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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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

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 🙂

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.

Years ago, my family and I spent a wonderful day there…loved it. Seemed like such a magical place to live.

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!

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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?

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

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!

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,

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

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.

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,

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

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

🙂

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.

I am so glad you are better! AND envious of you getting to go to the farm weekend. I enjoy your blogs SO much!!!

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

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!

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

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. 🙂

I can certainly empathize with the lack of stick-to-it-tiveness. For most of this year I have felt the need to master something. I have countlessly reviewed subjects, crafts, and on and on and on. Nothing touched my heart; nothing settled my mind.

Frustrated I started pondering the "why": why can’t I settle on something? As I let my mind roll unheeded with the waves coming to shore a thought rested on the sand: life is seasonal. Master living seasonally and you master life. The master is no better than the servant and the servant is no better than the master. Master and servant are equal. Master and servant are one.

I am like the seasons. I change throughout the year only to return again the next year. Without change their is no life. I am mastering life by being one with the seasons.

You go girl! I was going to suggest you read The Prayer of Jabez and Beyond Jabez — but see that you re-read The Dream Giver. I too have similar goals as yours and the border bullies are mighty!

I wish you the very best. You know you can do it. I believe that contentment keeps me from being as ambitious as I once was. And I know that age has diminished my stamina, tho not my interests.

I am currently reading Beyond Jabez and I recommend it to everyone — it causes me to "think" and the "think differently" and I like that.

Best Wishes on all your endeavors. And thanks for taking the time to blog — I enjoy what you share.

Marilyn

Rene,

This statement really got me today:

I have come to the awareness that change is inevitable. It happens with our involvement or without it. We can be leading it, or we can be dragged kicking and screaming behind it. Either way change wins.

We live in Missouri and we just found out that we have to move to Iowa for a job and have been kicking and screaming but you are right "Either way change wins" and we are going.

Thanks for the nice post.

Becky

Becky,

Change can be unsettling for sure. But it can also bring a huge amount of joy. Introducing us to things and people we would never have experienced. My hubby and I moved several times as young marrieds, today I am blessed with friends all over the place… what a rich gift that I would have missed out on had I not given into change. Best wishes.. Keep me updated.

You are soooo right, and while we (me)may at times try to resist change, there is a reason for it….and we all need it to help us grow mentally, physically & spiritually.  After all, if there were no movement of the pond water it would become stagnant. We too need "movement" even if it is just a simple little thing like changing our hair color. (which by the way – I was really good at! lol!)
hugz & farm girl blessings to you.

I heard once that "a rut is a grave with both ends kicked out." And that "insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results." I realized from these sayings that life is change and change is life! The quicker that I can embrace it, the better I will be as a more complete person. It doesn’t mean that sometimes it won’t be difficult. I have found that change also does not mean that you will not re-visit some of the things that you did in the past. This is where I have been lately. I think I’m enjoying it more the second time, maybe because I’m at a different season (age) in my life. Whatever the reason I feel so much more contentment now. Thanks for the thoughts. They seem to pull out what is currently going on in my life into the "light" so that I can more clearly examine and appreciate them. Keep writing! I appreciate it!

There’s a Great photo of you Rene’ on page 60 of the October-November Mary Janes Farm magazine, in it your are described as "Farm Fair Organizer"… The best thing about the photo is your expression of relaxed Happiness.
Your skills at "organizing" are apparently excellent and well known, so when you get these "three things" organized in a way that you are relaxed and Happy with, you will do well at them.
The thing that makes your writing so interesting to read is your ability to convey feelings within your words, because your best writing is from the Heart of what you know. Your feeling comes through in this Bloggie too… a feeling of indecision, which is ok… everyone can relate to that, especially if it involves the "D" word.
Ahhh… diets are like casino gambling… the dieter is the player and their body is the "House", and just like in casinos, the House never loses in the long run. I’ve been on diets and "won" big and flashed my winnings for all to see, but the house never stops playing, and pound by pound I put back all this pounds I won eventually. It wasn’t until I stopped diets and timetables and weigh-ins and just changed my eating lifestyle that I was able to maintain a good weight. I don’t know what is good for anyone else, however I have one piece of advise (ohhh doesn’t everyone) on weight: Positive Focus… take Joy in what you CAN have and don’t even think about what you can’t.
GodSpeed to Y’all Rene’…!
Gary
in Tampa

Thanks for the wise words……and for always reading the blog and the Magazine….. How special!

Rene, I so identify with your sentiments! I am usually to busy doing school work, working, etc. lately to read your blog, but did this time and was pleasantly refreshed. I know what I want to be when I grow up – so am finishing my BA degree at the age of 56! – and the balance I am searching for in my life to quilt, read, do research, go camping with my husband occasionally, do some canning and jelly making, have the grandchildren over to play on the swingset, all…the…things I want to do, and so little time. I just need to remember to stop and breath and tell myself it’s okay, I’m getting there! Thanks for your encouraging words to me today.

~Robin

hi Renee,
Change, Dreams, Light shining, these subjects are very interesting. I ‘did’ notice the photo of U on pg. 60, ‘Farm Fair Organizer’ !!! Nice photo…
I enjoy Bruce Wilkinsons’ bks. I’ll have to find a copy of Dream Giver. Beyond Jabez sounds like another book I want to read. But we have to remember to read the ‘greatest BOOK’ ever written & Inspired by GOD, His Holy Word !!!
THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE is another excellent bk. by Pastor Rick Warren !!! He gets us ‘thinking’ about ‘WHAT’ is really impt. in life !! It is ‘doing’ & BEING what GOD has planned 4 each of us. We are ‘here on earth’ to bring GLORY to GOD, & NOT OURSELVES !! PSALM 139 –So, it’s NOT so impt. what we accomplish here on earth, that gives our life meaning, when it is ‘done’ for ourselves’ BUT WHEN IT IS DONE 4 others, to bring ‘honor & glory’ to GOD, is what will ‘count’, when we leave earth to meet ‘our MAKER’.
I had many times a desire to ‘write a bk.’ also. But in my life, GOD changed that desire,(for now) ……to write in personal journals for each of our kids & grandkids, to leave a ‘LEGACY’ for them. Our families are the people that REALLY MATTER. Like one of the other ladies wrote, I still have lots of IDEAS, but not the ‘stamina’ to accomplish all those anymore. SO, I AM TRYING DAILY to SIMPLIFY my life, which is NOT an easy task. I am by ‘nature’ a DETAIL person, and have a lot of life interests.
May GOD help U to lose some weight, Renee, I also NEED GOD’S HELP 4 that. Motivation gets harder as we get older, for most of us.
Thanks for ‘blogging’ Renee, you are interesting, open & honest, and a caring person !!! ;o)
Toni

hi well here is my advice,for what it is worth,I havent watched tv now for 4 months,at all,I have been too obsessed with my new dreams and goals,that,seems to be helping,I also,have just dropped some,well,not really dropped,but,given up some time with old friends,I just don,t care to go out to the bars with them anymore,I will miss country danceing,but now I do that at squaredanceing,witch is non-alcoloic,and I get to bed before 10,if I went out to a bar with my old friends,I,d get in at 3 in the morning,so,that,is a time waster,just simple changes that I have made has helped me with my goals.think about that,I don,t miss tv at all,believe it or not,I thought I would go into panic,but its been a refreshing change for a while.blessed be,carol branum,themofarmersdaughter@blogspot.com

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh It was so fun to have you come over and join us. We had so much fun that weekend. A blog party is definatley a fantastic idea. It has beeen so much fun meeting the ladies that we all read about, chat about, and leave comments for.
We must do it again. We need to get you and your friends on one of the Junk Junkets so you can spend the day junkin with us or…………we bring a Junk Junket to you!
Timi
http://www.comejunkwithus.com
http://www.agirlnametimi.com

I love, love, love to find towns like that. Sometimes when we are traveling on vacation, we will go through a downtown area like this and stop. It is as you say, like having dessert. It is an unexpected surprise that usually winds up making the vacation complete. The destination is not the reason for the vacation, the beauty and personality of each unique place we visit is the vacation.

Your description of your trip is Brilliant Rene’…
Your writing brings to Life the places and people you write about in a poignant way, which is engaging on a level of common experience, and which photographs cannot do.
I have made similar "trips"… little journeys of discovery… meeting and seeing the most inspiring people things and places. As I was getting caught up in the activity of the moment in those places, I experienced the quality of "presence"… being fully engaged in whatever was at hand, with no other thoughts. Some people refer to this as being "focused"… I just call it being "present", and it is a quality which Animals possess all the time… immersed in the moment.
I have had similar experiences in the classroom of a Brilliant Teacher, but the most memorable ones have been on "trips", and all of them have one thing in common… education/learning is taking place, and it is Exciting.
Thank You for another thought provoking Bloggie, and…
I have a question:
What is "The Palouse" to you…? Now I am well aware that it is a place, but somehow I have the feeling it is much more than that ‘eh…
GodSpeed to Y’all…!
Gary
in Tampa

Oh Gary~ So perceptive. If I could ANY where in the world to live, it would be the Palouse. We lived there for 10 years and many of the friends that were my life line are there. I guess I would say, "I came into my own there." It was on the country roads as a young married women, a young mom, that I "worked out" who I was and who I wanted to be. I still cannot drive into Colfax and see the rolling hills and not weep. I will blog about it Gary…post pictures.. and spend more time explaining my special connection to the land and the people that helped to define me.

What a great trip. We used to live on the Sammamish Plateau and frequently took the back roads through Duvall and other great small towns. Thanks for taking me back if only in my mind. It’s been a while since we’ve been there so I’m sure much has changed. Can’t wait to get back and try The Grange. It sounds wonderful.

oh wowzers! sounds like I need to gather up the girls and make another field trip to go to these wonderful communities…wahooo!
see ya soon.
hugz

oh I love that little town! it has always felt like my ‘hometown’ when I visit … for your next trip, please try the best pie in the world at the Cabbage Patch! Now I’m going to put the Grange on my list!
And I love your cart! I have one for my two mile walk to the grocery store and next time I’m at the fabric store, I’m going to make it a liner – what a great idea.

thanks for taking us on your adventure!

Hi Rene!
So glad to hear of your visit to Snohomish…I love it there too! Joyworks and the Speckled Hen are my 2 favorite stores! Wish I would have known about the blog party, it would have been fun to see you again! Next time, head on up to Lynden too and we’ll give you the royal treatment, Farmgirl style!!
I actually put the bumper sticker you gave me on my car and now my son says he can’t drive it anymore!!!! Yea!!! thanks!

xoxo Holly

Holly~  Hahahahah….You’ll have to tell your boys what I tell mine~ "real men dont mind the farmgirl stickers"… LOL…. I would LOVE to come up to Lynden..sounds fun….

I’m a devoted fan of Mary Jane’s Farm and I just finished reading every word of this post and every comment and I am so impressed. I’m in Minnesota but I have two sisters in Washington state. One in Mount Vernon and one in Port Angeles. We love visiting your beautiful state. The very next time I’m there I will head to Snohomish and visit the charming places you’ve talked about.

Cheryl,

I promise you will love it. Let me know when you’re headed there maybe I can join you for a day of farmgirl shopping.

We are preparing for our own county fair. If I was anywhere close, I would bring some friends and help.

I am certain that you are correct and will just MAKE A DIFFERENCE for your friend.

Good luck, please post pictures of your event this weekend.
While I am submitting, photos, pumpkins, and Hay for our fair. Moving in 3 horses and nutrition and gardening projects for my own kids. I will remind our little town about your efforts.

What I know to be true is a women’s heart and spirit gives to those in need no matter how big or how small. To sit with sick chick’s, give a gentle pull to slipper hooves stuck on their way out to a new world or holding the hand of a dear friend as they slip out of this world. I offer my hands, heart, tears and soul to any in need – two or four legged. Being of service is what we do and for that we are all farmgirls!

I must say, I do envy you. From your Farmgirl community, to your county fair, it all sounds so delicious. I live in Roswell Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, and there is definitely "nothing" farmgirlish here. I love the country, I can sometimes smell it in my mind as I long to be somewhere like you are. But, the hubby’s job is here and I am in school full time to finish my masters and teach. I also love to write, so I am working on that as well. We have seven children, a great Dane named Tux, and a chihuahua named Sydney, both of whom would love the country. We don’t even have a back yard for the children to play in. Sad, isn’t it!

My grandmother used to make quilts and I read your article on quilting. It was fabulous,and made me miss the country even more. I think it is wonderful to have a community like you do. Sometimes when we are in the midst of something, we don’t see what it means to us, or how much we have to be thankful for. Love your farm, you are very lucky to live in a place like that. I wish I could have a little piece of you here.

Good luck with the project and I hope all turns out well.

Leah

God Bless Y’all Rene’…!
The Character of the people in a Community define the Character of the Community and make it a place ya’ can call Home and really feel Good about it. Often, the "little things" make the difference between a Life of Quality and a existence, for after all, Life is a serial collection of those "little things" ‘eh.
Here our Humane Society and SPCA partnered with Meals on Wheels, and meal recipients who have Pets now also get a meal delivered each day for their Pet. That seems like a small thing, but it is a huge thing to those elderly and disabled people who Love their Critters.
I am certain that the efforts of all y’all will make a huge difference to your Friend and Neighbor too.
GodSpeed to Y’all…!
Gary
in Tampa

What a great post I think each of us can look around and find someone in need. I am in the process of saving up some hats, scarves, and gloves to send to a guy who has a program for the homeless in Atlanta who live under the bridges. I may even see about gathering some blankets too. I feel like no matter how small your step maybe to help someone it can go along way, in this day and time. Thanks for such a great post. Blessings, Karen

Wow… That’s amazing. It is awesome that there are people out there who are more than willing to help others in their time of need. I would love to meet people who have this farmgirl spirit in my area, but honestly don’t know how to go about doing it or even where to look.
I think our world would be a much better place if we could go back to the old fashioned values of living and be just as neighborly as we can to everyone we meet.
Thanks for sharing this story. I hope our friend Emily and her little girl are both recovering nicely.

Congratulations on the purchase of your new adventure home! I miss having our Winnabago. It was always packed and ready to hit the trail at a moments notice. I can’t wait to hear about your explorations.

Cool trailer Rene’…!
I’m certain you will Cozy-It-Up inside, and Y’all will have many Swell times in the Great Outdoors.
GodSpeed to Y’all…!
Gary
in Tampa

Oh my yeah for you!!! I would be so excited I do not think I could wait past the next weekend. We had an old vintage pop-up camper when our girls were younger. Afraid it was not in the best of shape when I bought it and no matter how much repair we did it would only hold up for about 4 or 5 more years. But we had great time in that camper. I have been eyeing all the vintage campers in the MaryJanes magazines when I get them and on some other blog sites. I also enjoyed making curtains and cushions for our camper as I am sure you are doing. Loved Roy and Dale when I was growing up also, what an awesome idea for your decor. Have fun!

Having been richly blessed with meeting both Dale and Roy as a young woman I can attest to the fact they were real honest hard working hard playing folks. I enjoyed many days swimming in their pool and laughing with them and learning from them with their true gift in sharing stories. I even played with the dog,"Bullet" I loved that the dog could undo invisible ropes that tied my hands. What a gift their presence was to me in my life from that point on. I loved that they adored one another and made such a lovely couple. I appreciated their ability to give to those less fortunate than they themselves were. You can take the people out of the country but the country (farm girl) is always right there within.

Grace,

Thank you for sharing that with me. How special to know that there is a connection.

I to have acquired a little trailer. Wasn’t road worthy but it’s in our backyard ready for a night’s camping. As Dorthy said, you don’t have to look further than your own backyard for adventure!

That was such a beautiful post! It brought tears to my eyes. I am a quilter and love to make the scrappy ones too! I really think you should dig right in and make that quilt in honor of your dear friend!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts today. Your words have just truly touched my heart.
Blessings!

"Ditto" to the comment above!! 😀
I SO enjoyed this post.
And, I agree with Sue… DIG IN! :0)
Warmly ~

I loved your post! I never thought of using my mother’s old clothes for a quilt. I lost my mother 2 years ago and kept some of her blouses for good memories. My mother was my bestfriend and to have her around me would be a nice feeling again. Thanks for sharing!!

Loved your Quilt story I don’t quilt but like you I have always loved them but your story of your sweet friend reminded me of my friend as a child she was like a grandma to me from Wisconsin that I loved and my wonderful grandma
that made me a doll quilt that I still have. Thanks for the moment to reflect of my family and friend that I hold dear to my heart.

Sooo very true! I have one that I treasure that my moms friend made for my oldest daughter. It was made out of her husbands jeans. It is the pretties and most cherished of all our quilts. I love the photo of the quilt on the fence and love the quilt shop pic. Great post!

I’ve only subscribed to this site a short time ago, but I relish the notice saying a blog has arrived. I have inherited a set a quilts given to me by my grandmother that were made for her and my grandfather as a wedding present by my grandfather’s grandmother. My grandmother never used them, thinking they were too delicate, but I’ve used them because I think they SHOULD to be used. All those tiny stitches made by a woman who could barely see, but wanted to give a gift of love. Shortly before my grandparents were married, my grandfather’s dearly beloved ‘ganga’ died. Now I feel all these wonderful energies from this woman and my foremothers, and keep them close.

Thank you for your beautiful post on a subject that is so special to me! I am a quilter. I don’t get to do it nearly as much as I would like (between two kids, homeschooling, and just manning the household). I started quilting when I was 32. I was usually the youngest person in the class. I have not made a scrappy quilt yet because we have so many of them that my husbands grandmother made. These also happen to be my kids favorite quilts. The do seem warmer and softer. Grandma Sara had 14 children and every quilt seemed to have outgrown or wore out pajama fabrics, misc clothing. They didn’t have money for fancy cloth and the quilts were for function. Every grandchild received a quilt on the 13th Christmas. I hope to pass that tradition onto my own grandchildren.

For me, quilting is my special time to be reflective; it’s calming when alone, but wonderful in a group. So, I wish HAPPY QUILTING to you!

Thank You~ I admire you for finding the time to do it.. I think I will jump on in and give it a try.. again!

That was the most precious story, thank you for sharing. I have made quilts off and on for about 20 years, nothing spectacular, but there is something about quilts that warms peoples hearts when they recieve one, and knowing you are making one for you and Marie I’m sure will warm your heart and inspire you every step of the way, you may even find when it is done that there are things in there that you know you wouldn’t have normally chose to do, but Marie would have, enjoy the experience 🙂

Hi Rene,
I almost deleted your post without reading it then the picture popped up. Wow, did that get my attention. I LOVE QUILTS, too. But take heart, you are a quilter. To quote myself, from an essay I wrote entitled Quilting Is A State of Mind,(published in the Country Register) "I consider my writing as quilting. Each word, alone, says little. Put together in just the right order, with each word carefully chosen for alliteration as well as definition, I piece together a meaningful story that, hopefully, makes a difference in someone’s life."
I’ll email you the entire essay. I think you’ll enjoy it.
Blessings,
Carol

Thank You Carol, I look forward to reading your essay.

Wow, what a great story. Where did you take the photograph at the top of the post? Is it at Sister’s?
My sister and I are avid quilters and like to do most of our piecing and quilting by hand. Recently, our mom asked us if we would quilt a top that was pieced by our grandma from Mom’s baby dresses. We are excited to make that our winter project.
Hope you jump into your project with both feet

The photo I took at Buggy Barn’s recent quilt show. They are in Reardon WA.

I’m sitting here with happy tears in my eyes. For the past month, I’ve been sleeping with a special quilt of mine. The pieces were put together by my Great Grandma, The back was added by my Grandma, and she let me help pull yarn through to tie the quilt. It’s an odd assortment of new (1960’s & early 70’s) materials and some much older. It’s precious to me. You have such a way with words! I could "see" ladies bent over their quilts, working away with hands of love. Thank you!
Nita Jo

Hi, I have two quilts made by my Aunt. One has pieces of a dress I wore as a child. My sister gave me a quilt made by our grandmother. My sister used it and it became frayed around the edges. I took it and made Teddy bears for my daughter, my sister and myself (mines still a work in progress), I also took a piece and used it as backing for a picture of the Grandmother who made it. Also I have her reading glasses and I put those in with the picture, all in an old oval frame with convex glass. I made quilts for each of my children, just simple 9 patch that are tied. Really enjoy your blogs. Take care.

Hi Rene,
This is my first time responding to your blogs, although I have enjoyed so many of them. The quilt subject just spoke to me. I can identify with treasuring them and enjoying working with someone on them. I belong to a quilting guild and some of my dearest friendships have been born there. I don’t know if you have access to a guild in your area, but if you do, I would encourage you to go to a meeting. Like anything, you will have to decide if it would be a "fit" for you. Some guilds are a little "stuffy" and think everything must be done perfectly. Thank goodness ours is a wonderful encouraging, teaching and nurturing guild. Our motto is "Finished is better than perfect"! As another blogger said, I believe you are already a quilter – a quilter of words. Always wished I could be that! Thanks for your amazing insight into people’s souls.

Wow! That tickeled my heart. I always said if I could afford
to pay someone to help me around the house it would be with my laundry! We have six children and when they were little it just seemed liked unsurrmountable mountains of laundry would always be there! Soo when I would have trouble sleeping I would start telling myself I just needed to get up andgo work on that laundry, beleive it or not but that would put me out like a light. Like you I loved the feeling I got looking into my well organized closets and draws.

Wow Rene, I can relate! I use to hate laundry and then I started hanging my clothes out and now I love it!I think it is being able to go outside and breathe while I am still doing "housework"…now if I could only do the rest of the stuff outside,I would be set!

If you find anyway to enjoy the dishes let me know. I’ve tried everything from rock ‘n roll to classical music.I even tried making the kid do it-forget that, I want the dishes done today. Plus, there was the time I happened to walk in the kitchen and the son had the plates on the floor and the dog was licking them clean! Did he do the dishes we just ate off of? Ewwww!!!

Anywhoo, love your blog. enjoy it alot.Thanks and blessings to you.

I have hung out my clothes for years, but I was wondering if anyone had a good homemade clothes softener mix.

Pat~ I think that there are several over at the farmgirl connection… http://www.maryjanesfarm.org  click on chat with other farmgirls.

I like this one as well.

1 cup glycerin

1 gallon water

Mix together

Ass 1/2 mixture to wash or rince cycle~ hang clothes as normal to dry.

I finally went through my closet and got rid of all my black,and tan clothes! I have felt brighter and much more cheerie! I’ve been wearing so much more color and it really does affect my mood for the better. I figure God gave us all of these wonderful colors so why not use them. Oh our house is an old little farm house painted curry yellow,green trim, eggplant shutters and red doors!! People come in and always say they wished they would have the courage to try more color, hey it’s only paint!!!!!

Point well taken~

I added a little yellow and purple this year… and I have to admit I feel sassy wearing it 🙂

You are so right Rene’…
I betcha’ we all have some "chore" we dislike, and some we enjoy…
I enjoy working with my feral Cats, as I keep a feeding station stocked, and I like tending my Herb and Flower Garden each mornin’…
I dislike laundry perhaps as much as you, so I keep enough "fluff n’ stuff" to go for two weeks. It takes two hours to do laundry properly, whether I have one load or four, and since I can’t control that, I keep the frequency to a minimum. I despise dusting, but hey… I like a clean Home, so it just must be done.
Thank You so very much for your kind inquiry about Midnight Rene’. He is much better, after a very close call with a fever, and he had to stay two days in the Hospital. I am so Happy to have him Home and healthy.
Health, physical and Spiritual are cornerstones, ‘eh… if we lose them, nothing else much matters, even dusting. *WINK*
GodSpeed to Y’all…!
Gary
in Tampa

This is such a powerful conversation. Here is what I do. I have taken on surprizing and delighting all the folks in my family and community, there are over 200 of them, with the completion of those repetitive, daily, often mundane tasks! So I keep my "worship power" or my attention in other words on the benefit of those tasks completed for the entire, farm, household, business, whatever the context might be. I have also learned to make requests of others, not an easy task for me, to keep things in nice shape, clean up after themselves etc. so the kitchen, shed, barn, office…. continues to shine after my work!
Thank you for bringing this topic up for us all.
Terces

It is worth repeating…hanging clothes outside is the best, especially sheets. Moving back to eastern Washington from western Washington was the opportunity to have a clothesline and hanging clothes outside is my favorite chore. Hey, tomorrow is sheet washing day…on a sunny fall day.

How funny! I always felt that there must be little laundry gremlins or something that fed the laundry so that it always seemed to be growing no matter how much wash I did or how regular. But, I do have to admit that clothes lining is the best! Nothing like line dried sheets to snuggle into at night. Incentive to do one other chore weekly, change all the beds! 🙂

I once met an honest washing machine salesman and he said you can use ‘regular’ detergent in the front loaders – just use a lot less. I have been for 5 years with no problems. I use about 1/8 of a cup (I really eyeball it). The special detergent was backed by the manufacturers so they would want us to buy the expen$ive detergents. I will give the homemade stuff a try. Love the clothes line too.

Enjoyed reading through this site, I will send this site to a few of my friends