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December, 2008
I just received your newest book, Outpost. The timing could not be better! I’m just about to embark on an amazing adventure: my husband and I are selling our house in Butte, Montana, and moving into a yurt on a farm in Virginia. This farm is in the beginning process of becoming a sustainable organic farm. We’re really excited to be a part of such an amazing project. We’ll be building our own yurt; growing our food; raising chickens, rabbits, and goats; and watching our grandson (1-year-old) grow up. I have to say that from the first time I read your magazine, I was inspired and I believe that your words helped me know that at 50 years old, I can do this. You also reminded me how very important this lifestyle is to everyone, especially now. I’m very fortunate to have this opportunity and I will continue to use your books and magazines as a source of inspiration and motivation. I’ll keep you posted!
Rae
Montana
Thank you for getting me up and running on the website. I’ve been having a blast, but more than that, it’s brought me back to myself. There’s been a hole in my spirit that I didn’t even realize was there—at least I didn’t realize how big it was. Meeting my farmgirl sisters has filled that hole. I found myself again. The other day when I was crocheting a dishcloth, my husband said, “You’re back! It’s good to see you enjoying yourself again.”
Karen (Missouri)
I spent two weeks last month hiking the 220-mile John Muir Trail from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney. Hiking 15-20 miles per day, usually over 12,000-foot-plus mountain passes, builds a big appetite. Carrying food on my back in a bear-proof canister requires food that is dense in energy and compact. Your bulk foods fit the bill. While my entire purchase was delicious, the Bare Burrito was an absolute standout. It was so good at home that I decided to take it for half of my dinners. Measuring out 5.5 ounces into a plastic bag made for a delicious, filling, and easy to prepare main course. Unlike most dehydrated foods— most foods in general even—I could eat Bare Burrito every day!
Jim
California
I wanted to say “thank you” for being such an inspiration for women. I discovered your talents about six months ago when I purchased your Stitching Room book. I have since become obsessed with the “farmgirl” ideology. My family is fortunate to have 2½ acres of property in the country. I have since thought of all kinds of ways I would like to use the land: a small fruit orchard, a large vegetable garden, a blackberry/raspberry patch, and a chicken coop with a nice variety of egg-laying chickens. How rewarding it must be to be able to feed your children with the food you grew and harvested yourself (not to mention the money you save by not paying the skyrocketing supermarket prices).
I now look at my children’s clothing differently too. I no longer get upset with the inevitable stains. I now look at what remains and think of all the yo-yos I can make (for quilts, or the adorable flower basket pillow in your book), or the patchwork quilts from all the cute pictures embroidered on the shirt fronts, even the strips I can make to crochet rugs to decorate the house. What a good feeling it is to know that for the cost of a spool of thread or two I can create blankets that will not only keep my babies warm in the winter, but I will be creating keepsakes for them from their childhood. I also hope to teach my children that not everything worth having can be bought in a store.
My husband is a talented custom cabinet and furniture maker. Over two years ago, he took the leap and started his own shop. I have convinced him to build a wood shop on our property, built to look like a barn (I may not have enough land to keep farm animals, but I can still have the barn!).
Thank you for being such an inspiration to me and to women everywhere.
Amanda (New York
