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Across the Fence:  2nd Challenge letter 1/8/08  |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 08 2008 : 10:45:49 AM
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Hello Challengers! What a wonderful week it's been for Challenges! I've heard from quite a few of us who have ideas. Here's a couple: send a letter to a soldier at anysoldier.com or help an American Indian Native Elder at anelder.com. Letters and notes mean so much more than anything we can give to people. Human contact and just someone knowing that "somebody out there knows I'm alive and cares" can change someone's world.
Last week, an older couple (88 and 90) were robbed at a McDonalds of all the money they had ($200) saved for something. The robber asked for a couple of dollars and when the old man opened his wallet, the robber took it and ran. Well, the 88-year-old wife ran after him, yelling and crying but she didn't catch him.
Since then, people have given them much more than the $200 (they go to this McDonalds every day for a meal so people knew where to bring their donation). The man was amazed ("Jimminy, I never expected this!") and said they would give everything over the original $200 to charity. I brought over a note of encouragement.
Portlanders are wonderful caring people. Look what their generosity did. Not only did they help the couple but also more folks in need will be assisted. It's a perfect example of the spreading of a Challenge.
I was meeting a client at Starbucks (I never go to Starbucks. I asked for plain old tea and the girl didn't know what I was talking about. She rattled off the tea products...) While I was there, a young mother trying to balance her drink with a stroller, dropped the drink. She looked like she was about ready to cry. So I offered her a couple of dollars for another one. Starbucks gave her one for free so she declined but she thanked me again as she was leaving and perhaps she'll remember and do it for someone else.
There are so mmany more things we can do that don't cost a penny! Give non-perishable food you haven't used in 6 months to the food bank. If you ain't used it by now, you ain't never gonna.
Ladies, let's hear from you! How are you working your challenges? My dear friend Melissa says the Challenge is on her mind now all the time she's out and about and she finds lots of ways to share love. How wonderful!
I'm always motivated by what Mother Teresa said, "We can do no great things. Only small things with great love!" and my pal Gandhi gave me my mantra when I discovered this saying of his, "We must be the change we want to see in the world." So True!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Until next week,
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
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mima
True Blue Farmgirl
1573 Posts
1573 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2008 : 11:24:53 AM
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I'm on my way to work with a smile on my face a touch or hug for anyone who needs it and some veggie chili for my new Iranian friend!!! thanks Patricia for keeping this on all of our minds! Hugs!
"No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars,or sailed to an uncharted land or opened a new heaven to the human spirit." Helen Keller |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2008 : 11:28:24 AM
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Great reminder, Patricia. I visited the adopt an elder site, and am getting my thoughts together as to what I can give--both communication and monetarily. I surely do appreciate the link!!!
Now, I'm just on the lookout for a stranger to infect with kindness!!!
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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amyartgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
991 Posts
Amy
Junction City
Ohio
USA
991 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2008 : 11:35:51 AM
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As they say the smallest things matter the most...I was at a friends' house w/ my DH and some other friends of ours watching the BCS National Champ. game (which was a bust for OSU, oh well life goes on)....One of our friends there has been going through a lot of career challenges (she lost her business unfairly) and is going though some health concerns, and her mom is not doing well health wise.....vs. watching the game for some time, her and I just talked over things. I am glad that I helped out by taking the time being her listening ear....to help clear her mind and to relate to her on some things.....a good, patient listening ear is a great "gift" to someone and another way to spread the love 
Farmgirl Sister #21
http://artfulheart.blogspot.com
http://farmgirltales.blogspot.com |
Edited by - amyartgirl on Jan 08 2008 11:37:55 AM |
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2008 : 12:30:32 PM
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I spent the afternoon last Friday helping to paint the dining room and living room in Candace's new trailer. I made an apron that morning as a thank you for a local gal who helped our chapter out during the Christmas rush. She was thrilled.
Saturday I went skiing on the edge of town and brought a dog back to his home (I know him and he's not supposed to be wandering). His folks weren't home, but it didn't matter. I just locked the gate that was standing open after I put him inside.
Sunday I gave directions to some German tourists looking for a "saloon" (that was the word they used). Maybe that one doesn't really count. I actually give directions to our tourists all the time:)
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm |
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cajungal
True Blue Farmgirl
2349 Posts
Catherine Farmgirl Sister #76
Houston Area
Texas
2349 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2008 : 4:08:57 PM
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I love all the oooey goooey kindness that's passing around!
A few weeks ago I was going through my local coffee house drive through and ordered a huge mocha with all the trimmings. When I arrived at the pick up window I was told that the gentleman in front of me paid for mine. Well, I was excited! So, I paid for the person behind me. Later that day I went back and asked the owner if the kindness went on. He said it continued for about 20 minutes!
Blessings
Catherine
Farmgirl Sister #76
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
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Luzy
True Blue Farmgirl
922 Posts
Luanne
Pueblo
Colorado
USA
922 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2008 : 4:24:42 PM
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As my Hubby left for work this AM our neighbor pulled out of her driveway ahead of him. We got a few inches of snow last night and she didn't take the time to clear her windows, he could tell she was having a hard time seeing to drive. She pulled into our little gas station and went inside to pay for gas. Hubby pulled in after her and cleaned off her windows and car in that bitter cold air. She's an elderly lady and I was so glad he stopped to help her. He's always done things like this tho, just likes to help people.
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May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.
http://luzy.etsy.com- My etsy store! |
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Leezard
True Blue Farmgirl
950 Posts
Elizabeth
Novi
MI
USA
950 Posts |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2008 : 10:37:04 PM
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Elizabeth, the correct web address is http//www.anelder.org. thanks so much for asking!
And thanks to everyone for all your stories! I'm keeping them all in my heart and in a book. I don't know how to tell you what this means to me.
It's been a quiet week here in Lake Wobegon, my home town...No, wait, that's something else. It's been a GREAT week here in Portland. Oh, and here's a tip: keep a couple of dollar bills in your pocket if you're inclined to help the folks on the street. Do NOT take out your wallet to give one. We also have a wonderful organization here in Portland called "Sisters of the Road" where folks can get a hot meal in exchange for some work. You can also buy meal tickets ($1.50, I think) to give to folks instead of money, which I think is a GREAT idea.
Thanks again. I love you guys!
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2008 : 11:13:43 PM
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I had a really unique opportunity the other day - there was an elderly lady in the checkout line at the market right behind me, and I didn't see what happened exactly, but something must've caught her wig and pulled it a little crooked. Her hands were full, and there wasn't room to set her stuff down on the checkout counter yet and I could tell she was really uncomfortable and embarassed. Now, for the cool coincidental part - I just happened to be wearing a wig myself, so I pulled mine crooked while she was looking, asked if I could hold her gallon of milk for her, and just said, "Don't worry about a thing! It can happen to anyone of us!" She smiled, then giggled, then straightened her hair...
It was SOOOOooooo cool!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Farmgirl Sister #10," and proud of it!!! |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2008 : 07:19:59 AM
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Libbie, that SO made me smile!
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2008 : 09:16:02 AM
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I did it!! I went to Starbucks this morning to get my weekly treat. There was a lady behind me in a van. When I paid for mine I told the clerk I'd like to pay for the lady behind me. The clerk was a little shocked but then got a huge smile on her face. I drove out of the parking lot as fast as I could so the person wouldn't see who paid for her order. Then I smiled all the way to work!! This was so fun!!
My Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
Farmgirl Flair Etsy Team http://farmgirlsonetsy.blogspot.com
PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2008 : 2:19:19 PM
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Libbie, Kay, you make my heart sing!
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2008 : 09:09:17 AM
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Last night, I spent some time talking with the dishwasher at my husband's place of business. He's 19 and has two children--one just born, a sweet little preemie. He works very hard, and never misses an opportunity to better himself--he's cross training as a server and in the kitchen, so that he will always be able to work. Folks are funny about him having children and being so young--that stigma, you know, but I sat down with him on his break and we just talked. Talked about his babies, talked about his auntie raising him--his terrible abusive relationship with his mother, how drugs changed her forever, how we would NEVER do that to his boys. I just listened, commended him, COMPLIMENTED him on how adult he is and how much I admire him...laughed with him and TRULY enjoyed his company. He's a diamond in the rough, and I wish there were more MEN out there like him.
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
Edited by - KYgurlsrbest on Jan 10 2008 09:10:13 AM |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2008 : 10:16:12 AM
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Yesterday I was reading something, oh I remember, about the Law of Attraction (I love the Secret) but this was just LOA in general. I remembered how you attract positive energy when you put it out and take the moments life gives you even if you don't really know. Well an old man came in and we started talking about Maine, Music, Strings, Patek Philippe watches (SUPER expensive) and I mentioned how I collect costume jewelry that is old. SO we talked for like 40 min. I think I made his day just talking and reminiscing and thinking. :) That was FREE and it was well worth it for him to smile and say he had a good time.
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirlslonggreen.blogspot.com/
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Mumof3
True Blue Farmgirl
3890 Posts
Karin
Ellenwood
GA
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2008 : 11:40:28 AM
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After falling off a wall at Oakland Cemetary and tearing ligaments in my left foot on New Year's Day, I have not had much opportunity to encounter anyone but my own family. But, I still do my best to make sure they know how appreciative I am for everything they have done for me. Thank you for the letter ideas, Patricia. I will certainly be able to do this!!
Karin
Farmgirl Sister
# 18 :)
Wherever you go, there you are.
www.madrekarin.blogspot.com |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2008 : 11:45:13 AM
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Yep, the Law of Attraction has been around since the beginning. It is on of the Laws of the Universe. If you're interested in the others, they're in my newsletters on my website. (www.petreader.com) It's the law behind doing unto others, cause and effect, etc. In all belief systems in some way or another.
Law is very powerful.Example, if you say, 'I'll never find the right man, lose weight, get a promotion, etc." you never will. The Universe does not reason. It merely responds to your thoughts.
Look back at these messages (by the way, I'm collecting them all into a book. They're precious to me and I want to keep them) and see what just talking with someone can do for them and for you.
Jonni and Bridget, I'm proud to be your Farmgirl Sister.
love,
Patricia
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2008 : 11:52:14 AM
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Karen, I'm not even going to ask why you were on top of a wall at the Cemetery. I'm sure you had a good reason. I'm just going to surround your fot land legs (both since I don't know which one is injured) with healing light. I know how painful torn ligaments are and I'm impressed at how good a patient you are being. God bless.
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2008 : 12:30:38 PM
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So true, Bridget. I'm sorry, I don't get the references to LOA and JD. I'm such a brain dead computer girl.
My daughter practices reiki. She's a healer massage therapist. I use what I call color vibrational healing which uses the vibrations that are all around us all the time.
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2008 : 12:32:32 PM
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Law of Attraction, and John Deere (not to be confused with Jack Daniels :-)
I have wanted to for AGES learn Reiki so bad. Noone around here does it.
We should talk more about this stuff Patricia!!!
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggygirl.blogspot.com/
http://liggygirlslonggreen.blogspot.com/
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2008 : 2:30:53 PM
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You mean like the John Deere stuff Jenny collects?
I'll be glad to talk with you about this. You can email me privately or if you think anyone else would be interested, we could start a new thread. Lemme know.
love,
Patricia
Proud Farmgirl Sister #19
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
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Across the Fence: 2nd Challenge letter 1/8/08 |
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2nd Challenge letter 1/8/08
