Earnest Efforts: 2013

We Get Giddy About Wood Treasures, Flowers & Hummingbirds

I just have to show off the treasures I scored from Wooly Moss Roots' booth at the Eugene Saturday Market this weekend. I LOVE their booth and all the wood, wool and natural body care treasures they create. But even more importantly, I feel just so happy after visiting with Taryn, Jeff and Bracken. They are a joy to be around. Now, I know not all of you can just pop by their booth at market, but you can visit their two fabulous shops on Etsy at Wooly Moss Roots for their buttons, woolies and natural body care or Mystic Orb for their super-fantastic wood jewelry.

Buckthorn Buttons

Variety of Wood Buttons

Sassafras Earrings

Earnie took a break from the sawdust cathedral and headed into the garden and around the house to share a little taste of summer in Olalla Valley.

and last but not least... we've been having amazing hummingbird battles over the three feeders we put up this year. Our Nannie,

Hummingbird Earrings by Blessed Bead By Nome May

who is now 94 years old and I get to visit nearly every Friday in Eugene, has always LOVED hummingbirds. (I gave Nannie these precious amethyst hummingbird earrings made by my dear friend Nome May of Blessed Bead - also a gorgeous booth to visit at the Eugene Saturday Market or in the cyber world on Etys at Blessed Bead by Nome May).

When I visit Nannie I always try to bring her pics from our yard of the flowers, chickens or the hummingbirds. We've had wonderful stories to share with her of the up to 7, yes seven, hummers battling over one feeder. These are a few pics that we've shared with her this summer.

Thanks so much for visiting and we wish you all a lovely ending to your summer.
With Love,
Earnie, Ellie & Myrtle Jo Efforts

Our Friend Timmy

It's been just over a week since our dear friend Tim Walsh passed from this life. Our grief is still raw, but our memories and love shine bright.

We met Tim & Jen on their first day set up at the Eugene Saturday Market a number of years ago - how many, I can't remember. I can still remember that first moment of discovering his incredible hand-carved stone heads - they were something of my dreams. Faces that quietly whispered from the rock. He would carve them with whatever tool he had on hand - something as simple as a spoon and find that face in the depths.

When Earnie and Timmy met they were like two peas in a pod. They shared many, many memories of moments in time, thoughts on the world and their own crazy sense of humor.

Every day we are honored to remember him and send loving kindness to his precious bride, Jen. Together and as individuals they have inspired us with their lighthearted wisdom and love of life and contagious laughter. In death Timmy left us in awe as he transitioned peacefully to the next path. He was a gift, a very precious gift and we are better humans for having him in our life. Happy Trails dear friend...

More of Tim's wonderful carvings

Wooly Moss Roots Features Earnest Efforts

Dear Friends -
Just a quick note to entice you into heading over to our very favorite blogger - Wooly Moss Roots. They are featuring Earnest Efforts this week and we are celebrating with a giveaway. You can enter to win one of our wood hair barrettes. You can also take a side trip and see the most fabulous wood working by Taryn & Jeff in their two Etsy shops Wooly Moss Roots and Mystic Orb.

Thanks for visiting and remember...
Take care, be good & kind, and don't forget to laugh,
Earnie, Ellie & Myrtle Efforts

Walking on Sunshine

Dear Friends of Earnest Efforts -

Spring is here. We know this because the sun feels amazing, the delphinium are six inches tall, and the buzzards are back. The spring sunshine is recharging our batteries after a relaxed and joyful winter and dare I say it...life is good!!! This three month break is winding down and we'll soon be immersed in Saturday Market, Earnie will be in the garden and we will be full speed ahead. We love it. In the mean time here is a photo journal of some of our inspiration around Olalla and just a little nonsense...

WALKING IN SUNSHINE