can see that despite it all you are a stronger person. God bless you as you continue your journey through life. Thank you for sharing your story. Blessings and happy birthday!
Happy Birthday! What a year you’ve had and what an inspiration you are to all of us! Enjoy your trip! N Can’t wait to hear about it.
Your year has defiitely been a trial, but you are just as beautiful and stunning as always. You can survivve aything and have.. I wish you the most happy birthday ever. Love you dear friend. Marty
Happy Birthday, Laura,! You are an amazing, talented woman.
Laura taking a quote from the move Steel Magnolias…”That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.” You have certainly been challenged this past year and I can relate from my illness of Pancreatic Cancer several years ago. I remember praying and being prayed for and trusting God that His will be done. For me it was a win-win situation. I clung to Bible verses Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:13 daily. “All things work together for those that love God” and”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I have been praying for you dear one and it is good to know that you ” kept twisting hay”. Bless you ….and the photo of you and Laura is amazing as is your beautiful blouse and I like to think Laura’s was blue denim also. Stay cool as another season will be here before we know it. Hugs!
Happy Birthday Laura!! I absolutely loved reading this story about your year even so it was so hard for you, and you yourself went through many heartbreak yourself. I am so glad to hear that you are so strong, and kept looking forward even though it wasn’t always so positive. You are such a role model to so many women. Your beauty shows, and you are absolutely stunning in the side by side photo. You always amaze me with your work!!! Kathie from Lancaster ca
Laura, I had no idea. What an awful year. I hope writing about it was provided some much needed relief. I too struggle with Lupus. It’s being managed with meds, diet and exercise. I hope yours has been managed for you. I think you look beautiful. I’m sorry I haven’t checked in as much as I have in the past. We were blessed with a grandson 20 months ago and we are smitten!
WOW!!!! You nailed it on the recreating the blouse…….AMAZING!!!! Of course, all you do fantastic. Your attention to detail shines through. You are truly a look alike to Laura. Your photo shoot looks beautiful and you are healing very well. Very pretty pictures.
Yes, I have been, quite a few times, with everything piling up on me also. I allow myself to fall apart and question…now what? After the tears clear the fog, I get up and think logically….with prayer. One day at a time…one step at a time. Then I plow through. Not always easy, by no means.
I live alone now and my biggest fear is a terrible fall. And what would happen to my pup if it did happen. Prayer!!!!
Happiest of Birthdays to YOU!!!! With wishes of a much easier, and fun year!!!
Laura, I’m in awe and amazement of what you have been through, friend. I’ve been praying for you since you shared the first of the news. It’s hard to understand why some things come as they do, but I know God has His hand on you and is with you through each step of it. The blouse and resemblance is so wonderful. Your professional photography is just fabulous and I think you look absolutely beautiful and stunning. Stay strong and positive as I know you have. God’s Word is a comfort and sustenance. Blessings to you and your family!!
Happy Birthday dear Laura! Wishing you a very happy day and a much less stressful year ahead. You have gone through a year that would try anyone and yet you came out the other side with a smile and grace. At least Storybook cottage will be stronger and ready to face the year ahead as well with all its repairs done. Take care and enjoy your lovely home, your beautiful family, your wonderful friends and your travels to come. You deserve a break and a fun trip. May I suggest that your travel companions wrap you in bubble wrap and some cotton wool so you don’t have any more bumps or injuries on your way. Can’t wait to hear all about it. Sending love and best wishes!
Dearest Laura, You are absolutely STILL beautiful! You really do favor Laura Ingalls Wilder in the side by side photo. The portraits your friend took of you are breath-taking. I hope you have the bestest time during these next Little House reunions and get to know the actors that made it come alive for all of us — and have fun!!!! Much love to you!
Dearest Laura, first of all, happy birthday to you! Prayers for you and your family and good health for all!
I echo all the comments given here on your post. Thank you for sharing with us the good and the bad. You are truly inspiring !
With prayers and best wishes
Pam.
I know you’ve had it rough but you are a beautiful lady and the blouse is done to perfection. There is a reason for everything but God will not put you thru what you can’t handle and you’ve proven his love. Prayers and hugs.