| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| prairie_princess |
Posted - Sep 17 2008 : 06:48:59 AM
Yay! this is my first official post! anyway, i'm a bit new at the farmgirl lifestyle. though my parents lived 40 miles from nowhere, Wyoming has been my first official home after I left home. I was in the Navy for 6 years, so i moved around alot and never got to settle anywhere or have a real home. so i'm so happy to have a comfy little country home with my hubby here in Wyoming. when i was growing up, my mom jokingly called herself a "hermit." i never understood why, but now i'm starting to understand. i feel the same way... i feel uncomfortable in big cities (i was stationed in pearl harbor, hi in the navy and HATED the big city lifestyle!) and long for the great outdoors. as i'm trying to figure out what to do with my life, i believe i just want to be a farmgirl and not have a career. i want to stay in the country and just try some different things to see what i like (honeybees, apple cider, cheese are among my interestes). problem is, it seems whenever i mention these things (which i am SO excited to try and get butterflies everytime i think about it) to other people, i get "the look." the "why in the world would you want to do that?" i've been asked so many times why i like living in the country, what could it possibly offer that the city doesn't have? people look at me as if i'm crazy! but whenever people come to visit, they love the quiet solitude and cozy lifestyle i've tried to create. does anyone else get these negative reactions? i hardly dare to tell people my plans of self sufficiency.... i suppose part of it is because i'm fairly young,27, and go to community college and most young people i know like the city lifestyle and having their technology, tv, and cel phones close at hand. any thoughts? |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| MissLiss |
Posted - Sep 21 2009 : 10:37:59 AM
You too Linda- it's nice to see that there's someone out there who enjoys a good blonde joke! ;-)
Melissa ~ Farmgirl #724
Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, Or go without! |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Sep 21 2009 : 12:54:55 AM
Hi Melissa, MissLiss. I look forward to getting to know you.
Linda in Scranton, PA
Q: How can you tell that a blonde's been baking chocolate chip cookies?
A: There's M&M shells all over the floor.
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| maggie14 |
Posted - Sep 20 2009 : 8:05:19 PM
I also get the look too. Thats why I always stick out like a sore thumb. But I am who I am.
Maggie |
| MissLiss |
Posted - Sep 20 2009 : 7:55:30 PM
I get the look all the time! We live in Corona (near LA) California and I am SO not a southern California gal! I grew up on a few acres and while it wasn't a "farm" it was just my brother and I. My parents worked in the yard all the time and we had no problems going to town in gardening clothes covered in dust or mud. So now, I get the look when I go to Target (Target even!) in my painting clothes. I also don't wear make-up and keep my hair in a pony-tail most days (majorly un- Hollywood). I wish we could live someplace where we could have a little farm - some of the towns a bit more inland from us are "prime" farm towns and I'm working on my husband so that at some point in a few years we can move to our own little farm. Someday I'll get my chickens! But for now, I'm a farmgirl trapped in a city with a backyard the size of a closet. I wish I had some friends here that were "farmgirls at heart" too. I know what you all mean when you talk about the looks. I actually had someone ask me what a plow was. I said "Excuse me?" She pointed to my MJ bumper sticker that reads "Farmgirl, plowin' thru" and asked again. I just don't have many people around that are into the same things! That 's why this forum is so great! I don't get to see you in person, but I get to hear all your stories and imagine that you girls are right here with me, sipping some iced tea (it's 8pm and 91* outside right now) chit-chatting the night away!
Melissa ~ Farmgirl #724
Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, Or go without! |
| Thistle Cove Farm |
Posted - Aug 30 2009 : 08:56:11 AM
Not sure if I get the look or not; I'm usually not paying attention -smile-.
Good for you, going for what suits YOU and living a life that's full and meaningful! YOU GO GIRL!
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm ~ God's blessings on you, yours and the work of your hands & heart ~
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com |
| MotherLodeBeth |
Posted - Aug 29 2009 : 2:59:00 PM
Working in the garden and talking to my girls (hens) has kept me so healthy and yes, sane. Often get the comment that I look like I stepped out of a book from the 1800's. (laughing) Probably because I wear long 'bloomers' since I had a bee fly up my dress one afternoon when outside, who stung me in a delicate area, so now I wear longer underwear like the 1800's. That and my hat with flowers and pink ribbon with a bow on the back. Men also seem to smile at me more (giggling) and are so respectful. And older women in their eighties and nineties compliment me which makes we warm all over. ~Beth~
~MotherLodebeth- I was born in the wrong era~ |
| Bonnie Ellis |
Posted - Aug 29 2009 : 2:42:07 PM
I get "the look" and I'm 67, ho ho. But I give them the other look. I'm so sorry you don't get it. I love to wear my apron any time I wish since I grew up wearing them. My childhood had great farm memories but I married a teacher and we live in the city. What a hoot when our next door neighbor got chickens. I was thrilled! We have two cats and seven 26" Koi (Japanese fish). We have a large garden too. I love to can.
But I sympathize with those who want a farm and can't have one. I have arthritis, fibromyalgia had 5 shoulder surgeries, two knee surgeries and last fall I broke my leg. Let me tell you, with physical limitations, no amount of wishing can give you the ability and energy to be a full-time farmer. But I do REALLY enjoy those chickens and I will work in the dairy barn in the Moo Booth information station during the Minnesota State Fair next week.
Mary Jane, thank you for putting all of us "farmgirls at heart" together.
Don't ask me how I'm feeling; ask me what I am doing!
Bonnie Ellis
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Aug 23 2009 : 04:29:14 AM
Marly...I love it! You are my kind of woman!!
Linda in Scranton, PA
"I dare you to scare yourself with how beautiful you are."
Rob Brezsny from http://freewillastrology.com/home.shtml
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| Bear5 |
Posted - Aug 22 2009 : 3:02:55 PM
Cindy: I with you on your post. I love to make people wonder!
I went grocery shopping about two hours ago, and I GOT THE LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO JOKE.
I had shorts, a t-shirt, and red cowgirl boots. One lady ran into a shelf because she was too busy looking at my boots. LOL
When I checked out, the lady was right behind me. She said she envied anyone that could not care to go shopping wearing what I was wearing. I just said, "Isn't this a lovely world? If I die on the way home, I'll die with my boots on."
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| ZenGoddess |
Posted - Aug 16 2009 : 12:47:57 PM
I LOVE THE LOOK & I am proud of it !!! I think they are jealous of all the knowledge we have and the back bone to do things with.
Much to be said for brains and beauty !!! Like the saying goes " Smile it makes people wonder what you're up to " !!
Zens Goddess
Simplify |
| yarnmamma |
Posted - Aug 14 2009 : 07:24:56 AM
lol Sarah, that is so funny!
Linda in Scranton, PA
"I dare you to scare yourself with how beautiful you are."
Rob Brezsny from http://freewillastrology.com/home.shtml
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| Calicogirl |
Posted - Aug 14 2009 : 05:27:39 AM
I love this thread!
I don't get the looks much more, my friends pretty much expect things from me now :)
I have lived in the suburbs in New England to the city in Tucson and finally feel that I am in my element here in SW Colorado surrounded by ranches and farms. I LOVE it!!! My favorite place to shop is the feed store, even for clothes :)
~Sharon
By His Grace, For His Glory
http://merryheartjournal.blogspot.com/ |
| sharikrsna |
Posted - Aug 13 2009 : 9:03:10 PM
OMG! Oatman! I LOVE Oatman! Do you know Yellowhammer? When I lived in Bullhead, I was in Oatman constantly, and go back every time I'm in town, can't get enough of the place. Almost bought Yellowhammer's house!quote:
Originally posted by prairie_princess
oh, monica! i am originally from kingman, az! one of the last times i was home to see the parents, i took my hubby to oatman... it's such a fun town!
karen, i love your overalls idea! i think i should go out and buy some myself. my mom was a bit like you... she told me the story of my parents wedding. as soon as the ceremony was over, she quickly changed out of her wedding dress into her comfortable overalls. i have pictures to prove it! there she is, cutting the cake with my dad - he's still in his formal suit, she in her true-blue overalls! totally cute!
heather - when i was in the navy, i was an AG - meteorological technician.
now i really do feel like i fit in here... i was called laura ingalls wilder not long ago by a high school friend. i was e-mailing him about my plans for my self-sufficient future and telling him about my garden... "oh, you're like on little house on the prairie!"
and, yes, people don't understand why we gals want to make our own products. i think it's funny that now even the simple act of cooking and homaking your own food is out of the ordinary. the hubby and i were dining out with my friend and her fiance at pizza hut. i told the hubby we should make them homeade pizza sometime because it's 10 times better than this stuff. he asked "what, you even make the dough? how do you do that?" i just sigh... what can a farmgirl do but sigh? ha ha!
and good luck to you gals living in the city... i commend your farmgirl heart and spirit!
Shari
Farmgirl Sister #607 |
| sharikrsna |
Posted - Aug 13 2009 : 8:58:20 PM
Most of my friends think it's pretty cool, the country lifestyle I've adopted. Yhe Southern California folks are a harder sell, but even some of those wish they lived here. I did have one snobby "friend" turn her snout up at our barn bedroom, which was a reading room then, and also at our fifth wheel. Then I invited her to a country campout party, and she has become quite a fan of the place!Perhaps if you have a party, and invite the people who give you "the look" over, they will soon become interested or at least more understanding. I think so many people have simply lost sight of what is truly meaningful, that they don't recognize it when it is right in front of them.
Shari
Farmgirl Sister #607 |
| simone947 |
Posted - Aug 10 2009 : 12:31:53 PM
i got the look (sort of) last week. i was a dr. appt at 11 in the morning- but I showered and changed into non-barn clothes (which i don't have many of) all i did was step into the barn- didn't get in the pasture- didn't step in sh** or their pen and said hello to the girls- maybe i kissed a nose, but that's it. ANYWAY- the dr's aide says to me oh did you just get done riding? and i gave him the look and said- "riding what??" he said horses- i said no and gave him the look again. i realized later that the cow smell has permanantly soaked into my skin and i will never be able to go anywhere with out smelling of bovine. i've been immune to it for years. |
| 4HMom |
Posted - Aug 05 2009 : 10:53:23 AM
Yeah, I've rendered the fat and keep saying that I'm going to make soap like my Gramma did...just hasn't made it to the top of my list. I have some rendered bear fat in the freezer that I'm thinking would make good soap too. I'd love to see your venison recipe if you'd like to share...I'd be willing to share mine too.
"Be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi |
| Old Spirit |
Posted - Aug 05 2009 : 09:01:14 AM
We have butchered everything ourselves as well. Have a really good summer sausage recipe for our venison, also has pork. We haven't smoked anything yet but would hope to learn.
I have rendered pork fat down into lard, have you? It is really good.
We have done pigs, cattle and deer, partridge. Hubby has done chicken.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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| 4HMom |
Posted - Aug 05 2009 : 08:48:00 AM
Great story Beth! You've nailed why we do what we do!
Rae, we process all of our wild game, chickens, and rabbits (occasionally). But the pigs are still a little intimidating for me (I think it's all in my head). We take the pigs to a nearby butcher and they kill and process for us. I have them smoke the bacon and ham because my smoker is too small. I do, however, get the fat and trim and I make all of our own sausage (breakfast link, sweet Italian, summer sausage, brats, keilbasa). I mix the pork with the game, so our sausage is not 100% pork.
"Be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi |
| prairie_princess |
Posted - Aug 04 2009 : 6:35:59 PM
wow, beth! that's a great inspiration, your story. thanks for sharing. no wonder so many admire you! it gives me something to think about....
yep, i'll be butchering my own chicken next weekend... it will be my first time. i'm a bit ansy, nervous, but excited, too! i look forward to being indoctrinated into this new lifestyle i've chosen!
"Only two things that money can't buy, that's true love and homegrown tomatoes."
- Guy Clark
"The man who has planted a garden feels he has done something for the good of the world."
- Charles Dudley Warner |
| MotherLodeBeth |
Posted - Aug 02 2009 : 1:04:31 PM
When I get 'the look' it simply means the person may 'envy' the choices I have made. About a dozen years ago I remember being at this old fashioned butcher shop and having someone who knew who I was, coming over and telling me that she knew so many people who admired me because I was comfortable in my own skin and marching to my own drummer. Stop and think of the people you respect and admire. Now ask yourself if they are living how others expect, or are they being who they were meant to be.
As sappy as it may sound, my heroine has always been Beatrix Potter who for most people, is best know for her many books, like Peter Rabbit etc. Yet, when I discovered who she really was I was blown away. She was raised in a difficult home yet grew to be a woman who knew what she wanted and went for it. When she died she left more land to the Land Trust on Great Britain than at any time. She also was a great role model for women she would never know.
And this is why I got into chickens, Nubian goats, heirloom sheep as well as my art projects and big vegetable garden. She really was a woman who appreciated living simple and not letting the small stuff get to her. And the fact she married for the first time at age 47 should give many women who wish to marry, some hope.
So celebrate who you are!!!!
~MotherLodebeth- I was born in the wrong era~ |
| Old Spirit |
Posted - Aug 02 2009 : 12:35:25 PM
Kelly do you do all your own processing?
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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| 4HMom |
Posted - Aug 02 2009 : 09:42:52 AM
Elizabeth, in the early days my Gramma's family raised their own hogs and smoked bacon...later on, she bought from a local hog farmer who processed his own bacon. My kids raise 4-H hogs now and we have home-grown bacon every year. Some packages are so lean that we have to add a little fat to the pan if we fry it. Usually though, I like to bake it. Good luck on that BLT!!! It'll be wonderful.
"Be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi |
| Old Spirit |
Posted - Aug 01 2009 : 09:48:23 AM
You know my Grandma probably ate a pound of butter and quart of salt a day  and lived to 90 on her own!! I really believe it is all the processed junk that makes us ill. I know when my husband or I have any our stomachs are not happy at all but the made from scratch real food is a whole different thing. It is such a fulfilling life being able to grow your own food, I think. I can't wait until we get more here for that, meat wise.
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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| prairie_princess |
Posted - Aug 01 2009 : 08:53:43 AM
kelly, did your gramma raise her own "bacon" too? that is something i'm looking foward to most... eating a blt that is entirely homeade! this year everything will be homeade except the "bacon." but we're hoping next year we'll have that, too! i definately want to live my life like your gramma....
"Only two things that money can't buy, that's true love and homegrown tomatoes."
- Guy Clark
"The man who has planted a garden feels he has done something for the good of the world."
- Charles Dudley Warner |
| 4HMom |
Posted - Aug 01 2009 : 08:40:41 AM
What a great thread! We get the look from people who don't get the intangible rewards we get from "playing" with our food! Nothing is more rewarding than sitting down to a meal where everything came from your own place (or neighbors place) and you know how and where everything was grown and prepared. Anytime I get "the look", I just remember my Gramma who was born and raised on a ranch in eastern MT, and KNOW that she's smiling (and probably chuckling) as I nurture my inner "farm girl". She ate bacon and eggs every day, but also had loads of fruits and veggies and hardly ever (IF ever) ate processed food. Everything was from scratch. She made soap and candles and canned and...and.. and...She lived to be 94 years old!!! Farmgirls, we ROCK!!!!
"Be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi |
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