Amid the hubbub of our modern must-do-it-all lifestyles, there is a longing that lingers for simpler schedules and down-home happiness. You know the feeling. It lingers in me, even as I wake each morning to my beloved farm outside my window. I find myself too busy too often, and I end up shirking my instinct to soak up the slower side of life. That's why I like little reminders. A rustic framed picture of a frontier woman here, an old cast-iron kitchen tool there. More than a collection of matching frills for a superfluous show home, my collection of kitschy knickknacks and down-to-earth decor has been harvested over the years of my life by hand and by heart. And while they don't exactly define who I am, they do help me keep in touch with my inner farm girl when the world around me is going a bit bonkers.

One of the most quintessential symbols of sweet and peaceful settings is the picket fence. We're talking Americana at its finest, from rural outposts to close-knit communities. Picture a picket fence and I bet you'll find yourself feeling welcome, wholesome and safe. There's something about bordering one's place with a picket fence that says "this is my haven" without being boorish or exclusive. Come on in, it beckons, make time for a chat over tea.

Given the good vibes and undeniable nostalgia of a simple whitewashed wooden fence, it seems a natural addition to the environs of a farmgirl who finds herself in need of some old-fashioned nurturing. No need for a farmhouse or even a yard. Today's picket fence needn't delineate a property boundary. If you have room for a full-fledged picket fence by all means, go for it with gusto. Picket fences make wonderful borders for walkways and gardens, and they are more than happy to perform dutifully as trellises for climbing plants like wisteria. But if you'd rather keep your fence close by as a gentle reminder of the virtues of seeking moments of slow-down solitude, then I have an idea that may be just right for you.

The following project makes a unique picket-fence bulletin board - your own small slice of picketed paradise where you can hang photos, dried flowers, lace, hankies and other pretty delights that inspire you. It won't take long to create, but I assure you that by lending your hands to a few minutes of simple work, you'll find your mind quieting down and your stress level ebbing. The experience of building your own fence will imbue the final product with a peace you simply can't buy. Hang it near your everyday workspace (instead of a generic bulletin board), and your picket fence will help you recall the moments that matter most.

Picket fence memory board

Here's what you'll need:

1. One white or unpainted wooden picket fence panel 2 to 4 feet in length. If you have access to an authentic fence or gate that is cheap or free for the taking, this would make a perfect memory board. Fencing is also available in 4-by-8-foot sections at Home Depot and other home-improvement centers for about $30. Simply ask the lumber-section assistant to cut your panel in half or thirds to suit your sizing needs. (You can use the extras to make gifts.) If you can't find a white panel or wish to use another color, try painting your wooden fence with old-fashioned milk paint for a classic look without toxins (www.milkpaint.com).

2. Hang your "bulletin board" using heavy-duty picture wire or strong jute on secure wall mounts or nails.

Copyright 2010, MaryJane Butters. Distributed by United Feature Syndicate Inc.