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Hello Farmgirl Friends!
This is one of those posts where I’ve had this thought on my mind that won’t go away… so like I’ve done many times in the past, I’m going to blog about it!
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Debbie Bosworth
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.’”
Rebekah Teal
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.
Cathi Belcher
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
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.
Mary Murray
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.”
Alexandra Wilson
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!
Nicole Christensen
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”.
I love to read and make time to do so at least a few times a week.
Combining the self-care goals of meditation, good eating/healthy living and daily gratitude, each day I enjoy a Matcha-latte in a beautiful pottery handle-less mug that my daughter bought me for Christmas. She got me to try matcha in the first place and we share this love, so settling for a few minutes each day to quiet my mind, feeling that warm mug in my hands, and appreciating all that is good in my life is a ritual of self-care that I look forward to each day!
I love the positivity in your blog posts!
A self-care focus that is a priority for me is getting enough sleep–consistently 7 hours. No devices or screens in the bedroom, nightly routine (including gratitude) and bedtime reading and devotions. Being well-rested is essential for physical and mental health for me!
Hi Dori … I agree with you that self-care is so important. If you don’t take care of yourself and practice self-love, how can you give to the others in your life? I love creating much like you do but right now I am undergoing monthly treatments for lymphoma. I have HAD to give myself permission to rest (nap) when my body says to do it. Thanks for this inspiring post. I’m sure your sister will be following your lead! Hugs, Carol
A fun and educational kind of self care that I do is work out my genealogy. I plan to give this to family members as a gift- something to have and increase their knowledge of themselves!
My dear friend~thank you for this blog post! I so
appreciate your thoughts here on self-care. And a
quick “high five” to your sis for this very needful
retirement goal; I am in my 4th year of retirement &
finding my way with self-care has been a bit of a
struggle for me. I am working at it tho’. For me the
thought of “finding joy” in all the aspects of self-care
you mention here is my goal. I love seeing the joy just
radiate from your smile in the photos above!
Now after all that “rattling on”…one of the things I do
for self-care is the spiritual aspect. If I spend time
reading my Bible, meditating & praying early on in the
day, it infuses my whole day with an essence of joy.
Finding joy is probably the best form of self-care for
me. Thank you for your way with words 🙂
I make time each day to create something…. either some paper beads for jewelry making, a square for a granny square blanket, a couple of rows on a baby blanket or whatever other crochet project I have going on. This time always relaxes me after the stress of the work day. And makes a great time for prayer, either for the person I am working on the project for or for various members of my family.
After school drop offs I do deep water aerobics with other women in my community. The women weren’t quite sure about me at first because I am 30-40 years younger than they are, but now we are friends. My favorite ritual is taking a few laps with someone after the class. The time in the water is rejuvenating, healing, and a great workout.
Our yoga instructor texts us everyday to remind us to do a few minutes of sun salutations. It makes me feel so much better each day and takes only a few minutes.
Painting in my studio
Having coffee or tea on my patio
Watching the birds.
Every morning, I sit in a sunny spot and write down what I hear, see, feel, around me. I avoid writing about cares, responsibilities, or concerns. It is so cleansing to just observe and record.
Since I retired, I spend most of my time quilting memory quilts and pillows for ppl. The spiritual element really touches my heart. There’s also my Bichon, Oliver, who is right by my side every minute of every day. He’s a happy frequent flyer at Joann’s and my local quilt shop❣️
I like to go outside early morning with my dogs and listen to the silence
Hi Dori! Your post really struck a chord with me. My Mom and I recently committed to a mindfulness meditation practice after watching a documentary on self care. The daily meditations have already had a positive impact on our overall well being. We both look forward to your blog posts. Your projects always inspire us to keep crafting. Thank you for sharing happiness!
wonder if you would share the documentary you watched?
I use meditation to help calm any anxiety and keep me grounded. Also daily exercise helps to keep out the cobwebs!
Good morning! I think we would be great friends! As I read through this it struck me that all these things are the same things that calm, comfort, and revive me. Thanks for the reminder of their importance. I don’t need to feel selfish about doing them! Have a great day!
Your blog is so inspiring! I love the photo of you and your sister. A precious relationship!
I practice self care by spending quiet time each morning in my bible, taking a walk or spending time quilting, reading cross stitching or writing letters.
Enjoy your day!
Love this message, right now it’s a very busy time in my life, so I run away with my hubby for self care <3
Such an inspiring post! Thank you so much! Raising 6 children, I did do some “self-care along that journey…a sewing class here and there, lunch with a friend, time alone to just think. But when my sweet husband had a massive hemorrhagic stroke almost 5 years ago and I became his full-time caregiver, I never stopped. I was so driven to help him get back what he had lost. In doing so, my own health suffered and I was forced to start taking care of this body God had given me! Even though my husband still can’t be left alone, I find longer moments when I can just journal or read or take a walk by myself (with someone staying in the house with my husband.) We both have great faith that God will restore everything lost in that horrific moment 5 years ago! Now that my husband has been forced into retirement, life goes at a much slower pace and I love that! We take more time to garden, which has been great “ therapy” for both of us!
Thank you again for the post, quite refreshing!
Hi Dori,
The Captcha above always seems to be timed out when I try to post, and I lose all I said. Self care to me is reading my Bible daily, writing verses that have special meanings for me, watching the birds, plant’s in my garden growing, daffodils blooming in the Spring, and working on Family History and helping others.
Hi Dori!
I so look forward to your blog each month! Your messages are really inspiring and motivating! Dori, you should consider writing a book, perhaps sharing your words of wisdom, craft ideas and recipes! I know it would be a best seller!
How I consistently practice self-care involves teaching my daughter skills which my mother taught me, such as: reading, cooking, baking, quilting, sewing, crocheting, knitting, and all mediums of creative art. I also tell my daughter stories of her grandparents; how kind, generous and showing by their example, we were taught how to live with God in our lives daily.
This is my idea of self-care, not preserving physical beauty but to preserve and pass on timeless learning and nurturing practical life skills, knowing a solid foundation of who we are and preserving and sharing these gifts from God with others!
I look forward to next month’s blog and hopefully win your give-away!!!
Take care,
Eileen
I recently retired after 52 years of working at the same job. I loved my job. I am now having to learn how to spend my days. I never thought of doing self care. Now is the time to put that in action. Thank you so very much for your blog but especially for this one.
I take time every day to sit on my deck and just enjoy the flowers and watch the birds instead of thinking the gardens need weeded or the chicken coop needs cleaned out.
I wake up, make my coffee, then give my tabby cat some attention. He is only able to get attention in the early mornings, as our female cat is an attention hog. After the tabby has his attention time, then I read or did needlepoint work during the winter. Now that it is spring, I will start the garden prepping. I like to do crafts and hike when possible.
As a nurse often say we are great care givers not takers so really feel your sisters per suit of self care. Women need other women in there lives, a creative outlet, and a time to enjoy life.
We are empty nesters. I also work outside of the home. My new love is learning how to speak French! I work learning online daily AND have ordered a workbook/text book which is due to arrive tomorrow. Keeping our mind nimble is key! Au revoir!
My self-care routine is full of the things that bless my soul – devotion/prayer time, family gatherings, church, girlfriend outings, and taking time to admire God’s creation wherever I am. (Living out here in the country makes me wonder if blue and green are His favorite colors…)
I love to read, cross-stitch, garden and bake for my family. Also the care of 9 grandkids keeps me going all the time. But it’s a life I love and I wouldn’t trade it!!
A nice bath with Lavender Bath salts. I feel like I am at a Spa. All I need then is a massage.
Have a Beautiful weekend.
Debbie
As a “pleaser” and problem solver, I have gradually been getting used to the notion that “no” is a spiritual word, too, and setting up boundaries for myself without feeling guilt. It’s empowering and nice to not feel so drained all the time.
Also, I make it a point to visit with and dote on my friend’s dog Bruno almost daily- he’s a lovebug and no matter what kind of day I may be having, he always manages to bring me down a few notches and get me out of my funk. It’s not exactly a “self-care routine” but the simple act of making time to give and receive love can do wonders. Time with animals is a blessing! 🙂
Affirmations! Whether out loud or silent thoughts…I thrive on reminding myself what a marvelous creation I am! Grateful for my God, my family, my blessings and talents, and how beautifully created I am…how the body is perfectly designed to heal and to function to make me who I am and able to contribute to my family and community.
My favorite form of self care is crafting and I very frequently gift the items I make. I am working on something for myself right now and that feels special because I don’t do it that often.
I always enjoy these posts. I practice self-care by taking time to read with quiet music.
I attend church regularly and try my best to get a good night sleep.
Thank you so very much my sweet friend for your inspiring, encouraging and uplifting blog! It blesses me so very much! I do many things for self care, but some of the ones that are most meaningful to me is the time I spend reading my Bible, praying, journaling; including drawing and writing scriptures in it and just growing closer to God. Family! My family is so very important to me and I love to show my love, gratitude and kindness to them in many ways but my baking, cooking and homemade gifts are the biggest part of it. I love to teach my 3 year old grandson how to garden, bake, cook, paint, draw, sew and so much more…this helps both of us and I love the precious time we get to be together one on one. Generosity/Hospitality! I absolutely love to be hospitable at home or at our business and everywhere to our family, friends and community. I love to be generous…I do not make a New Year’s Resolution ever…instead I make a commitment to a word, phrase or task to help others. For example, I have actually been using the same word for several years because it brings so much joy to me…it is “intentional”! Being intentional in all that I do, especially intentional generosity is so gratifying, joyful, a way to show your love, kindness, compassion and so much more! Thank you so much Dori! YOU always bring joy and light to my day when I read your blogs. May God bless you abundantly for all that you do and give. Lots of love, hugs and blessings, Brittany
I sit and drink my coffee in my “special place” in the house ,and give myself a few extra minutes to wake up and reflect on the day before it starts. This sets the tone for the rest of the day. Even if things go haywire during my day …I have had some minutes of “self-care” first thing in the morning .
I walk my dogs, paint ceramics, and propagate my uncommon houseplants.
My self care is a daily cup of herbal tea and a good book. Twenty to thirty minutes of getting lost in someone else’s story or learning something new leaves me inspired and refreshed!
Hi, Dori! As a homeschooling mom to 6 (down to the last one!) and full-time caregiver to my beloved husband who had a massive stroke almost 5 years ago, I definitely understand the importance of “self-care!” It was actually forced on me when my health became impacted by trying to “do it all” and not just stopping to BREATHE and take some moments out of the day. Bless you for the chance to win a fun and thoughtful gift!
Taking even a few minutes every day in my tiny sunroom. It is filled with plants and my own special objects, trip mementos and nature gifts from my kids and grandkids. A morning coffee “by the river”. So simple!
I find self-care in generosity. Expecally in the form of “random acts of kindness”. It’s in giving a helping hand, creating something special or just listening I find personal joy.
Journaling is one of my “self care”s. When I can’t sleep I pick up my journal and dump…the good, the bad, the ugly; and then also my Bible..sometimes when I’m almost too tired to read, just simply holding my Bible in my lap relaxes me, and I soon drop off to sleep
Walking in nature is part of my self care routine
I read my Bible daily & my day is “complete” when I can read, sew, practice music on the piano, and do a crossword puzzle! Thanks for an opportunity to win!
Self-care for me as I age is not so much about being self-focused as it is about caring the best I can for the self God has blessed me with! In light of this I try to grow my faith, spend time with loved ones, encourage others, take daily health supplements, eat balanced meals, get proper sleep, enjoy the great outdoors and stay active, find new adventures to enjoy with my husband, and pursue creative outlets that help me recharge.
I do the Rosary every day. I also read a few pages or more in the book I am reading. Thank you for the giveaway.
Marilyn
I practice self care daily by getting outside to get fresh air and exercise, relaxing with a cup of tea, and by practicing meditation.
One way I practice self care is to grab a cup of coffee and a great book and cuddle in for a story! It is a way of relaxing and letting my mind wander to another place!
Good Morning, Dori;
I like to begin my day early. As I drink my first cup of coffee, I prepare for the day. When the dawn breaks, I can see that each day has its own beauty and each day has its own blessings. I remember and I am simply thankful.
Hi Dori,
I always enjoy your blog posts and have the ironing board cover on my to do list. Thank you for sharing your self care ideas. I have to agree with you on the flower farming! I started a small cut flower patch and it has been one of my greatest joys. It begins with picking out the seeds in early winter and ends with digging the last dahlia tuber in the fall. The beauty between those two events makes me smile all spring and summer.