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Across the Fence:  What this Forum Means to Me...  |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 22 2009 : 7:01:20 PM
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You know, it's funny, I came across 'MaryJanes Forum' from a magazine my daughter bought me a little over 2 years ago...and here I am still chatting away.....
I never gave it much thought as to why I pop in everyday, sometimes several times a day....but I do.
It's like having a cup of coffee with your girlfriends,,,,we chat, laugh, share "New & Improved" ideas, we vent and we cry on each other e-shoulders....
Today I poped in to check in on a fellow Farmgirl Sister, and I am embarressed to say that I hadn't visited with her since last November,,,,she informed me that her dear husband is very ill,,,,we chatted about him and then she went on to tell me that she pops in to the MJF forum to "take a break" from the reality of what is going on in her life,,,,and looks forward to reading all of our posts. A much needed little break. I am sending her e-hugz I type.
It occured to me that in my daily life I get caught up with the joys & struggles of my own, that I forget to "read between the lines" or to not notice when a Farmgirl Sister has not been posting lately.. Sadly we've lost some Sisters to hardships, others who have lost their battles with cancer and others whose lives have turned so upside down that they have retreated from the forum.
To me it is so important to have this forum, sort of a "Farm kitchen table" to sit & chat with good friends" even if I have never met that friend face to face.
Since I retired 2 years ago, I (my D.H. & kitties) have moved away from our hometown, family, friends, co-workers and all my (our) comfortable surroundings to follow a dream...that dream has now grown to 116 lavender plants & 16 fruit trees....
I can only hope that I never forget my Farm Girl Sisters, and all the wonderful chats we have and will have....
Not only has this forum given me scores of "Sisters" all over the U.S.A. but right here in my community....and I am delighted to say I am going galavanting around the Palouse tomorrow with some of those sisters....to re-capture the fun we had on the Farm Fair weekend that MaryJane provided us with
I am so Thankful for this forum and my Farm Girl friends...
Farm Girl Hugz
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
"I've never met a sewing machine I didn't like!"
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://www.graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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JudyBlueEyes
True Blue Farmgirl
657 Posts
Judith
Spokane
Washington
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2009 : 7:21:30 PM
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Grace, what a sweet sentiment and how thoughtful of you to post it. FarmGirls are the Best! Hugs, J
We come from the earth, we go back to the earth, and in between, we garden! |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2009 : 7:37:36 PM
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I have always been kind of a loner, even when my hubby was still here, and before my kids all grew up, my baby is 28, he and his wife and their son, ( my grandson) live here on the ranch and work every part of it with me. I also have my youngest grandson living with me, and hes 4 1/2, didn't know he excisted til 1/10/08, and his mother, my oldest sons x-girlfriend went to prison for life, and cps called me, ( my oldest son is the blacksheep, i love him, but can't put up with his dramas), my middle son is a Federal wildlands firefighter, and hes all over the place, and his x and their wonderful son, ( blind and autistic ), live in Oregon. My wonderful daughter, is a middle school teacher, is still single ( any avalible sons out there, LOL), and lives in Burbank, Ca., she is my rock, when I need one. But for the grace of God I found this site, and such wonderful women, who are all a little like me, and I alittle like them, I have made some lifetime friends here, and I am very grateful. Even if its only just e-mails, that is fine, cause you all make me feel like it is so much more, and as time passes, I hope to personalize much, much more. Thank you very much.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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peapicker
True Blue Farmgirl
716 Posts
texas
USA
716 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2009 : 7:45:42 PM
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| Teresa your not 1badmamwolf, your just a softee inside. It is nice to find women who I can actually relate to, and be honest about daily life with. I tend to be a loner too, but just because I thought no one understood me.....until I found all of you. |
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Mikki
True Blue Farmgirl
1510 Posts
Mikki
Austin
Indiana
USA
1510 Posts |
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Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2009 : 08:14:55 AM
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This is so moving. Oh, Grace and all you gals. It has been such a blessing in my life too to come here to the table for a chat whenever about whatever. I am so thankful for this community. :)
We make a difference. |
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Ga Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2355 Posts
Karen
Meansville
Ga.
USA
2355 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2009 : 08:22:26 AM
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Here Here! What a blessing this farmgirl table is, each farmgirl friend seems to make each person here feel so special! I am so thankful for a place I can go and be myself and not have to worry about "the looks". Thank you MJ for this important place to meet and chat. Blessings,Karen
Create in me a pure heart,O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10
www.KKJD1.etsy.com |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2009 : 10:32:17 AM
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Grace:
What a wonderful post. The MJF forum is a blessing to me. I absolutely love everything about it. It soothes my soul.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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Bellepepper
True Blue Farmgirl
1207 Posts
Belle
Coffeyville
KS
USA
1207 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2009 : 11:20:48 AM
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| Same here. I come here to the "kitchen table" several times a day. Ole Ron will come in and ask, who are you talking to. I tell him I'm talking to my friends all over the US and Don't forget Dutchy. I am all the time saying to a "real" person, that my friend in GA or CA or KY, said this or that. Those that don't know I am on the forum probably think I really have a wide circle of friends. Oh, come to think of it, I do!! |
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Diane B Carter
True Blue Farmgirl
1270 Posts
Diane
Blasdell
N.Y.
USA
1270 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2009 : 12:58:42 PM
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This is my sanity time. I come here for 20 to 30 minutes a day if I have the time. I love reading the topics and am amazed at the great advice that is usually given. I enjoy the games example Secret Sister. Over the fence is my favorite. Got to go Baby on his way.
Hope all your days are Sunnydays.
dianebcarterhotmailcom.blogspot.com |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2009 : 4:34:07 PM
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Well said Grace. When my husband was dying of cancer, this site was a constant for me. Though I rarely posted in those days, just reading the posts and seeing that life goes on and will be good again, always gave me strenth. After my DH passed away in December, it was a while before I got back into the swing of posting regularly.
Once I did, it was just like getting back up on that imfamous horse. It was good. Now that I have moved away from friends, though closer to family, this site gives me a long distant friendship and connection that I need.
I have been chatting since 2005, hard to believe. So many new farmgirls since than, but new friends to have. I love it here. It is like sitting around the table with a mug of something hot and just being with those I have come to care about. Thank you for being there when I needed you. I hope I will always return the favor!
For tomorrow and its needs I do not pray, but keep me, guide me, love me, Lord just for today.
St. Augustine
#440 |
Edited by - Julia on Jul 23 2009 4:35:37 PM |
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gspringman
True Blue Farmgirl
387 Posts
Gail
Bonanza
Oregon
USA
387 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2009 : 4:45:38 PM
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Grace, you said it all. I feel the same as all these other women. Before I found this forum I too was a loner and have been my whole life. I find it hard to speak with people except when I am on here. Here I am not judged, critizized or made to feel insecure. Thanks to all the 'sisters' I have met on this forum and the things I am learning about self sufficiency and all, I too feel very blessed. Thank you MaryJane for helping those like myself to meet and be apart of so many wonderful lives. You are truly a beautiful lady and an inspiration to many.
Gail
Farmgirl #486
Planting Zone 5
http://grammasladybug.blogspot.com/
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cheneygal
True Blue Farmgirl
503 Posts
Suzie
Cheney
Wa.
USA
503 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2009 : 9:17:10 PM
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Grace, you are such an amazing woman, certainly did hit the nail on the head, it is exactly like sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of java, listening, and chatting away. I don't post much, when I really have an opionion I do, but mostly like to learn from the rest of the "Farmgirls", and have I learned. Thank you Grace, for being the wonderful, caring woman that you are.
live, laugh, love |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2009 : 10:31:26 PM
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I come to this forum, not to escape reality, but to get in touch with it. I work all day at a hospital, which is the ultimate artificial environment. when I come here, I get in touch with other women who are connected to the Earth, themselves, and each other. I'd love to live on a farm and spend all day pulling weeds (well, not really! he he), taking care of sick animals, spending time outdoors, and just living the way people have lived for thousands of years, before the industrial revolution changed everything.
I know that farm life is hard work and there are losses and setbacks, things beyond your control, but at the end of the day, there's the satisfaction that you've given it all you got and tomorrow is another day. I feel like I live in two different worlds--the so-called "real world" and the even more real world that is the natural world. I guess that makes me kind of schizo in a way, but that's almost the way you have to be to survive these days. I took my dog for a walk today at a park that has a reproduced prairie, and I noticed all the different prairie flowers and grasses, some of which I could identify, and others I couldn't. I listened to the songs of birds and saw the rain clouds in the distance and felt at peace.
I'm sort of a loner but here, I can find other like-minded women and I don'have to worry about being abused by people who are unhappy with their lives. That, and some of the posts are just downright funny--I get a kick out of knowing that Jane West was up for auction on E-Bay. I'm still getting to know all the ladies here but I'm enjoying it. I'm so glad that MaryJane started all this--it provides a much needed respite from all that life throws at you.
Cindy
"Dog is my co-pilot"
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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LauriP
True Blue Farmgirl
239 Posts
Laurianne
Hertford
North Carolina
USA
239 Posts |
Posted - Jul 24 2009 : 08:30:19 AM
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Wow -- ya'll nailed it on the head!! -- this forum is really one place whereI can feel like it's ok to say I'm havin' trouble with my garden, or The Husband, or whatever, and know that there is somebody with a encouraging word. Not too many places are available like that online, and I've been on a couple where people are just plain ol' rude. That's not for me.
The Farmgirl sensability (sp) is how I've always felt, and it is such a joy to discover so many others with the same ideals. Yay!! For Farmgirls!!
Now it's time to go check the garden an' mess with the cat!!
Laurianne |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - Jul 24 2009 : 09:32:22 AM
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yep, I love my "e-farm table"...
here I sit, with my coffee mug, chat a bit & catch up on some things...I luv starting my day with a visit w/my friends,,,whether we are just chatting about nothing much, a new apron pattern, current events or just sending e-hugs to someone who is having a bit of a difficult moment in their life.
I am almost sad when I finish my last sip of java cuz I know it's time to get off the computer and go out into my "Garden of Weddin'" or finish up the laundry or what ever chores await me.
On that note, my mug is now empty and I really do have a load of laundry to go hang up...but as I hang each piece of clothing on the line with my cute MJF girl decorated clothespins I happily know that there are others out there probablly doing the same thing.
Ah, the Sisterhood of Girlfriends transends miles and time & yet keeps us wrapped together.
I love my "e-farm table & friends".
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
"I've never met a sewing machine I didn't like!"
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://www.graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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Across the Fence: What this Forum Means to Me... |
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What this Forum Means to Me...
