| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - May 05 2016 : 07:06:17 AM
I want to say thank you for the way you have become such a part of our lives. I grew up on a farm, a chicken farm. Dad raised many over the years and when he retired and moved to Florida from New York he ended up having a small flock there. In New York we raised them for laying and then we had them for meat. I never liked butchering day but I sure learned a lot.
Since Mom passed in 2012, dad came to live with us in New Jersey. He helped take care of our flock until he fell and ended up having hip, knee and heart surgery. After coming home from rehab he continued to care for the flock until winter came but everyday he keeps tabs on what is happening with the hens. Btw, Dad will be 91 in September. Now all that to say thank you, thank you for this forum and your wonderful magazine. It keeps him in the loop and this latest issue, June/July, with all its chicken and egg goodness is right up his alley. Look forward to many more wonderful issues. You'll never know what those pages do for a soul. He also enjoy all the swaps I do, especially the card swaps. So really this is also a thank you to all the farmgirl sisters here and in the henhouses. You ALL make such a difference!
~Denise~
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
| 18 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Dec 13 2016 : 10:56:17 AM
Thank you Mary Jane for sharing that nice story about the cover. Like I said of all the covers that was my favorite. And I agree with you, those are some unusual names. Calling them all into dinner must have been an effort. Anyway how nice that you got to Meet Will. Some people remain with you always.
Nancy Jo
https://myrockingchairandme.blogspot.com/ |
| MaryJane |
Posted - Dec 13 2016 : 10:32:55 AM
Hi Nancy,
It's lovely that you've been here so long. When you went missing for a spell a while back, you were missed!
Here is the story that goes with that front cover photo.
“What’s meant to be will always find a way.”
– Trisha Yearwood
When the heavens dropped snow on my tulips and daffodils last spring, I knew I was in for some stunning photographs. Up until five days before this issue was scheduled for the print shop, we had the photograph below singled out for the front cover of this issue.
Like a surprise spring snow storm, Will Pitkin came also from heaven. Claiming to be my long lost sibling, Will offered me shallots, chickens, orchard bees and editing. A retired Utah State English professor turned suburban farmer, Will began to take on mythical stature as I pecked around Utah asking old friends if they knew him. “Oh sure, I know of Will Pitkin. He’s this brilliant literary guy who walks around everywhere picking up litter.” And, “He’s a Quaker who supplies local restaurants with organic produce. You’ll love him, everyone does.”
When I found Will’s house, “the one with the wheelbarrow against the willow tree,” I was anxious to talk books and food. I sat down to a display of fresh carrots, grapes, jalapeno jelly, poetry and chocolate. Hanging on the wall next to me was the picture of his wife’s aunt Golda — our front cover. Teri Pitkin’s mother (Teri is Will’s wife), was born to Susie and Lawrence Morton of Rigby, Idaho. Lawrence, who was building a photography studio in Idaho Falls, was returning to Rigby when he was caught in a snowstorm. He contracted pneumonia and died, early in 1913, leaving his widow to raise seven children alone. Golda was born in 1910 and would appear to be about 2 when her father caught her napping. So our front cover photo was taken probably less than a year before her father died.
A professional photographer in the outback of Idaho in 1913! Imagine what went through his mind when he came into the kitchen and saw the scene captured on our front cover. He didn’t just grab a digital camera and push a button. Can’t you practically feel Lawrence’s heart thumping in your own chest as he set up his tripod and flashpan (or whatever they called them), hoping against hope that the cat wouldn’t finish eating, the spoon wouldn’t drop, his daughter wouldn’t waken or stir?
I explained to Will that the theme for our next issue was “Plateful,” and asked if I could share this perfect moment with my readers — a cat and a little girl echoing a heart on a highchair sharing a plateful. Once Will received permission from Golda’s granddaughter, it was scanned and downloaded in probably less time than it took her father to take it.
Will tossed in, “Lawrence and Susie had a penchant for rather unusual names. They named their children Ilo (a son that died as a infant), Whipple (son), Volney (son), Ufa (daughter), Wanda, Hazel, Golda, and Gwenna. You stood a better chance as a girl, but not a whole lot better.”
And the notion that Will and I are long-lost siblings proved true. Over tea, we both cited Wallace Stegner’s “Angle of Repose” as our favorite book and “Bird by Bird,” by Ann Lamott, as a book we’re both reading. I flew home from Utah with a jar of jalapeno jelly (good with cream cheese) and some hibernating orchard bees in my suitcase.
Sidebar:
Will sent me home with an owner’s manual for the bees in my suitcase. “How to Manage the Blue Orchard Bee,” by Jordi Bosch and William Kemp, is part of a handbook series produced by the outreach arm of the USDA’s SARE program. SARE stands for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, and that is the reason I was in Utah and could pay Will a visit. I am on the board that meets twice per year to decide the fate of some $4 million in grant money. “So this is how it works,” I thought. “Money pays for ideas and then people spread them around.” Pollination at its best! If you’re a busy bee type, there’s a payload of pollen at www.sare.org. (More about orchard bees on page 34.)
Update: Will passed away three years ago from cancer. He died gracefully at home surrounded by his family. Today, I enjoyed reading his obituary again (link below). Do take a moment to honor my good friend Willis by reading about his most wonderful life. I do miss him.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hjnews/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=166063172
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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| Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Dec 12 2016 : 09:39:02 AM
Mary Jane,
Yes I agree that you have created a good place for us all to come. And I too thank you for that. I have been with you almost from the start. You know what my Favorite MJ Magazine cover was? The Baby in the highchair sleeping. Too cute. Do we know who that Baby is?
Nancy Jo
https://myrockingchairandme.blogspot.com/ |
| Daizy |
Posted - Dec 12 2016 : 05:45:09 AM
Hay there.
Yep......I agree with all of the above. I have been here for many years and have subscribed to the magazine for years. I stopped my subscription in order to purchase it at the store so it would be available at the stores. Well, a few months ago I couldn't find it at the store and kept going back to check but it wasn't there. It may have been sold out but I missed my copy so I subscribed again and now receive it in my mailbox. I look forward to it every month.
I have a diverse ranch with cattle and chickens and vegetables and bees and I quilt and sew too. The magazine and this forum has been so interesting to me and I spread the love with all my neighbors. I will continue to diversify with fruit trees and cutting gardens this year and hopefully add either rabbits or sheep.
All that is said to say thank you to Mz Maryjane and all the Farm Girls here that are an inspiration and keep me and others moving forward........and inspired.
Hugs and prayers, Daizy #1093
Poor House Farmgirl Chapter {A virtual chapter open to everyone.}
A good day is when you find ALL your ear tags! I wonder how my cows would like my Farmgirl apron??
www.poorhouseparadise.blogspot.com |
| Tumbleweed |
Posted - Dec 11 2016 : 7:49:42 PM
Thank you Mary Jane! I first found your magazine at the grocery store a while back. I am an avid beader and always check for my bead mags when I grocery shop. I also love gardening and look for those mags as well. Your magazine was near the ones I like. The title alone intrigued me. The articles were very interesting so I took one. Sorry I mean I bought one. LOVED EVERY PAGE!!! Now every time when I shop I always check the mag aisle for the latest issue. My hubby and I consider ourselves country folks. We desire a simple lifestyle and plan to retire in 22months. We will be selling our home and hope to find our own little country place. I like doing homecraft arts. I even tried my hand at canning pickles. They were pretty good. Its is wonderful to see so many like minded gals here. Gals that share their gifts, talents and ideas. I was told my Grandmother won many blue ribbons for her quilts, her cooking and her canning. I never got to meet her as she crossed over before I was born. When I make or bake something in the home arts I feel connected to her. Your magazine and books help me keep that connection with her. Thanks again for my favorite magazine.
TW
Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction. |
| katmom |
Posted - May 20 2016 : 9:43:00 PM
Isn't it wonderful how we all come from different walks and different reasons to MaryJane's MJF forum and magazine...
It's what makes us all 'sisters' on our journey...
Thank you to Maryjane,,, to her fabulous staff and to each other for support, friendship and love...
Farmgirl hugz
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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| SouthForty |
Posted - May 20 2016 : 9:35:29 PM
Happy Belated Birthday to our FG leader!! And to all, you make this a nice place to come and enrich my life immensely! I also want to thank you for the awesome ripple effect as well. Because of the magazine, gorgeous books, and especially the sisterhood many other lives are also touched. . . happiness and optimism are contagious. From the first peek at the slick pages of "Outpost, Unleashing your Inner Wild" I was smitten. Often, I find the magazine articles or kind nudging of a sister in chat is but a "reminder" to enjoy the simple things in life and encourage others to do so as well. The best things in life truly are free but in the same token are also priceless. Thank you, MaryJane and may you reap the rich rewards for all that you've sown/sewn! Forever and ever, Amen!!
SouthForty, MJFG#3794
~*~ You can put your boots in the oven but that don't make 'em biscuits! ~*~  |
| auntjenny |
Posted - May 10 2016 : 12:04:00 PM
Although i am not on the computer much lately, when i do turn it on this is still, my fav place to visit. I love the latest issue of the magazine....still making myself read a little each day for this week so it isn't "over " soon haha. Maryjane has made a terrific impact on my life. Some of my very favorite people are farmgirl friends as well. Thank you Maryjane for all you do!
Dream like you have a lifetime ahead of you. Live like you only have today. |
| Christy925 |
Posted - May 07 2016 : 05:51:24 AM
All the comments are lovely! I feel the same way about this place. I wish I could participate in ALL the swaps :) Love the thought of having friends all over the country. MaryJane must be one heck of a woman with one heck of a family.
Farmgirl Sister #2315
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WildThymeCreations?ref=pr_shop
https://www.flickr.com/photos/marketwoman45/albums |
| Bonnie Ellis |
Posted - May 07 2016 : 03:47:16 AM
Mary Jane, Thank you! And belated happy birthday (I e-mailed you separately).ditto to all that was said.
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - May 06 2016 : 12:30:05 PM
Jumping in the conversation here to wish MaryJane a Happy Birthday from across the pond in Amsterdam!! I hope you are having a wonderful day celebrating too.
Yes, MJF and all of YOU have transformed my life in countless ways. When MaryJane said that Farmgirl was a matter of heart, I knew I had found the right place. Even though I don't live on a farm, I identify myself as a Farmgirl through and through. I know there are many other women out there we don't even know who have had their lives changed from just finding and buying her magazine one day!!
We are the lucky ones who found our way here!!!
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015 |
| forgetmenot |
Posted - May 06 2016 : 10:25:35 AM
Happy Birthday, MaryJane!
Denise, you had a great idea with this post! I am so happy to hear the story of your father. Made me smile!
MaryJane came up with a great idea that touches all of us!
Farmgirl sister #3926
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the belief that something is more important than fear." Ambrose Red Moon |
| hoosiercountry |
Posted - May 06 2016 : 09:33:08 AM
Standing in line at Tractor supply seeing Mary Jane magazine brought me here. Daughter of an original poor farmer, my dad raised 5 kids on 240 acres, along with grain and hogs. When he sold out in 1975, not one of the 4 tractors had a radio, 3 bottom plow, 4 row corn picker. We always bought 300 chicks, and celebrated the 4th of July with the start of butchering them. We would swap garden veggies for soup bones. My mother always wore an apron. Mary Jane respesents that simple way of life for me. I thank Mary Jane and the entire staff for all you do everyday to keep the magazine and the forum. I have made some special friends across this country, have learned I have many sisters. Happy Birthday Mary Jane. Hugs Karla |
| MaryJane |
Posted - May 06 2016 : 07:56:22 AM
I tried to post a THANK YOU early this morning but our server was down. I was all set to say what a great birthday present this post is for me today. It's just so very thoughtful of you Denise, and Sara, Kristi, CJ, and Sabrina. What a wonderful way to start my day!!!!
Hugs and love, MaryJane
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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| Sobyn |
Posted - May 06 2016 : 03:51:33 AM
Yes!! Love the magazine, the sisterhood and this forum!! Mary Jane you are a wonderful leader and have cultivated an amazing group of women!
Sabrina Farmgirl Sister #3275
February 2016 Farmgirl of the Month
http://kidscrunchandchrist.com
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| ceejay48 |
Posted - May 05 2016 : 10:03:47 AM
Yes, THANK YOU, Mary Jane!!!!
THANK YOU, Kristi, for the part you play there at the farm as well!
Kristi,
I grew up on a farm where we raised cows so I was never afraid of them. However, over the past few year my hubby has raised Longhorns and they are a whole different matter with those horns. I used to stay on the other side of the fence from them at all times, but in the last couple of years I've gotten more involved with them and am not as fearful of being on their side of the fence. However, that being said, one must still mind their manners around them because it won't take much for you to get seriously injured by a Longhorn horn!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| KristiW |
Posted - May 05 2016 : 08:32:44 AM
Don't you wish the whole world was full of the kindness we share here on the forum? It certainly would make for a better place. I, too am grateful to have a place with MaryJanesFarm. I learn something new everyday from our wise and practical farmgirls, and I'm not afraid of cows anymore! It warms my heart to hear your dad enjoys the magazine and swaps Denise. The new issue is certainly an "egg-stravaganza" 
Kristi
Farmgirl Sister #6
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| YellowRose |
Posted - May 05 2016 : 08:27:46 AM
Denise, you said it so well. MaryJane and her gang have opened a whole new world for me. Each day my life is better for MaryJane and all the FarmGirls that I have come to know here on the farm.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015.
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth. |
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