Hey friends,
              Just to update you on what the Farm Chicks have going. The Folk Art Show held at The Briar Patch was a success, thanks to all the chicks. Everyone lent a hand putting up and tearing down displays and running the Farm Chick stand. We spoke to a lot of ladies interested in what we do and our group and I hope some of them will start a group of their own. As we gather groups together we hope to host a Farm-A-Palooza out here at The Briar Patch so that we can all get together and exchange ideas, information and have a great time. So, put on your farm girl boots and gather your friends and join us won't you. We have a great time and learn so much from each other, what fun!

It's a library display!

We have been busy little bees chicks this week!  Plans were made and an emergency meeting was called to make preparations for our window display at the Plymouth Public Library...and now after much arranging and rearranging.... it's done! 

We think it turned out pretty nice and it really makes a statement about what we are all about...sustainability (which basically is a fancy way of saying taking care of what God gave us), frugal living, gardening, recycling and reusing, canning and preserving,  and fun and fellowship with one another. 

It's about learning together,  teaching one another,  sharing and lifting each other up, lending a helping hand and making a difference.  Want to know how to get involved and form your own group?  Come see us at the 4th Annual Folk Art Show and Sale at The Briar Patch on June 30th, 2012. We'll be there all decked out in our chick aprons and muck boots...and maybe even straw hats... and we'd love to meet you so be sure to check out all the details at thebriarpatchgardenshop.blogspot.com  .

Until next time....toodles!
  Shannon

I dream in country!

I grew up on a small farm.  It wasn't a big deal....a few chickens, a couple of ducks, two dogs, a pony, a huge vegetable garden and some fruit trees.  We lived a quarter of a mile off the road back against some woods, where a small, stocked pond hide just beyond the trees.  Our family didn't have much, but we had what we needed, and it was enough.  I didn't appreciate the simple, slower pace of those times, and only thought of growing up and leaving the farm behind....that happened in 1984.  


Twenty eight years later, I'm happily married, have two sons and a daughter-in-law, and just recently became a retired, empty nester.  I live in a small town in the country, but not on a farm.  I live in a subdivision, with an HOA, nice houses and great neighbors.  There is wildlife everywhere, and although I love sitting in the rockers on my front porch, I've really been thinking alot about, and missing my times on the family farm!  


One day, while reading Mary Jane's Farm magazine, I noticed an article about farm girl chapters.  Basically, anyone, anywhere, who has a farm girl spirit, no matter if you live on a farm, in an apartment, (or in a subdivision), can be a member.  Excitedly, I looked online to see if there was a chapter in my area, and guess what?  There was!  Now I am a member of the Plymouth Indiana, WaHoo Farm Chicks group and I LOVE IT!  We're a group of 5 friends, who have a great time when we gather for our monthly meetings!  For me, it was a wonderful way to fill the newness of being retired and an empty nester. But something else has happened because of this group....I am relearning the skills that I lost after leaving the farm 28 years ago! Sewing, canning, tilling and putting in a garden, learning to be frugal, making my own laundry detergents, cleaning supplies, and beauty products.  Sharing dreams, offering support.....we are a sisterhood!  A sisterhood of Farm Chicks!


Now, I dream in country!  My house in our subdivision has become my "farm"! I don't have farm animals, but I have a cat!  And whenever I need a farm girl fix, a little time working on a farm, I drive down the road to my Farm Chick sister's farm, and spend part of the day remembering!  There are cows to entertain me while I work in the garden.  There are cats and a dog to lovingly greet me.  And Romeo, the rooster, calls out often to remind us that he's there!  


Looks like we'll be sharing some of our adventures and tips here on our new blog, so be sure to check back often, as we start this journey with you!  We look forward to getting to know you too, through your comments, so be sure and keep in touch!


Until next time,
Vanessa :)