| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Vintage Redhead |
Posted - Mar 05 2007 : 2:19:01 PM
Greetings, all!
I'm Kaylyn. My family and I currently live in the far western suburbs of Chicago. Someday when circumstances are different, we will live someplace where the stars can actually be *seen* at night, without the orange glow of suburbia all around. My DH and I joke: His retirement will be becoming a "Gentleman Farmer" and my retirement will be going to work tending the farm!
I'm a SAHM with two kids. I drive a 14-y/o truck because it's paid off. I can knit, but since doing so puts me through several stages of relaxation, I have found that my guage is never correct; thus, it is most safe if I stick with basics such as scarves and not sweaters, which must be correctly sized! I am a scrapbooker, a cardmaker, a photographer, and an altered artist. I write whenever I can (not "...The Great American Novel...", more like humorous chick-lit) and volunteer for the PTO.
I began to disdain food additives about 2-3 years ago. The dairy industry claims that rBGH is fine, but 9-y/o girls are growing breasts. Milk does a body good, but kids are entering puberty earlier and earlier. What *does* real meat taste like when it isn't laced with antibiotics and growth hormones? Why does the food we buy need to have a shelf-life of 3-5 years? It doesn't. What are all of these preservatives that we can't even pronounce? I'm all for keeping our food safe - don't get me wrong - but the europeans may have the right idea: buy frequently in small quantities and buy fresh.
So my quest led me first to Mary Jane's book...then to her magazines...now to her website. This summer, for the first time, I have a resolve: I am going to try to do my own canning so that I know *EXACTLY* what is going in to our food. *WOW* is this a huge step for me!
But otherwise - that's more or less my story. I'll share more and participate more as time goes on. I'm *very* excited to be here. I'm also very excited that I have shared the Mary Jane's Farm Magazine with several of my "Mom Friends" who congregate on the blacktop at our elementary school when we drop off our kids in the morning. Wouldn't it be great if some of them show up here? ~ K
~ Kaylyn
(Living in Suburbia with a FARMGIRL Heart!)
My Current Cause: http://nickspavilion.blogspot.com/ |
| 23 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| ponyexpress |
Posted - Mar 15 2007 : 07:05:05 AM
I will most definately do that! I've heard only wonderful things about their programs. I have a few friends here in Missouri that are involved in paper art. Have you heard of Leandra Spangler? Check out her website - her current passion is creating amazing paper vessels.
www.bearcreekpaperworks.com
Sandy
I've tried to find a suitable exercise video for women my age...but they haven't made one called "Buns of Putty" |
| Vintage Redhead |
Posted - Mar 14 2007 : 09:03:37 AM
Sandy:
Now go figure this: I'm an "outsider" artist who works with a few of the media that they teach at TFL. (Mostly paper - I do altered art.) Can you believe that I live not 4 miles away and have *never* been there??!!??
I think I heard once that it is a former nun (or a nun who is still "active" but out of her order, possibly) who owns TFL. I don't know that it is true or not. I *do* know that woman who owns it is *intensely* creative and artistic and brings out fantastic creativity in her students. And it is in one of the most gorgeous settings in all of St. Charles!!
When (not if!) you get up to TFL, send me an email!! ~ Kaylyn
~ Kaylyn
(Living in Suburbia with a FARMGIRL Heart!)
My Current Cause: http://nickspavilion.blogspot.com/ |
| ponyexpress |
Posted - Mar 12 2007 : 8:37:33 PM
Welcome Kaylyn! I've been wanting to visit St. Charles and take classes at the Fine Line Creative Center. My son lives in Chicago (downtown), but after this winter he swears he is headed for Los Angeles.
I've tried to find a suitable exercise video for women my age...but they haven't made one called "Buns of Putty" |
| Beemoosie |
Posted - Mar 08 2007 : 3:14:49 PM
Hello and welcome Kaylyn!
My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Luke 1:46,47
www.beequilting.blogspot.com
http://beemoosie-picture-diary.blogspot.com/ |
| Horseyrider |
Posted - Mar 08 2007 : 04:20:58 AM
LOL! Kaylyn, you bring back a memory! When we moved here from southern Indiana, I had grown all my essential veggies in five gallon buckets. I had some tomatoes left that were bearing beautifully, and I didn't want to leave them behind. You should've seen the face on the driver of the United Van Lines moving truck when I said the tomatoes were going too. But they did it, and my plants arrived not even checked back! We still had fresh organic tomatoes, even after moving on August 3rd, 1983.
Also, I don't know the age of the house that you're siding this year, but if it's more than 50 or 60 years old, you probably would do better to plant your food a good distance away from the building. Homes like my Civil War farmhouse have likely had paints used that contain heavy metals like lead and cadmium that leach into the soil, and it can be taken up by your veggies. I'm guessing twenty feet or so away would be safer.
Again, welcome! And thank you for bringing back some fun memories. |
| Buttercup |
Posted - Mar 08 2007 : 12:40:19 AM
Welcome!
So glad you found us! This is a wonderful place and you will find the best information and friendships here! I hear you about the food today and am so glad you are venturing into canning. I LOVE canning and I am sure you have heard, but the Ball books on canning are wonderful (there are two) I look forward to hearing more about your adventures into the canning world! See you 'round!
Hugz!
Talitha
"If we could maintain the wonder of childhood and at the same time grasp the wisdom of age, what wonder,what wisdom,what life would be ours" |
| Vintage Redhead |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 10:21:04 AM
OMGoodness!!! Thanks, y'all!! What an *awesome* feeling - to be welcomed so wholeheartedly by so many! From all over North America - and even a few here in Northern Illinois!
I just returned from the grocery store - UGH... The good news is that I *can* buy more organic than I used to be able to. The better news is that we're only a few more months away from summer and road-side farm stands. I saw that one of the gals here is from Sycamore - one of my favorite farmstands is midway between StC and Cortland, but doesn't have a name that I know of...I just bring cash. I *love* buying cucumbers that don't shine back my reflection and onions that actually make my eyes water, KWIM? At some point, I will have a garden. This year, it's to be "container gardens" of tomatoes and peppers. I have a vintage galvanized washtub that should do just fine, with rocks in the bottom to allow water to get to the hole already there for drainage. I want to get two more so that I can have three "mini-gardens" going: one for bell peppers, one for tomatoes, and one for various herbs. Once I get those up & running, I'll take some digipics and post 'em to my blog. (Reason they need to be "up" is that we may have the house re-sided this summer...I don't want to risk losing all of my precious plants to demolition and construction.)
Thanks again for the warm welcome and the encouragement. I'm so excited to be here!! ~ Kaylyn
~ Kaylyn
(Living in Suburbia with a FARMGIRL Heart!)
My Current Cause: http://nickspavilion.blogspot.com/ |
| blueroses |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 09:16:01 AM
Hi Kaylyn,
Welcome. I have to ditto the others - canning is addictive and fun. I even have my dh helping cuz his mom never did stuff like that and he finds it fascinating. Glad to have you join us.
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
| Niamh |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 09:01:49 AM
Welcome!
I agree with you on the food. We raise our own beef, lamb, pork, and goat and are starting with chickens and turkeys this year. Gardening is addictive too. If you have only a very small gardening space, try Square Foot Gardening. It takes away the hard part of gardening and you get so much food in such a small space! |
| a rose |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 06:37:12 AM
Welcome Kaylyn.
Remember me as a rose. |
| Mumof3 |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 06:36:13 AM
Welcome, Kaylyn! (What a pretty name!) You have hit the motherlode for ideas on living a healthier life- these women are so knowledgable and interesting and fun! Glad you found us. :)
Karin |
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 05:32:02 AM
welcome, so glad to have you w/ us.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| Horseyrider |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 04:30:50 AM
Hi, Kaylyn! If you go beyond the western edge of your western suburbs and continue west, you'll find me out here in the middle of the corn. I have horses and a small organic garden (small compared to the old days when I used to raise about 100 varieties of veggies, fruits, and herbs). I used to have a dairy cow and feeder pigs, and a flock of chickens. I'm not crafty; I can barely tie my shoes. But I'm good with animals, and love to ride out through the woods and fields. I've been out in the country for almost thirty years, and I can't imagine doing anything else. I sure like to visit your suburbs once in awhile for the shopping, though!
Welcome to the board! |
| windypines |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 04:15:49 AM
You will do good here, learning alot, as I have. Good luck in all your adventures.Michele |
| Aunt George |
Posted - Mar 06 2007 : 03:03:41 AM
Welcome Kaylyn....love "vintage redhead" You sound like a multitalented gal. You write? Cool....so do I. Mainly kidlit though. I have friends who write romance though.
I also agree with you on the milk with hormones. My husband thought I was crazy, but our two girls are developing and they are way too young to be doing so. The longer young girls have breasts and cycles, the higher risk they are for breast cancer and other things that go right along with the hormones...don't quote me on that one though...these are just the reasonings of mom/nurse. I would love to learn to can also. My mother gave me her huge pressure canner last year, so I have the major equipment. I look at it as ultimate recycling too....the jars. Welcome, join right in, so glad to have you here. The farmgirls are so nice and very crafty too!!!
http://auntgeorgeshouse.blogspot.com/index.html
Thanks for checking out my apron and sewing musings! |
| cinnamongirl |
Posted - Mar 05 2007 : 10:23:04 PM
A big warm welcome from Canada!! |
| LadyCrystal |
Posted - Mar 05 2007 : 5:49:52 PM
Welcome Kaylyn,
I agree so much with the food choices of now a days. My husband and I raise our own beef and chicken. Plus I have a huge garden. Aunt Jenny is right canning is soooo adictive.
Alicia
http://fromcitytocountrygirl.blogspot.com/
follow your dreams |
| Kim |
Posted - Mar 05 2007 : 5:00:18 PM
Welcome! I work in Aurora. Not too far from you!
Blessed Be!
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow
http://chevy49girl.livejournal.com/
http://midwestmusings-kim.blogspot.com/
http://chevy49girl.deviantart.com/ |
| Marybeth |
Posted - Mar 05 2007 : 4:41:34 PM
Welcome to the forum, Kaylyn. Keep us posted on all your doings. 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!" |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Mar 05 2007 : 4:21:05 PM
Welcome Kaylyn!
I totally agree with your view on food additives..just watch out..canning is addictive..I have been addicted for years...hee hee. Seriously..I totally believe in avoiding the junk all we can. My kids are healthy and happy and although we do slip out for the occasional burger or taco we eat a mostly fresh homemade food and raw milk diet. We grow all the veggies we can ourselves...I KNOW what is on them.
You will love it here...I love your screen name!!
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 |
| Tina Michelle |
Posted - Mar 05 2007 : 3:33:57 PM
welcome aboard Kaylyn!
~Seize the Day! Live, Love, Laugh~ |
| owwlady |
Posted - Mar 05 2007 : 3:04:10 PM
Welcome Kaylyn to our group. If you can post pictures, I'd be interested in seeing some of your altered art. It's a very creative process. Maybe if enough of the Mom Friends get interested, you can start your own chapter. Looking forward to hearing from you. |
| Cindy Lee |
Posted - Mar 05 2007 : 2:45:12 PM
Kaylyn, You sound like a smart women, trying to do what's right for her family. I think you will find many kindred spirits here on this site. Welcome!! Cindy
PS, I think "gauge" is over rated!
If life gives you scraps, make quilts! |
