Carrying On

I've been looking through a box of some things Teri's given to me - a time capsule of sorts, from the beginning of our Farm Chicks journey together.  Pictures, clippings, journal entries, our first magazine articles.  And it's been hard.

I've been blessed to build a business with my best friend, who's really been like a sister to me.  And we've been able to do what we love, while being homemakers at the same time.  It really doesn't get any better than that.  And although I'm having a hard time at the moment, looking back on our journey together, they're memories I cherish and I'm incredibly thankful.

And I'm carrying on.  The Farm Chicks is something I love, something I'm proud of, and something I can't imagine ever not doing.  And it's something I'll be doing on my own - but I'm really not alone.  I know that we're all in this together and there's an incredibly supportive community out there.

I have dreams and inspiration for The Farm Chicks and will include you on my journey.  I hope to see you here often and at the show, which of course, will go on.  Because I love it.

Thank you for all of your warmth and encouragement over the years.  I look forward to getting to know all of you better.

Love,

Serena

Comments

[Kathy Kautzman]

Serena, I was so sorry to hear that Teri deceided to retire, I will miss her. Best of luck to her. I'm very happy to hear you will continue on. What would we do with out Farm Chicks. I've done so many of your shows I wouldn't know what to do with my self. I wish you the best of everything. I'll be glad to help you if you need anything.

[LaTeaDah]

I'm glad you are carrying on, Serena. I know you will do very well and that your business will continue to thrive. We'll all miss Teri and wish her the best in her retirement! Thank you for connecting so well on your blog --- as a blogger --- I really believe that blogging is one of the keys in growing success for businesses like yours.

God bless you!

LaTeaDah

[The Vintage Barn]

Hi Serena,

I am sad to see Teri retire. I know how hard you both work. You are tough!! I know you will do a great job carrying on. If you need anything call me...
Rolane

[jenny]

Bless your heart, Serena. Know that you're loved by all of us, and that we're with you all the way!

[Beth]

So glad to hear you will continue the tradition of sharing all about the simple things in life. I have been following you since I came upon Cherry Hill Cottage and often read her post about you two. I love her as much as the Farm Chicks. I may not comment often but what kept me here was the fact you actually took the time to comment back on my blog which is just a simple small blog and nothing so wowza with it. That told me you were so geniune and I thank you for that.
I will continue to enjoy your blog and wish maybe one day make one of the shows but for now it will be through your blog.

Wishing you best of luck and thanks for keeping this up.

Hugs Beth/Georgia

[Jen@thecottagenest]

Serena- I'm so happy to know that you will carry on with the Farm Girl's torch. Where you lead, we will follow! Hugs, Jen

[Serena]

Thank you, everyone, for your well wishes.
xo,
Serena

[the wild raspberry]

wow...it is strangely eerie. i had no idea that this happened with you gals and i am going through this exact decision with my best friend/business partner today.

best wishes to both of you~

chasity

[bettyann]

Take comfort in having had your friend on a good part of the journey..we will be with you the rest of the way!!

[pamela]

You and Teri are both amazing! Good Luck, your attitude is one in a million. We are all behind you 100%.

[Cathy Grider]

Thank you for carrying on! I cant wait to see what will come next in this amazing path you have created!

[Jen]

While Teri will surely be missed. We are all anxious and excited for you to continue on doing what you (and WE) love. Congratulations on the next step in your journey!

[Laura]

Change is hard, but we are here for you sending you prayers & good wishes. I'm glad you are going to continue on :)!

You go girl!!!!

Hugs :)

[jan richards]

Serena,
So excited to hear you are carrying on solo
with Farm Chicks. Love your blog and wish Teri the very best in her life changing choices too.
Keep up the great work and my friend and I plan to attend our first Farm Chicks show next spring! Yeah! Best wishes to you both.

[Lorie]

Serena,

I am so glad to hear that you will be continuing. And I can't wait to see where this road takes you.

Lorie

[Shirley Hudson]

Serena, We all love the Farm Chicks, I know you can do it!

[jen R Sanctuary arts at home]

I know you'll do great on your own! We are going to miss Teri a ton.

[Maria]

So sorry to hear of the change and sad, too, because I just found you both...

I will continue to be a part of "Farm Chicks".

Good luck to both of you in your new ventures.......

Maria in CT

[Debi Burton]

Serena,

Such a big change . . . but God never gives us more than we can handle. Your courage and devotion will carry forward, and you have soooo many kind and talented people behind you! I look forward to being part of the continuing excitement of Farm Chicks. You go, girl!!

Debi / Ormolulu

[Tami B.]

Long live The Farm Chicks! So glad you're continuing on :) Hope your new adventure is filled with blessings!

[Lisa Z]

Best wishes to you both! I completely understand the need to slow down, keep life simple. I can imagine the last year has been such a whirlwind for you, Serena, and Teri as well. But what you have been doing has obviously struck a chord with so many of us women, and I am glad to read you'll keep it up in some way or other. Maybe there is another "Farm Chick" out there with whom you can partner? I didn't think of it until today, but "Farm Chicks" is really about more than one person, isn't it?

Please take care of yourself and good luck! I hope you're still coming to Minnesota this Thursday, so many women are looking forward to that!

[Pat]

Retiring is always a difficult decision, and has a ripple affect. Teri will always be a Farm Chick in spirit,and will be happy in doing what is best for her. I and many others, I know, are glad that you will be continuing on the business! We all love it and are looking forward to more new Farm Chicks "stuff" in the future!!!!!!

[Sanna]

Hi Serena,

My heart goes out to you as for Teri. I will be cheering you on (all the way from Sweden) of your continuing journey with the Farm Chicks. Can´t wait to see what the future holds for you. Good luck with everything!

[marci]

i agree with everything above....you two are amazing together and you'll be amazing on your own. i'm so glad that you are keeping it going because life would be a little less cool without you!

[twitter.com/Coupons4Me]

I just found you through Hoosier Homemade :)

I grew up with family friendly farms all around me in the Midwest. Finding you feels like "home"

I don't do well with change myself, so I can only imagine how hard it is with your friend retiring. However, I know you'll do just fine. Look at all the support and prayers you have going for this terrific blog!

I'm glad to be able to stop by and visit weekly!

[Alice]

I must have missed this post--don't see it anywhere.

Teri and Serena, I know it must be difficult to go through this change, and it will affect each of you differently. Be proud of your success, and be happy for what the future brings.

It's so nice that you remain friends! Both of you will be in my prayers.

Alice

[Heather]

I am looking forward to what your future has in store for this inspiring business!
May you be blessed in your new journey - but you are not alone!

[Stephanie]

Best wishes Teri. I'm sure if you miss being a Farm Chick your dear friend, Serena, will be happy to have you back.
Take care,
Stephanie

[Florence Muma]

Serena I know you will do well, you have the survival gene in you and you will carry on and do one awesome job, thanks for continuing all your creative energy and inspiring us all to keep doing what we love most. Hugs to you my farm chick friend. Florence

[Sue]

Sad to hear that Teri is retiring, can you ever retire from this addiction, I hope not. But sure do understand why it's time to move on. I hope Farm Chicks will continue to be in full swing. Hugs to both of you!

[Kim G.]

Serena-we are all sad that Teri has retired from the Farm Chicks and we will miss her terribly. But we,(the Farm Chicks Fans), are still here, and in some way, we are all "Farm Chicks". So you're not alone! Like Jenny Heid's meaningful art says, "Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake." (I'll have two, one for you and one for our dear friend Teri!) Looking forward to next year's show and a new phase for the Farm Chicks. Blessings...

[Erin]

Serena, I wish I could be in Minnesota next week to see you. I'll be getting there the following week to see my sister and then off to my 25th reunion. So sad to hear about Teri...such a shock after such a wonderful year you two have had. Thanks for carrying on - we love you! Hugs, Erin (from Dland)

[Monica]

Hi Serena,

Just as I thanked Teri for showing the courage in doing what is right for her, I thank you for showing courage in doing what is right for you!

I will continue to look forward to your lovely ideas and encouragement in creating beauty around us!

Have a great weekend,
Monica

[Nicole Leigh]

Thanks for carrying on. I will still be a big fan of the Farm Chicks.
Will Teri be at the Junk Bonanza with you on Thursday? I look forward to meeting you there. God bless!

[Susan]

Best wishes as you carry on your work. We all love The Farm Chicks and will be around no matter the changes. We all go through them. I sent you and email (about something Teri and I were working on) and hope to hear from you. With warmest regards,

Susan

[Gina]

Why is Terri leaving..my gosh you have had a whirlwind year..and suddenly its gone..I am sorry to see her leave..all my best..:)

[Sue]

Things never stay the same. I'm just so glad you are still friends. I have been to 2 shows and I hope to keep on going. It scared me when I read Teri's blog(only thinking of myself) I wondered about if the show would go on. You women are amazing-doing what alot of us only dream of.

[Indiana Lori]

Carry on Serena! Your fans eagerly await what is coming next...America is a huge community of Farm Chicks! We are baking, thrifting, sewing, and reorganizing the kitchen just ONE more time...thanks for the inspiration!

Best Wishes,

Indiana Lori

[Rachel]

Serena, Good luck to you on your journey without Teri, but please know that you are not alone...you have the support of us, your fans...I look forward to seeing what you have in store for us! May God Bless you!
Rachel

[liz Le Dorze]

Hi Serena,

As my heart went out to Teri . . . please know that it goes out to you as well!! I cannot even imagine how difficult this has been for the two of you!

Take the time you need and know that we are here to support and encourage you on this new journey!! You are a strong woman - your path is waiting for you when you are ready . . .

May you also be blessed each and everyday!!
You are in my thoughts and prayers!!

Liz / Seabold Vintage Market

[Karin]

It must be as though a part of you has gone away, you and Teri have been doing this for so long. Perhaps this is a door that has opened to allow you to stretch and grow. You never know. :)

[v and co]

best of luck, it's wonderful to have a best friend that was there at the beginning, and who has set such great roots with you. now doing it on your own will be different, but with how much talent you have, you will continue to carry the farm chicks even if it's now going to be "farm chick" we as women who want to aspire to be like you will continue to support you and cheer you on your journey!

[Mermaid Debbie]

Serena, I am shocked by this news. Know that you and Teri will be in my prayers. I am sorry for the sense of loss you must be experiencing now. Your community and fans will support you, and somehow, all will be well. The Mermaids will help in any way we can and look forward to seeing what you do.

[southernbell]

the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams just keep on doing good work because happiness is in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort

[Lisa Souers]

Serena...
We have known you for over 7 years and know that you have high inspirations for what the future of The Farmchicks will be. With every change comes something fresh and new, I can't wait to see what is around the corner... The Farmchick Family will embrace whatever you need from us... Randy, Lisa and Hannah LisaSouers.typepad.com

[funkyjunksisters]

Simple is good! Carry on Serena, carry on!

Linda & Dixie
The Funky Junk Sisters
http://www.funkyjunksisters.blogspot.com

[Aimee]

Awww, that mad me sad for you. And happy, too, that you are continuing to do what you love in spite of the change. We'll still be right here!

[jenn]

We all know you can do it & are so happy that you're carrying on! Good luck.

[domestic chick]

Serena,

I am fairly new to the farm chicks but i feel as though i know both you and teri. I am a stay at home too and desperately want to be on a farm. I am proud of your commitment to your family and your desire to build something. Something that is a passion of yours. Thank goodness we have friends that help us along the way with our passions. and Teri...wow, i think you have a great amount of courage to let go of the success of your business the one you built with Serena for s more simple life. So many of us should consider the same thing, because so often SIMPLE is better. I am proud of you both! Wives, Mommas, and women who are living their dreams. Both of them separately yet together.

[Monica]

I can imagine this is so difficult for you. And I can imagine it was a very difficult decision for Teri to make. I agree with Stacy in the above post -- you need a hug -- so consider yourself hugged from me. I will still be here supporting you. Because of your talent, I just know you will do great.

[stacy McCallum]

Thinking of you today and sending a long distance hug.

Lots of Love,

Stacy

[Brianna]

Change is not always a bad thing, but can be a hard thing nonetheless. Best wishes to you as you start this journey solo. This is a whole new adventure!