Being a Farmgirl

This weeks entry in the Farmgirl Blog-A-Thon is about what being a farmgirl means to each of us. What does it mean to me? Hmmm. Well, I don't live on a farm, and never have. Never owned a chicken or a cow. Never cleaned a stall. So by all logical standards I am not literally a farmgirl. Somehow though, it is in my blood. The above picture is from my grandfather's farm. My dad grew up farming, but when he and his seven brothers and sisters grew up, the farm was sold. Dad became and electrician but he is a farmer at heart to this day. I think he has always owned a tractor. The place where we lived until I was about eight had enough land that he grew a few acres of corn to sell. Now he will rent land and grow anything from soybeans to hay. It's still his hobby. I don't remember him specifically instilling any love for land or farmers' ways into me, dad is just dad. He and mom looked over the years at a few small farms to buy, but that just never happened.

Somehow, whatever it is about the land, the outdoors, the growing, and the harvest that touches him, touches me too. It's bigger and broader than what I can put into words. And for me of course it goes indoors too. It's part of the aprons that tell me it's ok to be a housewife (even if I must work outside the home too) and make a warm home for my family. Learning to be simple and frugal and not feeling deprived because there is so much that fills my heart.

Years ago, I bemoaned the century I was born in because I felt I was supposed be a pioneer woman. (I'd last one day, tops!) Then I read in the Bible that God knew exactly what he was doing when He placed us where we are. So, I slowly came around to His thinking, wondering why I am often uncomfortable with modern ways of doing things. Ok, before you think I've kept myself in the dark ages, which would be silly to think since I'm on the computer; I do own a car, have running water and so on! Specifically I seem to meet more and more women that think it is offensive to cook and clean, and sewing? How archaic! How my heart sang when I picked up MaryJanes Idea Book. Honestly, I bought it because of the cover, but what was inside thrilled me. There were people like me who loved handmade, homegrown and back to basics. When I went to the website I found hundreds of women like me. No, we are not carbon copies of each other, which is fantastic because I learn in the areas I'm weak in (green living and gardening) and can enjoy and be inspired by others' creativity.

So you don't have to be living on a farm to be a Farmgirl, as MaryJane has said it is a matter of the heart. I encourage you to visit MaryJane's Farm on-line http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/

I promise you will be touched by the realness of the women who join the forum, you will laugh and cry with us and you may just learn a bit too!