| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Oct 19 2005 : 09:35:28 AM
I was reading the posts about Aunt Jenny's new cow comig home today. I can hardly wait to hear from her to see how things went. Then I got to thinking about being excited about someone getting a cow and how much my life has changed, especially in the last 6 months.
When I was 7 years old I decided that I wanted to be a secretary. I studied business courses in high school and worked in business all my life. When Missy was growing up in the 70's and 80's I worked full-time and really wanted a career with management in mind. My thoughts were on climbing the ladder, how much money could I make, and the next title I could earn.
In 1993 I got pregnant again at the age of 41 and in March 1994 had my sweet daughter Stephanie. When she was 8 weeks old I went back to work full-time and Missy watched her for me. Two years later I just couldn't take the stress of being away from Steph all day plus she was sick all the time. So I left my job and came home to be a full-time mom. I've worked off and on for the last 12 years and got laid off from my last job 3 years ago.
Flash forward to today -- I go to work on a temporary job and am excited about being back in the business world again. Something to work my brain and get to meet new people. A week later I have this revelation that I'm bored to death working in an office!!! It's hard for me to sit still at the computer all day and just do the same thing over and over. I just want to be at home, nesting in my house, and working around here. I tell my brother and sister how excited I am that Missy has goats and chickens. I tell them of my Farmgirl friends and the things that are going on here. I tell them about being excited because one of my Farmgirl friends got a farm or a new Jersey cow. They both think I've lost my mind! And if someone has told me 25 years ago that I'd be happier in an apron than a business suit I would have told them they were crazy!
I love my life now and wouldn't trade it for anything!
GO WHITE SOX!!!! |
| 17 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Julia |
Posted - Oct 21 2005 : 5:57:31 PM
Michele, just remember that the Proverbs 31 farmgirl didn't do everything all at once. I think we need to realize we need time to rest and regroup. Hang in there! You are doing well!
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Oct 21 2005 : 5:53:30 PM
Hi Girls, one of the many reasons I come "here" is because I can be just Michele. You know how we go throught cycles in life? Well, I'm in one of unfamiliarity. Trying to find the ground under my feet. Things are changing all around me & I dont feel ready, also I dont really feel I am changing with it all. I Cant say all the changes are bad but I'm feeling like my life is in limbo. I always had alot of close friends and family around me but in the last year or so that has changed. I wrapped myself up in my husband & daughter so much that everything else kind of went by the wayside. I choose that, but now Im feeling like I need just a bit more. At first I thought I'm just being selfish with my husband & his health, my older friend in ICU & failing and other problems, I cant think about what I want or need. My family is the most important thing in the world to me but I guess I finally realize I can make room now for others also without taking away from them. Being able to communicate on this forum has been a blessing for me especially the last few months. All of you have been a blessing. I love this, I never thought I would be a person chatting with people online, never. I wouldnt change it for the world. Michele
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| Julia |
Posted - Oct 20 2005 : 9:18:32 PM
Wow! Thanks for the kindness! You all are the best!
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| The Handmaiden |
Posted - Oct 20 2005 : 6:36:07 PM
Kay and all the rest...Blessings and more! Every time I come here I'm moved mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I'm entertained, educated, and encouraged. I'm inspired to be my best me and live my dreams. It's a beautiful place full of big hearts that understand the following:
RARE LOVE
When you have rare love,
your heart is not just in your chest,
it's all over your body.
You farmgirls are covered head to toe!
"Faith shall finish all that Hope begins."
joan walsh anglund |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Oct 20 2005 : 5:02:27 PM
I love to come here each day...I am inspired by you all~!! Life is great!
Jenny in Utah
Put all your eggs in one basket..and then watch that basket!! Mark Twain |
| tiffany01 |
Posted - Oct 20 2005 : 3:13:03 PM
It seems everyone finds this site forum just when the time is right. I've only been on a couple of weeks and my life has already changed! (already threw out the Windex and mixed some vinegar and water to wash the windows) I think of you all throughout the day (as I work at a BANK - the most non-farmgirl enviornment I can think of) and can't wait to hop on and see what's up. And it's good to know that other people like Julia have felt uncertain at the beginning of becoming involved here but I plan to stick with it. It calms me just to read through any topic. Then I take a deep breath and step back into the rest of my life, but I'm able to take some farmgirl with me each time, which makes me a better wife, daughter, friend, sister and co-worker. |
| hapyhrt |
Posted - Oct 20 2005 : 12:16:21 PM
(((((((Hugs for all))))))) This is the best board of friends I've ever known. When I'm feeling frustrated or down, lonely or overly anxious this is the place I come to and linger until the wonderful tidbits of wisdom from others (who somehow always seem to understand what I am feeling even without me writing the words) begins to soothe this very weary mind.
Thank you all so very much for caring, sharing and just being. Our love of country life, simplicity, hard work and determination to make dreams come true binds us together and blesses us all! I am thankful to "belong" and be "accepted" just for being me! ;)
"Think happy thoughts...any others aren't worth your time!" Ü |
| lamarguerite farm |
Posted - Oct 20 2005 : 09:22:02 AM
Julia- You brought tears to my eyes. I so relate to some of the feelings you have been experiencing. When I started to heal physically and emotionally is when I met my now good friend that owns a non-profit organic farm. My boys and I started volunteering 2x a week and helping with the animals, various chores and working in the gardens. I had begun to suffer from anxiety and I remember at times I would have been fighting anxiety all day. I had come to a place where I was learning to push through it and would go to the farm anyway. I would be in the middle of a project with the kids or feeding the animals and would suddenly realize that I had not experienced any anxiety nearly the whole time I had been there. There was something about the fresh air, digging in the dirt and loving on those animals that just lifted the stress away. I had also began to build a good friendship with the owner. She is my age and a single mom running this farm by herself with the help of volunteers. It was this friendship and my experiences on the farm that really started my healing process. I had always been interested in farming and gardening and living in a town home in town didn't really allow for this sort of thing. Because of financial circumstances and a need to get out of the city we ended up in the home we are in now. It has been a great starting place for us in respect to farming. I have learned so much already and the women on this board have been an incredible part of this learning and heeling process. I'm so blessed to have such wonderful farmgirl friends and love that you are so encouraging. We truly can come to this place and be who we are without judgement.
Blessings,
Missy
If you have a dream, even if you don't feel qualified to accomplish it, just try your hardest.-Maggie Jensen |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Oct 19 2005 : 9:39:03 PM
Patricia -- you just crack me up!! Whenever you want to stage an uprising just let me know.
GO WHITE SOX!!!!
http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Oct 19 2005 : 6:41:35 PM
Sigh I wish the men of the world could come together as we farmgirls have. There would be peace and giving and love and the world would be a better place. Let's kill them and take over! (heh heh...just kidding).
Julia, being the wife of a pastor is even harder than being a pastor. I pastored a church for a little over two years. I could have used a wife to help me! I saw how hard wives have it. Always having to set an example, be selfless, heading up every bake sale and hot dish dinner... My collar is off to you.
You girls are the best!
Love,
P
Happy Wishes! |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Oct 19 2005 : 6:19:29 PM
Oh you guys are so neat. Your posts just brought tears to my eyes! I am so grateful that I found all of you. Julia -- I am so glad that stuck with us and I'm so happy that you've found your joy again. Hugs to you, Julia!
GO WHITE SOX!!!!
http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
| KJD |
Posted - Oct 19 2005 : 3:47:57 PM
And may I add, without going into my story, that this forum, and you farmgirls are a direct gift from the Lord to me. Thanks to all of you! And I thank Him. |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Oct 19 2005 : 3:17:23 PM
Kay and Julia, Your posts brought tears to my eyes. You both so eloquently put what is in my heart about this forum. It has been such a blessing to know women like the both of you and all that post here...and I agree that one can truly be themselves here and share what is in their heart of hearts. I am a better woman and human being knowing all of you. I have learned so much wisdom and found a part of myself that had been buried so long. Thanks to all of you beautiful, wise women.
If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come. |
| Julia |
Posted - Oct 19 2005 : 3:07:19 PM
Kay, sorry, but I should have started my post with congratulating you on finding your way home. Life is definetly a process and it is always good when we listen our hearts, things always turn out better. Good on you!
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| sqrl |
Posted - Oct 19 2005 : 11:31:39 AM
Blessings to you Kay, you sound happy and that makes me happy. Change is good.
And good for you Julia for gaining a new prospective on life. Happy days!
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com www.sisterhood.sqrlbee.com
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| Julia |
Posted - Oct 19 2005 : 11:16:07 AM
I have been blessed to always be home with my girls as they grew up, one still being homeschooled. But I think over the past couple years I have struggled with the whole "who am I really" thing. I had lost my creative juices and even the desire to really care if the floor was mopped or if I dusted regularly. The house was clean just not as it use to be. It all be came a thing of duty, not delight. I didn't like the slump I was in. I have a great husband who never said a word, but as I knew he is a real neat and tiddy guy, I also knew it bothered him. I felt all used up, no more to give. Not only am I a wife and mom but I am the wife of a pastor. So I give a lot! I do more than I want to in the church, some because no one else would. I was serving but not with a joyful heart. So I was miserable, telling no one as I didn't want to disappoint; would they understand. I prayed a lot and cried when no one was looking. Why was I feeling this way? was it homones, was I losing my mind, was it... Long story short, I have been part of this forum since I think this July. At first I was frustated as I felt like no one wanted to respond to me. It seemed every time I would post, no one would respond or time would passed before someone would pick up the thread again. Gee, do you think I was feeling sorry for myself? But I stuck with it as I was encouraged by things I read and I was strengthen. I found a small book at the library written about a woman who had gone through her "mid-life" crisis, I was strengthen. I got my faith in the Lord back on track, I was changed and strengthen. I have my joy back, my creavtive juices back and motivation to do what needs to be done, and willingly. Being part of this Farmgirl forum has filled a void, has helped encouraged me to be the woman God intends me to be. I can just be Julia here, and have a place to come to refuel. This is how my life has changed in these past several months. I am grateful for the patience that the Lord and my family have had with me, and I am grateful to these farmgirls for how indeed they have blessed me just by being here.
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| Clare |
Posted - Oct 19 2005 : 09:55:24 AM
Good reflecitons, Kay! I wondered how the temp job was going for you. It's always best to follow your heart and everything will/does fall into place.
I agree, our friendships here- mostly cyber friends- altho a few of us have met- feel very real and enriching. I think we all know that we should be/ and are counting our blessings to have gathered together here. Thanks MJ and Cindylou for getting this venue active to draw us together!
May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being, may you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life. ~~Apache Blessing
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