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Across the Fence:  Keeping on the sunny side...  |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 11 2008 : 5:49:18 PM
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I was just thinking today how easy it is to get caught up in the media hoopla going on about such things as the cost of gasoline, the threat to tomato crops,the "recession"... and oh so much more that has hit the news stands in recent days..things that some folks find to fuel the"grumbles" even more.
And started thinking..hmm..
"wouldn't it be so much nicer if we all just learned to "count our blessings" a bit more.?"
Just knuckle down and put on a happy face..and face life with Grace and a smile on our face?
Remind ourselves that not too long ago there was a generation that knew how to "make do with doing without" and they managed just fine in the face of "hard times".
I came across a book that I had tucked back in my room today..and it was put out by Reminensce magazine..about "We thrived and Survived" how folks made it during the Depression...one thing stuck out for me..and it was the fact that although they had things rough, many of the stories that were shared mentioned how the families actually were drawn closer together and had many wonderful memories..one statement stuck out" we didn't have much..but we had lots of love"
So anyhow..I was thinking when things go on and so much talk about "tough times" it is often times so much easier for human nature to "go with the crowd" and find a little something to "grumble about".After all so many folks are grumbling about this that and the other.
But don't you think that as farmgirls we can all take the higher road..and be a much more positive face to the world/our neighbors/our community/our co workers, and even fellow farmgirls here...if we just "kept on the sunny side!?"
Looked for and found the things to smile about, the things to be positive about?
I certainly think so!..we can be the "Happy Faces" in our communities, and show folks that even in "tough times" ...
"We can and will...survive and thrive!...and Love certainly goes a long way..as we "Keep on the Sunny Side of Life!"
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just a wee thought for the day.
(absolutely not meant to be preachy or to offend in anyway.was just a thought I had today.)
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
visit me at:
http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and at www.stliving.net
you can also check out my etsy shops at:http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com |
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Mumof3
True Blue Farmgirl
3890 Posts
Karin
Ellenwood
GA
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - Jun 11 2008 : 6:07:45 PM
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I agree with you, Tina. Gratitude goes a long way as well. You can't help but be cheerful when you are grateful for what you have.
Today I'm grateful that my grain mill came, that we got a nice soaking rain and my bedroom is really clean. (It is the place where things get shoved when there is no where else to put them in a pinch. A lot of what was in there had been in there since MaryJane came. In October  .)
PLUS- I have all of my Thank You cards made!! So the PO will be busy tomorrow. At last.
Karin
Farmgirl Sister
# 18 :)
Wherever you go, there you are.
www.madrekarin.blogspot.com
www.madrekarin.etsy.com |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jun 11 2008 : 6:12:03 PM
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Amen!!!!! I agree! Times can be hard or full of joy. Or both at once. It is a choice we can make. I know some will disagree, but still, let's all strive to be positive and move forward! And be sensible and take care of what we have and not waste.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Jun 11 2008 : 6:30:22 PM
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I completely agree with you Tina!!! Everyone around me seems to be so down about everything. I was down by the river, sitting in a chair in knee deep cool water, sunning, just loving the moment. Things are going to continue to happen and yes, one must be prepared and sometimes buckle down but I ain't rolling over and giving up. I feel like I am just on the tip of the iceberg when it comes to living life so I am not going to get down. I truly try to enjoy each day and not think about- well oh tomorrow it's bad this, bad that, bad future....I really think about Charlie and think "Gosh, do I want him to think his life is going to be doom and gloom and the good old days were back in the x days...no!! I want him to be happy and adjusted to a fun life with my common sense and hubby's brains (ok, and a little of my brains). I don't watch the news, nor do I read it online unless it is light hearted, cute, fun or interesting. It can really bring you down!! I SAY UP UP UP!!!!!
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
FARMGIRL #90 |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Jun 11 2008 : 6:32:00 PM
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I guess I was thinking today too how I grew up rather "dirt poor" as some folks would call it..and I know it was rough for my folks many many times...but they did what needed doing and kept pushing forward. We all made it, we survived and learned a lot of lessons along the way. And the main one as Karin mentioned above..was that simple word.."gratitude"
Today I am so thankful for so much..
health, a loving family, a roof over my head,my husband being able to work from home to support our family..and so far that is going decently(the bills are getting paid), the laughter and friendly loving banter amongst my family members,a decent meal for dinner(not fancy..but decent),clothes on our backs,and the love of each other.
Very thankful.
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
visit me at:
http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and at www.stliving.net
you can also check out my etsy shops at:http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com |
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BarnChickCecily
True Blue Farmgirl
673 Posts
Cecily
Corydon
IN
USA
673 Posts |
Posted - Jun 11 2008 : 7:00:17 PM
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| I totally agree with all of you! I personally think that these "hard times" are a perfect opportunity for all of us farmgirls to show people in need some good old fashion hospitality. After all, that's how they did it back in the good old days. People use to help one another and help carry eachother's burdens. Now-a-days, everyone is out for what they can get for themselves. Which, I do agree with taking care of yourself and your family first and foremost, but once you and your family are taken care of, share with others. I find that when I help someone out, I feel really good about myself and know that I made a difference in someone elses life. Wouldn't this world be so much better with everyone lending a hand of help to others? |
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elphie0503
True Blue Farmgirl
500 Posts
Samantha
Gilmer
Texas
USA
500 Posts |
Posted - Jun 11 2008 : 7:28:39 PM
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I was speaking to my Grandma a while back about "tough times"...she lived thru the end of the Depression and she said something that I have heard time and time again, just never paid attention to: Necessity is the mother of invention. I told my husband that we should try that as a lifestyle...unless it is needed (not wanted) then we put it in savings, away, give it...that way we have to use our imagination more...we have been inventing a lot in the last couple of weeks and it feels so good to look at the worlds down side with a fresh perspective!
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort~~Albright
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - Jun 11 2008 : 9:47:31 PM
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I'm having an "Attitude of Gratitude" today!
<><
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
mjf#72
Sisters on the Fly#472
www.katmom4.blogspot.com
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2008 : 06:35:05 AM
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My mother was born in 1920. Her parents were Danish immigrants who settled in Minneapolis. My grandfather was a tailor. They had three girls, and they lost their home in the Depression. My grandmother always had a kitchen garden, even when they were renting, and my mother said she never turned down anyone when they asked for a meal. Sometimes they would offer to chop wood or other things, sometimes my mother said the people looked so skinny she just fed them and wished them well. My mother=s on;y real complaint about this time in her life was she got really tired of having carrots for dinner every other meal, and chicken necks. She never cooked shicken at our house when i was growing up/ You don't have to be in the midst of a full blown recession to have a little something to share with others. I am always impressed with people's generosity around here when really hard times hit a family, Someone always manages to come up with a way for those of us in the small communities in this area to help out, benefit suppers, collection cans at local stores, or lists of things that might help a family whose house has burned. That's one thing about Mainers, they may be wary of newcomers , but I always stop when I see a car in distress on a back road, many people have done the same for me. I always wave to people out walking their dogs, or riding their horses. That is one of the blessings of living in a small community, the word gets out, and good things happen.
I take great pleasure in my little world here, the sun has finally come out this morning, and the wind is quite strong, it is lovely to see all the newly green trees waving their branches, and yesterday were my first butterflies, fritillaries, so beautiful . Enjoy the day girls, you have all added to mine. I have never felt such an instant closeness to the farmgirls here, I'm constantly being inspired by the tremendous sense of camraderie given to all members, new or old.....Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2008 : 06:49:16 AM
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Whoops, a footnote i forgot, last night as I was watching The Daily Show with my daughter, I received yet more ammunition in my battle against television news media. They had a little clip from Fox News, of Barak Obama dn his wife Michelle at an event celebrating his success at securing the Democratic nomination. Senator Obama hugged his wife and they they sort of tapped their knuck;es to each other, the kind of things kids do when they are excited about things. Fox news had some woman shieiking and asking us "Just what does this weird display of the Obamas mean? Is it some terrorism salute, some black revolutionary gesture..." She went on and on. I too no longer watch news on the television because it seems we have been reduced to this moronic sort of coverage of everything, news being made when there is none,l I felt particularly irate about the "terrorism" innuendo posed by the harpy on fox News, Television news sort of grabs you and you get sucked in, i find it much more likely of having a chance of being real news if I hunt through the internet, when I start reading something that sounds like a right wing rant, I just move right along to something different. Wow, do I sound like an old fart or what? I guess I am at this point. I would just like the information, I don't need the innuendos and slurs on the part of the media....There, now I'll shut up. I'm sorry for ranting on, but I was so repulsed by Fox News taking what was obviously a playful way to say "yes, we did it" and turn this celebratory moment into a possible terrorist threat. Ok, really done now. Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2008 : 07:08:13 AM
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Hey Karin...after the knuckle tap, he also sort of "tapped" her on the hip (or bottom), very affectionately--like a husband and wife do when they're incredibly comfortable with one another.
I appreciate that show of affection--and I appreciate that the media didn't get a hold of that!
I'm not as worried as I was a few months ago...for whatever reason. We just plug along, and you know what? If something happens, it does. We evolve and amend our ways of living and then we begin again. Gran always said, "you can't cry over spilt milk..." and I sure can't worry about things BEFORE they happen!!!
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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elphie0503
True Blue Farmgirl
500 Posts
Samantha
Gilmer
Texas
USA
500 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2008 : 08:33:30 AM
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I too saw the coverage of the Obama's display of affection...I thought "How sweet"! Those are the same gestures that my DH and I use when something awesome happens in our lives...I got one just the other day for my (awesome) Zinnia crop!! and then I hear the negatives with all their blah blah blah and I got so angry. It's no wonder this nation has a 50% divorce rate...nobody gets to celebrate their marriage anymore without scrutiny! It's too uncool to get excited with your spouse I guess!!!
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort~~Albright
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abbysshadow
True Blue Farmgirl
224 Posts
Sherry
Dayton
Nevada
USA
224 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2008 : 10:48:59 AM
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well said, everyone : )
home with all my heart :)
...I cannot do all the good that the world needs, but the world needs all the good that I can do... |
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Sandra K. Licher
True Blue Farmgirl
1106 Posts
Sandra
Horseshoe Bend
Arkansas
1106 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2008 : 11:10:55 AM
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Amen Sisters...well said by all of you! I too do not watch the news if I can help it unless I'm waiting for the weather if it's stormy or going to be down here otherwise I ignore it. I don't read the paper either....one time there was a 3 day war in Panama, I think and I missed the whole thing! I know we can't stick our heads in the sand but gratitude goes a long way in making life grand regardless of the situation. I list 10 things I'm grateful for every morning before I start my day and I really do have many more but it does start your day in a positive vein. You are just the greatest group of women I have ever come upon! You GO Girls!
Sam in AR....going back out to finish the lawn....later! |
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wooliespinner
True Blue Farmgirl
1311 Posts
Linda
Manchester
Ohio
1311 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2008 : 4:10:09 PM
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no doubt,
its scary how the media twist and turn everything that goes on. They never use to be that bad and they get away with it. I think they are spreading fear and panick to people. I think its terrible how they go on about it. I rarely watch the news except to get the weather or I just go to the internet and load up a satelite loop and read it myself.
I have a friend who has the tv on all day cause she doesn't like the quiet. She is always telling me bad stuff thats on the news. I keep telling her thats why I don't turn it on. Its a negative vibe that I don't want or need to feel. I would rather come to Maryjanes and see what all the ladies are up to. I want to start my day on a positive note like seeing my goats early in the morning. They are almost always in a good mood.And the air smells its best in the morning. Wish mornings lasted all day.
The ladies that come here always make me feel great and inspired !!!
take care..... time to go milk
Linda
Raspberry Run Farm
Nubian Dairy Goats |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
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Carol Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
4033 Posts
Carol Sue
Washingtonian
USA
4033 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2008 : 8:19:48 PM
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Tina,
Thank you for continuing to remind me that an attitude of gratitude makes a difference in my life and those around me.
So here is to the sunny side of life!!!!!!!!
listening to the quiet moments
Farmgirl #39
www.Quitemoments.blogspot.com |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2008 : 9:28:02 PM
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Tina,
It really is a choice, isnt it?
I have been thinking that lately... it is all about perspective. Either focusing on what we cannot do.. or turn our focus on what we can do. For us; it is certainly made us stop and really be conscience about where we are putting our $$$$'s, walking more,eating more simply and playing more board games. Not bad things! I think the discussion on economy etc. goes hand in hand with so many finding MaryJane.. it is that that sense of "turning our hearts back home".
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
" Plant goodness, harvest the fruit of loyalty, plow the new ground of knowledge. Hosea 10:12 |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2008 : 10:24:04 PM
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yes, I agree..it isn't the "burying your head in the sand" and hoping that everything just gets better on its own..but its the striving forward,the marching forward..the setting your mind to make your own attitude and self..a better one.Then when the "tough times" do come we can find within our selves a "well of strength" to draw upon.I guess you can say..a "peace within yourself" when things get tough...a sort of "putting your shoulder to the wheel" , a "keeping your back to the wind and your chin up and face forward"
And being thankful for the "little things" in life..the smile of a child, the bird on the wing..the dinner on your plate, a kiss on the cheek from your spouse, watching your own tomatoes ripen on the vine,milking your own cows,hanging clothes on the line,ironing,etc..whatever makes up your day and routine...ya know..just the typical day to day things...but being thankful for the things that make up who we are and what makes our day.
An attitude of gratitude..yes.
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~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~
visit me at:
http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and at www.stliving.net
you can also check out my etsy shops at:http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com |
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Back Home Again
True Blue Farmgirl
584 Posts
Audrey
Albuquerque
New Mexico
USA
584 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2008 : 11:11:10 PM
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Good reminder Tina!!!....definately thankful for all the little things to be joyful about!!
Until Later,
Audrey
~ Side by side or miles apart....dear friends are always close to the heart ~ |
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Across the Fence: Keeping on the sunny side... |
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Keeping on the sunny side...
