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Across the Fence:  how very important this forum really is  |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 06:24:27 AM
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Last night after I got home from work I sat w/ a cup of tea and I couldn't stop thinking about Julia. Her words about this "very special place" we all connect at and how she'll miss it really had me thinking. Although most of us never met one another we do share things that you normally share w/ friend you've known a long time or at least you were close with. I work w/ people that I've known for 7 years and they don't know about my husbands health problems, most of you do. I've poured out my heart about fearing I'll never get my small farm, how worried I am about my daughter in public school, how my older friend marion in a nursing home now seems to hate me( my fault, I guess) but the list goes on.
When I need advice about anything farm related or growing something, whatever the case may be, THIS is where I come for peace, a place I know I can be myself, a place I know someone out there will understand at least a little bit. We are people who connect on a level unlike any I've ever known. I never wanted a computer, don't have an answering machine, no cell phones, used very little modern conviences. BUT, this computer brought me to all of you and I don't want to be without that for any reason. I have my family who I adore w/ all my heart, my friends, my siblings, I have alot of family and I love them all but this place is my place to dream, to talk about things that maybe someone else doesn't really understand when it comes to farming or loving the old ways. To bounce things off of people that can be objective, to connect w/ women who love the farm, the farm life and all it stands for and I don't want to give it up. So, my heart strings pull when Julia talks of not wanting to give it up and what it meand to her. I understand that. I wish I could do something to help so she doesn't have too.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
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asnedecor
True Blue Farmgirl
1054 Posts
Anne
Portland
Or
USA
1054 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 06:51:10 AM
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Michele -
You hit the nail on the head. I was never one for on-line computer forums, oh occasionally I would check some for information - mostly home remodeling stuff - but never anything on a personal level, until I came here. It was all by accident for me, MaryJane's book was a freebie for me, got to reading it and enjoying it. Went on line to check out products and found the forum and have never looked back. Became a charter member in the Oregon Yarn and Farmgirls and got involved with mailart and gift exchange. I think about things I read on here and how everyone is doing, whether it is gardening or family issues, etc. You are correct, it is a connection found no where else. I have long time friends and good family and have worked with some of the same people for 18 years, but the connection to you gals is so much more and meaningful to me. I am glad I can be a part of all of this.
Anne in Portland, OR
"Second star to the right, straight on till morning" Peter Pan
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owwlady
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Jan
Tomahawk
WI
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 08:00:36 AM
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| Michele, I know exactly how you feel. This place has been a wonderful thing in my life. When things are getting me down and making me crazy, I find such warmth and peace here. Just knowing others are going through some of the same things helps so much. I love the ideas I get here, the creativity we share, the ups and downs we share. This forum has gotten me through some bad days and has brightened my good days. The knowledge to tap into here is incredible. I am always uplifted after connecting with the farmgirls. Thank you everyone! |
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rabbithorns
True Blue Farmgirl
544 Posts
Allison
Fort Scott
KS
USA
544 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 08:46:19 AM
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This board has the favor of summer vacation with its web picnicking and data dinnertimes. Here we sit snapping green beans and talking to friends - we may be sitting on the porch, but the houses are staggered by states. I think people are generally starved for what seems to be here on this board. Of all the values I've seen die out in my world, it is trust. It is comforting to have a place to go that offers some safety, some trust. But it's not the board; that's just 1s and 0s. It's all of the girls here that create that. It's amazing to have made a space where someone would even bother to come by and say, "I can't be here for awhile, but thanks for being there." It's unusual to be a community that someone will miss when they leave it.
I'm just really moved this morning by all this. I feel very grateful for you all being here. |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 09:08:16 AM
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I agree totally. This place is incredibly special. I have woman friends, but not such kindred spririts. It really recharges me to come here and visit with you all. My children bring in the mail and say...this looks like something from one of your farmgirl friends, or shows someone something in our home and says..my mom's friend in Washington, or Texas, or New Zealand made this. I never ever thing of you gals as "internet" aquaintances. You are my friends, pure and simple..and I cherish you all!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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junebug
True Blue Farmgirl
2421 Posts
Sue
West Plains,
Mo.
USA
2421 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 11:57:50 AM
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I HAVE to agree with each and everyone of you girls, this is like a second home, before I found MJF I never got into forums for fear like the chat rooms I've heard about, but from the first day I've felt at home and totally comfortable speaking my mind or sharing whatever it may be. I just can't imagine not having this place in my life,it's my special time and it's helped me to grow in so many ways. I too cherish you all and I hope Julia can sneak off the library now and then and say hi!
www.sageflowerfarm.blogspot.com
www.herbalfarmstead.blogspot.com
www.countrypleasures.motime.com |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 1:38:58 PM
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I just couldn't say it any better than all of you have. This is such a comfortable, safe, fun, inspiring "place" to be and to visit - and all of you are so kind and understanding with me and each other. That is sadly fairly rare in our world, and even moreso on the internet. How lucky I am to have found MJF and this forum and YOU ALL. It's so fun to think that we can all chat "across the electronic fence" when we have time, and it's so reassuring to know that there are other women out there working to make this world a better, no, a GREAT place to live, love and raise our families in.
Love,
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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bubblesnz
True Blue Farmgirl
291 Posts
helen
New Zealand
291 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 3:18:16 PM
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Have to agree with all that was said above.Girlfriends like those on MJ's are kindred spirits and I love belonging to this group.
I have never been in a forum, where I feel the trust and warmth that is shared here. |
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Mumof3
True Blue Farmgirl
3890 Posts
Karin
Ellenwood
GA
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 3:52:17 PM
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I concur! This is the one and only forum that I belong to. After a few months of absence (dealing with the things life throws at you) I realized how much I missed reading the posts and the kinship I feel with each of you. It's nice to be back in this circle of friends. I don't think anyone else would understand my desire for a little plot of earth and some chickens to tend to. Not even my husband. Thank you for being here. 
Karin |
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_Rebecca_
True Blue Farmgirl
568 Posts
Rebecca
OK
USA
568 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 4:50:59 PM
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I totally agree. This group is so inviting, interesting, thoughtful, helpful, supportive and understanding. I have felt right at home from the first post on. Your humor is uplifting, you all are very gracious. Like sweet neighbors.
.·:*¨¨* :·.Rebecca.·:*¨¨* :·.
Wife of Jonathan, Mother of Joel, Caitlyn, Elia |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 9:33:45 PM
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Michele, you made me mist up, too. How wonderful it would be if we all lived close enough to get together even once a month, sit on the porch or by the fire, do some hand sewing, exchange recipies, catch up on the young 'uns's and husband's doings, and give each other a shoulder to cry on or laugh on. It occurs to be that's exactly what we do on this board, but I'd love to be able to see your faces while we're doing it. There is a universal law that says, "like attracts like" and it's no more evident than right here. I thank God for you all every day.
Love,
Patricia
Come visit my Etsy store at www.chezPatricia.etsy.com
Farmgirls do it organically! |
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rockinhorse
True Blue Farmgirl
51 Posts
Robin
yucca valley
Ca
USA
51 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 9:55:48 PM
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I want to thank you Michelle and also to all that have shared on this topic. I too hold the farmgirl forum close to my heart. I dreamed of one day having my own farm, but now I put into action what I have learned from here. The women that I have met and the connection I feel is far beyond what I ever expected. I have truely found my extended family..
Thank you,
love,
Robin
Happiness must be grown in one's own garden! |
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sillyfoulks
True Blue Farmgirl
164 Posts
Elizabeth
Illinois
USA
164 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2006 : 06:15:17 AM
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This forum IS a special place. From the moment I found it, I have been addicted. In the short time that I have been a part of this forum, you all have made me feel so welcome. You have inspired me, and affirmed the rightness of my dreams. Without ever saying "you can do it," you have encouraged me to continue to trying. After moving to Illinois 2 yrs ago, it has been an emotional struggle. Missing family & friends, the old familiar enviro. However, each morning, with my cup of coffee, you all help renew my spirit with your unconditional friendship. Thank You!
Elizabeth
Not how long, but how well you have lived is the main thing.
http://livingcountrystyle.blogspot.com/ |
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Alaska farm girl
True Blue Farmgirl
123 Posts
dorothy
skagway
Alaska
USA
123 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2006 : 08:03:28 AM
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This quote reminds of this forum and how important it has been for a lonely alaska girl!
"America is not like a blanket--one piece of unbroken cloth,the same color,the same texture,the same size.America is more like a quilt---many patches,many pieces,many colors,many sizes,all woven and held together by a common thread."--Jesse Jackson
Even though we haven't met,we share a common bond,thank you Mary Jane for bringing us "all together." |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Apr 28 2006 : 8:36:39 PM
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Oh, Dorothy - I just love the quilt analogy. Thank you, it's beautiful!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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happymama58
True Blue Farmgirl
1210 Posts
Patti
Missouri
USA
1210 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2006 : 09:23:07 AM
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I agree with every single one of you! Doing what we're doing now (moving to the land & living in a camper while we build) is something almost everyone we know irl thinks is crazy. You wouldn't (or maybe you would ) believe the comments dh is hearing at work or that we hear when people ask where we're living now. You ladies do understand, and your support, concern, best wishes, prayers, etc., etc., are indescribable and priceless. God bless each of you!
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2006 : 5:17:26 PM
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When my daughter had her second baby and we got a baby gift for Hannah from a Farmgirl, and a wonderful gift, thank you Eileen - it really drove the point home that my life had new and very real friends from the MJF website. Now, I say this to you all because I am not an online/website forum kind of person. MJF is the first site I ever got to know people who were not face-to-face friends and acquaintances in my life. It is amazing, strange, and wonderful all at the same time, but you all mean so much to me. I only hope Julia is working through the reasons why she had to leave and will be back someday. If not, we can still be here for her. Love you all! Even though I will not see you tomorrow or talk on the phone with you tonight.
Peace |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2006 : 06:45:41 AM
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we all feel the same way about this and that is why it's such a wonderful place to be. Thank God for MaryJane Butters and her farmgirl connection.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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JennyWren
True Blue Farmgirl
201 Posts
USA
201 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2006 : 12:59:04 PM
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I have been thinking about this thread since it first started. (that's another amazing thing about this forum, I always think about everything I read, sometimes for days at a time)
I've never been in any other forum or chat type anything before, so I had no idea what to expect. My daughter told me about MaryJane's website after she heard MaryJane's Idea book on tape. (yeah for the library) She was so excited about the book after hearing it, that we had to get a hard copy of the book so we could see what she was all talking about! That is how I found this forum.
In my whole life I have never met so many people that I:
1. Liked!
2. That had so much in common with. Aunt Jenny said "Kindred Spirits." I believe that is the best term.
3. And who supported eachother in whatever situation arises. It is a beautiful example of the human spirit.
4. This number of women in one place who are not "catty".. I am sure you know what I mean.. That competitive, "clicky-clicky-" crapola. 
This is a place where we applaud eachother and pat eachother on the back. I truly enjoy the spirit in this forum.
5. This place fills a void in my life. I have been sad for years because we had to live in the city. Farmgirls are few and FAR between around here. It is so incredibly nice to have a place to go to talk about the things I enjoy. Around here I am just an old eccentric.  (I still may be, but at least I am in good company  ) This forum also gives my daughter and I another thing in common! We enjoy reading the threads together. We are forever talking about them.
6. I consider all of you my friend. I hope you consider me one too. Doesn't matter to me that the "vehicle" for our friendship is the Internet. I have great faith in it! (After all I found my husband, run a business and found a diagnosis for my daughter's cancer ON the Internet.) So to me, all of this is real.
I thank you all for the commaraderie, support and sheer entertainment of this forum! It is very important to me!
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9093 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9093 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2006 : 2:35:59 PM
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Yes this is a very good place. When I get up in the morning I always want to check on the site to see how everyone is and if there is a new issue or problem, or the answers from yesterdays postings. I feel like I really want to know and find out how you are all doing.
NANCY JO |
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Utahfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1940 Posts
Portland
Oregon
USA
1940 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2006 : 3:18:47 PM
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Carla, what a great post! You said it all.We may be eccentric, but hey, they say that like it's a bad thing!
Come visit my Etsy store at www.chezPatricia.etsy.com
Farmgirls do it organically! |
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westernhorse51
True Blue Farmgirl
1681 Posts
michele
farmingdale
n.j.
USA
1681 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2006 : 05:37:39 AM
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well said Carla! it is a place unlike any other and I wouldn't change it for anything. The people at different times change, but not the "SPIRIT" of the people. Its great when girls who havent been on for awhile comeback. Its great when new girls come on.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
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Across the Fence: how very important this forum really is |
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how very important this forum really is
