April says: Loved this post! I too love finding things throughout the year for my family! It’s such a great feeling to have things stashed away for the big reveal on Christmas day! This year I have been making more handmade items than ever and I love how special it feels to do so! They are labors of love for sure!
Oh Rene – I do believe we were cut from the same cloth!!! You put it beautifully…in addition to shopping through the year, and keeping things simple (all on a "cash only" basis), I spend a week baking for our friends and family. German Stollen, Italian Panettone, assorted cookies and home-made hot chocolate mix. Then, on the Saturday before Christmas (the 19th this year) we’ll have an "open house" for neighbors to share an afternoon around the camp fire with home made venison chili, hot spiced cider, and assorted treats. Simple things, but the best of things – good conversation, and sharing good times with our neighbors here on Rock Creek, in western Montana…
karen bates (kpaints) says: Right on, sister!
Mary says: Thank you so much. I echo your sentiments. I think it has all gotten out of hand. I remember days as a child when we took the time to help grandma and grandpa put up their their tree and then making cookies with Grandma.
We just have to keep the traditions going and make them important in our families.
Barb says: I am so with you on the Black Friday thing! I was going to avoid the nearby "big" town at all costs that day but had to succumb when I discovered that I was too low on llama and chicken feed to wait until the weekend was over. I did however wait until 2 p.m., drove to the edge of the "city", got my feed and decided since I was there to go downtown and get a wee skein of cashmere to knit my daughter a cowl for Christmas. There…..my whole Black Friday…at the feed store and a little "mom and pop" yarn store. Life is good at times like that. Thanks so much for your post. It is good to know there are kindred spirits out there. Ok, back to knitting on the cowl before heading to work. Have a blessed holiday season.
Matilda says: BRAVO FOR YOU!! I feel the same way, while I do have a couple of cards, gas and Home Depot, I once was a credit card person. All it did was get me in trouble and now I feel the same, if I can’t pay cash, I don’t need it. While I bought items for my great-grandchildren, I also knitted them hats. I’ve cut back on the decorating this year, less to deal with after. I decorate for myself and the children, I feel it keeps the Christmas spirit alive and it’s fun. Have a wonderful Christmas and prosperous New Year.
ok Rene,,,
here is one for you,,,,one of my favorite things to do around Thanksgiving time, to "Kick off" the festivites of the Season….is buy a bag of mini marshmellows, open them up & purposely let them dry out….why you ask? haha! cuz my favorite thing to put in my hot cocoa is…dried mini marshmellows…it makes me feel like I can conqure the the crowds, the weather and the world…or at least that’s how the little girl in me feels! lol!
And now to go make me a cup of cocoa & head down to my craft room, you will be happy to know, looks like an explosion went off….oh wait…it always looks like that! lol!
Hugz & snowballs
>^..^<
meredith says: I am with you! I live outside a small town and love to support the local small shops- not only am I helping to keep a vibrant downtown but I get to know my town neighbors as well. I think most folks have lost the true meaning of Christmas anyway- its not really about the gifts, is it.Merry Christmas and enjoy the true meaning of the season.-Meredith
Gary says: Well said Rene…!
Christmas is best spent enjoying what we have and sharing it and spending time with those we Love. I like gift giving, and when I reflect on gifts I have been given, the only ones I treasure are the ones with "stories" attached to them, because someone I Love gave it to me.
We can learn a LOT from our Critters about Joy and gifts. I gave my Cat "Midnight" a BIG apple box for his Birthday… empty. I am certain that he never sits and wishes there had been "stuff" in the box… nooo… He LOVES his box.
To me Thanksgiving is about the act of Thanks and Gratutude, and Christmas is about the Joy that dwells in the Spirit of that act.
GodSpeed to Y’all…!
Gary
in Tampa
loreta Hazel says: I don’t like this idea of black friday either. and I hope that we all remember that Jesus is the reason for this Christmas season.
I am right there with you. I worked retail for years and Christmas was the worst time of the year. And trust me Black Friday was just that Dark and Scarry. Now I go down to the thrift store and buy baskits. And fill them with all the handmade and homemade treats I work on through out the year. Stuffing in last minute baked good the morning of delivery. Far, far away from any black top parking lot. Sipping Cocoa, listening to Nat’s warm voice and enjoying my christmas tree and kids.
Cindy says: Oh my darling country girl, I whole heartedly agree! The way I handle gift giving is to buy things throughout the year, perfect little gifts I see here and there, and mostly in little shops. They must be symbolic for the receiver and nothing too expensive. Big bucks are just not necessary in finding the right gift. I also make gifts by hand and I start that in early summer. I also bake, so my friends get "goody baskets" left on their porches, or as parting gifts when they come over for get-togethers. I would really rather spend money on wonderful ingredients and whip up some homemade holiday cheer then stand in line in a department store any day! For me and my family, we revel in snowfall, caroling in our neighborhood, playing board games by the fire and donating to the local food bank. We simply love being together and taking the time to slow down and relax at Christmas. I think us "country girls" have the right idea! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I’m with you there has not been any day after Thanksgiving shopping for me for quite a while. I did go a couple of time when my children were younger but I do not enjoy getting elbowed or shoved while I am trying to pick out a gift. I did go for a little while the Sunday afternoon that weekend but it was mostly just because I needed to start somewhere. Last year I did a lot of homemade gifts but I worked more hours this year and just did not get it together. I also have six grandchildren that I am trying to help fill in a few things on their Christmas list since their parents are having a lean year. My husband and I have been blessed that our jobs are secure and we do not do a lot of spending on ourselves. Although I do love the crafts stores and the same type of small town shops you enjoy. I hope you have a wonderful old fashioned Christmas and enjoy the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Kimberly says: I agree with you, I am not into "Black Friday" either and do not have a credit card, learned the hard way but I did learn if I don’t have the cash I don’t buy it. And love the little stores in small towns. I live near a small town and love this little store they have. Its sad that the woman in the news was more worried about what people would think if she didn’t spend more than $5000.00, boy I wouldn’t know what to do with a budget of $5000.00 LOL! I grew up with a Christmas account putting a dollar away every week, it taught me two things, budget and savings.
Merry Christmas!
mollybee says: I’m with you Rene. I refuse to do the Black Friday shopping. This year I am making scarves and pot holders for the women on my list. The guys are getting cookies and candy. I also like the shops away from the heavy traffic and pushing and shoving that comes with Christmas shopping. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
I agree that not having a credit card it wonderful. Every year we only spend what we have available in cash to spend at Christmas and we have NO layover debt after the holiday. What a great feeling. Happy Holidays!
Cori in Boise, ID says: Amen, sista!
Amy in CdA says: Hi Rene. What a great post…and just what I needed to read. My beliefs are similar to yours, but I always have this nagging sense of "I should be doing more". A little panic always sets in the last week or two before Christmas, so thank you for you reassuring words. I was also wondering where your picture was taken? What a cute building.
Looking forward to an ‘old fashioned Christmas’ in North Idaho. Now, if we could just get a little snow! Merry Christmas!
Amy
O'Dell says: Hi Rene’,
I agree that shopping is not what the holiday is about. I’m also a "non-shopper" during regular times. I love creating things to give as gifts. I’ve made embroidered pictures, and needlepointed ones for my grandchildren the past few years. In the past I’ve given quilts, too. And nowadays I love making cookies with my little granddaughters. I do the Christmas cards and call friends who may not have families to visit with and if I can’t see them I make it a point to call them more often, and send notes. One of our best Christmas’s was the time my ex and I took the kids shopping (they were about 7-10 yrs. old) for toys to give to a family who’s dad had just lost his job, and the gran was dying. It would have been a very sad time too, if those little children had no new toys. My kids said it was their best Christmas too, and even talk about it now, years later. So, tho your friends love to shop, I think you’ve got the "real" Christmas spirit! keep up the good work!
The very best Christmas to you and yours!
O’Dell
Cindy Bennett says: I am the same Rene’. I live in a small town of 6400 people and we line our Main Street with lights and all hover together while the Christmas parade comes down the lane. We still have Jesus in so many of the floats. They haven’t edged Him out. This Christmas is simple, gathering presents for Moms that cant make ends meet. Givign food boxes to families that would go without. Christmas this year…..is going to be just what it needs to be. Loving~
Marilynne Adams says: I fully agree with you! I fail to understand the excitement of "Black Friday"! Our Turkey Day is a full weekend of family staying over, and I would hate to spoil it all by getting up at an ungodly hour to go 40 mi in the cold and wait in line to get in the door to…what?…SPEND MONEY!!!?
I would rather spend hours in my cozy sewing room, making as many gifts as possible for my friends and relatives. Let the CEO’s of big companies (with all the money) spend on Christmas and support the economy. I will spend time with my family.
Selina says: How wonderful that you put into words what I have been trying to explain to my family for years!! Even my husband does understand that I shop and try to get things done before Thanksgiving, but not the normal Christmas gifts but items that I think about and hunt around for that would be useful, green, and to bring back the slower more cherished Christmas’ I remember. Away from the electronics and materialism that seems to have racked this society in debt and "Keeping up with the Jones’!"
JaneS says: So often when reading your blog, I think to myself, "wow, I feel the same way!" I despise the holiday shopping frenzy. Our family finally figured out a few years ago that exchanging gifts just for the sake of exchanging just wasn’t meaningful. Now, we enjoy a holiday concert, or go out to a nice dinner, etc. Without the stress of shopping, I enjoy the holidays so much more. I dont’ go crazy decorating either. I’ve decided a few decorations are fine, and that I don’t have to display every single piece of holiday decor that I own. It took me a while to realize simpler is better…but it is true. A lot less stressful too.
Jamie says: I am right there with you honey. I am not one for big crowds either, but will say that I did venture out this black friday. Walmart had a computer on sale for $198 and I needed one to start college with in Jan. So, I bought it, with cash of course, but had to wait in line for 4 hours to get it. That will be the last time I do that! I was exhausted when I finally got home.
hi,loved the post,and all of the comments too.I agree,I have done the credit card thing in the past,and never again.Its an old fashioned christmas for me too.hugs,MERRY CHRISTMAS!hugs,blessed be,Carol Branum,Lamar Mo.
MMMMMMMmmmmmmmmm…. that sounds so cozy and nice. I was longing for the Christmas you just mentioned – festivals, cold nose pressed against the windowpane of a quaint boutique… Well, guess what? The Lord saw to it that I will get this wish, because I am now pulled away from the bustle and will get to ENJOY the season, being with my husband on his biz trip… So… cocoa, here I come!
I love an I used to like Christmas shopping. Not the Black Friday kind, but the kind where you take your time to find just the right gift. But even that has turned into a hassle as holiday shopping seems to creep earlier into the year, and I have taken on more tasks that don’t allow for taking my sweet time to shop.
We do have a credit card mainly for convenience. But we do budget everything, and track every purchase. Also, we pay off our credit card in full each month–no debt. Wow, I can’t imagine spending $5,000 on Christmas gifts–I think that would send me over the edge.
Marilynne Adams says: I cannot imagine how anyone could spend $5000 on Christmas! I did see ads on TV for gifting a BMW or Lexus or some such car at Christmas. Guess we are in a different league, huh?
I am so with you on everything that you said!!! I don’t have a credit card and will never have one. I hate to shop – imagine a woman saying that! If I do shop it’s at small shops that specialize in local, handmade thing. I would rather be at home with my family enjoying a good Christmas movie together than shopping til I drop. Have a very Merry Christmas!!
Wonderful story. I love to hear about people who are not out rushing around in the malls, but rather supporting small businesses. I feel that is so important, not only at Christmas, but year round. We live in a small town with a few shops and do have a Wal-Mart about 30 minutes away. We made a decision last year not to buy anything at Wal-Mart, but to support the few local stores that we have. It has worked out really well for us, and we feel good about our purchases. When we buy on line we try to buy from people that make their own products, little cottage shops.
How wonderfully put! I got rid of my credit card 10 years ago and am so thankful for that decision. I am still working on retraining myself to shop throughout the year…and not make this mad rush the week before Christmas!
what a wonderful fun blog site. thank you!! I am an Eastern Washington transplant from the West Side.
Diane Van Horn says: I couldn’t agree with you more, Rene’. I made all of my Christmas gifts this year and kept the decorating down to a minimum. A very nice, quiet and no stress holiday and no interest to pay on the almighty plastic. We don’t use credit cards either and I try to buy from local small shops just like you. Thank you for your blog, I always find it very heartwarming.
Donna says: Wow Rene’…Thought it was just me, Thanks for letting me know that this "Sunny Florida Farm Girl" is in a category
of our own…Luv your pics!
Kris says: I do the all my loose change in the coffee can thing. When the can gets heavy I take it to the bank. I keep the cash the teller gives me for the coin in my car. This allows me to do my Christmas shopping throughout the year. I have almost sixty-seven dollars left over from last year stashed in my car right now. I can do antique shows, quilt shops, clever boutiques, craft shows and cute little towns that I stumble on by accident. All my shopping is usually done by Halloween except for that must-have toy, that a grandchild doesn’t realize he needs until those pesky catalogs come. I do wish I had all my craft gifts made that early. Then all I would have to do in December is baking.
Juanita Massey says: I agree with you 100% about the shopping and the holiday season, Enjoy the Blog, keep up the good work, Juanita
ladylocust says: I too love the simpler way and the true meaning of Christmas. I was at Dayton with my two children and my brother and his family. They are from the central Oregon desert. The 5 kiddos got to be together and enjoy the festivities. It was wonderful!
Remember when the word "multitasking" was the buzzword? We could only sit if we were also doing three other things. We became just way too busy…my grandparents used to know how to be still, and just be. They had boundaries…there was a time for work, and a time to be still. We lost a lot when we began to disregard those boundaries…
noeletta Cardenas says: We all need to find time to sit with ourselves! Not thinking about anything in particular, just sitting and being, breathing and relaxing, recouping and re-energizing! This is my wish for you for the new year. That you find the time to do just that. Love your blog! Thanks for all that you share of yourself. 🙂
What a neat post! I love the pix you took of these wonderous places to sit a spell and just " be"… I feel exactly the same way about picket fences…I live in New England and they are everywhere…I have felt that same " pull" lately to photograph the ones that speak to me as well. Winter is approaching. What a glorious time to take pix of them snow covered, waiting for spring floweres to bloom around them! Keep up the wonderful posts!
Love them…
Deb~
brenda says: I too find myself every now and then just sitting in a peaceful visual place…however my mind is trained to re-arrange it somehow and then I pop up grab the clippers, redesign the area…then I can sit more peacefully…maybe thats OCD?
O'Dell says: Hi Rene’,
I am reminded of the times when I was little, and we lived in an old farmhouse in CT. At times, I would leave the yard that was near the house, and climb to the top of our wheatfield, and lay in the sun, and just watch the butterflies. A quiet time for me alone. You see, by the time I was 5, there were 5 children in the family..so it was rather noisy. These days my favorite quiet times are when my guy and I are up in northern Maine..sitting by the lake, listening to the loons. I think we all need quiet time now more than ever in order to make any sense of all that is happening around us. I think it helps us to stay physically healthy too!
here’s hoping we have calm holidays!
Well said (and beautiful photos). Nothing beats just sitting in a beautiful place and gathering your thoughts, or clearing your head!
DebbieSue says: Rene’
Your Pictures are BEAUTIFUL….They are so relaxing just to look at! Thamks for posting them.
electronic cig says: One thing that I find the most helpful is number five. Sometimes when I write, I just let the flow of the words and information come out so much that I loose the purpose. It’s only after editing when I realize what I’ve done. There’s definitely a lot of great tips here I’m going to try to be more aware of.
CL SHOES says: thanks for great informations It’s a wonderful
Best Registry Cleaner says: great share, great article, very usefull for me…thank you
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making my morning a little bit better with this great article!!
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I love to sit outside and just think. The fresh air and sunshine makes it so much nicer than sitting in my la-z-boy inside.
Thank you for touching our hearts and reminding is that the act of ‘Giving’ no matter how big or small, is the most wonderful gift.
And yes, as you and and MaryJane both eloquently said, "Every woman has a story".
Blessings,
>^..^<
Reba says: Hey Rene, I just witnessed (literally)in a courtroom: my sister on trial, to receive a divorce in a 40 year marriage. Hearing all about the abuse, adultery, and financial ruin was painful!! But she came out shining!! Like the comments, she is a "thriver." She consoled me afterwards, stating, "I’m alright, I’m going to make it, I’m free!!" She is so-o-o beautiful, inside and out!! It is wonderful and a blessing to have these kinds of people in our lives.
A thriver indeed… 🙂
Annika says: I am so touched by the stories of these marvellous women. I have been through and would rather not go into on a blog, some terrible things. I’m a survivor and I tend to land on my feet, so I guess I am a thriver too. It is the time of Thanksgiving, but in truth, each day should begin with a giving of thanks. Wake up and feel life and be thankful for your own inner core of strength. I pray for sweet Aria and dear Julia to keep up the fight and love life as they do.
Giving blood is a precious gift to give. I hope that we, all of us, as sisters and farmgirls can reach out and give to a stranger in need.
Thank you Rene’, for a wonderful post and a call to arms as it were to reach out and care.
Rene`, Your column this week is one of the most thought provoking pieces I’ve read in a long, long time. I can’t think of anything else to say except ‘Amen’.
Gary says: Thank You for this Bloggie Rene’, as it gives that much needed nudge to pause… reflect and Pray. This Thanksgiving Day I have so much more to be Thankful for than I do to lament, and it is good for the Spirit to pause and embrace the reality of that contrast.
I don’t expect we will be hearing from you on Thanksgiving Day, so I shall wish You, your Family, and Critters a
HAPPY THANKSGIVING…!
and…
GodSpeed to Y’all…!
Gary
in Tampa
Such a powerful reminder of how we are all truly connected and how something as unconscious as our own blood can be such a gift to someone else. I’m looking all day today to see how can I contribute to someone else? Thanks so much. Terces
Giving blood is a gift of life, my husband and I have given blood for years everytime we are able. We mark it on our calendar. Why not do it, Tis the season… to give.
This has hit something deep in me, deep in my own story. To reach a little further to not just survive but Thrive. To Shine and be the light that falls upon the faces around me. The faces that look to me to guide them to thriving. Thank you.
Rachel Rodriguez says: There are so many THRIVERS in my family…your story also made me pause and give thanks for all their encouraging examples. It is sad to to hear of the all the struggles woman face YET so uplifting to hear how they overcome daily. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who are faced with pain each day and I will look to serve, like giving blood, as much as I can. THANK YOU 🙂
karen bates (kpaints) says: I don’t know how you did it but you did! You topped last weeks column! Thank you so much for sharing and showing us another way to participate…..to help others!
There are many of us, ‘survivors’ out there, many from horrendous incidents but I love the new name, ‘thrivers’. I am so glad to get a positive spin on it, thanks to you and Julia for all the encouragement you give to others.
Mary Anne Komar says: Dear Rene, my husband and children, well grown up men all lived in the U.K. and Ireland for 5 years, so we can’t give blood because of "Mad Cow" disease, but there are other ways, some big and some small. We adopted 2 sisters from Russia, 9and 12 years old, now 16 and 19, now that’s a pretty big one!!!!But we have been blessed in so many ways! We’re both 60 and 61 now and still involved with teen agers. Thought I was done with girlie hormones, at least mine! Prayer, free smiles, and hope, sometimes that’s all we can do! Happy Thanksgiving, and love coming your way!
Laurel says: What a great blog. Thank you for sharing. I would love to give blood but can’t as I also have cancer and am on chemo. I am 57 and considered a youngster in the chemo room. But then there is pediatric cancer. How hard to watch a child come down and go through chemo and radiation. I am thankful my children did not go through that misery. We had a neighbor with a little girl my sons age with cancer. She is a survivor (my son is now 23).
I hope you have touch many people who will give thanks by giving of themselves.
Happy Thanksgiving, Laurel
What a touching story that even had me in tears, Praying for this family and all others that are needing some uplifting strength
Carolina Sarceño says: I loved the name "Sisterhood of Thrivers". There are days that you don’t know how to thrive, and then you read a column, or someone’s smile blesses you, or you may meet someone with a heavier burden than yours. We are thrivers, and it is a blessing. It is that strive to become the Proverbs 31 woman.
New year resolutions use to be my habit, and a very unsuccessful habit at that. This past year of 2009, I learned so much through prayer. I did not look at the "end" of 2009 as a success or failure, but rather a journey, one that will be completed in 2010, 2011, 2012…God willing. I am learning to reflect back at my weak points and try to strengthen them in the future. I am not going to use the end of the year, but reflect back daily. Talking to God has helped me to realize that this short life that we are granted is a daily journey. It is to be taken in small doses, and to be lived for in humility. So good-bye new year’s resolutions and hello to daily reflective moments. I can change a day at a time, but a year at a time is too much to concieve. As I grow older, each day becomes more precious.
I pray you too have time to reflect upon your day and strive for a better tomorrow!
Happy New Year! Carolina
Carolina,
Yep, I call it, "eating an elephant, one bite at a time". Happiest of New years.
WillieNY says: You have great blog and this post is good!
—
Lovely blog post. It touched me. It caused me to stop and think and pray. Thank you!
TefeCaftger says: Very Interesting!
Thank You!
Cyndarella says: This is a "brilliant" statement on listening! Active listening is an art that is learned. If I could learn the art I would have many many friends. People love to know you are listening to them. Thank you for the blog.
Reba says: What a great blog, Rene! And so timely. I was just thinking on that same verse this week and making a conscious effort to think of all the things that I felt were true, noble, right, pure, and lovely. As I did I could feel myself rising above the mundane useless things that sometimes weighs us down. I felt my spirit lifting and before I knew it, I felt like putting music on the stereo. It was amazing how the thought suddenly occurred to me that "there is so much to think of that is good and so much time has been wasted!" I am making an effort to keep those thoughts foremost in my mind so that as noise-makers come my way I do not let them steal my thoughts. Thanks for the encouragement that you have given.
Carrie says: So true. As a music teacher I am always saying ,"Are you listening to what I am saying?" "Are you listening to what you are playing? What others are playing?" I probably say "listen" 100 times a week! However, often times, it is I who is guilty of not listening. I think we are so use to half-listening that we forget to truly hear.
Gary says: This is a very profound and timely Bloggie Rene’, and you hit several "nails" on the head. I am also keenly aware when someone listens, and I find I must also practice the art of listening, as it is not a passive mental activity. It feels very fullfilling to be "engaged" in conversation, and unfortunately that doesn’t happen often.
I also find fault with technology in the demise of interpersonal skills, which is rampant in our culture, and I place primary blame on tee vee. Most people aren’t used to reading and thinking and developing an idea or opinion. Viewers of tee vee are used to being "told", and what passes as conversation these days is more like two people swapping disconnected statements about the same subject, with one thinking of what to say next while the other is talking, instead of actually listening. It’s sad.
On a brighter note, it is so refreshing and gives such a feeling of connection, when we do encounter a person like the Gentleman you describe, and we remember those moments, and look froward to seeing them again. Like a lone Daisy in a field of dry grass, those people look positively beautiful.
GodSpeed to Y’all…
Gary
in Tampa
Very well said Gary.. see I am listening :)… and learning.
Rene, you have done it again! This must be ‘hit home’ week. I started working intently on this very process in the last few weeks! And I am really enjoying listening to others. I have to catch myself when I want to interject my thoughts….way too much (old habit). It sure takes practise but I love the results. I even made a new friend and reconnected to an old one.
This was a wonderful post and I loved every word. Thanks for sharing what and how you feel!
Thank you for this timely and truth-filled post, Rene.
It really does make such a difference when we take time to stop and really listen to one another.
Oh, but that pruning part … that’s not so much fun, necessary but not fun 😉 . You are the second voice to speak that word this week … I must be in for it soon!
And now, I’m off to make one of those phones, I’ll let my girlies play with it for a while and then find a place to put it as a reminder for myself. Thank you for the great idea.
Bless you,
Catherine 🙂
Debbie says: What an excellent blog…I have been thinking some of these same thoughts myself….it gets harder and harder to feel "heard" these days. Thanks for saying it all so well.
carla says: Your description of the gentlemen from your church, brings back such lovely memories of my dear wonderful late Aunt Dorothy. She was such a wonderful active listener, always making each one of us so special when having a conversation with her. She was also a letter writer. I treasure my saved correspondance with her.
Thank you for the memory of her today.
Active listening, letter writing, and better penmanships are all techniques that I am trying to better in myself, and I definitely need the reminder.
Thank you.
Tammie says: Rene,
As always your blog leaves me inspired.
I worked with young children for years and the magic that made it work was in believing in them. Children, and people in general, will live up to what you say of them. If you tell a child he/she is brilliant and smart and funny and wonderful…they are. (Unfortunately this works in reverse as well.)
I can’t remember how many times I’ve told a parent that would be explaining to me how "bad" their child is… to be careful with what they say. The child will live up to it. So what is the worse that can happen when you tell a child he/she is brilliant and smart? There is no worse scenario there.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Tammie
Raynita says: True, so very true:) My daughter and I have been discussing about how people can no longer "sit still". What’s up with this? We find that it is not only a problem for children, but adults as well. How can we listen to others or even be heard ourselves if we can’t be still? Like your son training his puppy, it takes discipline, something that seems to be lost in this time. Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God." How can we notice the "awesomeness" as we run through life?
KDL says: I know what you mean, I watch people and it has become less of an art and more of a battle. Most people don’t really listen to what is being said, rather they prepare a rebuttal or redirect the conversation to something more pertinent to their lives. Conversation is something we are losing as a society. It’s being replaced with an electronic abbreviation. You’re right, text messages and emails have isolated us from the people we need. God created us for fellowship with others as well as with Him. These relationships are the heart and soul of neighbors and families. Society is becoming addicted to the ability to edit and prepare a conversation rather than to "perform live" with those around us. As a terribly shy person I have fought to stay in the mix, but it’s hard. I’ve tried to overcome my short comings with humor, that’s sometimes even worse. It’s much easier to resort to a well prepared email or text message.
How right you are, most people don’t take the time to really listen, they are too interested in talking about themselves. My husband and I make it a practice to really listen to each other and other people. If one of us slips, the other one reminds.
Susan Holland says: AMEN. Thanks for your astute real-time rendering of that great part of Phillipians and the quote also from Maya Anjelou. You rang some Christmas Bells, sister! Susan
Rene’ – again you touch a special part of my heart! I hope to find my "badger". Thanks for the inspiration you give us every day!
Teresa Pearson says: Dear Rene, I too am a mixture of heritage, with no one nationality to call my own. I have enjoyed reading your Rural Farmgirl Blog as I am a rural farmgirl myself. I have been having some struggles in my life the last year and recently finding MaryJanes Farm and your blog has helped me get through a lot of it. Thanks so much and keep up the good work. I will be watching for more help and inspiration.
Gary says: Rene’… Thank You for this welcome break from the troubles of the day…
You express feelings through words so very well, and this is a touching and poingnant Bloggie.
Your writing captures a slice of life and transported my mind to that far away place… well done, and today… very timely.
GodSpeed to Y’all…!
Gary
in Tampa
Reba says: It is a hard thing, to open our hearts for love, acceptance, and dealing honorably, to find hurtful things or words. But, it shows that you are open. I have found that I have to remain open and vulnerable or I cannot experience the joy and love of life. And that is very tough. But I make the choice to stay open. It is good to hear of how encouragement comes to others. I have had experiences similar to yours and have found at times that I needed those reminders sitting around for comfort, like your little badger.
carol ashby says: Thank you to the "Great Spirit" for giving you the writers gift of the heart, insightful wisdom, humor and a forum to share this gift to those of us who need it most.
I’m going to cut out a picture of a badger and keep it with me as a reminder that I don’t have to carry all the weight alone.
– Thanks
bonnie ellis says: Rene:
I too am Native American. My totems have been herons, but lately they have been eagles and hawks. I don’t know the true meaning of these in Cherokee but it gives me strength and courage when I see them. I find comfort in nature. I know you are blessed by being able to write from the heart.
Bonnie
O'Dell says: Hi Rene..I am also of mixed heritage..Portugese, French,Swedish, Irish, Welsh,native American going way back. When I was a little girl I often dreamt of doves. I did not understand why until I went into therapy in my late 30’s, to discuss my abusive childhood, and marriage.During this time, I started dreaming of the doves again, but also saw wolves everywhere. The doves seemed to be protecting me, and wolves gave me strength. I also believe they lead me to a better life..as I now have a wonderful man and beautiful grandbabies to love. I think your totems will help you thru the hard times, too. You seem to have a very giving heart….which will be a big blessing to all you gather into your life. Thank you for being here for us!
O’Dell
Mary Jane says: Thank you (from a different Mary Jane that lives in FL)
On another day, the little badger may not have been something you even took notice of, or he simply might not have been around for you to see. I don’t believe in coincidence.
I needed to be lifted up some years back…feeling weary and discouraged. I didn’t want to ride, but we had to. While out I felt better in the fresh air…and then I spied the eagle feather and the verse about renewed strength…’and they shall mount up as eagles’ came to me in a whisper.
I do know how you feel. Encouragement can come from any direction…just like love. shery jespersen
suzy says: Both sides of my family are of Scotch/Irish and Native American decent. I am a true believer that people and things come into our lives for a reason. I have been really busy lately,but I am so glad I took time to read this blog. Thanks ,Blessings to you and Love to all, Suzy, Texas
Betsy says: Unfortunately there is only by sister and I left of our family. I am fortunate to have 3 children. One daughter lives with us with her son of 12 because of her health issues. I have a daughter with 2 young children and hour away and see her weekly plus plan holidays for all to attend. However, my son and his wife and 2 year old son live in mainland China where my son met his wife while he was teaching English in a university. Last year on Christmas eve we sat down in front of our computer and watched them open their presents with the grandchild running to the computer cam to show us what he got. It was exciting but also sad as I just want them home. Everyone needs to enjoy their families whether they are small or large. Do whatever you can to be together. God bless you and give you a wonderful holiday.
O'Dell says: Hi Rene,
You are right about not having "Rockwell" pictures of many families. I do have to dig deep to find good memories of my childhood, but they are there. I recall helping fix Thanksgiving dinners,getting all dressed up, and eating in our dining room (reserved for special holidays). The aroma of the fresh bread, and stuffed turkey was wonderful..I recall looking out to our field, and seeing the beautiful colored leaves, fall being my favorite time of year. We were a large family, with all our different personalities, seemed like there was always a new baby on the way…life was chaotic at best. These days, with my children grown, and now with 5 little grandchildren, I make sure that we have lots of fun, so they will have good memories of times past, when they are grown. We play games, bake cookies, and watch their favorite movies together. I too, have one son who lives away, and I miss him greatly. But this is what he has chosen for his life and I feel I must let him live his own life. I look forward to seeing the little ones, and when I’m not with them, I’m usually busy making them new dresses,or pajamas..or a needlepoint picture for their rooms. Being a grandma is the best thing ever, for sure!
so, happy Halloween to you……and all the other bloggers!
O’Dell
Loretta Hoffman says: Rene, You will not believe this, but my son who has married a Brit and now resides in England, showed up at our country home in the middle of September. There are 7 siblings, with the yougest daughter being the central figure of the family. This was the first time they had all been together in 12 years. Tom left to return home yesterday, and now God in His infinite grace and wisdom allowed me to read what you are sharrin. It is such a peaceful feeling just knowing there is another person who understands the many feelings of this blessing.
Happy Autumn and continue to enjoy the beauty.
Laurel says: I want to thank you for this blog. Just 2 weeks ago I had a big fight with my son. I thought we had put a gigantic wedge between us. I have apologized for my actions. The phone conversation still felt a little cool. He is coming home this week end I will get to see if things are better. I think I may share this blog with him.
Family is important and it is just the 4 of us. No extended family (or very little and not close). I have dreamed that someday we would have a big Christmas with the grandkids and a table full of wonderful goodies.
Thanks again
Best of wishes to you and your son Laurel. I want it all to turn out well for the both of you.
Michele Kirkman says: Rene’, You are so right about grabbing those precious moments when you can.
My sweet husband died almost 10 years ago when my son was 16. My son became even more special to me and we have been closer than most moms and sons I know.
I never want to miss a minute of what is happening im his life.
Jared got married a year ago and luckily, for me, his bride loves me and understands my son’s and my bond.
Life is too short and precious to miss any of the moments Rockwell like or not
Michele
Gary says: Thank You Rene’, for sharing precious memories of time spent with Family. We have all spent times like that with our Families, and the places where we spent those times will always have a Special feel about them.
I also find those feelings well-up when I am in similar places that remind me of bygone times that will live forever in my Heart.
GodSpeed to Y’all…!
Gary
in Tampa
Kris says: I was having a horrible day before I read your blog. My spirits lifted, the day got better. It disintegrated again. We need to remember that Rockwell knew these things too. Remember the kid with the hobo bundle on a stick at the soda fountain with the policeman who was going to take him home? We can all go home again. Perhaps that is the essence of the farmgirl experience – the knowledge that we are all tied to a certain life.
Bonnie Ellis says: Rene: What you are telling us is to have Joy, no matter what family we didn’t or do have. One son lives in Texas and the other is far away also.No parents or grandparents either. I could be sad because they aren’t around, but that’s what memories and photos are for. This year I am digging out photos from the past and will computerize them so I can give some to my kids and put the rest on my small tree. My heart goes out for those who have lost loved ones. Christmas is about joy, and and joyful remembrance. I wish both for everyone. Thanks for the post.
Bonnie
Kathy Aubrey says: Rene,
Miss you girl. I am glad that we have seen more of each other this past week. You are part of our family.
Yesterday I took my mom to the Tri-Cities to meet up with cousins and Aunts and Uncle for lunch. My cousins brought my aunt from Lewiston who has Alzheimer and my Aunt and Uncle from Pasco were there My Aunt will be 90 in May and my mom will be 88 in Jan. We girls kept looking at our parents in amazment saying darn we have good genes. We are very lucky to have longevity in our family and we know that we need to get them together more often. So Family reunion time is coming up next year. We are starting to complile all of our information for a family tree for next reunion.
love your blog and love ya
Kath
Raynita says: Thanks for sharing these very wise words:)
Debbie says: Rene, I cried like a baby then laughed and then cried again when I read your blog today. I have been feeling so overwhelmed with taking care of grandchildren and all the other "stuff" in my life right now. With all the work that needs doing I haven’t been able to just be Grandma. After reading your blog though I am reminded that the time I have with them while they are little is limited. Soon they too will grow into young men and women and I want to cherish every minute of "now" with them while I can. Bless you for your thoughtful and insightful writing. Love you girl.
Diane says: All I can say is Wow! What a great blog and perfect timing, the Holiday’s can always stir up family issues. I am going to share this with my family and hope that it gives them the same warm feelings that I have when reading it. I look forward to your blog every week. God bless you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Reba says: You have a way with words that expresses exactly what is in my heart. I only have one daughter, but she is living in the States this year. Yeah!! So, we are enjoying Autumn, and will enjoy the Holidays together!! It doesn’t matter much about gifts, just the gift of Each Other!
Betty says: I have not spoken with my brother, nor do I anticipate talking with him, since my mother died in 1999. I don’t know what has happened to our little family, but I think the Viet Nam war really messed him up. But fortunately I am still close with my sister and we speak weekly on the phone. I don’t think I ever knew what closeness was in our family and would like to find it some day. I have my own two sons and we are close–which is very good.
Betty in Pasco
Dear Rene,
Truer words were never spoken! What a wonderful post! It seems like a lot of us were touched by your words.
I was reading a book today, the Christmas List, and I got to thinking about my attitude towards joy. It seems that we (I) look at people and determine my relationship with them by what joy they bring me. After all, who wants to invest in someone that doesn’t want you around!!! But I’ve come to realize that I’m thinking backwards. The question I need to ask myself is "What joy can I bring them?" Not only to I get the gift of giving to someone else, but it’s often doubled by what they give back. And even if they don’t, I’ve been blessed in the process.
I have such fond memories of family gatherings when I was young, but due to scatterings, deaths and frankly, not wanting to put effort into it, many of those times have slipped away and my kids have not been able to grow up with those same experiences that I had as a kid. We’ve been able to rekindle a few things lately. It’s funny how I dread the effort and inconvenience, yet come away from such a gathering so thankful that I did it. I need to do it more.
Happy Anniversary! What a wonderful legacy to your children…they obviously think so too!!
Blessings to you Rene!
Holly
Kathy Eckholt says: My biggest fantasy is to someday have all my sisters living in the same place, kind of a compound sort of thing. Where we can eat breakfast together in our jammies if we want. I live next door to our Mom and one sister lives 45 minutes away, another two hours away, the third six hours away and one 12 hours away. We are quite close, of course we have our squabbles but we all know that we love each other and that is special. But to be able to just chat for no reason and not have to "catch up" on the latest would be so wonderful. We haven’t had a whole family Christmas in years, but I keep hoping someday.
Gary says: What a wonderful glimpse of a nostalgic yet still vital Community through your words Rene…
The "Oral Tradition" of passing down accounts of History is very much a part of rural life, and it is an ancient one; predating written History. It comes from a time when a person’s "word", and it’s truth, could be the difference between social acceptance and banishment, even life or death, and it forms the foundation of our system of jurisprudence. One of the oldest books known, The Holy Bible, began in the Oral Tradition, and was not begun to be put into writing until Moses. Faith is a big component of the tradition, and when I think of Faith, I am humbled by the realization that Abraham and Moses had no written Bible. Whatever Faith I think I have pales in comparison.
It comes as no surprise that you found great Hope among those people, as Hope is usually hand in hand with Faith, and I bet you felt another thing yet unmentioned about them and their mountain… Love.
Thank You for this rare glimpse of people living a can-do lifestyle… it’s very re-freshing and Inspiring.
GodSpeed to Y’all…!
Gary
in Tampa
jami says: Was fortunate to go there a few years back, it was a wonderful place to visit. The people band together with pride and for security. Living in a rugged place like that you do depend on each other and suport one another. I was blessed to live in one such place for 20 years, I gleened from my neighbors and felt community with them. Places only give the stage, its the people with grit who give it depth. Great writing Rene, love to hear from you!
Julie says: I’m feeling a bit homesick at the moment. I’ve recently moved to England, but I’ve lived in Boise, ID for the last 11 years. My grandparents own a cabin near Idaho City and one of my best memories when staying at the cabin is driving into Idaho City for ice cream at Delsa’s. There was also a public swimming pool there when I was a child that was fed by hot springs. Hot spring swimming and ice cream. It doesn’t get any better than that 🙂
Michele says: Renee,
Thanks again for allowing me to travel vicariously through your experiences.As I get to know more of my Farmgirl sisters I wonder" Where have you been all of my life?"
It is so much easier to live the lifestyle that is right for me when I know there are some out there who understand and applaud it. Even my grown children are often caught up in the popular mentality of having it all. Well., I know I have it all and need nothing more to make me happy but the friendship of my sisters, the recipes, books and philosophies we share and the differences between us that keep me on my toes and keep me open minded
Michele
Rose says: Thank you Rene’ for such a beautiful story. You are truly a gifted writer that has the rare talent of painting a picture with words. We so loved your visit and we all felt like we had known you for years. Thanks again for sharing your experience with us.
I’d love to visit Idaho City…the very next time I travel west from Minnesota to Washington (where my sisters live), I believe I’ll make it a point to stop there.
The farmgirls "make do" philosophy reminds me of the philosphy of a favorite home decorator, Kitty Bartholomew. She always said, "It’s not what you don’t have; it’s what you do with what you DO have!" So true.
Years ago, my family and I spent a wonderful day there…loved it. Seemed like such a magical place to live.
Reba says: We went through that area this summer on vacation. Now after reading your blog, I feel like I have had an opportunity to get to know the people. Thank you for your writing (self-proclaimed is being aware of who you are, which I think is great!). I long for a farm in the mountains of western NC or eastern TN. The blog reminds me of those type of people in that area, where my mom and dad are from, community!!
Tiffany . Is that not a fabulous find??!! I have a book about utlnziiig found objects to create artists books. One of the projects uses this colorful, square egg carton. I had no idea where to find them until on a trip to Santiago (would love to go again!), they had their eggs for sale in these very cartons! Bring green, orange, yellow . woohooo! Guess what got packed to come home with me~ of course, without the eggs!
nameEileen Pena says: I agree it is a sad time of year. I don’t like the next season at all except I am plan on getting new quilting projects done and a newly decorated sewing room. That keeps me going thru the bitter midwest winter. Then before you know it, it is Spring.
Heather Jackson says: I so agree with your sentiments! Love your blog!
Christine says: I’m the same way. I will miss my vegetable garden and my flowers. I could garden all year long. But living in Indiana we have the seasons that change. Yes my pantry looks wonderful all full of the yummy food that we grew. Will taste so good this winter! As always enjoyed your writings. God Bless
Gary says: Excellent idea for a Winter Garden Rene’…!
I shall try it when I move Home to Tennessee next year…
meanwhile…
I shall send this link to my Friend Trudi in Canada, as she will enjoy having a Garden in the Winter.
Thanks, and…
GodSpeed to Y’all…!
Gary
in Tampa
Clare Deane says: I have wanted to have a cold frame for winter for some time now, but I keep procrastinating. I like your thinking though and may get one going after your description of the frame and the winter goodies I can reap. My Mom is canning and drying for the winter and I get to enjoy to share in her bounty, but I live 335 miles from her, so I can’t go to the yard when the urge hits me. I miss not having a garden.
Bonnie ellis says: Rene: In Minnesota, saying goodbye to the garden usually means saying goodbye to green. Everything dies, the leaves fall and the snow and cold comes. The only bright side when the holidays are over is that winter is the perfect time to snuggle in and make quilts. But we always look forward to green again in the spring.
Bonnie says: Gee, I thought I was the only one who felt this way! You, though, are much more disciplined at keeping records. I will just give in to the frenzy next spring and buy and plant.
I will definitely miss the warm rich taste of a just picked tomato! You are right. The imposters in the market just won’t cut it. Here’s looking to spring!
While it’s sad to say good’bye to the garden, I also love being able to tidy it up and put it to rest. I too am looking forward to the rest, and the planning of next years plot! It gives me great comfort to have my freezers and pantry full, knowing that provisions are stored for the winter ahead. Thanks for sharing!! Holly
Phyllis Lloyd says: I so understand–had my first, for real garden this year and I am no spring chicken. I also just discovered MaryJane mag and uprooted, what I always suspected and dreamed of, I too am a "Farmgirl". Now I will venture into the world of canning or preserving next year and can not wait. Montana is my home, so I am saying good bye to all those plants too. What a wonderful time I have had and much I will miss the gardent this winter. But how excited I am for the times to come and the chance to learn how deep my "Farmgirl" roots really are. (It really is fun to read and participate in the blogging world, just discovered this too.) Thanks
Tena says: Rene
I enjoyed your article and even have an appointment to change my hair to winter colors tomorrow. I will share the cold frame idea with some friends. Like you, me and many of my friends don’t yet have a greenhouse.
Mary Frantic' Rauch says: Gee, I really enjoyed that read about saying goodbyes. I never knew other people thought that way also…My pansies keep saying "not yet please", and my kale and swiss chard say, "will you harvest me for New Year’s Eve as you’ve done a few years in the past?" .. Time will tell. Although I live in Ohio, I am a true deep-south gal in heart and mind…Change of subject:
When do we get to see pics of the new haircolor that I heard mentioned?
JoEllen says: Such sweet words for the plants that have given so much to provide for the cold months ahead! Someday I will be a good gardener like you, but for now its just a few tomato plants and zucchini who love you and produce no matter how much of a novice you are!!! Hardly any sun in our back yard — do we drastically trim our big fir tree to let in more light or be creative and plant raised gardens wherever the sun shines?? I think the latter — I’m planning ahead on how to fix this dilemma. You write so poetically Rene — such a treat to read each week!
Thank You SOOO much!
Marrina Frederick says: Good fall to you Rene,
AAAAHHHH yes, it’s time to put our freind to bed for the winter.It’s been a VERY fruitful year for the whole garden excepy my zucchini,HA- go figure. I had to get them from girl freinds much to their humor.
The last couple of years my husband decided he liked gardening, actually the weeding.HA- what a sweetie.He could never figure why I put all the effort into it when I can just go to the store. Silly town boy.After 17 years of this attitude , HE SAW THE LIGHT. OOOOOHHHH God is good.
I love your blog. A good winter to you.
Marrina
LisaLu says: I too share the sadness, but I also enjoy saving the seeds for next year’s offspring!
The leaves are changing, apples & cinnamon are calling, and I think a nice cup of tea, with a fire going, and my crochet hook is all I need. Fall is my favorite time to be home with all the comforts. We all need to be thinking of the holidays that are right around the corner….so much to do, so little time……before we know it… spring planting time will be here!
If I could just figure out how to add more hours to each day, and at least two extra days a week…maybe I could get it all done!
I just got a craving for persimmon cookies…mmmm!
Happy Autumn to all!
LisaLu
I am newly aware of maryjanesfarm as my friend of 32 years(can it be?) just gave it to me as a birthday(yes, another one!) gift. What a pleasant surprise! I have lived in a rural area all my life and have by turns taken pleasure in gardening, yard work, crafts, etc. I am always amazed by God’s natural color palette in the spring and fall. Here in the Ohio valley we are at peak conditions for viewing the fall leaves. The crisp temperatures bring favorite pumpkin recipes to mind along with memories of my Mom. Thank you for reminding me of all the best things!
judy says: Hi Rene, I too would like a greenhouse. My dad had 2.One was small to start the seeds while it was yet winter. One was big for transplanting/and selling from. The small one was attached to our house in an L-cove in the corner by my bedroom and our livingroom. I’d watch daddy watering his seedlings and he’d squirt me with the waterhose sometimes.Those times are deeply special to me now since we lost Daddy this past Feb. I too would like to build a cold frame. Do you have instructions on here someplace? Thanks! I really enjoy your Blog! Oh ya, I’d like to see(ahem) your new "Doo" too!
Carrie M says: Hey Rene-
I am saying the same sad goodbyes, here in New York. We’ve picked all the tomatoes and melons and peppers. The garden is mostly bare except for some beets that are holding on. We’ve had a week of hard frost in our area that has only slightly scorched us here on our south-facint hill, but the cold is on it’s way.
However, we are comforted here by the brilliant colors of fall, something that makes us want to hop in our cars and take a ride just to breath the fresh air and take in the scenery! When I was in Washington for farm fair, a young man at the hotel said that he had heard that northeasterners do such things and he had always thought that was a "fable"…I assured him that we really DO go out "leaf-peeking," and we get a lot of leaf-peeking realated tourism, to boot!!
Where did you get the plans for your cold frame?? I want to build one, even have the windows, but I was unsuccessful last time. Nothing grew!! I have lovely south sun, too 🙁
Love to all the Prosser ladies!
carrie
PS…read your "When Pigs Fly" just before I read this one and am soooooo sorry that is what you had! Your description makes me terrified…enough to maybe go get a shot which I’ve never considered before! Glad you are better 🙂
Carrie,
Fall decided to show up here in the last few days as well.. I was afraid we were going straight from Summer to Winter, so I too am enjoying the fall colors. I found great cold frame ideas through goggle. If you are too cold, try digging up the dirt and laying down some plastic inside the frame on the bottom and sides. Poke some holes for water drainage in the bottom and add some rocks for drainage… then fill the dirt back in…. The plastic adds an additional layer of insulation, also re-putty your windows so that cold air is limited. Let me know how it goes…. We so loved meeting you at farmfair and of course have made you an honorary prosserfarmgirl…..
I go through the same thing every year! I hate to take in my garden for the winter, but I do enjoy the break from yardwork and gardening to enjoy indoor activities, such as cooking and craftwork.
Debbie says: Rene, Oh so true.But, since this was my 1st garden in many years (we won’t go into HOW MANY!)I actually enjoyed putting my garden to bed for the winter as it is my very first year ever having a compost box. So, I am looking forward to using all that good compost in the spring. I haven’t yet built a cold box (Linda will encourage one soon I am sure) I won’t have any fresh from my garden veggies. But, I did freeze and dry so I am ahead of last year and the many years before. Thank you for all you teach and share with others. You have a generous and giving soul.See you later friend. Debbie
Hi Rene`, I really enjoyed this article and without you knowing it, I’ve been given new hope! We live on the windswept plains which is NOT a place for a garden. Your old window is an idea I NEEDED. Now to find some! My husband is bringing home an old leaky stock tank for a ‘raised bed’ and now I get to add a new form of ‘window box’. Thank you for the inspiration. Shery Jespersen
Catherine says: I really enjoyed the article, and made me think of hot beds again to keep cutting my mustard greens longer and arugla. Thanks for taking me to the garden again. Here in Indiana it is getting pretty cold in the middle of Nov.
Thanks.
Janice says: I am so gald you are feeling better. Being sick is no fun thing.
I found your blog and enjoy reading it.
I live on the east coast. Lots of talk now about the swine flu.
Always,
Debbie says: Rene, you definitely have my sympathy and prayers. I hope that you are feeling much better. I had to smile when you wrote about working while you were not feeling too well. why is it that women, especially Mom’s seem to keep on keepin on when thy should be keepin still? Give your body the rest it needs and then you can get back to writing to us about all you wonderful adventures. Blessings to you, Debbie
So glad you are feeling better, just in time too, our Fall Funky Junk Sisters Show is just around the corner. We are just a hop skip and a jump from you. We hope you can make it! We have doubled the size of the show and we have so many fantastic vendors coming.
We love your blog and visit it often!
Linda & Dixie
The Funky Junk Sisters
Carol McElroy says: I am so sorry you became ill after leaving our fair city, and I know Wende was ill as well. I’m so glad you are feeling better. I know sometime I’d rather be sick than have my hubby sick, he complains more thatn I do. Be careful of those flying pigs………Carol
Carol, Thanks for much. I had the best time in Kansas, you were all the perfect hostesses.. thank you all
bonnie ellis says: Take a deep breath Rene and think I’m over it" and enjoy fall. Don’t even think how awful it was. I’m glad you are better! Great maybe. You go girl and enjoy life again. God bless.
Bonnie Ellis
🙂
Gary says: I’m glad you’re all better now Rene’… it’s miserable being ill, and nothing seems to make it better as fast as we wish.
You used my fave remedie: Epsom Salts… once a week I enjoy a HOTTT soak in Epsom Salts and WOW do the impurities of the body get drawn out. Just a good foot soak after a long day on my feet makes them feel brand new and tingly.
GodSpeed as you return to Life…!
Gary
in Tampa
I love the stuff, too…Works every time.
Sandy says: I have always loved "when pigs fly" My mom and dad always said it. My dad is now gone and mom is almost 90 and I miss those good old days. It was usually in response to me wanting to do something I probably shouldn’t. My own children think I’m really weird when I say it, but I don’t care. Maybe some day they will miss it too. I love the poster too. I hope your feeling better and just glad you didn’t get it on your trip. Sometimes us moms just forget to slow down and take care of ourselves. We think will do it "when pigs fly" Have a great weekend, pamper yourself.
Oh Rene’,
you poor thing,,,,,I am soooo glad you are on the upswing & feeling better.
Sending you lots of "feel better soon" hugz,,,,
We miss you…so get well & hurry on back up this way lil sister #1281….
sister hugz,
gracie #472
I am so glad you are better! AND envious of you getting to go to the farm weekend. I enjoy your blogs SO much!!!
Lynn says: I am so glad you are feeling better! It is no fun being sick. I am glad you got the quiet you needed to heal. I also love "when pigs fly" quote! It always brings a smile and a laugh! Thanks for the laughter!
Karen/Ga. Girl says: Rene,
So glad you are feeling better and as some of the others said glad you didnt get sick during your trip. It was so funny when I got on this morning and started reading your post and it was talking about pigs, the reason I say this is because I very rarely dream but his morning when I woke up I vaguely remember dreaming about 2 baby piglets what about them I dont know but I do remember the 2 babies so when I saw your post I just smiled.
God has a way of making us slow down if we dont do it ourselves. But I am sure glad you are on the mend. Take care of yourself amd that sweet family! Blessings,Karen
Betty J. says: Oh, Rene, my deepest sympathies are with you. Being sick and away from home is the worst thing possible. I’m glad you are on the mend. Flying pigs is not a good sign.
Betty in Pasco
Mary Ann says: Rene,
I swear the husband and I both had h1n1 in May. We were so sick, we laid on the bed next to each other (not touching, that would have hurt)3 days. We knew we were sick when we were too sick to even be cross with one another. At one point, we wondered if either of us could stand up to let the dog out.
Glad you are better now!
Michele says: Sorry to hear that you have been sooooo sick. I hope you will soon be back to your chipper self.
Take good care of yourself in the meantime and remember that it is okay to pamper yourself a little bit now and then
Wende says: I know exactly how you were feeling. I wonder if WE picked up a bug at the casino. Everything was perfect until Sunday morning. Bed rest and hot tea for three days and "viola" I finally felt normal. Maybe it was the waitress? I know I won’t have her again!
Can’t thank you enough for your visit and health sacrafice you made to come to KC. We welcome you, and any farmgirl who would like to visit our meetings, anytime and we will spray with Lysol, too.
Take care,
WENDE
Heather Hansen says: Oh, I feel for you…I’ve had some days like that at work…although I think in my version, I would be rewarded with a trip to The Webster (a knitting shop in Ashland, OR)…or Barnes & Noble…to get a "celebrate getting better" book or some yarn…Glad you are feeling better 🙂
You aren’t kidding Rene! We just got over the swine flu as well. First my husband, then me (the caregiver), then my daughter…fortunately she wasn’t nearly as bad as we were and my two boys were untouched. I’ve never coughed so hard in my life. I mean literally until I cried. I feel your pain and boy am I glad it’s over. 🙂
is a certified farmgirl at heart. She’s happily married to her beach bum Yankee husband of 20 years. She went from career gal to being a creative homeschooling mom for two of her biggest blessings and hasn’t looked back since. Debbie left her lifelong home in the high desert of Northern Nevada 10 years ago and washed up on the shore of America’s hometown, Plymouth, MA, where she and her family are now firmly planted. They spend part of each summer in a tiny, off–grid beach cottage named “The Sea Horse.”
“I found a piece of my farmgirl heart when I discovered MaryJanesFarm. Suddenly, everything I loved just made more sense! I enjoy unwinding at the beach, writing, gardening, and turning yard-sale furniture into ‘Painted Ladies’ I’m passionate about living a creative life and encouraging others to ‘make each day their masterpiece.’”
is a “MaryJane Farmgirl” who lives in a large metropolitan area. She is a lawyer who has worked in both criminal defense and prosecution. She has been a judge, a business woman and a stay-at-home mom. In addition to her law degree, she has a Masters of Theological Studies.
“Mustering up the courage to do the things you dream about,” she says, “is the essence of being a MaryJane Farmgirl.” Learning to live more organically and closer to nature is Rebekah’s current pursuit. She finds strength and encouragement through MaryJane’s writings, life, and products. And MaryJane’s Farmgirl Connection provides her a wealth of knowledge from true-blue farmgirls.
an old-fashioned farmgirl with a pioneer spirit, lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a “lifelong learner” in the “Live-Free-or-Die” state, she fiercely values self-reliance, independence, freedom, and fresh mountain air. Married to her childhood sweetheart of 40+ years (a few of them “uphill climbs”), she’s had plenty of time to reinvent herself. From museum curator, restaurant owner, homeschool mom/conference speaker, to post-and-beam house builder and entrepreneur, she’s also a multi-media artist, with an obsession for off-grid living and alternative housing. Cathi owns and operates a 32-room mountain lodge. Her specialty has evolved to include “hermit hospitality” at her rustic cabin in the mountains, where she offers weekend workshops of special interest to women.
“Mountains speak to my soul, and farming is an important part of my heritage. I want to pass on my love of these things to others through my writing. Living in the mountains has its own particular challenges, but I delight in turning them into opportunities from which we can all learn and grow.”
Dori Troutman is the daughter of second generation cattle ranchers in New Mexico. She grew up working and playing on the ranch that her grandparents homesteaded in 1928. That ranch, with the old adobe home, is still in the family today. Dori and her husband always yearned for a ranch of their own. That dream came true when they retired to the beautiful green rolling hills of Tennessee. Truly a cattleman’s paradise!
Dori loves all things farmgirl and actually has known no other life but that. She loves to cook, craft, garden, and help with any and all things on their cattle farm.
describes herself as a goat charmer, chicken whisperer, bee maven, and farmers’ market baker renovating an 1864 farmhouse on an Ohio farm. With a degree in Design, Mary says small-town auctions and country road barn sales "always make my heart skip a beat thinking about what I could create or design out of what I’ve seen.”
Rooted in the countryside, she likes simple things and old ways … gardening, preserving the harvest, cooking, baking, and all things home. While you might find her selling baked goods from the farm’s milkhouse, teaching herself to play the fiddle, or sprucing up a vintage camper named Maizy, you will always find her in an apron!
Mary says, “I’m happiest with the simple country pleasures … an old farmhouse, too many animals, a crackling fire, books to read, and the sound of laughter … these make life just perfect.”
is a budding rural farmgirl living in Palmer, the agricultural seat of Alaska. Alex is a graduate student at Alaska Pacific University pursuing an M.S. in Outdoor and Environmental Education. She lives and works on the university’s 700 acre environmental education center, Spring Creek Farm. When Alex has time outside of school, she loves to rock climb, repurpose found objects, cross-country ski on the hay fields, travel, practice yoga, and cook with new-fangled ingredients.
Alex grew up near the Twin Cities and went to college in Madison, Wisconsin—both places where perfectly painted barns and rolling green farmland are just a short drive away. After college, she taught at a rural middle school in South Korea where she biked past verdant rice paddies and old women selling home-grown produce from sidewalk stoops. She was introduced to MaryJanesFarm after returning, and found in it what she’d been searching for—a group of incredible women living their lives in ways that benefit their families, their communities, and the greater environment. What an amazing group of farmgirls to be a part of!
Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen calls herself a “vintage enthusiast”. Born and raised in Texas, she has lived most of her life in the picturesque New England suburbs of Connecticut, just a stone’s throw from New York State. An Advanced Master Gardener, she has gardened since childhood, in several states and across numerous planting zones. In addition, she teaches knitting classes, loves to preserve, and raises backyard chickens.
Married over thirty years to her Danish-born sweetheart, Nicole has worked in various fields, been a world-traveler, an entrepreneur and a homemaker, but considers being mom to her now-adult daughter her greatest accomplishment. Loving all things creative, Nicole considers her life’s motto to be “Bloom where you are planted”.
Rene, I have never answered a blog before and I am new to Mary Jane’s Farm. What a great idea to put cutouts of your goals for 2010 on a poster! I will ask my kids to do this. I do something similar. I cut out pictures of dreams and wishes for my family. For example, when my children were younger 8 and 2 I cut out a picture of a wooden swingset and slide and stuck it on our cork board in the kitchen. I then asked God for it. The neat thing is in His timing and in His way, He provides! Thank you for listening.
Rowena,
How fun to include your kids. I think that we are never to young to understand that when we live with purpose we can conquer the world. I would love to see them. If they send me pictures I will post them… Happy New Year to you and to yours.
Happy 2010 Rene’, "Solutions" is the word I’m using instead of the "re" word, it projects a better understanding. Thanks
for sharing your life, Luv the way you write! Sunny Florida!
Thanks Donna,
I love the "Solutions" very clever. Happiest of New Years.
LOVED your idea of the dream board, Rene! I’m sure it will be a genuine motivator for me this year. I don’t know why the idea never came to me as a tool for personal inspiration and goal setting-dreaming. Several years ago when we were fixing up our house for sale, I put together a 3 ring binder with sections for each room in which I stapled/taped cut out magazine photos of ideas and resources. It was a great help to me in bringing my dreams to reality. I found that I could "show" better than "tell" my husband,too! What a super idea for ME for 2010! Thankx!
Thanks Joan~ Here is to great things in 2010
The term "resolution" brings the same feelings to me that the term "diet" brings. So I have found a different way of looking at the New Year. This year while contemplating hearing about resolutions, I have decided that the New Year would be a year of "revelation." I have had dreams yet to be fulfilled and more room to dream more. So I hope for my dreams to be revealed this year and "revelation" for new dreams. Either way it is a life filled with purpose, hope, and peace for the future. Have a revealing New Year!!
OH good one, Reba… I love that. Revelation…. even the word envokes power. Thanks! Happy New Year and may your Revelations birth New Dreams.
Dear Rene, Are you going to post your dream board? Would love to see it! I think it is amazing what we accomplish/receive when we take the time to find out what it really is that we want : ) It is so easy to get busy running around in those circles…
I posted my vision board on my blog this year and am enjoying peoples responses to it. I have some vision board, or dream board, or whatever you like to call ’em board stories that have made me a believer…plus how fun it is to spend a day sifting through magazines for images and words that catch your eye and sometimes even speak to you!
Thank you for sharing kelly rae roberts with us – her TTV contraption is so cool! And I love the art you have chosen for your personal collection; especially "believe". Happy, Happy 2010 to you and yours, V
OKAY, I will take you up on the challenge and post mine.. keep watching.. thanks… Much happiness and may all your dreams come true in 2010.
Rene, I love this, and I love Kelly Rae’s artwork. I even quoted you in my newsletter. Shine on, sister!
May your new year be full of possibilities!
Paulette
Paulette,
My little gypsy girl. SO great to hear from you. It doesn’t surprise me one bit that you like here work… we are sisters for sure. Happy New year!
Thanks for the mental ‘push off the couch’, I needed a different way to look at my resolution approach. I generally don’t set much ‘ump’ in resolutions this time of year but I like the visual use in this plan. Thanks for the idea, I see pics of an old lady (in her prime) lifting that toddler up and giving him a tight embrace, or doing the heavy yard work, etc. All these strengths seem to be
slipping away. (This happens when we get old, dog gone it.) So I think I am off to start adding pics to my Wish Book.
Karen, Happy New Year. Here is to a full and rich 2010~~
Oh Rene’
I use to be so hard on myself, trying to live up to others expectations…..I would measure my worth by my accomplishments and so my N.Y. Resolutions were geared to meeting others expectations of me…academics, physical, and accomplishments…..
Thank goodness for the wisdom of age!
Now my N.Y. Resolutions are simply to have an "attitude of gratitude"…
hugz
>^..^<
Thank you so much for your thoughts about New Year’s resolutions. Isn’t it amazing how if we change our thinking in just a small way, that what seems insurmountable and leads to disappointment, can lift our spirits to meet new goals. I’m going to make a dream board….what a great idea.
Rene’, I enjoyed your post very much as well as the others who responded. I am new to being a farmgirl moving from Tampa to very rural Mississippi. I have 25 chickens and we raise rabbits for meat. I am trying to "live off my land" more. I will be accomplishing a huge dream on January 18 by finishing a Master’s degree, but my heart wonders what will be next. Your dream board is a great idea. I am looking to start with milk goats soon. I have read of so many women following their passions and I think this year I want to do that as well! Thanks everyone for the encouragement.
I have created "vision boards" over the last two years, (in fact I teach a class about how to do these….fun, fun, fun), and they are absolutely the most wonderful tool for realizing your dreams. Cutting out pictures in magazines of everything that resonates with you is the perfect way to start…and very powerful. Don’t be surprised when you’re cutting out pictures that you start finding things appeal to your senses that didn’t interest you before at all! This is your inner free spirit taking over…go with it! I have seen many, many dreams come true this way, and this year I am working on a finding just the right new home for us. It’s exciting! Happy New Year to everyone and to you Rene!
Rene thanks so much for your thoughts about resolutions and dreams. It seems as though I have read so much lately about clearing the mind, detoxing,making affirmations, etc. I’m not sure what I’m doing. But I’ve made a dream board before and thanks for reminding me how powerful it is and easy! Just looking out the back window to the pasture and seeing the animals against the backdrop of a snowcovered mountain easily clears the mind and it’s so simple to do. Thanks again. Debbie
Rene’, I am new to the farmgirl life but I always knew it was where I belonged. We moved from Las Vegas to a Very Rural KY town and I LOVE IT! It takes me 15 min to get to our small town and even tho there are times I miss the convienience of the city (craft and fabric stores) I wouldn’t change a thing. I also like Kelly Rae Roberts work, and not to take anything away from her, You need to check out another artist who is pretty similar to her work. Her blog is Andrea T Designs if you google it. She sells on ebay and etsy but her work is beautiful also. I think you’ll enjoy it.
My only resolution for the New Year is to "CREATE" more. At least one thing a month. If I get more done that will be great but I know I can at least get one thing done. Looking forward to seeing your board, hope you post a picture.
Well have a Blessed and Wonderful New Year and looking forward to a new year of Inspiring Stories. Thank You
Hi Rene,Sounds so much better than writing it in ink pen on the back of your hand,which is what I’ve been doing all week,lol.guess,I am getting a little too old for that,but,it gets a big laugh from the ladies at the salon.Seems like I do ok for a few days,and then completely backslide and forget my goals.My weight is also a problem,but,I have decided that I would be thrilled to just be a size 14 again,or a loose 16,I don’t care about being thin,I just want to be healthy.I will graduate for the second time Feb 15 from square dance lessons,I went the first time 10 years and forgot how.It is wonderful excercise and so much fun.I Love it!I really want some angora goats someday,but,need to concentrate on makeing money right now,so I can achieve all of my deams,so I have settled for a bunny for now.Thank you for helping me stay focused on my dreams,loved everyones comments,and your blog.Happy New Year!blessed be,Carol Branum,Lamar Mo,themofarmersdaughter@blogspot.com
Rene, thank you for responding. I will ask my children. I have a question. Are we able to respond and interact with the ladies that write to you? Thank you for your time.
You can always chat with the gals on the farmgirl connection on this website. http://www.maryjanesfarm.org then click onto chat with other farmgirls.
Great idea, a Dream Board. Life on the farm is a lot of work. But the pace is so much clearer. Feed the chickens, gather the eggs, change the water, hay the coups. Then, stand and watch: as one chicken chases a bug, another joins in the frey, then they’re all chasing and diving until the sumptous morsel is ingested. As the family settles down, a hen with some age and weight informs a younger hen of "pecking order". When this young hen jumps out of the way she ignites a desire to chase from the rooster. He follows, sliding and throwing dust as he reaches the young hen, he decides to show her how handsome he is and then the chase starts over again, as the frightened little hen doesn’t agree with his advances. After this slice of chicken life, I smile and walk away, amazed at the organization of this little world of chickens. And how simple life is, eat, socialize, communicate and know your place.
Thank you Rene. Have a wonderful day!
I am inspired to make a "dream board" of my own! What a wonderful idea! Sometimes my dreams and visions get clouded by the busy-ness of household, husband and three teenage sons…I think a dream board or notebook will be a fantastic way to place my goals and my hopes in my line of sight…for inspiration, meditation or just plain old-fashioned daydreaming! Thank you for sharing the idea.
so inspiring! thank you, thank you!
I am delighted to read about a ‘Dream Board’….I had just bought a 3 ring binder 2 weeks ago then decided I did not want to use it for another project I had on my mind. However, I now have the perfect plan! I will cut out pictures of my ‘Dreams’ and put them in this notebook! Thanks for the idea Rene’…. Blessings!
Hi Rene’…!
and a belated "Happy New Year…!"
I missed this Bloggie… was in the Hospital a couple of days… for tests and med adjustments… all is well now.
New possibilities indeed…
Your ponderings ring familiar bells with me… seems I didn’t reach all my goals and Dreams last year, and I can really relate to the weight. On the bright side, I did make significant progress on all my goals… even the weight.
Weight loss is unlike any other effort for me, and to make progress, I have to take it a day at a time, because I love to cook and eat yummy food. So…
Happy New Day and all it’s possibilities ‘eh.
GodSpeed to Y’all…!
Gary
in Tampa
Gary, You were missed. I am glad that you are doing better. Blessings to you in the New Year.
Hi Rene,
I am new to MJF and I am new to learning my way around this site, I love your dream board, sorta like my Idea Book I keep and built me a house out of, also things I want to do and make. I live on 15 acres, and currently have no animals, my husband has had 4 heart attacks, and now has a defibilator, so I had to go to work, now work is slowing down and I am going to start with chickens again, then some goats, I have to keep my chickens in a covered pen because of coons and the big ole hoot owl. Also, have a problem with fox. I am excited about being apart of farmgirls, also learning from you and others.
This is my first time visiting here and I was a bit unsure of being here until I saw this post with this pic and I knew I was in the right place as I have followed Kellie’s blog for several years and totally love her. I can’t wait to snuggle in here and read some of your posts.
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