| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Shi-anne |
Posted - Apr 05 2011 : 1:03:45 PM
With Mothers' Day just a month away, I thought it might be nice to list the women who had the greatest influence on our lives and why.....
Maybe it was your Mom or an aunt. It could have been a neighbor or a teacher, or like me, there may have been several who had a great impact on the way you live today.
So....Talk to us! 
Even though I didn't think so while growing up, my mom definitely left her mark. I catch myself doing too many things they way she did, especially in the kitchen to deny the facts! LOL
The lady I most looked up to, from an early age, was my great-aunt Sula. My grandmothers had both passed away before I was born, so Aunt Sula took their place. On a day to day basis, my life most resembles Aunt Sula's life (except she was a tremendous seamstress and I can barely thread a needle most days). I dreamed of living the life Aunt Sula and Uncle John had ---in the COUNTRY and here I/we are. We just don't have as much space as Uncle John did.
One of my favorite things about Aunt Sula, was her knack for hospitality. My dad was always amazed at the fact, we could show up at Aunt Sula's (without warning) and she would make a trip to the cellar, where she kept the bounty of produce she had canned, then stop at the freezer (which was in the tack room of the barn), come back and within an hour have a meal "fit for a king" on the table - complete with some type hot, homemade bread and dessert. (She made the best blackberry cobbler ever!)
Others that left their "mark" - my sweet mother-in-love who taught me so much about life in general and dear Sister Stroud, who was the most awesome Bible scholar I ever met - I didn't know it was possible to be that connected and "plugged in" to God's Word (especially for a "gal" - smile).
Who's lingering fingerprints can you still see on your life?
http://theprairiemaid.blogspot.com/
Farmgirls don't have hot flashes ~ They have power surges! |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Dorinda |
Posted - Apr 08 2011 : 08:16:35 AM
Hum I had several people who taught me so much about life. My Dad and Grandmother taught me how to grow a great garden and be patient and kind. My Grandmother was a wonderful farmer. She was a great cook and ask nothing of no one she could do it all. Can, pluck a chicken, Grow Roses and any thing you could eat. Make soap, Gosh she could do so many things I can not even think of all right now. My Mother taught me to crochet, and sew. My grandmother on my Mom's side taught me about God and believing of his plan. I wake up every morning and I know that God has a plan for me today. I stay very busy with my hands and always acomplish my goals Thanks to all the Wonderful people whom was in my life as a child. So I would have to say My Mom and both my Grandmothers. But my Dad was also very inspiring but I will save him for Fathers Day!
Seize The Day!
Dorinda |
| knitnpickinatune |
Posted - Apr 07 2011 : 08:56:31 AM
I had to ponder this one-and like Diane- my mother had emotional and lifestyle issues in life-but I must say she influenced me totally on being creative-thru her I learned to knit,macrame,taught me how to really do up a home for the holidays,always put up a flag on July 4,and even tho I was a tomgirl & didn't think I paid attention to her cooking instructions I find her instructions play in my head when I need them.
My g-grandmother who was sweet as anything & really lived her spiritual path of Christianity. (I have her crocheted doilies!)
My Great Aunt Erna Sullenger who wasn't afraid to tell me about our ancestors (her brother,my grandfather,kept all this a secret from me) a snazzy dresser and quick minded way into her elder years-very much a business woman with a quick wit.
And a woman I've never met- Sarah Ban Breathnach. Her books have helped keep me afloat in the darkest times,and motivate me to live a happier,more appreciative life-always in the present but moving forward.
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mando pickin,uke strummin, & fiddle sawin' Farmgirl #702 |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Apr 07 2011 : 08:40:44 AM
I would have to say without a doubt that my MIL was the biggest influence in my life. When I met my husband, we went to see his mother. I loved her right away. He is the youngest of 9 and he is a Momma's boy. But not like what you see in the movies or hear about on talk shows. Not her. She was the best MIL in the world. She taught me how to cook. And how to breast feed and take care of kids. She taught me SO much that I never got grwoing up. She passed away about 9 years ago and I miss her SO much.
And now I can say that my mother is a great influence for me. It's a long story, but she is my mother idol. She is a beautiful woman. She is a help and inspiration to so many people. She is still working at 79 years old. She is a counselor. She is wonderful. I love her so much.
What a great thread this is. I am going to read all your posts now.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| Shi-anne |
Posted - Apr 07 2011 : 08:13:05 AM
quote:
MaryJane and all you wonderful sisters are the new most influential women in my life. I am so glad that I found you all!
How true, Diane!
http://theprairiemaid.blogspot.com/
Farmgirls don't have hot flashes ~ They have power surges! |
| Fiddlehead Farm |
Posted - Apr 07 2011 : 05:59:14 AM
I love my Mom, but she has some emotional issues. When I was younger I felt like a mother to her. I have to say that my MIL influenced and supported me. She helped me financially and emotionally open my studio and shop. She is a fellow artist and was always there for me when I needed her.
MaryJane and all you wonderful sisters are the new most influential women in my life. I am so glad that I found you all!
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World!
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White |
| Shi-anne |
Posted - Apr 06 2011 : 2:40:15 PM
You gals are so awesome! Everyone's story is so interesting and no two alike! I love it.
You know, in looking back, it shows us the kind of women we hope to be. What will our daughters, neighbors, the girls at church or in 4-H....what will they one day say about us?
I would like to be known for encouraging others.
http://theprairiemaid.blogspot.com/
Farmgirls don't have hot flashes ~ They have power surges! |
| blackfell_farmgirl |
Posted - Apr 06 2011 : 11:12:12 AM
Hello all!
Hands down, My mom for sure! I would be a basket case without my mother! She is a gentle patient woman who showered me with love and made me a confident person. I think I would otherwise be angry at the world, kinda mean and otherwise much more cranky than I am now. :)
It is AWESOME that your ladies's sponsers are so great! Everyone needs that in their lives, even if we have had a comparatively easy up bringing with little grief, we still need those mentors and women in our lives.
blackfell_farmgirl
HorseCrazy! |
| CMac |
Posted - Apr 06 2011 : 09:56:54 AM
Mary Beth- You opened a topic I have thought about a lot since joining the sisterhood. I wonder how many of us there are here? The fellowship and my sponsor changed my life too.
Connie
"I have three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, three for company."
Author: Henry David Thoreau |
| Okie Farm Girl |
Posted - Apr 06 2011 : 09:41:30 AM
This is going to give a peek into my past, but I have to say that while she probably will never know it, my Al Anon sponsor had the greatest impact on my life. She introduced me to a way of life that was so alien to me and yet so full of promise and peace that I will never be the same again. Alcoholism is a terrible disease that impacts everyone whom the alcoholc touches but codependency is equally devastating. My sponsor led me through a very painful and difficult period of learning to live in total submission to God in the midst of the chaos that is life with an alcoholic. Though the alcoholic chose to leave that part of my life, I have grown, as a result, closer to God with a compassion and understanding for the many, many people all around who are struggling with the disease of addiction. I can't thank my sponsor enough for that blessing.
Mary Beth
www.OklahomaPastryCloth.com
www.Oklahomapastrycloth.com/blog
The Sovereign Lord is my strength - Habakkuk 3:19 |
| CMac |
Posted - Apr 06 2011 : 09:36:51 AM
The common thread here seems to be that these were the women that accepted us and approved of who we were. Then provided encouragement. God bless them every one!
Connie
"I have three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, three for company."
Author: Henry David Thoreau |
| BarefootGoatGirl |
Posted - Apr 06 2011 : 09:27:11 AM
One of our family friends has been amazingly supportive of me in so many ways that I actualy call her MOM. She is one of the few people who has always seen me as a talented artist with a gift insted of a lazy little girl who played around with bits of fabric and yarn. When everybody else was telling me that my creations were wierd, she was telling me to sell them. She was one of the people were insturmental in getting me to artschool.
www.barefootfashion.wordpress.com
http://www.corrinemackrell.carbonmade.com |
| CMac |
Posted - Apr 05 2011 : 9:25:04 PM
This is an awesome topic. I learned my love of gardening, needle work and cooking from my mother. She did these things so easily and well. I spent many hours observing and learning.
The other woman that influenced my life was my best friends mother. She lost her husband in the Vietnam conflict but raised two children alone as if it were easy. She was elegant, self confident, well traveled and (be still my heart) a librarian. We shared a love of reading like no one else in my life. She made sure I took advantage of any academic opportunity available to me. She nominated me for Junior National Honor Society. And, she was the one that told me being in your 50's was the best time of your life. I was 16 when she told me that and I never forgot. In fact by the time I was 35 I was looking forward to my 50's cause I understood what she was saying by then!
Connie
"I have three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, three for company."
Author: Henry David Thoreau |
| BalancingAct |
Posted - Apr 05 2011 : 9:04:13 PM
I want to join in on this.... The woman who had a major impact on my life was my G-Grandmother. I was with her a lot when I was young. She had the patience of a Saint! Rarely raised her voice, but got her point across in a loving manner. She taught me how to sew my first stitches and how to embroider at age 5. She taught me cooking. I made my first omelet at age 6. By age 8, I was frying chicken, boiling corn and cooking green beans under her supervision. She taught me the art (and yes! ladies it is an art) of washing clothes by hand and putting them out on the line to dry. She spent a lot of time reading to me(and teaching me how to read), a lot of it out of the Bible. She had vitamin and herb books lying around, so I "browsed" through those quite a bit. I also got "music appreciation" lessons by her insisting on watching Lawrence Welk! I learned a lot about her history; i.e. when she was growing up, her "survival skills" of living during WW I and WW II and also through the depression.
She's been gone now for many years. But her impact on me reflects in my daily life. Thanks G-Grandma!
Farmgirl Sister #2851 -"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| knittinchick |
Posted - Apr 05 2011 : 7:01:29 PM
Cheryl, such a good question! For me, it has been a few women. I'm only fifteen, but there are definitely a few standouts so far:)
Definitely Mom. She has shown me how handle difficult situations with grace and how to keep going when everything is telling you to just give up. She has always shown me love and care, and no matter what, she will always be my very best friend. I can only hope to be half the Mom that she is someday.
My best friend also has a great-aunt, we call her Eun-Eun (new new). She is the sweetest, kindest, most thoughtful woman I know. She is in her eighties, but she is still always baking and cooking for those she loves. She has been such a big part of my life, and I will always be touched by her kindness and love for children, even though I am not her own kin.
God's and Farmgirl's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal.
The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work. |
| Farmtopia |
Posted - Apr 05 2011 : 6:09:45 PM
Good question. For me, it was Mama. She is the reason for everything I do to this day. There is a whole irreplaceable generation of women who lived through wars, saw siblings and parents die early, and just KEPT GOING! That was my mother. She was a child in WWII. Did not see her OWN father til she was 7 because he was in the army. She drank powdered milk and took fish oil. She married my father and took care of him all his life (he was sickly) and helped him become a success at his job. She did all the hard stuff and did with grace and graciousness. I don't think that any more of these women exist. I get exhausted myself thinking about what amazing-ness of her life, even though they were "small moments." There is nothing big and famous about her, but there should be. She stands for all the right stuff, and I couldn't help but be inspired by that ;)
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
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