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Across the Fence:  Life or lifestyle?  |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 01 2012 : 4:20:47 PM
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Do you have a life or a lifestyle? It seems that most Americans have lifestyles--urban professional, suburban soccer mom, "country" elite--but I wonder how many of these people actually have a LIFE. A LIFE where you talk to your neighbors and care about them, where you're involved in your community and actively try to improve it, where you're just too busy with the business of living to worry about things like status, the type of car you drive, what resort you're going to vacation at---I'm glad I don't have a lifestyle, just a good old-fashioned life. People think I'm weird because they can't pigeon-hole me, but I wouldn't trade my weird and wonderful LIFE for any lifestyle out there. I see so many different magazines, all catering to a certain "lifestyle" but MJF caters to women who lead real lives. Just my two cents worth.
Cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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marlee
True Blue Farmgirl
1650 Posts
Marlene
DeRidder
Louisiana
1650 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2012 : 4:39:23 PM
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I totally agree with you Cindy. I dont have a Lifestyle. I look at a Lifestyle as one certain way . A Life is so many ideas and can change no matter what you are about, and a willingness to no matter what anyone thinks. Add my two cents please.-Marlee
God is the painter, he paints the picture. And his son builds it, for he is the Master Carpenter! |
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oldbittyhen
True Blue Farmgirl
1511 Posts
tina
quartz hill
ca
USA
1511 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2012 : 6:21:32 PM
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I also have a life, born into farming/ranching, that I would NEVER give up for anyone, my kids and grandkids all agree too...
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13618 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13618 Posts |
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Dusky Beauty
True Blue Farmgirl
1108 Posts
Jen
Tonopah
AZ
USA
1108 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2012 : 6:52:49 PM
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I too can't be pigeon-holed into a "lifestyle".
I'm a farmgirl... I'm a gamer (OMG MASS EFFECT 3 in a COUPLE DAYS! ROXXORS BOXXORs!!!) I'm a stay at home mom, I'm a Christ Follower, I'm a retired quilter, a retired civil war reenactor, a sometime writer, an apologist, and an unapologetic upcycler.
~*~ http://silverstarfamilyfarm.blogspot.com/ ~*~
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.”
~Erma Bombeck |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2012 : 7:16:53 PM
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Well, from what you just described, I don't have time (or the money) for a lifestyle, just life. All my animals would say the same. I am a farmer, shepherd, goat milker, cheese maker, soap maker... Who has time for a vacation?
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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forgetmenot
True Blue Farmgirl
3602 Posts
Judith
Nora Springs
IA
USA
3602 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2012 : 8:35:12 PM
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Thank you, thank you, for reminding me...I have a Life! We are the lucky ones!
Farmgirl sister #3926
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2012 : 8:40:02 PM
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| That's a lovely way to put it, prairiehawk. I've felt bad at times because I've thought I didn't have much of a life. I guess I just don't fit into one of the archetypical "styles". Real life isn't always that pure and easy to define. Thanks for the reminder! |
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goneriding
True Blue Farmgirl
1599 Posts
Winona
Central Oregon
USA
1599 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2012 : 10:09:40 PM
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I now have a life, instead of a lifestyle. Got sucked into the trucking lifestyle and it about killed me. Now, hubby and I have a life. I'm a horsewoman, dog wrangler (my babies), grandma, wife, mother, friend, acquaintance, cook, seamstress, shop owner, beader, decorator, etc. and whatever else interests me.
Life is too short!! We're on the poor side but don't seem to notice much.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/wingriffin
http://lostadventuresintrucking.blogspot.com
http://lostadventuresincooking.blogspot.com
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2012 : 10:41:48 PM
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Amie--I used to feel like I didn't have much of a life, and my life still seems "dull" at times, but when I look at the big picture, I realize I've lived a life that few could even imagine. Not many people know about the defining events of my life, cause most people wouldn't believe them. And--for better or for worse--I've had some friends whose lives were at least as unusual as mine. When I die, I hope they put on my tombstone: She rode a wild mustang.
Cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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Debra B
True Blue Farmgirl
59 Posts
Debra
Thaxton
VA
USA
59 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2012 : 02:54:12 AM
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I'm going to be teaching a workshop in Christian simplicity in a few weeks and this touches on one of the topics in the class. Too many people live lives that they don't believe in and then they wonder why everything seems so hard or shallow. And I was there once upon a time. Now I've gotten to the point (at 51) where I know my priorities and I know what God has called on me to do and I avoid all the fluff if at all possible. Homeschooling my children is a priority, living lightly on the land is a priority, good healthy real food is important to me. Being creative, loving my circle of friends, being hospitable, those things are important. Passing on knowledge to the next generation is important. Things that people have tried to get me involved in that are not "me", while still important: political action, advocating for people with disabilities (even if I have a dd with Down Syndrome), foreign missions, food banks and hunger organizations (even if I LOVE food and SHARING food). We can only do so much and we can't buy into other peoples passions and still be fulfilled.
Debra
Homeschooling mom to 6 beautiful blessings
Pastor Joe's wife |
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laurentany
True Blue Farmgirl
3259 Posts
Laurie
Patchogue
NY
USA
3259 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2012 : 09:29:42 AM
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What a WONDERFUL post Cindy!
I am happy to report that at 45 I have a LIFE! I never was one for material things- nor did I or do I ever try and impress anyone. I am who I am and if you dont like me for that, then so be it.
Even growing up I was never concerned what my schoolmates thought of me etc- I guess you can say I was always self confident etc.
As an adult, I am one who speaks my mind. I am who I am!
Over the past 2 years and losing both my dear grandfather and beloved father, I have grown even more, and I fully realize that life is too short to worry about things that we can not control. There are so many little things that really mean nothing in the grand scope of things. I believe you must live your life or it will pass youu by!
I love being a "basic" person- gardening, tending to my chickens (and soon to be rabbits) and building my own little homestead. I grow where I am planted.
I know my neighbors and we help each other. I am involved in my community and my childrens school. When I see someone in need I do what I can to help them- even if I dont necessarily "know" them.
I am happily married to my wonderful husband for almost 18 years and I am CONTENT in LIFE!!!!
As CJ said- I live, eat, breath LIFE in beautiful living color!!!! I take time each day to enjoy the wonder of nature that is all around me.
I am so thankful for my 2 beautiful children and for my wonderful husband. I have countless GOOD TRUE friends who would be there for me in a heartbeat- and I for them. Over the past 3 years I have met and made friends with some wonderful farmgirl sisters as well.
I love and I am loved.
LIFE is GOOD!!!
Hugs,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
Edited by - laurentany on Mar 02 2012 09:33:05 AM |
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GirlwithHook
True Blue Farmgirl
922 Posts
Alyce
Madison
WI
USA
922 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2012 : 12:13:52 PM
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Oooh, such a great topic! The Mister has always (until his accident) had Lifestyle: his family is extremely well-to-do, and everything he touched turned to gold.
Me, I've never had a Lifestyle--but I wouldn't trade my Life for anything. I work, I create, I take care of people (or try!)...I've got some stories to tell that just make people laugh and shake their heads in disbelief.
"Living in full color." I like that. 
A hook, a book, and a good cup of coffee.... |
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Simple Living
True Blue Farmgirl
1402 Posts
Joan
Staten Island
NY
USA
1402 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2012 : 12:32:05 PM
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I agree...Life all the way ... and wouldn't trade for anything
God Bless
Happy Trails
Farmgirl 3842 |
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batznthebelfry
True Blue Farmgirl
1257 Posts
Michele
Athol
Ma
USA
1257 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2012 : 12:46:54 PM
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Funny I never thought of this, this way but you are sooo right.......my life style is whatever goes or comes my way...its relaxed, very little pressure...so I guess that would just be my 'life'....I love knowing I can come & go as I please, not have to feel the need to impress anyone but my chickens...be there for my neighbors if they need me without the oh I have to be somewhere..sorry...bit, it feels good to just enjoy life for what it is...do the things I think are important like putting up food for us or sewing a skirt.....Too bad not everyone can see things the way we MJ hens do....Michele'
Chickens rule!
The Old Batz Farm
Hen #2622
http://theoldbatzfarm.blogger.com |
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crafter
True Blue Farmgirl
2313 Posts
lori
Fort Atkinson
Wisconsin
USA
2313 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2012 : 1:24:16 PM
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This is an awesome topic- I totally have a life- used to want and thought I needed a lifestyle. And when you spend time on your knees, HE really will show you the way! My God, family, friends, neighbors are so important to me- we talk- we share- we love each other. I try to live by the Golden Rule- do unto others. I don't mind 2nd hand clothes, I love gardening, and caring for the people I love. I love my life and they way that we live- it is all good to me.
Lori |
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - Mar 02 2012 : 9:22:05 PM
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Cindy, what an awesome topic! I always try to think of myself as one thing, but it doesn't work because there's so many different parts that make up who I am. I have a life, not a lifesytle. And my life is full of so many different snippets of different lifestyles. Thanks for the post!
God's and Farmgirl's Blessings,
Megan
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal.
The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work. |
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Dorinda
True Blue Farmgirl
1023 Posts
Dorinda
St. Cloud
Florida
USA
1023 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2012 : 10:15:24 AM
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We have a life my DH and I. We work hard ,play hard, and don't really care what people think of us. I go to town with no make up own. We drive our vehicles at least 10 years before we even think about investing in another. So many people around us including family members live a life style. All they do is worry and play keeping up with the Jones. Not us we are down to earth, love our home ,children and friends. I have so many friends I can't keep up with all of them. My children would rather be right here with us on the farm even though they are grown. We are so close. We cook together in the kitchen. Laugh together all evening long. I am blessed to have lived the life we have lived. Thank You God.
Seize The Day!
Dorinda |
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birdie71
True Blue Farmgirl
254 Posts
Robin
Glendale
Arizona
USA
254 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2012 : 3:38:46 PM
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I'm too off the wall to have a lifestyle! I have my own style that is me and it includes being a Christian, being a farmgirl, having and being with family, being a teacher,...all that goes with being those things for which I LOVE A WHOLE LOT!!!
Robin
Farmgirl Sister #1301
Farming in the Sonoran Desert? Hmmm?!
my mama's (ceejay48) craftiness ~ www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
my daddy's craftiness ~ www.aspenforge.com |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
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Joey
True Blue Farmgirl
1868 Posts
Joey
Gulf Coast
FL
USA
1868 Posts |
Posted - Mar 05 2012 : 4:58:25 PM
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Right now, I have both. Mostly, I've had a life-a wild ride of a life and wouldn't trade it!!
BUT I "came up " in an area where so many people go to Europe for vacation and I always thought "How sad. They have never even seen their own country." So DH and I decided to see our own country. I have no desire to go to Europe but SO MUCH desire to see my own and hear peoples stories. I truly believe that every place has something special about it and it is my job to find out what it is. Luckily, as a nurse I can go almost anywhere. My company gives us a furnished apartment and a 13 week job at a hospital that needs me. We traveled for 4 1/2 yrs till my Dad got sick and now that he has passed we are leaving Florida the end of this month to drive to Portland, OR for 13 weeks.
I know that eventually I will go back to my "life", my family, friends, church, community and I am looking forward to that day but until then, we're enjoying this "lifestyle." Joey
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
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Debra B
True Blue Farmgirl
59 Posts
Debra
Thaxton
VA
USA
59 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2012 : 01:18:24 AM
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I remember thinking the same thing after I had been to Europe. I had a wonderful time, the trip was a college graduation present, but I vowed that I would see much more of my country before I went so far to see someone elses. The nurse that attended Moriah's birth 13 years ago was a traveling nurse from KY. It was so fascinating to me to hear her talk about the places she had been. Her name was Charity and she wore bright red shoes. Funny what you remember even in a difficult time.
Debra
Homeschooling mom to 6 beautiful blessings
Pastor Joe's wife |
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hoosiercountry
True Blue Farmgirl
572 Posts
karla
north port
fl
USA
572 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2012 : 10:27:03 PM
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| This really set me to thinking. We have a life. Businesses would go bust if they relied on me for a living. I wear my cloths until they can't go on anymore and not because they are out of style. I only have 5 pair of shoes the two pair for church are over 6 years old. I only get new work shoes when I wear the old ones out. I drive my cars until they have well over 150,000 miles. I like staying home on my days off, we haven't taken a vacation in over 15 years, sitting on the front porch having coffee and watching the grass grow is 5 star for us. Thank you Cindy great thread. |
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Cheekyredhead
True Blue Farmgirl
70 Posts
Christine
Lansdale
PA
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2012 : 08:25:18 AM
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I have a life. Sometimes its small as I live with Rheumatoid Arthritis and the best I can do is to just get out of bed and take care of the basics for myself and my cats. Sometimes my life is very very large as when I fulfilled a life long dream of going to Tibet and seeing Mt. Everest. I have a strong dislike of labels because they are limiting nd the one thing I know is that we set our own limits.
TTFN
Cheeky
Sister #243
Imagine the view from the top of your dreams
www.getaclew.blogspot.com |
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Across the Fence: Life or lifestyle? |
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Life or lifestyle?
