| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Oct 25 2008 : 05:45:20 AM
THE MAVENS’ HAVEN
October 25, 2008
Welcome to MJ’s Heirloom Mavens!
Ahhhhh, October! My favorite time of year. The colorful turning of the leaves. Sweater weather. The first sound of the furnace kicking on to warm up the house. Bonfires, hayrides, roasting marshmallows, making s’mores. Putting the garden to bed. A time to breathe again after the many activities of summer. So settle in. Grab a cup of tea…..or apple cider – ‘tis the season. And enjoy catching up with the mavens. Here we go……..
Mother Hen’s Musings
I shivered today as I rolled out of bed. Bed. My slumber nest.
Its been a postcard perfect autumn here in Ohio. It cooled down gradually, granting me ample time to plot my “new” quarter of an acre garden and roto-till the old 10’ x 6’ plot for an herb garden. I also winterized the chicken coop, building straw walls to keep them warm and snuggly – no bad wolves allowed.
As I finished “decorating” the chicken coop with straw bales, I thought of the similarities between MY bed and the chores I was doing outdoors. Autumn is a time to put all good things to bed until Miss Spring beckons us awake with unfurling green leaves and not-so-cranky crocus.
I oiled my garden tools. I blanketed my strawberries and rhubarb with straw. We plowed a quarter of an acre into what will be the biggest area I’ve ever planted. And as I look out over the freshly turned earth I envision all sorts of tasty heirlooms coming to fruition next year. I applied a new layer of litter in the chicken coop so that the “girls” aren’t walking on wet ground. Cleaned the nest boxes and gave them a fresh layer to plop eggs in. I brought in my tender herbs and cut back my hardy perennials. Pruned my flowering bushes and planted fall bulbs.
As I stocked up, mulched over, pruned back, and brought in, I realized it’s much like tucking young’un’s into bed. Snuggled tight in cozy comfort, bed gives little bodies time to recharge – just like I am allowing my gardens to recharge. We go through the motions in the precious time that autumn allows, to bed down, slumber, grow and recharge for spring awakening.
**** MAVEN TO MAVEN ****
Mavens on the Road
Ruth: on the road to the land of Disney with the family. Set out on adventure Friday, the 24th; EDR (Estimated Date of Return), unknown.
Lora: loaded with goodies from Whole Foods, left for Indiana Tuesday, the 21st, with the family. Hubby will be hunting and Lora will be reading, reading, reading, and Lliam will be having a grand old time on the family property. EDR: Sunday.
Some of our mavens will be meeting in Rosalia this Saturday for the Autumn Town Festival. Lucky mavens, MaryJane’s farm will have a booth and MaryJane Herself will be there from 1-2. You all enjoy and think of the rest of us poor mavens who can only be there in our dreams……..
Maven Birthday
Belated birthday wishes to Lora (FARMALLchick). Her birthday was Monday, October 20. Hopefully it was a happy one and she’s continuing the celebration on her family trip.
Next maven to send warm wishes to: Amy Grace – Monday, November 3rd
For a rendition of the unofficial maven birthday song as “sung” by Dawn to Lora, click here: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24908&whichpage=105
New Mavens
Are you someone who’s reading the maven posts but unsure about jumping in? Does this newsletter rev up your interest? If you want more information about MJ’s Heirloom Mavens, check out the Heirloom Mavens Beginners Guide http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=582 and then go to Magazine: Call for Entries / Keeping in Touch / Danger of Extinction Thread and introduce yourself. We’d love to get to know you!
**** WEEKLY UPDATE ****
Maven Calendar
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a calendar of our mavens’ gardens and local landscape? Check the henhouse for information
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=652 and then post your thoughts here http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=653
And if that isn’t special enough, what about a Maven Holiday? Annika, our keeper of the websites, discovered that October 15, 2007 was World Rural Women’s Day. In typical maven fashion, this led to thoughts of a Maven Holiday. Should it be in the spring when gardening season begins? Should it be during the time of the BB&B? Should it possibly be the anniversary date of the mavens (or is that already special enough)? Cast your vote at http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=657
Monday Maven Madness
This past Monday kicked off the first Monday Maven Madness chat-a-thon. Most, if not all, of us have experienced the pull of the HMV (Heirloom Maven Vortex) where everything around you ceases – and ceases to get done (as in housework, supper, etc.). To help lessen the pull, Mama Hen has designated one hour on Monday evenings as a time for everyone to flock together and chat. The maven madness will begin at 9pm EST/6pm PST.
The possibility of a morning or afternoon chat was also mentioned. Some of us can only do evenings, others only daytime, some of us are available just about anytime, but there will be times when each of us will miss the chatting for one reason or another. You can post your available times here: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=659
Magazine Subscriptions
“It would be good to know who is subscribing to what, then we can share the info and if we were to give a gift of one, we would know if she already has it.” Corinne [Corinnelouise]
Isn’t this a great idea? What do you subscribe to and/or regularly buy? Post it at http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=647
It’s Beginning to Look Like a Maven Christmas!
The finalized list for the Maven Christmas Exchange is posted in the henhouse. The deadline to send your gift is December 1st so you starting thinking mavenly Christmas thoughts. For more information, go to http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=644
MJ’s Heirloom Mavens Badges
Teresa Sue is still looking for input on the design of our mavens badge. Be sure to rock the badge vote at http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=612
If you love to journal you can triple your fun by working on the Farm Kitchen, Farmgirl Gratitude and Bustin’ Out badges at the same time – all involve journaling. If journaling isn’t your first choice for fun (like me) you can work on all three and knock out the journaling in a month. Here’s where to find more info:
Beginner Farm Kitchen Badge: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=609&whichpage=1
Beginner Farmgirl Gratitude Badge: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=637
Beginner Bustin’ Out Badge: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=638
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
The HMBC (Heirloom Maven Book Club) is underway, clucking about chapters three and four in Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. The commentary is picking up as we go peck our way through the book. You can follow the discussion at http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=597 in the henhouse or in the HHM/HM Henhouse Connection thread http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=25556
Remember this book is one of the requirements for the Farm Kitchen “Know Your Food” Beginner Level badge. See the Teresa Sue’s “Badge Alert!!!!” post for more info: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=609&whichpage=1
**** FUTURE ATTRACTIONS ****
12000 Years and Counting……..
Alee came up with another great slogan for the mavens: “MJ's Heirloom Mavens - Our seeds have been field tested for 12000 years and counting!” And what better place for a slogan than on a T-shirt – and you can customize it by putting an iron-on of the graphic on the shirt of your choice. Mama Hen Dawn has created a graphic and requests your input. Check it out on the blog: http://www.heirloommavens.blogspot.com To read the original thread that started the discussion, go to http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=646
Guess who’s coming to PBS……
Can’t say right now but I have it on good authority (i.e. Rene) that when details become available, they will be posted for the mavens a.s.a.m.p.
Heirloom Minor at Farmgirl U
Rene (prosserfarmgirl) is currently working on developing a program for those who would like to minor in heirloom gardening at the Farmgirl University. Be watching for more information in the henhouse.
Seed-swapping
As we put our gardens to bed and begin planning for next season, visions of new seeds to plant for next year dance in our heads. We are in the early stages of organizing but you can check out this thread to catch up on the seed-swapping discussion: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=561 To post your seeds lists and wants, go here: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=589
Amy Grace (graciegreeneyes) and Marcy (Marcy Jo) are coordinating the seed-swapping clearinghouse so watch for updates as we move from putting this year’s gardens to bed and begin planning for next year.
**** REMINDERS ****
Remember to check out Our Mother Hen’s nest box in the henhouse where she will be laying her eggs filled with gardening tips, tidbits and treasures. It’s labeled as the bulletin board, but Nest Box is much more mavenly, dontcha think? http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=169
Be sure to check out maven Tina’s online magazine, Small Town Living at www.stliving.net
The Heirloom Mavens Save Our Seeds – Feed Our Future bumper stickers are now available. For more information, go to the Heirloom Mavens Beginners Guide http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=582
You can use PayPal to purchase Heirloom Maven bumperstickers, bracelets and to donate to the Maven Scholarship Fund ( http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24908&whichpage=89 )
Check out the Heirloom Maven blog site at www.heirloommavens.blogspot.com
When possible, purchase books through Seed Savers Exchange to support their efforts in saving heirloom seeds for future generations www.seedsavers.org
Mark your calendars for the first annual Heirloom Maven Spring Fling and Farmgirl Round-Up http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=568
If you get lost in the Heirloom Maven lingo, you can find the lingo list in the Beginner’s Guide http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=582
That’s all for this week, mavens. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please send me an e-mail and I will get back with you a.s.a.m.p. In the meantime, have a great week and see you in the DOE and/or henhouse.
Karen – Maven Chickherder / Sister #311 |
| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| deeredawn |
Posted - Oct 26 2008 : 11:22:36 AM
WOOF WOOF WOOF!(that is said with fist in the air) Thats dog pund speak for 'mighty good job'! Hey, I've lived near Cleveland my whole life.... what can I say?
Dawn #279
MJ's Heirloom Mavens/Mother Hen
www.heirloommavens.blogspot.com
www.harvestthymefarm.blogspot.com
www.gypsycowgirlcreations.blogspot.com
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Oct 26 2008 : 10:08:50 AM
WOW, Karen,
Another GREAT job!
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/
Mavens are "information specialists", or "people we rely upon to connect us with new information."[6] They accumulate knowledge, especially about the marketplace, and know how to share it with others
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| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Oct 26 2008 : 08:49:57 AM
Karen - I think the newsletter is your calling - you do a fantastic job of condensing our 116(!!!!!) pages of DOE and our henhouse chatter into something that makes sense to others
Thank you!!
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Oct 25 2008 : 07:52:49 AM
Linda, I have a big smile on my face seeing your post!  x 100
I know you're busy with moving and all but I have truly missed you. Give us an update on your life on the DOE thread when you have a moment to catch your breath.
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & Farmgirl Sister #311 |
| LindaEllen |
Posted - Oct 25 2008 : 06:46:45 AM
Well I'm going to third this post, good job Karen, lots of info.
Havn't turned on the furnish yet or used the fireplace but we'll be soon : ). Loved your intro to this post. Love Autumn too : )
Got my coffee and ready to catchup
Linda
Farmgirl Sister #343
Locust Trail Homestead
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/walkabout/
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| Annika |
Posted - Oct 25 2008 : 06:31:22 AM
I second that! Very good and well thought out. Fantastic is right!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Mud Hen Queen
MJ's Heirloom Maven's Librarian
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| Contrary Wife |
Posted - Oct 25 2008 : 06:04:35 AM
Very well done Karen, you are really good at the newsletter. Fantastic, (clapping)!!!
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
MJ's Heirloom Mavens Badgebadger
MJ's Heirloom Mavens Bookclub Coordinator
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
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