Hopalong Hollow....

Hopalong Hollow, where the Blueberries grow sweet, and the moss feels soft beneath your feet.

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Poor ugly Peggy!

Poor Peggy, she was never much in the "looks" department, but thanks to an overzealous rooster, 3 times her size, she has become even uglier.
 Scrawny, shabby and small with dingy white feathers and a flopsy  comb, you would think the boys would completely shun her.
 But not this handsome Big Bruiser, he adores her and has mated with her so many times, her poor little backside is bald and scabby due to his claws. She spends much of the day hiding under a concrete table in the garden just to avoid him....but he always knows where she is, and is never far from her side. He is smitten. I have treated her raw skin with ointments and am attempting to make her a little padded vest  to protect her back from the roosters deadly talons.
Hopefully, most of my Lavender chicks will turn out to be hens and NOT roosters.
  If so, the big Bruiser can divide his romantic intentions between MANY hens and not devote all his energy and ardor to the poor dilapidated Peggy.
 And since I'm on the subject of  LAVENDER chickens, allow me to boast about my lovely patch of Lavender, which, by the way, actually does look purplish, unlike some little chicks that I know.
 A month old now, pullets and cockerels. Hmmm. I keep wondering when they will turn colors....
BUT
 in the Potager, just look at that!
  For the first time ever, my lavender patch is producing prolific blooms.
AN update on  the sitting peahen, Hettie Pepper. She didn't have the patience to stay on her two eggs, which is probably a good thing since they turned out to be DUDS.
.
So now she's back to pestering the young pullets and cockerels all day long.
 It is an honor to be included in my favorite magazine's:
Early American Life Magazine
My work  was accepted in two categories for the "Directory Of Traditional American Crafts" for 2016
       1.  My Book Illustration, under the category of
 "Painting"



and
2. My  "Hopalong Hollowfolk"
 under the category of
 "Toys".
I've read this magazine for over 30 years.
To see all the wonderful craftsmen and artists selected this year, you can get the August issue at new-stands later this month.
One of my Hopalong Hollowfolk will be pictured in the Christmas issue coming out in September. 
The magazine kindly sent some free copies my way and I would love to pass out 5 of them to my readers. Just leave a comment below and Next week I'll pull 5 names outta the hat for the winners.

46 comments:

  1. Poor Peggy, maybe she should retire? The chicks look quite lavender to me.

    I d love to win a magazine, thx!

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    1. Peggy would like to retire, but despite her scraggly looks, she is a very young hen and the Big Bruiser is in love with her...love is blind

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  2. Congratulations! I can see exactly why your works were picked.

    Oh poor Peggy. She needs that vest ASAP!

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    1. I'm trying to figure out how to make a vest that won't come off, or get all pooped up!

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  3. Oh dear, poor Peggy! She looks pitiful.

    I think those little chicks have a lavender hue to their feathers.

    I love your blooming lavender. I can just imagine the scent wafting in the air when brushed against.

    Congrats on being featured in the Early American Life magazine.

    It would be nice to be one of your winners. Whoever wins will enjoy I know.

    Have a great week dear Jeri ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Sometimes when the chicks are in the shade with the green backdrop of plants, they do look lilac colored.

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  4. Jeri, your Peggy needs some help. Poor thing. The lavender is so lovely. It's one of my favorite fragrances and I can imagine when walking in your garden it smells divine. Congratulations on your well deserved honors! I feel honored to know such a wonderful artist. Enjoy a wonderful week. ♥

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    1. It is odd, the scent is not that strong yet, unless I crush the leaves with my fingers. I will soon harvest it!

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  5. I so look forward to your posts. In the craziness of this world your site is a safe haven and a quiet corner to come to when the world just gets too much.
    It gives me a fuzzy feeling that there are others who like this style of living. I still love my quiet little farm in central usa God Bless

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    1. Judi, I so appreciate that, thank you. The world is a mess, but I try to keep things peaceful and good, here in the Hollow. We all need to find some shelter in the storm, don't we?

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  6. OH! AM I TOO LATE to request a copy????? I was out all day long in the garden yesterday and was unable to get to the computer to visit my favorite blogs, but HERE I AM!! I want a copy, please Jeri!

    Congratulations for this honor in the magazine, Jeri! You have deserved this for so long, but one thing I think many artists like yourself should receive is an honor for perseverance. No way can any of you be so good if not for the time and practice you put into evolving your work. BRAVA!

    OK, now for the lavender. GORGEOUS! I am learning that it takes way more time for some of our garden goodies to develop. We planted a clematis years ago and it appeared to be DEAD, but this year, it came back with three flowers. OK.....but I am hoping that next year and beyond, we will have a cluster of beautiful lavender blue blooms.

    Those chicks! SWEET! They too will take time to show their true colors, and you are very smart and considerate to protect that poor Peggy! WOW, that rooster is one beefcake of a rooster, and he knows it! YIKES!

    Hey, gotta tell ya....we have a "village" of SEVEN blue jays that have set up shop in our garden. They come every day to sit on our arbor and to enjoy the water fountain! BIZARRE....always SEVEN. What appears to be the males, these guys feed the wide-mouthed females who fluff up and sit there, waiting.....

    Nature has been fun to watch since I've been off school. Gotta love these summer vacations as a teacher!

    Biggest hugs and congratulations on the magazine. I WANT A COPY, if possible!

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    1. Anita, that clematis of yours will be bursting with blooms next time around. It took mine about 3 years to bloom nicely, but now it's prolific. A bluejay family, that's a noisy bunch!

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  7. Poor Peggy.
    My son in law is raising lavender chicks. They were just turned out into a bigger pen and will join the rest of the flock soon. They are so interesting and can't wait to see them fully grown. I have one lavender plant and for the first time mine too is full of bloom.
    Congratulations on Early American Life!! You and your wonderful work deserve to be honored!

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    1. I wonder if your son's chicks have more color than mine? The interesting thing about this breed is that they never went through the awkward stage like most chickens do. They went from little chicklets to fat and fluffy in a month! So beautiful.

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  8. Prayers Peggy heals well, and rooster stays away from here. I hope the vest works. I see a tinge of lavender in the chick's feathers.
    Tinge is good. Congratulations! I'll look for the magazine online as well.

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    1. Peg is healing and becoming a recluse.....who can blame her?!

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  9. What an honor Jeri after all the hard work. Lavender patch is overflowing and gorgeous. I planted some plants around the city gardens this summer. Valentino, our favorite rooster, used to tear up the hens. My son and I tried everything, from masking tape on his spurs (it made them fall off) to gluing little balls on the tips. We just couldn't stand the injuries they inflicted, but he was such a friendly rooster. I think we even tried clipping them. One night, the coop didn't get shut, and early the next morning, Valentino ventured forth crowing loudly until a coyote got him.

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    1. Donna, I wouldn't mind at all if those spurs fell off! No chance of a coyote or even a fox around here anymore.... what with my dogs on guard. Those roosters just don't realize what a powerhouse they are. All my roosters are simply huge!

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  10. Dear Jeri,

    First of all, congratulations to you on being championed by the marvelous magazine. What good taste the editors have shown!

    Your chicks do have a certain lavender tint, which will no doubt deepen. Meanwhile, your lavender plants certainly are thriving.

    Little Peggy really does show us another side of nature that is not so beautiful. I guess it's not possible to send that rooster on an expenses paid holiday for a while so that Peggy might have some recovery time.

    Lots of love to you and all at the Hollow. xo

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  11. Frances, you make me laugh! Maybe I should send that Rooster on a trip to the cook pot! NAW.... I just couldn't do that.

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  12. Congratulations on your honor of being included in Early American Life. It's been years since I subscribed to it, so I would very much like to win one of your copies so I can see the article about Hopalong Hollow.

    I hope you will show us how you harvest your Lavender (the plant, not the chicks). I'm never quite sure where I should cut--just the stems? Or further down the branch. My Lavender is very scraggly and as soon as I harvest this year's blossoms (which I need to do very, very soon....I tempt fate and leave them to brighten my garden for as long as I dare) I'm digging it up and putting it elsewhere--out of view.

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    1. Cathy, I wish it were an article about Hopalong Hollow, but no, I am just one of MANY artisans who's work is mentioned in the magazine. There is a small image from one of my books and images for ALL of the other artists as well.
      As for harvesting the Lavender, I am reading up on that today so as not the mess up my plants. I will let you know how I do it.

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  13. Jeri, way to go getting listed in early American Life magazine. Always good to get your name out there. Folks in other parts (beyond Southern States) of the country need to be introduced to your art and critters. Poor Ms Peggy, she just doesn't know how to say no. And the big guy probably wouldn't listen anyway..... Poor gal, I feel for her. Hugs, Deborah Rogers Mercy

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    1. Deborah, I found a pattern to make a "chicken Saddle", specifically designed for overworked hens!

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  14. Poor Peggy needs a suit of armor! Congratulations on being in EAL. My mom always got that magazine when I was a kid living at home. I enjoyed looking through it. It has been several years since I have seen one so I will have to check out the Christmas issue.

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    1. Hi Wendy, My mom started me on the magazine way back. Now, I've gotten her a subscription to enjoy in her 90's!

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  15. Congrats on the magazine! It's one I haven't seen before so will have to check it out online. Hope to win in your drawing! The lavender must smell wonderful b

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    1. Hey, I've been using your twist every day, it is wonderful. I will soon harvest that Lavender, then we'll transfer that nice scent in the house.

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  16. Poor Peggy, you need to sew her up a chicken saddle. Congratulations on the magazine deal!

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    1. Pattie, I found a pattern for one on "Backyard Chickens". I could make her a lovely wardrobe and improve her appearance tenfold!

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  17. CONGRATULATIONS Jeri!! How very exciting and well earned!! :-)
    (I have all my EAL mags from now to the early 70s)!! ~hee~
    Aww poor Mrs Peggy!! GarBear just bought me a beautiful Chicken coop made by the Mennonite neighbor today!!Delivery on Wed!! Woohoo yippie~ But he said no roosters!!
    I am divided now (for I insisted on some lol)! But we will get some geese too YAY!!
    Happy first~day~of~summer~full~strawberry~rose~Moon~Summer Soltice!!
    Love LinnieLou!! :-)

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    1. YOU have to have at least ONE rooster! What kind of chickens are you getting? It is so difficult to choose, because of the many fabulous breeds. I love Barred Rocks and Orpingtons. Glad you will get your geese again, they are the best.

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  18. Oh Jeri, congratulations! I am so happy for you, and I agree with dear Linnie, well earned.. I would love a chance to have a copy of the magazine.

    You know, poor Peggy may not have the looks, but she must have some kind of personalty to attract Big Brusier. I just love your Lavender Chicks! Speaking of Lavender, your Lavender patch is a real eye catcher. Beautiful!
    Your HollowFolk are so adorable, Jeri.
    Love,
    Penny

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    1. She has personality, and she is pretty smart....for a chicken. She and Big Bruiser are definitely an odd couple!

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  19. Great news for a very deserving woman of many lovely crafts! I so enjoy reading about what is happening on your farm. And oh poor Peggy. We used to have a red rooster as well only we would need to keep a broom at the back door just for us to leave the house ! I am confident Peggy will soon have a beautiful dress of clothing and maybe she will show Big Bruiser all her pride once again! Thank you for the opportunity to win such a wonderful magazine with you inside ! I do hope it will be autographed and a sprig of your beautiful lavender tucked within. Peace to your Hollow ^;^ Pam T.

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    1. Pamela, we had a pair of turkeys that we had to fight off with a broom as well, they had dreadful personalities. How did you guess,had I planned to place a bit of lavender in with each magazine...harvesting today!

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  20. Congratulations Jeri! That is so fantastic!!!! Poor little Peggy. I did have to laugh a little thinking of her wearing a vest. hee,hee,hee. Those lavender chicks are adorable!!!
    Hugs to you my friend!

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    1. Hey Shell, I bet you could design a really cool outfit for Peg!

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  21. Am thrilled for you Jeri in having your art as well as your Hollowfolk showcased. A well deserved honor. As for Peggy...hope she gets a break soon. Looks like she needs one. Hooray for your patch of lavender. Looks beautiful. Hugs

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    1. Deborah, I still cannot get into your blog..I don't know why.

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  22. Oh Jeri!

    My heart broke whenever I read about poor ugly Peggy! It reminds me of the story my Mom told me from the time I was a little girl about her pet chicken. Her pet chicken was a little runt, evidently, and the rest of the chickens picked (and pecked) on her all the time. Mom said she cried and cried until Grandma agreed to make Mom's chicken a little pair of overalls. Now Mom must have pestered Grandma to no end, as Grandma had ten children and very little time to be spending time making clothes for chickens! Anyhow, Grandma made Mom's chicken a wee pair of overalls from some of Grandpa's worn out overalls (Grandma never threw anytime away - I'm sure of that). Grandma and Mom dressed the little chicken and Mom took her outside to see how she'd fare with her new protection. Of course, the other chickens were very curious and all ran toward the poor little thing. Mom said the denim was so stiff that her chicken rolled down the hill when she tried to run, so her new clothes didn't help a bit. Mom vividly remembered this story and told me about it many times.

    Someday I'll tell you about the time the pig swallowed Mom's pretty pink ring and the time Mom swallowed a bullet that ended up killing a bull. I wish all children had either such a childhood filled with wonder or a mother or grandmother to tell them of their youth. What memories!!

    Surely do hope that poor ugly Peggy can keep escaping or that her rooster admirer finds a new love soon.

    Diane in North Carolina

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    1. Diane, That is a great story! I feel more pity on that poor little hen in coveralls than Peggy. I spent the day on the porch working, and noticed that Peggy has made great friends of my dogs. They were all laying on the porch together, in front of a fan! I think the dogs are protecting her from the Rooster.

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    2. How wonderful that Peggy has made friends with the dogs!! What a sight it must be to have the three of them right there beside you and to think that the dogs are protecting Peggy from the Rooster. You surely do have a ready made source of inspiration for your breathtaking art. This very minute I looked out to see the three porch cats stretched out like a pride of lions. One day this past week as I went down the drive to get the morning paper, a bluebird, cardinal and yellow finch flew in front of me. Truly, I felt like Snow White in the forest. Aren't we just the luckiest people in the world to be surrounded by such beauty? Hope you have a great week...thanks for calming my worries about Peggy.

      Diane

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    3. How wonderful that Peggy has made friends with the dogs!! What a sight it must be to have the three of them right there beside you and to think that the dogs are protecting Peggy from the Rooster. You surely do have a ready made source of inspiration for your breathtaking art. This very minute I looked out to see the three porch cats stretched out like a pride of lions. One day this past week as I went down the drive to get the morning paper, a bluebird, cardinal and yellow finch flew in front of me. Truly, I felt like Snow White in the forest. Aren't we just the luckiest people in the world to be surrounded by such beauty? Hope you have a great week...thanks for calming my worries about Peggy.

      Diane

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  23. You are adorable.. and I have so much sympathy for poor little Peggy hiding under the table, little dear.. what a story teller you are.. just superb!!!

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