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Book Ideas:  What brought me to MaryJanes  |
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carolbrigid
True Blue Farmgirl
263 Posts
Carol
Glen Burnie
Maryland
USA
263 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 08 2008 : 3:49:03 PM
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I loved reading everyone's discovery of MaryJane. I used to work in a wonderful organic market, Roots Market, in Clarkesville, Maryland. One day I was assigned the job of taking out the old magazines and putting out the new magazines in the racks by the registers. I saw the MaryJane's Farm magazine, the Apron issue. It was the first time I had ever heard of MaryJane Butters. But I fell instantly in love with the magazine and bought my copy that day. I am a true farmgirl at heart, and MaryJane and her awesome magazine tugged on my heartstrings that day. Then I found this awesome website from reading the magazine.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Carol
Member, Crafty Bay Farmgirl Chapter |
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Terre
True Blue Farmgirl
97 Posts
Indiana
USA
97 Posts |
Posted - Jun 12 2008 : 6:04:31 PM
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Welcome Carol! So glad you discovered MaryJane's magazine and web site! I love the Maryjane aprons--have yet to make one though, so busy. It's on my sewing list though. MaryJane also has a couple of books you'll probably enjoy also. Take care!
Be true in heart. |
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Sandra K. Licher
True Blue Farmgirl
1106 Posts
Sandra
Horseshoe Bend
Arkansas
1106 Posts |
Posted - Jun 13 2008 : 08:59:13 AM
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Okay...I have a confession to make...when I first saw MJ's Life book I did not pick it up becuase I assumed it was one of those "fluff" books by people that expect you to spend a lot of money replicating their lifestyle....ie; a "cocktail table book" with nothing really to offer. I had wasted my money in the past on some of those. I saw it on a website again and read up on it and thought it sounded like my kind of book so I ordered it. WOW!!!! All my life I have been very independent and self-sufficient and many times criticized for it and labled "strange" but when I read about Mary Jane and her farm and her life I knew I had "come home"....I will be forever grateful to her and all of you out there who have finally given me a place where I "fit in" for once! Thank you!
Oh!!!! I just recieved my sisterhood packet in the mail! Awesome...I can't wait to embroider my patch, frame my membership certificate and hang it up and start working towards my badges!
I could never be a girlscout or 4-h'er and I always wanted to and now finally I can!!!!
I think Mary Jane should come out with a handbook like the afore-mentionded organizations....A Farmgirl Handbook....maybe not as fancy as her idea book but one that you can throw in a backpack, stuff in a suitcase and use as a how-to for everyday farmgirls. How's about it Mary Jane? I'll help...volunteer...whatever you need....I'm here...remember...we're sisters now...I have proof! LOL!
Sam in AR
Sam in AR..... "It's a great life if you don't weaken" |
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bethellen
Farmgirl at Heart
2 Posts
Wildwood
Missouri
2 Posts |
Posted - Jun 14 2008 : 1:40:45 PM
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While searching for simplicity and farm on the internet, I ended up here! I am so excited I did.
I immediately ordered the back issue bundle of the magazine--I received it just a day ago. I am barelly a third of the way through the backcountry food issue. It's just so wonderful. I am absorbing every inc h of information.
Starting over farmgirl
www.primitivestitch.com |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Jun 14 2008 : 2:30:30 PM
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I don't remember exactly when I picked up MaryJane's magazine, it was a long time ago, I think it was around the time my ex husband died andmy children were so devastated, I was kind of in a panic mode for a couple of years. When I got her first book, I was so dazzled. I realized I'd missed out on years of the magazine and immediately ordered all the back issues. I've only been on the forum for a few months, it has been the answer for me, the knowledge that there are so many women like me, who love gardening, sewing, aprons, etc. I have never joined any forums before, so this is like magic to me.....Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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carolbrigid
True Blue Farmgirl
263 Posts
Carol
Glen Burnie
Maryland
USA
263 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2008 : 7:01:58 PM
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Hi Terre, Thank you for your nice message. I have family who live in Indianapolis. I am saving up for a sewing machine and in a couple of weeks I'll have enough to buy it!!! The first thing I want to make is the frilly apron. It is adorable. I ordered the back issue package too and I'm going through each issue very slowly to make the fun last!! And yes, Karin, this is like magic to me, too! I love it!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Carol
Farmgirl Sister #222
Member, Crafty Bay Farmgirl Chapter |
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Terre
True Blue Farmgirl
97 Posts
Indiana
USA
97 Posts |
Posted - Jun 15 2008 : 7:19:15 PM
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Hi Carol! So glad that you are getting your new machine soon! Sewing is always opening new doors and projects. Able to do just my basic mending helps the budget so much! I have found lots of free projects also on the web. The pattern companies always have nice free projects. But MJ's aprons will keep you busy for a while, I'm sure. I went to our state fair last year and couldn't believe there were a couple of booths with aprons, most starting around $25.00 for the little ones. Of course, I didn't buy any. My husband laughed and said nobody wears aprons anymore---but when I asked my sisters if they had any and would they wear them, they told me they would love to have one and definitely would wear if they had. Hmmm- sounds like presents I can make :) Take care and have a good week!
Be true in heart. |
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Terre
True Blue Farmgirl
97 Posts
Indiana
USA
97 Posts |
Posted - Jun 19 2008 : 5:54:02 PM
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Hi Sam! I was rereading your post and got a good chuckle. MJF's mag coffee table "fluff"---Wow, I bet you laughed too. Glad you're enjoying!
Be true in heart. |
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ontargetlisa
Farmgirl at Heart
7 Posts
Lisa
Sandusky
Michigan
USA
7 Posts |
Posted - Jun 20 2008 : 12:08:53 PM
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The first time I saw the cover of the book was in one of my book club newsletters. The cover shot and description intrigued me, because I was always drawn to living a simpler life, a more natural life. Over the years, I have purchased 6 or 7 Lifebooks as gifts for other "Farmgirls at Heart", and right now, don't even have a copy myself!
The beauty of the farm, the simple instructions on how to do things that got lost with my Gramma Lulu's generation, and the fact that MaryJane has made a good living at a simple life have intrigued me.
Love the stitching, and now that I see I can get merit badges for being a farmgirl, I am hooked!
Would love to learn more about preserving food and starting a CSA, the ultimate farmgirl occupation. Currently, I am a small business consultant, and living happily on a five acre minifarm with my husband, three dogs, two cats and a bunny named Boo. My hubby has restored our 1880 farmhouse, and recently had to take down the old barn, and we have recycled or reused all the wood in other buildings. He is building me a little house, complete with a year round mini greenhouse using the old windows from the house, and I will grow our veggies in there all winter. I long to meet more Michigan farmgirls....I live in the Thumb of the Mitten!
Let's make the world a more beautiful and healthy place! |
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chessie
True Blue Farmgirl
403 Posts
Karen
Vista
CA
USA
403 Posts |
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moxieblossom
True Blue Farmgirl
121 Posts
USA
121 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 11:32:14 AM
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This inspired me to write a post about the subject on my blog! To make a long story short, I found a MaryJane's Farm magazine at Borders and fell in love. It speaks to the way of life I had while growing up, as well as the dreams my husband and I have for the future. It's a timely message of hope that we all need these days!
http://vintage-moxie.blogspot.com |
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Sandra K. Licher
True Blue Farmgirl
1106 Posts
Sandra
Horseshoe Bend
Arkansas
1106 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 2:18:59 PM
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Terre,
Yes....I laugh now too when I remember my first thoughts but I too have ordered all the back issues and just today printed off all the categories and reqs for the badges and someone else somewhere suggested putting them in a notebook so I have tabs dividing the sections and I labeled the spine and even cut out one of the headings with the FARMGIRL SISTERHOOD logo and pasted it on the front of the notebook. This is all just too fun and what a learning experience and gets us all to step out of our "comfort zone" which is REALLY good for me because I've been getting so comfortable I'm starting to put on weight and at my age what goes on will NEVER come off! LOL! Really...that's a fact....so watch out you youngins'! Ha! Ha!
I'm not sure Mary Jane will ever realize how much good she's done for so many people. I'm not really one to "join" things either but I am truly behind this with all my heart....You Go GIrls!
Sam in AR..... "It's a great life if you don't weaken!"
Farmgirl Sister #226 |
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Sandra K. Licher
True Blue Farmgirl
1106 Posts
Sandra
Horseshoe Bend
Arkansas
1106 Posts |
Posted - Jun 25 2008 : 2:22:48 PM
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Oh...Carol...did you get your new machine? What kind? You must tell us all about it! Congrats and let us know what your first project is...I just got a new machine too....somehow my really nice one dissappeared when I moved along with some other things but I have a nice little Singer now that should do the trick and I haven't really sewn for a long time so this will be fun to get back into it.
Sam in AR..... "It's a great life if you don't weaken!"
Farmgirl Sister #226 |
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clux64
True Blue Farmgirl
162 Posts
Celeste
Blair
NE
USA
162 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2008 : 12:55:44 PM
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I order MaryJanes book through a book club and thought, "How cool"...then found out about her magazine and products, ordered all the back issues and found my people. I'm hooked.
Celeste
"No matter where you go, there you are" |
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DebN
Farmgirl at Heart
4 Posts
Denton
Texas
4 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2008 : 06:37:40 AM
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Hi girls...This is my first time chatting anywhere! But I already love this group of fascinating women so I'm jumping in.
I found MJF at Barnes and Noble while searching for some information on "backyard" chickens...my husband (a former Ag teacher--now owner of a Feedstore..and the only person I have ever known who quit teaching to make less money)had been smuggling chickens into our backyard one at a time for quite awhile...hoping I would not notice. I noticed when one of the hens came to the backdoor to say hi.
Being a born city girl, it took me a while to learn to love "the girls"...but I do. I wanted to find out how to take care of them...without asking Mr. Know-It-All. And that is how I found MJF and it was full of all of my favorite things..cooking, stitching, homekeeping...who knew I was a farmgirl at heart?! |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2008 : 07:31:37 AM
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Sandra,
I like your idea of a farmgirl manual... I did take all the badge requirments and reformat them so I could put them in a 3 pronged binder ( as I tend to be highly visual), you know keep the prize in eye shot..... I would be happy to email it to you if you want..I took it to our local printers and for $3 they spiral bound it for me.... Perfect!!!!
I love the sister-hood... it puts feet to the whole "farm chick" thing for me and for $20 I feel like I am giving a little something back to the farm for giving as much as they do - same with the books, magazines, retail store....It all makes me feel like I have my "own little plot" on the farm.....
Anyway... Great idea!!! You must be a visual learner as well.....
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
" Plant goodness, harvest the fruit of loyalty, plow the new ground of knowledge. Hosea 10:12 |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2008 : 2:01:14 PM
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I first found out about MaryJane is a completely random way...you could call it destiny lol! I was waiting for my friend to finish up at work one day (she works at our university bookstore and was closing the store on this particular day). Since I came to meet her about an hour before she closed I decided to saunter over to the mag section to check out some knitting magazines. As I was perusing the knitting selection I looked to the area above it and a certain magazine caught my eye. There was a woman on the cover with long blonde hair wearing an apron. I read the title "MaryJane's Farm" and I was curious and interested. I remember picking it up and reading the features on the cover. I was instantly in a better mood and sat down to read the magazine. It was wonderful and packed full of simple living. I loved everything about it and a few months after I looked it up online and now I'm here! It is all very exciting and fun to have found like-minded people!
Chelsey |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2008 : 2:07:24 PM
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Hello again, I forgot to add that one of the main reasons I fell in love with MJ was because it made me feel as if I belonged. It helped me to not feel strange. I am only 20 years old and I have always loved making things and simpler ways of living. I love nature and knitting and baking bread from scratch. People my age just don't seem to be all that interested in these things when I tell them what my hobbies are. When I am older I plan on owning a farm-like piece of land with alpacas so I can spin my own yarn. I also want chickens and a few milking cows. I would love to learn how to make butter and cheeses and things like that. MJ has helped me make a connection with other people that like the same things that I do.  It makes me happy!
Chelsey |
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dkelewae
True Blue Farmgirl
1310 Posts
Diana
Saint Peters
MO
USA
1310 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2008 : 2:33:32 PM
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I happened upon MaryJane's magazine at Barnes & Noble when I was making my usual run for my monthly stash of knitting and gardening magazines. I happened to get a copy, and was very impressed with what I read...and the rest as they say is history :)
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #272
St. Peters MO
Country Girl trapped in the city! |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2008 : 2:52:41 PM
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I love reading this thread. Isn't it amazing how many of us found MaryJane in such a similar way and stayed for the same reasons?
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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Missing the Horses
Farmgirl at Heart
3 Posts
3 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2008 : 4:31:50 PM
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First post!
Same here! I came accross MaryJanes newest book at Borders on a Saturday night. I spent the next
4 1/2 hours reading it! I TOO felt the "belonging" feeling. It made me sooo homesick for my
childhood. I was "horse crazy" (did she say WAS? STILL AM!!) and had the privlege of working at
a stable 3 summers in a row! THAT was..and still is "MY HEAVEN". MaryJane brought me back THERE in a instant.
SO GLAD TO BE HERE!
The soul of a woman
becomes one with the soul of the horse... |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2008 : 5:20:54 PM
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Welcome to the forum Missing the Horses! I too am a displaced stable hand  Someday hopefully soon I will own my own horse! Are you planning on getting a horse for yourself?
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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Buffalomary
True Blue Farmgirl
199 Posts
Mary
Caldwell
ID
USA
199 Posts |
Posted - Jul 22 2008 : 8:46:50 PM
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I can't remember when I first heard of MJ, but I know I fell in love with everything she stands for. I felt like I was "home" when I first checked out the website. I have been involved with other similar websites but the "home" feeling just was not a part of the experience. It is great to know I am not the only one who wants to do things simply and in an way that many today call "old". Even my Grandmother does not completely understand, but that's okay, because I know that everyone here does. Thank you ladies, for letting me come along and play with you!!
You can take the farmer's daughter off the farm but you can't take the farm out of the farmer's daughter!! |
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marcy jo
True Blue Farmgirl
453 Posts
Marcy
Wawaka
Indiana
USA
453 Posts |
Posted - Jul 23 2008 : 09:57:03 AM
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I picked up the magazine at Borders in Fort Wayne. I had already read my other favorites and needed a new one while waiting for current issues. I was so inspired. I am starting my own farm and have been looking for this type of inspiration. I was so hooked that I have all the back issues as well as all current books. Thanks MaryJane this is just what us farmgirls needed!
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Txfarmgal
True Blue Farmgirl
585 Posts
AK
USA
585 Posts |
Posted - Jul 25 2008 : 1:25:52 PM
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I found out about MJ from her book at the TSC in our town. I bought the book as a gift for my friend for Christmas and decided to make her something from the book but keep the book for myself! I read the whole book cover to cover and I was hooked.
AngiKay
www.angikay.etsy.com
Be strong and Courageous. Jos. 1:9
Texas 4H! http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/ |
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Book Ideas: What brought me to MaryJanes |
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What brought me to MaryJanes
