Minerva Returns With a Giveaway!

With snow on the ground, but spring in the air,
I have started to get ready for the coming gardening season.

With potting soil ready... this year's seed order has arrived.
I will be spending the end of the week in the greenhouse planting seeds.
For now, all that is growing is a salad mix...


Isn't that the most beautiful color ever?

Next on my list was to get Minerva off to the spa for a total make-over.
I am happy to report that she is back and looking finer than ever!


Minerva is one of those gals who seems to age quite well...
(with a few nips and tucks along the way...who wouldn't?)


Amanda found a hat for her.
After all, a gal has to protect her face from the harsh sunlight if she wants to avoid those wrinkles!


She was in great shape last spring.
Winter took it's toll on her, however,
and by February Minerva was looking quite sad...
standing alone in the cold... bedraggled, faded clothes, and weather-worn.


But now she is looking sassy and ready to take on whatever unwanted visitors
who appear in the garden.



She will be taking her place in the garden closer to wedding time,
so that her clothes stay fresh and clean.

I thought you might enjoy a quick peek at the changes that Minerva has undergone over the years...
for the 6 years that we have lived here on the farm.

2010...

2011...


2012...


2013...

2014....

Each year, you might notice, Minerva wears an apron...
because every farm girl needs an apron!



To celebrate Minerva's new look, I am offering a giveaway in her honor.
Leave me a comment, if you'd like your name placed in the hat,
and tell me what your favorite part of Spring is.
We will have a random drawing on Saturday and will announce the winner then.
Winner may have their choice of any of the Vintage-Inspired Chore Aprons
from the Bee Haven Marketplace (see tab beneath blog header).

Comments

Tuesday said…
Living in Florida for the past 8 years, I have forgotten (happily most days) what winter is all about and that beautiful transition to Spring. Growing up in Northern NY, I remember the smells and the balmy days and the feel of the wind like it was yesterday.

Last night we were sitting outside working on a farm project and the sky was just right and the wind was perfect and it took me back to my childhood and those memories of Spring emerging.

My favorite part of Spring is watching the color green go from light to lush.
daisy g said…
Minerva seems to have enjoyed her pampering. She looks fresh as a, well, a daisy!

My favorite part of spring is seeing the seedlings waking up and lifting themselves out of the ground. One of my favorite ways to grow sunflowers is to plant them in eggshells and see them come up. It just warms my heart to know that they will breathe new life into my garden. Seeds remind me of the magic of life. Truly amazing...

Thank you for a chance at one of your wonderful aprons.
Anonymous said…
Bev, loved the pictures of Minerva over the years! I am as excited as you are for Spring! I LOVE seeing the green of our perennials poking up through the ground, amidst the brown! It gives me so much hope! I squeal with delight every year! Congrats on being one of the blogs featured in the article, too!
Karla from Coal City, IL
GeorgiaHoneyBee said…
Minerva looks awesome! I need to make one for my garden because last year I could not keep the crows out of my garden after planting corn and sunflower seeds. I just do not have any sewing skills...

My favorite part of spring is getting in the garden and getting the seeds in the ground. A seed packet is a pouch of potential - and it is so fun imagining what the mature plant will look like and what I'll be able to harvest - all starting from those black and brown and green seeds!
Michle said…
The warm days, blue skies, trees and plants budding out, and the promise of new beginning this is what I like the most about spring. Would love to win one of your marketplace aprons. Thank you for being so generous.
Kathy said…
Very cute Minerva! Spring brings fresh air, warm weather, sunshine and finally, after a long cold winter, going outdoors again. Also, the excitement of watching the plants come thru the ground and poke their little heads up. I'm especially excited about some asparagus that I can pick for the first time this spring. Love seeing the rhubarb pop up, too!
Alice said…
I love how the plants emerge from the ground and change as the days get warmer and warmer.
colleen said…
Good morning.Minerva sure looks like she was not liking her job too much in 2012..but since then she looks so much more content. Little Botox in those bright red lips this year?? I would hang a hummingbird feeder near her!The best part of spring to me is watching my flower garden when it first starts coming alive. Please put my name in the hat...a chance to sport a new apron this summer sounds fun.
Anke said…
Minerva sure has aged well! You put a lot of effort into it and she will look awesome in your garden! Since I am the lucky owner of one of your aprons, I can attest to how beautiful and well made they are. That being said, I wouldn't mind adding another one to my stash. :-) Have fund planting seeds!!
Jennifer said…
Minerva looks like a new woman! :-) My favorite thing about Spring is seeing the pep in all the critters; busy building nests and starting new life. I also LOVE seeing new buds on the trees and new flower leaves poking out of the ground. Almost here! :-D
Dixie said…
My favorite part of spring is being outside. I feel like my poor, withered soul is bursting to life, just like the trees!

I love reading your blog everyday and especially the garden posts. I'm an avid gardener and love admiring what others have done. Your gardens are always so beautiful!
First, let me comment on Minerva. She seems to have started out with a much larger top than she has now. Maybe she's lost weight? Also, she looks much prettier in her dresses than she did in the jeans she wore earlier. And I really love her new hair. Great makeover.
My favorite part of Spring is that our hills turn green. California has brown grasses for several months and that burst of green with some Winter rain is absolutely beautiful. We all wish it would last longer.
Sara said…
Minvera is looking great for spring and the upcoming wedding!

My favorite parts of spring are listening to the birds in the morning, seeing the green grass, watching plants and flowers come to life and feeling the warm sun on my face! Spring is truly one of my favorite times of the year!
Gayle said…
My favorite part of spring is going into the farm stores, the first thing I hear are the peeps coming from the new chicks! Then getting to see them all ready for new homes. I don't have chickens right now but did in the past, so much fun when the days get longer and eggs come!
Anonymous said…
my friend is a gardner also. I must let her see this.

She has started or will soon get the
seeds in green house.

Enjoyed those greens.

Love your dolls.
Patsy from Illinois said…
My favorite part of spring is planting the garden. It is always amazing to me that with a seed, good soil and a little water, we can eat like royalty.

Love Minerva. Does she do Botox?
Carla said…
My favorite part of Spring is when the birds finally begin their songs! It lets me know that baby season for all critters is not long off.
Kendalle said…
I love the hopeful feel of spring. The sounds of the returning bird's song and the fresh smell of earth.
Anonymous said…
I love this blog, it is my first stop in the morning with my cup of coffee to see what is going on at the farm.

My favorite part of Spring is watching my rose bushes sprout new red growths and then roses.

Anna Galentine
Anonymous said…
My favorite part of spring would be how everything is changing from brown & bare to wonderful colors, plus the warmer temps are a plus!

Cheryl - Tulsa, Ok.
Junebug said…
Oh Minerva, you look like Spring makes me feel. With the sun my spirits brighten up and being outside digging in the dirt is the best therapy! I'm sure you will have a pretty apron for the wedding, maybe even in the brides colors. You are such a fashionable gal! Bring on Spring warmth, light and the springing of new growth!!
Anonymous said…
My favorite part of spring is....all of it. The babies being born (we have chickens, ducks, goats, pigs and cows. And of course cats and dogs :)), planting the garden, flowers blooming, beautiful weather, watching the wild birds teach their babies to fly and hunt. A fresh new year to learn more about farming and hopefully improve and learn from our mistakes :)
Stephanie Dzialo. Not sure if this is open to Canada, but I've always loved your aprons!!
Unknown said…
Favorite part of Spring? Used to be baby chicks and baby goats but now living in town, it means the flower garden will start to bloom. Maybe we need a relative of Minerva.
TNwoman said…
Minerva looks great, my poor girl still looks pretty rough. Spring , no coat and getting my hands in the dirt. My first flowers, my forsythia bush.. beautiful.
jaz@octoberfarm said…
is it just me or is minerva getting younger looking as the years go by? i could fix her up with my jake!
Cotton Blossom said…
Minerva looks fabulous!
My favorite part of spring is when I see the first robin in my backyard. I know it won't be long after that the dogwood trees will be budding. Thanks for the chance to win one of your beautiful aprons.

Laura Sudderth said…
She looks awesome! My favorite part of spring is sowing seeds and listening to the birds sing. I am lucky, I can direct sow.
My favorite part of spring is sitting on my front porch early in the morning and watching the world wake up....!!
Birds singing in the sunshine--is my favorite part--then add green grass and all kinds of colors of flowers and I am a happy camper!!!
smiles, diandmissgracie
Steph said…
My favorite part of Spring is knowing Summer is next! I do like listening for the songs that birds sing each morning. It is fun to try recognizing each birds different sound.
Lisa said…
The warmer / longer days. Robins coming back. Baby critters. The first crocus appearing in my yard. The snow going away! Lots of good things about spring!
This N That said…
Minerva has gone through a lot of transitions over the years..What a lucky lady she is to have all of these remakes available to her..Good job..
Deere Driver/Rose said…
You know what's sad? Its that I realized Minerva dresses better than I do when I garden!!!! Geez!

I love seed starting, but that is almost a winter project, so I will say going to the nurseries in May to look for new plantings is my favorite ritual of Spring.

Lovin' the sunshine in CT today!
Rose
Unknown said…
Wow she sure has changed LOL And I can't believe how much her clothing faded by the end of last year!!! My favorite part of spring is starting to work getting my vegetable garden ready to plant. This year we found 35 vintage windows that we are making into a "fence" around our garden. Also going to put in a screen door for a gate. Can't wait to see what it will look like LOL
Grandma Zee said…
The warm sun and all the plants peaking thru the ground. Then I can start planting. Nothing better than digging in the dirt in the early spring. Love your blog. What did you make Minerva's head with...she is just great and I am thinking her sister Exmerelda would like my garden !
Anonymous said…
Good day Miss Minerva, hope your day will be loverly..I so enjoy the starts of daffodils and then our tulips start oh, my goodness sakes, I adore the weather and the smell of fresh grass..The sun shows it face and the skies get blue and then it is cool not hot..I love your blog, would love to win the apron, I am a full figured gal hope it would fit I would manage, love to have one on myself all the time as I love baking and cooking..reminds me of my grandmother and her many aprons she let me wear them when I was tiny and I got a few when she passed from this earth..Have a wonderful Spring Miss Minerva..ciao mary from maryjanesampson@outlook.com
kellie frankeny said…
The brown hills turn green and bloom in yellow and orange wild flowers, the sycamore trees wake up and ornamental magnolias bloom during our brief and subtle Southern California spring. My favorite part is when the bluebirds show up. I wish we had dogwood trees here. I love them the most.
Country Gal said…
Looking good every year Minerva . We are in a big melt down here the land has warmed up as have the temps to 50F and the sun is stronger now to puddles are every where and the Robins returned earlier today . I love this time of year when signs of spring show up ! I love your Aprons . Lovely photos , Thanks for sharing have a good day !
Oh, I would love to be entered to win an apron!
My favorite part about Spring is watching all of my perennial herbs and greens come bounding back from underneath huge layers of mulch. This year, the chives were first, but the Good King Henry was a close second!
Unknown said…
My favorite part of spring in the northwest is the wonderful smell early in the morning and right after a rain shower- it is full of promise!
Lisa said…
I think one of my favorite parts of Spring is when my tulips come up! : ) LISA
Amy said…
My favorite part of spring is longer days and all the new flower and tree growth! Renewal if you will. I read your blog daily and love all the "tails" from the farm.
Bee Haven Bev said…
Minerva's head is sewn from fabric....I make it similar to how a football is made...with the front two sections a cross section of her face.
Bee Haven Bev said…
I would gladly sew a head for you that you could stuff and paint if you like!
Norma said…
I get a smile on my face when I see the hyacinth poking through the snow. I know Spring is pushing Winter away!
Anonymous said…
My favorite part of Spring is when our magnolia tree bursts out in gorgeous pink flowers. It is the view from our kitchen windows. Beautiful.
Barb from PA
Ellen in Oregon said…
Minerva certainly has changed in looks & style over the years. In my humble opinion, she actually looks better with each passing year. Her face looks as though she has had some cosmetic work done with those fillers & perhaps a face lift or two, but whatever you have done for her, she looks marvelous. She looks great for the Wedding this summer & she will be stunning once she takes her place in the garden.

My favorite thing about springtime is knowing that it is a time of renewal for all living things. I feel revitalized & energized to get back out in my garden & being to create new combinations of plants & flowers for my container garden. I love planting small pots of flowers & greenery, envisioning what they will look like when mature and in full bloom and then watching them transform in large beautiful displays of color that I can enjoy until fall. Nothing is more satisfying than tending to your garden and watching it become what you pictured back in early spring.
Sherry B said…
My favourite part is watching for the first green sprouts to appear. At our first farm we had the vet in as we had a couple of foals born. This vet is really good but he travels with his Jack Russell terrier. We had open range chickens then and within the first 10 minutes that little dog killed 4 chickens. We have always had at least 4 dogs and they have never touched our chickens.
Lisa said…
I enjoy spring as the earth wakes up after a long cold winter; the birds chirping earlier every morning and the snippets of green and then bits of color here and there until everything is once again washed in color! Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into your blog, it is a joy to read and very informative!
Susie2 said…
Without a doubt my favorite part of spring is when my lilac bushes bloom. We have four bushes and when the doors are open their fragrance fills our kitchen and family room.

Thanks for your wonderful blog!
My favorite part of Spring is being able to start planting my garden!
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
Anonymous said…
Honeysuckle and the birds busy building their nests!
Anonymous said…
This is my favorite-est part of spring - the birds come back and are filled with sing! They flit and flirt and puff up their feathers. They are filled with joy at the end of bad weathers!!!! And so am I, so am I!
Bee Haven Bev said…
Thanks for the poem, Dianne!!!! Got your other comment too!