| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Feb 13 2009 : 7:57:21 PM
THE MAVENS’ HAVEN
February 14, 2009
Save Our Seeds – Feed Our Future
Happy Valentine’s Day! Welcome to MJ’s Heirloom Mavens!
"Anytime I think about heirloom ANYTHING, I think about genetic diversity (of course). There are all these genes in a plant, and some you like and some you don't and some you have no idea what they do because they are "quietly" important. Important in ways we don't know. If we let some herbs "fall out of favor" and push them to the side or even go EXTINCT, we are losing something that we can't find again and LATER it might be important, medicinally, for drought tolerance, for pest tolerance, etc. It's like fighting to save the world's endangered species, only it's not species, it's GENES and we can't even describe them yet so that makes it even harder." > Jennifer Heer, Genetic Research Assistant North Carolina State University .....
Kelley (farmmommy) came across this quote on the Path to Freedom website. She said, “When I read that a GRA at a major college put her thoughts out there so plainly and in a langage that we can all understand, and kept it short an sweet,..I was impressed.”
We’ve been chatting a lot about the importance of what we are doing – saving seed and sharing the importance of preserving heirloom seeds with others. As mavens we need to “accumulate knowledge” but we also need to “know how to share it with others.” We have to be ready to give an answer as to why heirlooms are important, like Marcy did this week.
I went to get feed for the critters and the man asked me if I buy all organic because he saw my milk when he was loading the feed. That led to a great discussion on being self sufficient and growing heirlooms and the quality of our food and how we have all just been used to buying what the store offered without knowing what was in our food. Before that I was picking out some material and a woman stopped me to talk..by the end of the conversation she had invited me to a sort of quilt club. Can you imagine just a bit of friendly networking and who knows who may be interested in what we do without knowing how to do it?? I was so excited!
If someone wanted to start a discussion about gardening and self-sufficiency, would you know how to share in words what you feel in your heart?
**** MAVEN TO MAVEN ****
In the Life of a Maven
No maven birthdays this coming week. Next up – Denise (levisgrammy) February 25th.
Alee (Alee) needs, to quote her quick wit, better car-ma. On Monday, February 10, her car was hit nearly broadside. Quick thinking kept her from being hit straight on. Instead the car “slid along my passenger side doors and into my front right fender. So I have damage to both doors and a HUGE basketball sized dent in my front fender along with damage to the wheel and the hood!” Nora, Sky and Alee are fine, though Alee feels like she got hit with a Mack truck (thank goodness it wasn’t!). Like Annika (Annika) suggested, maybe her next car should be a horse-drawn humvee!
Lora (FARMALLChick) continues to add to add to her list of accomplishments on her farmgirl resume. This week’s entry: replacing an entire deep well system. “. We were w/o power for 7.5 hours THEN when the power came back on - it blew the whole pump system.”
WOO HOO, sister! Marcy earned eight, yes, 8, more badges under Stitching and Crafting and Farm Kitchen categories. Giving her mom a run for the badges, farmerette Hannah earned two in Stitching and Crafting.
Ruth (homemom) has a new ‘do! Click the link to find her post on the DOE: http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24908&whichpage=289
If any of you needs a confirmation about your growing zone, please check this;
http://www.garden.org/zipzone/
Corinne
New Mavens
The gardening season is well underway and new mavens are keep sprouting up.
Kelley (farmmommy) joined us on February 10. She had an interesting talk with the owner of a local feed store who wanted to know how seeds get classified as endangered. If you’d like the answer to that question, just head over to Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/programs/details/ark_of_taste/
Later that day Amanda (DearMildred) joined in. This is her first year growing veggies from seed. She was excited to find “a whole community of heirloom advocates right here under my nose.”
The next day Amber (yellojewl) returned to MaryJane’s farm and headed right for the heirloom seeds/veggies/flowers discussion. She lives near Mansfield, Missouri, home of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. How great is that?
Ann (soapmommy60543) of Stashaholics Anonymous fame popped in Thursday to post about her junior farmers. This story will gives us all a lot of hope for the future:
“Can I brag about 1 of my kids?
My kids really "get it" when it comes to growing your own food, heirloom varieties and lots of other environmental stuff. Anyway, had a super cool moment today (gave me goosebumps) when we got our seeds that I bartered for with Karen (LW4Y). She was sweet and sent us some of the Hidatsa beans. These beans are almost too pretty to plant. They would make great beads for all you jewelry makers!
So, after hearing how Lewis and Clark probably ate some of these beans on their great adventure, and how the beans are now in danger of extinction, DD (age almost 12) said that we should grow all the beans we received, then give beans to all our friends so that they can grow them, too, to keep the variety from disappearing. We have some very hip friends, and I have a feeling that if we follow DD's plan, these friends would be happy to oblige.
Ok, so I'm done bragging about my junior farmers. Just had to share...”
If you’re interested in expanding your gardening and food knowledge to include heirloom varieties, come on over to the Danger of Extinction thread and jump right in. Lots of gardening talk, good info and good company awaits. If you are not in the sisterhood yet, come anyway. In these economic times we realize that not everyone has the resources to join the sisterhood so we have created a companion thread, the HHM/HM Henhouse Connection http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=25556&whichpage=1 . This way you can read the posts in the henhouse and post on the connection. For those already in the sisterhood, just send Gabe an e-mail at gabe@maryjanesfarm.com to be added to the henhouse. For those not in the sisterhood and are just waiting for a reason to join, this is it! And remember, 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=667 and then go to the Danger of Extinction Thread and introduce yourself. http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24908 We’d love to get to know you!
**** WEEKLY UPDATE ****
The Battle Wages On
Emilee Gettle (Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds) stopped by on Monday to make sure we knew about Siegers Seed Company’s push for a patent on warted pumpkins. “Please write Siegers Seed Co. and protest this! Check out these links for more info... http://www.grit.com/daily-commute/Siegers-Seed-Co-Threatens-Action-over-Warty-Pumpkins.aspx?blogid=184
http://idigmygarden.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14625 ” Teresa Sue (Contrary Wife) did the research and made it easy for us to print the complaint form and mail or fax it in. Click on this link for the details: http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=29307
If you haven’t mailed in your protest yet, please don’t read any further in this newsletter until you go to the website and print off your form. This is important stuff. To paraphrase Teresa Sue, don’t wait for the other maven to do it because YOU ARE THAT MAVEN.
New Shopping Green Badge – Shopping Bag Swap
Did you know that there’s a new Shopping Green badge in the Cleaning Up category? One of the requirements at the Expert Level (why not start at the top?) is organizing a reusable bag swap. As our badge badger, Amy Grace (graciegreeneyes) jumped right on the opportunity. “Hey - since I'm the badge badger and all, wanted to let you all know I just started a thread for a reusable shopping bag swap over in Farmgirl Barter. One of the new badges is to collect and commit to using reusable shopping bags and a higher level is to make and trade one.
I thought this might be a good one for Mavens but I know everyone is busy so I opened it up for all farmgirls, but if you are interested hop on in.”
To sign up for the swap, go to http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=29292
Then post over to the henhouse to help Amy Grace keep track of the mavens participating in the swap http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=745
HMBC (Heirloom Maven Book Club)
Cheryl’s (K-Falls farmgirl) “Carrots Love Tomatoes” by Louise Riotte arrived in the mail this week. We’re halfway through the month and this book is loaded with lots of good information. Well worth the read while you’re working on your garden layout. For more info, go to the Book Discussion forum in the henhouse http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=741 Remember, you don’t need to read the entire book before commenting. As you find something of interest, share it with the rest of us. You never know which spark will catch fire and start a really interesting discussion. So post your thoughts, comments and questions in the henhouse http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=710 or, if you are not in the sisterhood yet, use the HM/HHM Discussion Thread http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=25556&whichpage=1 .
Bookmarks and bookplates coming
Lynn Coulter, author of Gardening with Heirloom Seeds graciously offered signed bookplates (for GwHS) and bookmarks (for for her latest book, Mustard Seeds: Thoughts on the Nature of God and Faith to the mavens. Rene’ (prosserfarmgirl) mailed them out on Thursday to everyone who has requested one so far. The list is posted on the DOE http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24908&whichpage=290 . From Rene’: “if your name isn’t on the list, and you are wanting a book plate and a book mark from Lynn PLEASE email me, I have a few more, and will keep mailing them out until they are gone.”
More Good Reads[
“... made a trip to town to the library & Bank, our Library did not have Lynn's book so I am ordering it from Amazon..I did find a couple others I thoguht sounded interesting though..."This Organic Life" Confessions of a Suburban Homesteader.. Barbara Kingsolver had endorsed it.. Also "Gardening when it counts".. Growing food in hard times…” Cheryl
“I really like "Gardening When it Counts." To me it had a good amount of information. Rain barrels or just more land (just 1-5 acres, nothing too extreme) are definitely on my wish list…” Lanna
“Has anyone ever read "Let's Get Growing"? It is a Rodale book written by Crow Miller who writes a garden column for Countryside - really good info. I lucked into a used copy at our local bookstore a few years ago and I can definitely recommend it as a good all around knowledge book…..Has anyone else read "The Secret Life of Bees"? Good read!!” Amy Grace
“I am reading Organic Gardening the No Dig Way. That is a good book.” Ruth
“I finally broke down and bought Root Cellaring and the Ball Complete Book from Amazon after checking each one out of the library 4-5 times.” Lanna
“Lanna- I broke down and bought the "Ball complete book of home preserving" last spring and absolutely love it.” Lillian
Garden Talk
Questions……
“Does anyone have beeding hearts or honeysuckle growing? I don't know if they will grow here but I am wanting to try. Another memory og my Gram.” Cheryl
“I too would love to grow the bleeding hearts/don't have them here right now. I don't have honeysuckle either, but I do have carolina jessamine which smells heavenly with gorgeous yellow flowers.” Tina
“I remember seeing the glassine envelopes somewhere but now can't find them in a catalog, anyone know where to buy them? I would like to send the seeds I am giving in those, seems like they would be more weather proof, although I suppose zip-locs would work too.....” Amy Grace
“I know I've asked this before, but can I still put my garlic bulb in the ground this spring? I also need lavender in bulk. I need edible and whatever else that I can use to make some muscle wraps. I dont know where to look.” Dawn
“Anybody know where I can get my hands on an aloe plant?” Lanna
“Hey ladies any body have Garlic chives in the garden?” Diana
…& Answers
“WARNING!!!!!!!!! Marcy Jo- Do understand that Horseradish WILL take over. We learned this the hard way! A few years ago we planted some in a whiskey barrel in the garden, it was so prolific that it busted throught the bottom of the barrel and took root in the garden. We dug out what we could (it se i pretty deep) and had a hard winter that year. Thinking that would take care of it. Nope if you leave just one tiny root it will re-start its self! It is multiplying faster than rabbits here. When you plant it make sure it is in a container placed on cement.” Lillian
“Lanna you might check to see if they can get you coconut coir instead of peat moss. I know we all love our peat moss, but it truely is one of those very limited resources.” Teresa Sue
“Lanna and Teresa Sue and Rene - I read about someone in Walla Walla doing something called "repeat" - a sustainable peat-moss type thing, sounds cool. Also Lanna, I have found organic stuff at NW Seed and Pet in Spokane.” Amy Grace
“I was on Slow Food USA this am, reading and stuff and came across an article called "Leasing an Apple Tree?" by Slow Food USA staffer Jenny Trotter......I loved the article, very cool idea....then...almost got teary-eyed, and very frustrated.....brought back all the stresses of the last year with finances, moving, house on market (not selling)..blah, blah....and now...the dreaded "L" word...Leasing!!! Grrr....I shouldn't even get started because it is a public forum, but it's so frustrating the situation we are in...If ya'll care to know the details PM me and I'll explain....but back to subject....at this point, if we had a farm where we could lease fruit trees.....I'd do it!!! Not to say that I don't want my own orchard, because I do....SO BADLY WANT ONE!!! but the fact that there are farmers out there doing this really excites me, especially for those city dweller, renters, or home owners that just may not have the space for a fruit trees...anyhow just thought it was a really good aricle and I thought I would share!!!! Kelley
**** FUTURE ATTRACTIONS ****
More MaryJane Books
If you are in the sisterhood you may have received an e-mail from the farm about vendors for the Farm Fair. But did you notice the last paragraph?
“MaryJane Butters writes a nationally-syndicated newspaper column and edits a bimonthly magazine, MaryJanesFarm. Following the publication by Random House of her third book, “MaryJane's Outpost, Unleashing your Inner Wild,” she is now working on three other books. The books focus on quilt making, bread baking, and diet makeovers. More information is available at www.maryjanesfarm.org “ WOO HOO!
Great Moscow Meetup
All you lucky mavens in the great northwest, the first Great Moscow Meetup at the coop is in the works. Be watching on the DOE for more information. Those of us not in the great northwest will be (jealously) with you in spirit.
Heirloom Maven Badge
It’s here! It’s here! Go to the henhouse http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=719 , click on the Heirloom Maven blogspot link to see the design, then come back to henhouse, leave a comment (if you haven’t already) for Teresa Sue and tell her what a fabu job she did. Then wait patiently for your badge to arrive in your mailbox.
Guess Who’s Coming to PBS…(Part 2)
Did you see it? The video for Farmer’s Almanac TV on PBS? Read Rene’s blurb at http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=26916 then click on the video and settle in for a wonderful visit with MaryJane and Meg.
**** REMINDERS ****
Heirloom Minor Curriculum at Farmgirl U
The curriculum has been posted in the henhouse http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=731 Check it out and let’s get started on getting that degree.
Seeds, Seeds, Seeds
Remember to post your planned/purchased seed for 2009 in the henhouse for future seed-swapping activity http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=561&whichpage=6 (This sends you to the last page and you can work your way back from there.) If you don’t have access to the henhouse, remember you can post to the HM/HHM Discussion Thread http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=25556&whichpage=1
Gardening Journals: Made by our mother hen, Dawn, “they are preetty dang-gone cute if I must say so myself….. They are $5 each and the $ goes in THE FUND. Just email me when you've paid and I will send it out asap.” You will find more information in the henhouse http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=721
Pillow Squares: Time to get working on those pillow squares! If you don’t know what this refers to, click here and look for Dawn’s IDEA: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=551&whichpage=1 Due date: Memorial Day weekend. Hmmmmm, isn’t something else happening then too?
Mother Hen’s Nest of News: 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
Maven Chat Night: Monday night chatting is has a new hangout. Tina has graciously offered the chatroom on their STL site for our weekly hen sessions. You will need to sign up on the site, www.stliving.net , and then jump in. Hang on because it can be a wild ride but it’s one you definitely don’t want to miss! The gab-fest begins at 9pm EST / 8pm CST / 7pm MST / 6pm PST.
Maven Lingo: 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
Badge Info: Here’s where you can find information on badges the mavens are currently working toward:
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
Small Town Living: Be sure to check out maven Tina’s online magazine, Small Town Living at www.stliving.net
Heirloom Maven Bumper Stickers : The Heirloom Mavens Save Our Seeds – Feed Our Future bumper stickers are available for purchase. For more information, go to the Heirloom Mavens Beginners Guide http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=667 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 )
Heirloom Maven Blog: Check out the Heirloom Maven blog site at www.heirloommavens.blogspot.com
Seed Saving Support: When possible, purchase books through Seed Savers Exchange to support their efforts in saving heirloom seeds for future generations www.seedsavers.org
Heirloom Maven Spring Fling and Farmgirl Round-Up : 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
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.
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & KMW (Keeper of Maven Words)
Farmgirl Sister #311
"To own a little bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds and watch the renewal of life - this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do." Charles Dudley Warner |
| 9 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| farmmommy |
Posted - Feb 17 2009 : 06:42:39 AM
Karen, you do a great job.....two big thumbs up from Texas!!!! |
| yellojewl |
Posted - Feb 15 2009 : 12:54:52 PM
Awesome update, Karen! |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Feb 15 2009 : 05:54:35 AM
Thanks Karen - you are wonderful indeed!!
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
Heirloom Mavens Badge Badger |
| Tina Michelle |
Posted - Feb 14 2009 : 6:22:29 PM
good job!
~I Dream of a Better World..where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned!~
blogs:http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and http://thevictorygardener.blogspot.com
magazine: www.stliving.net
etsy shops: http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com
and http://myvictorygarden.etsy.com |
| marcy jo |
Posted - Feb 14 2009 : 09:30:16 AM
Once again Karen you did a great job on keeping us all on track!!!!! Thanks!!
Marcy #257
http://marcyjosmarket.blogspot.com |
| Contrary Wife |
Posted - Feb 14 2009 : 06:34:49 AM
You are honeing that newsletter skill to a "T", or should I say an "N"? LOL Great job, btw.
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
Planting Zone 3
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Feb 14 2009 : 05:10:56 AM
Awwwwwwww! Thanks, mavens  A badge........hmmmmmmmmmm.I think I'd like that!
God bless -
Karen ~ Chickherder & KMW (Keeper of Maven Words)
Farmgirl Sister #311
"To own a little bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds and watch the renewal of life - this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do." Charles Dudley Warner |
| Corinnelouise |
Posted - Feb 13 2009 : 9:12:35 PM
Karen, you are "bettering" yourself every single week.
You should earn a badge for this news letter. You are having all of us "Keeping in touch" with our Maven'side.
Love,
Corinne
Sister # 101 |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Feb 13 2009 : 8:55:31 PM
AWESOME!
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/http://renenaturallyspeaking.blogspot.com/
Circumstances made us FRIENDS; MaryJane's has made us SISTERS :) |
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