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February, 2009


Dear MaryJane ...

I hardly know where to begin ... I stumbled across MaryJanesFarm magazine in August and it demanded that I take it home with me! Have you ever had a book fall off a shelf in a library or bookstore as you walked past, and when you look, it’s exactly what you needed right at that time in your life? This magazine, and all that comes with it, has been life-changing for me.

My dad passed away on September 12, my birthday, after a year-long struggle with his heart and other issues. We were very close and, needless to say, it will be a long, long time before I stop looking for him to walk in the house or flash me one of his ready smiles followed by a bear hug and “I love you.” I have been restless for some time, bobbing around like a cork in water, trying this, trying that, never feeling “at home.” Then your magazine came into my life, Dad left my life, and weird as it all seems, it has been like watching all the pieces of my life fall into place.

As a little girl, I always dreamed of having my own homestead and living the country life. Since my brother and I were blessed enough to have been raised on a farm with the wonderful childhood to go with that, it seemed reasonable enough that I’d want to keep doing that. But life happens, and my dream got sidetracked for over 30 years.

So here’s the thing: I left my job of almost 20 years, and am going to be a stay-at-home farmgirl for the first time in my adult life! My husband, son, and mom are all very supportive and encouraging. The garden and I are getting reacquainted as I prepare “her” and myself for the coming months of deep peace and inner rebuilding with the ever-present hope of spring and new life. Mom is re-teaching me how to crochet, and I’m digging out my sewing basket and dreaming a new wardrobe into reality. I’ve been dusting off my baking and cooking skills, much to the delight of my family, and I’m thinking of actually making Christmas gifts this year! And I’m going to get a dog ... and goats and chickens, and ...

MaryJanesFarm has rekindled something old and sacred in my heart, and I feel like, for the first time in a very long time, I am coming home. I feel as though I’ve been given a chance to heal, to take care of me in a way I had lost over the years. Of course, when we’re in sync with Spirit, life can be very serendipitous! And I’m learning that out of great sorrow, new life can be born. I am so so grateful that you are there—you came along at just the right time! The coolest part is, throughout my life’s journey, I have been a farmgirl at heart, just waiting for my time to sprout! It’s never too late. Dad and I are living the dream ... he, from heaven ... me, from Earth as I realize the peace that comes from finally following my heart.

Thank you, MaryJane, for touching my life!
Ruth Friddle
Ohio

 

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