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**News from MaryJanesFarm:  Thank you MaryJane  |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 30 2005 : 3:18:13 PM
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Dear MaryJane -
I have never met you, MaryJane. I probably never will. Yet when I see your photos and read your books and order your products, I feel a kinship. What a miracle of technology!
No matter who posts here on this site...no matter how this website evolves....I want you to know that I like you! And you are my friend. My never-to-meet friend.
Merry Christmas from your friend in absentia-your fellow mother of a young married daughter, and your comrade in arms for the simple life.
God Bless.
"Sell cleverness and buy wonder" |
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 03:39:11 AM
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Well JP Bluesky, bless you back! But I have to say, one just never knows about you coming to Idaho or me to your home. As much as I dislike traveling, I find myself doing it more and more. And with my kids back home to run the farm now, it just seems to be part of my outreach destiny these days. Cyber HUGS until then!!!
Also, I know from the last issue of our magazine, what a great writer you are. Up for a challenge? I can just tell that my favorite poem speaks your heart as well. How about attempting a farmgirl remake of it? Sam was a great spokes"man" for the male side of things but we need JP's farmgirl version of "The Road Home" as poem!!!!!??????
THE HOUSE BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD
by Sam Walter Foss 1858-1911
There are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the peace of their self content;
There are souls like stars, that dwell apart,
In a fellowless firmament;
There are pioneer souls that blaze their paths
Where highways never ran;
But let me live by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
Let me live in a house by the side of the road,
Where the race of men go by,
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I.
I would not sit in the scorner's seat,
Or hurl the cynic's ban;
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
I see from my house by the side of the road,
By the side of the highway of life,
The men who press with the ardor of hope,
The men who are faint with the strife.
But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears,
Both parts of an infinite plan;
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead,
And mountains of wearisome height;
That the road passes on through the long afternoon
And stretches away to the night,
But still I rejoice when the travelers rejoice
And weep with the strangers that moan,
Nor live in my house by the side of the road
Like a man who dwells alone.
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by;
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,
Wise, foolish--so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat,
Or hurl the cynic's ban?
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man. |
Edited by - MaryJane on Dec 01 2005 03:41:31 AM |
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junebug
True Blue Farmgirl
2421 Posts
Sue
West Plains,
Mo.
USA
2421 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 04:52:21 AM
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I feel the same as JPBluesky, I've connected with so many farmgirls here that it's changed my life, and our Queen Bee is the reason why, you Miss Mary Jane have started a woman's movement like no other and I regard you as one of my hero's, right up there with Oprah and Tasha Tudor, all strong women who are changing the way we women look at ourselves and our lives, only making it better for our families and friends. I'd like to declare Dec. 1, Mary Jane Day, in honor of all you do for us simple gals!!!!!! We love you!
JP Bluesky, I can't wait to read your poem, I hope you taking the challenge....PLEASE!
" Aspire to Inspire before you Expire"
www.herbalfarmstead.blogspot.com
www.countrypleasures.motime.com |
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Lavender Cottage
True Blue Farmgirl
273 Posts
Ellen
USA
273 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 05:03:43 AM
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| MaryJane-I also agree and want to THANK YOU! Have a great day! |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 05:53:31 AM
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MaryJane-
Challenge accepted. Dashing out the door right now, but will get in touch with you later! :)
"Sell cleverness and buy wonder" |
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Eileen
True Blue Farmgirl
1199 Posts
Eileen
USA
1199 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 08:47:43 AM
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JP, You say everything so well! So many of us are having similar feelings right now, me included except for the fact that I have met Mary Jane, she is my friend and I do like her too. You have stated our hearts. Thankyou. I too will be looking forward to your poem. Mary Jane Thank you for the suggestion. This is gonna be good.
Eileen
Songbird; singing joy to the earth |
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 09:03:55 AM
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| MaryJane Day!!!!!! (blush) Farmgirls are the best!!!! In honor of the day then, I'm treating everyone here at the farm to chocolate and popcorn...maybe a few canned peaches!!! Then I'm taking myself to the new June Carter movie tonight. I LOVE Reese Witherspoon. I heard a radio interview with June's stepdaughter, who also sings, and it was very inspirational. Thanks for the celebratory mood you've put me in. Cyber hugs to ALL of you!!! |
Edited by - MaryJane on Dec 01 2005 09:04:10 AM |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 11:43:35 AM
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OK the little Kansas tweetie bird has to hop up on the hedge post and sing out the song of MaryJane...this dear lady has indeed changed my life...has enriched it in ways I cannot express (my midwestern silence is kicking in)JP thank you for speaking what is in my heart. Light filled people are few and far between...but one shines brightly down on all of us rural women in the hinterlands...and she has an apron round her waist, a long blonde braid and carries a mighty rolling pin!
If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come. |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 1:21:28 PM
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MaryJane .. you will LOVE "Walk the Line" .. in my book .. it is an Academy Award Winner .. so far this year! And both Joaquin and Reece are amazingly talented in this film .. i couldn't believe it was THEIR voices singing the songs! Don't think i've ever seen a film that thrilled me more with the opening scene .. and oh wowzer! when he sings at Folsom Prison .. i wanted to get up and dance! Makes me want to read more of their lives.
Treat yourself to big POP CORN (extra butter) on your special day! xo, Frannie
True Friends, Frannie |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 1:25:18 PM
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I feel the same way about ya MaryJane!! It is so fun and inspiring to have you in my life! And all you other farmgirls...I wouldn't change that for the world!
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette |
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Kate
MaryJane's Farmgirl
135 Posts
Kate
Moscow
ID
USA
135 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 4:05:16 PM
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We Love MaryJane!! Yummm we're enjoying popcorn and chocolate! Happy MaryJane Farmgirl Day!!
Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.....unless they are spelling mistakes. |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 6:18:58 PM
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"The House At the End of The Road'
by jpbluesky
adapted from Sam Walter Foss' poem,
"The House By The Side of the Road"
There are gentle souls that give each day
With the peace of talents spent;
There are souls, like stars, that dwell to shine,
In their loved-ones sweet content.
There are pioneer souls that blaze their paths
The wagon ruts still call-
But let me live at the end of the road
And make a home for all.
Let me live in a house at the end of the road
Where the walk of life draws nigh-
Where folks who work hard and have calloused hands,
As good and as bad as I,
Can live and not judge another's heart
Or cast a critic's eye.
Let me live in a house at the end of the road
And open my door to sky.
I see from my house at the end of the road,
The rolling fields of life,
I see women who press with the ardor of hope,
Their aprons stained with strife.
But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears -
Both parts of the infinite plan;
Let me live in a house at the end of the road
And be a woman to man.
I know there are lark-filled meadows ahead,
And mountains of wearisome height,
There are gardens to tend and children to mend
And day simply turns into night.
But still I rejoice when my sisters rejoice,
And weep with the women that moan,
With the dream of a farm at the end of the road
For a little girl too quickly grown.
Let me live in my house at the end of the road
And welcome the women who try-
They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are stong,
Wise, foolish - so am I.
Then why should I look with a critic's eye
Or judge another's call? -
Let me live in a house at the end of the road
And make a home for all.
"Sell cleverness and buy wonder" |
Edited by - jpbluesky on Dec 02 2005 05:22:46 AM |
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Fabulous Farm Femmes
True Blue Farmgirl
792 Posts
Diane
Lakebay, Tacoma
WA
792 Posts |
Posted - Dec 01 2005 : 10:49:23 PM
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I can't think of anything to say but
WOW.
I send my sincere admiration! |
Edited by - Fabulous Farm Femmes on Dec 01 2005 10:49:58 PM |
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TheSoapMaven
True Blue Farmgirl
691 Posts
Susan
LA
USA
691 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 05:05:48 AM
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Well call me Emotional Susan this morning. That really touched me! Beautiful. Just beautiful.
For years I struggled almost daily with judging what other women chose to do with their lives. I think it stemmed from insecurities about what I had chosen. We all want to be found doing what is "right". But what is right for me, maynot be for anyone else on Earth. As I matured and grew in my confidence of my own choices, I found it so much easier to "accept" what others did differently from me. I have a friend who I see those old traits of mine in. Just like me she has a strong need to be right. Not as in an argument, but as in knowing she is doing what is right. It is painful at times to watch her struggle so. I see myself all over again.
I live in that little house at the end of the road. And I want to be a sanctuary for women. My friends who lead much different lives from mine, love to come sit and drink coffee and smell soap, and take home a bag of greens for supper. I love to listen to their stories of what is going on their lives. Lives I can never really grasp. Workplace goings on amaze me. I have worked outside the home, but that is so far removed from me now, I hardly remember what it felt like. I have been home and homeworking for 18 years now. I love my life but I also love that my friends and I can sit, talk and live vicariously thru each other!
I had a coffee at my house this past Tuesday night. Nine women including myself, gathered for soup and conversation and coffee. For support, and affirmation and solace. It was beautiful. All of us so similar in somethings, so different in others. We are all stay at home, homeschooling moms. But we come from some very different places otherwise. So different in personality, family size, religion, talents, interests...yet, we all meshed. We talked about our love of coffee, we talked about homeschooling...female issues, husband issues...pets...grandchildren, having more children. It was a beautiful thing. I hope to do it again very soon. It was intimate yet very welcoming. We found familiarity with each other even though a couple of the women I had never really met and thought I had nothing in common with. But I was wrong. Again. The fact that we are women bonds us.
Thank you for sharing this. I am copying it and putting it on my fridge.
Susan
Proprietress of Dahlem's Soapworks http://www.thesoapmaven.com
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 05:25:58 AM
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Just beautiful Jeannie...gave me the goosebumps....
If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come. |
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16458 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16458 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 06:09:49 AM
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Hear ye! Perfect, perfect JP!!!!! You are a pro. From here on out, I will promote your words as the Farmgirl Creed. And everywhere I go, I intend to offer your poem as our road map to life and then encourage farmgirls of every stripe and of every color to read it daily. I know I intend to! And Susan, I wish I could have been there. You live the creed to a T! You're an inspiration to me. For sure, goosebumps, heart, and singing birds!
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 06:24:45 AM
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Thank you, MaryJane! I must admit that little exercise was something I needed to do. I think a higher authority was inspiring you to ask and me to respond. Your request certainly was a Christmas gift from you to me, because I spent a big part of my evening last night wallowing in a great piece of literature - Sam Foss' poem. Who could ask for more? :)
"Sell cleverness and buy wonder" |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 06:45:18 AM
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JP -- just beautiful! It brought tears to my eyes. You are amazing. Thank you Mary Jane for requesting the remake of an already beautiful poem.
The only place that success comes before work is in the dictionary!
http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 07:31:43 AM
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Absolutely wonderful Jeannie, just like you!(I have an old black and white sampler with part of the Foss poem, maybe there's a JP version
in the offing?!
Thank you MaryJane for giving us a place where kindred spirits can meet and share what is in their hearts. The true value of a person's spirit and soul hold no price tags and the purest gems of a lifetime shine quite clearly here. We commune with those that have discovered as Aunt Jenny used to say " The best things in life aren't things".
with a happy heart |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 07:39:53 AM
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Amen Bramble!
If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come. |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 08:25:50 AM
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jp .. beautifully written .. may we all 'live' the words. xo, frannie
True Friends, Frannie |
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BlueEggBabe
True Blue Farmgirl
417 Posts
Susan
PA
417 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 09:03:25 AM
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Bramble,
I also have an old embroidered piece my Grandma made that says
"Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man"..I got out my floss years ago and added a Y to the end so that it says "MANY"!
Jeannie, whew... I wiped a tear myself. Incredibly beautiful and appropriate.You have a wonderful gift with words.
www.feedsackfarmgirls.blogspot.com
www.farmatcoventry.com
"If more of us valued good food, cheer and song above hoarded gold,the world would be a merrier place."
J.J.R.Tolkien |
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Lavender Cottage
True Blue Farmgirl
273 Posts
Ellen
USA
273 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 09:28:27 AM
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| Beautiful poem JP Bluesky! |
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celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 10:09:49 AM
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I have found a place of Maryjane, farmgirls, beauty & friends- and it is a piece of Heaven.
JP, thank you.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
-Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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junebug
True Blue Farmgirl
2421 Posts
Sue
West Plains,
Mo.
USA
2421 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 12:49:15 PM
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Bravo!!! Well done!!! Loved the poem!! And Susan, you captured what is so great about the forums, women from all walks of life connect and bond, all because Mary Jane saw the need to bring back the simple and made it cool! I wish I was apart of your round table, sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing that with us!
" Aspire to Inspire before you Expire"
www.herbalfarmstead.blogspot.com
www.countrypleasures.motime.com |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2005 : 1:45:47 PM
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Wow Jeannie..you are amazing with words..and you too, Susan for capturing "the feeling". You gals just make my day!!
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette |
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**News from MaryJanesFarm: Thank you MaryJane |
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Thank you MaryJane
