Something funny happens when you create online.
You put bits and pieces of yourself out there—things you know are only bits and pieces. But over time, people start to assume those pieces are the whole story. It’s not their fault. It’s not your fault. It’s just the nature of the internet… and these weird little para-social relationships we create here.
For a decade and a half, I’ve shared the homestead part of myself online. Not because I was hiding the rest of me—but because the rest didn’t really fit the homestead narrative. And for a long time, my homestead was indeed the main thing. It was my primary passion and the lens through which I saw everything.
But lately… it’s been shifting. The homestead part of me is still woven into my days, but it’s not the headline anymore. It’s moved to the background (like I talked about in that post), and other parts of me are finally coming up for air.
So this new year feels like the perfect time for a reintroduction.
These are the parts of me that have never fit the tidy “homestead woman” picture. My rough edges, my contradictions… The pieces I used to keep off-camera because they weren’t “on brand,” even though they’ve always been true.
Some are weighty, some are silly. Some of it might surprise you. Some of it won’t. Either way, it’s me. And it’s nice to finally and fully meet you.
- I feel the most like myself when I’m horseback doing a job. Not gardening, or canning, but horseback. Those are the moments I’m fully in my body and fully me. And that’s become my compass for a lot of other decisions. If something gives me that same grounded, locked-in feeling, I know it’s a full-body YES.
- I either care a LOT or I don’t care at all. I have a very all-or-nothing personality. When I care about something, I’m obsessive and Type A. When I don’t… I’m clueless and don’t pay attention to details.
- I get my hair professionally done once a year, if I’m lucky. Otherwise, I cut it myself and dye the grays with this shampoo stuff I found on Instagram. I don’t do manicures, and I’m proud of my scarred, weathered, wrinkly, working hands. The thought of driving to town to spend an hour in a nail salon makes me want to punch a wall.
- I don’t do Botox, obvi. That’s not a judgment on anyone else, but it’s a hard no for me. I love how I’m aging. When I see women mourning their twenties, I can’t relate. I wouldn’t trade what I know now or the confidence I feel in my body for the smoother skin of my younger years. I’m much happier here.
- I walk fast, move fast, talk fast, and think fast. It’s a blessing and a curse.
- I cuss more than you would probably expect. Sorry, not sorry.
- I’ve realized over the past year that a lot of people are intimidated by me because I have RBF. When I’m focused (which is also when I’m the happiest), I tend to look mad…. But I’m not—I’m just locked in. So if you see me speed-walking through the soda fountain with my serious face on, know I’m probably having the time of my life.
- I turned 40 last year. I’ve always heard people talk about your Forties as the time when you finally stop caring what people think, and I couldn’t fathom such a thing. But IT’S HAPPENING. And it is absolutely MAGIC. I will surely be writing more about this as the year progresses….
- I wear jeans almost always. Kimes Ranch (Lolas or Jolenes) are my favorite. I don’t wear dresses because (a) they’re wildly impractical for doing anything outside (especially with rattlesnakes and wind and riding), and (b) they give me the ick thanks to my Baptist childhood (see below). However, I will say… I bought two skirts last year that feel feral and rebellious and very much “me.” So perhaps I’m reclaiming dresses on my own terms a little.
- I’ve always loved button-down western shirts, but for a while I stopped wearing them because I thought I needed to fit into a different box. I bought a bunch of normal “mom clothes” and business-casual outfits, and every time I put them on, I could feel myself dim a little. My body felt muted and cold—like I was dressing for someone else’s life. So I sold and donated a huge chunk of my closet. Now it’s back to button-ups and jeans whenever I feel like it… which is pretty much always. (My all-time favorites are the Cowboy Girl collection by Ely Cattleman.)
- I’m a homebody. I love my home, and I love making it cozy and welcoming.But the Instagram “homemaker movement” makes me want to crawl out of my skin.Some of that is tied to my childhood, and some of it is just… I can’t do the box. I can’t abide by the messaging that ties a woman’s worth to how joyfully she folds a fitted sheet. I love my home. But there is more to me than these four walls.I’ll make soup and light a candle and create a space that feels safe and warm—but I’m not interested in turning basic domestic tasks into my personality or a moral scorecard. And I certainly don’t believe every woman’s highest calling is folding laundry and doing dishes.
- I’m bored with 99.9% of homesteading content out there these days, and I don’t consume any of it.
- I read nonfiction almost exclusively. I’m forever the oddball when a group of women start talking about what they’re reading. I haven’t the slightest clue about the latest Colleen Hoover novel or Fourth Wing or whatever BookTok is passing around these days…My list usually includes books about evolutionary biology, weird history, and social commentary. I used to feel bad about not reading fiction like “everyone else,” but I don’t anymore. I just can’t make myself care about a pretend character’s love triangle. (Although hand me a good memoir and I’m in.)
- I consider myself politically homeless. I don’t fit neatly on the Right or Left, and I’m not interested in living on a steady diet of outrage or letting partisan drama become my whole personality. I keep up with current events loosely, but I don’t mainline the news. Call me irresponsible, but I’ve watched too many good people work themselves into an utter panic over headlines… and nothing ever changes except their blood pressure.I’d rather be on the ground in my community doing real, tangible work than doom-scrolling in the name of “research.”
- People online have been trying to figure out my religion for years, so they can either align with me, hate me, or save me. Because of that, I have refused to hand the internet any sort of label. (Basically, just to be obstinate…) But I’m 40 now, and I say the things.So here it is:I don’t go to church anymore. (Cue the pearl-clutching.)I was raised IBLP / Independent Fundamental Baptist. (Yes, Shiny Happy People is very, very real.) I’ve spent the past 20 years untangling from that. I have a relationship with God, but it’s private and sacred and I have zero interest in forcing it into tidy boxes, denominational labels, or Sunday-morning pew-sitting.
So there you have it, my friend.
If any of that surprised you, good. If you feel the need to unfollow, that’s totally fine. And I mean that. No hard feelings. We’re allowed to change, and we’re allowed to opt out when something doesn’t fit anymore.
But I’m done sanding off the edges to make the internet comfortable.
This is me—unapologetically.
And there’s probably more to come, so buckle up. ?
By the way, f you’ve been told you’re a little too much for some rooms too… pull up a chair. You’re in good company.
The coffee might go cold while we talk, but I promise it’ll be real. ??
Ha! I think ppl are more intimidated by the fast talking and thinking and confidence than RBF. I say that bc I experience the same thing and have since I was a little kid and I don’t have RBF but I do have the other qualities. And they are especially poorly received when coming from a woman.
I too am the most myself on a horse, but I do love dressing up like a girl. Hard no to manis and pedis, though. I haven’t touched any kind of hair dye since about 2006.
In general, I’ve learned to love my out-of-the-ordinary self and getting into my 40s has made me so much more comfortable in my own skin. You and I share many many of the same qualities and general American culture, especially urban culture, doesn’t know how to take us. But I’ve always believed that deep down most people (women especially) are jealous. 😉
Sounds like we would get along. Untangling years of religious indoctrination and “don’t ask questions do as you’re told” brining up. I cuss like the dickens but it’s always appropriate. All the online homesteading stuff got me pulled in so I don’t regret it, I appreciate it but I no longer care to see it. It got fake real quick. Another way to make money. I felt no sense of community in these paid groups either. Something they sold but never provided and something I was yearning for. Got the ick. Thanks for being honest and welcome to the 40s that give no Fs. ?
Hi, Jill, I think this is your best post yet. You really have your life figured out and are comfortable with yourself–a rarity. Likewise, it took me about 50 years to to reach that point where I liked myself just the way I was–self-made, self-educated in spite of a couple of useless degrees, at peace with God and not hating anyone, if not actually loving everyone. Same feelings on organized religion, two-party politics, talking head newscasters, and busybody “authorities” and “experts”.
I’ve been homesteading for many years, and though I’ve enjoyed your posts and speeches on the subject, I’m more into the outside work than the domestic side, so I didn’t pay much attention to your commentary. I will pay more attention to you this year. Thanks.
I loved reading this. Especially about religion. You have given me an oomph for how to describe my own relationship with God. Grew up going to catholic schools and then went as far away from religion as possible for most of my 20s/early 30s. Now as a 37yr old adult and mother and someone deeply connected to nature, spiritual and believing in God in a way I haven’t quite found the words for yet, I just can’t get behind any denomination or descriptor or label or box. So I too will be saying my relationship with God is private and my own. It doesn’t need a box to fit in!
Wow! The more I read- the better I like you!
(TBH – I’ve always liked you- but this? Even better!)
Your honesty is refreshing!
Me too!
You be you Jill, I’m excited to get to know you better. ??
Jill, are you my long lost twin. Lol. No seriously, there are a lot more of “us” out here than you maybe realized. Always stay true to you. Maybe you found your new format for those of us here that need our own voice. That it’s OK to not fit the mold. I grew up as you, Baptist and Methodist with all the training of what a woman is. A woman is who she is, faults define us in our good and bad moments. I have never fit the mold. Black sheep of the family, was always told ” why do you want to be a man”? Ridiculous. Just me, rough and shiny like an uncut diamond, but a true diamond none the less. Please continue to inspire the many many women in the world who don’t fit the “mold”. There are millions of us. We are mothers, wives, professionals, and yes homesteaders on our own paths and not those expected of us by many others. Never apologize for being free of the box. I always say a box full of crap placed in a pretty box and tied up in fancy wrapping paper and a bow, is still a box full of crap. Keep the Hope going, your doing great!
Jill, I appreciate your frankness and good for you! You remind me a bit of myself when I was in my 40’s. I’m in my mid-70’s now and my horses and dogs are still the center of my life. My homestead is my home. I grow as much of my food as I can, depending on the weather in Central Texas. We are prone to drought, summers in the 100’s and occasional winter days in the teens when the north wind blows 40 MPH, grasshoppers that can eat through any row cover, and Army caterpillars that can decimate a 10 acre hay field in 48 hours. Its a tough place to garden as the soil has more rocks than soil, so raised beds are the most productive route. I have been baking with sourdough since 1974 and have taken starter from Texas to California, back to Texas and Kentucky and points in between sharing with family, friends and neighbors. I still marvel at the beautiful colors of the eggs I collect each day from my flock and am thankful to God that I’m still able to ride and teach horsemanship. Each day is a gift from God. Yes, I am a Christian and I don’t read my Bible as much as I want and I don’t ride as much as I want. I’m studying herbalism, am semi-retired, but still work part-time to pay the bills. Life is good. I feel you are heading into the most fulfilling years of your life Jill. No judgement, no mani’s or pedi’s. Enjoy them! The best is yet to come!
Thank you Jill for putting this out there, this is a wonderful piece! There are so many of us in a similar “season” in our life. Being unapologetically content, stubborn in knowing what we want and where we want to be. Not in it to impress others. We welcome you to this next stage of life, it is a wonderful place to be! I look forward to reading more!
Thanks for sharing real!! It’s so much more relatable, and sheds understanding on posts. I’ll be watching and reading more than I have in the past, as I have a better “connection”.
Appreciating that!!
I am 49 and I relate to so much of what you’ve said!! I grew up forced to wear skirts because of the church my grandmother chose for our family, and rarely wear them today. I dislike politics, and have a very strong faith, but don’t attend church. I live in the country and deer hunt, and raise chickens and garden, but can’t tell you how off it seems when I see a woman in a long dress “homesteading” on social media. In fact, I removed social media apps from my phone, and appreciate your emails. Be you, and feel free to share that with us. You aren’t alone.
Oh, Jill, for *years* I’ve thought you are my kindred spirit, and how I wished you could know me — or at least know about me. There have been many times when I sat down to write you a letter, thinking maybe we can be friends IRL (even though I don’t live anywhere near you), and I realize you probably have zero time for a “pen pal”, but I can’t help but think, I love this girl.
I’m well past 40 years old — even well past 50 (but still in that same decade), but I feel like I could easily still be in my 40s.
My husband and I have been homesteading for well over a decade, but not in a Better Homes & Garden kind of way. More like in a we-live-on-15+-acres-with-a-well-and-septic-tank and want to eat real food kind of way.
We’ve run an online business for the past 20+ years while raising (& homeschooling) three kids who are all now adults. And we did so without the help or support of anyone living around us for the better part of those years.
That’s because we lost our community (& family) support when we dared to ask apparently-taboo questions that upset the leadership at our Independent Southern Baptist church and chose to audit our belief system in pursuit of the truth (in all areas of our life).
We have been craving community ever since. Now, our family is in a different stage of life, and thankfully, because of the lifestyle we’ve chosen, as well as other choices we’ve made along the way, we are able to shift as needed to continue developing the kind of world we want to live in and pave a way for our kids to flourish in.
Anyway, all this to say, I *so* appreciate you and the part you have played in my life over the past decade, at least. While I do have, use & *love* your Prairie Homestead cookbook and I’ve gleaned some homesteading-related instruction from you over the years, what I treasure most is hearing your take on stuff and being inspired & encouraged by you.
Because even though you probably have no idea who I am, I feel seen by you. 🙂 Bless you, my friend. And I don’t mean that in any churchy/religious kind of way. I simply want you to know that you’ve blessed me countless times and have made a significant impact on my life, and I’m grateful for that — and for you. Sincerely.
The more you reveal your rough edges, the more I like you and your content. And I’ve always liked your content! I’ll be 40 this year and I feel every single bit of this post! The internet sucks and I’m tired of dimming my light. I don’t fit in any of the boxes out there and I don’t want to fit into a box anyway. Keep on with this content! I love it!
Love this. I’m turning 40 in February. No more fucking around, life is too short and precious. Looking forward to more posts from this untethered Jill.
Oh girl! You could be my daughter! I love your list and find myself there as well.
Congrats on getting off the “what would people think” bandwagon. Especially on the religion (and politics) side of things. I had my experience with IBC as well. Learned some stuff but parted ways. I really like the way you describe your relationship with God. Sacred and personal. Me too!!
If we were actual neighbors, we would be good friends. Be true to who God made you and to heck with those who look down on ya for that. They don’t count in the end anyways!
Wow! The other comments appeared after I posted mine and I am so excited to see more women with a like attitude and life mindset! I love what I am reading and look very forward to any posts you get out there this year.
Yup, self-sufficient and comfy in my own skin. Definitely NOT urban. I don’t get that mindset and have no desire to EVER live there! I agree with Tara, most women are jealous of our mindset and just don’t quite know what to do with us.
Hey Jill, welcome to the comfort zone of aging past the day caring about what others think. You’re ‘molded and cured’ into who you will be for the rest of your life. You’re free now.
As long as I am respectful, helpful and caring towards others, I am content with myself. I have no one to impress and that gives me more time for me. Below is a note I keep on my phone to remind me of what’s important. The list is in no particular order:
Clean eating >95% (cheat 1-2 meals per week)
Fun/creative time everyday
Digital limit everyday
Self care/quiet time everyday
Clean, improve & repair environment everyday
Finish once I start something
Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without
Declutter & minimalize, then organize the rest
Plan fun & travel into every week
Peace, sister.
Totally understand almost all of it. I do get regular pedis – but it’s because my feet hurt if I don’t, and my back hurts if I try to do it myself. I’m usually in jeans, too, but I love a pretty shirt in clear colors. Pinks, blues, greens… the ones that make me feel happy.
Unfortunately, and to my forever regret, I do not have a horse, but they are my favorite animal in the world.
I do love Jesus, but I know I’m not Holy Spirit, and it’s not my job to change people, just love them.
And I really connect with your decision to ignore what people say and just be your true self. I’m in that season too, finally stepping into who I need (and want) to be after years of perfectionism and procrastination. I homeschooled for 16 years, and now that my kids are grown, I ended up writing a book about homeschool co-ops. I think you homeschool, too, right? It really can be such a sweet way to do life as a family. Not always pretty, though, since it can be lonely, messy, and full of those “am I messing this up?” kind of days. But I’ve lived through that, and that’s why I feel called to help other moms walking through the thick of it. And I’ve decided I don’t care if it takes off or not. I just want to love people through it.
I’m proud for you, Jill. It takes courage to show up as your whole self. But doesn’t it feel so much better when your outside matches your inside? And those of us who appreciate you? We’ll stay.
Best autobiography, I’ve read in a long-time!
I agree with Cathy Barnes.
I see you. And I thank you.
“Politically homeless” is a great way to put it and you’re not alone. I find myself embarrassed to align with either major party or the fringe ones. It all seems like a sensationalist show and not about the impotent things. I vote, locally especially but lately I’ve been so dissatisfied with the options each party chooses if all seems almost like a joke at this point.
Hi Jill,
It’s so nice to meet you! I have NEVER, EVER, commented to anyone on the internet before because nothing has resonated so deeply. You are unique and that should be valued! I turned 50 not that long ago, and trust me, these feelings will run even deeper in 10 years. I have never fit in ANYWHERE despite having lived in numerous states.
We have a lot in common:
No professional hair or nails (waste of time and money).
I wear what I am comfortable in and can work in, but for me that is workout clothing.
Women tend to not to include me (smart, nice, petite, and not bad looking for my age). I thought I had an RBF for a long time, but now I agree with a commenter above that it’s just jealousy. I thought things would change as we all got older and more mature, but unfortunately it has not.
I walk/talk/move fast, and I swear a lot more now that my kids are older.
I don’t belong ANYWHERE politically, nor do I want to, now that both parties are making themselves known.
I was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness. I am not necessarily damaged by the experience, but my thoughts on religion are different than just about anyone else. My relationship with God is deep and personal.
I can’t wait to hear more about your amazing 40’s awakening. The best is yet to come!
You can’t take the “Idaho” out of a girl! This was one of the best things I’ve read in a long time, Thank You for being you and being honest. It is very refreshing to see someone not doing YouTube just to make money off of everyone else and changing their personality for that money. Keep up the good work with your family and life.
I love this all so much. I’ve been following you since the beginning and this all completely tracks. I am also at my happiest when I am sitting a horse. I’m thrilled for you and all that your life has developed into.
Well, I learned something new: RBF.
Pretty horse, nice tack, don’t dally on your lead (personally, I’d keep a smaller loop under my belt, but then I likely fell off more than you have!)
Frank
I absolutely love this! Thanks for sharing your story and reintroducing yourself. It’s honest, refreshing, and sometimes needed. Looking forward to reading more about you! Happy New Year!
Forty really is freeing, isnt it? It surely was for me. And it gets even better, trust me. At 60+, people expect the unexpected from me. Keep on being you!
Girl, I met you once in a doTERRA conference and I knew right then that we can be besties!
Dressage instead of Western (although I want to learn!), yoga pants instead of jeans (most of the time), and I’m Jewish ? other than that, I think we belong to the same “you’re-too-much” club!!
You are a great example of what being a woman who knows her mind is! Bravo!
I’ll still be following you. Still be reading all your messages. Now more than ever I respect an individual’s choices on how they live their life. Not enough people feel that way.
Thanks for your post! I enjoyed reading every word.
Good for you, Jill. Honesty on the Internet seems to be in short supply, so your post is refreshing.
I look forward to seeing what adventures you get up to and choose to share. Cheers
We’ve only met once but I feel I knew all this about you! Its all been there, just nice to have you voice it. This was a fun read. Nice to “officially meet”. I relate and am on the same page with a lot.
Also- I’m always in jeans and was just realizing I needed new ones. Im going to try those. Thanks for the tip!
Jill been following since the beginning of your 1st cookbook!
This is lovely to read because I have just done the same thing. I stopped following homesteaders, and then stopped my own IG. Recently retired and for the first time in my life I didn’t feel like doing the garden!!! I now only can my broth but I still cook all my food. Got out of the box, and loving new things. I have always loved your writing, that post and your authenticity. To me you haven’t changed a bit! I’ve gone right along with you. Xoxo
I was raised in a ” Hell, fire, and brimstone” Baptist Church. I love that you are being your TRUE SELF!! I do not believe in Organized Religion, I believe in Jesus Christ. My garden is my church, those “4 walls of worship” mean little. I worship in my own way, in my own time, no rules apply! God bless you, Jill!! Thank you!!!
Jill,
I love this phase of your life for you. I wanted to share that I grew up in a similar world, wearing dresses as part of my “Pennsylvania Dutch” up bringing. I know what it’s like to live under the unspoken rule that women are meant to create the home and keep their mouths shut while doing it, and being force fed a particular religious narrative, never being able to question it. I eventually realized that way of living was not for me. Choosing differently came with a cost, but I would still choose it again. Living life on my own terms has been worth every bit of the price. I absolutely adore your spirit, and when it encourage you to always be true to yourself.
Always rooting for you!
I recently had a pastor share with my husband and I my ‘type,’ as determined by a church teaching he was using.
When he saw tears well up in my eyes, he asked about it. I told him he identified me as fearfully and wonderfully ‘type blank.’ And in the next breath told me there was not place for a ‘type blank’ woman in the church.
His response? “That’s hard.”
We don’t go to church there. And my husband screens all churches to see if women are recognized as valuable members before we go to any church.
It isn’t old news, sadly.
Loud minds require quiet places…
I absolutely love this! I like real rough edges and all. I can relate on many levels. A dairyman once told if you can’t cuss a cow you shouldn’t have them. Made me laugh out loud and think about that everytime my cows, sheep or chickens fall under the cussing. Thank you.
This post felt real and honest. Your authenticity is fabulous. And I agree, 40’s are amazing, there’s a freedom like never before.
I have been following you for a long time, not really interacting because I’ve been in my own silo. I deeply appreciate your honesty. The more I read and see you reveal the real you, claim your place, the more I relate because I’ve been on a similar path in many ways. Thank you so much.
You’ll get even more honest and give less foxes ? in your 50’s! I got to take a pic and have a quick chat with you in TN in 2023. You were my intro into homesteading way back, and one of the few I still follow because you are the real deal. Cheers to this new decade and the new year.
Plain truth simply stated and set out there for all to see. Jill you have reached the point of freedom so few ever really achieve. You seem to work in so many vectors at the same time like a whirlwind and not sure when you sleep. But you are solid evidence of what can be achieved if you follow your dreams. We have friends way outside of Cody and up in Sheridan and missed the ice cream parlor on our last journey. Continue exposing us to your writing and thoughts, everything from your kids to snow storms and fighting for pushing for education. I’m pushing 80 this year, yet I see life, religion, politics literally matching your viewpoints. I’m convinced you have it right.
Thank you for your openness. I can’t recall how I found your podcast but I have listened to every episode and I read this reintroduction with your voice. Old fashioned on purpose planner and cookbook owner. Still a follower!
And thank you for sharing Ely Cattleman! Western shirts that are actually affordable and functional. Who would have thought?! 😉
Welcome to the community of people who walked away from their wounded expression of organized church, but held on tight to God. I thought I couldn’t love you more, and this post proved me wrong. Cheering for you!
That just might be the best post you’ve ever written! I’ve never been a fan of hiding behind masks or trying to squeeze into boxes, so I love watching people find that place where they’re finally ready to be who are, regardless of other’s opinions. After all, the only opinions that really matter are from the people in our lives who truly matter.
I have said this before, but you truly do have a gift in the way you reflect on life, the things you have learned, how you have grown and especially how you write. I can absolutely relate in many ways to this post. I appreciate the revelations and authenticity. Well done and welcome to the 40’s club! LOL
The social media game lost me. While I did follow you there..since Covid I removed it from my phone and it has been a BLESSING!
This is the kind of email that I love reading.
I love that you are reclaiming who you are and refusing to shovel yourself into one of the many boxes this world tries to put us in. I am happiest atop a horse as well but have not had one in 19 years. Someday I hope to fix that!
Keep being you!
Wow I loved everything about this post-and reading the comments was such an encouragement to know there are so many more like minds out there than I would have imagined! I was raised extremely conservative and can relate completely to your spiritual journey, as well as your political standing. I’m not quite 40 yet, but the closer I inch to it the more me I feel myself becoming. Keep on being you!
I’m in my 70’s now. I’m still going pretty strong. Each decade seems to bring considerable changes. I’m just trying to enjoy the journey and appreciate how much I have learned and evolved. After all isn’t that why we are here? Embrace the changes.
Thank you. I am also a horse owner for 27 years now. I connect with everything here. So much of your story I can relate to. But sorry to hear about the church thing. I totally relate to that as well. I will soon be 74. I hit a point in my life too, where I needed to change churches and now attend a Baptist church. I don’t think it is anything like what you grew up in. I love that one of the members rides his horse to church and set up a pen for his horse while there. God’s love demonstrated through a church body! Keep searching, you will know when you find where you fit in.
Hi Jill! Ever since I’ve discovered your website (give-or-take eight years ago as a teenager), I’ve really liked your style. It’s grounding and sane, which I really appreciate 🙂
I resonate with what you said about your religious background. I also grew up with aspects of IBLP/Independent Fundamental Baptist, which came from my previous church’s pastor being on IBLP’s board of directors and my family going along with some of the ideas. The church I now go to is still not perfect of course, but it has been much better. Still learning things and figuring out what’s true regarding things about God; but so far, I’ve found Him to be more wonderful, loving, and freeing than I ever imagined growing up, so it’s been good! 🙂
Thank you for your honesty; and thank you for not worrying about what other people might think about you. Based on the other comments here, lots of people appreciate your being real; including me. Besides, we’ve all got our own kind of crazy, and I think it’s kind of cool! 😀
Actually, zero surprise. And I’d assume, close to where many of us are.
My question is, where do we find those that have abandoned their pearls – nothing to clutch, are bored with the homestead content – I was never comfortable with the word homestead, don’t have the energy to judge, still eat real food and probably grow most of it, and really want to hold out hope for the future?
I think we cling to boring forums to find connection. I really don’t care if you judge me for eating a sheep we raised (and probably butchered. At home.), but I still need some social connection.
We now live in a small town, are too college educated to be normal, have lived all the heck over, know how to swear (proficiently), don’t go to the right church (when we go), don’t go to bars except to grab an occasional pizza (that’s how we rebel) and are lonely! Cuz we’re weird! Except we so aren’t. Until you discover most of our kids are from other continents, and there are a heap of them, lots of languages, lots of skin tones, so much story. But, wasn’t that the point? We don’t flex our weirdness, but when one of the first questions people ask is about your kids it comes out pretty quick.
Just some more food for thought.