| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - May 21 2005 : 09:10:50 AM
Girls!!! I got my copy of Mary Jane's book this morning in the mail!!! It is so wonderful, beautiful I am moved to tears! Watch your mail, a treasure is on its way...
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| primjillie |
Posted - Jun 03 2005 : 9:46:57 PM
Thanks for the welcome, Clare! I will have to check out the book some more for the pictures of the farm and I do have the newest magazine, so I will check that out too. I am a decorating addict so I always look for farm type decorating. I do love crafts - quilting, stitching, and sewing, but more of the older, primitive type, I guess. The crafts in the book are more 1900's. I used to knit, but can't remember how to start! I am a grandma, by the way, so I wasn't trying to be derogatory (smile). I love this forum and glad I found it. I am a wannabe farmgirl.........maybe when we retire....... |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jun 01 2005 : 7:33:47 PM
I heard once a long time ago, maybe it was in a movie, that souls that were close to one another in one life would cross paths again in another lifetime. We all seem to be of some sort of longing for a different time and way of life here...That we have unfinished business of a sort. I have told my husband I was born in the wrong time. I don't mean to sound strange here, but there are some deep and profound thoughts on living a simpler, pure and meaningful way of life on this forum. I have often felt the presence of Native Americans on my land. All I can do is to honor them by living in harmony with the land I have been blessed with, and honor those settlers, especially the frontier women who came before me. I am not being a romantic here, I have felt this way since I was a child.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
| Clare |
Posted - Jun 01 2005 : 6:49:17 PM
Bramble, I went back and looked at the magazine, and it's a full page ad toward the back of the book, on the left side. There's a big picture of Central Park that will draw your attention. You can go online to their website it said, for more info.
Regarding the books format, Bramble - I understand your thoughts. When I read the one page journal in the gardening section I thought to myself... I wish there were more journal pages... along the lines of Gladys Taber's writings almost. I think the chapter titles follow MJ's interests and things she's written about previously in the magazine. I'll look forward to the supplements or future editions...
Everyone, I'm right there with ya in feeling "lost in time". Everyday when I walk in the park along the river during my lunch break, I pass a stand/grove of old poplar and cottonwood trees, and without fail, I can envision the Native women as if I am one of them, down at the river, doing the things it took to sustain a village...., or because this land was once homesteaded and their are flowers left on the riverbank from those homes, I can almost feel the prescence of the women who tended these gardens a hundred years ago... and their tie to the land. Not to mention my own farmgirl childhood....playing along the creeks and stands of trees where I made my "homes".... Doesn't take much and I am transported.
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
| bramble |
Posted - Jun 01 2005 : 6:21:24 PM
Meadowlark, JP and Kim- That's how I feel too. Strange but interesting how we are all lured to the past in different but similar ways. That's why we love MJF , and all the folks there because they get it too! I am enjoying the book and all the different areas covered but I must say I thought it would be in a different format or organized differently. Maybe seasonal (which would of been typical)
or monthly, I'm not sure what exactly I expected.. Since I have some background from the connection and the magazines it all made sense to me , but a first timer might be confused by the randomness. Please don't get me wrong... the photos are gorgeous, the articles well written, insightful and Wonderful! It is a beautiful book and all the hard work and effort is apparent. To all of you I say "Thank You" for a wonderful addition to my bookshelf! It's a keeper!
Meadowlark--Where did you find that Country Home info? Sounds like maybe something I could arrange to go to! Wouldn't that be fun?!!!
with a happy heart |
| Kim |
Posted - Jun 01 2005 : 5:31:22 PM
JP
You should submit that article to MJ. I have often felt I was a pioneer woman in another life and after that a woman of the 40's-50's
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 01 2005 : 12:59:11 PM
Meadowlark - I am convinced I am a pioneer woman from some other life! I have had this connection since my youth, and even wrote an story/article about that feeling in 1974 (never published). It feels so natural to me to consider living in a cabin, working hard, seeing the endless sky, watching the fire, hearing the wind in all it's personalities, watching for my husband to return from the fields, and also being afraid. No easy life was it for the pioneer woman, and many of them lost their minds. It was too hard to be there, alone, in all that space.
But despite these realities, a quilt laid at the end of a bed would have spoken safety then, too.
I put quilts at the ends of my beds, too! Plus the ones we sleep under, and the ones I try to preserve, and the ones that are the bedspreads themselves! :) Quilts have to be the ultimate symbol of a woman who can make art and warmth and life from scraps.
jpbluesky
Heaven gives its glimpses only to those
Not in position to look too close.
from "A Passing Glimpse" by Robert Frost |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jun 01 2005 : 10:33:18 AM
I think there is going to be an article about Mary Jane in Country Home magazine this fall. The June issue had an ad in it about a celebration in Central Park, NYC on Oct. 1st sponsored by Country Home discussing the Oct. 2005 Creativity Issue. It says Author and Organic Farmer Mary Jane Butters will hold seminars and demos along with others. Mary Chapin Carpenter will be giving a concert. Perhaps the article will take a peak at her farmhouse?
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Jun 01 2005 : 06:33:53 AM
I'm with you JP on the Pioneer look, only here in Kansas we call it "prairie style". You just can't go wrong with it... The other day I was sprucing up my oldest daughter's bedroom since she no longer lives at home now. It looked so bare so I placed a folded quilt at the foot of her bed and viola, it was cozy again!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jun 01 2005 : 06:22:47 AM
I love the pioneer look, too, and have since I was in my twenties. For me, this look is timeless and endearing and real. I am so glad you received your book, Jenny! I have been wondering if you had it yet.
jpbluesky
Heaven gives its glimpses only to those
Not in position to look too close.
from "A Passing Glimpse" by Robert Frost |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - May 31 2005 : 4:40:49 PM
oh...I LOVED the fabric that the harvest apron was made from...really neat! It must be vintage but has anyone seen anything similar out there??
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - May 31 2005 : 4:38:59 PM
My book came today!!!! I havn't been to the computer..or done much else since the mail came..hooray! I LOVE it...especially the crafts (but then, I AM a grandma..haha)
Welcome Jill...I love the pioneer look too..and I am glad you are here!!
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
| Clare |
Posted - May 31 2005 : 1:43:52 PM
Welcome Jill! From what I understand they had to cut about 400 pages from the book (it would've been just HUGE!)... so perhaps there will be more topics of your interest covered in future installations.
If you haven't found her latest magazine on the newsstand, you might want to look for that, too. It has a picture of her house that is being built; however, it definately is not a pioneer look... but it will be very practical for their farm's needs. Also explore the "tour" section of www.maryjanesfarm.org and you will see some pics of the farm.
Just as an aside comment regarding "grandma crafts"... don'tjaknow, everything old is new again?! Just think of the resurgance that knitting has had in the last couple of years!  For those of us in our "wisdom years", this is certainly true, and also of considerable comfort! Perhaps one day this will ring true for you too.
Glad you found us, Jill.
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
| primjillie |
Posted - May 31 2005 : 1:24:38 PM
I have just bought the book and have read nearly all of it. I love the photographs! It has a little too many "grandma" crafts for me and I was hoping to see MaryJane's farmhouse, which I thought would be in it. I was also hoping with all the antiques in the photos, there would be more antiquey things, if that makes sense. I love the old time decorating and living and was hoping for some of that in this book. I guess I like the look of a pioneer farmhouse and everything related. I would love to see the chicken coop, the barn, the gardens, etc. I do love the book, though, and can hardly wait for another one! |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - May 30 2005 : 4:42:53 PM
I always skip around in books I read and like. The chapter MJ wrote about her wilderness days and friendships with the man named Emil, and the other ladies in her outpost spoke to me. To me it told alot about Mary Jane's character...How in the loneliness, hardship and isolation she dug down deep within herself to gain strength, resolve, fortitude, humor, all those qualities that make her so special and endearing to so many. I could relate to those times of loneliness and reflection in my own life. She has a depth to her, and kindness born out of those times I think. Oh and I LOVE her tin Woman idea! Have plans to make a few tin women for my garden and vineyard! And the rustic wire chandelier, the hammock, the wall tent I could go on and on!
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." Rumi, 13th century. |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - May 30 2005 : 11:39:41 AM
Clare, I read books like MJ'S from back to front, too! Why does that seem so satisfying? I also enjoyed reading about MaryJane's younger life and her blended family. There are so many people who have had the same challenges she so honestly writes about that it was refreshing to read.
Well, I am going to order the Journal now! Later!
jpbluesky
Heaven gives its glimpses only to those
Not in position to look too close.
from "A Passing Glimpse" by Robert Frost |
| Clare |
Posted - May 30 2005 : 09:36:09 AM
It was really hot here on Saturday (at least for May), so I spent the day indoors doing laundry (and hanging sheets outside to dry... ahhh.  ), and reading MJ's book. I had skimmed through it front to back previously, and this time I read it from back to front... which for me seems to be a more thorough way to read this type of book.... keeps me from jumping ahead, and I make sure that I'm at the beginning of a topic and read it through. Call me wierd, but works for me! When I got to the end, (actually the beginning), and read MJ's story about growing up with her family, I was crying about the story of her father Allen and his younger friend Sterling. What a touching, touching story.
And so many ideas in the book. I've not actually embroidered since I was a pre-teen, but I'm going to dive back into that.... well, fit it in amongst my other craft projects anyway... so it's nice to be reminded of the old, wise ways.
What have some of you found especially spoke to you in the book?
****Gardener, Stitcher, Spiritual Explorer and Appreciator of all Things Natural****
"Begin to weave and God will give the thread." - German Proverb |
| simplegirl |
Posted - May 30 2005 : 08:01:10 AM
My book made it Saturday. I was so happy my daughter couldn't understand why I was so impatient for her to open it. She was trying so hard to be helpful but she seemed to be moving SO SLOWLY. LOL. Love the book...breathtaking photography is what hits me the most about it and there is so much to learn! I have just randomly went through it a few times, now I am going to go through it and mark pages with things that really interest me! Thanks MaryJane!
Teresa
Until you make peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have. ~Doris Mortman |
| Carol |
Posted - May 27 2005 : 2:16:49 PM
Hi girls. The Farmgirl Journal and Farmgirl Notecards will be available on August 2. You can pre-order them here:
Farmgirl Notecards
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/PFOShop/product.asp?dept_id=103&ProductID=73043002
Farmgirl Journal
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/PFOShop/product.asp?dept_id=103&ProductID=73043001
she laughed and laughed ... |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - May 27 2005 : 05:17:24 AM
Carol - thank you for the info!
I just visited Amazon, and the new book is available there. Also you can order the MaryJanes Farmgirl Journal ahead of time! When it is available, I definitely want a journal, too, but will wait and order it from MaryJane. Now, I will be way ahead of myself and ask, when will the journal be on the bookshelves?
jpbluesky
Heaven gives its glimpses only to those
Not in position to look too close.
from "A Passing Glimpse" by Robert Frost |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - May 26 2005 : 11:42:59 AM
what a cute name for a bookstore...lucky you!!!
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
| Nicol |
Posted - May 26 2005 : 11:18:20 AM
I went to a local bookstore, Aunties, and purchased mine on the 24th, the "release" date. The photography is just amazing and the stories are wonderful. MaryJane is such a vivid storyteller and that makes the book so special. Last night I went to her booksigning at Aunties. It was so much fun! |
| Carol |
Posted - May 26 2005 : 11:04:26 AM
Hi farmgirls! It's so wonderful to see all your warm comments about the book. Thank you so much! I just checked with Nick about the shipping status of the books ordered from this site so that you could have an update. He said that, unlike our foods which are processed here and usually shipped the day after the orders are placed, the books are dependent on us getting shipments from the book distributor. That's why some of you have received them and some haven't. Just be assured that we are shipping them as fast as we can!
We had our first booksigning event on Tuesday night here in Moscow. It was so fun, and we sold lots of books! MaryJane is out traveling around our local area all this week at booksignings. You can see her schedule by clicking on the "Follow MJ's Book Tour" link on our home page. Hope some of you can meet her along the way!
Thanks again for your lovely comments!
Carol
she laughed and laughed ... |
| simplegirl |
Posted - May 25 2005 : 10:57:20 PM
That very well may be the issue for me too. I just discovered this site in the last few weeks and ordered my book right away. I hadn't thought of that Jenny!
Until you make peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have. ~Doris Mortman |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - May 25 2005 : 7:42:14 PM
I ordered mine from this site too...and not really a long time ago, so if they were going down a big old long list in the order they came in I guess it is my fault i didn't order earlier!!!
Jenny in Utah
Bloom where you are planted! |
| simplegirl |
Posted - May 25 2005 : 6:52:33 PM
I ordered mine through this site....I still have the confirmation e-mail but I don't think it contains tracking info?? If it doesn't come by Friday maybe I'll just give a quick call to the Farm though I am sure there were a ton of people that pre-ordered and it just takes time. I'm right there with ya Jenny! I am SURE it will be well worth the wait!
Teresa
Until you make peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have. ~Doris Mortman |
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