| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Karen@The Boulevard |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 3:01:52 PM
Have you ever met a Southern Californian farmgirl? Well, let me introduce myself. My name is Karen Cooper, a California girl that is rooted to this range and loves almost everything about it. Little did I know when my husband and I moved to Washington 25 years ago, the days of swimming the Pacific and sifting sand between my toes were soon to be a fond memory. I’ll never forget the day we came driving through the countryside and the wheat fields were waving their welcome as the sun was glistening off the silos in our little town of a 150 people. The excitement in our hearts was bursting as we rolled up the parsonage driveway where we live today. This, my friends is where my farmgirl experience began.
I was a young stay-at-home mom/ pastor’s wife when I traveled “The Boulevard” for the first time to meet my “farmgirl friend” Corinne Isaak. It was on this dusty long driveway fondly name “A La Country Boulevard” that our friendship and creativity had a chance to flourish. Corinne and I immediately became friends and laughter seemed to touch every conversation. Our friendship began with simple housekeeping… I mean housekeeping 101. Corinne was busy student teaching and just couldn’t imagine how she was going to keep her house clean and laundry done! She laughs about it now…four children later her laundry was a piece of cake back then.
I started cleaning her tiny newlywed nest and soon was sewing curtains, pillows, and tablecloths to doll the place up. As the years past and children’s laughter began to fill their home, Corinne began to dream about leaving a legacy for them. It was one of these wintry mornings when my broom was in full swing that Corinne whispered the question, “Would you like to help me write a story about Monique?” Of course my response was absolutely! Keeping it simple, Corinne had decorated her oldest daughter’s room in the Madeline story and her second in tow Monique, wanted her room to be a Monique room. I guess when her daughter Moki planted that seed Corinne decided to nurture it beyond belief. Today we are fondly nicknamed the “Grammar Girl” and the “Rhyme Queen.” To complete our trio we asked our friend and illustrator Don Nutt to join us on our journey. 3 books later, we have traveled the U.S. signing books in Nordstrom stores everywhere as well as sharing our story in school presentations called “From Scratch Paper to Publishing.” When visiting schools for our authors’ events I often comment, “I fell in love with making something beautiful to wear… out of a simple square!” Before we even started writing Corinne asked me if I would design a cuddly cloth doll to go with our little farmgirl books. I was thrilled at the prospect and this was the beginning of MokiTime!
It was during one of our MokiTime adventures (as we call them) that we had the rare and wonderful opportunity to meet MaryJane and her lovely crew nestled in the countryside on Paradise Ridge. While driving the country roads of Idaho, I listened to Corinne reminisce about her college days at WSU. With my seat back and my window cracked, I felt right at home traveling down the curvy country road splattered with Iris just like the ones growing in my flower beds at home. Upon arrival MaryJane and Rene Groom were soon leading us down a wooded pathway into a clearing where a rustic picnic table with warm tea and cookies were waiting. It was a delightful place to become acquainted with the two of them. All the beautiful things that MaryJane loves are so familiar to my own passions, and I can see many of you gals sharing them as well. It was when MaryJane showed me the little sewing machine in her cozy little cottage tucked in the woods, (she is preparing it to spend special times with her little granddaughter) that she stole my heart. With two granddaughters of my own and a sewing profession for more than 30 years (before I starting writing,) I felt right at home. My mother and grandmother taught me to sew, knit, and embroider at age 7, and so much more. Oh by the way, my grandma, is the oldest “Farmgirl” I know. Born and raised on a South Dakota, wheat, corn and dairy farm, she will be a ripe 108 in September. My granddaughter Kayla just turned 8 and they are a “Perfect Century” apart and that is a sweet story for another time. Well, this is a very long letter to put in the welcome wagon department but just one more little thought to share…
It’s been 16 years since Corinne and I met. We have written 3 books about her 3 oldest children and one darlin’ niece fondly nicknamed “Gabi” who is Mac’s sidekick in Cowboy Mac~Rounds Up His Boot! Unique Monique~ MokiTime was our first book (her middle child) and Marvelous Maddie~ Seasons in Mokiville (the big sister) soon followed. As I reflect on our farmgirl friendship and all the fun we have had for the last 15 years, I know without a doubt the Lord brought us together for a special purpose. We have met so many wonderful people and have enjoyed challenging young hearts to dream big and develop their talents. I look forward to meeting some of you farmgirls and learning about all your amazing talents you gals. I hope you visit our web site and see what these farmgirls have been up to on The Boulevard. www.mokitime.com
Blessings to You!
Karen Cooper
visit our website
www.mokitime.com |
| 18 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Karen@The Boulevard |
Posted - Aug 02 2008 : 5:09:35 PM
Rene,
There is a very sweet story in there. Especially since my granddaughter and grandmother are exactly 100 years apart. I have an awesome pic of the two of them taken just a month ago. My Kayla (granddaughter) asked her if she ever had a horse...without missing a beat...Grandma says "Yes! I was 6 when I got my first horse and his name was Prince!" My mother has always said the horse was very special. My grandmother was the oldest of 10 children raised on a farm in South Dakota. The oldest and youngest are 20 years apart and they are the only two living at this time. Amazing and so much more to tell. She was a very big part of my life and is definately a Farmgirl at HEART.
Blessings to You!
Karen@The Boulevard
visit our website
www.mokitime.com |
| Karen@The Boulevard |
Posted - Aug 02 2008 : 5:03:45 PM
Chelsey...Thank you so much! You made my day...I love writing so much.
Blessings to You!
Karen@The Boulevard
visit our website
www.mokitime.com |
| Carol Sue |
Posted - Aug 02 2008 : 01:09:25 AM
Karen,
What a delight to read your post and learn about you and your friend and the adventure that you have been on. What a delight to get to read.
Welcome to the farm.
Carol Sue
Okay I am laughing at myself, Karen, I know why it sounded so familiar, my grand daughters have the first book. LOL
Great book!!!!
listening to the quiet moments
Farmgirl #39
www.Quitemoments.blogspot.com |
| lacisne88 |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 11:59:14 PM
Hello and welcome Karen! I'm glad to meet you and here your story! It's funny because when I first began to read your post, I thought that you should be a writer. A few moments later after reading further, I was tickled pink to discover that you actually are a writer! 
Chelsey
Farmgirl Sister #283 |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 10:14:50 PM
Karen,
I didnt know your grandma was 108~ wow! there has to be a story in that, right? Has she "met" Willard Scott? heheh!!!
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
"Despite the gardener's best intentions, Nature will improvise. ~Michael P. Garafalo
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| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 08:16:21 AM
Elise,
You can also go to thier website www.mokitime.com to check out thier books and their schedule. I know that they also do "author days" and that info is at their website too. maybe your local library or school will have them come and do an author's day. How fun would that be? These are really great ladies and I know you will all love them.
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
"Despite the gardener's best intentions, Nature will improvise. ~Michael P. Garafalo
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| Jami |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 07:33:18 AM
Karen, I see the writer in you clearly. Good choice of vocation! Welcome from Ellensburg. I have been through Hartline many times on treks to and fro. Glad you like it there. Enjoy your time here and will look forward to getting to know you better.
Jami in WA
Okay, so now I have a blog. http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/ |
| Ga Girl |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 07:20:31 AM
Welcome from Georgia Karen from another Karen.
Create in me a pure heart,O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 http://farmgirlingastyle.blogspot.com/ |
| ranchmama |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 07:18:55 AM
Welcome Karen! Your life sound wonderful and full of blessings. Your books are beautiful. Ever get to Montana with the books?? Will have to check out my library and local children's shop for the books.
Enjoy yourself here!
Elise
Every Child Deserves Our Love &
A Bear of Their Own
http://ATeddyForKeeps.org
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ranchmama/ |
| Lainey |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 06:57:50 AM
Welcome Karen! It sounds like you have a great life there. I look forward to getting to know you.
Farmgirl Sister #25
http://countrygirldreams.blogspot.com/ |
| paradiseplantation |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 04:43:04 AM
I'm with Marly & Alee. WOW! Karen you sound like you are truly blessed! A warm southern welcome from one of the Louisiana farmgirls. We're glad to have you!
from the hearts of paradise... |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 9:46:35 PM
Karen,
Yea! and welcome! You will love it here I just know!
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
"Despite the gardener's best intentions, Nature will improvise. ~Michael P. Garafalo
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| Marybeth |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 4:47:13 PM
Welcome to the forum Karen---from one Washington farmgirl to another. MB
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
www.day4plus.blogspot.com www.holyhouses-day4plus.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
| Karen@The Boulevard |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 3:47:03 PM
Thank you so much! I am amazed how quickly you girls respond. What a sweet note. Thank you and someday I hope to write my Grandmothers' story as well. The Lord bless you and keep you!
Karen...more adventures to follow! www.mokitime.comquote:
Originally posted by Bear5
Wow Karen:
I can surely see the author in you! What a wonderful story you have!! I can also see that the good Lord has touched you and your friend. Happy Birthday to your grandmother. Amazing, 108 years young. I would love to meet her! Welcome to the Farmgirl Connection Site. You will fit in great with all of these wonderful ladies here. Have a great day!
Marly
visit our website
www.mokitime.com |
| Auntie Brenda |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 3:18:22 PM
Hi Karen,
Welcome to the Farmgirl Connection! I loved reading your story! You have a beautiful way with words. I will definetly check out your web site. :O)
Again Welcome!
Brenda
Farmgirl Sister #292 |
| KatyDo |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 3:17:40 PM
Karen,
You sound like an amazing woman, Welcome!
Katy in Utah
Follow Your Bliss |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 3:17:08 PM
Wow! Welcome to the forum, Karen! I will have to check out your books!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Jul 29 2008 : 3:12:22 PM
Wow Karen:
I can surely see the author in you! What a wonderful story you have!! I can also see that the good Lord has touched you and your friend. Happy Birthday to your grandmother. Amazing, 108 years young. I would love to meet her! Welcome to the Farmgirl Connection Site. You will fit in great with all of these wonderful ladies here. Have a great day!
Marly |
