It occurred to me that in all the busy-ness of barn life-leaving one barn, working in another barn and moving into a final BARN (home at last)-I failed to honor an official good-bye to the “barn”.
While it has been months, it feels raw still. The barn that changed so much in my life in such positive ways. That barn that has made this NEW barn life possible. I am a woman I never imagined I would be. I am a cowgirl in every sense of the word. My daughter can say she was literally “raised in a barn” and know that means a hell of a lot. She is strong, she is amazing, she is courageous. She is more COWGIRL at nine years old now, than most would ever (never) understand how to be in a lifetime or even what the term means. It is FAR beyond cute boots and pigtails. THAT she has learned in this barn. I am grateful for all we, both, have learned there. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. And good-bye. What memories. “Cowgirl up” as the head honcho here would say. I will forever live by the lifestyle I have learned here. No matter how hard, how tough, how raw. Nothing can break a cowgirl.
Oh, Comes the Dawn.
barnraised 
Your daughter is blessed to have this opportunity..and the cool thing is, both of you do get it…even while you’re in the midst of it. We moved to the farm when I was 9. I didn’t realize until after the fact how many life skills and character shaping things that opportunity had my peers who were growing up in town didn’t get to experience..and these things follow you the rest of your life.
That “raw” feeling you are alluding to…I also get that…different sphere of my life, but 20 years ago, my world was also turned upside down because of the choices of other people….just like you, it opened up new opportunities I would have otherwise never had…but early on, I had to work through some serious anger and confusion.
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Oh, yes. Life skills and character shaping. That is exactly it. And, your words speak clearly…rawness opens up the learning and possibilities. Thank you for reminding me of that.
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Such a wonderful experience for both of you, and one that will always hold a special place in your hearts.
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Definitely
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“It is FAR beyond cute boots and pigtails”…WHAT?!?!?!?! Has Hollywood led me wrong? haha. Just kidding I am glad it has been such a great experience.
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Best comment ever. Thanks for the laugh!
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I look forward to learning more (vicariously, of course) of what it means to be a cowgirl from you and your daughter! Best wishes for awesome times in your new Barn! From a sometimes wanna be cowgirl 🙂
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Thank you so much, from one cowgirl…to another 🙂
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I had the great fortune of being raised in an active outdoors life. I wouldn’t have traded it for the world and the sense of empowerment has stayed with me my whole life. How wonderful for both of you, and your daughter will carry the experience throughout her life…plus more to come. 🙂
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Thank you, I hope (and believe) that this is the case. She will be the better for it as you have 🙂
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Probably the best way to grow up
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