December, 2011

Dear MaryJane ...

I have resolved to grow an “Attitude of Gratitude” this year, and I am starting with you! Since technology is not my first language, I was somewhat overwhelmed when I first began to browse the Farmgirl Connection chatroom on your website. At one point, I was SO lost trying to find a discussion I was having, I e-mailed an SOS. I want to thank you for a faceless sweetpea named Gabe. He replied promptly and kindly, answering my questions and even explaining how to avoid the perplexing kerfuffle in the future. THANK YOU for having such a nice guy on staff to assist. And thank you for providing him a workplace where he can be appreciated! I wonder if he is named for the Archangel Gabriel?

Kathy
Idaho

I recently reordered a copy of the Special Stitchery Issue, “Artists in Aprons.” (I loaned out my original and, of course, it was not returned, for the joy it provided). As I re-read the magazine today, I was inspired, blessed, and, well ... soulfully happy from the sheer beauty of each page. This caused me to pull MaryJane’s Ideabook from my bookshelf. The pleasure provided by the graphic talents of Carol Hill always overwhelms me. I have been a scrap collector (paper ephemera) for years, and Carol’s way of pulling together MaryJane’s vision and the artistic beauty of Carol’s “mind’s eye” never cease to amaze me. One Christmas, I believe I gave away a dozen Ideabooks. I find the magazines have been great for gift-giving as well. The reflections and visions of the repurposed life will continue through these pages for generations to come. I just wanted to say thank you to all you hardworking folks who bring visual and educational enjoyment to my everyday living. God bless you heaps!!

Robin
Michigan
(A 57-year-old city girl who grew up on the farm.)