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A Farm of My Own:  A Woman Alone - Relocating & Dreaming of a Farm  |
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Chrysalis Woman
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Melanie
Valley Springs
CA
USA
11 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 24 2006 : 11:54:36 AM
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Greetings Farmgirls ;-)
I am reaching out to as many Farmgirls as possible hoping to connect with those who can lend their wisdom. I have never posted before and only connected with this forum several days ago and have been reading voraciously ever since.
I am thirty-eight years old and will be living on my own for the first time in my life. My husband and I are separating (a good thing) and because of some wonderful sycronistic events (like finding and reading MJ's Farm Book) I am ready to face my fear of living alone and reach for my dream of living on a farm.
I found a post in this forum about www.findmyspot.com and after wading through my choices have chosen Western Massachusetts to relocate to. I currently live in CA. This is a HUGE move for me - to a place where I do not know a soul, but a change that I feel is so necessary for my growth and happiness.
I am reaching out to see if anyone has any information on farms for sale in that area. I have written down all the websites that I've found throughout this forum and am checking on land daily - but would love to connect with farmgirls from that area who are living their dream.
Thanks for any information you can give - and for all the support and connection you offer beginning farmgirls like myself ;-)
Many blessings,
Melanie |
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2006 : 12:04:13 PM
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I can't help you with finding a place. But at the age of 21 I moved all my belongings in the back of a short bed pickup to Utah had $500.00 to my name at the time a gift from my grandmother or I would have been pennieless and moved to Utah where I knew no one. You can do this if you really want to. My life has only gotten better because of the move. I wish you the same success.
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe
my web store www.sunshines.etsy.com my blog http://sunshinescreations.blogspot.com/ my google page http://sunshine.harbaugh.googlepages.com/home |
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connio
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
connie
springtown
texas
USA
535 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2006 : 12:55:31 PM
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Hey Farm Girls!
In 2003 when I was 51 years( had divorced a few years before), I made a major move and bought a tiny farm in North Texas. I had never lived in the country and had spent 23 years living in Dallas.
There have certainly been ups and downs--most of them financial-, but I will tell you that I have never been happier!
I am certain that there are 100's of women who are essentially homesteading alone, so all I can say is "Go for it girl!"
Wishing you great happiness.
Connie
Texas Farm Girl
cozycottage |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2006 : 1:23:29 PM
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I AM WOMAN! ... you can do it gurlfren! AND .. if you consider still looking around .. i've discovered that Kentucky is God's backyard .. and so reasonbly inexpensive to live here! xo
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
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MullersLaneFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
596 Posts
Rock Falls
IL
596 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2006 : 1:25:21 PM
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Melanie,
I can't help you with Mass. farms, but if you're traveling across I-80 to get there from CA, you're welcome to the hide-a-bed in the living room to crash for a night. We're about 30 minutes north of I-80 off IL-40. It would actually save you about a half hour travel time if when you cross from IA to IL you took I-88 east from I-80, then IL-40 South back to I-80 east.
If you go that route, you're only about 2 miles from our place and since you have an extra half hour anyway ....... :)
Cyndi
Muller's Lane Farm http://www.mullerslanefarm.com
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daffodil dreamer
True Blue Farmgirl
805 Posts
Jayne
Hamilton
Victoria
Australia
805 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2006 : 7:09:03 PM
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Melanie,
Welcome and good luck with everything. MaryJane and the connection here is such a confidence builder. After reading her book and chatting here for a while, I know I can do whatever I dream of. I wish you all the very best and will be thinking of you. You are being so brave and you can DO IT!!
Best wishes and keep dreaming,
Jayne |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2006 : 8:06:32 PM
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Welcome Melanie!!
I have had to start over before too..and I know you can do it!! What an adventure! You are welcome here if I am on your way east too!
I sure hope you find your farm!!!! I am glad you found us!!
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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Chrysalis Woman
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Melanie
Valley Springs
CA
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2006 : 8:33:41 PM
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You ladies are wonderful!
Thank you Jenny, Jayne, Frannie, Sunshine, Connie and Cindi!!! With encouragement and support like this how can a beginning farmgirl not feel like she can do anything?! Thank you all for responding to my post and for the encouragement ;-) It's nice just to hear that others have started over and women have been there before and their lives changed for the better ;-)
Cindi and Jenny... thank you both for the offer to stay over ;-) I'll actually be taking a flight to MASS in September, but I sincerely appreciate your warmth and generosity ;-)
I'll keep you all updated and continue to read and devour every word that's shared by all of you...
Blessings,
Melanie
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daffodil dreamer
True Blue Farmgirl
805 Posts
Jayne
Hamilton
Victoria
Australia
805 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2006 : 8:36:51 PM
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You are so welcome, Melanie.
Best wishes, Jayne |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Aug 24 2006 : 9:32:33 PM
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Melanie -- first, welcome! Second, I am totally in awe of you for making this decision. You give me encouragement because I am facing the same decision and will be going it alone too. Not sure where I'm going to end up. You can do this!!! We will be your biggest cheering section!
Handmade purses, home decor, and bath delights at www.rusticcottagecreations.com
Read my ramblings at http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
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junebug
True Blue Farmgirl
2421 Posts
Sue
West Plains,
Mo.
USA
2421 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2006 : 04:57:15 AM
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Melanie, all hats off to you!!! You got that farmgirl spirit and aren't afraid to fly! So glad you found us, were here for you and all others, so share your journey with us! You'll be fine and your adventure will only make you stronger, how exciting, a chance to start all over, your a lucky one! Kay, you can do this too, like Frannie put it so well, we are WOMEN! Keep posting and blessings for a safe flight!
www.sageflowerfarm.blogspot.com
www.herbalfarmstead.blogspot.com
www.countrypleasures.motime.com |
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Nance in France
True Blue Farmgirl
1438 Posts
Nancy
St. Laurent de la Salanque
France
1438 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2006 : 10:41:45 AM
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Greetings and warm welcomes and happy hopes for your new future. How ironic, when my first husband and I were separating years ago we were LIVING in western Mass in a town called Williamstown, and it was beautiful. In autumn the hills are a mass of vibrant onfire colors, looking like a distant bunch of lollipops crammed together! And driving in the snow, gee, hope you LIKE snow, was an adventure in itself (ha)!
Are you hoping/planning to buy right away or will you rent a house or apartment first, until you find "the" place? I am in awe of your optimistic, eager, pioneering spirit, and with the firsthand knowledge of alot of these ladies, you will be happily hanging curtains before you know it!
Nance
"bloom where you are planted" |
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Chrysalis Woman
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Melanie
Valley Springs
CA
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2006 : 1:15:55 PM
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Dearest Kay...
You're facing the same decision??? Isn't it scary, thrilling, exciting and overwhelming??? I have been contemplating this decision for what seems like years now... I honestly couldn't tell you what it was that has made me finally ready to take the leap - but we can do it Kay! After reading MJ's book and hearing how she found her farm on her own as a single mamma with two little ones, I knew she was talking to me! I knew this was the time... isn't it amazing how when we see examples of what we long for in our hearts it helps to guide us to our own hearts desire....
Keep in touch Kay ;-)
Blessings,
Melanie
[quote]Originally posted by therusticcottage
Melanie -- first, welcome! Second, I am totally in awe of you for making this decision. You give me encouragement because I am facing the same decision and will be going it alone too. Not sure where I'm going to end up. You can do this!!! We will be your biggest cheering section!
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Chrysalis Woman
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Melanie
Valley Springs
CA
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2006 : 1:19:00 PM
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Thanks so much Sue!
I never imagined how much support could be available through the farmgirl connection - just reading your message saying, "you've got that farmgirl spirit!" makes me smile and feel like I can do anything!
blessings to you,
Melanie
[quote]Originally posted by junebug
Melanie, all hats off to you!!! You got that farmgirl spirit and aren't afraid to fly! So glad you found us, were here for you and all others, so share your journey with us! You'll be fine and your adventure will only make you stronger, how exciting, a chance to start all over, your a lucky one! Kay, you can do this too, like Frannie put it so well, we are WOMEN! Keep posting and blessings for a safe flight!
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Chrysalis Woman
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Melanie
Valley Springs
CA
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2006 : 1:25:37 PM
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Greetings Nancy!
So nice to hear from someone who's lived there! The autumn colors are one of the reasons I'm so drawn to the New England area ~ to be honest I've never lived in the snow... this is reflective of my personality - never done it... let's do it! I'm sure I'm in for some hardships and wake up calls - but thats why I'll probably rent for awhile before I buy the farm. I don't have much money so am looking for a fixer upper, although I've been told MASS property is expensive... but I'm a firm believer in if you follow your heart, everything conspires to help you along the way ;-) (I wear rose colored glasses - can ya tell?)
Anyway - thanks so much for the support!
blessings,
Melanie
quote:
Originally posted by Nance in France
Greetings and warm welcomes and happy hopes for your new future. How ironic, when my first husband and I were separating years ago we were LIVING in western Mass in a town called Williamstown, and it was beautiful. In autumn the hills are a mass of vibrant onfire colors, looking like a distant bunch of lollipops crammed together! And driving in the snow, gee, hope you LIKE snow, was an adventure in itself (ha)!
Are you hoping/planning to buy right away or will you rent a house or apartment first, until you find "the" place? I am in awe of your optimistic, eager, pioneering spirit, and with the firsthand knowledge of alot of these ladies, you will be happily hanging curtains before you know it!
Nance
"bloom where you are planted"
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MullersLaneFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
596 Posts
Rock Falls
IL
596 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2006 : 2:09:32 PM
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Another book you will be able to draw a lot of information from is Carla Emery's "Encyclopedia to Country Living". Carla started it over 30 years ago and had been expanding on it ever since with the help of many, many, many like-minded folks. We were nearly the end of completely the 10th edition when she passed on unexpectedly October, 2006.
It is the single most priceless book you will have in your library.
Cyndi
Muller's Lane Farm http://www.mullerslanefarm.com
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9093 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9093 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2006 : 2:33:56 PM
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MELANIE,
This is BIG, very proud of you for going forward!! when are you going to do this? Do you have a lot of things to move or are you starting from scratch? We are here for you, can't offer you a place to stay, not on your route, but what like to offer something to help if I could. Keep us posted on what you are doing, we all want to see you settled and happy, sitting on the front porch and knitting or reading a good book.
NANCY JO
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promiseranch
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Jacqueline
Medford
Oregon
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2006 : 3:56:11 PM
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Melanie,
I wish you all the luck. You can do it. I wish that I could venture out. I have a problem with traveling, but, long for it so much. You are very lucky that you can travel with no fear. I live here in Southern Oregon, and finally bought my mini ranch and I know how wonderful it makes you feel.
I am wondering if you could go on the website of the chamber of commerce and maybe they can send you some of that info.
Good luck,
Jacqueline
cowgirl @ heart |
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Chrysalis Woman
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Melanie
Valley Springs
CA
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2006 : 11:11:03 PM
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Thanks Cyndi ~
I've order Carla's book - I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. Even though I'm a new farmgirl or farmgirl wanna be - her book has been recommended to me more than any others. I've also ordered another book I read about on these forums - "Country Women" I believe it's called. It's out of print, but I bought it used.
Thanks again for the suggestion ;-)
Blessings,
Melanie
quote:
Originally posted by MullersLaneFarm
Another book you will be able to draw a lot of information from is Carla Emery's "Encyclopedia to Country Living". Carla started it over 30 years ago and had been expanding on it ever since with the help of many, many, many like-minded folks. We were nearly the end of completely the 10th edition when she passed on unexpectedly October, 2006.
It is the single most priceless book you will have in your library.
Cyndi
Muller's Lane Farm http://www.mullerslanefarm.com
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Chrysalis Woman
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Melanie
Valley Springs
CA
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2006 : 11:15:46 PM
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Hi Nancy ~
Thanks so much for the support! I'm actually planning on flying out to MASS mid-September. I don't have much to move - odds and ends... I think I'm going to sell off most of it and start fresh. Besides, I could use the extra money.
Your last sentence brought tears to my eyes - being settled and sitting on my front porch knitting is exactly what I want for myself in the coming months. Emails like yours are going to help me get there...
I'll post when I'm back from my trip and share what I've found out ~
Thanks so much for your thoughful concern... I feel like I'm packing you all with me!
Blessings,
Melanie
quote:
Originally posted by Nancy Gartenman
MELANIE,
This is BIG, very proud of you for going forward!! when are you going to do this? Do you have a lot of things to move or are you starting from scratch? We are here for you, can't offer you a place to stay, not on your route, but what like to offer something to help if I could. Keep us posted on what you are doing, we all want to see you settled and happy, sitting on the front porch and knitting or reading a good book.
NANCY JO
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2006 : 11:20:00 PM
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Melanie..I am so glad to hear you have ordered the Carla Emery book. I wouldn't be without it. I had the honor of actually knowing Carla and having her stay at my home twice in the couple years before she died. She was such a wonderful, warm, humble person. I just loved her. What a legacy she has left us. And the other book, Country Women is a really good one too. I have had mine for about 10 years. Good choices for sure!!
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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Chrysalis Woman
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Melanie
Valley Springs
CA
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - Aug 25 2006 : 11:20:31 PM
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Hi Jacqueline,
Thanks so much for the well wishes ~ Honestly, I am afraid... I have never traveled far from California and never by myself. I have arranged flights before, but never just for me... I've never even rented my own car. I just feel that if I don't do this I'll never realize my dream...
Congratulations on the purchase of your mini ranch! I hear Oregon is beautiful and actually researched living in southern Oregon where you are. I just can't afford land there...
Thanks for the suggestion about the Chamber. I'll check it out!
Blessings,
Melanie
quote:
Originally posted by promiseranch
Melanie,
I wish you all the luck. You can do it. I wish that I could venture out. I have a problem with traveling, but, long for it so much. You are very lucky that you can travel with no fear. I live here in Southern Oregon, and finally bought my mini ranch and I know how wonderful it makes you feel.
I am wondering if you could go on the website of the chamber of commerce and maybe they can send you some of that info.
Good luck,
Jacqueline
cowgirl @ heart
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2006 : 3:11:36 PM
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I'm so excited for you! You'll do wonderfully - those are a couple of great books, and with the gals here behind you, which we are, of course, you can do ANYTHING!!! I'm inspired by your enthusiasm, and REALLY inspired by your willingness to go ahead with your desires even though you say you're afraid. You can do it!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
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Chrysalis Woman
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Melanie
Valley Springs
CA
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - Aug 29 2006 : 3:23:25 PM
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Thanks so much Libbie!!!
quote:
Originally posted by Libbie
I'm so excited for you! You'll do wonderfully - those are a couple of great books, and with the gals here behind you, which we are, of course, you can do ANYTHING!!! I'm inspired by your enthusiasm, and REALLY inspired by your willingness to go ahead with your desires even though you say you're afraid. You can do it!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe
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Chrysalis Woman
Farmgirl in Training
11 Posts
Melanie
Valley Springs
CA
USA
11 Posts |
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A Farm of My Own: A Woman Alone - Relocating & Dreaming of a Farm |
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A Woman Alone - Relocating & Dreaming of a Farm
