You may recognize the name “Thankful Roots” from my first love, painting barn quilts. The name started so small, as a thought I had 5 years ago, when I felt lead in my faith to share the way I remembered to stop and be thankful for all the blessings in my life. We had just bought our first house, I was so overjoyed and awe-struck and grateful and just felt all the things. We were two 21 year old kids who had no idea what we were doing, but so ready to get started and I remember sitting in the empty dining room floor, in the shadow of towers of boxes, and just staring at all this space that was all ours and I thought of how blessed we were. I never, ever wanted to forget this feeling, nor did I ever want to forget to thank God for it. I dug out some paint and a canvas and I scribbled down “What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?” Every day that sign has reminded to stop and thank God for all the blessings of today and pray for the mercy to carry those things into tomorrow.
I had been painting barn quilts for a few years at this point, and thought what if my paintings could serve as reminders for others, too. Building off the sentiment of being thankful, I began with one of the things I have great gratitude for; roots. I’m so proud of and thankful for my roots, my upbringing, and a place to call home, so my first collection was “Thank God I’m from…” and I painted 8 barn quilts to represent different states around me. I had so much fun creating these designs, meeting people just as eager to give thanks as I was, and sharing these pieces of my heart, by painting and by writing, and so, the name felt like a no brainer.
But over the years, as we’ve gained children and chickens, outgrew that first little house, and lost a whole lot of sanity, there’s even more to be thankful for with each passing day. Finding our dream homestead, which came with the room to roam our family so desperately desired, leaves me pinching myself most days. The ability to add livestock, a garden, and the knowledge to properly foster both has been a blessing that if you had told me about 10 years ago I would have laughed. And now the chance to extend this blessing to our friends and family… It’s more than we could have ever hoped for. God has worked in such miraculous ways and gave life to dreams my heart had buried. I’m in awe of how things have blossomed, but I’m especially thankful for the roots of it all. Thankful Roots at Dalrymple Farm felt like a no brainer, too.
Thank you for being here, for supporting a small family with big dreams and tagging along for this sometimes crazy ride. We’re truly thankful for YOU!