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Outpost:  Where would you travel to on this Earth to test  |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 27 2005 : 5:34:52 PM
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As I approach my 50th year of life, I realize I have not really tested myself. This is not the rambling of a mid-life crisis... I feel that personal goals have not been met, that somewhere deep in my soul or psyche there is a place I have not been to, and I NEED to go there. I am for the most part a happy, forfilled, content woman and yet I know there is something out there...I am sure all of you of a certain age has experienced this, or will. What have you done to test yourself...or will you do? Or do you feel the need at all? I have not traveled like I have wanted too...Partly from fear, economics, time constraints. I have read alot about the historic pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostelo, Spain. This time of year in Northern Spain, thousands from all over the world find a starting point somewhere in France or Spain and follow a route that has been walked every summer, since A.D. 814. It is in honor of St. James, whose feast day is July, 25th. I am not searching for some epiphany or to escape my own demons. It is just something I would like to do. Am I crazy? Is it hormones? Maybe a little... But after 49 some years of mediocrity, I want to fly from the nest...
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
Edited by - MeadowLark on Jun 27 2005 5:35:58 PM |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2005 : 8:00:57 PM
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Meadowlark, I have read Shirley MacLaine's account of her experience walking "The Camino".... and I was rivited by it.. well at least the first two-thirds of the book. I would one day also like to take this journey... however, even if I don't I make it to Spain or France, I've learned to turn each journey I have into a time of self exploration and learning. According to her account, The Camino is so powerful because it follows strong ley lines, which are magnetic points of power on the earth. Other places have powerful ley lines too, such as in the West - The Grand Tetons and fanning out to emcompass many rivers and mountains in the West. I figure that one day I can design a route for myself that touches these places. This might be more practical for me.
Rather than thinking you need to challenge yourself, I suggest that you accept yourself as you are....(which I realize can be a big challenge with so many societal expectations). This can be done anywhere.... but if you feel you need to get away to do it, you might consider a rafting trip, or fly-fishing, or a bike or walking trip. Or volunteer in a humanitarain effort in a peaceful country. There are a number of companies that specialize in women's gatherings. Sometimes joining up with strangers is rather freeing. I did this continually through my 30+ year career in the travel business, so I feel that this urge is satisfied for me now (but I never thought that would happen!). Perhaps it is the acceptance that I have reached that has satiated this desire/need.
Don't get me wrong, there are still vast frontiers of my life that I feel have not yet been fulfilled, but I am trusting that these experiences will come to me as they should, or not. That is the biggest hurdle right there. Trusting.
Anyway, food for thought.
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2005 : 8:38:10 PM
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Meadowlark -
You put into words the feelings I have had for several years now. In fact, two and 1/2 years ago, I quit my full-time, very well-paid job (with my hubby's agreement, even though it would be nice if we had two incomes) to use my life and my time as I felt led (within the realm of good common sense, I must add). I was very, very tired of jumping through hoops for someone else's vision.
Though not lucrative, this time has been one of the best in my life. Now I just need to find, as you say, that place where I will fulfill in a new way what God wants me to do.
I understand fully what you feel. It may not be a particular place on Earth, though; it may be a place in your heart that opens to a new view.
It just may be the time of our life. Each passage creates new energy and redirects us. This passage is a time for personal reflection for most of us and I find it exciting to see what is waiting.
There are many of us with you, girl!
jpbluesky
Heartland girl |
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Kathy A.
True Blue Farmgirl
116 Posts
Kathy
Utah
USA
116 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 11:33:51 AM
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| Hi Jenny, JP is right "There are many of us with you girl." the other posts have given great food for thought. I just wanted to add that if you happen to be a jimmy buffett fan you should read his book "A Pirate Looks at Fifty" you don't really need to be a fan to enjoy it he covers many topics about turning 50 about his life, music career, and memoirs. It's also an interesting travel journal about a trip he made with his family to celebrate turning 50 it's written with that crazy sense of humor that is so jb. I think the journal was key to gaining a new perspective on life. It was written in 1996 but no matter, I reread it this winter and found it still a good read. If you have the ways and means maybe it will inspire you to take your special 5-0 celebration journey!! |
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mollymae
True Blue Farmgirl
694 Posts
Molly
Visalia
California
USA
694 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 12:16:48 PM
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I haven't hit mid-life yet, but I do also have these deep longings for something "else", something more than what I already have. Since finding this board and you wonderful (and I mean, WONDERFUL) ladies I think I finally have found the answer to what I am searching for: SIMPLICITY, a sense of just "being" without any real worries, being able to tap into the inner calm that supports all of us through our journeys in life. Part of what I struggle with is clutter and that gets in the way of so much of what I am striving to accomplish in life. We just, quite frankly, have way too much STUFF to navigate around in our home. If I could pick a destination, an actual physical place to be able to open myself up to the beauty of the world, it would be Ireland. With the rolling green hills and wide open spaces, I think I could be truly content therefor the rest of my life. As it is, it's not in my future, so I will need to learn to be content wherever I am at the moment.
Cead Mile Failte,
Molly
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." --Henry David Thoreau
**When life throws scraps your way ~ Make a Quilt!**
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Edited by - mollymae on Jun 28 2005 12:17:17 PM |
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Kim
True Blue Farmgirl
146 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
USA
146 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 3:47:00 PM
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Meadowlark,
I fell the same as you do. There is SSOMETHING out there that I need to do or place I need to be but am often at a loss for what it is. I've always felt this way, since high school! Had I the finances and the freedom to just take off I'd probably be a photographer somewhere..
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow |
Edited by - Kim on Jun 28 2005 3:47:21 PM |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 5:51:20 PM
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Ahhh, Wise words from such wise women...And they are a comfort. Clare, YOu mentioned the Shirley Maclaine book " Camino"... What was the other 1/3 of the book about? Did she get wierd on ya? I do not know her or that much about her, although she has done some movies I admire, and I know she has delved into reincarnation and spiritual channeling... I am not going to judge because she may have validity and experience I am not aware of. In other words, until I walk in anothers shoes, who am I to judge that person. But I am intrigued she walked the Camino as a 50+ individual and I admire her for that. Kathy A. I love J. Buffet, will explore that book as well... He always was a pirate! I do need an outlet to give back... this will take more exploring. Jp you made a good point...a place in the heart opened to a new view. Mary Jane Butters has opened my heart to a new place, and I love this place very well... Yes I found Simplicity Molly, right here, the means to trim or scrape the proverbial clutter materially and emotionally on this forum. I look at it as refinement of home, land, consumerism, attitude, ect. Finding MJF has and is a journey in itself! Life is an adventure! This forum has given me bravery. Thank you. Now it is time to live the rest of my life! But, I still want to walk the Camino! Lets go there Clare!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
Edited by - MeadowLark on Jun 28 2005 5:52:44 PM |
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mollymae
True Blue Farmgirl
694 Posts
Molly
Visalia
California
USA
694 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 6:02:25 PM
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To expand on what you said, Jenny, about what finding MJF has done for you, I have found bravery as well, a sense of belonging that I have craved for so long, a desire to create, and the knowledge that I can do anything I set my heart to do! Rubbing shoulders with all the talented and accomplished ladies on thie board has helped me to see my true place in the world. By the way, I want to walk the Camino too, sounds wonderful! <grin>
Cead Mile Failte,
Molly
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." --Henry David Thoreau
**When life throws scraps your way ~ Make a Quilt!**
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 6:29:11 PM
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Molly, It has been empowering to chat and exchange knowledge and ideas with others on this forum. I am normally a quiet type, kind of reserved. But WOW, I have turned into a chat monster on this forum! Another goal is to attend the farm fair! I am planning on summer 2006. So many kindred spirits here! It is wonderful!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
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Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 6:41:47 PM
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Okay, girls.... the ex-travel planner in me is rising! Should we shoot for, say Spring of 2008? Hmm.. let's see, in three years I'll be 55.5 yrs old ... that's still doable. Heck, it'll take me that long to condition my body! haha. (and save some $$ to do it). Some people only walk portions of it because it takes several months if you're not an avid hiker and portions of it are extreme. Sleeping in the various "refugios", which are like youth hostels, --(that experience I don't think I'd be up for)....those are experiences in and of themselves.... but those are provided for the pilgrims at very little cost, I think. Meadowlark, I do recommend reading her account of her experiences. The last 1/3 of the book, that didn't speak to me as much as the first, which was after she'd been hiking for about 4 weeks, was of her experiences on the Camino of having past lives revisited. That's all I'll say. I'm open to just about anything, and indeed I'm open to her experiences, just relating to that was a stretch for me. I totally respect her for talking about these things. How else would we know of lifes' various possibilites? Oh yes, about a year ago I found her book in the bargin bin at a bookstore for mere pennies compared to the original cost... should've snapped those up... you might check the library or discount book places.
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
Edited by - Clare on Jun 28 2005 6:47:04 PM |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 7:46:58 PM
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I will check the library Clare... Hey 3 years should be enough time to lose some wieight and prepare myself physically, spriritually, and prepare my savings account for this journey. I will also pack plenty of underwear and "hygiene" items for the road, and several pairs of rockport shoes to hike. Probably will need anitibiotic creams for the blisters and sores on the tootsies too. I have a packable, portable tent that will be serviceable for shelter, and lots and lots of clean socks. MJ's foods would work for this too! Better pack plenty to share with other pilgrims!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
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mollymae
True Blue Farmgirl
694 Posts
Molly
Visalia
California
USA
694 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2005 : 10:24:36 PM
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I want to go to Farm Fair 2006 too! I checked on MapQuest, and it's only a mere 26 hour drive from Wisconsin....LOL! (NOT!) I think I'll check into flying into Spokane and driving the rest of the way!!!
Cead Mile Failte,
Molly
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." --Henry David Thoreau
**When life throws scraps your way ~ Make a Quilt!**
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2005 : 08:38:36 AM
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I am a little closer than that Molly! How about making a connection from Madison to Kansas City, I will meet ya there and we can fly on together to Spokane, then rent a car and drive the rest of the way...Maybe pick up some other farmgirls along the way for the trek to MJF. Sounds good to me. It is always more enjoyable to have travel companions! ( especially farmgirls!)
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
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mollymae
True Blue Farmgirl
694 Posts
Molly
Visalia
California
USA
694 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2005 : 08:56:40 AM
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We could get serious about this! This is doable! I know it's a year away, but I can check to see the average price for a plane ticket of that nature, and start saving saving saving!
Cead Mile Failte,
Molly
"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." --Henry David Thoreau
**When life throws scraps your way ~ Make a Quilt!**
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sqrl
True Blue Farmgirl
605 Posts
Melissa
Northern California
USA
605 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2005 : 09:28:04 AM
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I feel so grateful to be a part of this, to be able to share these feelings and stories. To know that there are other women out there who think and feel like me, real women. Who aren't just conserned with wanting a new car or a big new house. ( can you tell I lived in LA for a while?) Thank you so much for sharing your intimate life with me, this stories are so special. I hope that I can meet you all one day at the Farm Festival. I wanted to go this year but alas, I cannot get enought time off of work to get there and actually enjoy it. But I could planned for next year. We could have a farm girl reunion (or I guess a union since many of us have never met). Oh that would be wonderful, to see your faces.
I have traveled and seen beautiful places and am happy I did it. But I know you must look inside first. Because the scenery can change and the grass will always seem greener but it is all in perception and it is the eyes that must see it differently. I do undersatnd a yearning for something unknown. And the more I go in and search, the more I feel like I'm starting to see more. Try a manifestation of some sort. I always love doing ( especialy on holidays like halloween or solstice)a burning manifestation. Write down what you need or need to know and even a thank you for something. then fold up that piece of paper and go outside and burn it. And since you are turning that piece of paper into a differnet element- smoke and ash you are also turning those words into a different element and giving them up to something that is beyond your reach. And than trust( which is the hardest part), thrust that someone will answer. Just like the story of Mary Poppins.
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2005 : 10:56:18 AM
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Very wise words Melissa! And a burning is a wonderful idea. Clare does this also. Turning something into another element would be a release, and a comfort. I will do this, just so I have some sort of peace about it, and can move on. You are very fortunate to have travelled. Physically I have not travelled that much, but mentally I have been many places. Who was it that said they were an armchair traveler? I am a voracious reader, and searcher. The arms on my chair are well worn. If it is meant to be then it will be! But, I am grateful for the beauty of my land right here. I can see sunsets that are unearthly in color, stretched across the wide prairie sky. My land yields grains to feed others, vegetables, grapes to make wine and jam, apple trees for pies, flowers to fill pitchers and vases. My cattle graze peacefully on a clean grassy pasture, growing fat and healthy bearing their young. My daughters have grown strong and healthy and wise on this 20 acres. I am blessed.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2005 : 11:20:42 AM
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Wow Meadowlark - you are blessed! To be honest, I do not think any trip could surpass what you have just described. That is not to discourage new travels and journeys! But you have journeyed well thus far.
jpbluesky
Heartland girl |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2005 : 7:16:02 PM
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Here is a link about the Camino. There are beautiful pictures posted of villages on the route. The route is marked with yellow arrows ( kinda reminds me of the yellow brick road) and scallop shell art dating to the Middle Ages. The scallop shell is the symbol of St. James. Pilgrims from centuries ago would identify themselves by wearing the shell around their necks on a leather cord. Cool, huh?
http://www.santiago-compostela.net/
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
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sqrl
True Blue Farmgirl
605 Posts
Melissa
Northern California
USA
605 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2005 : 08:24:05 AM
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You are truely blessed you have what I dream of. Life's funny.
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com |
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cecelia
True Blue Farmgirl
497 Posts
cecelia
new york
USA
497 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2005 : 5:03:42 PM
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I am in tune with this topic! Two books I've read are "If Not Now, When? Reclaiming Ourselves at Midlife" by Stephanie Marston and another (can't remember the title or author) but I believe it was something like "60, the Last .... by (Madeleine L'engle?).
I'm winding down from my 50's, and even though I've had no problems with going through menopause (except for middle age spread!), it seems like for some reason I can't put my finger or mind on, this is the worst decade of my life!!! Partly stress, partly the deaths of loved ones, etc. I am actually feeling like I'm just coming into my own life, and can't wait for my 60's. It just seems that I am finally finding the courage or wherewithall to say no to a lot of things I "had" to do. I don't feel the need to "do" things, rush, etc. Must be something in the air...
Cecelia
ce's farm
"Curiosity is one of the forms of feminine bravery" Victor Hugo |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2005 : 5:09:20 PM
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Meadowlark - I wear a golden scallop shell around my neck all the time. It is a Christian symbol of being reborn in the spirit, and thank you for giving me even more information about St. James!
jpbluesky
Heartland girl |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2005 : 9:50:07 PM
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I believe the shell is for James the Greater... His feast day is July 25th. My husbands birthday, and his name is James! His mother is a very devout Catholic, and named her eight children after saints. I keep a scallop shell I found on a beach on my desk. They are beautiful.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
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Fulminous
Farmgirl in Training
40 Posts
Deb
Maine
40 Posts |
Posted - Jul 11 2005 : 6:33:23 PM
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For a highly reccomended inspirational book about a woman who travels the world (with nothing but the clothes on her back) after a late-divorce with her high-profile husband. She leaves her well-to-do life in search of something more. The book is Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World by Rita Golden Gelman.
Might I mention that the author is likely a farmgirl in her heart; a direct quote "My life and my book are all about connecting and what happens when I do."
She writes children's books as a way to support her nomadic life.
Check out her website if you like: http://www.ritagoldengelman.com/home.html |
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MeadowLark
True Blue Farmgirl
2206 Posts
USA
2206 Posts |
Posted - Jul 11 2005 : 8:41:39 PM
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Deb, Very interesting lady! I liked her web site and her message. I don't have the money or the time to be a world traveler, but she seems to inspire women to stretch themselves and take the leaps where they are at. Sounds like a book I NEED to read! Thanks for the recommendation! Her children's books look neat too!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. http://www.xs4all.nl/~josvg/cits/sb/sb101.html |
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sqrl
True Blue Farmgirl
605 Posts
Melissa
Northern California
USA
605 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2005 : 10:34:47 AM
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Deb, thanks for telling us about her. I would love to join in on her cookbook idea.
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com |
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bubblesnz
True Blue Farmgirl
291 Posts
helen
New Zealand
291 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2005 : 3:18:57 PM
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Meadowlark, Reach deep down inside your self and jump beyond the square. Come too New zealand, we have many things to experience. I also offer you a place to stay and time to share your experience. Come on over art sister, I have the coffee on.
This message is also for others on here who would like to visit my country.
A great oak, is just a little nut which held it's ground. |
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Outpost: Where would you travel to on this Earth to test |
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Where would you travel to on this Earth to test
