What's the Farmgirl Sisterhood? It’s been a few years in the making, but we’re finally ready to make “being a farmgirl” official by posting an ongoing, ever-growing list of Farmgirl Sisterhood members. (“Sister” is an endearing term for adult women that MaryJane grew up hearing every day. If you’ve read her book, you’ll know what the sister thing is all about.)
The Farmgirl Sisterhood list will have your first and last name, and a number according to when you signed up. Once you’re officially signed up (see below), you’ll get a badge and a certificate in the mail. You will have the option of starting a “virtual” online chapter called a “Henhouse.” Anyone can read Henhouse posts, but the only ones who can “join” and post in the Henhouses are other Farmgirl Sisterhood members. Other Sisters from near and far may join your online Henhouse, but you, as the “Hen Hencho,” would be the only one who could post on the Henhouse Bulletin Board. You could start by posting a bit on the Bulletin Board about what you’d like the focus of your Henhouse flock to be. Then, as the one in charge of the “henkeeping,” you would post a short little Bio so others will know a little about you and what your interests are, and new members who join will do the same. Your flock will grow as other Sisters want to join in on the conversations. As leader, you would keep the ideas, friendships, and conversations rolling with new notices on the Bulletin Board, Book Discussions, and Project Discussions (including photos, if you’d like!). It’s like an online Farmgirl Sisterhood sorority house! (Even if we don’t know Latin, who can resist PIE?) Over on the Farmgirl Connection chatroom, you’ll get a special hexagonal designation by your name when you join the Farmgirl Sisterhood. And right away, you can start earning Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badges (more below). In other words, you’ll be strutting your sisterhood stuff for all the world to see! The Farmgirl Sisterhood’s official logo is a “badge” in the shape of a hexagon, showing a hen wearing an apron.
Why a hexagon? The hexagon, a shape that speaks the zen of the busy beehive or the wired manors of chickens (the oldest domesticated animal on earth), symbolizes the unity and structure of the farmgirl life — a framework for the proper order of things, a pattern for life. In unwritten feminine language, it is a standard for farmgirls, or for that matter, the ordinary honeybee or the hen, rank and file workers that move the work along. It says that all things are to be done decently and in order, and that small things add up. Why a hen? We call our hen “Henrietta.” She symbolizes the “can do” attitude of being a farmgirl. What are the noble farmgirl traits? Farmgirls are multi-talented, resourceful, creative, strong, down-to-earth, and generous by nature. We enjoy creating things, whether it is in the kitchen, our studios, or the wood shop. We may not live in the country, but friendship, fun, community, and creativity bloom wherever we happen to be “planted.” In other words, farmgirls can do anything they set their minds to, sorta’ like the Little Red Hen in the famous children’s story. We enjoy the fun of getting together to create, to help others in our communities, or to share ideas. We believe in the power of the Farmgirl Sisterhood to change the world for the better! Why an apron? Since MaryJane has been “aproned” her entire life, it’s only fitting that our Henrietta hen put on an apron. MaryJane’s mother, a woman of many aprons, taught her that an apron is the universal symbol for a grown-up girl’s 4-H program (home, hearth, handiwork and hogs). So, a woman who means business (and has work to do) is never without one! So being a member of the Farmgirl Sisterhood will be symbolized (in badge form) on jackets, bags, and aprons across the world. Now, mind you, Henrietta takes her noble position seriously, so she’s decided she wants some rules about how she will be seen in the world. She wants to make sure her sacred position representing the nobility of the true-blue, dyed-in-the-wool, birds-of-a-feather MaryJanesFarm Farmgirl Sisterhood™ member won’t be muddied through misuse by those who have a lesser “understanding” or command of honorable farmgirl traits. Henrietta wants to make sure that when farmgirl sisters are out-and-about in the world and they see someone with a “Henrietta” logo on her jacket or bag, that she’s the real McCoy … not a copy-catter. Questions and Answers: What’s the difference between the Farmgirl Chapter Groups and the new Farmgirl Sisterhood? What are the benefits of joining the Farmgirl Sisterhood?
What’s a farmerette? What are some of the badges that can be earned? Will we ever have get-togethers in different parts of the country to meet each other in person? Become an Official Farmgirl Sisterhood member today! Renew your Farmgirl Sisterhood membership here! See a list of current Farmgirl Sisterhood members.
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