I'm continuing to explore the various definitions and characteristics of the pioneer woman. I traveled back down to Rosecreek yesterday. Unfortunately my model, Natasha, isn't available to come with me anymore because of her new job so I went by myself with my son. Ray wanted to give me a tour so I accepted his generosity and he gave me an education about the village and farm. His three young kids climbed in the cab while he drove me and my three year old around. I asked him about his family's choice to have such a raw lifestyle compared to the rest of the country. He commented on his background as a professional welder and how his presence with his family when he arrived home was rarely 100 percent after 12 hours of work. He wanted to change that so they rooted themselves on Selmer TN. Neither he or his wife come from a family of farmers so getting started was difficult not only because he didn't have the resources initially but his knowledge of self-sustaining living was so limited. The average farmer now is 65 years old so finding good physical help as well as education is so difficult. Although I was unable to talk with his wife very much, she wasn't shy to let me take her photograph. Their fridge had stopped working and she was briskly transferring frozen vegetables and other items before it all went bad on a 70 degree weather day. Although she didn't have much time to visit I was so aware of her strong presence in the home. She was 8 months pregnant and had no sign of weakness or exhaustion. When her husband asked a question, she strongly answered and directed him. There was no fear or lack of confidence in her role and she didn't stop her duties to treat or serve me.
Photos coming soon.
