| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 06:47:46 AM
I stumbled upon MaryJanesFarm magazine while buying items at a tractor supply store one year. It was exactly what I wanted my life to be about and to experience. However, my family and past friends have no interest in the same things. I get excited about a new recipe made totally from my garden or having finished a sewing or crocheting project. They make comments that there are easier ways to live (meaning buy it, use more conveniences etc). I feel like we have nothing to talk about anymore. Even my family thinks that we have "gone too far" in living off the land this year. We've cut back on how many days we use the computer (cutting back on e-mail etc), and cut way back on trips to town. I think I need to expand my friend circle, but I can't seem to draw anyone into our chapter. Right now it's me and the kids. How to do find more women around your are that have the same interests?
Visit my blog sites:
http://momzonetakingtimeformom.blogspot.com/
http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| prayin granny |
Posted - Aug 07 2010 : 07:17:01 AM
Love everyones thoughts!! It is so great to have MJF where we can all 'meet' and know we understand each other. I love all things pioneer and often joke I was born in the wrong era!!?? LOL! Have a blessed day! Linda
Country at Heart |
| woolgirl |
Posted - Aug 01 2010 : 5:13:32 PM
I am so glad to know I am not the only one that feels this way. My husband is in the military, so we move every 2 to 3 years. It makes making and keeping freinds difficult. I feel like I don't have anything in common with the other wives. I am a veteran myself, so I don't fit in with the active duty anymore, and I don't fit in with the spouses. I take pride in our little bit of house and yard that we have, while everybody around us just lets everything turn to mush. My neighbor that moved in next to us actually couldn't believe we have only been here a month because all the yardwork I have done. This is the first time I have also been able to be home with my daughter, but not working makes it difficult to meet new people, especially ones with similar interests. I think next year I am going to talk to the housing office and see if there is anywhere we can start a community garden. Hopefully I can meet some fellow farmgirls like myself!
Farmgirl #1947 |
| prairie_princess |
Posted - Aug 01 2010 : 4:50:45 PM
Kristina, everything you talk about is like the story of MY life... I thought I'd post you the link to a post I made not long ago along the same lines... there was a lot of great advice given to me by our fellow farmgirls!
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=40085
"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 |
| Kirksmom71 |
Posted - Jul 25 2010 : 09:12:12 AM
Kristina.......love your blogs.
My best to all,
Mel
Sassy City Girl with Farmgirl Fantasies! |
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - Jul 25 2010 : 08:42:03 AM
Thanks for all your comments regarding friends with similar interests. My mother has actually e-mailed me, worried why I won't turn our air conditioner on, continue to hang my clothes outside to dry, and picked wild black raspberries on the 6 acres we have. It bothered me she was not sending me an e-mail of encouragement vs. worry. I grew up in the city, but my parents has horses bordered by a stable. That's the only bit of "country" I experienced. Now, I live in the country, on 6 acres with barns that were built maybe in the 30's. We actually have had people drive up and ask if they could tear them down for us. We actually plan on repairing what we can, and keeping the old frames etc. My husband is in love with MaryJane's books. He can't wait to get goats, a jersey cow, meat chickens, meat turkeys and so forth. It will all take time for us, but my friends keep asking "is it really worth it?" instead of saying anything positive.
I have a huge desire and interest to the way pioneers lived, being self-sufficient and living off the land. I still have a computer and TV, but we limit that too. We have, before Farmgirl sisterhood, found ways to entertain ourselves without TV. My friends think that's weird too. When my kids were very little we would have Pioneer Day at home. My grandmother, on my dad's side, grew everything they ate, canned everything, sewed her own clothes, and took junk people threw out to make something new and sell it for cash. She even made a lampshade with egg cartons and I still have it. She made anything out anything, never throwing anything away. I'm kind of like her inside, and wish I would have visited her more often to learn from her. My parents divorced and they didn't come around as much. I do remember her bring a bushel of apples that I would made applesauce with as a teenager.
It's hard to explain myself. I'm a mother to kids who find me quite different. I love to wear long skirts in the summer, and have a tie dye "hippie" skirt that the kids think is cool. I play board games with the family, love to write, read, cook, and work in my gardens. I do love all types of music, let my kids do "messy" crafts and activities, and get up to watch the sunrise on most days. My husband tells me I'm a hard working wife and mom, because he's about the only one at work that brings homemade food for his lunch. They cracked up laughing when I made the Dandelion Coffee recipe from MaryJane's e-mails. You look at dandelions in a completely different way. Now they just expect me to do something out of the ordinary.
I hope to meet up with many of you soon! All things are possible. I now have my mother growing Thyme and Oregano in her city, backyard.
Visit my blog sites:
http://momzonetakingtimeformom.blogspot.com/
http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
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| Kirksmom71 |
Posted - Jul 25 2010 : 08:40:36 AM
Thanx Pam and Peggy for your observations........you are both jewels in my bracelet of life.;)
My best to all,
Mel
Sassy City Girl with Farmgirl Fantasies! |
| MrsRooster |
Posted - Jul 24 2010 : 08:14:25 AM
My hubby just calls me a squirrel.
I am full of joy working on Christmas gifts. I think about each person as I am making it.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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| kittykill |
Posted - Jul 23 2010 : 11:57:09 AM
For my birthday someone gave me a present with Japanese wrapping cloth. I loved it cause I could reuse the cloth for other projects.
Linda-my husband refers to me as an enigma wrapped in a paradox. LOL!
www.fasterkittykill.blogspot.com
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| prayin granny |
Posted - Jul 23 2010 : 10:10:59 AM
I love the idea of Christmas bags. I saw a story on the news once and I believe it talked about the billions, I do believe billions, of tons of wrapping paper and ribbons each year that is dumped in American landfils alone!! Makes you think!
Country at Heart |
| msdoolittle |
Posted - Jul 23 2010 : 09:01:37 AM
I know, Amy! It is a shame! We'll have to get together one day.
That is so funny you mentioned Christmas because I am going to sew 'Christmas bags' this year rather than use paper. You know, just cute, drawstring reusable fabric bags. I KNOW my in laws will look at me like I'm nuts, but i don't care! I hate wasting all of that pretty paper!!!
And, besides that, who DOESN'T like getting homemade gifts (esp. food) on Christmas anyway? I gave out cookies for years to my family. I'd make a whole bunch of different kinds. Luckily, I am a pretty good cook, so they were edible, I suppose otherwise then it wouldn't be as good....lol.
:0)
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
| prayin granny |
Posted - Jul 22 2010 : 06:57:34 AM
Ladies, I so get what all of you are saying and could not agree more! Pam, my son and his friends are very much 'alternative' as you put it. Tats and piercings, etc. They are the greatest bunch of guys, and laugh and tease me, in a good way for my 'Little house on the prairie' mentality. Its always a fun and happy day when I go to visit my son. My daughters get me too. Although my kids dont want a simpler lifestyle, they understand it and its ok. Other family and friends? Not at all and it is hard. But I have reached a point where I dont really care anymore!! I have found great people here! Brenda (Classygram) and I have become great friends and talk and laugh every day!! On our tough days that life throws at us, I think we can get each other back up with a silly story and a laugh!! This forum has been and continues to be a blessing! Keep turning here for support and friendships. Blessings, Linda
Country at Heart |
| Merry |
Posted - Jul 21 2010 : 10:01:59 AM
Same boat, husbands family thinks I'm nuts, but they do enjoy everything I make! Luckily, I am in a food coop where people are starting to discover the joys of simple healthy basic living. Good luck to you, people will find you, don't worry!
Merry
Farmgirl #536
http://afarminmyheart.blogspot.com/
Your life is an occasion, rise to it. Mr. Magorium |
| MrsRooster |
Posted - Jul 21 2010 : 09:08:53 AM
Amen, Amanda. I am sorry that we don't live closer.
We are hoping to get out of the city in the next few years. I will be happy.
I get the strangest looks because I make all my own Christmas gifts. I am working on Christmas now. I love to make the gifts for the person they are for. I think it shows that I am thinking of the person that I am doing it for. There are a few that I buy for because they don't care for homemade things.
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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| msdoolittle |
Posted - Jul 21 2010 : 08:31:38 AM
Lol, don't feel alone, Kristina, because you aren't. I was also going to suggest your local Extension office. I met SO many GREAT people and like-minded people in this way, by taking classes and courses through the Extension. Two of my dearest best friends are big 'consumers' and would much rather buy than create. In that way, we are very different. But guess who is better off financially? I hope to be completely debt free in about 7 years (including my house). Yes, I am considered 'weird', but guess who won't be worrying about where my next meal comes from, EVEN IF the markets crash and Wal-Mart sunk into a hole.
:0)
We're with you!!!
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
| LadyInRed |
Posted - Jul 18 2010 : 12:07:22 AM
Oh, thanks Jewel, Tammy and Pam ...you guys are every bit as encouraging to me!
Hugs,
~peggy
Lady In Red
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
A "SMILE" Should Be A Woman's First Accessory, Then Her Purse, Shoes, and Bling! ~p.smith |
| tea_lady_tammy |
Posted - Jul 17 2010 : 6:45:48 PM
Peggy,
that was so beautiful. You have such a way with words my dear. Thank you for being such a blessing.
hugs
Tammy
Tea is like being in the stars with God.
http://breathsoffaith.blogspot.com
Farm Sister #1889 |
| LadyInRed |
Posted - Jul 17 2010 : 1:26:19 PM
Amen To That Girlfriend!
Blessings,
~peggy
Lady In Red
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
A "SMILE" Should Be A Woman's First Accessory, Then Her Purse, Shoes, and Bling! ~p.smith |
| kittykill |
Posted - Jul 17 2010 : 08:20:44 AM
Peggy! Way to make me tear up before my first cup of tea.  Thank you so much for your wonderful words. You are so right-MJF allows us to come together to learn from eachother and create amazing friendships.
www.fasterkittykill.blogspot.com
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| Mama Jewel |
Posted - Jul 17 2010 : 08:09:40 AM
Peggy, Beautifully written 
Farm Girl Sister #1683 Living Simply & Naturally on our lil Sweet Peas Farmette
"Do Everything in Love." 1 Cor 14
http://www.piecemama.etsy.com |
| LadyInRed |
Posted - Jul 17 2010 : 12:27:51 AM
Pam...you are also a little bit adorable, fun, hip and have the best diverse description of yourself that I have ever read. Portland Big City Girl with small town girl mentality. Happens to a lot of us. I have always been a city girl...only in the last 3 yrs have I become a rural girl. For me the only difference is Rural is quieter, less hustle & bustle and chaos. BUT I also go in to the City a lot because I love something about both environments. I was born in 1951, and I have a Tattoo. I think that we all have friends that accept all parts of our personalities and friends that like us for only the part they can relate to. I think that is why MJF's gives us such a great venue to connect with other women who feel the same way or very similar to most aspects of our likes and dislikes.
We can still be a City Girl who likes being a little bit Country. Or a Country girl who likes being a little bit city. But our hearts lean toward hearth, home, family and God. And it's Wonderful to be able to connect on those various levels that our other friends can't quite relate to.
I love you all for what you have been adding to my life just through the various forums and chats.
Blessings,
~peggy
Lady In Red
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
A "SMILE" Should Be A Woman's First Accessory, Then Her Purse, Shoes, and Bling! ~p.smith |
| kittykill |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 8:28:13 PM
I feel like sometimes I am caught in the middle of all my friends so I understand. I am what some might consider "alternative" I have tattoos, have different ways of thinking but then I am very traditional about certain things. I love country music and going to rodeos but also like going to crazy rock shows or seeing what people consider low brow art. It's kind of hard cause I'm a little bit 1950's housewife, a little bit political rebel and a little bit small town girl.
www.fasterkittykill.blogspot.com
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| Fiddlehead Farm |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 2:39:22 PM
My friends don't "get me" either. That is why I am so glad I found this sisterhood. I have met so many wonderful, talented, and like minded women here.
Age only matters if you are wine or cheese.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922 |
| marjean |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 1:39:07 PM
I have a lot of friends that I share one big common interest with me and that matters the most and that is my spiritual beliefs. We all hold on to a hope for a better future when everyone will live off the land and not of commercialism.
But, my friends that have my same interest are too tired and busy with just trying to keep a roof over their heads they don't have time to garden or sew and all the fun things I get to do because I don't work outside the home.
But, my DD loves all the things that I do. Mostly cause I taught her to love them from the time she could walk. She tends our garden and we do all the crafty things together. She loves jewelry making the best. She has no friends her age because all their Mom's don't do these things. So, she has friends we call Aunt's that do things with her. One has a jewelry and card making interests and takes her to jewelry shows, since I can't anymore. Then, they get together with her "Aunt's" friends and do card making once a month or so. Or, I have one here. We do have one young friend she is 21 that is interested in learning the soap making with us and I teach her quilting every Monday.
What gets me is that people think getting together and watching tv is socializing. Well, I've changed that with my friends. I tell them we can play games so we can still talk and laugh with each other. It's working out good so far. I could go on and on with this, but life is funny how some of our friends don't have the same interests in all areas as we do, only in some other areas that can be just as important. Right!!!!
Farmgirl sister #308
handmade cards, vintage organizer bags and more at www.jeanpatchbymk.etsy.com
http://jeanpatch.blogspot.com
www.fullerdirect.com
id#0920150
www.watkinsonline.com/rjaramillo |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 12:16:07 PM
I was thinking the same thing...I wish you lived close to me...I would join too. I bet most of us have this same problem. I try not to be jealous of those gals with great big active chapters...some areas are just more farmgirlish I guess. I guess the rest of us just need to be a good example, right???? I am glad we can come here for sure~!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| tea_lady_tammy |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 11:00:31 AM
Wish I was closer I would join too. Love you blog. Great ideas.
blessings
Tammy
Tea is like being in the stars with God.
http://breathsoffaith.blogspot.com
Farm Sister #1889 |
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