“Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.” ~Pema Chödrön “There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” ~Epictetus “In the process of letting go you will lose many things from […]
“Vexation,” 11 x 14 oil on canvas by Tonya R. Hengerer I started painting about a year ago, and I’ve probably painted fewer than 10 paintings—total. I am a novice. I always have a flutter of anxiety before beginning a new painting, worrying that my next endeavor will be terrible. When I paint, I usually use a […]
Originally posted on fourth generation farmgirl:
September is my birthday month, and thankfully, I’m turning another year older. I am now firmly into my fourth decade–or as my husband corrected–fifth decade, because you count 0 to 10 as your first decade…..okay—whatever! The bottom line….I am forty-something and well into the journey of my life. And, with this understanding, I started…
I hadn’t planned to write a post today as I’m feeling sad and a little mopey about Maud. While I’m happy she’s not suffering anymore, I miss her. I keep thinking I need to take her for a little walk, give her medicine, or look in on her. I miss Maud’s presence. I’ve spent a lot of time with Dash over the course of the day, figuring he may be somewhat confused by Maud’s absence. Plus, I needed to be around him more as well. It’s been a sunny, beautiful day on Green Hill Farm, and Dash and I have taken full advantage of it by going on two, long walks. On our jaunt around the pastures, I noticed both the sheep and chickens basking in the warmth, enjoying the spring weather. A sight that offered solace. This afternoon, I was running a tiny bit late feeding the barn cats and collecting eggs–just feeling a little off, I guess. Anyway, I walked into the barn, and “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)” by The Byrds was playing on the radio. I don’t know if you’re familiar with the song, but the lyrics, except for the title which is repeated throughout the song, and the final verse of the song, are adapted almost word-for-word from Chapter 3 of the Book of Ecclesiastes, set to music and recorded in 1962. “To everything (turn, turn, turn) There is a […]
Originally posted on fourth generation farmgirl:
When I think of old houses or antiques, I’m reminded of the Japanese philosophy called wabi-sabi. Loosely translated, it’s the art of finding beauty in imperfection, revering authenticity above all. It celebrates cracks and scratches and all other marks that time, weather, and loving use leave behind. Some of the things that I love…
Last week, I shared a post singing the praises of September. Around here, September is normally a lovely time of year—temperate weather and blue skies; however, since my post, it has been nothing but overcast and rainy. So, instead of enjoying sunny days and views such as this one….. We’ve had gray and cloudy days like these. And, this is […]
According to a notification from WordPress, it’s been one year since I became the voice of Fourth Generation Farmgirl— blogging mostly, but not entirely, about the happenings on Green Hill Farm—past and present. I want to express my thanks to those of you who take time out of your busy days to read my posts. I am deeply appreciative of your […]
I would like to express my thanks to everyone who has been so kind to ask about Maud. I really appreciate your interest and concern regarding her progress. Maud has been steadily making gains over the last few weeks. She hasn’t felt wonderful, partially due to her illness as well as the steroids, but she is better. She visited the […]
September is my birthday month, and thankfully, I’m turning another year older. I am now firmly into my fourth decade–or as my husband corrected–fifth decade, because you count 0 to 10 as your first decade…..okay—whatever! The bottom line….I am forty-something and well into the journey of my life. And, with this understanding, I started considering the passing years and what […]
My name is Tonya, and I grew up on a 300-acre farm in rural Virginia that has been in my family for over 100 years. After graduating from college, receiving my master’s degree in speech and language pathology, and living and working in a small city for six years, I decided to return to the place of my childhood. Here, in this rural area, on this patch of green, where for four generations my family has farmed, gardened, and lived, I, too wanted to be a part of this continuity. As a fourth generation farmgirl, I have many interests that not only include, but also go beyond the basics of farming, gardening, sheep and chicken-keeping. It is all of this and more that I plan on sharing in this blog.
fourth generation farmgirl 