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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Roots

 I know it's the New Year and most folks are focused on the future. But today, I'm thinking of the past and how it has led me here. To my little farm, not far from where my Great Grandmother lived.
She's known in my family for (among other things) having come from Denmark and having a little trouble with the language, always telling my Dad to "Throw the cows over the fence" meaning throw some hay over  the fence to the cows! 

I'm also 7 miles from the farm my Grandparents moved to in 1933.
Where they raised their 4 children during the Great Depression. Because they were on that farm and had the faith, skills, resilience, and grit to grow, raise, and preserve food for their family they were able to give their ration stamps to the folks in town who really needed them. It was there that my Dad learned the many skills and life lessons he has passed on to me that allow me to take this path that I'm on. I hope I inherited some of that grit too!

Also, me and Dad both like cute goats! :)



That old farmhouse has been gone a long time now, but we still visit the land sometimes.



And it's still there in the heart of my very favorite homesteader.

It's a minimum no maintenance road. It's really bumpy. Sometimes it tries to throw you off the side. If it rains, you're not going anywhere, so you better just batten down the hatches. 


But I drive it anyway. Because it's my roots. Because my heart grew from there. Because, just like in life, sometimes the roughest roads lead to the best places.

I hope you're having a beautiful day!


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17 comments:

  1. A wonderful post, "because its my roots, because my heart grew from there" beautiful ♥ Thank you so much for helping to make the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop so much fun Hugs!

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    1. Thank you for the lovely comment! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  2. I enjoyed reading about your family and it was nice to see the pictures of your folks. I am glad I'm not the only one who thinks of the things that just are quite simply gone. I do think a persons future is built on the foundation of their past and an appreciation, no matter how good or bad that has got each one of us where we are today. Thanks for the great post.

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    1. Thank you Lynn! It's always interesting to look back and remember what our families have gone through and how they faced their challenges. I learn so much from them even though they're not all with me anymore. Have a great weekend!

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  3. What a wonderful post! I imagine it's quite comforting to have such great memories that close.

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  4. I'm so glad you enjoyed the post! For me, I love that I can think back on the struggles those before me had to face and see that they still prospered and found happiness. It gives me hope and strength. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and thank you for coming by!

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  5. it's always fascinating
    getting a peek into other folks' past

    i love the photos
    of the people and the beautiful land

    thanks for sharing
    at Fridays Unfolded!

    Alison

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  6. Great post!! Loved the pictures!!
    Thanks so much for stopping by!! And as far as me taking pics at 5 am, I am an early bird and think that part of the day is the best part!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  7. Hi Deb! Thank you for coming by and leaving the nice comment! I agree about the early mornings!

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  8. Oh how I loved this post! The part about your grandma saying 'throw the cows over the fence' made me smile. I loved seeing the photos and old bumpy roads are the best! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Hi Jann! I'm so glad you enjoyed the post! I have had some colorful folks in my family! :) Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  9. I love this post and am so glad you shared it on the HomeAcre Hop! Hope to see you again tomorrow! - Nancy The HomeAcre Hop

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    1. Hi Nancy! Thank you for dropping by today and for the lovely comment!

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  11. I did not have the bnefit of growing up in such a place, but my husband did and we now live in his hometown. I can definitely appreciate the value of roots! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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    1. Hi Kathy! Thank you for stopping by and for hosting the hop!

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