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A Farm of My Own:  For those who don't yet *have* the farm...  |
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 29 2010 : 12:14:03 PM
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We are saving money to buy a farm. My parents and my family currently share a home on 13 acres. And although there are many things we can do (and already do!)here, there are many we can't because our home is technically within city limits, and I sometimes feel like they think we live in the middle of Minneapolis rather than 40 miles from it.
I love thinking about our "someday" farm. We have big plans for what we'd like to do. I'm sure I could ramble on about those things forever, and every farm girl here would be in agreement, and share that excitement!
But here was my realization, and I'm wondering, for those who aren't at their farm yet...have you fallen into this trap as well: I'm saving so much of what we want to do for our someday farm, and I'm ignoring the things we could be implementing now.
I think I get caught up in the fact that where we live now we can't have chickens. We can't have goats. We can't have cows. If we did, we'd have to put up another building (barn) and we can't because city code says you can't have more than two buildings on your property. So the farm animal part isn't can't be a reality where we live now. But so many other things can. And I think I forget that. We have 13 acres, but I sometimes feel we're smack dab in the middle of city life so I sometimes (but only sometimes  )get caught up in pointless crap while longing for the "simplicity" of a farm...forgetting that minus the farm animals, I can have that NOW.
And I don't mean simplicity as in simple or easy. You farmgirls know what I mean, right?
So I'm wondering, does anyone else get caught up in this? And what kinds of things do you do to keep your eyes open to the options and awesome things you can do in the meantime?
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.wakeupstartlearning.blogspot.com
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2010 : 3:12:31 PM
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Amy, I think I know what you are talking about--but honestly, I have the OPPOSITE problem--I keep doing stuff for a farm I don't have and go full steam ahead with what I CAN do. I work 3 city hives in a city that just NOW made it legal to have bees. I have all kinds of ridiculous garden implements for a postage sized garden plot. But I also find myself getting things that are outright ridiculous to have at the moment: what DO I need muckin' boots for, right now?
I think just the satisfaction of doing things in baby steps and seeing the results of what one can do is enough for me. I plant seedlings in my tiny plot and lo and behold, most of my spring and summer menu list is taken care of. I bake, I cook, I make jam. I'd LOVE acres and acres of veggies and fruits, and animals too, but right now, just thinking in practical terms makes it worthwhile. It also helps to try learning something new. If you can't own sheep, why not take a spinning class in the meantime? Or visit another farm and learn how to work with different animals. I think it might help with the antsy-ness of it all.
Well, that's my two cents, anyhow :)
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2010 : 3:48:59 PM
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Practice makes perfect, thats what my Mama and Grandma always said, So....
Amy, can you put up a temporary 3 sided shelter for a milk cow or 2, or a portable metal corral? Cause these you can move to "your" farm when you get it. Can you build a chicken tractor, that too is a temporary and non-stationary coop. Or can you maybe rent a pasture where you can have a cow, some chickens or a goat ot 2.....its a thought anyway.
"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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tinarie
True Blue Farmgirl
59 Posts
Tina
Bagdad
Florida
USA
59 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 07:36:54 AM
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Amy you would definatly enjoy reading "See you in a Hundred Years". The book is by Logan Ward.
...When one flower blooms,spring awakens everywhere....
- John O'Donohue |
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Melina
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Melina
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 09:20:11 AM
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Oh Amy, I hear you. I'm now on 1/4 acre, after having the farm and giving it up! During the years I waited (and again now)I concentrate on the things I CAN do. I spent too many years wishing my life away. Now I garden where and when I can, I am planning for hens (can have up to 10 in the city)and I'm continuing to learn new skills. I am learning all I can about greenhouses, I'm studying different types of berries and grapes for the Rockies, and we are subdividing the backyard next week to give the dogs a tiny yard and the garden a BIG one. I used to have goats, but I really don't miss them on snowy, blowing days when it's below zero. I've never been a "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" kind of gal, but I'm learning. Even an old dog can learn...
Oh, and another thing, it might be a real adventure to try to get exemptions, change laws, zoning variances, etc. Think of the education in civics you'd get!
The morning breeze has secrets to tell you. Do not go back to sleep.
Rumi |
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mscountrygirl
True Blue Farmgirl
552 Posts
Michelle
Lucedale
Mississippi
USA
552 Posts |
Posted - Jan 30 2010 : 3:25:56 PM
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For those who are longing for "the farm" and don't have one yet I feel compelled to repeat a story from Under the Tuscan Sun (she was an Italian farmgirl I think). There was a town in the Swiss Alps that built a railroad over a steep mountain range before there was a train that could make the trip! I always keep that in the back of my mind when I get discouraged. On a personal note, I started buying dolls and tea sets for a little girl I didn't have, was told I couldn't have. She will be 5 in August. Keep the faith.
Michelle
It's all good! |
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pamcook
True Blue Farmgirl
228 Posts
Pam
Chapel Hill
NC
USA
228 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2010 : 1:43:46 PM
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I so want to live on a farm in a small town but we live on almost 2 acres just off the interstate in the busiest part of our county. We could have chickens but we have hawks and foxes that have been driven out of their homes by clear-cut developers. This summer, I'm enlarging my garden, adding fruit trees and a bee hive. It's the simplicity that I crave and I can have that no matter where I am (to some degree). Sure, I'll have to battle the deer all summer but that's okay.
www.ikat.org
www.longaberger.com/pamcook |
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Room To Grow
True Blue Farmgirl
974 Posts
Deborah
Kingston
Georgia
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2010 : 4:02:10 PM
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We have been on this farm for 2 yrs this coming weekend. We are renting it and plan on buying it this time next yr...If it is in Gods plan. We really havent done anything with it yet. I plan also and bug my DH to death with what i want to do. He tells me to wait until we have bought it. I say it doesnt hurt to plan. I would love chickens and a nice coop. Also 3 cows...I want a greenhouse, and an outside shower...I would love to plant corn and wheat. For both humans and animals. I had a garden last yr..but it wasnt that great. I have done something to the ground to help it this yr. I am planting heirlom seeds so I can save the seeds...for future crops. We already have 3 fenced pastures. But the fencing needs repairs. And we do have a well that also needs repair. There is a farm close by that I can take classes and I plan on that this yr. I have talked to the lady that owns it and she is really excited to teach me what she knows about what I want to know. So you see It doesnt hurt to plan...
Deborah
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
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dandelionhouse
True Blue Farmgirl
205 Posts
Debbie
Plymouth
Mass
USA
205 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2010 : 06:59:49 AM
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This is an interesting question! What is it about us farmgirls and our farm dreams? As I read through the replies, I couldn't help but wonder,do men dream of farms too? Or is this just some primitive need in women to " make a home " close to nature and animals? I think there is a common thread among women that if we can make a good home for our families,and rely mostly on our selves for our daily bread etc.. then we are indeed rich! When I mention a small farm or even just one or two more acres to my husband, visions of repairing fences and never ending work pop into his mind... a completley different vision from mine LOL! My father and my father in law were both farmers. I'm sad to report, neither of them had "nastalgic" feelings about it. My father in law was bitter because he got stuck with all the chores while his younger more irresponsible siblings played. My father remembered being poor...his family were share croppers in Texas and my grandfather did'nt own his own farm/cattle buisniess until most of the kids had gone off on their own.. None of them stayed in farming but went on to other succesful endeavors. My farmgirl wish is that dear hubby and I will meet in the middle on our vision.. a small piece of land that is paid for and enriching for the soul,and by then our grandchildren will be the ones frolicing in the field! As far as " reclaiming" a bit of farm life in the the hear and now... We have a small shed in our back yard and a Hen House where we keep chickens, and I continue to expand our flower and veggie garden each year. I have a thing for red barns, so I painted our shed and Hen House Barn Red last spring as a way to satisfy my inner farmgirl! My daughter and I took up horseback riding lessons two years ago but had to give them up do to the slowing economy.. so.... my plan for spring is to volunteer at a local horse rescue.. I just love horses and want to be with them... in the saddle or not...doesn't matter to me! This way, I can help horses,and fill my horsey girl spot all at the same time! Like Mary Jane say,farmgirl is a condition of the heart and a think it's also a state of mind...
We can still apply our can do attitude and never give up our dreams "while we wait and plan" for just the right time and "place" to appear!
Still dreaming...:)
Deb~ www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.com
home is where we all craft the life of our dreams. |
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blueshelties
True Blue Farmgirl
66 Posts
Angelyn
Toney
Alabama
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2010 : 06:48:36 AM
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I get what your saying:) We live in a subdivision:( The good news is... I can have a garden and across the street are folk that are family to us and they have farm land. We are going to put some chickens over there. They used to have them but they are both elderly now and it's just too much. In the meantime I do a lot of indoor farm girl stuff like sewing, cooking and cleaning. I love to try to do things old fashioned and I am putting up a clothes line this spring after the pollen is done.
One of the new things I am learning is to cook outdoors. I have all my supplies but the weather has just not been very good. I think that will be so much fun when I get that going. I may even dress the part and wear old pioneer clothes!:)
I read so many magazines about farm life and it is hard not to get impatient, but we have two kids in college so.... I just keep telling myself that I will be even more ready when the time comes to actually live on our own property. It helps me:)
Angelyn
Live the life you have imagined. H.D. Thoreau |
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dandelionhouse
True Blue Farmgirl
205 Posts
Debbie
Plymouth
Mass
USA
205 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2010 : 07:49:11 AM
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Angelyn, ( or should we call you Tasha Tudor ?) I mean that in a nice way... She was a most enterprising woman wasn't she?
See? You are making do just like a true farmgirl! I am learning too that life is not always about having everything we "want" right now as much as it is loving the every day and working towards your dreams while being grateful for todays blessings...That being said, I am human! I'm guilty of feeling impatient and spending time pining for my " little dream farm too "... If it is meant to be it will be!
My guys' are getting an education with cooking outdoors in the Boy Scouts and my hubby would like to do more of it as well.
Just keep tending to that farmgirl heart of yours.. and you'll feel closer to your dreams every day!
Thanks for your thoughts!
Deb~ www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.com
home is where we all craft the life of our dreams. |
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2010 : 04:16:39 AM
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Thanks for all the thoughts, sisters. Its nice to have perspective.
I am almost through reading the book "See You in a Hundred Years". What a fantastic book!
I'm making an effort to do what I can now, be creative in doing the things I can't technically do yet...and learning to be patient. Someday...someday!!
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.wakeupstartlearning.blogspot.com
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1498 Posts
Rae
MN
1498 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2010 : 09:18:29 AM
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Don't give up on the dream! We dreamed for 22 years and 3 years ago moved to our farm. It has been hard work as we have done everything ourselves but slowly on the way because the dream had to be reality for us  I love every minute I spend and can't wait until we can add to our farming. We now have some chickens and sheep but hoping for addition of cattle soon and possibly pigs.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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A Farm of My Own: For those who don't yet *have* the farm... |
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For those who don't yet *have* the farm...
