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Keeping in Touch:  YOUR CHAPTER WAY OF MEETING  |
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JILLSEWSIT
Farmgirl in Training
22 Posts
JILL
RACINE
WI
USA
22 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 01 2008 : 7:02:38 PM
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Hi, I am in a new chapter. We are small, but that's O.K.
On the one hand, not much is happening yet. On the other hand,
2 meetings w/ children. I meeting w/ a 'spitied' girl & the next w/
multiple children.
We meet once a month for an hr., which flies by.
I feel unheard. I like Mary Janes Farmgirl idea.
About kids: My love for my son and grandson is deep.
I taught high school because of my ability to relate to that
age person.
I wanted to be with women as a respite from day to
day life.
DOES YOUR CHAPTER HAVE KIDS AT MEETINGS?
HOW LONG ON AVERAGE DO YOU MEET?
WHERE DO YOU MEET?
I want to decide quickly. Nip it in the bud.
Stick w/ the magazine.
No, I haven't told the group my concerns.
I want no one to be hurt, insulted etc.
We are each good people.
I won't be around for 4 months.
I don't have the all-welcoming feeling. Intuition.
When in Texas, I goto a knit group. I get e-mails and on returning there, am met with smiles and good energy.
Jillsewsit
How was I to know.... |
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City_Chick
True Blue Farmgirl
509 Posts
Christina
Omaha
Nebraska
USA
509 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2008 : 8:13:00 PM
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Well our group met for the first time Monday night so I am no expert by any means. We are going to be meeting at my home for the time being but one of the gals also offered to host once in a while so I think we will eventually take turns hosting. On the 4th Monday we meet at 7 in the evening and the meetings will last at least 2 hours!
However, I am planning on keeping the meetings child free. With the exception of if we have a special "bring your farmerette" to meeting night...and of course the hosting girls children will most likely be in the house somewhere. Otherwise, I know for not only me, but for my friends as well, that Chapter nights are for us to unwind and engage each other without the distraction of little ones and their little ears. Women need and deserve that time of fellowship. If you have concerns I am sure you may not be the only one in the group feeling that way. If you are the leader of the group I think you should feel free to nip this issue in the butt before it gets worse or you will lose your desire to host and lead. If you are not the leader I would suggest that talk to the leader or the group and get their opinion. If need be you may want to consider starting your own Chapter.
Hugs~
Christina
Farmgirl Sister #195
http://justacitychick.blogspot.com/
Although no one can go back and make a brand new start; anyone can start from now
and make a brand new end.
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Tammy Claxton
True Blue Farmgirl
1559 Posts
Tammy
Glen Burnie
Maryland
USA
1559 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2008 : 05:01:35 AM
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Wow, Jill, I'm sorry that you are having a hard time with the chapter. I know how you feel. My chapter has been up and running sinceMarch or so, and it's been hard trying to get everyone together at the same time. I've had no shows, bail outs from the group and other issues. I finally took it upon myself to send out an e-mail telling everyone that they had to make a choice - either commit to the group or exit the group. Two ladies left so we are now a group of 5.
It will be frustrating until you find the right group of ladies who actually want to have a fellowship with each other. Be patient and hang in there!
**** About kids- Usually, there are no kids at my meetings. I do however try to make a meeting once every few months that does include the whole family - ie: a festival, state fair, etc..
My meetings are never really timed, but usually go on for a few hours. It's up to you, the Chapter leader. The meeting place could be your home, a members home, a craft fair, a restaurant...anywhere!
Don't keep you concerns bottled up because it will reflect on your group. Try doing a project that everyone can participate in like a holiday craft, charity craft, or farmgirl journal. It could be the way to break theice and have fun!
Let me know how it works out and don't feel bad if you have to weed out any bad apples :)
Crafty Bay Farmgirl Chapter
"What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger"
Farmgirl #152
http://countryintheburbs.blogspot.com/
http://bigdogmom130.etsy.com |
Edited by - Tammy Claxton on Oct 02 2008 05:03:27 AM |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2008 : 06:47:58 AM
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Hi Jill,
We usually meet for a couple of hours (6:30 -9:00), but we don’t really have a meeting per say. I do all the announcements and communications through a newsletter and then when we get together it is all fun. Like last week we had a "pin it up and cut it out party" where the ladies all brought there materials and patters for aprons and we cut them out at my house, the time before that we had a picnic in the park, etc.... SO kids are welcome although most of my gals just see it as a "girl’s night out" and opt to leave the little ones at home. I would think that every group has its own personality and maybe you want to plan some events where the kids are a part and some that are a "girl’s night out". If your not being heard sounds like your farmgirls need more of the socializing and a newsletter or email announcement might work well for you to get the "business" taken care of. Hang in there, it will all work out.
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
Mae West
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2008 : 08:22:21 AM
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Jill - do not get discouraged. I was a chapter of one, then my daughter joined so we were two, and now two years later, we are six! And now we have a meeting once a month or so. The younger women all have little ones, so we go with their flow, and make it part of their girls night out. No children come, as the daddys have them that night. It seems to add to the festive attitude if the gals are getting a little time to themselves.
We have made aprons, and rag rugs. Each meeting usually lasts from 7-10 pm on a Wednesday evening. And we are having so much fun! Yet I feel like our chapter is way behind others when I read about them on this forum......then I just enjoy the fact that we are having fellowship and enjoying being apron wearing farmgirls. Your chapter will get better and better.....I never thought the North Florida Farmgirls would grow, but am so happy it has. Be patient! Something will happen that makes everything click.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
Edited by - jpbluesky on Oct 02 2008 08:25:14 AM |
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Pearlsnjeans
True Blue Farmgirl
248 Posts
Vicki
West Haven
Utah
USA
248 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2008 : 8:47:53 PM
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The chapter I joined just had our second meeting last Saturday. We meet Saturday mornings for about 1.5 hours. There are 5 of us and I'm the only one with grown children. The others decided it would be mom only time. Our first meeting was more of a get to know you event. We discussed what each of us expected from attending chapter meetings, some of our interests and what we want to learn. Our leader suggested having a chapter apron. We made these on our own during the month then showed them off to each other and shared a favorite book or magazine.
The other ladies all know each other from homeschooling. I'm the only "stranger". After the first meeting I kinda felt that I wouldn't have anything in common and would be out of place. So far I have enjoyed the social portion. It is pleasant to chat with and share ideas with other women, regardless of age, who are all trying to simplify life. I'm actually looking forward to next month. Don't give up! 
Vicki
Farmgirl Sister #120
Today well lived makes every yesterday a memory of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2008 : 08:13:20 AM
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There are only currently 2 people in our chapter. I don't have kids but she does. We decided that when we have "meetings" it will be NO KIDS! It is our time to get away and do something for ourselves. When our husbands get together to do stuff they never take the kids with them so this is our chance "away". We have done some activities that include the kids and the husbands but these are SEPERATE from our monthly meeting.
Farmgirl Sister #17
Blog
www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com
Felt and Fabric Crafts
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com
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JILLSEWSIT
Farmgirl in Training
22 Posts
JILL
RACINE
WI
USA
22 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2008 : 8:32:38 PM
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To all of your who helped me. Your groups sound like what I picked up from the first Mary Janes' farm. Women together and doing.
I feel encouraged. There chapter nearer me in WI. I will recontact a couple.
I am not the leader
We pay t meet in food. /where I live, I know of at least a couple of places, plus homes that would be more homey and supplies for crafts,wrting etc.
Thanks for the support.
I will be in touch as things develop
Two is Ok to start with if both of you have the same plans for the group. It will grow & for mow, you 2 ca have some good time together.
Jillsewit |
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Keeping in Touch: YOUR CHAPTER WAY OF MEETING |
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YOUR CHAPTER WAY OF MEETING
