JoAnne in S Canada I briefly met JoAnne while staying at the King Hotel in Kingsville, Ontario. She was a rural woman who had recently moved back to her childhood home and remodeled it with her second husband. She had a career as an Administrative Assistant at a fire department. She spoke of her two grown daughters, her mother who had moved into a condo, and how she juggled … [Read more...]
Voices of Rural Women across American Heartland -11
My rural women's story today is in pictures...they tell a story with few words. As I understand, the Amish choose to have no electricity, keep motors at a minimum, and keep the values of their heritage/ancestors. Gave me much material for thought as I sat on the back of the Spyder with ample time and sweet views. Enjoy the picture story. I post this with the highest … [Read more...]
Voices of Rural Women across American Heartland-10
Inez in Western NY Ninety-five years ago today, August 26, 1920, women were granted the right to vote. By chance, we happened upon a statue of three women in Seneca Falls, NY. It represented Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Bloomer (dress reformer), and Elizabeth Cady Stanton meeting - shaking hands. Anthony and Stanton played leading roles in the cause of woman suffrage. If not for … [Read more...]
Voices of Rural Women across American Heartland-9
Hannah in NW Pennsylvania. We rode all day and I only talked to one man at an antique store when we stopped to look at a map. Otherwise I spoke with no person. But, I did get an email from a rural woman who was upset with a story I told at a recent presentation. She recalled I spoke of rape in a humorous story and that I was insensitive to women in the group who have … [Read more...]
Voices of Rural Women across American Heartland-8
I only spoke briefly to one rural woman all day - but great stories are often short... Gail in S Central Ohio We saw a sign directing us to apples and peaches, and turned onto a road with the beautiful Ohio setting of lush green everywhere. We pulled into a farm orchard where a red barn with a horse weather vane greeted us. Upon entrance two women cheerfully said … [Read more...]
Voices of Rural Women across American Heartland-7
Collective Faith in South Central KY Driving by a sign that said Sisters of Loretto, somewhere in the depths of my memory I thought of Sister Carol Sue. Loretto sounded so familiar and I wondered if she might live there. I asked around and learned Mass was at 10:00 on Sunday. With the help of some kind people who stopped to help us find our way, we found the Loretto … [Read more...]
Voices of Rural Women across American Heartland-6
Ellie in Central KY "Hi" she said as we walked into the winery, "I love your hat." That was the beginning of a great story. She was the owner of the on-site winery. She had a vineyard until 2010 when she said at fifty it was too hot working the vineyard in the heat. She said she was tired of being a deduction and decided to make wine. She started in her garage and her … [Read more...]
Voices of Rural Women across American Heartland-5
Wondering around Story Inn in Story, IN, population three, I happened upon a bar in the basement. The female bartender and a man and woman eating lunch at the bar were the only people in the room. We struck up a conversation and again an amazing story emerged...enjoy. Darla in South Central IN The woman at the counter said, "I see you must have rode-in on a Harley." (I had … [Read more...]
Voices of Rural Women across American Heartland-4
While packing the Spyder in front of our hotel, a woman pulled up beside us and asked where we were from...where we were going, etc. We told her we were headed to Story Indiana. "Oh, I hope you get the blue room - it is haunted." I proceeded to tell her about the haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO and her great story emerged. Enjoy. Cindy in Central Illinois Our house … [Read more...]
Voices of Rural Women across American Heartland-3
A delightful woman who told me her story with enthusiasm and pleasure in remembering. Her eyes sparkled, and she laughed at herself. I only asked her how long she had been working in the gift store - I received the true gift; I could have taken her home in my pocket. Cindy in NE Missouri When I was young I said, "I never want to marry a farmer - I don't think living on a … [Read more...]
Voices of Rural Women across American Heartland-2
Rain, rain, go away, come again another day...was my motto as we left NE and rode across MO (on our Can Am Spyder). I did have a delightful brief conversation with a woman through the window of her car after we pulled up beside her in front of a local cafe. Betty in NW Missouri I work here (pointing at restaurant we stopped for breakfast) and they stop serving breakfast at … [Read more...]
Voices of Rural Women across American Heartland
While on vacation across American Heartland - I will post a short clip each day from a woman living in one of the many small towns we visit....The voice of rural woman...I'm posting pictures from the environment unless I have permission to use pictures of the women...I've given them fictitious names starting with "A". Enjoy! Alice in SE Nebraska "...We went to school … [Read more...]
Be glad you’re not an old horse
Be glad you’re not an old horse One of my favorite summer activities is having my grandchildren visit. Each has different interests and therefore different requests for activities. Recently, the chosen fun was horseback riding. The show-up time was 9:45; I signed the form stating that any injury inflicted while riding their horses was entirely my fault. We were assigned … [Read more...]
What are you doing to stretch your comfort zone?
What are you doing to stretch your comfort zone? This morning my husband said, “Let's ride to breakfast. Want to?” I said, “Sure, but I want to ride the Spyder and you can ride the Harley.” I’m pretty much a girly-girl, so my idea was a BIG statement. I have taken the beginner’s rider’s academy and have a motorcycle endorsement on my license, but I am a chicken when it comes … [Read more...]
Perfect is not possible – usually
Perfect is not possible - usually What a beautiful Fourth of July…we rode the Can Am and enjoyed the wonderful Colorado Rockies. We stayed away from the crowds and watched the amazing Macy’s fireworks display in NYC - in the comfort of our own sofa. Perfect is not possible – but days like yesterday are close. As a farm wife for 30 years, most Fourth of July holidays were … [Read more...]