| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Dec 21 2006 : 12:21:41 PM
o.k. farmgurlz .. this is not an 'official' book club .. but i figgered if we are ever going to discuss books .. it's best to start with the best .. maryjane's own wonderful book! i think lots of us have it .. and if not .. it should be at the very TOP of your christmas wish list .. to find underneath the tree in a few days!
i hate to start this and then skip out for a month .. and maybe we are too busy to start reading it just yet .. and if you DON'T have it yet .. you will have a whole month to GET it!
how's about when i return in February .. we all start going through it again (or for the first time) and ooooh and aaaah about our favorite things.
yep! i do believe we have somewhat done this before .. but there are so many new farmgurlz here in the farmyard since that time. sooo .. come FEBRUARY .. i'll start posting and ya'll jump right in!
xo
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - May 28 2007 : 11:22:20 PM
Mine are out handy all the time too..I love these books!!
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 |
| Alee |
Posted - May 28 2007 : 4:43:58 PM
MaryJanes's book is never being put away! I have been using it so much with my explorations in sewing. I love all the examples of stitches that she provides. I don't think I would have had the courage to sew Nora diapers and do cloth diapering if it wasn't for MaryJane's book.
Alee |
| Libbie |
Posted - May 03 2007 : 11:37:40 PM
It sure would, Frannie! Do you have your copy yet?
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Apr 29 2007 : 10:55:09 PM
may first, i'm going to go to town to look for maryjane's sewing book .. if it isn't there .. i'll be ringing them up for a copy! would be fun to 'discuss' this great book together too! xo
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
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| Libbie |
Posted - Apr 28 2007 : 11:31:56 AM
Reading her books IS like sitting down with a good friend - just what we ALL need every now and then!
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 27 2007 : 7:17:38 PM
Deb-
So glad you found us over here! I think you hit the nail on the head. MaryJane does an awesome job of describing and showing those things that make us feel happy, healthy, and homey!
I love her recipe section! All of her recipes that I have tried so far have turned out amazing! I always love baking her things because I know they are going to turn out beautifully and be healthy to boot!
So what is your favorite section of the book so far?
Alee
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| City Chick |
Posted - Apr 27 2007 : 08:49:09 AM
I just bought my copy yesterday and have only had a few moments to flip through it. All I kept thinking as I read here and there was that it felt like home. Everything just felt so comforting and RIGHT.
I'm so happy to have found MJF. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,--
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.
Dorothy Frances Gurney |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 24 2007 : 2:35:35 PM
Libbie-
Thanks so much for reminding me of my goal to bake for my neighbors! I haven't had a chance to do anything lately but I am renewing my determination to bake before the end of the week! I am going to try and do a batch of cookies for my neighbors and a loaf of no-wheat bread for a family friend that I am going to be having lunch with on Sunday.
We have some friends that are struggling financially here in town. I am hoping that my garden takes off here soon so that I can help them by giving them the "extras" from my garden. I am really encouraged by how many lettuce sprouts that are appearing.
Alee |
| Libbie |
Posted - Apr 23 2007 : 06:09:19 AM
Alee - reading the "Lend a Hand" section DID inspire me to be what I believe is a better neighbor. I feel like I've always been friendly, but sometimes with a couple of little ones, I find it harder to go out of my way to stop and chat with a person who looks like they could use some company, or to take the long way home because I know it passes by the "Hansen Brothers" and they LIKE to talk! It always ends up being worth it, however. My little ones get to experience the love and knowledge of an older generation, and, even if the garden doesn't get weeded completely that day like I'd planned, it's okay. Thanks for the reminder. I also decided, after reading your post above, that there are a few people who need a pie - and my crust isn't perfect either - but good intentions and love make up for an imperfect crust in my book! When someone brings me a gift like that, I love it - no matter what it is!
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 13 2007 : 10:31:23 AM
Cathy-
What a way with words you have! I could completely picture you day and even imagined your homestead a little!
I agree with you- MaryJane’s book really inspires me to sew as well. In fact, before I got her book I had hardly sewed anything before! I might have quickly tacked up a hem or two out of necessity. (No one makes clothes that fit my legs- I am only 5 feet tall!) But last year I purchased my first sewing machine and have since started on sewing projects. I always have at least one going at any given time now!
What I personally love about MaryJane’s book is how she captures the most perfect descriptions of _feelings_. It is so heart to describe feelings without resorting to clichéd phrases and cheap worn out platitudes. However, MaryJane doesn’t do that to us in her book. I particularly like the section where she talks about “Springtide”. It’s in Wall Tent Living and when she mentioned that feeling- I knew exactly what she meant. It’s the same feeling I get whenever I stand on a precipice looking out over a beautiful valley, or when I see an amazing old tree that has been growing for a thousand years, and perhaps best of all- when I see the earth and animals renewing themselves in babies and new sprouts.
So I have a question for all of you-
When you read the “Lend a Hand” section did it inspire you to reach out to your neighbors more?
Her description of growing up with such a great sense of community really reminds me of how it felt to grow up in my small Wyoming town. Living in a bigger city now and reading this section makes me realize how much that sense of community is being lost with our modernizing world. I loved re-reading this section a few weeks ago because it reminded me of how it is really a necessity that we network and connect with those around us. I should make pies and take them to my neighbors… or perhaps not. My pie crust isn’t that good. Maybe they would like Butter cookies? I have wonderful recipe for those….
Alee |
| Libbie |
Posted - Mar 04 2007 : 8:31:45 PM
That IS a wonderful description - I feel like I was right there in your day, Cathy Jane!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| Huckelberrywine |
Posted - Mar 04 2007 : 7:21:14 PM
What a lovely description of the day! Wow. I could read it over and over. I loaned out my copy a week ago to someone who thought she'd only take a glance...I think she's hooked now too.
We make a difference. |
| cathy jane |
Posted - Mar 04 2007 : 6:06:24 PM
What has resonated with me when reading MJF - the book and the mags - is validation of this life I love so very much! Our pastor spoke this morning of the absolute AWE we hold as small children of the splendor God has given us in the beauty of every day! Yet, we are such a jaded world that takes so much for granted, and often without truly enjoying any of it. How sad! I find SO MUCH joy in the every day - I know it's mundane to lots of folks, that's why I love to connect with y'all about the simple pleasures and blessings.
For instance, we had a day that was good for hanging laundry out this week - temps above freezing, and breezy, but not too windy - I adore line-dried flannel nightgowns, big fluffy towels, soft sheets, and I truly enjoy hanging the wash out, too - even when my fingers get cold! And then, this afternoon I ordered 4 fruit trees to finally get our orchard started, and I just finished ordering vegetable seeds. What a lovely Sunday afternoon it's been here at Honey Hill Homestead.
I even had a small tragedy today when one of my old Americauna hens died. I knew she was doing poorly for the past couple of days, and I didn't think she'd last long at feeding time this morning. But she was still moving on her own, and eating and drinking, so I let her be. She was laying stretched out in the sunshine dead this afternoon. Her beautifully penciled feathers - she was a rich butterscotch color with dark edging - were ruffling in the cool March breeze. She gave us lots of beautiful blue eggs during her 4 years of life, and she went peacefully, lying in the sun. But this is just part of life that we farmgirls take in stride.
Reading MJF has also awakened a deep-seated desire to learn to sew. My Mom sewed all of my older siblings clothes when they were very young, but she had given all that up for store-bought by the time I was born. I love to cook and garden and raise animals, but I'd like to MAKE something that lasts - like matching aprons for my daughter and granddaughter and me!
Right now my book is lent to a friend, but thinking of it makes me want if back!
By the way, there's a mention of the wonderful soaps from Sunflower Sundries here in Kentucky. Jennifer Gleason makes those soaps, and some delicious jams, too. She is a friend whom my daughter and I love to visit each year at her Christmas Open House, and in the spring at her little community's asparagus festival. Jennifer is a lovely, gracious farmlady! Check out her website. - I think it's simply www.sunflowersundries.com.
cathy jane
"Treat everyone you meet today as if they are wearing a sign that says MAKE ME FEEL SPECIAL!" Mary Kay Ash
contact me at www.marykay.com/cathyjrichie |
| sewgirlie |
Posted - Mar 04 2007 : 5:34:37 PM
When I am feeling stessed out, I get the book out and read it. It reminds me to be thankful for the family I have and for the opportunity to live simply and honestly. For example, I don't usually like to iron, but when I do it for a little while, I find that it is relaxing and almost like meditating between the smells and the warmth of it. I had not appreciated that until I read the book and she talked about it as a chore that can be enjoyed. I even used starch on my linens (which I have been making myself), which made it more fun. It's time to stop rushing through everything just to get it done. The finish line is death, so why the hurry! :) |
| Huckelberrywine |
Posted - Mar 03 2007 : 11:13:30 AM
Yes! I found you. It was the book that led me here. Please don't let this topic drop... Reading the book made me realize these ideas I've had too are important and beautiful to follow through on.
How has reading her book impacted or resonated with you?
We make a difference. |
| newheart |
Posted - Feb 22 2007 : 04:29:17 AM
You know I must have been "Asleep at the wheel " when this topic started..I keep an eye out for Frannie's stuff.....I could never find the books here any place,No Books no magazines, its like Md. doesn't know about MaryJanes Farm.....Believe me that the people at Borders Bookstore do now....I will have to look for the stitching Book asap........I have been doing Embroidery lately and love it.....Maybe I'll call MJF today....I love to curl up and just read,read,read these books..
Hi to Sunshine and Nancy Jo, how you all doing..??
Newheart.
NewHeart
Love of friends and family makes the world go round..and always a little Chocolate.
margie
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| sewgirlie |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 3:22:36 PM
I have been making tea towels with hand embroidery lately. What a relaxing time that turns out to be. I also made a little dress clothespin holder before I got the book. Will make another one now for myself. |
| Leezard |
Posted - Feb 21 2007 : 04:50:46 AM
I'm dreaming about a garden...I don't think it'll happen this year. I ususally help plant and tend to the garden at my parent's farm since I live in the city but this summer my brother is getting married and I think things are going to be too busy for us to tend to it like we should. We may just do some corn and possibly a couple other things that are a little easier to handle.
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/
www.leezard.etsy.com |
| momto6 |
Posted - Feb 20 2007 : 10:57:06 PM
Frannie, Have the plans to read and discuss this great book been dropped? Is everyone busy getting ready for spring to spring, for gardens to grow?
Val |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Dec 30 2006 : 08:58:26 AM
I absolutly love my MJF book and refer to it all the time. My relatives always notice it when they visit since it is out visible all the time and I have converted several to NEEDING one and have given a few as gifts. I can hardly wait for more books an have all the magazines except the first one. I feel honored to have been in the round robin to read it and so I have read it but don't own one. I started getting the magazines with the "Art of the Egg" issue and bought back issues before that one and have bought the new stuff since. I LOVE the little Farmgirl Wisdom book too...so cute and the magnets are cute on my fridge.
I have had the Carla Emery book for 20 years and always loved all the practical info and all in that..find it neccessary to have. I even got to host Carla here in my home twice..she stayed 3 days the last time..what a quiet, humble gal..very sad when she passed away.
I do feel like I have finally found my perfect FIT with MJF though...more my style..I am not as "hardcore" as some of the back to the land books...a little bit of the girly in me that I didn't know about until MJF...I LOVE that part. I love having a definition of me. FARMGIRL all the way!
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 |
| faithymom |
Posted - Dec 29 2006 : 11:46:06 PM
My first MJF exposure was the magazine that I found at the local Safeway (haven't found any there since, though!).
Then I saw the book at the library and checked it out...I just recently purchased my own copy. I regularly look through it just to daydream.
I HAD to buy the stitching magazine when I found it, since I'm a seamstress...but I've lost it somewhere...that issue led me here...
My mom is now looking to purchase her own copy of the book, too.
Now I'm just waiting for the doors to open for my own little farm. This is a dream that has been in the wings for a long time, but I keep finding nudges toward it...like Carla Emery's Encyclopedia and MJ's Ideabook...
Good things come to those who wait, right?!
Faith |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Dec 29 2006 : 10:00:34 PM
well chilluns .. keep writing your comments and sharing with everyone. i'll be back to our little 'book club' in feburary! xo
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
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| ponyexpress |
Posted - Dec 29 2006 : 12:24:28 PM
Santa did indeed bring me a MJF book! I'm up to the chapter on holding a tag sale/barn sale and the wheels are turning in my little brain. And I don't even have a barn! ;-}
Sandy in Missouri
I don't iron anymore. If I'm not wrinkle-free, why should my clothes be? |
| Beemoosie |
Posted - Dec 29 2006 : 11:32:40 AM
I would like to be involved too. I have questions about somethings, and would like to just chat about others.
Looking forward to it girls!
O, Come let us adore HIM! www.beequilting.blogspot.com |
| smallcoffee |
Posted - Dec 29 2006 : 11:28:02 AM
The sunday morning squash muffins are very good. |
