| Author |
Farmgirl Chapter Chatter:  The Mavens' Haven - November 8, 2008  |
|
|
LivingWell4You
True Blue Farmgirl
1411 Posts
Karen
Hillsboro
MO
USA
1411 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 07 2008 : 8:03:31 PM
|
THE MAVENS' HAVEN
November 8, 2008
Welcome to MJ's Heirloom Mavens!
"I'm Karen Watson and I approve this newsletter." Aren't you so glad to have a break from the political ads again? I don't watch that much television but it was enough to help me remember why I don't want that much television. I do hope you exercised your right to vote. (For some of us, it may have been the only exercise we got all week!) There is another opportunity for you to vote on American Farmland Trust. What farm-related issues are important to you? Which of those would you most like to see the new administration address when they take office? Read the American Farmland Trust topic below and keep that voting muscle in shape.
Mother Hen's Musings
Well, I promised that our Mother Hen would have musings for you this week. I'm sorry to say that the muse has left the nest. I am happy to say that it's because she is our Maven of the Month! Yes, Queen Maven Dawn - recipient of the first farmgirl Minerva award, Harvest Thyme Farm and Market owner and entrepreneur, creator of the beautiful farmgirl bracelets, our "shero," friend and, this weekend only(?), road warrior and chicken scout - is the November Maven of the Month.
Maven of the Month
What it means to me to be a Maven...
It means never thinking I'm knowledgeable enough. I'm constantly learning, reading, researching and absorbing. From books, websites, periodicals and fellow mavens.
It means gaining new perspective. I simply cannot look at something or an idea one sided. There are different facets to conversations, ideas, and food. I not only know what I know about it, but I also get someone else's point of view.
It means better food. I don't think I ever really thought about food in this light before. When I first saw Rene's post (DOE), I was like... "No! That can't happen!" And the more I got involved in the thread, the more I felt it is MY purpose, MY obligation and MY responsibility to get involved.
It means leaving my comfort zone. Now that I know what is going on in the food industry, I've had to change a whole life of habits. I've had to learn how to cook all over again. I've had to learn to compromise, and how to cut waaaay back on the bad.
It means being patient. I have to wait for my food now. I have to be sensitive when talking to the "nay-sayers" and give them time and space to learn on their own.
It means being pro-active versus reactive. I now try to find that silver lining in everything I do. Everything I say or talk about I try to be as proactive and compassionate as possible. There are a lot of folks out there who don't get it and feel the need to defend their ignorance. That's okay. All in time...
It means, never ever again being alone. I have found a group of farm girls that have become much more to me than just a virtual group of seed savers. They are my family. We call, we email, we encourage, we tease, we love and we laugh. The best part? We do this together.
Thank you so much for choosing me as Maven of the Month. I am humbled, and privileged to be amongst greatness in this chapter. MJ's Heirloom Mavens is a diverse group that has taught me how to be responsible for my earth and my harvests. It has taught me to slow down and enjoy life's blessings and bounty. It is a joy to be your chapter leader (QMD) and an honor to be your friend.
**** MAVEN TO MAVEN ****
Mavens on the Road
Dawn is in Columbus, OH this weekend for the Poultry Show, "looking for new prospects for the 'egg machine!'"
Karen is traveling again, this time to South Carolina to visit DH's parents. Yes, hubby is going along too.
Lillian may (or may not) be on the road but she is out of maven reach for awhile. She was selected for jury duty for a week-long trial. Lillian, a big maven wing-wave of thanks as you carry out your civic duty and to your family who has to do without "life as usual" this week!
Teresa Sue is back from a wonderful time at the Palouse Divide Lodge with her friends. They spent the weekend in a "lookout tower (they have converted it to a little cabin with a great view)" shopping, quilting and talking. We're jealous.
A big entry in our gratitude journals that Rene is safe and sound after her close call on the road Monday evening. It makes Marcy's tag line especially meaningful: When I stand before God at the end of my life I hope that I would not have a bit of talent left and could say "I used everything You gave me" (erma bombeck)
Maven Birthday
Queen Maven Dawn – Thursday, November 13 East coast mavens are invited for "Chili, Bonfire and Birthday Cake." To quote Alee, "Yum!"
New Mavens
We got a wonderful surprise this week - a quick pop-in visit from Libbie (Libbie). "I just wanted to pop in and say that I think what you all are doing is AWESOME!!!" Her plate is too full at the moment and doesn't allow her to do more than follow along behind the scenes but we may be seeing her again when the holidays are over and garden planning time comes around. Thanks for the encouragement and support, Libbie. It's greatly appreciated.
Are you reading the maven posts but unsure about jumping in? Does this newsletter rev up your interest? 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 Magazine: Call for Entries / Keeping in Touch / Danger of Extinction Thread and introduce yourself. We'd love to get to know you!
**** WEEKLY UPDATE ****
American Farmland Trust
"America is losing 1.2 million acres of farmland annually, much of it the best and most productive farmland near where most Americans live. American Farmland Trust is committed to protecting the nation's best farm and ranch land and improving the economic viability of agriculture....AFT works with federal, state and local leaders and communities to develop legislation, implement policies and execute programs that keep farmers on their land and protect our environment."
American Farmland Trust needs your help now. As they prepare to work with the new administration to develop a positive farm and food policy, they want to know what your priorities are. Go to www.farmland.org to vote and support their efforts. FYI: There isn't a specific mention about GMOs but there is a comment box. I'm just sayin’...
2000 Posts and Counting
“Holy COW.. My last post was #2000.... WOW” Yes, Rene’s post at 8:33pm on November 3rd was the 2000th post on the DOE thread. Even though the intensity of posting has slowed down this week due to the holidays and life in general, it’s still a pretty amazing thing to realize that in just less than two months, we have racked up over 2000 – TWO THOUSAND – posts. BTW, happy two-month maven anniversary this Tuesday (a.k.a. Veteran’s Day).
Picturesque Coeur d'Alene
Rene spent last weekend in beautiful Coeur d'Alene, the first stop for the Buggy, Barter and Boogie. She took pictures of the city in the fall and posted them for our viewing pleasure. http://www.maryjanesfarm.com/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=26413
Monday Maven Madness
What a great time we have chatting on Monday nights! Sometimes the internet is just not fast enough to keep up with us though. Dawn suggested the possibility of IM chatting: "Would everyone be up for signing up with yahoo messanger? Its free and its instant. Corrine and I have chatted using it and it was really nice! Any other suggestions on how to chat?" Post your thoughts on the DOE thread and remember our chat times are 9pm EST, 6pm PST.
Winter Gardening
Are you missing your garden already? Would you like to be able to really extend your growing season? Tina Michelle found a wonderful site called WinterSown. The site says "Winter Sowing is done outdoors during Winter using mini-greenhouses made from recyclables; there are no heating devices, no energy wasting light set-ups or expensive seed starting devices." Tina requested their free seeds and got quick service from the company: "I just got my wintersown.org seeds in today..boy they were fast..and they sent extras! they sent about 9 varieties of heirloom tomatoes in the envelope ..plus some broccoli rabe seeds and a squash variety called sweet dumpling squash..so.... I encourage you to check out that site!! A very nice way to be able to get up to 9 varieties of heirloom tomatoes for just 3 stamps. Wow!" Here ya go, mavens: www.wintersown.org
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
This week the HMBC (Heirloom Maven Book Club) will be chatting about "Six Impossible Things Before Breakfast" and "Eating Neighborly," chapters 9 and 10 in Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. The end of chapter 10 marks the halfway point in the book. Can it be that we're half of the way through the book already? What has struck a chord with you the most? What was the funniest part for you? (Dawn, we know yours already!  ) What changes are you making or do you plan to make because of something you read? I'm still fuming at the fact that Monsanto considers people who save seeds competitors! The nerve!!! I'm still trying to find a way to get the message across to others in a way that will make them want to learn more and not just have an "Oh, that's not really happening" or "It's not that bad" or "I'm doing fine so far" attitude. Ah, the struggles of a maven. Follow the discussion at http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=597 in the henhouse or in the HHM/HM Henhouse Connection thread http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=25556
Remember this book is one of the requirements for the Farm Kitchen "Know Your Food" Beginner Level badge. See the Teresa Sue's "Badge Alert!!!!" post for more info: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=609&whichpage=1
Countdown to a Maven Christmas!
Tick. Tick. Tick. Twenty-two (22) more days to get those maven gifties ready and in the mail. For more information and to find some great gift ideas, go to http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=644
**** FUTURE ATTRACTIONS ****
Heirloom Minor at Farmgirl U
The curriculum for the is nearing completion. Be watching on the DOE for an announcement from Rene in the near future.
Seed-swapping
As we put our gardens to bed and begin planning for next season, visions of new seeds to plant for next year dance in our heads. We are in the early stages of organizing but you can check out this thread to catch up on the seed-swapping discussion: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=561 To post your seeds lists and wants, go here: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=589
Amy Grace (graciegreeneyes) and Marcy (Marcy Jo) are coordinating the seed-swapping clearinghouse so watch for updates as we move from putting this year's gardens to bed and begin planning for next year.
**** REMINDERS ****
Recipes are being added to the henhouse every week. Some of the new recipes this week are wild yeast starter and homemade mixes. You can check it out at http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/HenHouseSnitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=572 There is an index of recipes in the initial post.
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
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
Be sure to check out maven Tina's online magazine, Small Town Living at www.stliving.net
The Heirloom Mavens Save Our Seeds – Feed Our Future bumper stickers are now available. 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 )
Check out the Heirloom Maven blog site at www.heirloommavens.blogspot.com
When possible, purchase books through Seed Savers Exchange to support their efforts in saving heirloom seeds for future generations www.seedsavers.org
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
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
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.
Karen – Maven Chickherder / Sister #311 |
|
|
Corinnelouise
True Blue Farmgirl
957 Posts
Corinne
France
957 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2008 : 9:18:57 PM
|
Karen, you did it again, waou.
What a great reminder of all the good which happened in a single week in the Mavens coop.
Dawn, you are the best choice for being the first Maven of the month, congratulations.
Huggggsss
Corinne
Sister # 101 |
 |
|
|
Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2008 : 07:16:18 AM
|
Hoooorahhh! Fabu as usual. I love the mental picture of our QMD being a chicken scout. She's on her pinto pony, cautiously winding her way through the wilderness, ever on the lookout for renegade chickens. Wait! What was that noise. She slides from her saddle, ties "Bob" her pinto pony to a juniper bush, gets a bit sidetracked, thinking, "wow, I know I could use these juniper berries in something", when out of nowhere, that scoundral, Robert the Rooster(no kin to Robert the Bruce) flies at her head, spurs barred.......................
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
MJ's Heirloom Mavens Badgebadger
MJ's Heirloom Mavens Bookclub Coordinator
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
Edited by - Contrary Wife on Nov 08 2008 08:06:02 AM |
|
|
|
ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2008 : 08:45:01 AM
|
Karen,
Great job YET again!!! SO proud of you!
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/
Mavens are "information specialists", or "people we rely upon to connect us with new information."[6] They accumulate knowledge, especially about the marketplace, and know how to share it with others
|
|
|
|
levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9324 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9324 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2008 : 8:29:16 PM
|
Wonderful choice for msven of the month.
Karen, you do an awesome job on the newsletter!
Denise
farmgirl sister #43
"Take a lesson from the teakettle, though up to its
neck in hot water...it sings!"
www.torisgram.etsy.com |
|
|
|
deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
|
| |
Farmgirl Chapter Chatter: The Mavens' Haven - November 8, 2008 |
|
|
|
The Mavens' Haven - November 8, 2008
