Plant your wildest dream seeds and grow a patch of wonderful. Deb Bosworth
Dear sisters,
I think you’ll agree we farmgirls are constantly looking for fun ways to do new things with an old-fashioned farmgirl twist! Whether it’s making totes bags from reusable feed-sacks, re-vamping your glamper-camper, building your first chicken coop or dairy barn or starting your own farmgirl enterprise, Mary Jane has us covered. With a fearless farmgirl leader like Sister #1 at the helm, how can you NOT just bloom? And I mean B.L.O.O.M! Continue reading →
We are having a true spring this year in New England! Not too hot, not too cold, mostly sunny days with cool mornings followed by warm afternoons. We are seeing more birds and wildlife, the days are longer, and there are buds on the trees. Best of all, it is time to open up Gidget, our vintage camper/glamper! C’mon in and let me show ya around!
Posted on April 5, 2021 by City Farmgirl Rebekah Teal
The stories are too numerous, the adventures are too complicated. I simply can’t begin to explain where I’ve been or what I’ve been doing since we last visited some months ago.
But, I am here to tell ya that MAY is on its WAY! Together, we celebrate US, ourselves, in May as we enjoy the You Challenge together. It’s a month of YOU, yes- precious YOU. You, the bee’s knees. It’s a time of sharing our daily journeys in a safe and special place. We recognize the beauty around us and share it through photogrpahs of our various spots on earth.
My new favorite mug. For obvious reasons.
If you are interested in learning more before you join our You Challenge, here is a link to some previous posts about this remarkable YOU time. Hope you’ll join us for the Merry, Merry month of May.
Posted on April 5, 2021 by City Farmgirl Rebekah Teal
The stories are too numerous, the adventures are too complicated. I simply can’t begin to explain where I’ve been or what I’ve been doing since we last visited some months ago.
But, I am here to tell ya that MAY is on its WAY! Together, we celebrate US, ourselves, in May as we enjoy the You Challenge together. It’s a month of YOU, yes- precious YOU. You, the bee’s knees. It’s a time of sharing our daily journeys in a safe and special place. We recognize the beauty around us and share it through photogrpahs of our various spots on earth.
My new favorite mug. For obvious reasons.
If you are interested in learning more before you join our You Challenge, here is a link to some previous posts about this remarkable YOU time. Hope you’ll join us for the Merry, Merry month of May.
First Sweet Peas to ever bloom in the Dandelion House cutting garden! ‘ Spencer Ripple ‘
Just imagine becoming the way you used to be as a very young child, before you understood the meaning of any word, before opinions took over your mind. The real you is loving, joyful, and free. The real you is just like a flower, just like the wind, just like the ocean, just like the sun.Don Miguel Ruiz
Dear Sisters,
Happy Summer! I hope this note finds you all immersing yourselves in the wonders of the season. I’m digging into my sixth year of backyard flower farming and growing more comfortable with my new title, Farmer/florist. The deeper I go the more I realize that no matter where you are in the world, and whatever you’re passionate about you will find joy, peace and happiness when you put down some roots and let yourself bloom! It’s planting time at Dandelion House. Grab your garden gloves and a notebook, I’m sharing this season’s plant list!
Oh how I wish you could all come by for a day in the garden with me! The flowers have their best smiles on right now! Despite the buckets of rain that fell on them over the last two days, they’re putting on quite a show! Since we can’t be together ” for real ” this virtual flower show will have to suffice…Kick off you’re shoes and let’s get going. You’re in Blackfoot Farmgirl territory now… Continue reading →
The spring thaw is upon us here in the northeast and what remains of the snow is FINALLY beginning to melt little by little. I saw ” green things “ poking out of the wet earth as I walked around the garden this week and that means it won’t be long before I’ll be hearing the soothing hum of Bees buzzing in my ears once again! With over 4000 species of Native Bees in North America looking for flowers and plants to pollinate now’s the time to be thinking about adding some Bee-friendly blooms to your yard! Come on in for a list of plants that will create a buzz throughout the flowering seasons and BEE inspired to help the Bees! Continue reading →
Posted on May 10, 2010 by City Farmgirl Rebekah Teal
Oh yeah….You read it right. “Challenge.” You, me. More on that in a minute.
But first. Thank you so much for your insightful comments on love and marriage. I’m working on that booklet and will include everyone’s words. Yes, even you guys who thought you couldn’t offer any advice…your words were filled with wisdom. I mean, just go back and read them. Full of wisdom. Thank you.
Now about this “mid-spring” challenge I’ve conjured up.
Well, not yet. Let’s talk about “mid-spring” first, in all its glory, then we’ll get to that “challenge” part.
Stepping outside to greet the days in April, it’s easy to tell the seasons are changing. Here in the Midwest, mornings are still cool and damp. However by midday, brisk breezes and warmth from the sun will have dried up the puddles found in fields and empty gardens. Drifting in through open windows and screen doors is my favorite scent – lilac. The old tree by the garden is covered with blooms that are just beginning to open; today I’ll take time to gather some and bring their fragrance inside. Pausing to listen carefully, I can hear the happy songs of the small peeper frogs in the woods just beyond the fields…they are the chorus that ushers in Spring!
Hello, Suburban Farmgirl Friends! It’s officially “spring” now, and as the seasons change, I am reflecting on what a year it’s been…what a month it’s been…and what a WEEK it’s been!
Since my last post just a month ago, so much has happened. In my neck of the woods, we have experienced two seasons’ weather, celebrated my birthday and Easter, and in just one week, we had sleet, snow, sun and 75 degrees, two Earthquakes and the Eclipse! How fast time flies, and things can change!
First off, congratulations to the winner of my drawing from last month’s blog post, Debbie. I hope you enjoy all the goodies heading your way!
As I write this, today marks one year to the day since our sweet chihuahua passed away at 15 years old (maybe older, we were never quite sure, as he was a rescue).
At only five pounds, he made up for his small stature with tons of personality. We have had pets “cross the rainbow bridge” before, but losing Pip was especially hard. Maybe it was because he was so small and delicate, or maybe because he was part of my daughter’s childhood. He was so deeply loved! His paws definitely left prints on our hearts, and we still feel his absence. I read recently that many companies are now adopting “pet bereavement” policies for their employees, with a recent study finding that most of us who own pets consider them family. I think that’s wonderful! Our pets definitely are family!
On a happier note, the pup we adopted from our favorite rescue in fall of 2022 settled in well and stepped up to being the “baby” of the family! My daughter bought him an Easter basket this year from a local vet. Rescues really appreciate love and being spoiled! He was so happy, he “sang”!
It is said that if you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait a moment and it will change. That certainly has rung true recently. It seems like we have had a year of continuous rain. We’ve had so many cold, wet, rainy and overcast days in Connecticut the last year, that I was feeling a bit salty – wondering why everyone was getting so excited over an Eclipse, when it seems like it’s already always so dark!
Then, we started feeling warm days and sunnier weather with blooms starting to show. One morning last week, we woke up to beautiful, perfect spring weather.
Then, we had sleet and snow.
A day or so later, it was up to 75 degrees! It felt like summer! My little pup and I were so happy to hit our favorite walking trails. He looked like the King of the World as we took a break from our exercise.
By Friday, it was back to more seasonal weather, still pretty nice but not quite so warm. That morning, my daughter was home and in the back room enjoying a late morning cup of coffee. I was just finishing putting up the Easter decor. I keep my vintage glass bunnies in a curio cabinet, since they’re so delicate. Just as I was placing them in the cabinet, I heard what sounded like a very large dump truck go by the house, but then the sound did not pass, feeling like it was coming closer, like a rolling wave.
Suddenly, the shelves of the curio rattled, the light fixture swung side to side, and the entire house shook with the sound of rattling glass! It took a minute for the shaking to subside, and it scared us all as we tried to register what had just happened. Thankfully, nothing was broken.
We learned later that we experienced a 4.8 earthquake, something of that magnitude we don’t normally feel here in New England, felt from New Jersey and up. It was interesting that my chickens refused to come out of the coop that morning; I assumed they had heard a hawk or other predator. As soon as the quake subsided, they marched out of the coop, business as usual. A second quake of magnitude 4.0 (with a different epicenter, so it was not considered an aftershock) occurred at 6 PM, but none of us felt that one. Still, it was some excitement, though my West Coast friends were amused at how shaken we were, (wink wink).
That Monday, the big, historical Eclipse was to occur.
It was a bright sunny day when the eclipse was to occur. I was ready – solar and lunar themed jewelry and jacket, and eclipse glasses!
Our family was all home together, so we made an event out of the day! My daughter bought us all Eclipse glasses, I made us a playlist of eclipse-themed music, and my husband fired up the backyard firepit, the first time this year.
Our dogs seemed normal except for our little one who was more clingy than usual. Still, we left them inside for the day, just to be safe.
Outside, we roasted Smørrebrød, a tradition from Denmark – hot dogs wrapped in bread dough, roasted over a fire, and for dessert, old fashioned s’mores! We had not done that in years!
As the eclipse began, the birds stopped chirping, and the sunlight dimmed.
The light began to dim as the eclipse approached.
All was quiet except for one lone wild turkey strolling through the woods. We only went inside to check on our dogs, and to watch the live coverage of the eclipse in Texas and Maine.
A neighbor up the street gave my daughter a special filter for taking pics of the eclipse using a phone, as he had extras. We had so much fun outside, watching the eclipse change, and took some really amazing photos.
We were in the path of 91 percent totality (even though in our photos it looks dark), so the afternoon light only got “dusky”, as opposed to areas of total darkness. I can’t remember when we last enjoyed such a relaxing day outside by the fire, and it was a memorable day at our house.
Earthquakes, an eclipse…Norman was “bored” by it all and slept through everything, saying “Silly humans, I don’t know what all the fuss is about!” Yawn…
In all, the eclipse was wonderful to witness. There is so much currently dividing so many, and it was nice to see us all excited, together. It was also nice to see everyone “look up” from their phones for a change!
Life’s definitely been exciting, as of late. I’m also looking forward to warmer temperatures.
Signs of spring…blooms abound outside
Outdoor creatures are waking up from winter rest, like this large toad we see in the yard that we affectionately named “Bubba”.
While inside, my daughter’s pet snakes have come out of bromation. Tiramisu says “Hello”!
Peekaboo Peas! Seeds started in March after the snow thawed are peeking out of the ground.
Grow little, seedlings, grow!
I’m also looking forward to all the good things that come with the warmer season’s arrival in New England – things such as gardening, farm stands, farmers markets and fairs. Inside, my seeds are started, ready for another season of fresh vegetables, straight from the garden. Outside, everyday something more pops alive with blooms, and we see more and more green – promises of another spring and summer! What a year it’s been!
Thanks for popping by the blog today! Hope you are enjoying your spring. Leave me a comment and let me know how things are going in your neck of the woods!
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
~ Mark Twain
Debbie Bosworth
is a certified farmgirl at heart. She’s happily married to her beach bum Yankee husband of 20 years. She went from career gal to being a creative homeschooling mom for two of her biggest blessings and hasn’t looked back since. Debbie left her lifelong home in the high desert of Northern Nevada 10 years ago and washed up on the shore of America’s hometown, Plymouth, MA, where she and her family are now firmly planted. They spend part of each summer in a tiny, off–grid beach cottage named “The Sea Horse.”
“I found a piece of my farmgirl heart when I discovered MaryJanesFarm. Suddenly, everything I loved just made more sense! I enjoy unwinding at the beach, writing, gardening, and turning yard-sale furniture into ‘Painted Ladies’ I’m passionate about living a creative life and encouraging others to ‘make each day their masterpiece.’”
Being a farmgirl is not
about where you live,
but how you live.
Rebekah Teal
is a “MaryJane Farmgirl” who lives in a large metropolitan area. She is a lawyer who has worked in both criminal defense and prosecution. She has been a judge, a business woman and a stay-at-home mom. In addition to her law degree, she has a Masters of Theological Studies.
“Mustering up the courage to do the things you dream about,” she says, “is the essence of being a MaryJane Farmgirl.” Learning to live more organically and closer to nature is Rebekah’s current pursuit. She finds strength and encouragement through MaryJane’s writings, life, and products. And MaryJane’s Farmgirl Connection provides her a wealth of knowledge from true-blue farmgirls.
“Keep close to Nature’s heart … and break clear away once in awhile to climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods, to wash your spirit clean.”
~ John Muir
Cathi Belcher
an old-fashioned farmgirl with a pioneer spirit, lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a “lifelong learner” in the “Live-Free-or-Die” state, she fiercely values self-reliance, independence, freedom, and fresh mountain air. Married to her childhood sweetheart of 40+ years (a few of them “uphill climbs”), she’s had plenty of time to reinvent herself. From museum curator, restaurant owner, homeschool mom/conference speaker, to post-and-beam house builder and entrepreneur, she’s also a multi-media artist, with an obsession for off-grid living and alternative housing. Cathi owns and operates a 32-room mountain lodge. Her specialty has evolved to include “hermit hospitality” at her rustic cabin in the mountains, where she offers weekend workshops of special interest to women.
“Mountains speak to my soul, and farming is an important part of my heritage. I want to pass on my love of these things to others through my writing. Living in the mountains has its own particular challenges, but I delight in turning them into opportunities from which we can all learn and grow.”
“Wherever you go, no matter the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”
~ Anthony J. D’Angelo
Dori Troutman
Dori Troutman is the daughter of second generation cattle ranchers in New Mexico. She grew up working and playing on the ranch that her grandparents homesteaded in 1928. That ranch, with the old adobe home, is still in the family today. Dori and her husband always yearned for a ranch of their own. That dream came true when they retired to the beautiful green rolling hills of Tennessee. Truly a cattleman’s paradise!
Dori loves all things farmgirl and actually has known no other life but that. She loves to cook, craft, garden, and help with any and all things on their cattle farm.
Wyoming cattle rancher and outpost writer (rider), shares the “view from her saddle.” Shery is a leather and lace cowgirl-farmgirl who’s been horse-crazy all of her life. Her other interests include “junktiques,” arts and crafts, glamping, collecting antique china, and cultivating mirth.
Mary Murray
describes herself as a goat charmer, chicken whisperer, bee maven, and farmers’ market baker renovating an 1864 farmhouse on an Ohio farm. With a degree in Design, Mary says small-town auctions and country road barn sales "always make my heart skip a beat thinking about what I could create or design out of what I’ve seen.”
Rooted in the countryside, she likes simple things and old ways … gardening, preserving the harvest, cooking, baking, and all things home. While you might find her selling baked goods from the farm’s milkhouse, teaching herself to play the fiddle, or sprucing up a vintage camper named Maizy, you will always find her in an apron!
Mary says, “I’m happiest with the simple country pleasures … an old farmhouse, too many animals, a crackling fire, books to read, and the sound of laughter … these make life just perfect.”
is a budding rural farmgirl living in Palmer, the agricultural seat of Alaska. Alex is a graduate student at Alaska Pacific University pursuing an M.S. in Outdoor and Environmental Education. She lives and works on the university’s 700 acre environmental education center, Spring Creek Farm. When Alex has time outside of school, she loves to rock climb, repurpose found objects, cross-country ski on the hay fields, travel, practice yoga, and cook with new-fangled ingredients.
Alex grew up near the Twin Cities and went to college in Madison, Wisconsin—both places where perfectly painted barns and rolling green farmland are just a short drive away. After college, she taught at a rural middle school in South Korea where she biked past verdant rice paddies and old women selling home-grown produce from sidewalk stoops. She was introduced to MaryJanesFarm after returning, and found in it what she’d been searching for—a group of incredible women living their lives in ways that benefit their families, their communities, and the greater environment. What an amazing group of farmgirls to be a part of!
Libbie’s a small town farmgirl who lives in the high-desert Sevier Valley of Central Utah on a 140-year-old farm with her husband and two darling little farmboys—as well as 30 ewes; 60 new little lambs; a handful of rams; a lovely milk cow, Evelynn; an old horse, Doc; two dogs; a bunch o’ chickens; and two kitties.
René Groom
Previous Rural Farmgirl, April 2009 – May 2010
René lives in Washington state’s wine country. She grew up in the dry-land wheat fields of E. Washington, where learning to drive the family truck and tractors, and “snipe hunting,” were rites of passage. She has dirt under her nails and in her veins. In true farmgirl fashion, there is no place on Earth she would rather be than on the farm.
Farmgirl spirit can take root anywhere—dirt or no dirt.
Nicole Christensen
Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen calls herself a “vintage enthusiast”. Born and raised in Texas, she has lived most of her life in the picturesque New England suburbs of Connecticut, just a stone’s throw from New York State. An Advanced Master Gardener, she has gardened since childhood, in several states and across numerous planting zones. In addition, she teaches knitting classes, loves to preserve, and raises backyard chickens.
Married over thirty years to her Danish-born sweetheart, Nicole has worked in various fields, been a world-traveler, an entrepreneur and a homemaker, but considers being mom to her now-adult daughter her greatest accomplishment. Loving all things creative, Nicole considers her life’s motto to be “Bloom where you are planted”.
Previous Suburban Farmgirl, October 2009 – October 2010
Paula is a mom of four and a journalist who’s partial to writing about common sense and women’s interests. She’s lived in five great farm states (Michigan, Iowa, New York, Tennessee, and now North Carolina), though never on a farm. She’s nevertheless inordinately fond of heirloom tomatoes, fine stitching, early mornings, and making pies. And sock monkeys.
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