I love all the rooms and would just take a little time to get to know the room before doing anything to them. I am so pleased for you.

Lovely! You are going to have so much fun. Priorities: (in order, ha)
Garden, Paint, Floors. The rest will come.
I see horses next door. Other peoples horses are the best kind. You get to watch them every day and don’t have to pay the vet or the farrier!

Absolutely beautiful and so FULL of potential! I can’t even begin to tell you how your house excites the designer in me 🙂 You are going to have so much fun turning this house into a beautiful home.

PAINT THAT PANELING AND THE FIREPLACE. We painted every piece of paneling in our home and LOVE IT..I see a lot of potential in your home. It will be nice.

The house is beautiful!! So happy for you and your family. What a grat new adverture you all are on. I think the upstairs porch railings are so pretty. Dianne xxoo

Oh so jealous….I love it ALL. Live the dream girl. Live the dream

I see wall to wall bookshelves in your least favorite room, to go with the above mentioned office! Now, on to something important! If you are really going to have a farm, you arent going to want to be without a MUDROOM! You will want it more than you know. It helps keep the farm OUTSIDE. If you garage can substitute, great- go ahead with your plan for a sunroom (which i would love to have too!) but if not, consider where all that mud will wind up- its not called a MUDROOOM for nothing!!!!

Closets – – – In my husband’s and my bedroom, we have 2 shallow, rectangular closets with wooden accordian doors. In the first one, we removed the doors, took all shelving and poles out of the closet, and painted the inside a soft creamy color that coordinated with the soft earth tones on our bedroom walls and the trim. Then, my husband routered three wide planks of cedar for shelves, the lowest one placed where clothes are hung on a pole just beneath it without getting near the ground (hope you can visualize what I just wrote!). The cedar shelves are just gorgeous, the texture and organic hue of the wood are soothing to see. My clothes are few ( I like keeping things very simple and uncluttered), and I have foldable clothing items in smallish stacks by colors – so pleasing to the eye! – on the two lowest cedar shelves. On the top cedar shelf, I place just a few items that I want to see – a cute purse, a pair of shoes, etc. My clothes hanging from a wooden rod just beneath the lowest shelf are in a limited palette of soft, dreamy earth tones and creams on wooden hangers. My undies and socks are in smallish antique wooden chest drawers, which sit on the lowest shelf. An identical closet sits next to this one. We stripped and painted it the same way, but we placed a low antique wooden dresser in it with a large mirror above it. This brings light into the closet, and the dresser serves as a place to put clothes that don’t fit into the room’s palette, etc. Doing our closets this way has set such an airy, soothing, feminine, orderly tone to our bedroom, and truly makes getting dressed fairly simple. 🙂 Of course, my husband’s closet is in another bedroom, because he is messy. 🙂 I love that you have 2 kitchens! What fun, fun, fun!

I love your farm and the house has such great bones. I love the fireplaces, upper patio and 2nd kitchen – I think it would make a great breakfast room. I see a lot of white paint in your future! Have fun!

Love Love Love the upstairs. I know what you mean about the nicotine colored walls. My parents smoked alot…way too much and when they were gone, and the pics came down there were still frames on the wall. lol. I’m afraid you will probably have to take wallpaper down to get smoke smell out. But it will be worth it.
I loved the first bedroom, and I saw french doors leading out to that upstairs porch if that an option. Also, I saw the sun room the same as you did. Loved the daughter’s room as well. Cant wait to tour the land. Be Blessed and have fun

I think that upstairs kitchen solves your need for another bathroom. Does it happen to share a wall with your master bedroom? If not, maybe some rearranging can be done so you have a master bathroom and walk in closet from that space.

So beautiful!!! I am on the same sort of adventure I just moved into an old home that wasn’t in as good of shape as yours but we turned into something really nice!!! I am like you about the snakes and I am on 51/2 acres but I am surrounded by 40 acres of farm fields they are out there I just don’t want to see one! Good luck on your wonderful journey. Oh and I love your daughter’s room too.

Hey Y’all! By popular request, I posted the recipe for the delicious FRESH STRAWBERRY BREAD at http://www.rebekahteal.com/2012/05/by-popular-request-strawberry-bread.html.

HOPE YOU ENJOY IT!

Let’s see: besides being a little envious, I would like to rent the room you don’t like and have access to the upstairs kitchen. Whatcha think? 😉

What great rooms the upstairs has!! I love all the fireplaces!! The only thing I see a real need to change is hall panelling. I’d paint it softly. Enjoy!!!

Hardwood the entire downstairs and staircase(with white risers). You won’t be sorry you spent the money there. Guest bedroom would make a great office or den, make it living space. Then the kitchen, and save the bathroom last. Then upstairs. (So much fun spending YOUR money!!)

Oh wow! The exterior, fireplaceS & staircaseS are awesome! I’m with you on putting in hardwood floors wherever you can. How about wide plank floors? That seems more rustic to me. As for the blue parlor, GO FOR IT! I’d start by removing the curtains and relishing in the light 🙂

For some reason, I see an antique birdcage moonlighting as a chandelier in this house. I must have seen that idea somewhere… sounds very MaryJane, eh?

And I’m on TEAM HUSBAND when it comes to the bathroom 😉 Sorry, but that house screams CLAW FOOT TUB. Oh this is fun when it’s not my budget!

Wonderful……

I love the kitchen with the fireplace … so much you can do there. I’d pull up all that carpet and replace it with wood floors asap. Enjoy your new home!
Blessings,
Catherine

LOVE! There is so much potential in this house and all the fireplaces! What fun! You are going to have so much fun in your new farmhouse. I think wood floors are the way to go. Can’t wait to see the rest of the place. The outside shot was all I needed to know that this place was a keeper! Great architectural interest right away…it makes me think of the south. Enjoy!!!!

I love your house- I am 85 and been a farmers wife-all my life– there is not much I would change in your house- sometimes you have to live in it for awhile to get the feel and flavor of it! sometimes you have to let it seep into your heart and you come to love the thing you would have got rid of.
after I think about it for awhile I will return – and love seeing what other people think– the only thing I will say right now is that I love red! m favorite color so somewhere I would have the reds and oranges and browns of fall-also my favorite season!!!! you are so lucky- please– think twice before doing too much to your kitchen- it is so warm and loving!! hugs, G.

Wow,love the staircases and fireplaces……and if money were no object, tile and hardwoods throughout. Easy for me to say huh! The kitchen is my fav room…looking forward to seeing the rest of the farmhouse!

Woo-hoo! Congratulations on the new-old Farmhouse. Have fun making it your own. You are an inspiration to me…another suburbanite with a Farm-Dream.

WHAT I have to choose a ROOM? I choose the whole house from the driveway to the fence line. Parlor – wood flooring, the right shade of blue will be superb – would use a lighter shade on the ceiling – comfy but older style furniture – bet you can find it in the area – there are some great outlets. Against the riser wall – a table with the lamp, oh gracious my minds eye can see it all. Love the quest bedroom – having 2 thoughts about it – from 4 poster to a Jenny Lind (sp) type – curtains are nice but a bit longer. Bathroom – yellow n blue is nice but would paint the cupboards and old white and the hardware the same or just not black. Dining room – yupper wood and chandelier – maybe some longer curtains – LOVE the fireplace – let it talk to you as to how to decorate. Kitchen – oh my oh my I see it now – old wood floor – painted cupboards – island with a different color of paint – butcher block or stone like top – I know stone is THE THING but I’m still not convinced – again LOVE the fire place. LOVE the back stairs too – how nice to have them – maybe paint risers and stain treads. What a great laundry/mud room – you are going to love that area for sure. Oh my goodness what an exciting time for y’all and for us who get to go along for the ride. Can you tell I love decorating and yes I do do it on a shoe string budget – lots of, as I call it ‘poking around’ never know when the perfect piece will be where one least expects it. Ok had a ton of fun this morning – really need to get outside – finally have some Spring weather. Congratulations on you new journey. God Bless

wow I am in love too! My home was built in 1875 and I just love it. Your’s will be so much fun. I love the kitchen. A fireplace! Just think of those cozy winter mornings! The possibilties are endless. Every room is a gift waiting to be opened. I wish I could walk through it with you!

Oh what a wonderful home to make it your own, I can’t wait to see the redo! Have fun! Farm Girl Florence

I love that grove of pines behind the house!

When was the house built? I would go with everything appropriate to that time. Looks like it has been "updated". I would definitely go with hardwoods throughout, I don’t think you would regret that. Get rid of those formal drapes in the parlor in my opinion. If that wainscoting is appropriate to the era of the house, I would keep it, if not I would get rid of it. In the guest bedroom I think I would make an office/craft area, and add a window or make one of them larger. Love the dark woods, yummy. I really like the parlor, and I am thinking that kitchen will be show stopper at some point! Good luck!

Congratulations!!!!! Your new home is so lovely!!! I love the blue sinks in the bathroom-so cute!!!! I agree with the poster that suggested a claw foot bathtub though- how cute would that be???
I love all the fireplaces- so lovely and warm and cozy!
I’m so very happy for you!
Kelly in CA

What a wonderful home! My thoughts aren’t alot different than some of the others here. I LOVE the kitchen, esp. the fireplace (I love the 2 rocking chairs in the kitchen). Very homey. I also love the blue & yellow bathroom altho a claw foot tub in that BR would be wonderful. The BR looks very Swedish. The parlor looks very Victorian to me & I can see red velvet couches & Tiffany lamps but that may not be the look you’re going for. I agree with others, live in the house for awhile before making any major changes & I think you will come to realize what changes you want to make. Enjoy your new home & have fun decorating.
I keep a folder with all the ideas I have or get from others, pictures, paint chips, wallpaper, any ideas for decorating my home & it comes in quite handy when I am ready for a change. Blessings to you & yours & also on your home.

Hardwood flooring definitely…even if you have to do it a room at a time as you can afford it. I LOVE the kitchen…yes it needs some work..but OH the potential. I have ALWAYS wanted a fireplace in my kitchen. I LOVE YOUR PLACE and am SO jealous! Have a ball!

I love the kitchen. Yes, it needs work, but oh the potential! I mean, c’mon, a fireplace in the kitchen? How cool!

I think you’re going to have a grand time remodeling and making it yours! It’s wonderful! Can’t wait to see what you share with us.

Oh wow, great big rooms!!! Yeah! Well even though you say your not a decorator, everyone has their own style. i would replace the drapes with farm house style curtains. I cannot remember what rooms so I am just giving my two cents worth and I expect that is what it is worth, two cents. I think you should paint the dark paneled wainscoting white to match the fireplace trim. What is under the carpet, sub floor? It is an awful old house, sure they did not put sub floor over hardwood floors to even things up before carpeting? Hope you find some wonderful surprises along the way. It is grand!

I love the laundry room. There is SO much space. I would build in shelves and maybe even enclose the washer and dryer space with cabinet doors 🙂 Also paint it with light colors (pale green, or pale blue with white) to refelct the light and give it a refreshing feel!

Love your house. It is home. All floors need to be eventually replaced with wood. Plank flooring would look great! Bathroom definitely needs a clawfoot tub. Love all the fireplaces. Nothing like a crackling fire! I don’t much care for the paneling halfway up the walls. It might look ok if it was painted. The front door should be replaced by one with maybe a little stained glass in it around the edges. The house looks in great shape and will defintely be fun to redo. Good Luck! Be sure to keep us posted on all the improvements you will be doing. Love to see it finished!

Exactly the kind of farm house I would want! Vintage, character and fireplaces…My favorite room is the Utility room. I would make it a personal retreat. Put in a sewing machine and a craft table. A brooder to raise baby chicks or a crate for new born goats. I would decorate it with my favorite things. Bright walls with a shelf under the window for flowers and herbs.

Oh Rebecca,so happy for you! What an INCREDIBLE home!! We bought a 1908 home 3 years ago and have been happily making it our own ever since…here’s what I’ve learned:
-You will never regret hardwood floors
-Paint is cheap and can completely change a room
-Don’t hurry-take your time and enjoy the process
If you get very quiet and peaceful the house will whisper to you what it is longing for and the partnership will bring the house to life in ways you could have never imagined!! Have a FABULOUS adventure!!!

Love the exterior. Beautiful.. Love the ideas for the dining room. Fireplace in the kitchen awesome!!! I would have to change the bathroom. Do not like the blue and yellow.. More pedistal sinks and older style deep tub / with seperate shower.. What a great opportunity you have here.. Wish you luck.. Would love to have this problem…

rebekah, i think it is wonderful!!!!!!
have a wonderful time fixing it up. i love the bathroom and kitchen with the fireplace, and i also love the thought of 2 staircases.
just enjoy and please keep us posted on all the progress.
the outside is so charming, i knew the inside would be great.

Rebekah, I love your farmhouse. As for the front door, I would consider a white door with an etched glass oval. That would look so pretty from the outside and inside. A door like that would also add more light to the staircase. The side panels should also remain with the glass if possible. If the existing door is an antique find a closet or created a place to hang it.
I am looking for a new home also but farmhouses are rare in northern Delaware. I need a couple of acres though.
I will enjoy following your progress with the endless possibilities out there.
Cheryl in DE

Way cool……congratulations!

Oh Girl I am so very happy for you!!! I cried through the whole story! I understand all the things you are saying because that was exactly how I started on my farm. I know your Mule will warm up to you if you visit and brush and hug and kiss it everyday. My donkey Eeyore was the same way when he came here. We paid $25 for him just so he could have a happy home. He is now my best friend of all my bigger babies. Then there is Bess and Peppa, Bess is my only chick that hatched last year from the incubator and she is very vocal and follows me everywhere and Peppa is my newly found love as I am bottle feeding her and she is the littlest Nigerian Goat just born a week and a half ago. I love the farm and I know you will too. I am so vey happy for you and your family! May God Bless you as much as he has blessed me.

Congrats, Farmer Rebekah. You are in for some kinda ride! Some kinda fun, too. Best wishes.

Oh! Girl, I am so excited and happy for you!!!! Loved every word you typed…I actually could hear your voice as I read it speaking. (hum, wonder how close I am)..lol What a wonderful adventure that you are sharing with this Okie and other farmgirls everywhere. I thank you for that. My fingertips could just feel your wallpaper..well, that’s just not something a person says every day, now is it??? Ha! Love your mule! Those Belted Galloways have always tickled my fancy also…dreaming… Raynita

Congratulations! That’s wonderful news and I hope your new adventure does become a "happily ever after" for many years to come.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! new farm family — the farm is so lucky to have you all and thanks for you’re going to savor every single second – again congrats.

oh my gracious!!! this is so amazing! I’m so jealous/excited for you! best of luck & i can’t wait to hear all about your adventure 🙂

I am a nervous wreck reading your post! So many things to do and so much to absorb! Better take that singing down to the mule. I think she needs some "down-home company". Won’t you be surprised if she brahs?

SO happy for you to finally have your farm! Love the pictures so far too!

Yeah!!! Farmer Becca!!!! So happy for you. A mule was one of the things I listed off to hubs when we move here. I said one would be perfect to haul the grands around on. I have a friend that used to have one for years but she had to board hers and one day she decided that the mule was more the persons that she was boarding with than hers and she sent her to an old mule farm where she would have old mule buddies. But she said this mule was very tame. I never met the mule myself. I wanted to tell you I am now farmgirl number 4048!

Sooooo happy for you as you begin this amazing journey! Congratulations!! 🙂

Dear Farmer Teal, My heartiest congratulations on Phase I of your farm dream come true.

Also, ‘broke’ is not a bad word. It is an old-timey word, a down-home country word and a compliment to any horse (or mule) the word refers to. ‘Well broke’ is an ELITE term. Very few horses actually deserve the title because very few actually are WELL broke. They may be rideable and so on, but well broke is for those animals who have EARNED a Masters or PHD in their given field (pun intended when referring to the art of plowing :o)

Words and phrases can have very different meanings. Example: ‘She bought the farm’ could mean dead. OR, in your case, it means she really did BUY THE FARM. So, there ya go. Don’t be a’feared to use ‘broke’. You’re gonna get ‘broke to alllllllllll kinds of things in those new boots of yours. Maybe even broke to plow ;o)

I’m so very happy for you. Looking forward to many progress reports. I bet your husband is thrilled too!

How exciting! I cracked up at this post because I can relate. Now that I’m on our own farm too, all these terms and words come flooding into my mind to use and I don’t know if it’s even the right term or know the true meaning of some of them. It’s weird, but it’s like your brain just goes there!! It helps that I heard a lot of this from my dad and other farmers growing up, but now I’ve been reading so many farming books it must be absorbing and reinforcing! Lol! I feel like I need to walk around wih a farm dictionary so I make sure I’m using the words correctly! Have fun spewing more farm talk to whoever’s listening!
Farmgirl Hugs!!!

Yipppppeeeeee! or should I say Yeeeee Haaawww! What a wonderful dream come true!! How fun is that!! Can’t wait to see how "Farmer Teal" gussies up the old farmstead! God bless you darlin’! (I guess He already has!)
Aunt Ruthie (aka RuthAnn)
Sugar Pie Farmhouse

What great news! Congrats! Can’t wait to hear more about your adventures!

Love the dandelions in the field!!

I think that this is the year of epiphanies! I have realized now that I have inherited lots more ‘stuff’ from my mom that I have created many spaces of clutter and disarray. I have been on a cleaning and tweeking phase for a couple of months now, finally finishing my bedroom (which isn’t that large, maybe about the size of your closet! LOL), complete with a new coat of paint. I even had my antique headboard reupholstered! Woohoo! Anyway, there is great satisfaction in simplifying spaces…
I think that you would be wise to stick to the creatures on your farm that don’t require any ‘harvesting’. I spoke about getting chickens to my hubby, who reminded me of the normal process of disposing of hens that lay no more eggs(chicken soup, chicken and dumplings..). I told him that I simply would have no heart for that and I would have many retired hens!!
Yikes, I don’t have snakes and I am so GLAD…

Beleive me your alot tougher than you think. I learned this when I moved to the country, you find the strength that you never knew you had. As for the icky bug and snake problem, game chickens will take care of that problem and give you wonderful fresh eggs.

Oh, you need to calm down! 🙂 I am a farmgirl living on a cattle farm where the two people who own the place also do all the work (that would be me and my husband) with help from our 12 year old daughter. This is how we make our living and I can tell you a few things.
#1- We name all our cattle and know each by sight.(there are about 100 head)
2. We dont eat our friends- other people do, but not us. We give them a good life with the best of care,and the least amount of stress. How could we turn around and eat them?
3. I am phobic about snakes and spiders.
4. I cannot run a chainsaw.
5. I can run tractors, bobcats and shoot a pistol or a rifle- some things you just have to learn!
6. I have several horses, not hard to care for if you have good quiet ones and a good vet nearby for emergencies!(And a good farrier you will enjoy spending time with- horses need their feet trimmed about every 8 weeks. If your horse needs shoes you will see him even sooner!)
7. I would die for a closet like the one you are emptying out! or the clothes to fill it! Sure wish I lived near YOUR Goodwill!! 🙂
You will do FINE being a farmgirl- but the clutter, now I have no advice for that- I fight it every day!

It’s cathartic to shed "stuff." The older I get, the more I realize just how liberating it is to pare down to the basics. I still have a ways to go, but I am working on it too.

As for the creepy crawlies, can’t help you there. I’d never go out on my deck again if I had ever seen a snake on it!

Rebecca, I think you are a compassionate person and maybe you just need to listen to that and honor that about yourself. Maybe you could farm fruit and veggies? Personally, I don’t animals need to be farmed. I think they need to be protected. Their lives on factory farms are horrific and I can’t imagine being part of that for any reason. However, even for animals are a small farm, being sent to slaugher is completely brutal- this is not euthanasia.
I’ve been vegetarian for 21 years and mostly vegan for 16 years and it’s been such a great journey. I like being able to look animals in the eye and know that I am not their predator. I’m also the heathiest and most energetic person I know!
I truly understand your desire to connect with farming- just listen to who you are and honor that.
Kelly in CA

I truly understand

Rebekah,
I also think that you will do just fine. Once you get out and go exploring on your own, you will realize that you have no choice but to do fine. There are certain things that are facts of life. Creepy crawlies are one of them, and wherever you live, I’m sure there are places in the amazon which have much, much worse creepies. Be thankful we have the mini versions here in the U.S. Death is another thing that is a fact of life. There are certain animals which become so domesticated where it is considered cruel to kill them(cats/dogs) when raised in a farm setting, like Meredith’s post, you can only become so attached because death is just a part of the cycle of having cows, or chickens, or pigs. A lot of people are really freaked out by animals being killed, but when it is done properly, it is swift and painless and over within a flash. That is where respect for the animal and its life comes into play. There is no suffering before, during, after. I’d encourage you to watch "food, inc." if you haven’t already. It is gruesome, but it will give you an idea of what commercial animals go through verses what home-raised animals go through too. My dad raised Purdue chickens for about 10 years and it was a shame that some needed to die,(I never killed any, but I’ve filled many a 5 gallon bucket with dead chickens) but they were very well raised in clean houses with clean equipment. Their lives were good. Their endings were not so good. 🙁 yet another part of life. There is no avoiding it. Demand will not let humans completely stop these processes.
I grew up on a farm so your list of "things to do" are second nature to me, so I will tell you what I know.
1. Use a chain saw. Hold on for dear life with both hands and be extremely careful. It gets heavy fast so take your time, and please whatever you do, don’t cut into the ground or your chain will be dull and sharpening a chain needs to be a lot further down your list…If your chain is good and sharp, you won’t have to push down on it to cut through and it should throw out nice big chunks of sawdust. if it’s fine dusty sawdust, the chain is dull and needs sharpening. Do not go buy another one, they are expensive and can be sharpened. Try watching a youtube video?? Keep it full of oil too.
2. Shoot a rifle. – squeeze the trigger, don’t pull it. Squeezing is a softer more gentle movement, where pulling quickly will shift the gun just enough to miss your target. Imagine the difference between squeezing a sponge in your hand or smooshing an egg in your hang until it breaks. I still don’t care for guns much, but again, part of life.
3. Hammer a nail straight. (as well as other basic carpentry skills). the head of a nail changes every time you hit it so never take your eye off of it and watch as it changes and strike accordingly. Don’t hold the hammer up close by the head, hold it down lower by almost the end of the handle and let the weight of the hammer and the "pendulum/centrifugal" motion do the work for you.
4. Take care of a horse (working on that one).
5. Be less creeped out about creepy, crawly things. There aren’t many creepy crawlies that have Rebekah on their list of things to annoy. They are more afraid of you than you are of them. Ignoring things will be much more effective. Your body produces scents when you are scared or stressed and they can take advantage of this. Just remain calm and don’t make any erratic movements. As long as it’s just a black snake, and I don’t think they can jump, go get a pitchfork or a rake and scoop him up. See? It’s about 6 feet from your body. Carry him out and throw it in the woods. Maybe it would be a good idea to learn about snakes in your area so you know what they like to eat and which ones to avoid. The first time I had to kill a poisonous snake I couldn’t even look, but I knew for the pets’ sake it had to die, and if you’ve ever known someone who’s been bitten by a poisonous snake, it’s horrible, so again, must die. Kinda like ticks, and fleas. It’s survival of the fittest, and you need to be the most fit.
6. Learn how to operate a tractor. Learn this on a flat surface and again, be very careful. My property is a bit hilly, and I still get nervous about going uphills. Figure out where the gravitational center is and realize it’s much higher than a car, and you are more prone to tipping. If you know how to drive a manual transmission, the rest shouldn’t be too hard. Safety is key!
7. SHED STUFF I DON’T NEED AND ORGANIZE WHAT I HAVE. If you haven’t used it recently enough, then don’t bother keeping it! Nursing homes take donations sometimes and lots of churches will take things for their needy or for an annual yard-sale/fundraiser, and of course goodwill. Separate your needs from wants. 🙂 If it’s something you really might need to use one day, start organizing, but still storing so the stuff is at least out of your every day life which will give you room to….

Breathe a little.

Rebekah,
I too have wondered how I ever got this far on the farm. I do not use the chain saw nor will I ever use a gun, but there are so many things I thought I could never or would never do. I never thought I would raise chickens and yes I have had to slaughter a few in my time. I Name many of my special animals including the pigs I raised from babies and knew their day for the processor would come and I did love my pigs. I sat for hours watching them, feeding them treats and brushing them. I learned that pigs could be cruel too as my momma pig ate 2 litters of piglets. We even checked every hour on her before her birthing process to make sure nothing went wrong and somehow she did it anyway. You learn to get tough, and you learn to deal with the bad and love to share the good.
As far as Moving and letting go of things I too go through this all the time but now it is getting closer to the time where we will be having to think about what goes to the new house and I have been going through all kinds of things and saying good bye to them. It never seems to take long to get that stuff back in some other way. I hate snakes and spiders too but I am a bug collector for a hobby. Go figure. I wish you the best in clearing out things and cutting back. Emma

Due to life changes…I moved from the country to the city, as a result "stuff" had to go. It is very freeing. Now my little home has my most cherished things and the kids and goodwill have the excess. Along the way I found out how little I needed to feel joy. Still miss the chickens but new puppy "Lucy" is pretty cool…Country life will naturally toughen you as you realize that the circle of life isn’t always kind. There will be the coyote, cougar, or neighbor dog that will challenge farm life.
But hey, the chickens (if free range) will take care of lots of creepy critters…You will be okie dokie!

You sound incredibly brave to me. And kind. You faced your fears to gather up your dogs and let the snake live in peace. I have realized that some things should never be tried. I wave my hands around as I speak so have accepted that I can never use a chainsaw without endangering everyone (including my dogs) around me. I realize that if I have chickens of my own, one section of the hen house will have to be for geriatric chickens that I love and will keep ’till the end. I don’t think that means I shouldn’t have chickens! Although I couldn’t eat anything I know so a cattle ranch is not in the cards for me. I have found that reading the book Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui once a year is really helpful. It points out that keeping things that we don’t use or don’t love makes the energy around us sticky. And I can totally picture you in a small farmhouse!

Rebekah,
Just thought I would share that the beginning of this year I learned about the Flylady.net. It has been a huge help in pairing down and getting and keeping organized. You might want to take a look at it.

Dear Rebekah,

I married into my ranching roots, but I was not the daughter of a rancher. I was a town girl who was mentored by my grandfather/retired rancher. I loved animals ‘too much’. I still enjoy animals more than people. There, I said it. It wasn’t a choice, it is in my spirit from the marrow out. Ranching is hard on a softie. I cried a lot the first couple of years. I cried a lot while raising … and losing … horses… and calves and chickens and lambs etc. Would I ever cheat myself out of the profound satisfaction that far outweighed the down side? Never. I needed to be stronger. Not tougher, but stronger. Tough is only a good thing if you have a tender heart. If you’re just plain tough, your heart is MIA. Farm life is a more well-rounded like and it makes for a more well-rounded person. You have plenty of love in your heart to lose things you love. A good heart just makes more love to go around. The less you love, the less you have to go around and the less you have to work with to make more. Love profusely, cry when your heart breaks, wipe your eyes and love all over again. It is part of the healing. You’ll grow the right kind of callouses to protect the innermost parts of your heart. Some heartbreaks never heal over altogether and that is ok. It helps us be more compassionate. Go for every bit of the farmgirl experience that entieces you. What doesn’t work for you, let it go and move on.

So what if you aren’t as organized as some. Those folks aren’t as ‘whatever’ as you are on some point of character. Farmgirls at their best aren’t left or right…they’re right square in the middle. Ambidextrous in character.

You’re off on a new adventure. You’ll be fine for the most part. When you aren’t fine, you’ll get over it and be better for whatever the experience was that stretched your limits. You’re in for a lot richness and your grandma will be so proud.

Becka,Honey you hire help…Got me a guy that will work for a six pack of beer!When hes sober he works real hard!LOL…Have a great day! love ya carol Branum..PS.Had to too many hot flashes!Bout to melt now as we speak.

I have lived in the country for years, just moved to the city (liked the country better). I have to tell you that I still don’t know how to use a chain saw, they scare the bajeezes out of me. And although I have fired a few weapons I could not for sure fire a rifle, nor do I want to.

And I hate to tell you, but as one messy to another, it is SO much easier to collect "stuff" living in the country. In fact I think it is a being a country girl means you do collect stuff … never know when that empty orange juice container can be used for something. 🙂

I also believe there is a new kind of country girl, not the one that is out there to survive, but one that is out there because they love the country.
I didn’t kill the wildlife for eating my livestock in fact when I found a fox eating one of my chickens I was not sure if I should be more in awe of such a beautiful creature or horrified that it was eating my chicken. My thinking was that if we killed the fox, raccoon, etc. more would just replace those. It was better to just figure out ways to keep my livestock safer.

Good luck on your list though! Just think of the country as a new adventure!

I grew up with salmon patties too. Love them! Swimming upstream is the stuff of life, work those muscles girl!

Love salmon patties, so yummy! Make these often. I brown in butter and add a squeeze of lemon juice when eating. And serve with steamed vegies.

My mom always made Salmon patties when I was a little girl. I loved them! When I got married I was horrified when I dumped the contents of the can out and saw all the bones and skin too! I asked my mom what to do. Well she told me to pick out the big bones. Well I picked and picked and ended up with mothing left. She never told me I could mash them up and that I wouldn’t choke on them. I wasted several expensive cans of red sockeye Salmon doing this so I want to tell you thank you, thank you, thanky you for telling me how to deal with canned Salmon!!! I can’t wait till my next trip to the store and I will be in heaven eating my Salmon patties this Friday! God bless!

I did not realize that some folks don’t like these. Just thought everyone would love them. made them. for company once! Big Mistake. you don’t notice the smell when you are used to it. Swimming up-stream is just what you do when you wake up in the morning and wonder what the day has in store for you. happy swimming.

My husband lived in Alaska and watched these salmon- they die. The patties or filets are both good. However I would say some battles are worthwhile and some have been very very not worthwhile.

My mom made salmon patties a lot when I was a kid and I despised them, because my dad had determined that they had to have Cheez Whiz on top to be any good. So mom always made them smothered in hot Cheez Whiz – blech! (The other thing they ate that way was something my mom called Tuna Whirls – don’t ask!) Once I discovered that Cheez Whiz was not a requirement, I learned to like them. My husband looooves them. He makes a huge batch and eats them cold in his lunch all week long.

I have grown up in the south, Tennessee. My mom made salmon patties for us too. Her receipe is a little different. She would use left over mashed potatoes, egg, flour, salt (if needed)and of course salmon. Fried till golden brown and drained on paper towels. Loved them then love them now. So does my children and grandchildren. They are also good cold the next day. My sisters and I would hurry home from school to see who would get to the leftover patties first. I love your blog and all of the memories you bring back.

Salmon patties and "Oh lawzy". You’re a true southerner for sure!

Oh I love salmon patties! I’m a northerner and my mom made salmon patties or salmon loaf. I haven’t had them in a long time and my mom died and I am glad you talked about this and have the recipe too!

I like salmon patties pretty good, my son however loves them. So whenever he is around I make a batch. We like to eat ours with mustard. I actually baked them this time with a little olive oil and they turned out just as good as the fried ones. I put chopped onion, celery, bellpepper, garlic powder, red pepper flakes in mine. (I am originally from LA) need I say more? LOL. As far as the farm I was just thinking yesterday about you and your farm and thinking man if this deal does not go through I can’t wait to hear the great news about what God has for her. Because it will be better if this is not it. It is a win win situation. Keep swimming and keep blogging.

I love Salmon Patties! I make mine with crushed saltine cracker crumbs, you can crush them right in their plastic (1 sleeve for 2 cans). It is also a nice variation to add a little lemon pepper to the mix on occasion. I have also been known to do the bread crumbs and fine diced celery along with the onions and such, a la crab cakes, to mix it up a bit. I make homemade mac and cheese and cooked spinach served with vinegar. I also always serve my patties with a dipping sauce made of yellow mustard and worchestershire sauce. Mmmm I am hungry now!

My family adores salmon patties. I cannot bear the smell, so my husband makes them on evenings when I’m out of the house (and opens the windows before I get home). It’s a family tradition!

Nancy
http://www.liveasavorylife.com

Aaaaah! Salmon patties (or as we called them, salmon cakes). My mama cooked them often when I was little but with cornmeal instead of bread crumbs. I still use her recipe. We always had them with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans. I fixed them for dinner one night when I was baby sitting my neighbor’s son and he loved them so much he would always ask me to make him some "fish pancakes".

Just had to say hi and how much I enjoy your writings!

My husband doesn’t mind salmon patties, but he WILL NOT have liver. So I understand your "going out of town" spree. I am tempted to go to Denny’s for liver and onions every time he leaves town.

I’m glad to hear your folks are okay after such a scary experience! Baking bread is always good for the soul. There is something about playing with the dough, the smell, I am convinced it’s genetic memory woven into our very DNA. What ever farm you are meant to have you will have it. Sometimes spirit with holds our "hearts desire" until we are ready for it. When the time is right, everything will fall right into place. Blessings on you and yours, Rebekah dear.

Whewee now that was a roller coaster ride to get ones heart going this morning. As I heard about the farm not coming to fruition – I said ‘ah remember where a window is closed – a door opens’ and so it did — you received great love, learned how to make bread, was available for both your parents and your mother- in – laws birthday AND THEN maybe the farm once again. I do pray that your parents are doing well and God will see you through the joy or heart break of the farm. Thanks for sharing in your wonderful words your story – there is a lesson in there for each of us.

"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."
There’s the Goethe quote and he’s right. Here is a better quote for all of us:

“Nine requisites for contented living:
Health enough to make work a pleasure.
Wealth enough to support your needs.
Strength to battle with difficulties and overcome them.
Grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them.
Patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished.
Charity enough to see some good in your neighbor.
Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others.
Faith enough to make real the things of God.
Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.”

Sorry–former English professor here and farmgirl at heart. Best wishes and good luck to you!

First, glad your parents are fine. Can you believe some people and their lack of concern?!
Secondly, I’m so pleased we all have the love and support of each other. Farmgirls are the best.
Lastly, Your bread looks delicious. Since we are snowed in today, I may have to bake some myself 🙂
PS Your farm is still looking for you…

Looks as though you have received your daily bread as promised and my verse this year for myself and everyone else is another promise Jeremiah 29:11. So glad no one was hurt badly in the car crash and there are so many people in the world now that just only care about their selves. It is sad. Love fresh homemade bread. I bought a book a couple of years ago and baked along with another on line group. It was all rustic breads and hubs is not fond of them so I gained weight and ended up not making any bread since. I should try again but just not so often or so much. My daughter just made some English muffin bread that she found on Pinterest. I need to go pin it from her so others can find the recipe. It makes 4 loaves but she shared and it was wonderful toasted and hubs made us some tuna melts on it. Lovely post Rebekah, thank you for sharing your life!

Whew! Glad your parents are ok. Yesterday my Shug was following me home (in town) from our house that we are building. Someone pulled over right in front of me. When we got to the house he said, "great defensive driving btw, those people had no clue what they even did." People do not pay attention while driving anymore. And so many younger people seem not to care about other people at all.

Now, about that farm…all you need is looove….baaa baaah baadaadaaah….and bread. Something goods gonna happen, I can just feel it.

Cindy Bee

It sounds like a platitude, but your farm is still waiting for you! Just remember, to make your wonderful bread, the grain had to be ground down, destroyed almost. Keep on looking for your bliss, and baking!

Nancy
http://www.liveasavorylife.com

The bread is beautiful! I’ll have to try your recipe. Great luck and best wishes on your dreams coming true!

Oh Lawdy! I am so excited for you, I think I gotta run and pee….lol That Cowboy Wanna-Be is a sure keeper if he sings John Denver. That will get you through a lot of anxiety on the farm. Ha! Add in a little James Taylor and a City Farmgirl like yourself can take it on TODAY! TWO Barns and TWO Silos…EEEEEEEKKKKKKK!!!!

PS – I found the post – check these cows out – they are gorgeous. She had a couple for sale but someone was coming out to look at them last week. They might be gone, but this type of cow does not even need a barn. Look at all that hair?!?!! LOVE IT!

http://thebeeladyfromhilltopfarm.blogspot.com/2011/04/bee-lady-and-her-shug-visits-farmgirl.html

Cindy Bee

Good for you!The first thing I would purchase is mice poison,The second would be a very large dog,and the third would be heated water bowls!Good luck,and Happy Valentines Day! carol

i am TWITTERPATED at your mos’ wunnerful news .. will send whispers on the wings of angels to Papa God. xoxoxo, frannie

Woohoo! This was A LOT of excitement for 6:30 am. I don’t even need coffee now 🙂 I hope and pray that this dream continues to become a reality, it’s 100% clear that it’s the right move for you! As for any advice from the wife of a wanna-be farmer, START SMALL! My husband decided to start his flock with over 50 chickens and 30 quail. Way too many to get to relax, learn and enjoy. Instead it’s been a sink or swim, wife complains too much situation 🙂

Keeping my fingers crossed……..saying a prayer and hoping your dreams come true. I believe that if it doesn’t work out there must be something better down the road.Thanks for the post it helps me deal with a current bout of "maybe it’s time to stop dreaming" that I’m currently having a hard time shaking.

Oh Lawdy Ms Claudy (Rebeka’s sunny brook farm!!!?) – oh yes!! I do pray EVERYTHING comes to you as you (we all) are praying. The 1st thing one NEEDS for a farm is the desire/want to to make it ones own farm. Having been raised on a well rounded farm – chickens, pigs, cows, dogs, cats, garden and orchard – ah the memories – there was not one thing that could do without the other. I wish you the best as you begin your FARM – no hurry in doing everything – but I hope you experience it all – inside the home and outside too. You go City Farm Girl, will be anxiously waiting your next post. God Bless!!!

I love GOATS! My husband and I recently started our dairy goat herd. We have a Nubian doeling and buck,and one Saneen/Nubian doeling. We have plans to get 3 more, 2 of them are still in the womb! They are the sweetest animals, smarter and cuter than dogs, and you can milk them! I can’t wait to make cheese and yogurt. We also raise chickens (Rhode Island Reds) and Ducks (Pekins and Indian Runners)with plans to someday get a mini-dairy cow. Good luck on your adenture!

First, find an experienced farmhand and utilize their know how.

Ok, most everyone else has mentioned animals (go slow there!) so I will address the tractor part. John Deere might not be as good as they used to be (I disagree) but they are still WAY better than the other brands! A tractor is not mandatory but will make your farmlife easier in many ways- get one with a bucket for the front as well as a hay spear if you plan on large animals that will need large bales of hay moved here and there! Oh, I am excited for you- it IS all work but if you love it it doesnt matter! Prayers coming your way that your dreams come true!
Oh, and one other thing- make sure the breed of cows you might be interested in are suitable for your climate- Scottish Highlands, for example, would be miserable in Georgia- way too hot for all their hair!

I’m also a wannabe, but I agree with going slowly. Cats for the mice, dogs for the bigger varmints (the dogs will need to be trained not to harass the livestock, though. They might need school).
about riding lessons, I don’t know if you’re having Western or English (sometimes called hunt seat), either is good.English is really good for discipline and posture, and paying attention to your horse, and communicating with him or her as the case may be. But working a farm I think you’ll need a western saddle and how to ride that way. There’s a lot of snotty talk on both sides, but I’ve done both and like both.

But one thing at a time. EEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
Can’t wait to hear.

You go Girl. I’m really excited for you! Enjoy every second! My fingers and toes are crossed for you

(shh – whisper… ok- think about chickens, and alpacas (easier than llamas) then think about what kind of veggies you want to raise. start out slow, grab one bit of the dream at a time, enjoy the process–there is no destination, the trip is the thing. Meet your neighbors, ask them their opinions. they know lots of stuff you would never think to learn. Wait a year before you make big changes, learn to love what your new home has already, let your dreams flourish. Read up a storm, network with other country types.shhh) Ok, I hope your news is great.

Get yourself a mule – and I’m not talking the animal! It is the best multipurpose vehicle you will ever have.

Then get some bees to keep your land well pollinated, growing, and beautiful.

Oh,I"m so excited for you!!!! Wow, yes, you can totally do this..as my sixth grade teacher used to say "American ends with "I can" 🙂 🙂 I’ll be praying for wisdom all along the way 🙂 : Woohoo…exciting news 🙂 Happy VAlentine’s Day. Love and hugs from the ocean shores of CAlifornia, Heather 🙂

Rebekah Teal – Let me intoduce myself, I’m Frannie’s best childhood girlfriend from D. C. We grew up together. My farm is located in the mountains of NC over in Ashe County. I grow Christmas trees. Yes, that what I said –Christmas trees. First of all, I’d pack up those nice boots & get a pair of waterproof, flat soled, lots of traction & support for your feet so you can get up those steep mountains — feet don’t fail me now. Lots of lots of work (you never really get it all done — there’s always tomorrow), 4-wheel drive deisel tractor (might as well buy a car for the same price) that could pull an 18-wheeler out of mud (now mud’s a reality, just live w/it, if you slip & fall, just have a mud fight & enjoy the experience), front end loaders, mower attachments & planter for the tractor, backpacks, all sorts of digging implements, Carhartt pants to protect you from the briars. I’d definitely bring the felines on board to help keep the mice population under control. Harvesting hay for your farm animals (2-3 xs a year) will make a believer out of you. Farmgirls thrive on farmwork. Keep your dream alive. Waiting for your next entry.

Oh dear one. Take the leap and become a country farm girl. It will be a good life, an adventure, and at a time in our mass culture, when everything is packaged, wrapped, and instantly gratifying, farm girl life will put you back in touch with your souls calling.
Don’t worry about doing everything perfectly, and knowing everything before you begin. Just begin. Start simple. Don’t try and raise 100 chickens, raise 20 first. Get two horses, have a good 4-H kid come over and help you get acquainted with the basics of raising and caring for horses. Farm life is about good old common sense. Horse sense, back to basics. Join a grange if you have one in your area. Don’t tackle everything at once. Build slowly into your new found lifestyle. Don’t plant 10 acres of corn. Start with a garden that is managable, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. I’ve noticed, and I am giving myself away here as to my age, but the younger generations are so afraid of not doing things perfectly, or making the perfect choice always. Life is about learning, and sometimes we have to build a house with too few closets to know that we want a house with more closet space. It’s about the adventure of it. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon, and farm life can be slower, easier, and more rewarding than you can begin to imagine. The love of getting in harmony with nature, flowing with it, respecting it’s cycles, is the farm life way. You will do great. Now, just dive in.

Oh WOW Rebekah, Congrats on the propsect of owning a farm.
You mentioned an ATV. I love to ride an ATV, but it all depends on the number of acres you own. An ATV would come in handy getting around on several acres especially if the land has hills, but if the land is somewhat flat, a ranger would work great (two or more folks could fit on this). Before moving to Tennessee, we managed 700 acres of thick Texas hill country acreage and needed ATV’s to get around to check our fencelines. If you are in the market for an ATV and want to buy a used one, hunters usually will sell right after hunting season. Stay away from Polaris. Hubby calls them "a Swiss watch" and they were on dealer recall for one thing or another.
Yes, your farm sounds interesting. Advice on farm animals = start small and add to it as times goes by. You will know when enough is enough. It’s how much you want to take care of.
Good luck!

This will be such a rich experience for you! Grab it with both hands when the opportunity presents itself!!!

My ONLY caution would be "just a little at a time" so you can enjoy the virgin experiences and not be overwhelmed or overloaded with time and exhaustion matters. Your child needs time to absorb all these things as you learn together. Don’t shut her out or let her feel she is "second in line" to all these new things. She might begin to feel neglected?? even though she is not.

This is the best news I’ve seen all day! I am doing a happy dance for you!

Hey Rebekah! Actually, I saw this post FROM Facebook, so that might tell you something. I actually really like Facebook, have done most of my networking, and sold a heck of a lot of art through there.

I can see how some people think it’s not a good place though, I have seen equal parts drama and nice things there. But, again, people will create whatever scenarios through commenting, as they wish.

On a side note, I’ve seen Vanners, I’ve wanted one on the horse tour and YES, they are prohibitively expensive–some are $30,000! This is because the breed is usually imported from England or Ireland, where they have been bred and used by modern day Travellers. Since most horses, in this economy, can be gotten even for FREE–its an awful lot of money. However, they ARE stunning!

Well, sweetie, I rather imagine you will be getting many
FB friend requests….

I like hearing about people that I haven’t seen for quite some time…cousins, work mates, friends far away and new friends. There are always going to be negative comments, I choose to let that go. I have learned much and laughed often.

Thank you Rebekah for being one of my facebook friends.

Can I just say, you are my favorite blogger and this post is crackin me up! but on the downside I can see where people would get down being on FB. Im a huge FB’R, but I try to limit my time on it, its such a great way to socialize and keep up with hundreds of people in just 5 short minutes! i personally like the "small groups" that can be private. I get together weekly with 8 other ladies and we made a small FB group that way we can post personal things that only our Clique of 8 can see!

After a year of getting MJF mag, I FINALLY remembered to hop online during my "free" time… your blog is the first thing I clicked on ’cause "Here’s the thing" is great! Anyway, this is a funny post… mostly because I LOVE all the seques 🙂 Off to fb friend you…

I like FB in that I can keep up with my extended family. The problem I have with FB is the gaming and whatnot. I’ve had to block posts from friends and Family because my whole feed would be full of their gaming. A woman from church just friended me and I had to block her posts because my whole news feed was full of pictures of Twilight (the movies) and other such things.

Personally I prefer to have pictures of their families and little quips about what’s going on with them and theirs. I don’t post often on FB but I do check it. Sometimes it amazes me the private things that people post. I don’t know if they completely understand how that information will never be erased, ever.

Good luck with FB. My guess is that you’ll have plenty of lovely ladies friending you and your circle of influence will expand just like ripples in a pond. Certainly a good thing.

I, too, have Facebook and basically got started because the exchange daughters (students) my dh and I have hosted are on fb and that is one way I know I can keep in touch with them once they are back home again. Now I am friends with "kids" I went to high school and college with and that is fun too. I have family around the country and if there wasn’t fb I wouldn’t know what was happening with them.

Overall I find fb to be a fun and convenient way to see what’s new. I have re-connected with people I haven’t heard from in a long time.

I do have one thing in particular that drives me crazy though, and that is all the invitations to play the games. I do not have time, nor am I interested in playing farmville or any of the other games they have out there.

I am happy to friend you and think you’ll probably be way more than 87 in no time.

Facebook allows me to keep in touch with my friends in the States in a quick and easy manner. We can share thoughts, photos of our kids and even recipes without having to write to each individual (a luxury none of us have time for at this point in our lives).

That being said, I do know people who spend way too much time on fb. Use it wisely, and like any other technology, it can be a blessing.

Why on earth do people feel the need to #1, have everyone in the world "like them", and #2, air their dirty laundry on Face Book for all the world to see? Why on earth should I care if Susie likes what I ate for dinner, or John disapproves of the last book I read?
Sorry about the rant, I’m really a very nice person. It’s just this Face Book hysteria that rubs me the wrong way.

I do not do facebook, and I wish people would realize that they do not have friends they can number because they count them online. They seem to be the people in the grocery store with headphones on who don’t say hello to any real humans next to them and then they go home and count their ‘friends’. I have had people post things for the world to see that they were ashamed to tell their real family members in person. If you want to connect with olld friends, write to them or call them. It’s alot more personable and real. I love the horse, and love beautiful pictures. That’s what I have your blog for, Rebekkah, and I love you dearly, but we are not really friends.

I use facebook to keep up with what is going on with family and friends all over the country, to let them know what our family is up to and to get news information from sources I like. I limit myself to checking once a day though.

Hi, yes I can be your "friend". Will I be rude to you?? Say not so nice things?? Post nasty pictures or words??? Answers no, never, nada… I like Facebook.. Like I enjoy tv. If something is posted & I don’t like it, I just delete it & move on. I have been able to connect with far away family members & long lost friends…They have help support me thru a very hard time in my life..and I could go on there and vent, without being judged because they all knew what was going on with me. So, yes,I like Facebook. but the comment from your "friend" wasn’t nice at all. With friends like that who needs enemies… 🙂

Facebook has been a great boon to me, as I have always regretted losing contact with friends from days gone by. I have re-established contact with friends from every stage of my life, from childhood all the way up. There are over 300 members of my high school graduating class in an alumni group on Facebook. I have in my Friends List family members from all over the world, my cousins in the Philippines, the scattered members of my family all over the United States, and distant cousins in still other places.

I am a public person, and I have been on the Internet since 1986, so any hope I might have had of privacy is long gone. I have learned to adjust to this lifestyle, although I certainly understand those who wish to maintain their privacy. As a performer and activist, it has been more useful for me to remain open.

I am on Facebook, and several other social networking and forum sites every day, and every mobile device I own is loaded with the Facebook application (iPhone, laptop, Kindle Fire). My friends range the gamut from those who only know my public persona to my closest and most dearest, and I appreciate them all. Even the ones I don’t know well may become close friends, and even if they don’t they give me insight into what life is like for other people, something which I think is invaluable.

Facebook like anything else we do is a choice. I enjoy seeing the posts from friends and family but am challenged at this time…meaning I just have not invested the time or energy into learning how to use the full scope of FB. It is a great way to keep up with my adult children and see the pictures of my grandson but I also agree that at times, we are a tad too open about our plans, our feelings and personal information. Love that horse!

I really enjoyed reading your post today. There was a lot to think about. I think Facebook is neutral,…really and truly. I LOVE Facebook because I’ve been able to reconnect with old friends from school and from when I lived overseas. So it’s been a real blessing. I’ve met other Christian bloggers and bloggers who share my love for all things Mary Jane’s Farm that way, too…so I have to say that has been a very good thing for me.
I try and treat how I interact on FAcebook like I interact with people in real life. I NEVER use my Facebook page to say mean things about other people..because I just wouldn’t be that way in real life either. Facebook is great…but when it starts to get in the way of the relationships with the people that you actually see on a daily basis, then it might be time to rethink things.
I haven’t heard of Facebook being the root of any problems with my friends..but I have one really sweet friend, a young married mother, who’s husband would spend hours playing video games when he came home and no time with his family. That made me sad…and I imagine that Facebook might do the same thing for some people.
However, again, I think Facebook is really cool. I can learn new things. I’ve learned a lot about hometseading, DIY, organic eating, real food, crafts etc via pages that I "like" on Facebook. I’ve received help and prayer when my family recently experienced a medical emergency…so Facebook is what you make it. If you allow it to control your life, than you’ll have to deal with the consequences of that. Facebook in moderation is really, really cool 🙂 🙂 Thanks for writing such a thoughtful post!!! Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂

Hi Becca,I haven,t decided if I even like facebook or not.I did at first,and then high scool friends wanted me to play games and I just do not have time for that sort of thing,I am extremely busy,but,today a young girl about age 21 came into the salon for me to cut her little boys hair,and she just went on and on about why wasn,t I on facebook with the salon,and then the clothing line,and so,My answer was bluntly,because I am old and tired,lol,anyway,it turned out to be a good day because I felt honored that she asked me about my sewing,so I ended up showing her how to use a ruffler and a rolled heam foot on my sewing machine,she then told me how many onesies she had sold on her facebook site,and I never had sold anything on one,so I felt bad and old then for sure!So…I am hoping she will return the favor and help me with the computer stuff I need,if I help her learn to sew,I hope.I am just not real computer savy,and have had trouble with getting photos on my blogsite for a while now.I need to just hire her or another teenager to help me!Its just hard to get everything done I want to do.blessed be,carol branum,lamar mo.

Time – we only have so much. Serving others – what really fills us up. So many ways to serve, so little time to do it. I want to teach my children by example how to serve one another, and I do not believe I can do that if I am on facebook for hours reading through a lot of self important trivia. I don’t want to see them doing that as they grow into teenage years. I want their minds, hearts, and hands in the real world, with real, breathing people to love.
"You think this computer is your friend, but it’s not" – You’ve Got Mail.

It’s better to have a few GOOD friend, than a lot of BAD ones. WOW!! are those horses gorgeous or what?!!

I like Facebook for when broadcasting is appropriate, e.g., "We’re going to have a baby!" and you want everyone to know. But there’s an awful lot of material coming across my Facebook screen in the form of "Friends"’ rants about this or that, and it’s a lot to wade through. Plus, I don’t like communicating exclusively by Facebook. More of the time I’d like a personal e-mail (used to be, that was impersonal!) or, an actual phone call or letter. Sure it takes time, but having Facebook Friends doesn’t replace having real-life friends.

Hi Rebekah! Happy New Year to you! I learned to play the piano as a child. Took the lessons, and I did get it but when my parents separated the piano got left behind along with the lessons. So we moved to town with our mother and there was a music shop, first one I had ever been to and there was guitars and banjos on the wall and I asked to play the banjo. Mother asked the sales person and he told her I would be better off playing the guitar the banjo was hard. I was stubborn did not do either. You can do it! I read the light mystery series. I do not expect they would be up your alley but the newest author I have picked up is Sally Goldenbaum. What am I proud of this year. That we pulled off the wedding in our back yard for our daughter, it was scarey after I offered and I finished all six of the grands afghans in the last year. Started one for hubs, he has been waiting patiently. What have I learned about myself this year? I am not happy to do the same ole same ole office type jobs I have done for years. I want to do something new and still make a little money for my little trips and creative supplies that I just cannot live without. I sing in church, but I really cannot sing…lol.

The most wonderful book I read this year (twice, actually) was Bucolic Plague by Josh Kilmer-Pursel of The Fabulous Beekman Boys. When you get weary of trying to live the life you desire, this book inspires one to just keep on. You never know how very close to your goal you were if you quit. Sometimes just a day away.

I think two that have helped me the most as well as made me laugh are Blue Like Jazz and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Don Miller. They are memoirs, spiritual, I don’t know what. About his life.
But I’ve also re-read (for the millionth time) three books by Elizabeth Goudge, A Bird in the Tree, Pilgrim’s Inn and Heart of the Family. She was a 20th Century English writer (she wrote The Little White Horse, favorite of JK Rowling)who wrote historical and modern fiction as well as wonderful kid books. These three my friend and I go back to often, when we need to figure out how to live. They are fiction — stories, and good stories, too, about people. All her stories are good. But there’s helpful stuff in their too, about life, the universe and everything.

And another favorite is Terry Pratchett’s Nightwatch. It’s a Discworld book. SF/fantasy/funny, serious stories about living on a Disc on the back of four elephants who are standing on the back of a gigantic tortoise that swims through space.
Oh, and Summerland by Michael Chabon. Wonderful, get the audio version of him reading it if you can.
Sorry, i could go on and on.

Howdy Sister Rebekah!
Happy New Year to you! What a great post to kick off a new year! I love a new planner too… not a fan of the electronic method of keeping time either… I always choose a planner just like yours in size but always RED! Last years was RED with black and white swirls on the inside! I love your idea of keeping notes and ideas,goals and dreams in your planner too! I keep a separate journal ( also red ) for writing.
My favorite theme for books in 2011 were books about writing and writers and farmgirl enterprises! I loved Literary Ladies and am currently making my way through Growing Flowers for Market. What did I learn? I learned how to say YES TO ME more often while still being a proud homemaker, mom, wife, daughter and friend. Yep, the days of what if’n my ideas are over. Now, if I feel like doing something, I forge ahead, learn how and go for it . My cousin is learning to play the banjo too! YOU GO GIRL! I’ve been thinking about it too! I love picking my guitar and I bet a banjo would be even more fun! My hubby discovered Joe Bonamasa ( awesome blues guy ) this year and we went to see him live at the Wang theater in Boston! Here’s to a wonderful 2012… I’m expecting nothing less!
Love and hugs,
Deb ( beach farmgirl sis )

We, too, have a Christmas pajama tradition that started when I was a little girl. My son loves it, and so do we. Your idea of providing jobs and pajamas in Kenya is such a wonderful one, we will be donating to it as part of our Twelve Days of Christmas donation tradition! Thank you for the time and effort you have put into starting this and for giving us a great place to donate for one of our twelve donations this year!

Here’s a p.j. tradition that passed many years ago but is held dear in the hearts of my sister, cousins and me. Our Grandmother and Aunt Florence made p.j’s and night gowns for each of the younger boys and girls and night gowns/robes for the older girls and shirts for the older boys – up to 13 – all were of flannel. Now one might say – ok so – well there were almost 30 at one time that received these wonderful presents. I lived with my Grandparents and Aunt so I had the privilege of helping with these most sought after gifts and I did keep it a secret at to what color/s each was getting. AND the most of these were made without a pattern – Grandma and Aunt Florence were so very talented that they would just start cutting and out would come the MOST WONDERFUL garment and MEMORY. Thanks for being part of our memory and I am so happy you too do the p.j. gift – I do it for my grandchildren also – I have 2 lovely wonderful specials to do it for. Merry Christmas. – p.s. I still take out one of my old p.j.’s – I’m 66 – so it is old – just fun to look at.

My 3 daughters are all grown (youngest is 46). One of their
favorite Christmas memories is of getting Christmas pajamas
every year from their grandmother, my mother-in-law. They
always received many wonderful gifts from parents, aunts, uncles, etc. but their favorites were always the pajamas.
Grandma always included a special book for each of them and
they would get into their pajamas and Grandma would read them their book. Lovely memories. This year my great-grandaughter, who is 6, is receiving an American Girl Doll
which is designed to look like her. I am making she & her doll matching nightgowns. I’m excited to see her face when she opens them.

I really loved your post on the christmas pjs. I am a mother of 10 and grandmother of 23 and greatgrandmother of 18 and I make p.j.s for all of them for christmas. the older ones only get pajama pants but girls under 16 get gowns or p.j.s It is so much fun looking for the fabric for each family I start in January collecting fabric. I live on my Social Security so can’t get all of it at once. I wish that I had know about this sooner and would have given . I spent 2yrs in So.Africa. If you still collect after the 1st of year I would love to donate . Let me know
Ruth

What is it about Africa that settles in your heart and camps out? My husband and I took a trip there a few years ago and I wanted to bring back every 15 year old girl I met because each one was still so full of hopes and dreams. The 21 year olds were a different story, full of despair and caught in the reality of their situations. Heartbreaking.

I have a friend here who is doing a similar thing with shoes. She is a go getter as well! What started with a simple video she saw on YouTube has grown exponentially, with cutting parties all over the country, then they ship the precut (adorable) shoes to Africa to be sown by women there.

At a cutting party recently at a prison, one guy couldn’t get over the fact that the shoes he was cutting out would actually be placed on the feet of a child. He said that would be his first time to ever help someone!

You can see her here:
solehope.com