And So It Begins…

[Previous Rural Farmgirl, April 2009 – May 2010]
Okay, first things first. Some of you asked me to post my goal board, so I wanted to make sure that I did that. It has been fun going back over the pictures and taking stock. I can’t believe where I am compared to where I was two years ago as far as meeting my dreams and goals.

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  1. Debbie says:

    Thank you Rene’ for posting the board for us! I am going to do this as well…..for the 1st time ever! I want to do something for someone else everyday…I used to do 5 things daily…"As Unto The Lord"……things like, call someone who may need to hear an encouraging word, maybe visit a nursing home, mail a get well card, bake a cake or some cookies, the list goes on.
    I may start this again….along with a few other things I want to do. Thank you again! DebbieSue

    DebbieSue,

    I really love that as I know that my day has often been completely turned around by a kind phone call or email or unexpected card in the mail.. thank you for the "challenge". Best wishes in 2010.

  2. Jo Bright says:

    Hi Rene (sorry, I have never figured out how to get the accent mark above letters). Many years ago, I attended a class, "The Emerging Woman." It was for women who were trying to figure out, "Where do I go from here?" One of our assignments was to make a board with our dreams, aspirations, goals, whatever we wanted. I kept it for a long time, but somewhere in a move, it disappeared, along with most of the things on it. I figure now is the time to make a new board. Thanks for the inspiration. I like your last sentence…"There is no time like the present to live life to the fullest, being all that I can be."

    Jo

    Thanks Jo,

    I have heard so many women say, "I am too old" or life has passed me by", when in truth if we are still breathing we can do something that we want to do… Here is to making it happen in 2010.

  3. claudia says:

    Thanks so much for sharing! I love what you wrote. I read alot of the same books. A favorite author of mine is Wayne Dyer. We are our "own force of nature" Let’s shine in 2010!

  4. bonnie ellis says:

    Right on girlfriend! God bless. Bonnie

    Thanks Bonnie!!!

  5. Gary says:

    Thank You Rene’…
    Your Bloggie has been very motivational for me, and the photos are great. I have been practicing procrastination.
    ummm… I think I have that "perfected" hee… hee…
    I shall renew my progress toward my Dreams an goals, and I like the idea of a board.
    GodSpeed to you…!
    Gary
    in Tampa

  6. Colleen says:

    I love your board! I made one for myself as this is my year to finally let go of my excess weight (notice, not ‘lose’ as I don’t want to find it again!) and it was a lot of fun but it was also a real learning experience about myself when it was done — I had no idea (preconceived notion) of how it would turn out but upon completion of the last slip of paper — it truly described the journey that I’m embarking on!

    so thanks for sharing & we will be seeing ‘less’ of you (and a healthier you to boot!) through out this year — make sure you keep us updated on how you’re doing!

  7. The New Year is always a time of reflection and for some reason this year I was not of the mindset! I did not want to think about continuing my goal to lose 35 lbs (lost 25, gained 5 over the holidays)or believe that I can do anything I dream. I really just wanted to ignore it all. Maybe it would go away, you think? Well, of course, it hasn’t but here comes, Rene’…..just a little reminder, she says…lol. And how can I expect to remember what goals could even be for me if I don’t have a ‘reminder board’? I have been keeping tabs on ‘Tool Time Tuesdays on Karen’s (not me) blog and saw the cutest idea. You buy a piece of sheetmetal and fit it into a frame and you can use magnets to post all your goal pictures. How cute is that? Her most recent posting is about a little 5 by 7 table top model of the same idea to write messages on. Adorable. So in conjuction with your wonderful ‘reminder board’ I am off to the hardware store!
    Thanks, Rene’ and thanks to Jo above for her comment, "I am too old or life has passed me by when in truth if we are still breathing we can do something that we want to do…here is to making it happen in 2010". If I can ride a microlight over Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Africa, then I can do some ‘scary things’ like setting some healthy goals!

    Love, love, love the idea of using sheet metal… Brilliant!!!!

  8. Here is the website with Tool Time Tuesdays- sewmanyways.blogspot.com Enjoy.

  9. Way to go Rene’
    You are such an inspiring person.. My goal board is on my list of things to do…Thanks! My chick chapter memebers will also be encouraged to make their own.
    Cheryl

    We are making boards at our chapter meeting next Monday night, should be fun!  Thanks for your always kind words.

  10. Nancy says:

    Love the goal board; I think that if things are right in front of you you are more apt to pay attention and try to make changes. I know I have to have lists, lists, lists and review them often. I like the looks of the board.

  11. Tara Aarness says:

    Hi Rene,

    Your honesty and wisdom come at a time in my life when I need it the most. The past few years I’ve caught myself spiraling down in negative direction and, obviously, this hasn’t been healthy.

    A very dear friend of mine (also my husband’s coworker) helped guide me to Mary Jane’s Farm and it is with the help from everyone here (my friend and husband included, of course) that I am finding my way back to my true voice. I eagerly look forward to learning all that I can from each of you and until then…

    A heartfelt thank you,

    Tara

    Tara,

    WOW, we have all been there, haven’t we? That place where you wake up one morning and ask , "how did we get here". Luckily, we can always choose a different path.. Happy Trails!

  12. Claire says:

    Thank you so much! I love that idea for the board. I am so visual and that would really help me put all the little goals in focus and right in front of me.

  13. Valynne says:

    Yay Rene! I am so relating to everything you wrote, except for Cole being a senior as I have no children : )

    Your goal board is great…some people think only an artist can do something like this but all of us (men included!) can create one, and everyone I know who has done so experiences insight and clarity in the process. Needless to say, I am a big fan.

    I too am focusing on my health this year. Like you, I have the conviction and am ready to put my holistic knowledge to good use. Because of my anxiety over going to the gym, I have just ordered fun workout videos that I will do here at home. I have taken "before" pictures, recorded my measurements, etc. and can’t wait to get my endurance back up and to wear my summer dresses with confidence!

    It is great having an e-mail telling me when you have a new blog out as I always love this kind of stuff but sometimes weeks will go by before I check the forum, etc.

    Please tell Mary Jane I think it is brilliant that 10% of all MJF sales go to Haiti this week. I have no extra $ right now, but have pointed all of my friends in your direction!

    Here’s to 2010, once again : )

    Valynne,

    SO great to hear from you. I know that 2009 brought some changes for you. So I raise my glass to an amazing 2010…

  14. Reba says:

    One of the most amazing things that has happened since the first of the year for me is that my husband is also on board with the "revelation" idea instead of "resolution" (something I mentioned in your last blog). We sat and talked at length about our dreams, hopes, the future and making those a reality. We have set time-frames on some things and said if we look at an area closely and decide if that is not for us, let’s scratch it and move on to new dreams. There have been those areas in the past where he knew what he wanted and I knew what I wanted, but we have never promised each other that "we will work together to make those happen for each other." I haven’t done a goal board yet, but we have put some pictures/books out where our reading material is to keep it in front of us. My daughter is excellent at setting goals and keeping them in her day-planner which she updates monthly. One of her goals for 2009 was to read 50 books. On New Years’ Eve she completed her 50th book. She is also the inspiration that we need (because she is like our goal-board)!! She will remind us if we get off-track!

    Sounds like you are headed for a fabulous year…

  15. Amen to what you said dear friend….
    hugz hugz hugz….did I mention….hugz!
    You Go Girl!
    luv ya.

  16. Carmen says:

    Congratulations. I also joined a gym. I’m 62 and obese. The owner tried to convince me to start a diet but I decided not to. I’m going to dedicated the time to getting fit and let the weight take care of its self. I’ve been on dozens of diets before and failed miserably. I’ve been inactive for many years, except gardening, so deciding to spend two hours in the gym (half in cardio machines, half in weights), 6 days a week surprised even me. I’ve been doing it for two months now and I have never felt so proud of myself. Even more surprising, I have not been in pain at all. It turned out the gardening made me stronger than I thought. Good luck to you.

  17. Jamie Mori says:

    Great job Rene’. Doesn’t it feel wonderful to find what works for you as an individual. I have all the faith in the world that it will become easier and easier for you in the gym. I am a Chiropractor by profession (SAHM now) and I was "green" before it became chic to be. I try to live a holistic lifestyle for myself and my family. I’m not perfect at it but not doing too bad either. Trust me when I say it is worth the effort you put into it. I remember when I first started buying organic food and non-traditional brands. For months I felt like I had never been in a grocery store before. Now I can tell you where to find what, what it is and what it is good for. It is a learning curve. Stick with it and you’ll do just fine. Jamie

    Thanks Jamie…. 🙂

  18. Gayle says:

    Dear Rene,
    I am enjoying the blog. I have done something similar as the holistic. I am using supplements, foods, and exercise to try and improve my health. I started counting calories as this is the only weight loss plan that has ever worked for me. I have lost 7 pounds (Drumroll, cheers for me)in the past two months. However,I think the difference this time is that I have just learned how many calories certain foods have so I can stay on the diet now without having to write it all down. At dinner every night, I total mentally or on paper what I have eaten at that point and see what I might be able to add before bedtime.

    I also have started a new trend in my life of doing more volunteer work. I have always called, visited, cards, emails, etc; but now I do volunteer everyday. I knit hats, scarves, etc. for homeless, chemo patients, charities. Mostly, I do hats as this is what I really enjoy and it makes me feel good to know that someone is being kept warm with one of my hats. So think about volunteering too girls.

    God Bless.
    Gayle

  19. Carrie M says:

    Hey Rene!! I just love when I get a chance to read what you write…it always hits home and is usually connected to something I’ve been pondering myself. So neat!!! My daughter graduates this June, too, the third of mine to reach this milestone. My oldest JUST started college–yippee– and the second is in second semester. Nicole will join them in the fall. It is definately an odd feeling to be in this "phase" of life and truly is an important time to pursue quality time with them. It isn’t easy to see them go, is it???

    Congrats and best wishes on becoming a BIGGEST LOSER!! You are going to feel sooooo good!! I can’t wait to hear more as you progress!

    Love to all of you Prosser Gals!

    Carrie M

  20. Jess says:

    Rene, I love this idea for a goal board where it is out to see anytime you go by! I have been keeping mine in a discovery journal but then it only inspires me when I remember to take it out and look at it. Great idea. You have inspired me with your example!

  21. auntpammy says:

    Wow, Rene I applaud you! You are an inspiration and a breath of fresh air.

    I love your board and it looks much like mine only yours is way more organized!lol

    I am hoping the next five months will be everything that you are wishing for with your son. You see next year I too, will be an empty nester and I can sympathize with what you are dealing with.

    As for your book, I can hardly wait to read it and see it on the best sellers list in my fav. book store…you go girl!

    I almost forgot…good luck with the exercise classes too!

    Thank you so much,

    It means so much to get cheered on~~~  R

  22. amberrose says:

    I LOVE your board..so much in fact that I’m adding one to my to-do list for this week (even though the week is half over!). What a wonderful inspiring post..wishing you all the best for your 2010 goals!

  23. Loretta says:

    Rene’, Thank you so much for the "motivational" board…I’m going to get right on that! I too, renewed my gym membership. I’m enjoying the spinning classes, the eliptical machine as well as the treadmill…this releases alot of stress for me…after my work-out I sit in the sauna for 20 min. and the steamroom for 10 min…shower and off to home I go. My board will be rather easy for me to put together…I’m a SCAPPER!! Love it and Love you…Thanks

  24. Brenda Davis says:

    Rene, Thank you, Thank you! I really love your board. Being 58 and not in good health it’s sometimes too easy to say it’s really too late to really change things. But in my heart and mind I know that is not true. I’ve always felt that I have not accomplished any of my dreams. I spent my life and still do for family and friends. Always said having my two children, that have grown up into wonderful adults and grand-children I am so proud of was all I needed. But I know that it is time that I focus on my dreams. Also knowing that by doing so will not end my giving of myself to the family. And I know that the family would be pleased that I have. First I’m going to start my goal board. With it right there to see, it would be hard to not work toward it everyday. I’ve not taken care of myself because I always put it last. But I am going to start that right now, today! Thank you and all the farmgirls that have given me such joy since signing on.
    Blessings, Brenda

    Brenda,

    It is NEVER to late…. you go girl!!!

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New Year, New Possibilities

[Previous Rural Farmgirl, April 2009 – May 2010]
I have yet to decide how I feel about New Year’s resolutions. Yes, I think we should be decisive about how we want our lives to go, and it seems that the first of each year is the perfect time to do so. Yet, I have given up on making plans to do things I know that I probably won’t really do…resolutions I’ll feel guilty about when I’ve already let them go within a week.

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  1. Rowena from Rainbow says:

    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.

  2. Donna says:

    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.

  3. 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

  4. Reba says:

    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.

  5. Valynne says:

    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.

  6. Paulette says:

    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!

  7. 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~~

  8. Grace~katmom says:

    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
    >^..^<

  9. Karen says:

    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.

  10. Meme says:

    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.

  11. Cindy says:

    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!

  12. Debbie Dehoney says:

    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

  13. Theresa Kelly says:

    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

  14. carol branum says:

    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

  15. Rowena from Rainbow says:

    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.

  16. Margarett says:

    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.

  17. Rowena from Rainbow says:

    Thank you Rene. Have a wonderful day!

  18. Sunflowerfairy says:

    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.

  19. Karen Muccillo says:

    so inspiring! thank you, thank you!

  20. DebbieSue says:

    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!

  21. Gary says:

    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.

  22. Linda Rogers says:

    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.

  23. 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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