| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| sourjayne |
Posted - May 24 2004 : 1:38:13 PM
We're gathering ideas for MaryJane's upcoming first book. If you're new to the forum but have an idea on something that should go into MaryJane's book, here's a quick "How to."
Once you've registered for a username and password, click the "Book Ideas" link and choose "Start a New Topic." Say you'd like MaryJane to write about sauerkraut. You can type in "sauerkraut" as the subject, then include specific ideas/suggestions in your message. Click Preview to make sure everything looks right, then click "Post New Topic" when you're done!
You can also reply to other people's topics by clicking any "reply" links. Let me know if you have any problems with the forum. There should be a little e-mail icon near the top of any of my posts (it has an envelope on it) that you can use to contact me directly. Thanks!
Sarah (sourjayne)
No artificial sweeteners added. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| junebug |
Posted - Sep 14 2006 : 04:41:53 AM
I'll have to second that Libbie! It's been such a blessing!
www.herbalfarmstead.blogspot.com
www.countrypleasures.blogspot.com |
| Libbie |
Posted - Sep 13 2006 : 4:39:02 PM
I SO agree about the accepting, life-affirming and genuine-ness of the gals here - it seems so rare these days, and I feel very lucky to be a part of this group of farmgirls. It never fails that when I check out things here, someone or other has said something that's just PERFECT for how my day is going - no matter what day it is!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| sewgirlie |
Posted - Sep 06 2006 : 1:30:31 PM
Hi Sharon:
Thanks for the reply. I am happy to have found the magazine and the website. It is lovely to have so much diversity and yet so much in common. The acceptance is so life-affirming and genuine. I hope you can tell me more about yourself and the type of farming you do.
Sheryl-lyn |
| sleepless reader |
Posted - Sep 06 2006 : 1:22:06 PM
Hey, Sheryl-lyn, welcome. So glad you found this wonderful place and the magazine! You'll find a lot of diversity here and a lot of accepting each other for what we DO have in common. I think you've found a good place :)
Sharon
PS I liked your comment about RUSH to HUSH
Life is messy. Wear your apron! |
| sewgirlie |
Posted - Sep 05 2006 : 6:42:39 PM
This is going to sound crazy, but when I saw the MaryJanesFarm magazine for the first time, I was in Borders (Aug. 2006). I have been praying for a wholesome magazine about family life and living honestly and simply. I saw the cover and said to myself, "This food looks good! I hope this magazine is not about people who also grow pot!" Well, I opened it and stood there like I had died and gone to heaven. I am a simple person who believes in keeping life as simple and pure as possible. The world we live in is so complicated and angry, so I want to step away from all that and remember why I am here. Maybe I can do some good (I am a middle school teacher), maybe I can have time to think while I do chores, etc. This magazine took the RUSH out of my life and put the HUSH back into it. I am a story teller myself, and have been the one to fill in the blanks for all of my family when they have questions about who we are and where we are from, so to read the stories, see the pictures and just feel the past come to life again has been a gift from MaryJane to me. So, while I do not judge people who use or grow pot, I am happy that this magazine was not about that or any other alternative lifestyle. |
| vtharvestfolkart |
Posted - Jun 15 2006 : 2:59:59 PM
Thank you libbie :)
doreen
Please take a look at my folk art. http://www.crowsoup.com/Market1137.php
"IT'S GOOD TO HAVE AN END TO JOURNEY TOWARDS....BUT IT'S THE JOURNEY THAT MATTERS IN THE END" |
| Libbie |
Posted - Jun 14 2006 : 06:25:27 AM
Doreen - it's in the "Reading Room" forum - it's a fun place to chat about what's in the book and the magazines. Enjoy!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| vtharvestfolkart |
Posted - Jun 13 2006 : 1:14:24 PM
Hello Frannie. Dont mean to change the subject...but in what area is the "Mary Jane Magazine Reading Club"? I would love to be a part of that. I am probably missing so many good thing by not knowing the right place to look......
Thank you
take care
doreen
Please take a look at my folk art. http://www.crowsoup.com/Market1137.php
"IT'S GOOD TO HAVE AN END TO JOURNEY TOWARDS....BUT IT'S THE JOURNEY THAT MATTERS IN THE END" |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Jun 13 2006 : 06:49:58 AM
thanks for the sweet wishes kristin dear ... i think i'm 'on the mend' .. but have promised to sit and re-read every mj magazine before i start 'gadding about' again! will start up the 'maryjane magazine reading club' thread again too ... excited about putting more prizes in the 'treasure box' .. so be checkin' over there on that 'thread' all you farm gurlfrenz.
AND .. I WANTED TO ADD ANOTHER P.S. to my request to 'remember the children' .. and of course, that would be: remember the 'mama's-to-be' too! this is such a crucial time in life for we women to keep our nests (bodies) strong and clean and healthy! we want those little baby birds (our children) to have the best environment possible to take that journey from EGG to BABY to grow in .. and baby can only be as healthy as it's momma is. there is so much wisdom that has been learned and passed on through the ages about creating life and strong bodies, minds and spirits at this truly magical time of life.
i would watch the sweetest smile light up my daughter wednesday's face everytime her baby stirred and her hand would automatically and gently go there to connect and comfort ... and often she would reach out for my hand and place it gently on her tummy ... three generations all connected at that very moment in time. POWERFUL MOMENT IN TIME!
True Friends, Frannie
My KENTUCKY RAMBLINGS 'blog':
http://cabincreekfarm-kentucky.blogspot.com/ |
| Krisathome |
Posted - Jun 12 2006 : 10:48:15 PM
Frannie-you poor thing! I've had a bout of summer pneumonia several times in the last few years. And it's no fun. I am glad that thought to bring your GOOD reading material though. 
Get well quick, you have a lot of cooking to do!!! |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Jun 12 2006 : 2:00:23 PM
oh maryjane .. i would dearly LOVE to see more of your farmgirl wisdom as it relates to not only BABIES (and -- oh happy day -- i will become BOTH a grammie and a GREAT-grammie this autumn -- within days of each other!!!) .. but also please include all the children ... our precious (almost five years olde) LUCAS .. is the picture of health and joy .. and any sage advice to add to daughter wednesday's 'wisdom' will be so very much appreciated.
great to hear of so many wonderful happenings at the farm .. stories to be held in your heart forever! now! i'm having an 'attitude bar' FIT .. must ring up nick and order a mess of 'em .. and oh my goodness .. your latest Farm Kitchen 'bake-over' issue literally SAVED MY LIFE last week. (well ... almost anyway!)
While on vacation at Disney World with Honey Hunk, daughter and family, i contracted pneumonia .. but not knowing it yet (thinking i had broken a rib and it had empaled my lungs ... yes! it hurt THAT BAD!) i was about at the point where i was going to ask my family to dress me in my prettiest dress ... paint some bright red lipstick on my mouth .. frazzle my hair so it didn't look too 'kempt' .. lay me out on the bed and SHOOT ME!
THEN .. i had a better thought: 'I HAVE NOT YET READ MARYJANE'S LATEST MAGAZINE THAT I BROUGHT WITH ME!" (your book and all of your magazines were the only reading material that travelled to Florida in my suitcase with me!) ... so i PLEADED for the Farm Kitchen Special Recipe Issue to be brought to my sick-bed ... read it from cover to cover and realized that i could not die until i had baked all FIFTY recipes therein! ... soooooo ... seeeee .. a quick trip to the ER of the local hospital, antibiotics and your magazine are getting me through this hacking,coughing,snotty nose chapter in my book of life! Thanks gurlfren ..
NOW ... to order those attitude bars and a truck load of FarmGirl Budget Mix .. AND .. soon's i can turn a crank .. i'm gittin' me one uv them thar veggie grater/slicers too! Thank you so much for all your inspiration. xo, frannie
p.s. and for saving my life!
True Friends, Frannie
My KENTUCKY RAMBLINGS 'blog':
http://cabincreekfarm-kentucky.blogspot.com/ |
| vtharvestfolkart |
Posted - Jun 12 2006 : 06:49:15 AM
Hello everyone. Just wanted to join everyone is saying how wonderful I think MaryJanes book and magazines are. I recently bought both and am totally hooked. It was like coming home. They truely changed my life....or....reminded me of what I wanted it to be......ANYWAY...the "Artist In Aprons", what is that all about? I am an Artist....I wear arpons.....i make aprons....along with folkart.....could someone let me know what that issue is going to be about....sounds very exciting...maybe i could be a part of it somehow, if not, no matter, I am still very much looking forward to that issue...
As far as ideas........i have only seen the book and one magazine...so whatever ideas i have probably have already been covered. I love anything involving animals, their daily care, housing, antics....etc. The pictures and stories MJ had in both the magazine and book that I purchased were wonderful. I would love to see more of that. :) Take care and you definately have a fan/subscriber/customer.....FOR LIFE.
GOD BLESS
doreen
Please take a look at my folk art. http://www.crowsoup.com/Market1137.php
"IT'S GOOD TO HAVE AN END TO JOURNEY TOWARDS....BUT IT'S THE JOURNEY THAT MATTERS IN THE END" |
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Jun 10 2006 : 08:53:18 AM
JP, you hit it on the head! Mona is crazy about Jenny and follows her around the barnyard like a dog. It's adorable. Mona is so affectionate! When I was there, she ran up to me and gave me a big wet kiss on the lips as if she was saying, "Hey, there, girlfriend! Nice to see you!" I don't know how happy she would be to have anyone else but Jenny pulling on those udders, tho.
Come visit my Etsy store at www.chezPatricia.etsy.com
Farmgirls do it organically! |
| Mumof3 |
Posted - Jun 09 2006 : 8:08:28 PM
Ooh- A baby edition would be so much fun!! And "She's a Keeper" is very intriguing. Off to my notebook to try and write an essay. Let's see what will squeeze out of this fractured brain!
What about an edition on sisters- we have all seemed to have formed a sisterhood here on the forum, despite our varied backgrounds and living situations ( farm of our dreams or dreaming of a farm!) It is such a powerful thing when women connect. Just a thought.
Glad to hear from you MaryJane.
Karin |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 09 2006 : 2:32:37 PM
Nancy - good idea! I spent the afternoon stewing and canning my garden tomatoes (it was a good day). But those are easy. It is other veggies and fruits that are harder to preserve, and we all can use all the help we as a group can muster to teach one another.
Jenny, Mona probably only wants you to milk her! Just like a little one who is nursing, cows have their attachments. If I lived as close as you (distance is definitley relative, isn't it?) I would be at the farm on July 1 and 2. Ha-Ha I can dream, right? Maybe someday we can all meet, no matter how far we live away!
Peace |
| Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Jun 09 2006 : 12:17:38 PM
Hi
Me again, ideas for the book, got a little carried away with telling you all how much you mean to us and no book ideas.
For all of us that have never or forgotten how to can foods, lets see, that would be me. I would like to see some basic canning instructions and ideas, plus just think of all the pretty pictures that would make.And you could be wearing an apron.
NANCY JO |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jun 09 2006 : 12:08:51 PM
What fun reading this morning!! I am sad to see CindyLou go..but I just love Libbie!! How fun to have her be a bigger part of all this! I have been lucky enough to get together with Libbie and her adorable little guy twice now...she lives only an hour or so south of me..and she is perfect for the job, let me tell ya!!
How fun to hear from you MaryJane..I am so bummed that i can't make the farm fair this year! HOpeing for next year for sure. I sure need to get my husband (or someone) trained to milk Mona..so far no one has milked her even once besides me. I figured out yesterday (while I am milking I have time to think!) that I have milked her over 200 times since she calved. Dosn't seem like it! I love the quiet time with my sweet cow!!
I will be interested to hear how the chicken experiment works out. We have been lucky to not have alot of parisite problems so far since we moved here with our chickens..where I used to live it was bad!
I love the idea of a baby theme workbook or whatever too!! How fun! I only have the one granddaughter..but still hope for more someday!! (all these kids and three of them grown and only one grandbaby...boohoo!!) I have lots of neices and nephews having lots of babies though.
I am excited about the topics of the next couple issues too!!!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Jun 09 2006 : 12:07:25 PM
Mary Jane and crew,
The idea for this forum has been such a great way to bring us all together, I check it several times a day, learn so much, get so many new ideas, just have to see what the other girls are up to. Have all your magazines and books so far, several of your food products and your cute little tote bag. Looking forward to your next book and magazine. we all go a little crazy when they are about to come out!!
Cindy Lou we will miss you, make sure you post on the site, keep us updated on what you are up to. And to all there at the farm YOU ARE VERY MUCH LOVED AND APPRECIATED!!
HUGS
NANCY JO |
| junebug |
Posted - Jun 09 2006 : 11:46:56 AM
I just have to say I think the whole concept of the MJ magazine is a clever one and even though I can't afford her products just yet, they are a wonderful idea and super way to bring organics in our homes. I finally found the latest magazine in Tulsa, on our way back from our sudden trip out west to see my ailing Mom. My Walmart here had the last two issues but I still haven't seen the latest? I love the Mary Jane way of life and this forum is a special place, the bonds here are priceless!! Thanks Mary Jane for sharing your life with us all and keep those books and magazines coming, we appreacite all you do and reading a post from you is icing on the cake!!
www.sageflowerfarm.blogspot.com
www.herbalfarmstead.blogspot.com
www.countrypleasures.motime.com |
| Eileen |
Posted - Jun 09 2006 : 09:02:24 AM
Mary Jane and Crew,
Just wanted to jump in here too and say HI MARY JANE, and to thank you for all you do to keep this open discussion forum going. Having been a moderator for a while I know it is not an easy task and I appreciate what Carol has had to say this morning. I have been there to see your farm in person and can say I know how you love what you do and are pouring all your energy into this dream.
Jp has a very good idea about a baby issue and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with for a story. Being a new grammie myself has my focus in this area as well and my daughter has been the route of finding every organic outlet for baby things there is as well as do it yourself stuff and her own web site with organic baby things too. I would be glad to assist when the time comes.
I am excited to know that the farm is being used for reunions and other events, gives me an idea.
I love the magalog and cannot wait for the next issue. Will be getting the wisdom book too.
I will miss Cindy Lou a lot!
Lots of stuff happening in my world right now.
I love you guys!
Eileen
Songbird; singing joy to the earth |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 09 2006 : 07:57:50 AM
MaryJane - so good to read your post. My mind is already buzzing about "She's a Keeper". I better go catch it while it's buzzing, because sometimes it fizzles! I will be glad to write again for your publication, and thanks!!!!! What fun!
Also, it is good to hear about your future plans for books, etc. As for the baby topic, I am sure once little Meg's baby is here, you all will be brimming with new ideas and info for babes-in-arms.
SoapMaven - it was so good to see your post! And I am glad you are healing. Be patient. I have been there, and it will take a while, but stay on the upward swing!
Welcome Libbie!
Cindylou :( will miss you so much.
Jeannie
Peace |
| TheSoapMaven |
Posted - Jun 09 2006 : 06:07:30 AM
As always soo SOOO good to see a post from you MJ!! Thank you for the update! Just what I needed to hear this morning...beginning my third week of recuperating and wanted to be working by now...but its a no go just yet. Maybe by next week. Old stuff just takes a little longer to heal I suppose! I want to send you some pictures of the apron I make for me and friends...its an FULL COVERAGE type apron. I might have posted a picture on the apron thread...cant remember. That's something I could do while I still cant make soap...sew aprons!!! You know I still have two treadle machines that work ~ one belonged to my beloved BonDon (my mentor) and one to my Aunt Ada. They are treasures! I learned to sew on a treadle machine.
Well, all I wanted to say was good to see you...Happy to hear of all the goings on at the farm...Wish I could be at Farm Fair...hugs all around!
Susan
Proprietress of Dahlem's Soapworks http://www.thesoapmaven.com
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| MaryJane |
Posted - Jun 09 2006 : 05:55:59 AM
Where would we be without you JP? But of course, a baby theme!!!! Duh. We have the next two mag issues mapped out but after that.....
Or maybe a Baby Jane mini-book as an "Each Other" Workbook?????
Also, after our next magazine issue called Artists in Aprons, we'll tackle "She's a Keeper." In it, we're going to feature lots of make-do projects, from furniture to pin keepers BUT we need essays along those lines. "She's a Keeper" could be about a farm that has been saved, an old truck, a dear old friend, a child's blankie....
JP, we always love your stuff, so if the creative writing urge grabs you (when you're not too busy thinking about/being a Nana) Meggie is only a SEND button away.
We're getting super busy with our B&B guests and our new Country Club idea. Our entire farm will be rented twice this summer for a family reunion. Last night some guests were married up on our Ridge...the reception to follow in our schoolhouse. So far, we've had seven couples come for our honeymoon "wall tent get-away" package.
Weddings are a favorite of ours, so full of hope and optimism and ingenuity. Soon, Emil and Kate will be wed. The ring bearer last night was the couple's favorite pal..... their dog!!!
I'm excited to meet new farmgirls during Farm Fair. I have so many aprons that I want to show off, I might just change every hour for two days! (Last week Luzy sent me an old one she found in an antique store. It's my new favorite! Thank you, thank you Luzy and the dolls are here for a rest....you should have seen Erik walking around with them yesterday checking out photo opportunities...will post his photos today.)
Other good/bad news is that Cindylou wants to retire permanently to "be" just at home. I know our chapters will miss her upbeat voice and loving nature. Her replacement? Utah Libbie will take over where CL leaves off. Libbie came here last year for our Pay Dirt Farm School. When she drove up our lane in her uncle's "family car" it felt like we'd always known her.
This is turning into "News from the Farm" so I'll stop here. It's time to go pamper my chickens anyway. I'm putting this weird concoction of nutritional yeast, kelp, grapfruit seed extract, and vinegar into their water every day and mixing diatomaceous earth and flax into their feed for parasite control. They don't seem to mind being my experiment!
In farmgirl fortitude,
MaryJane |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 08 2006 : 2:18:07 PM
All that said, I can't wait for the next issue! I got my book of Wisdom today, and it s very nice gift book.
If I could request a topic for any future issues, I think I would ask MJF to focus on a baby issue. Meg would probably like that too!
My daughter (jujubee on this forum) just had a baby girl, and it would be neat to have a baby issue that talked about organic food and soaps, patterns for clothing and blankets, and advice on many important issues involving raising children. There are many young mom and moms-to-be here, and I think it would be great fun! |
| Carol |
Posted - Jun 08 2006 : 11:56:09 AM
Hello Carla, Rebekah, Clare and Luanne.
I will try one last time to address this topic. But then, we're going to ask you not to respond to it, but to get this thread back on its original topic -- ideas for upcoming books.
Carla, you are obviously not familiar with our magazine, but have felt it necessary to offer criticism about it, using words like sneaky and unfarmgirl-like, even so. If you had been familiar with it, you would know that it's ALWAYS been a catalog. That's what it is. MaryJane came up with the term "storefront magazine," which we've always openly called it. We thought that people who enjoy our products might like to know things about our company, about MaryJane, and about other women who are doing inspiring things. And they did. Our first issue had a print run of 5,000, and now we're printing 50-70,000. But calling it a magazine allows us to distribute it through stores instead of buying mailing lists and sending our catalog out unsolicited, thereby creating more junk mail and contributing to that huge problem. And we've had wonderful feedback about it.
You say you were "Almost turned off to the whole MaryJane thing, because I feel it is getting too commercial/contrary to the Farmgirl concept." I'm not sure where you think the farmgirl concept came from, but the farmgirl concept IS MaryJane. It's her brainchild, her ideas, and her execution. This forum is not a product of some pre-existing farmgirl concept, but one borne of a genuine wish to be able to connect those women who so love our magazines and books. From the first magazine on, we found that there were a huge number of like-minded women out in the world who found solace in the idea that there were others like them trying to live a simpler, more conscientious life. And when you say, "Does MaryJane have to do it all herself? It seems like maybe she is trying to turn herself into a Martha Stewart, which is fine. But then it's business, and not just Farmgirl," I will respond once again, yes, MaryJane DOES have to do it all herself, with a few of us and her family helping her along, because we don't have the resources for her NOT to do it all herself. This is NOT a Martha Stewart enterprise. We are not a huge corporation with lots of dollars and resources. We are a small group of dedicated people working at the end of a dirt road in remodeled, make-do outbuildings.
And Luzy, you might let your son know that running a forum doesn't just involve paying a service provider. It involves much time and effort. You have to factor in everyone’s wages, like Kate who manages the mail lists tracking the dolls, aprons, premiere tour, etc.; and Cindylou who spends three entire days a week on Farmgirl Chapter stuff; and my wages; and Gabe’s; and Erik's; and the women who help us moderate; and back-ups, updates, search functions and on and on. There is MUCH more than meets the eye!
We blocked this topic when someone was reposting it (without changes) so that it showed up in our four more recent posts on the home page. This forum is not going to be the place where we're going to argue free speech. If we feel that topics get off discussion, are negative, or are hurtful to others, we'll block or delete them. We really want this forum to be a place for positive exchange, upbeat helpfulness, and genuine camaraderie. And having worked with MaryJane for many years, I know that when push comes to shove, she will vehemently protect and honor that like a momma lion defending her cubs. Running a successful forum requires keeping it on track, and not allowing negative postings. We've had to deal with a few of these over time, but are so thankful that for the most part, our farmgirls are appreciative of this virtual home that needs to be a safe place for everyone, including us.
Farmgirl plowin' through ...
Carol |
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