| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| dreamingofafarm |
Posted - Apr 05 2010 : 12:46:01 PM
I have been wanting to read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. Is anyone interested in putting together a bookclub to read it together? It's a autobiography - the writer moves to a farm and chronicles her life there growing her own food, running the farm, etc.
From a planning standpoint, I thought we could start on April 19th with Chapter 1. I'll post a discussion question the morning of that day and we can all comment from there. We can take the book at a leisurely pace - one chapter per week with discussion questions posted on Monday mornings.
How does that sound? Anyone interested in doing this?
Farmgirl Sisterhood #1355
"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones afterall." - Laura Ingalls Wilder |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| dreamingofafarm |
Posted - Jul 18 2010 : 12:55:15 PM
Hi Everyone,
I am going to post a new topic in a few minutes called "This Organic Life Book Club". It will be in the Reading Room section and I will add the first discussion question to the first post. Everyone can head over there for the new book as well as updates on how purchasing it are going (if some of you haven't gotten the book yet, just let me know and I'll hold off posting Chapter 2's question on Wednesday so we can all keep up). Talk to you in the new discussion thread!
All the best,
Tina
Farmgirl Sisterhood #1355
"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones afterall." - Laura Ingalls Wilder
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort" - Jane Austen |
| sonshine4u |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 10:20:14 AM
Chelsea Green has a short video featuring the author of This Organic Life:
http://www.chelseagreen.com/content/watch-a-quick-tour-of-joan-gussows-garden/
I think I need to get this book! :)
Playing in the Sonshine
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/sonshine4u |
| dreamingofafarm |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 05:37:15 AM
Hi Ladies,
It is my last day here at vacation and it looks like we have another beautiful beach day ahead of us. The drive home will be long tomorrow, but this has truly been a wonderful trip.
Dianne, I order my books online from Amazon.com and buy the used book version if they have it. They are always great quality and I get them in about a week and half. If I don't buy used, Amazon.com will have it to me in three days or so. I bought This Organic Life used on Amazon.com from a Christian Charity in Washington State and was able to get it for $1.45! With shipping the whole order didn't top $5.
I am so excited we are all reading another book together! Talk to everyone Sunday!
All the best,
Tina
Farmgirl Sisterhood #1355
"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones afterall." - Laura Ingalls Wilder
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort" - Jane Austen |
| textilelover |
Posted - Jul 14 2010 : 03:34:40 AM
I'm in the same boat as Amy. I ordered my book from Borders.com a week and a half ago, they billed my account, but no book yet! Who do you use for ordering online that's FAST? Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Jul 11 2010 : 12:08:34 PM
That sounds like a fabulous spot to be Tina. I will hopefully have my book by then, if not I will catch up. I'm looking forward to it, I have really enjoyed this forum.
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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| dreamingofafarm |
Posted - Jul 11 2010 : 03:43:05 AM
Hi Ladies,
I am checking in from vacation in the Outer Banks in North Carolina! Technology is something - I am on the deck of the house overlooking the ocean and able to get a wireless signal on my laptop! It is very early - about 6:30 and no one else is up yet so this is quite the treat, we are here with two other families (16 people total, 10 kids and 6 adults!!!). We are quite outnumbered by the young ones so this trip keeps me on my toes!
So, in checking the other postings - June 18th it is for the start date of This Organic Life. I'll put the first question up next Sunday afternoon under the topic "This Organic Life Book Club" and I'll place a reminder post here about where we'll be chatting.
Hope everyone is well. Take care and talk to you soon!
All the best,
Tina
Farmgirl Sisterhood #1355
"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones afterall." - Laura Ingalls Wilder
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort" - Jane Austen |
| textilelover |
Posted - Jul 06 2010 : 03:34:11 AM
The later start date is better for me. I just ordered the book online so as soon as it arrives I'll start reading. Are we starting a new forum or staying on this one? Have a great vacation! Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
| patchworkpeace |
Posted - Jul 03 2010 : 05:31:13 AM
Marcia,
How encouraging! That is so cute about Scooby Doo and a horse.
Success is measured not by the position one reaches but by the obstacles one has to overcome to reach it. Booker T. Washington |
| dreamingofafarm |
Posted - Jul 03 2010 : 05:31:07 AM
I wish their were more programs like your Marcia! It sounds wonderful!
All the best,
Tina
Farmgirl Sisterhood #1355
"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones afterall." - Laura Ingalls Wilder
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort" - Jane Austen |
| Celticheart |
Posted - Jul 02 2010 : 9:37:49 PM
You should have seen the list of what the kids wanted int their garden. It included oranges, a horse and Scooby Doo. Too cute!
"Let us never forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other art follows. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization."
Daniel Webster
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| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jul 02 2010 : 6:53:14 PM
Marcia, that is so sweet about the kids garden. I love that.
July 17th is fine with me. That will give me time to find the book and read some.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| Celticheart |
Posted - Jul 02 2010 : 09:42:51 AM
We do have some programs for kids in our area. 4-H and FFA as Amy Grace said. My son raised pigs to sell all through grade school and high school. Sometimes I miss those pigs, but not often.
This year we started a community garden in our town and one of the focuses is on educating kids about gardening. The daycare kids have a bed in the community garden and they are having so much fun! They planned their garden, started their seeds and then transplanted them into the raised bed. Not many survived the transplant--small, eager hands--but it's a 'miracle' garden that was revived by a couple of generous people and some rain at the right time. The kids so far don't know the difference. They also have a pumpkin patch. Our plan is to expand into the lower grades in the elementary school and go from there.
This first year all of the food from the raised beds(except the kids bed) goes to the food bank and the senior round table lunch program. Even when we open it up to people to apply for a plot in the community garden, they will also be encouraged to donate a small percentage of their produce to those two programs.
AVM changed the way I shop for food. I'm much more aware of where our food comes from. We were already focusing on becoming as self sufficient as possible and this book only increased my desire to produce more of our own.
Looking forward to the next book. I will order it today.
"Let us never forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other art follows. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization."
Daniel Webster
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| dreamingofafarm |
Posted - Jul 02 2010 : 05:24:19 AM
Hi Everyone,
We can take a little more time in between books so everyone can get settled and buy the new book, This Organic Life. I leave for vacation with my family on July 10th and will be back July 17th, so it will be a little bit hectic posting questions that week. Would everyone like to move the start date back to July 18th for the new book? Please let me know your opinions.
As far as the last question goes for AVM, I learned so much about where food comes from with this book. It has changed how I shop, what I order in restaurants - and, it has even inspired me to take up container gardening in my very small yard (allbeit with limited success!).
All the best,
Tina
Farmgirl Sisterhood #1355
"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones afterall." - Laura Ingalls Wilder
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort" - Jane Austen |
| textilelover |
Posted - Jul 01 2010 : 04:08:32 AM
Good Morning, Friends! I have been out of touch for a few topic questions, as we were in Florida helping our newly married daughter and son-in-law move into a rental house, clean, paint, unpack, decorate, etc. And you know what that means--eating on the go! I feel like I need detox, though I'm sure I sweat most of the toxins out because it was 100 degrees there. Anyway, I have been reading and I'm surprised we're done already. I so enjoyed the book and the discussion questions and meeting everyone online. I would love to be part of the next book discussion. Please give us time to buy the book and start reading.
The questions I need to answer are about cost analysis (can't figure that one out right now), children's gardening programs (there is one just started in our elementary, but as my youngest is in middle school, I don't know much about it), and reflecting on changes prompted by the book (I have become so much more aware of what we eat and I am committed to buying organic, local foods and growing some of our own).
Thank you so much for doing this, Tina and for everyone who offered such wonderful advice! It has truly been a life-changing project. Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
| dreamingofafarm |
Posted - Jun 30 2010 : 05:24:07 AM
Good Morning Ladies,
Well, here it is - our last discussion question for Animal Vegetable Miracle:
In Chapter 20, BK discusses everything she learned over the course of the year eating locally. What have you learned over the course of reading this book?
For those of us moving on to This Organic Life, I would like to suggest a start date of Friday, July 9th if that works for everyone (just keep me posted if you don't have the book yet and we'll move the date). Does everyone agree with that start date? Let me know.
Have a wonderful day everybody!
All the best,
Tina
Farmgirl Sisterhood #1355
"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones afterall." - Laura Ingalls Wilder
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort" - Jane Austen |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jun 29 2010 : 7:53:12 PM
Our elementary school had a program where they got to plant veggies. I don't know how well it did though. It was a few years ago. I don't know of any others.
I have the book This Organic Life. Now I just need to find it. I would like to read it again. It's a very good informative book.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| Butterscotch Grove |
Posted - Jun 29 2010 : 7:48:58 PM
We have this amazing csa in town that has started an great school outreach program - and this in a town where our short growing season and weird light can be a big problem for growing our own. The farm is called Calypso Farm and Ecology Center, and the school programs are The Schoolyard Garden Initiative (http://www.calypsofarm.org/schoolyard_garden_initiative.htm) and EATinG ("Engaging Alaska's Teens in Gardening"). There are schoolyard gardens at many of our local schools, including the middle school my kids will go to, eventually. Calypso has helped build gardens at elementary, middle and high schools, for students in a variety of economic circumstances. The gardens produce some of what the students eat (not much yet) and the children involved can sell the produce at a farmstands near the schools. This has to be largely a summer activity, but the students involved are really enthusiastic.
I'm going to take my kiddos up to the farm to check it out one of these days, as soon as I can get a group together to lower the cost of a tour.
I have enjoyed this book discussion group. I might jump in to the next one later - the Farmer's Market is taking a big bite of my time right now, so I don't want to commit.
Melissa
My blog:
http://ButterscotchGrove.wordpress.com |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Jun 29 2010 : 6:32:06 PM
I didn't see the documentary but heard an in depth report on the issue on Morning Edition - it's very disturbing.
I will order my book today!
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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| dreamingofafarm |
Posted - Jun 29 2010 : 11:08:51 AM
How does everyone feel about starting with "This Organic Life: Confessions of a Suburban Homesteader" by Joan Dye Gussor. Since this book somewhat inspired Animal Vegetable Miracle, it would be a nice follow up for us. I checked online and used copies are available on Amazon.com for just a few dollars. If everyone is game for snagging their copy soon, we could start the discussion in a few weeks.
For kids in my area, we have a few options for learning about agriculture. We have a "living farm" museum called Quiet Valley Farm, that holds classes for kids all summer. Also, there are programs at the local farmers markets, at the local CSA, and with 4H. The schools themselves do not have programs.
On a separate note, has anyone seen the documentary "Gasland" on HBO. It was really disturbing to see the impact natural gas drilling is having on farming and lifestyle in the midwest and I was curious about everyone else's opinions.
Wishing everyone all the best,
Tina
Farmgirl Sisterhood #1355
"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones afterall." - Laura Ingalls Wilder
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort" - Jane Austen |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 6:42:49 PM
I think that there are some programs in the city where I work, in the town where I live not so much. A lot of the kids are in 4H and FFA through the school though, and many of them raise pigs to sell at the fair.
I would love to read either of those books or one and then the other. I have really appreciated all of your insights - it helps me to further my own thinking.
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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| patchworkpeace |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 05:02:02 AM
I'm not aware of any educational programs for kids in our area. However, I don't have any school age kids at home anymore either. so, hopefully, there is something out there.
Tina, I have looked forward to our "chats" each Sunday and Wednesday. They have been nice respites in the midst of all the summer busyness. I would love to continue on with another book. Both sound interesting, perhaps the first one slightly more so, but either would be great. It's kind of sad AVM is ending, I feel like I know everyone in the group so much better. I've enjoyed getting to know everyone and you've done a terrific job of coming up with questions and leading the group. Kudos to you!!
Judy
Success is measured not by the position one reaches but by the obstacles one has to overcome to reach it. Booker T. Washington |
| dreamingofafarm |
Posted - Jun 27 2010 : 06:16:33 AM
Hello Everyone,
It is Sunday and that means the question for Chapter 19. Here it goes:
BK discusses the farm education program instituted at her daughter's school. Does your area have any type of agricultural education for children? If not in the local school system, does a community group or individual provide the opportunity? Share this information with the group.
Believe it or not, this Wednesday we will be finishing the book. I have so greatly enjoyed reading with all of you and have looked forward to your company and comments in this discussion. Would anyone be interested in continuing as a group with a new book? I have two options I'd like to suggest 1) "This Organic Life: Confessions of a Suburban Homesteader" by Joan Dye Gussor (BK writes the review on this book's cover and sites it in her References in the back of Animal, Vegetable, Miracle) or 2) "Bring It to the Table: On Farming and Food" by Wendell Berry compiled by Michael Pollen (this is a collection of both non-fiction and fiction essays and writings from Berry). Please let me know if you are interested.
Have a blessed Sunday!
All the best,
Tina
Farmgirl Sisterhood #1355
"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones afterall." - Laura Ingalls Wilder
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort" - Jane Austen |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Jun 24 2010 : 6:23:44 PM
Tina - I will check with my mom, since my grandma is no longer able to make it, mom has become the official keeper of that particular recipe.
Will work on my cost analysis - we have a lot of stuff in the freezer so I will have to try to remember what I paid:)
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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| dreamingofafarm |
Posted - Jun 24 2010 : 04:37:39 AM
Hello everyone!
Amy Grace - could you share the green jello salad recipe? I have never heard of one with horseradish in it.
On to Chapter 18:
The cost per meal analysis BK gives in Chapter 18 was very interesting. Let's do a little homework this time around. For one day of your eating, conduct a cost per meal analysis of your food and note the self-raised, locally purchased, and store bought elements in each meal. Compare/contrast how these elements stack up in terms of your cost. Share with the group your results.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day!
All the best,
Tina
Farmgirl Sisterhood #1355
"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones afterall." - Laura Ingalls Wilder
"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort" - Jane Austen |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Jun 22 2010 : 8:47:42 PM
In our family Thanksgiving and Easter are it, with some certain things that absolutely must be made for every gathering (green jello salad with cottage cheese, pineapple and horseradish, in a yellow pyrex bowl)
This year I started a new tradition though - my parents took me to France last year for my 40th birthday present so on March 4th 2009 we were in a tiny restaurant on the left bank having fondue and raclette. So, this year on March 4th I had my folks over and we made the same fondue and raclette and we relived the wonderful experience we had together. I'm planning on making it an annual event, the meals that we shared while on that trip were such a huge part of the journey!
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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