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Keeping in Touch:  Things we might have lost in the Pandemic  |
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alterationsbyemily
True Blue Farmgirl
696 Posts
Emily
Chambersburg
PA
USA
696 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 22 2022 : 9:23:13 PM
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I have thought about this post for so long and I have wanted to put the words down as a submission for the magazine. My last issue I received from MJF was about March of 2020, I had been chasing down my issues for some time, I think it was due to a publisher change but it was such an oddly timed one to get in hindsight.
My last issue of MJF came in March of 2020, it wasn't something I was expecting but it was a random month that I received. Many years ago I was the Farmgirl of the Year. I was so proud of my achievement, I had learned a great many skills and I had sewn a great many merit badges onto my skirt and sash. At the time when I found MJF Magazine I was a bit lost, I was a stay at home mom and had few resources to keep me and my young children entertained. But I found Mary Jane Butters one day in a Borders and absolutely devoured the issue. Then I found the chatrooms online and nearly spent all my time updating the conversations and learning from everyone I could. I gave homemade gifts to family for Christmas, and became more and more aware of what I could do to make the most of my life in the country. I became very good at baking bread and biscuits. I kept a photocopy of the Mary Jane Butters recipe for canned apple fritters taped on the inside of my kitchen cabinet.
Life moved on and I ended up pursing my degree in Accounting. But the skills I learned during my time here led me through some of the most difficult time of my life. I was able to graduate college and go out to the professional world. In April of 2020 I was furloughed from my job and now I was a single mother of three kids. I remember walking out of the office and thinking, if there was one thing I could do to support my family what would it be. I went and bought a 25 lb bag of flour. Because I knew that Mary Jane and her crew had taught me to cook. I was able to finally live my homeschool dreams and be with my children during that time. Life was not that easy, but I taught my kids to sew and what in the backyard we could make salads out of. What berries grew still in my yard and have arrangements from the roses that I planted when I was a Farmgirl 10 years later. I began what would be my newest adventure in candle making, which is now a full blown business, because Mary Jane taught me that if I could figure out one small thing I could step up to the next merit badge and learn the next.
I did get a job working at an accounting firm in February of 2021, and had to go back into the office. I did not make very good money at the position but it was back to work and I was able to continue to pursue my CPA. But I continued to move forward and learn new skills to help me land my current job.
The idea of this pandemic we lost so much, but we gained significantly more. When days were hard I would crack open a MJF book or the entire backlog of magazines and sit and think about the things I could do with my children during the day to help them learn how to be sufficient. It was a wonderful time to reconnect.
But as seasons, things change. I am moving to Canada in about 30 days. My new husband has asked if the recipe for apple fritters in the cabinet is coming, they are some of his favorite. I had to tell him about rotating his plants in the planter on the balcony and that tomatoes and peppers cannot be put in the same planter.
Ingenuity and spirit never leave a person. I do look on the chatrooms these days just as an observer and see the lovely things people make and I think someday I would love to earn another merit badge and maybe I will. I get compliments on my Farmgirl #2951 necklace when I wear it and at any moment I will rave about the community and the women on here. I remember in 2015 I said on the chatroom that this changed my life and it was published in the magazine and I left that magazine in the bathroom of my internship. Mary Jane Farm is a staple and one of my most cherished memories. Going forward you never loose knowledge, you can always be kind, and I will always be thankful for Mary Jane Farm.
Emily Lam (formerly Hack)
Farmgirl #2951
- Insta and TikTok - awakenthedeadexperiences
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Farmgirl #2951
2012 Farmgirl of the Year
http://simpileeliving.blogspot.com/
And my new Etsy listings http://www.etsy.com/shop/alterationsbyemily |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
7108 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
7108 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2022 : 06:42:04 AM
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Emily, thanks for sharing your story with all of us on the Farm. I read it twice so I wouldn't miss anything you had to say. I hope when you're set up in your new home in Canada you will come back here to share your new adventures with us.
Hugs, Sara "FarmGirl Sister" #6034 Aug 2014
FGOTM Sept 2015 & Feb 2019
Lord put your arm around my shoulders & your hand over my mouth.
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debbieklann
Sharpshooter/Schoolmarm
783 Posts
Debbie
Madras
OR
USA
783 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2022 : 08:03:19 AM
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Thank you, Emily....I loved your story. I can relate to what you are saying....sometimes I think about things that we have "lost" during this crazy time in our history. But I think it's better to look at what we've gained, instead of lost, just like you are.
Best wishes in your new move and please stay in touch! Would love to hear how you are doing in this new phase of your life!
Debbie Klann
Farmgirl Sister #770
2018 Farmgirl of the Year
"Well behaved women seldom make history"....Laurel Thatcher Ulrich |
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Dreamer42
True Blue Farmgirl
2694 Posts
April
Central
Oregon
USA
2694 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2022 : 09:33:34 AM
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Emily, What a touching story, I believe MJF has touched most our lives in similar ways, I know she has mine. I, too, was feeling a little lost and off track when I first came upon MJF magazine. I, too, was smitten as first glance and have been every since. She has helped remind me of my roots, where I came from and how I want to live my life. I echoe your thoughts about looking for the positive, just because something may be different, doesn't necessarily mean lost... but, renewed or reguided, but always with purpose! Loved your heartfelt story you have shared with us and may your move be everything you're hoping for.
Dreamer42
Farmgirl Sister #7038 |
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JeanP
True Blue Farmgirl
1284 Posts
Jean
Deary
ID
USA
1284 Posts |
Posted - Jun 23 2022 : 12:11:07 PM
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Oh dear Emily, what a touching story indeed as April said. Yes we have lived through a unique time haven't we? The loss of community and face to face companionship combined with the isolation was truly devastating. But on the other hand it forced us to get a grip on our own weaknesses and develop our survival skills using good old Yankee ingenuity. I believe we've come through the pandemic stronger because of it. Clearly some experienced greater loss than others. My heart aches for those who lost loved ones and/or experienced serious financial hardships because of this terrible virus. I think the most important lessons I have learned over the last few years are to accept each day as a gift because tomorrow is not guaranteed. I learned to simplify my life and have loved the resulting peacefulness. I've learned that nothing is more important than my family,
Take good care of yourself as you embark on your new adventure. May all your dreams come true.
Farmgirl hugs,
jean
"However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at."
. . . .Stephen Hawking |
Edited by - JeanP on Jun 23 2022 12:12:44 PM |
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Red Tractor Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
6663 Posts
Winnie
Gainesville
Fl
USA
6663 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2022 : 4:38:19 PM
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Emily, thank-you for sharing your story of being a Farmgirl here at MJF. I think your experience mirrors that of many of the people who have been here. MJF is that unique place where we find like minded new friends and lots of interesting topics to share and learn together. The fond memories and experiences here will always be with you too. And even with you moving to Canada, we have several Canadian Farmgirls here in the Chatroom, so don't think that a border prevents you from being here as much as your heart desires. We all would love to hear about your new adventure living in Canada and what you are learning and enjoying. Thanks for stopping by and sharing and best of luck in the days to come!
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015
FGOTM- October 2018 |
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StaceyH
Farmgirl at Heart
8 Posts
Stacey
Paradise
Nova Scotia
Canada
8 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2022 : 7:04:58 PM
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Hi Emily,
I agree with the others; such a lovely story and I'm glad you shared it with us.
May I ask where you are moving to in Canada? I'm new to MJF and live in Nova Scotia so would be a fellow Canadian Farmgirl here in the forum. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about Canada for your upcoming move. Even though apple fritters are very popular at Tim Hortons, I have a feeling your cherished recipe will be even tastier!
Welcome to Canada! |
Edited by - StaceyH on Jun 28 2022 7:05:46 PM |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2022 : 08:09:01 AM
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Hi Emily,
I agree. I feel very much the same. I feel like when things feel crazy, I reach for my “farmgirl roots” - favorite issues of past MJF magazines, MaryJane’s books, knitting, sewing, baking and gardening. I feel like the Pandemic, though hard, was easier to go through than for other people because of my “farmgirl” roots.
Good luck on your move. I have always heard such wonderful things about life in Canada!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
Chapter Leader, CT Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, Jan. 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blog
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
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Lacey
Chapter Guru
190 Posts
Rea
Davis
Ca
USA
190 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2022 : 10:00:23 AM
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Hi Emily,
I loved reading your story. Wishing you the best on your move to Canada. Keep your farm girl spirit and enjoy your new place in life.
Rea Nakanishi
Farm Girl Of The Month Jan. 2022
“Action is the foundational key to all success.”
– Pablo Picasso |
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Wanda Sue
True Blue Farmgirl
1248 Posts
Wanda
Murrells Inlet
SC
USA
1248 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2022 : 1:51:01 PM
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Emily I enjoyed reading your story and wish you well when you relocate to Canada. Thanks for sharing with us, and yes, being a part of MJF is a wonderful thing.
A day hemmed in prayer is less likely to unravel.
Farm Girl #3677 |
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Blessed in Colorado
True Blue Farmgirl
6717 Posts
Debbie L.
Oregon
USA
6717 Posts |
Posted - Aug 22 2022 : 2:09:41 PM
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Thank you so much Emily for your story as it touches all of us. Without MJF I would be as happy as I am right now to have all the friends I have and cherish.
Good Luck to you and your family on your move to Canada.
Remember we will be here when you are able to stop by again, as this is home too!
Big Hugs,
Debbie
#1582
Blessed in Oregon
With Colorado on My Mind
Farmgirl of the Month September 2012 and February 2018
“My altars are My Mountains
and the Ocean.” Lord Byron”
When I am Old I Shall Wear Purple !!
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alterationsbyemily
True Blue Farmgirl
696 Posts
Emily
Chambersburg
PA
USA
696 Posts |
Posted - Aug 31 2024 : 8:00:42 PM
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Well that was a fun 2 years in the "True North" for the record, I planted my peas on saint patrick's day on my balcony. Mary Jane's apple pie was made in a gluten free version which went over insanely well. And now I can mark down that I had a sack of compost on my shoulder treking through downtown Toronto... they were giving it away for free, how could I say no.
But in the end, people's actions are their true intentions. I just feel blessed and lucky that I saw the situation for what it was and that I had what I needed to and the support system in place that I could leave and be on my own.
Glad to be back
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Farmgirl #2951
2012 Farmgirl of the Year
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TikTok: Awakenthedeadexperiences |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9436 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9436 Posts |
Posted - Sep 01 2024 : 03:52:02 AM
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Emily,
In the end and in some ways our experiences make us who we become.
I would love to know your gluten free apple pie recipe as we have a Celiac here and it would be wonderful to have a treat recipe to make for her.
~Denise
Sister #43~
"I am a bookaholic and I have no desire to be cured." 
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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Edited by - levisgrammy on Sep 01 2024 03:54:39 AM |
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alterationsbyemily
True Blue Farmgirl
696 Posts
Emily
Chambersburg
PA
USA
696 Posts |
Posted - Sep 02 2024 : 10:17:49 AM
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Denise, I used this receipe.
https://fromscratchfast.com/easy-gluten-free-pie-crust/
One of the things I am thankful for is that we would host events and I would cook for them all, so the learning curve for allergies, vegan, etc, and cross contamination become a big part of what I needed to cook, so many people had different things that I had to pay attention to, and label tables and tables of food and treats.
In the end I would look over final guest lists and make sure that everyone had a great time and left full. If you want a savory pie, I made this and it was a huge hit also.
https://www.thevegspace.co.uk/vegan-christmas-dinner-recipe-kale-lovers-christmas-pie/
Emily
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Farmgirl #2951
2012 Farmgirl of the Year
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TikTok: Awakenthedeadexperiences |
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Nancy Joplin
True Blue Farmgirl
286 Posts
Nancy
Ontario
California
USA
286 Posts |
Posted - Sep 09 2024 : 1:47:18 PM
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Emily, you are so right! We learned to be more self-sufficient during our time in the pandemic. My Husband and I cooked more and enjoyed each others company more. . .because who wanted to hear more doom and gloom from the news people? We found other ways to spend our time. We went back to gardening and working on the house. We had so many projects that we could do with what we already had here! It has made our lives better, not worse. Even though things are more expensive than they were, we are still doing well. Thank you for your insights into life!
Nancy 8352 |
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Keeping in Touch: Things we might have lost in the Pandemic |
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Things we might have lost in the Pandemic
