| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| emma.birdwhistle |
Posted - Jan 07 2006 : 06:32:00 AM
I finally registered on this forum last night (after having been a Mary Jane's Farm admirer for a long while) and then proceeded to stay up long past my bedtime reading through posts and being generally thrilled by the number of like-minded people - or, rather, farmgirls - that post here. It is so much fun! I suppose this spells the end of my New Year's resolution to spend less time on the computer.  Oh well. I could not think of a better use for the internet than the Farmgirl Connection. I look forward to getting to know you all!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth (who is very happy to have been a country girl for nearly two years now - though she has felt like one all her life)
P.S. I'm editing this to include some all-important facts I neglected to mention above! I am twenty years old, though I somehow feel as though I am still eighteen and will remain so until I am eighty. I enjoy writing, gardening, sewing by hand, knitting, singing and playing various musical instruments (piano, fiddle, harp, bodhran, pennywhistle, and any day now, recorder), looking at heirloom and organic seed catalogs, and modifying recipes to be delightfully healthful and delicious. I am inspired by the Shakers and by Tasha Tudor, among others, and I am fairly obsessed with all things organic. I try to pretend I am living in the 1830's most of the time.
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. - Thoreau |
| 17 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| ddmashayekhi |
Posted - Feb 13 2007 : 1:05:47 PM
Welcome Elizabeth. I can see you are already at home here! Keep us posted on your farm life. My farmgirl cousin, Michele at Windy Pines, lives on our great grandparents 100 year old farm. She loves her farm life and I love her telling me about it. Keep posting those healthy recipes too! I'm really glad you joined up!
Dawn in IL |
| Kim |
Posted - Feb 13 2007 : 08:57:02 AM
Elizabeth, Meggie and Laura,
How cool to live like the 1830's! Laura, I am in Sycamore Il!
I am a "young" 45 as AUnt Jenny says!! lol! You girls would get along very well with my daughter. She is into renaissance, re-enactments, and japanese culture. She will love the near sea naturals site.
I dyed a t shirt one summer with walnuts gathered from my gramma's farm! It was fun!
Blessed Be!
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow
http://chevy49girl.livejournal.com/
http://chevy49girl.deviantart.com/ |
| sweetproserpina |
Posted - Feb 13 2007 : 08:40:06 AM
Well here is a very belated welcome to you Elizabeth. I have been reading your posts and decided I ought to say a proper hello  I think I've found another kindred spirit here, yay! Though I'm a bit older at 24- and yes, I had to think about that too. It's funny, just when you finally get used to being one age you have to go and turn another year older and get used to it all over again. Your farm in Ontario sounds wonderful, and I must ask if you'll excuse my nosiness, in what area is it? I was born in Ont. and all my family is there. In fact, Fella and I are probably moving back at the end of this year to be closer to my grandparents who live on a 300 acre 1830's farm on the grand river. It is my dearest wish to be able to take it over one day and bring it back to life. You say you have a woods, is it a maple sugar bush? I have lots of lovely memories of trudging into the bush in march and seeing the big kettles full of hot, steaming sap. Or pouring it out onto the snow and making maple sugar candy.
A wonderful welcome to you, looking forward to hearing lots more from you!
Cheers, -meg
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
| owwlady |
Posted - Jan 12 2006 : 07:58:31 AM
Hi Elizabeth and welcome to the farmgirls. I'm sorry for the late welcome, but I haven't been on the computer for several days. I look forward to learning more about you. I also would like to live in the 1800's. The closest I come is in my job at Old World Wisconsin (the oww in my screen name) in Eagle WI. It's an outdoor museum of immigrant life in the 1800's. We have a village, several working farms, school house, etc. I get to dress the part, cook, clean, crochet, stitch, greet visitors and school groups as a lady of the 1860's to 1880's. I love it. Hauling water from the well in my long dress and apron just feels right. We're glad to have you with us. Enjoy!!! |
| emma.birdwhistle |
Posted - Jan 12 2006 : 07:01:59 AM
Jenny, how lovely it must have been to get a lap harp for Christmas! I can hardly wait until I can get one of my own. For the moment, I have to work with my sister's full-sized concert harp, which can be a little burdensome. But it is a wonderful instrument to have in the house! It's so nice to listen to, when my sister is practicing.
Laura, I do play a lot of Irish music. As much as I can! If I had to choose one style of music as my favorite, I think that would have to be it. I only wish I could play my fiddle, bodhran and pennywhistle all at once, and dance at the same time (I used to take Irish dance lessons as well). And I also get much joy out of singing Irish folksongs, and would love to learn to speak and sing in Gaelic. I've got Irish blood on both sides of my family, which must contribute something to the obsession I have with the music. I know the feeling of constantly drifting from one instrument to another. One day I find myself thinking that I would like to be able to play the lute, and the next day it is the cello, and the next day the mandolin, etc. etc. etc.
Cynthia, I do feel like Winnie the Pooh on occasion, in this hundred-acre wood. It feels like a dream to me sometimes, too! I agree that we would all benefit from learning to live a little more simply and old-fashionedly. It has become one of my greatest ambitions to make my life as simple and self-sufficient and beautiful as I can. Simplicity is currently one of my favorite words. And I love the words of the Shakers, "Tis the gift to be simple." And the words of Henry David Thoreau, "Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!" I think we can get so much more joy out of simple little everyday things than could possibly be gained from modern-day luxuries and conveniences. If only we could convince everyone that this was true!
Well, this seems like a place where all of us farmgirls can get together and share our love of an old-fashioned, natural, lovely life. I'm so glad to be here, and cannot think of a better use for computers and the internet, modern though they may be.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth (who is delighted that everyone likes her name so much, and feels very fortunate to have it!)
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. - Thoreau |
| medievalcat |
Posted - Jan 09 2006 : 11:30:09 AM
Welcome Elizabeth!
I loved reading your posts! You are like Pooh with your 100 acre woods, sounds like a dream! I can't play an instrument not even my cd player most days! How amazing to read of all the instruments you play.
A long time ago I was in a medieval re-enactment group. I learned so much, like how to use walnuts to dye cloth, make bread without a bread maker, and how to sew. I think it would be so much fun to start a group that explores the early 1800's. With the rising cost of oil and food I think we all need to learn how to take care of ourselves like it was the 1800's or 1300's.
Good luck and I look forward to your posts!
Cynthia |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jan 09 2006 : 09:33:27 AM
Hey Elizabeth..I got a small, inexpensive lap harp for Christmas (after major hinting to my husband) I tend to not be very musical, although I would love to be. I actually love the sound of a dulcimer and like that..old fashioned mountain type music I guess..but I figure I will start small. I have both my daughters taking piano lessons and if the boys act interested I will find a way to afford for them to take them too...I wish I would have had that opportuntiy. I have my grandpa's violin to restore and there is a young gal here in town who teaches fiddle lessons..I am dying to do that at some point too. I guess I am "wanna-be" musical.
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ |
| Julia |
Posted - Jan 08 2006 : 9:52:59 PM
Hey Elizabeth! Glad to have you with us! I too am a great Tasha Tudor fan. I long for a garden like hers. She has been a great inspiration to me over the years. Look forward to seeing you around the forum! Simply, Julia V.
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
| CountryGirl85 |
Posted - Jan 08 2006 : 7:23:33 PM
Hey again Elizabeth!
I haven't played the piano in quite some time. I took lessons for about 4 years and stopped over the summer because I was working at a resident Girl Scout camp. I'd really like to start playing again! I also took a few guitar lessons over the years, but need a lot more work on it. I have some pennywhistles but haven't gotten around to learning yet! I really like the sound of the bodhran. Do you play a lot of Irish music? I just wish I could stick to and really learn one instrument, but so many catch my eye, or should I say ear! I also love the sound of the harp, such a beautiful instrument. It sounds like you live in an equally beautiful place! Do you live there with your family? I sometimes wish I was raised in the country, but maybe then I wouldn't appreciate it as much. Your wild rice recipes sound delicious! I'll have to try them. And I too like the name Elizabeth, although I may be a little biased since it is my middle name! Have a wonderful week!
Sunshine and love,
Laura |
| YiberryYadeeKarin |
Posted - Jan 08 2006 : 1:19:12 PM
Welcome, Elizabeth!
I've enjoyed reading your posts. When I graduated from high school I wanted to move to a cabin out in the woods. From the time I was about eleven I liked tdo pretend that I lived in the 1870s! Now I'm nearing fifty (geesh, hard to believe) and life is much more hectic that I like. BUT I do have a couple of acres in suburbia that I love... I'm working on organizing my life and trying to make things a little simpler.
Anywho, I'm curious as to whereabouts in Canada you are - ? My ex is Canadian and we lived there for the first couple of years of our marrige (Ottawa, Whitehorse, and Kimberley in BC). I still live quite close to the border (Spokane) and have friends up north -- I don't get there as often as I'd like these days.
And, btw, I LOVE the name Elizabeth! It's my middle name, my daughter's, and was my grandmother's and great-grandma's middle names, too.
Please tell us more about yourself!
Karin |
| cajungal |
Posted - Jan 08 2006 : 08:05:50 AM
Welcome Elizabeth! So, so glad to meet ya'. You certainly are an amazing young lady. There are many young girls that could benefit from you mentoring. It's a Blessing to be able to let my daughters read your intro. and tell them, "See, you're not alone....there are young ladies out there still living the "farmlife". I wish I would've been as wise as you are when I was 20 (I'll be 38 on the 15th) In my mind, I'm not 18, but I think I'm stuck around 24....I hope it stays that way. And, Frannie ain't kiddin' about staying young...just go check out her picture on the thread about her dogs Cabin and Creek.
You will have so much fun here!!
Blessings
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
| emma.birdwhistle |
Posted - Jan 08 2006 : 05:32:43 AM
Thank you for the lovely warm welcome!
Julia, I too am always on the lookout for a good source for organic fabrics. The most promising-looking website I have found so far is www.nearseanaturals.com. I have not ordered anything from them, but their textiles look beautiful. A little dear, perhaps, but I suppose that's to be expected with organic things.
Laura, I know what you mean about having to think before telling someone your age. It does feel so strange to say that I'm twenty. I live on my grandparents' old "farm" of 100 acres, mostly wooded. No animals thus far (except for the bunnies and deer and raccoons and squirrels and birds that people the woods, and last year a bear and an owl too!), but I did get a nice big vegetable/flower/herb garden started, which just thrills me to pieces. I lived in the city all my life until coming out here about two years ago, and I always felt like I ought to be a country girl, so I'm so glad this has finally come to be. You play the guitar? My father was giving me guitar lessons for a while, but I haven't picked one up in a while. I'd like to try again, though. I have been playing the piano for about fourteen years (which sounds like an astounding length of time to me when written out like that!), the fiddle for about four years, and the pennywhistle for a year or two. The bodhran (which is an Irish frame drum) I pick up once in a blue moon when I can borrow one from my father, and the harp is a new thing - I am taking lessons from my younger sister, who is a very accomplished concert harpist, and eventually I would like to get a little lap harp with which I can accompany myself when I sing. And now I'm learning a little recorder here and there. The more instruments the merrier, I always say! And singing is, of course, one of my main delights. My mother, sister and I have recently discovered the joy of singing in three-part harmony constantly - it's a fun thing to do on longish car trips. Oh, and one last thing before I end this ever-lengthening post - if you are interested in some of my favorite recipes, I just posted two nice ones in the Kitchen section, under the Wild Rice topic.
It's so nice to meet you all!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. - Thoreau |
| CountryGirl85 |
Posted - Jan 07 2006 : 10:16:58 PM
Hey Elizabeth!
Welcome to the forum! As I was reading your post, I felt like I was reading about myself! I think we're soul sisters, hehe! But really, it's not often I find people my age interested in the county lifestyle. I'm also 20 years old, which I'm still not used to saying! Someone asked me how old I was a few weeks ago and I had to think about it for a minute! Where do you live? I wish I could say I lived in the country on a farm or in a friendly small town, but I'm stuck in the suburbs for the time being! I wouldn't mind living here if it were 150 years ago, but it's getting way too built up for my liking! Wow, how long have you been playing all those instruments? I play a little piano and guitar and also sing. I'd love to learn the fiddle! I can totally relate to preteding to live in the 1830's! My younger sister thinks I'm crazy when I say I want a "Little House on the Prairie" kind of life! Well, I think I'll add a computer to that life so I can keep in touch with all the other farmgirls out there! What's the weather like where you are? I can't wait for spring and to get out and garden! It's been very dreary around here, hardly any sunshine. What are some of your favorite recipes? One of my New Year's resolutions is to eat healthier, so I'd love any tips, recipes, etc. It was nice "meeting" you and I look forward to future chats!
With sunshine and love,
Laura |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jan 07 2006 : 12:49:53 PM
Hey Elizabeth..I am still 18 too!! (at 47)
You sound like such a sweet gal..glad you found us!!
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Jan 07 2006 : 12:37:06 PM
Elizabeth .. you have a 'farmgirls heart' .. and will meet many new friends of like kind. And .. you CAN be 'young at heart' forever! xo, Grammie Frannie
True Friends, Frannie |
| julia hayes |
Posted - Jan 07 2006 : 12:17:06 PM
Aren't you lovely!! Welcome and I'm sure you'll enjoy this realm as much as the rest of us. I, too, love all things organic and am in the process of looking for bolts of organic fabric to buy.. Any ideas? Have a beautiful day!! julia hayes
being simple to simply be |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jan 07 2006 : 06:39:03 AM
Welcome Elizabeth! Sounds like you are a farmgirl we all want to know better!
"Sell cleverness and buy wonder" |
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