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February, 2013
Dear MaryJane ...
My sister discovered MaryJanesFarm magazine at the hospital waiting room and thought it was perfect for me. I went online and discovered the great information on your chatroom community. I don’t live on a farm, but have a kitchen garden that floats next to my floating cabin home! We were cityfolk, but are now off the grid. It has been fun learning a whole new way of life. Thank you for being here to share all of your expertise.
Margy
British Columbia
When my husband told me we were going to send you a Chicken Kooler to try [see p. 20 in the Saying Yes! issue of the magazine], I thought I would finally take the opportunity to write to you. I’ve actually started a letter twice over the past several years, wanting to say THANK YOU for the inspiration you and all the other farmgirls have been to me.
I am 57 this year, and we have 13 grandchildren (the oldest is 9). Like you, I also have a daughter named Meg and a son who lives in Japan with his family! We are organic gardeners; raise chickens for eggs and meat; harvest and roast our own teas from our tea hedge; and generally try to live a life that inspires and teaches our grandchildren how to live without having to always run to the store, to have faith in God, and to value family. Nine of our grandchildren live either next door or behind us. We see them daily ... and they think that Grandma and Papa have always been “backyard farmers.” Not so!!
About 10 years ago, we got serious about trying to live as much as possible off our postage-stamp-sized backyard. There were many starts and failures ... and then one day, my dad gave me a copy of your magazine and just smiled. I dug in and never looked back! You’ve taught my daughters and me so many things ... and more than a few times, we’ve all smiled and said together, “A MaryJane moment!” Perhaps one thing that has really impacted me is the idea that you CAN be feminine while working hard! (My cowgirl boots are bubblegum pink.) Recycling and repurposing is another encouraging lesson I am learning. Most of all, you are very brave ... and I see that same brave spirit in the gals you have shared. I’m working on that part.
So, all of this is to simply try to say a heartfelt “Thank you!” for what you do and for who you are. We harvested tea this weekend, and I am sending you a little so you can enjoy a Southern cup. Also, here’s some of my homemade soap made from goat milk, shea butter, and essential oils. And, in honor of all things feminine, I made you an apron!
A faithful reader,
Kathy
Cheery Chicks
Florida
I recently returned from my first-ever River Valley Farmgirls getaway. I met some amazing women who I am sure I will stay in contact with for life. I realized, after taking your magazine for at least two years, that the magazine is really only the tip of the iceberg regarding this lovely farmgirl culture. This was my first venture out by myself with our new ’72 Airstream travel trailer. But after reading the great instructions for backing up trailers in your new Glamping book, I just visualized backing and turning the steering wheel, with my left hand at the bottom of it, over and over. I found that this exercise made all the difference when I did make a wrong turn into someone’s long, single-wide gravel driveway. Two dogs (a big Rottweiler and his little Jedi companion) were barking their hearts out while I backed between their owners’ truck and car. Yay!
Farmgirl hugs,
Vanessa
South Dakota
