| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| cajungal |
Posted - Jun 02 2024 : 04:51:39 AM
Life's journey is technically a straight timeline from beginning to end. But, it's actually a forward path with unexpected twists and turns and makes that straight timeline into a wavy one progressing forth.
In 2005, I came across MaryJane's Idea Book and subsequently found the forum and joined up with some incredible women to share life with. Women from all walks of life but with the common thread of all things "Farmgirl". I still hold dear to my heart my #76 place in the sisterhood.
It was my time spent with y'all and my chats with y'all that gave me strength to keep forging ahead. I wasn't quite sure what the destination or even what the goal was. But, I knew I was on the right path of growing my little farm.
What started as a hobby farm turned into a homestead that provided much sustenance for my family. Homeschooling my children turned into allowing others to come learn with us. Eventually, I decided to monetize everything that I was giving away and in 1999 I held my first class to adults on "How to Raise Chickens in Your Backyard".
A variety of other classes were added for both adults and youth.
I often felt so alone in my endeavors. Everyone wanted what I was providing but it began to suck the life out of me. I had no place to recharge or to find comradery. Then, as I stated above, I found this Farmgirl haven, this Farmgirl oasis and I was able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Your sisterhood to me, at that time, sustained me. Thank you. Thank you for sharing in life with me.
I'm saddened and disappointed in myself that I let the rollercoaster of life steal me away from here.
During my time away, a lot has happened. I cared for my ailing mother until her passing. I continued to grow my farm business. My children became adults and married and grandchildren were born. I got certified in The Horse Boy method of autism therapy and added that to the farm business. I left "the church" and found true balance in faith and philosophy. I divorced after 31 years of marriage.
At the time of the divorce in 2020, my farm business consisted of Kids Art & Play, Homeschool Farm Course, Scout Merit Badge Classes, and private autism therapy sessions. It was making money, but not enough to fully sustain me as a single woman. I had to make a decision to forge ahead full steam or quit and find employment. I decided to forge ahead.
In these short 4 years since that decision, One Acre Farm now has a full time Early Childhood Farm School, a part-time Elementary Farm School, Kids Art & Play, Sensory Saturday Art & Play, Storytime at the Farm, private autism therapy sessions, and a variety of classes throughout the year. I now have 5 employees and with everything the farm offers, we service approximately 150 children every month. We have a waiting list of approximately 20 families waiting for autism therapy. Our enrollment is full all the way through 2025 and have parents wanting to "bribe" me with extra to ensure their child can attend Farm School.
WOW!! I never could have written this story or predicted its outcome.
After divorcing, and being 52 at the time, I wasn't sure I'd marry again. 2 years later, in 2022, life's universe gave me a big bonus in meeting Jerry, a man that sees me as equal and a partner. We were married just a couple weeks ago. Yay!!
Now, to circle back.... while I have been away and neglected to stay connected, it is this group of Farmgirls and MaryJane's encouragement that has brought me to where I am. Thank you!
Catherine
Sister #76 (2005)
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt.
www.oneacrefarmtx.com |
| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| MaryJanesNiece |
Posted - Jun 03 2024 : 1:17:53 PM
I love your story Catherine. All your farm activities sound wonderful and I bet each one of those kids love their time there. You should feel very proud of yourself. I look forward to hearing more about your adventures. Welcome back!
Krista |
| katmom |
Posted - Jun 02 2024 : 8:47:25 PM
Catherine,,,
Sometime challenges bring us, full circle to a joy and peace we hadn't planned...
So glad you are back with us, now, make yourself a cup of tea, snag a cookie or two, pull up a chair and join in the farm girl gabfest..
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
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| StitchinWitch |
Posted - Jun 02 2024 : 12:49:43 PM
Welcome back Catherine. Congratulations for conquering all that bad stuff and finding a new life partner. Please keep us posted; your school sounds interesting.
Judith
7932 FGOTM 6/21
I'm old and I do wear purple |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Jun 02 2024 : 10:58:48 AM
Welcome back, Catherine and I am very glad to hear about your wonderful life story! Your new farm schools sound so interesting and helpful to children with challenges. Your work must feel very rewarding too. Congratulations on finding a new partner to forge ahead with in life and I wish you both all the best. When you get a spare moment, I hope you can stop by here and give us an update and let us know how you are doing. Good Luck!!
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015
FGOTM- October 2018 |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Jun 02 2024 : 08:59:19 AM
Catherine, good to hear how you are doing. Life can be so difficult at time and knowing how, what, when and who to keeping moving on can be such a challenge.
I, too, have been away from the forum for a while, due to serious health issues. I've come back on a limited level and it has been good.
This is a good place to be!
Hugs to you!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
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| quiltee |
Posted - Jun 02 2024 : 08:41:45 AM
Welcome back, Catherine.
Farmgirl hugs,
Linda
Terrell, TX
Farm girl #1919
Farm Girl of the Month
August 2015, April 2017 and June 2023
"Women are Angels, and when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly . . . on a broomstick - we're flexible, like that."
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| Blessed in Colorado |
Posted - Jun 02 2024 : 08:33:59 AM
Welcome Back Catherine, so happy to hear your life is where you need it to be.
Big Hugs,
Debbie
#1582
Blessed in Oregon
With Colorado on My Mind
Farmgirl of the Month September 2012, February 2018, September 2022
“My altars are My Mountains
and the Ocean.” Lord Byron”
When I am Old I Shall Wear Purple, I am Old now!!
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| edlund33 |
Posted - Jun 02 2024 : 08:29:35 AM
Catherine,
What a beautiful story! It really resonates with me as I’m just returning to the forum after a few years away myself.
I’m so happy to hear everything has worked out for you and you are now living the life of your dreams!
Welcome back!
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Jun 02 2024 : 05:41:12 AM
Catherine, so very glad to see you back again! Life definitely takes us through ups and downs, twists and turn, but it all helps us to grow in maturity and faith.
I'm happy that things have really taken off for you in your business and so happy you have found someone special to share it with!
I'm looking to keeping touch again and hearing all that is happening with your farm!
Farmgirl hugs!
~Denise
Sister #43~
"I am a bookaholic and I have no desire to be cured." 
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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| YellowRose |
Posted - Jun 02 2024 : 05:40:21 AM
Catherine, I have missed you and from time to time you have crossed my mind. Happy to hear you are doing well and have found happiness again. Stay in touch when you can. Your farm business sounds wonderful and so needed.
Hugs, Sara "FarmGirl Sister" #6034 Aug 2014
FGOTM Sept 2015 - Feb 2019 - Oct 2023
Lord put your arm around my shoulders & your hand over my mouth.
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