Well-written – I may have to rethink MY definition of the words ‘feminism’ and ‘feminist’. Thank you!

Absolutely loved this post, post-feminist, post-patriarchy in-deed. When I first started my ag business, I applied for a loan. The banker went over my paperwork, called me in and said, “If you can find a man to co-sign the loan, we’ll give it to you.” I muttered something about sexism and told them never mind, I’d figure something else out. Figure something else out I did! Here’s what I’ve observed about women in ag. As it turns out, we’re better risk takers (we’ve definitely invented some awesome out-of-the-box HEALTHY businesses that have “woman-invented” stamped all over them) because, BECAUSE we’re disenfranchised. What did I have to lose? Not much. I wasn’t set to inherit land, money, or machinery, so rocking the boat and trying something different made the decision to jump less difficult.

A local TV station wanted to film me on my porch reading a book to two young children. To our surprise and delight there was an impromptu exchange between them that said how far we’ve come in a very short time. The boy said, “I want to be a farmer when I grow up.” The little girl got a puzzled look on her face and said, “You have to be a girl to be a farmer.”

You rock-on super family!!!! no matter what #’s might be added. God bless.

You know I have been in law enforcement for 35 years….two more years and I can work one job, the ranch, instead of two. When I went into this profession, I truly was a piriah. Not only because I was small in statue but I was a female. It didn’t matter that I was a third degree black belt and had been competing nationally for years or that I had handled guns since I was seven. It didn’t matter that I communicated really well, talking my way out of difficult situations rather than using brute strenghth…I was a “girl”. I went into this profession for equal pay. And I don’t regret any of it.Yesssss, there were moments when I really wanted to smack some folks but I didn’t, instead I just did my job. And in all these years, it has been my goal to tell young women coming into this profession to just keep on keeping on. Because yes, there is still that stigma of women in law enforcement. But it is a little better and I believe in the women of law enforcement. Feminism to me is strength and steadfastness and the power to keep moving forward one step at a time. So! There’s my rather lengthy two cents! lol

I was born in 1961 and grew up in the heat of the feminist movement. As a teen in the 70’s during ( the unisex decade). I think the ever popular jingle, I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and never, ever let you forget your a man played summed up the social consciousness of the times. I knew women personally who did burn their bras and protest for equal opportunity and equal pay! I was taught, don’t marry young, choose a viable profession so you can be financially responsible for yourself. The idea of marrying and being domestic was seen as a weakness during those times to the point if a woman chose family over a profession first she was looked down upon by career minded women. There was a war between women who worked and women who chose homemaking as a career. I watched my own mother struggle with these issues as she raised three children. She tried to do it all and like so many women of that time realized that at times it was impossible. Equality for all humans is a worthwhile fight. If that’s feminism then count me in. But don’t judge me if I choose to put my marriage and family above a career. Strength and confidence can be gained in both roles. In my 52 years, I’ve been on both sides of that argument. The first chapter of my life was devoted to a career and business that I loved. The second half to my husband, our children, and our home. Both are rewarding paths. Thank God we live in a country where we ( men and women) truly are FREE to make these choices. And thank God for the feminists who stood up for equality in the first place. Great post, Alex! You go girl! Love, Deb ( beach farmgirl )

PS. Your sweet Ava will know your confidence and strength too and you will teach her to find hers, by following what’s in your heart naturally. Listen more and think less! Enjoy that sweet little family of yours!

Hello Alex! The closest I’ve come to living in a Yurt, was living in a travel trailer (a small one) for 2 years while we built our home. I really enjoyed it for the first year and then I started getting kind of frustrated! 🙂 BUT, what I learned is that we don’t need all that clutter and “stuff” that we tend to just fill our spaces with. In our new home (it’s small in new home standards, just 1300 square feet) and I’ve been so reluctant to fill it up just to fill it up. After living in the travel trailer I realize we don’t need half that stuff we accumulate! Love your yurt and I think it is going to create the BEST memories for your little family. – Dori – (AKA: the new Ranch Farmgirl!)

Howdy Alex,
You have accomplished a lot with your dear hubby and generous friends. Without your sense of adventure and positive attitudes we would be reading a much different post from you today! While we’ve never lived in a yurt, I liken our 391 square foot -off-grid cottage to similar constraints and freedoms! I love BE SHAMELESS… What else can you do when you have three or four people staying in such a small space. There were many summers when our children were small that we gave over the sleeping porch in our cottage to them guinea pigs and all! What a sight…stuffed animals, blankets, lego’s, barbies, art supplies, glow sticks, candy, wet bathing suits and towels, flip flops and, and, and…While we do have solar power, and a flush toilet. It wasn’t always that way. We used to have gas lights, and had to fill a bucket with water to pour down the toilet in the bathroom… Now we have a solar powered pump that pumps gray water from a tank into our toilet so we can flush like the rich folk! Your blog is such an inspiration… Love your posts! Farmgirl hugs, Deg ( the Beach Farmgirl Blogger)