The Part Where the Author Shares Some Good News

As I mentioned yesterday, the Farmer and I see his impending unemployment as an opportunity to explore some new possibilities. Our retirement plans have been affected by the downturn in the economy but we've always been the kind of people who can adjust their expectations. We've had many discussions along the lines of, "Our retirement probably won't look like this, we'll probably have to scale down our plans."

Believe me when I say that this has saved us a lot of heartache. You definitely need to have dreams, and it's good to dream big, but you should never be married to your dreams. That can create disappoint as big as a mountain.

I'd like to thank everyone for your words of encouragement and tales of similar experiences. Isn't it good to know that we're not alone in our struggles? It's a wonderful thing to know that you have a well of wisdom to draw from. Thanks also for telling your friends to come and read. I appreciate it.

Last fall when the herb business sold, the Farmer and I had a clue that things would take a different turn. At that time I had a seed of an idea. I've been selling my aprons and handbags locally and for a short while I had an Etsy shop. The problem was that I didn't really need the income and there was no sense of purpose behind my efforts. Nothing is more motivating than the thought that you've got to put some bacon on the table!

I made a plan and used my small advertising income to buy my new sewing machine. I put things in motion and next Friday I'll be unveiling my new Etsy shop called, "Farmer's Wife - At Home". I'll be offering my aprons, handbags (with a lucky penny tucked inside), some cute little wallets, cotton dishcloths, vintage linens and whatever else I can dream up. I fully expect the Farmer to serve as a consultant and I don't intend to pay him a penny!

This endeavor reminds me of all the women who've gone before me. There are so many fascinating stories about women who've taken the initiative to help their families and improve their lot in life. My Aunt Em worked in the Mars candy factory and a school cafeteria to help put her children through college.

My neighbor Margie has lived on her little farmette for over 60 years. In my eyes she was a homesteader! Her and her husband build their small house. They had electricity but no central heat. Margie tells a story about scrubbing her kitchen floor and her hands and knees. In the winter the water would freeze before she finished the task. Her husbands salary was stretched as far as it would go. Undeterred she got a job and bought that furnace.

Let me know if you have an Etsy shop or sell something online. I'd love to do some reviews and feature women who are entrepreneurs.

Thanks again for taking time from your busy day to stop in and visit with me.