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Across the Fence:  Holding On To - Letting Go - Putting Aside  |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
7114 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
7114 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 05 2016 : 12:36:15 PM
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From time to time I have to take a long hard look at what I want to do and what I am able to do. Today is one of those times. To keep it short I am writing only about the Farm.
I am holding on to reading the posts daily but posting less.
I am holding on to working on the temperature quilt since I enjoy it.
I am holding on to working on Egg Gathering Apron for this year's Jubilee and other Jubilee projects.
I am putting aside working on Merit Badges. I may pick them up again in the winter months.
I am letting go of being involved in swaps. I have my Match Box Swap ready to go but it will be my last.
The Apple Festival is the only unknown. I will wait and see how things are by Sept.
I feel better now that I have made some hard choices and have a plan.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015.
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth. |
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
6740 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
6740 Posts |
Posted - Mar 05 2016 : 12:53:41 PM
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Sara...we all have to make those hard choices once in awhile don't we. I have been a MJF
Farmgirl for years now and I rarely do swaps anymore and I must admit that even though I
enjoyed them...I'm at a place where I don't need Extra Stuff in my Apartment to dust.
Every once in awhile I might do a Pocket Letter Swap but that is about it. I have my favorite
Forums I like to hang out on...and I don't want to lose precious friendships...but there
comes a time in life when "less" is "more".
Hugs,
Peggy
Farmgirl #1326
Dec 2011-Farmgirl of the Month
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
Don't allow others to steal the Glitz from your *SPARKLE*
Life is too short to knit with ugly yarn!
Leave Your Cares Behind...Join Us On The Porch |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13664 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13664 Posts |
Posted - Mar 05 2016 : 5:29:59 PM
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Sara and Peggy, I totally understand! Am in that place myself. I do a lot of posting, but I'm really wanting. . . and needing to be in touch! And I'm working on Merit Badges that I can work on, but have had to put aside those that are either impossible or not doable right now.
I'm in the same boat with swaps . . . I love the ones I do but they are less than they used to be.
Yes, we have to make choices and those that are good for us, even though they may be difficult.
What I love about the Farmgirl Connection is that the sisters here are very understanding, supportive and encouraging.
So, let's be encouraged in the difficult decisions that we have to make.
Hang in there Sara and Peggy! As Red Green says "keep your stick on the ice"! He also says "I'm pulling for ya'"!
HUGS!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
Edited by - ceejay48 on Mar 06 2016 8:56:32 PM |
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Bonnie Ellis
True Blue Farmgirl
2474 Posts
Bonnie
Minneapolis
Minnesota
USA
2474 Posts |
Posted - Mar 05 2016 : 10:22:49 PM
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I am glad you had the courage to take care of yourselves girls. Life is all about choices. Less is more.
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
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Red Tractor Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
6663 Posts
Winnie
Gainesville
Fl
USA
6663 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2016 : 05:24:43 AM
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Sara, this was a beautiful post about what it is to live a full and simple life. All of the seasons of our life bring new challenges and successes and we just have to be honest with ourselves and respect our limits. Doing less is in no way a measure of having less. Recently, I subscribed to the magazine, A Simple Life. It focuses on the lifestyle of regular people from about 1860- 1930. The business of daily living consumed the hours of each day and people did not have the means except to keep the basics in place. In some way, living the MJF idea is to return to these simple times and appreciate when there is time and resources to make a new apron or bake a lovely sweet treat. In our consumer driven culture, we are constantly bombarded with more and more and more of everything. It can be exhausting chasing after what to do next. I also see more and more that as I age, my limitations become more pronounced. I think it is important to do just what you have done and embrace what is needing to stay in your life and what can be let go of. It can be an uplifting and freeing feeling to put aside those things that are using energy that you don't really have.
So, thank-you Sara and CeeJay for taking the risk to make life more manageable and enjoyable by lightening your days! You are an inspiration to all of us wondering how to find and lead that SimpleLife dictum!
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015 |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
7114 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
7114 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2016 : 07:07:41 AM
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Peggy, you captured how I am feeling so beautifully. Thanks for your sweet words.
CeeJay, I know what you mean about having a need to connect sometimes more than others. Seems like we are working our way through a rough patch so we can have the peace with want.
Bonnie, thanks for your encouraging and sweet words.
Winnie, your words were a hug for me. Thanks for reminding me that to live simply is to live life fully but at a slower pace and on a smaller scale. Another way to say it is 'to live life large in a small way'.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015.
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth. |
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Bonnie Ellis
True Blue Farmgirl
2474 Posts
Bonnie
Minneapolis
Minnesota
USA
2474 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2016 : 8:07:40 PM
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Sara, when we have chronic illness it means we will be permanently limited. That can be positive if we choose just a few things we can do. No need to take on the world but just do the best WE can. I have arthritis, fibromyalgia and diabetes. Sometimes it is a real struggle to accomplish what I want. But you wouldn't make a friend with your struggles feel bad for not doing it all, so don't punish yourself. There are many on your journey right along with you. Slow down and enjoy just being. You have many who care about you. I do. Treat yourself kindly.
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
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quiltee
True Blue Farmgirl
7546 Posts
Linda
Terrell
TX
USA
7546 Posts |
Posted - Mar 06 2016 : 8:18:37 PM
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Sara -
I love the way you put things into words. I also am at a point where I want to limit my swaps and I am trying to reduce the clutter in my house. There are many swaps I have enjoyed and do not participate in any longer. There are some swaps I still will host and participate in. The important thing is to keep in touch with my farmgirl friends - that is what is important to me. And, I, too, agree with you and Winnie about living simply and slowing down.
Farmgirl hugs,
Farmgirl #1919
Farm Girl of the Month August 2015
Linda O
Lone Oak, TX
"Women are Angels, and when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly . . . on a broomstick - we're flexible, like that."
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
7114 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
7114 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2016 : 06:42:01 AM
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Bonnie, you are so right about dealing and managing chronic illness. Doing less and enjoying it more is what it's all about.
Linda, thanks for your sweet words. I can see where swaps can take over FarmGirls lives. Decluttering our houses is one of the ways we can live simply with less. That reminds me I need to take another look at my home office. It could use a wee bit of decluttering.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015.
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth. |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13664 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13664 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2016 : 2:30:47 PM
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Doing less and enjoying it more is good advice! I've been struggling with health issues the past three years and during that time have been learning lessons that are hard for me to learn that I can be okay with NOT being an over-achiever, multi-tasker and master organizer trying to accomplish a ba-zillion things in one day. I'm getting better at that . . . I just really want to actually FEEL BETTER physically so that I can enjoy and reap the benefits of the "less is more" lifestyle!
Let's hang in there girls!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
Edited by - ceejay48 on Mar 07 2016 4:09:15 PM |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
7114 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
7114 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2016 : 2:49:11 PM
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CeeJay one thing I have learned from living with MS is that daily fatigue at times creates it's own kind of stress and depression. When that happens I have what I call my lost days. Nothing written in my planner for those days ~ I make it through the day doing the minimum but always I hang on to my favorite saying ~ this too shall pass ~ and it always does ~ good days do follow and I have hung on to my peace one more time with my Lord's help.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015.
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth. |
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MaryJanesNiece
True Blue Farmgirl
7231 Posts
Krista
Utah
USA
7231 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2016 : 3:38:07 PM
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Sara, this is a wonderful example of creating a less is more situation. I can only imagine the amount of farmgirls you have touched and appreciate you finding a way to put their feelings into words. We will all stand beside you with your hard choices and will all be here when you need us.
Krista |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9438 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9438 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2016 : 3:44:54 PM
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Sara, Thank you for posting this. I have been on this forum for many years and there have been times when I just had to take a break to decide what I can do and what I have needed to cut back on during different times in life. But even if I wasn't posting much I was able to keep up with many friendships until I found I could come back and do a little more. I think Peggy, CJ and Winnie have said it well.
~Denise~
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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AnnieinIdaho
True Blue Farmgirl
437 Posts
Annie
ID
USA
437 Posts |
Posted - Mar 07 2016 : 10:57:52 PM
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Yes indeed,it is important to assess where we are at from time to time. MaryJane Farmgirls is supposed to be free and easy, something that brings us a smile, a feeling of belonging to something larger, (especially when we are ill, tired, or struggling)a place where we can enjoy shared interests and a philosophy about the importance of agrarian life style skill sets. It is supposed to be fun and not become a burden. One can be as involved as they are able to participate or have interest in and sometimes we must take a time out or limit our endeavors, for many reasons or no reason at all. But we are a sisterhood with no expectations of each sister other than being authentic and have a genuine kindness for the well being of others. So Yellow Rose, you are most welcome to just be. And I too have multiple hidden chronic illness but am determined to eeek out as much joy as I can from being alive on this remarkable planet earth. Sometimes it may be just to see some birds flying by, or a flower bloom and other times If I am up and going the richness is even more. My philosophy is also we can never see around the corner. So we must focus on the present, the here and now, while preparing for what we hope may come about. (See you set limits for yourself). "Luck is nothing more than preparedness meeting opportunity". We can plan, but then shelf it, and live in the hour at hand or you will miss where you are, and your living will lack richness and dimension of a full experience. I wish you the best and may you feel the warmth and support of the Mary Jane Farmgirl Sisterhood. We must all remember to be yourself with others rather than give yourself away to others. May you find rest and rejuvenation. Annie
"The turnings of life seldom show a sign-post; or rather, though the sign is always there, it is usually placed some distance back, like the notices that give warning of a bad hill or a level railway-crossing." Edith Wharton, 1913 from 'The Custom of the Country'. |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
7114 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
7114 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2016 : 05:15:08 AM
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Krista, thanks for your sweet words.
Denise, you're right friendships go on and they sustain us.
Annie, you said it so beautifully - thank you.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015.
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth. |
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Song Sparrow
True Blue Farmgirl
1010 Posts
Amy
Talleyville
Delaware
USA
1010 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2016 : 07:40:50 AM
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Sara, I really love that you started this thread with your thoughtful and courageous decisions. I can say honestly that it is a process I have gone through recently, the reassessing and prioritizing of life. But you put it so eloquently and reached a lot of us with your words. Thank you!
Happy Day!
Peace in our hearts, peace in the world
Amy (Sister#6098) www.danaherandcloud.com
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13664 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13664 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2016 : 12:24:03 PM
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What I appreciate is that we're not in this alone! If we have the courage to speak up I think we're finding so much understanding and support from each other, because many of us are struggling in one way or another. I'm thankful for all of you and believe we can be such an encouragement to each other!
THANK YOU!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
7114 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
7114 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2016 : 12:45:56 PM
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Thank you too, Amy, for your sweet & kind words.
CeeJay, encouraging each other is one of the things that keep me coming back to the farm.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015.
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth. |
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Bonnie Ellis
True Blue Farmgirl
2474 Posts
Bonnie
Minneapolis
Minnesota
USA
2474 Posts |
Posted - Mar 08 2016 : 10:04:19 PM
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Sara, let's not call them lost days, lrt's call them peaceful days. We can watch nature and be truly appreciative. I love watching the birds.
I just found out I have stage 3 kidney disease which makes you tired. Oh goodie. More time to enjoy life and just be. Right Annie, ceejay Linda and Sara. Nice to have understanding friends.
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13664 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13664 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2016 : 11:04:26 AM
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I have a perpetual calendar in my bathroom that I have enjoyed daily for years. I wanted to share this thought with you:
"You have no strength but what God gives and you can have all the strength that God can give". If you really think about what God can give . . it's powerful!
Be encouraged my farmgirl sisters!
HUGS!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13664 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13664 Posts |
Posted - Mar 11 2016 : 11:38:31 AM
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Boy, today is one of those days I would call "lost" . . . but in some ways it's not. It certainly is not one of my better days and I'm trying to focus on positive things!
- I was able to get out and go on a long power walk with my neighbor and that was good!
- The sun is shining and the laundry hung outside smells so good!
- I'm about to head to Phoenix for a few days "play" time with my daughter.
Hoping you girls are finding some peace in your day!
HUGS and PRAYERS!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
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Across the Fence: Holding On To - Letting Go - Putting Aside |
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Holding On To - Letting Go - Putting Aside
