For over a year and a half, my husband and I have been working on building an addition … a “porch” of sorts that would multi-task. Our house is small and we needed a dining room that could seat 8-10 people. But, it also needed to serve as a mudroom. The challenge was to make it pretty and practical. The absolute deadline was Christmas 2012 because it was our turn to host the holiday get-together for my family. We did it! I love my new sanctuary … C’mon on in and have a look …
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Have you ever had a hankering for something that really wasn’t all that important, but even so, the flicker of it remained alive on the far back burner in your mind? An antique step-back cupboard is something I’ve wanted for many years! I saved several photos from country magazines. I thought that maybe I might find one someday. The other thing was this: Ultimately, it would have to wear a coat of vivid indigo blue that was so popular in the late 1800s. Then, one day while visiting a friend, there stood a sad old cubby in a corner of his workshop. It was cement gray and held together with plywood. It had no back and was as crooked as a country road. But, in it, I saw a dream come true. (Above)
If only we had time for all the things we want to do! Here’s hoping you’re back up to speed soon!
Terry says: Have a peaceful and blessed Christmas my friend!
Marla says: Beautiful job!
Joan says: Oh what a lovely visit we just had – you always encourage, peak ideas and make life a joy. So happy Dove did so well – you did the right thing, they so amaze me with their closeness. What a wonderful ‘cubby’ – hmmmm IDEA!!! So sorry you had that awful cold – do take care so it doesn’t come back on ya and no matter when you get your porch pic’s out – I know it will be worth the wait. I too have a print like your farm girl friends – it always hung in my childhood bed room – I was told ‘like the sheep dog watching over the sheep – God too will watch over me’. Take care, God Bless, Merry Christmas
cora jo says: Sheri, If we didn’t have dreams of those favored things, what would we do with ourselves!? Praying your cold is long gone. Hoping for a peaceful Christmas for you, for me, and for all. Letting the merry gentlemen rest, I am up for the challenge of getting the things done. Our family (grown kids) have agreed to put $ in a hat and send it to a worthy charity…we’ve chosen one that will give chickens (or a goat if we can afford it) to a family around the world somewhere…even in the US. Rest. Enjoy.
Betty Benesi says: Ah a kindred spirit who believes in rescuing old furniture and hurt animals, a woman after my own heart. Your porch will still be there. Sometimes we just gotta let it go.
Be healthy and enjoy the Holiday just as it is! We always want perfection, but it’s really overated. Best wishes!
Hi Shery!
I so enjoyed this lovey dovey post… What a beautiful ending to your rescued dove story.That cupboard of yours is going to be fabulous!!!What a find! I so love it when those back burner dreams jump up and surprise us by coming true when we least expect it and sometimes when it’s most needed to keep us believing! I can’t wait for your porch unveiling… So nice to see you and the girls together… Can I move in? 🙂 🙂 🙂 Everything looks so cozy and homey!!! Get some rest so you can wrap up that nasty cold!
Lots of love to you and yourn!
Deb ( your beachy blog sister in the east )
xo
Joni says: I loved your post. I am like you when it comes to those old pieces. I am forever picking up pieces and dragging them home to ready up for my country kitchen and house. I am very fortunate to have a real Hoosier Cabinet in my kitchen and it has had a number of uses over the years. It now holds my herbs and herbal teas. So happy for the lovey dovies. We have them too. We also have swallows who come in the spring. I have learned that they come 14,000 miles from Argentina to Arizona to raise a few families each year. This past April they flew in and one of them flew into the rail of the front porch and died. It broke my heart. The one was alone for about a week and then disappeared for a while. But pretty soon came back with a new mate and raised several families. Thanks for such a delightful visit.
This past weekend was our annual Christmas tree hunting trip. Anita, Michele and I bought our permits and then headed to the nearby hill-country to find Fir trees. C’mon along!
Diana Henretty says: Your pictures are like Christmas cards especially for me this morning!
What a cute idea with the canning jar and canning rack for a centerpiece,
I plan to make that today for our table here in the Ozarks.
When our children were small, we lived in the mountains of Plains Montana,
and we hunted for our Christmas tree every year. I savor those memories
and pictures now that they are all grown up living in the big city.
Thank you for the little spark to light up my morning!
~hugs~ from Diana, Noel Mo.
Joan says: What a lovely Christmas tree cutting outing you had and now I had one too. We have no snow – so very dry. Your trees look beautiful, I have a table topper this year and am in love with it. Your porch/family room area ideas have sure tickled my fancy, can hardly wait to see it. I wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas!!!
Terry says: Sweet Christmas blessings to ya Shery.
bonnie ellis says: Shery: You guys have the most fun. And with a coating of snow to boot. Have a blessed Christmas.We’ll hear from you soon.
cora jo says: Once again, Sheri, you have brought me "home" to Wyoming! Thanks. Here in NH John and I buy our $5 National Forest permit and go into the woods too. Our little tree is beautiful and adorned in old and favored ornaments. Mr. Pepper (our cat) has brought the baby Jesus his tennis ball…not sure about this. Each morning I find the Holy Family and the Shepherds and Wise Men in a tussle…but, the tennis ball is still there. haha Merry Christmas to you and your family. cjc
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Converging. Convergence … multiple things making their way toward a single point … like a flock of birds lighting upon a fence … all with the same intent, being of one mind. At the onset, you may not realize that seemingly unrelated ‘things’ are laying claim to the words ‘intentional design’. One by one, the messenger birdies line up. Have you ever observed and experienced this phenomena? Many cultures believe that the unusual appearance of a bird(s) is a sign, a message. The old testament and the new testament of the Bible offers the dove as a loving example. This troubled old world could sure use a message of hope, wouldn’t you agree?
Katie M. says: One more thing about the lovely Dove. When I first started raising chickens – the gal I bought them from gave me a dove to keep in the coop. She told me a Dove would help keep the spider webs away. My lovely dove – named Dusty – alas met her maker by some unknown critter. I sure missed her. Loved the cooing too.
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REALLLLY? I suppose you have to get the dove when it is a baby so that it imprints on the chickens and stays around…? Hmm. ~Shery
Joan says: Shery, what a wonderfully spiritual writing – thank you.
A little over 6 yrs. ago my sister and I moved from a large city to a new development on an old ranch – yes sorry the ranch had gone dry years before – but needless to say there are few trees of any consequence – I had put out several feeders to help the birds in this new habitat and all of a sudden one day I saw something moving on the ground – and then it flew to the fence – oh my goodness it was a Collard Dove. I had no idea what it was so I took pictures, as best I could and took them to ‘This Place is for the Birds’ – a wonderful bird feeding shop – on an old ranch, they told me what it was and what to feed it. We now have many of the ‘Peace’ birds, as I call them – what a joy to listen to and watch. Oh, by the way I am the one that had told you I have a huge cage – well now that I know you wanted it for a short time and I never got it to you – I am going to fix it so the ‘Peace’ can use it – yes it is very large – there will be perches, water and protection – not quite sure how I will do that but am thinking of tying some evergreen branches to the cage – just a little respite from the weather. Again thanks for writing. God Bless
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Hi Joan!! I bet you can just put some branches in the cage and wedge the ends between the bars. I really hope I can turn this dove loose. It is looking that way, she’s flying now … short bursts in the porch. I do NOT like the fantasies my young cat is entertaining. 😉 Shery
Mary says: Thank you so much for sharing this. My husband, 88 year old mother and I enjoy the same doves in our yard everyday, it’s great watching them and the joy they bring.
Treese says: We also do not have any doves here on the ranch in Colorado. Just big old black crows. In the winter we have loads of birds coming to the feeders I also have a large bowl on the porch fence that heats the water for them to have a nice warm drink in the winter.
I went to Harvard for my education and I remember the beautiful doves that would coo all day. They were so pretty and gentle looking. I always fed them when I ate my lunch sitting on the grass with my friends. I missed them very much when I graduated and left Cambridge. I also loved the big Red Cardinals (especially at Christmas) they have there and the Seagulls at the seashore.
Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl
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Back at ya, Treese … may your list of Thanksgiving blessings be long. When I lived in Ohio years back, I thought Cardinals were the most exotic thing I’d ever seen. We just don’t have that kind of color out thisaway. Brilliant red birds in tree branches laden with snow … Magical. Shery
Cathy says: Shery, thank you so much for writing this article! It’s everything I want to remind myself of everyday in one place. I’m going to save this article to read often and send it on to others who need these encouraging words. As I read, I could feel the Holy Spirit come alive in your words. It’s such a blessing to be used by Him. Enjoy your blessed doves and the significance they’ve given you.
katherine says: This is a very thought provoking post, thanks for sharing from your heart. Ah yes, On the Wings of a Snow White Dove…one of my favorites hymns, so comforting!
Bonnie says: Beautiful message, Shery! Like Katherine, I will also be saving this message and sharing with others!
Tanna says: Shery, thank you so much for sharing this with us. You said so many things that I have been thinking myself these last few weeks. I find the doves coming to your yard very interesting. I have a friend whose husband was diagnosed with cancer this year. Shortly after his finding out he had cancer, a dove showed up in their yard and has stayed all Summer. They truly believe it is a sign from God that he will be with them to love and comfort them. Thanks Again!
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I believe it too and hope that your friend will be victorious!!! A dove also showed up at my sister’s new residence (as one of the items on my list of dovey occurances in and around my life). For her, the single dove visitation served to jolt her awake in an area that she’d not been motivated to explore. I know, I know … some are skeptical. I was too. WAS. Thank you evryone for your kind words and for sharing here. ~Shery
Sharon says: Shery, This beautiful post brought tears to my eyes. I am very concerned about the future. Thank you.
cora jo says: Sheri…amen and amen. thank you! Your heart is loverly.
“In all the world, no rarer treat than the lantern light of Bittersweet.”
As much a symbol of autumn in America as pumpkins and indian corn, American Bittersweet is in need of caring stewards who will offer it a home and salvation. Rather than search high and low for it in the wild, make a place for it on your own homestead. In doing so, you’ll help save an endangered native species.
Joan says: Thank you, Shery for the Bittersweet information. Just the other day I was saying how I wanted more Fall colors in my gardens – I have a front porch railing that NEEDS some interest and I wouldn’t have to cut it to use it – going to look into that for sure. As always a great time was had while you shared yourself. God Bless
Diann says: Great information! Thanks so much. I have two true bittersweets that I nurture all year so I can add those lovely branches to my fall arrangements. Again, thanks for the information.
Colette says: Hello!
This vine is surely a beauty! What a beautiful fall addition to ones own beloved garden, looks like I am going to have to find a resource so I can plant a "couple" in my own garden!
Thanks for the sharing !
Truly,
Colette
This is wonderful information! If anyone finds out where we can get seeds from please let me know, I would love to plant this, I have creeks and brush winding through my property in BC , and it will make such lovely wreaths! Too bad we couldnt locate seeds and share some amoungst us farmgirl sisters! I will see what I can find…
Thank you~
Ang
bonnie ellis says: Shery: We have American Bittersweet in our back yard against the fence. We were in a drought this summer and we had about 6 berries. But when it does produce, it is really beautiful. Also I think of autumn when my chinese lanterns bloom. If you would like some I have lots of seeds to share. Thanks for the beautiful pictures.
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Hi Bonnie! Oh you lucky goil … … to have chinese lanterns! I love them. I planted seeds this past spring, but I didn’t get anything 🙁 Is there a secret to them?? Shery
Great information and thanks for sharing it Shery! I always love to read your blog!
Smiles, Cyndi
Jan says: Hi Shery, Your bittersweet wreaths are sooo pretty! Thanks for all of the information! Fall is my favorite time of the year, sure wish it would last longer. What a pretty picture of you and your little sis. BTW I just looked at your last post and loved all of the beautiful pictures. Your Ribbon is quite a beauty!
I always look forward to you posts!
Happy Fall!!
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Thanks Jan for stopping by and for the kind comments 🙂
Ursula Quinlan says: Shery,
I live in California, can I grow Bittersweet here?
I am from Germany, and when I saw the pictures, it reminds me of home, kinder, gentler good old days, with parents and grandparents, now long gone – but never far away, in my heart.
I do want to grow this plant. Thanks so much for your blog, and for sharing.
Ursula
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Hi Ursula, I don’t know, but, all the info I came across claims that it is easy to grow. It does like moisture and decent soil…neither of which I can provide naturally. That is why I’m going to plant it along my garden fence and hope for the best. Shery
Thank you Sherry for identifying the true Bittersweet for me! We found some near our property the other day, and the multi-colored berries were so lovely. My son almost ate them, but I reminded him that the rule for foraging is if we don’t know what it is, we couldn’t eat it. So thanks! Now we know!
Sandy Patzman says: What a fabulous article. I want to grow American Bittersweet but do not know how to obtain seeds or the plants. Can you help me?
Sandy Patzman
Lakeville, Minnesota 55044
sandypatzman@frontier.com
We see Autumn as a different kind of beginning, a prelude, an introduction to what comes next. We also see it as an ending. We gather and harvest the last of what summer produced. Autumn stirs us like the leaves that swirl in it’s latter phase. This place in time that find ourselves in … the softening of light, the cooling of night … produces in many of us a quickening. I feel rejuvenated. Faded and ragged tomato plants long for their final sleep. I, on the other hand, wake up!
As I bid farewell to the season that us northerners wait soooo long for, I greet the next one with childlike delight. Hello Autumn, my favorite season! Warning … this posting is photo-rich — it is a long way to the bottom of the page.
That’s it! Get the Cabin in a Can ready! I’m packin’ it in and headed for THE RANCH!!!!
love and hugs from your beachy farmgirl blogging sis!
Deb
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Ok, just bring what ya need in your backpack … I’ll leave the light on 🙂
Shery
Barrie says: I really enjoyed all the photos. Your young mare, Ribbon, is beautiful. She looks a little like a Rocky Mountain Horse(breed)with her coloring and all those dapples(We have Rockies). I totally love your pink saddle blanket. I am in Missouri and my husband just got our last cutting of hay in tonight before a storm came rolling through. I too love the fall weather with all it’s variety and splendor!
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Barrie, Yep, I’m familiar with Rockies and the fact that the dark/flaxen is common in the breed. You probably know that Morgans were also used in creating the breed — gaited ones that is. Since Morgan breeders did not look favorably on 5 gaited-ness, they were culled and absorbed into other breeds that WANTED the silky-smooth gaits. In recent years, gaited Morgans became a hot ticket within the breed. Breeders of gaited Morgans are few & far between, but they’re a devoted lot. You get all the fun Morgan virtues AND the gaitedness. I’ve had a handful of Morgans that had/have an extra gait in between the walk and canter. Rack, amble, single-foot etc. Thank you for dropping in! Shery
Diana Henretty says: Good Morning from the Missouri Ozarks,
Loved waking up to your beautiful pictures on this rainy day!
We too picked our tomatoes yesterday, beets and carrots will be picked today and bell peppers will be covered with sheets tonite for our first frost in these mountains.
Canning this weekend will be so much fun.
There is nothing like the feel of fall here too.
It’s the best time of the year for camping with frosty nights.
Thanks so much for all the inspiration! ~Hugs from Diana~
Diann says: Love the photos. Here in California it is in the 90’s still. A mere 3 days ago in the 100’s….sigh. But last night it was utterly perfect and cool…finally! I grew up in the midwest and spent a lot of time on the east coast. After moving out west I had a heck of a time getting used to the really looong summers, sometimes fall and instant winter….if you can call it winter. I mean really, winter, 50 degrees….it still fills like short-sleeve weather to me! At any rate, it was lovely to experience fall vicariously through your lovely prose and photos. Thanks so much.
AWW love your posts, and thanks so much for all the glorious pics!!!! Love Wyoming, too. Living in Oklahoma, but just love Wyoming and Colorado. We have worked in the timber in both states, but only during July & August!
Hello from Kentucky! It’s a beautiful day here, but the forecast is calling for a cold front and rain to move through tonight. The weekend is supposed to be chilly, and Sunday night is calling for frost. It makes me sad to see the last of the flowers and tomatoes go, but like you, I’m ready to put my garden to bed and focus on some other things for a while. I will have greens, lettuce and cabbage for a while yet, though unless it gets very cold.
I’m keeping my eye out for one of those tin can campers–I want to be a glamper too. Sounds like a great late fall project to me!
I enjoy your blog very much–Happy Fall! 🙂
Thank you for sharing these awe-inspiring photographs. Mother Nature is simply amazing! Gorgeous colours! Mmmm… think I’m going to light a fire, make a hot cup of chocolate, stick on a classic flick and snuggle under my favourite quilt, this evening! May God bless you, Shery. Catherine x
Joan says: We had our last day of Indian summer earlier this week – now the weekend is with the wind bringing in the wet and snow, 30ish high tomorrow. As I walked around a bit today, I said ‘see ya next Spring, have a nice season’. Love all your pictures – what a beauty you have in Ribbon – many years of a good life with her. Happy next season to you.
JudyN says: I totally agree with you about the anticipation of Fall. I actually enjoy it more than Spring time. I’ve been waiting for the cooler weather here in the California foothills for a month now. Finally, we have some relief from the heat and the dryness. On the other hand, my daughter, who lives in Montana, just report snowfall yesterday. Aaah, I remember those days of fluffy snowflakes falling way before Halloween. However, in January and February, I feel gratitude for the California winters. Thanks for the pictures, they are lovely and remind of my years in the Rocky Mtns of Montana. Love your writing style and insight.
Marilyn says: I love your blog. You make me want to move from NC to the middle of the country. I was born a city girl (or really a medium size small town, lol) and when I was young could not understand why anyone would want to live on a farm. As I aged more and more I have come to appreciate all nature has to offer and the hard work of the men and women who raise and produce out food supply. Your blog is so beautiful and I love to read it and see your pictures. I agree with the others. Ribbon is a beautiful horse.
bonnie ellis says: Shery: As usual you have captured your life for all of us to share. What a gift!
cora jo says: Yup. It’s the truth. The White Mountains have a snow dusting and the leaves are falling. The "peepers" are headed south so the roads won’t be so conjested. ah! This morning John and I went out on the Pinkam B road for a brisk hike up the hill…ended up picking up a few cans left by folks that don’t seem to appreciate the beauty as much as we do. I noticed this early morn that I can once again see the shape of the land as the leaves fall and expose the good earths’ shape. Happy Fall to you.
As with so many said things, it is how you say ‘it’. ((*Notice emphasis on the word ‘with’)) When we speak, we add audible emphasis where it is needed … and, probably, fitting facial expressions and hand movement. There is a new book out now, Glamping With MaryJane. Perhaps you’ve heard of it? When you see the title, you think-say in your head, rather plainly, Glamping with MaryJane. Right? No inner emphasis or bolding or caps lock. Ok, so to make my point, perceptions are based on how a thing is said. This blog post wears the same title as MaryJane’s new book, but, one little word made a huge difference for some glamping inclined farmgirls a couple of weeks ago. ‘With’ is the magic word. How so, you might ask? Here’z the big difference:
Glamping With MaryJane. No really, I mean WITH.
Sabrena says: A HUGE thank you for letting us tag along on your glamping trip! Each and every one of the glampers (and glamporette’s) are fabulous! I’ve read your post twice and still can’t pick my favorite glamper…they are all adorable. What a treat to meet & glamp WITH MaryJane!
Treese says: Shery:
It definitely looked like "Girl’s Just Want To have Fun!" I have been looking and seeing little suitable campers for sale all over the countryside here in Colorado. Who knows maybe I will bite the bullet and fix myself a little Glamper. Although, I have zero Arts & Crafts skills-that gene passed me by! LOL.
How’s the weather up there? We already got our first snow 2 days ago. I hope this means lots of snow and moisture this fall/winter. We usually get our first snow in mid-October.
Treese Colorado Cowgirl
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Hi Treese,
Hey, you don’t need to artsyfartsy your glamper. It’d be way easier if ya didn’t — not so much stuff to putz with. It looks fun when it is all nice and decorated, but it is a lot work. Way the easier to just have it ready to roll & go.
It is desperately dry here. We don’t even hope for rain anymore. I suppose one day we might get moisture again. shery
Liz Bowling says: Boy! Doesn’t that make me want to get on the move. How fun!!! Liz
I cannot tell you girls how much I enjoyed your post. This was such fun for me.
My husband and I did so much camping. A year ago I lost my life long love and mate to pancreatic cancer.
The pain of watching him slowly vanish before my eyes is beyond words.
So it has taken me a while to find ME again and the one thing that keeps popping up is…I want to go camping again.
I have a Toyota Carolla so my pulling ability is limited to only 1550 lbs. That eliminates all the fun oldies and to be practical, I don’t have anyone to be a mechanic anymore.
So I have been on the lookout for a used Quick Silver , just the right weight.
Also thinking about a neat tent.
You girls have soooooo inspired me, not that I needed inspiration but lets just say
I feel like someone just opened the gate. I wanna go, go, go ! "Ride it like you stole it"
I am a shabby chic-ER and have laid awake at night ( too many nights) decorating in
my mind, my tent that I have yet to buy.
Are there any Glampers near the St. Louis area?
Thanks again girls for all the fun anyway I hope to see Jim again soon.
his name is Denny. pictures, the time it took you to create this post…it was
not in vain, because it touched my heart and made me as happy as a clam at high tide.
Hugs and Blessings,
Nancy
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Oh Nancy, You made ME feel great. I write in the hope that I might make stopping by here worthy of a person’s time and maybe brighten their day for a couple of minutes. Your kind words are my reward. I’m sorry for the loss of your love. I hope that your new life on your own will soon bloom and that sleeping under the stars and dangling your feet in a cold stream is in your future.
alice says: Your glampers look great.. and you all seem to have had a great time.. glad to have done all the decals.. they look great.. and it was fun doing them..
Bambi says: I am smiling from ear to ear as I read this! At the end, I was tearfull because all of your experiences, words and happiness made me feel so wonderful. It was like I was there with all of you, even though I am sitting here at work, doing my thing! God has blessed you with such talents.
Peggy Smith says: Sheri,
Thank You so much for sharing your first Glamping trip with your sister Farmgirls and Mary Jane.
It will be a few years before I can join in on the fun of getting a Glamper, I have an eldery husband, but in the meantime I can really enjoy the adventures of you all.
I also have Mary Jane’s new book and just love it.
I already have antique things for my Glamper. It was really delightful seeing you all have such a good girlie weekend.
Blessings.
Peggy
Nicki says: Wowza, kaBOWza! What a wonderful post! I can tell you ladies had a rootin’-tootin’ grand time! My dh & ds went backpacking last weekend, and as they told of their "adventures" (which involved shooting a rattlesnake and getting their boots soaking wet while crossing the river), all I could say was, "No backpacking for me — GLAMPING is more my style!" I don’t know if I would ever fix up a trailer, but I love the idea of a truck camper! Thanks again for the entertaining write-up!
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Thank you, Nicki, Are you talking about an old TRUCK glamper? Oh, I so agree. I think that’d be awesome. We had a pickup camper too and that is so easy. All you do is drive and park. Shery
I want to move to Wyoming and meet all of you! Do I qualify as a farmgirl…? We have a chicken coop and two hens two dogs and a garden. Also, because of tough economic times, we may have to pull a mobile home on our property to live in. Well, I am actually hoping we do so I can decorate it farm girl style. I’m so glad you all got to spend time with MaryJane.
You are such a great writer…I enjoyed every word.
Jann
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Dear Jann, OF COURSE you’re a farmgirl!! I hope things look up for your economic future. These are uncertain times we live in. Thank you for the kind words :o)
Oh Shery,
What a wonderful post! What a terrific event for you all and I’m so glad that you got to meet MaryJane. A few of us got to meet MaryJane and Meg in New York city a couple of years ago and she is everything you said and more – they both are wonderful, genuinely sweet and gracious ladies. Thank you so much for sharing your special Glamping story and pictures with us!
P.S. LOVE the apron!
Alice
Farmgirl #12
Shery, thank you for the great post. I really enjoy your posts and this one is terrific!
What a fabulous weekend you farmgirls had glamping! I just sold my tiny trailer but, she would have fit right in with all of you! I had so much fun decorating her up in her "Daisy " style as a 1963 Shasta teardrop should be!
You are definitely "Glamorous!
Smiles, cyndi
Christine says: So enjoyed reading your post! Looks like good time had by all! Thanks for sharing. God Bless you all.
Wow! Thanks for sharing this wonderful trip with all of us. Cannot wait to see your friend’s truck topper camper! Love it all and since I have all of the MaryJane books you can bet this wanna be Glamper will be picking the new one up also!
bonnie ellis says: Sheri: I know how much fun you had cuz I just got back from a glamping adventure in Minnesota. Not only did we glamp, we were in the New Prague Dolzinsky Harvest Day parade. What a kick. We had 20 campers on the float and beside it. You’ll see pictures later. Wow! What fun. Glad you had a great time too. Bonnie
Lisa says: Hi Shery! Well if this post didn’t spur the glamper fire I have burning inside of me nothing will. I have been looking around for a little glamper to call "home away from home" for a while now. I know the right one will come around when the time is right. Thanks for sharing!!!
Happy Trails!
Lisa
Jan says: Hi Shery, What a wonderful post!!! I love, love all of you gals glampers. I sat with a smile on my face reading and looking at all of the pictures and wishing that I was there too. Wow, getting to meet and glamp with Mary Jane herself, what an awesome experience. I have the new book and love it!! I told my DH that I was kind of looking for an older small camper. He didn’t seem too enthused by that prospect. 🙂 I always so look forward to your posts, you have such a gift with writing and taking great photos. You always make my day a bit brighter. So happy that you got to experience this trip and shared it with all of us. Until next time…..
Bonnie says: Oh Shery! What a worthwhile wait it was for me. You are my favorite read of all the farmgirls and this was the icing on the cake. You have kept me drooling with anticipation while watching all the transformations of the "glampers" take place. Loved all the pics and descriptions. You Made it!!!
As always you have such a knack with words – I just feel like you are here talking to me.
We used to camp back in the day (70s) when our girls were little. We had the cutest little Scotty camper and I sure wish we had it now. I would be glamperizing it!
Thanks so much for all you do to make all of us out here in cyber space feel like we are there with you.
Shery, So glad to read about you Glamping trip and I wish I were there, looks like you all had such a great time, I am in the process of looking for a camper to carry 2 people and a Yorkie. My husband says he will help fix it up. Sounds great to me. I live on the east coast of Va. probably not much chance meeting up with you all, But we can go glamping anyway. Thanks for the story and photos. Juanita
cora jo says: Shery, Ok, that looks like far toooo much fun. What a joy. And, my friend, you all deserved it. I did a little Glamping of my own this summer at Lake Umbagog State Park here in northern NH. Although I tent, I added some great Farm Girl Glitz to my campsite and had such a good time all by my onesey!
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Good 4 U, Cora Jo!!!!!!
This is the story about a darling, dirty, long neglected camper and the daring and determined farmgirl who turned “her” into a glamper.
Cheryl says: WOW! Beautiful work, and so worth the rewards of joy, happiness, relaxation, sharing with friends…the list could go on and on.
Elaine says: I don’t have a website but thank you for letting me dream through yours. I loved reading about your glamper restorations and seeing the progress. I loved hearing about your plans. Maybe someday I will be putting up my glamper story.
Brenda says: Michele is such a talented individual to have transformed that little camper from "hazmat material" into a "Glamorized Country Castle" and to do it all in a few short weeks. Absolutely Beautiful! I love the before and after photos, and enjoyed reading about her transformation journey.
Diana Henretty says: Sooo inspiring!
We took an old pop up, removed the canvas, added wood sides, windows,
I made ruffly priscilla curtains, wall hangings, a comfy bed, and off we go
only 5 miles from here to a conservation park for a $5 a night camping trip.
Last time we went our grandson saw fireflies in the trees on the mountains and said "Look the bears are sitting in the trees with flashlights".
We love our "Redneck camper" and some say it looks just like a doll house inside with all the comforts of home!
Came with a little pull out kitchen that has a stove, ice chest and sink built in, and away we go for our little wilderness trips in the Ozark!
The very best part, is the whole thing is all homemade!!
Happy Camping!! ~Hugs~ Diana in the Ozarks
This is beautiful! Those before and after pictures took my breath away. I don’t know if I would have had the guts to take on that project. But for $75…..maybe….especially since I have my own personal handyman husband. 🙂
That is quite a story and pictures of an amazing transformation. SO INSPIRING. Have fun!
Wanda M says: LOVE it!!! I want to go !!!
Aletha Riter says: This is sure cute…a beautiful project completed, and one to strike off the "bucket" list..thank you for sharing.
Betty Benesi says: Wow, the campers look great ‘specially Michelle’s. The picture of the family by the river was hilarious. The woman was actually wearing a dress. By gosh, I think I remember my Mother wearing one when we went camping when I was really little! Have fun on your trip. I’ll be there in spirit.
Lu Ann says: Man – for $75 what a deal! It WAS gross inside, and I can’t believe she could re-do it so beautifully in 2 weeks, but what a show camper! Congratulations!
Glamping,,,,it’s what dreams are made of!
This past weekend I had 5 wonderful gal~pals over for a ‘Trailer Slumber Party’…we glamped tween the house & the Barn in our wee trailers…and we hit the Buggy Barn Quilt show (& lots of junk stores & yard sales)and had a blast!
Wagons HO!
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Oooooooo, that sounds like 10 kinds of fun! shery
How d do Shery! I am just beside myself with excitement for all of you!!! Industrious bunch of farmgirls you are for sure! Michelle’s transformation is so darling and I LOVE LOVE LOVE ‘ her ‘ red cabinets… and what a neat idea to forgo the original Formica table and use a " proper " prim table instead… A TRUE CLEVER FEST FOR SURE! There is so much wonderfulness going on in this post I can’t begin to respond to all of it but I can hardly wait for your next post! Have fun, breath in some of that fresh mountain air for me and Godspeed to you all along the glamper trail!!! I pre-ordered my Glamping with Mary Jane and I can’t wait for it’s arrival! I know it will be filled to the brim with inspiration and FUN!
Lots of love,
Deb ( who is on the look- out for her very own 1961 Shasta. It’s my birth year!)
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Thanks muchly D’Boz! That little Shasta is out there waiting to be found…so just stay on the trail. Thanks for popping in for a lookyloo. Wish you could be with us. shery
Christine says: I have a 1973 Apache Ramada but have been eyeing up a 60s Shasta that looks just like this one! It has been sitting in a neighbor’s yard for over 15 years. I have no idea what shape it is in but I am going to go knock on their door to see if they are interested in letting it go. I hope I can trade my motorcycle or a load of scrap metal for it(they are scrappers). Yours turned out lovely. I am on a dairy farm but I have a more modern clean line style but I love seeing all campers! Great Job!
I’m so in love with this whole thought of glampers and and glamping! I’ve been looking for a diamond in the rough for the past few weeks but nothing yet…crossing my fingers something comes along soon! So glad I found your page – love your story…very inspiring! Thank you for sharing it!!
Sheri,
Great story on Michele’s Shasta. I love the colors….very earthy. I had to chuckle at the description of cleaning the Ewwwww out! A secret weapon for all who battle these “old camper smells”…..camphor cream on a cotton ball….place them in nooks and crannies where rodents may try to enter. They won’t! Trust me….I’ve done extensive trial and error experiments, and this works the best. It has been over a year now, and no more mice. (You have to block off their entrances too, of course) but, this cream is too strong for their respiratory system….they will not attempt to travel into the aroma…which by the way is very tolerable to us humans. Minty fresh.
Gail
Tracy jones says: Awesome blog!!!
michele says: Oh my goodness! I stumbled upon this page as I searched for decor ideas on what to do with the used trailed that my husband and I are purchasing. I think there is going to be a slight turn in our plans!! Thanks for so many inspirational ideas, and the photos were fabulous! Michele
Morning & evening … that is when I get things done in the summer. Morning is when I spend time in the ‘refuge’ … my little garden on the prairie. Welcome. Early afternoon is siesta time. Napping is a summer hobby. The heat pulls sweat and energy from a body and my favorite cure is retreating to air conditioning, pouring myself a large glass of iced tea, grabbing a quilt and reclining with a book or magazine. Reading doesn’t last long. My garden can have the heat of the day all to itself.
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Hi Shery! Your camper is looking great and all your pretties inside are bringing it all together. My mom in love just sent a large Scottie door stop over that was left from an Aunt who had passed recently. It is the exact duplicate of one I already have and the first thought that came to mind was now I have one for my dream camper. I am doing as you said and keeping my eyes open as I drive around the countryside we live in but I do not really know anyone since we have only lived her four years and am not brave enough to stop and peek around and in barns. I have enlisted more helpers for the search though. We have been going through our own kind of drought here in Michigan also. All our berries that we have on our property were shriveling up from the heat before they would even get ripe enough to pick. Finally the rain came and it has been raining for two days straight. Our back pond is the lowest I have seen it and I was a little concerned because that is where we pump water for our garden from. Oh how I wish I lived close to you and could come for a visit in your sweet little hideaway garden. I prefer coffee but am always happy for a cup of tea! Many blessings on your Glamping trips! I will look forward to pictures.
Hi Shery, Love the things you have done to the camper. I really wish I could find one for myself. It looks so cute and I envy you farm sisters. Go have alot of fun.
Talk about the weather, It is very dry here too. I live on the Eastern Shore of virginia and it has been hot and dry also. I too have a small garden and I have had to water every day to keep things going, but it isn’t like the rain. I love your moon flowers. I have never grown them. They are beautiful. Keep up the good work on your blog. Juanita Massey Farmsister #1020
Betty Benesi says: Up until I saw your camper, my idea of camping was staying at the Awhanee Lodge in Yosemite. But when I saw your little sleeping nook I just wanted to crawl in and stay. You have just the touch!
You mentioned that you painted the line on the outside free hand. Looked great, I wouldn’t have known except you said so. In case you need to paint lines again, use masking tape to outline the area you want to paint, make sure it sticks well. This will give you a crisp edge without all the time.
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Hi Betty, Thank you! I did use blue painters tape, but there was still some bleed-under that I had to go back and tidy up after I took the tape off. At some point though, ya just gotta say ‘good enough is good enough! :o)
Shery, LOVE LOVE LOVE the camper and the garden area. My husband and I moved into a townhouse once and I had a little back patio that I literally tried to use all the stuff I had brought from my 23 acres that we sold. LOL! I had a end unit so I also got to have a flower bed down the side of mine. My back patio was so cozy with all the greenery and garden art. (I’m not sure the neighbor down the way from me thought so) lol! I know y’all will have a great time glamping. I just sent Deb (beachgirl) pics of the one my husband and I are re-storing. We will be going on our maiden voyage in it in September as well. We are going up around Boston. We wanted to go to North Dakota/South Dakota but I would rather wait to see how Thumper does on his first trip before we venture off that far. We have been camping for 20 years and we only have 5 states left to visit. ND, SD, MT, Iowa, and Nev. Have fun and be Blessed. Neta
Oh Shery,
How I luv Moonflowers, and their faint ‘baby powder’ scent….
I also luv your re-purposed metal tray…
A Glamping we must go!
I am having some gal~pals over on the last weekend of Aug., for a Trailer Slumber Party… (one of the perks of owning property)…We’ll hit the "Buggy Barn" for their annual Quilt show and then into town for some good ol’ fashion Junktiquing… wish you & your ‘gang could come join us…
Wagons HO!
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Hi Grace!, Your get-together sounds great. Y’all have FUN … I know you will. :o)
shery
Judy S. says:
Shery,
My husband found a camper for me 2 yrs. ago. He found it one fall afternoon parked in a yard on an old country road with a For Sale sign in it’s window. It’s a 1952 model and maybe a bit smaller than yours. I love that you painted yours. What kind of paint did you use? My camper was originally for overflow hunters during our MI hunting season. It is my little play house now. I look forward to your ‘stories’ each month. Thank you for sharing your life.
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Judy, Thanks! About the paint…I used exterior gloss enamel paint. Two coats plus a third on the top … and a lot of touch up with a tiny brush. Be sure to get the BLUE paint tape. It comes up really easy. I also used a roller – large one for the body, small one for the stripes. My girlfriend helped me. Fact is, if she hadn’t got me going, I’d probably still be wrestling with how to paint it… Polka dots or no, what color etc. Have fun with your playhouse — that is exactly how I see mine :o) Shery
Love all your beautiful flowers but have to say that I believe that you do not have "moon flowers". I grow them on my upper porch and they are a vine. You have the common name is jimson weed or datura..which is a beautiful deadly plant! We in the south call it loco weed and it grows a lot behind the barns! I think if ingested etc you go a little crazy…so you gals watch the glamping! If you ever want to come visit Tennessee, come park at Watermelon Moon Farm. Would love to host such creative souls! Enjoy the rest of your summer and be safe on that long highway!
Victoria says: Oh honey…..all of us when we get "our age" have to wear magnifiers!!! And yes, I’ll vote for Autumn also! Something about the subtle shift in the way the sun shines through the windows, the first smell of wood smoke in the air, (even in So.Cal), football back in full swing, putting up food, those ageless rituals are so comforting. I’m looking forward to it. Even here, with the beach culture and all that, I put Indian corn bunched at my front door, dried corn stalks (from our garden!)on our porch and pumpkins all about. Love it!! Don’t know why, but there is something very primal about fall. P.S. I’m totally jealous about all this glamping stuff. I wannna to do it too!!!! (Yes, I’m whining).:=)
Diann says: I love moon flowers. I don’t have to make an effort to plant them though. They just pop up wherever they choose on our ranch. It is always a pleasure to be wandering around and see those lovely flowers. I just don’t want them invading the veggie garden and they do have a tendency to invade if left to their own means. Love your photos too! Thanks for the effort of sharing.
Howdy Shery,
Well, you sure are having a wonderful summer! Our says sound similar… I’m staying in with the air conditioning too, getting some naps and trying anything to beat the heat and humidity! Your "little garden" is thriving and so, so beautiful! I remember well the arid west in the dog days of summer and many drought years with watering regulations for suburban neighborhoods etc…Not an easy environment for gardening, but not impossible with a can do attitude and some shade here and there! It’s perfect that your garden yard is sheltered by a fence too! Your moon flowers are amazing! Dahlias are tropical as well and a delight to watch unfold in the garden!
I did a little research for you about the Dahlia’s… Here’s a link for you to peruse about the planting and care of Dahlias’
http://www.garden.org/plantguide/?q=show&id=2063
I do know that they love heat but need to be kept moist in the dryest of days. I think you’d do great with them in containers with mulch on top… that way you can keep them watered regurlarly with ease and they should perform for ya quite well! I love the pom pom you chose for next year! They are an annual and can be planted in late spring two weeks before your last frost date.
Your glamping adventures sound just dreamy… and espeically in Autumn… ( my favorite season too )! Oh what fun you’ll have! Can hardly wait for that post!
Sending hugs and good wishes for the remaining summer days!
Deb ( Beach Farmgirl )
Claudia says: Howdy Shery: Love your paint job on the camper. You did good. Also love your flowers and garden. I love your newsletter and can’t wait for the next one. Have a great camping trip. Guess we won’t be hearing from you in a while.
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OhBoy, OhBoy, OhBoy … our little flock of MaryJanesFarm sister-hens have gone utterly nutz over glamping. No, really! In the last month four of us have bought vintage camping trailers … one just yesterday! I bought mine last winter and spent much of the season playing house in my new “cabin in a can”. Now, my farmgirl pals are crunching to get their campers road-ready. We’re a little late to get started, but we’re planning on camping as far into autumn as the weather will allow.
So, here we are in the middle of glamping season. But, all my sister-hens are close to being ready. Something sparked the glamper bug in us .. and then, one by one, we each had to have our own little glamper. And now, do – we – have – plans! We have a lot to get ready. Three of my farmgirls are remodeling their glampers — they’re working feverishly to get the trailers road worthy, fitted with all the neccessities and glamorized! Next weekend, three of us are going on a dry run, so to speak. We want to familiarize ourselves with our campers & such before we stray too far from home. The end goal: getting away from it all and enjoying some R & R in the great outdoors. But, first …
Love this! We had a pop up camper (old) when my girls were grade and middle school ages. I bought it from someones yard. Canvas had to be sewn in places and hubs had to do some undercarriage work on it. But my favorite part was painting the old cupboards, covering the cushions and making new curtains to hang in it. Back then it was red and blue plaids. That old camper finally went caputs and hubs made it into a hauling trailer. I have been ogling the glampers and pinning away! I have not found one for myself yet, but I have hubs and a few friends keeping their eyes open. I recently bought a vehicle that I am pretty sure could pull one, so here I am dreaming. Have you read the book that the movie Out of Africa was derived from? I did, was a good book. The movie, I think I have watched it a couple dozen times. Love it!
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Brenda, Only 2 of the 5 campers in our little flock were advertised for sale. The other 3 were spotted and asked about. Since I began really looking for these little trailers, I discovered they are EVERYwhere … sitting behind people’s homes, in out of the way lots, in alleys etc. So, if you spy one and it looks like it is worth looking into…STOP and ask or ask a neighbor who the residents are and call them. The worst they can do is say NO. In our ittybitty town of 800, my galpal and I found over 12 to investigate. These are ALL vintage campers and, yes, some of them are not for sale … but 3 of them were! Good luck finding your dream glamper :o) shery
Dolly says: I found my camper as a drive-by, in the rain. It had a 4-sale sign. I bought it that day. It needs a little work, like I have to see if the gas works, the electricity does. I have to practice and find out if my vehicle will pull it. I am so challenged in coming up with ideas for it, help! I am excited tho. Anybody in Minnesota want to get together to camp? Dolly
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Dolly, Maybe you could use the MaryJanesFarm sisterhood connection site to get in touch with other farmgirls in your area?? Maybe you’d find someone to go glamping with! Shery
bonnie ellis says: Shery: I’m ready to go, ho ho, ho ho. Can’t go with you but I’m glamping with the River Valley Farmgirls in Minnesota. It will be great fun. I just LOVE the pictures in your blog and you are such a great writer too. Can’t wait to see Mary Janes Glamping book. Have a great time!
Please post a picture of the before and after. I want to do this so badly, but so afraid to take a chance on my remodelling capabilities!
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Will Do!! Taryn, my friend, Jennie, came over this morning and we attacked the camper with paint. White is done, first coat of red is done, have the trim left to do. It already looks AWESOME! Jennie said that "she" now has a real glamping personality — instead of just being a tired looking old camper in need of paint. WoooHooooo!! SHery
Brenda: I am so excited for you and your friends! I have been a Sister on the fly for five years now and have a 2010 Airstream "Coop de Villa" and a 1969 Dreamer and her name is "Henny Penny"….just sold my 1968 Shasta Compact "The Queen Bee"…as you can see, it becomes an addiction! Can you guess my theme for my two campers? Love me some chickens! Don’t have any, but feed my obsession with glamping and decorating…can’t wait to see some pictures! Hugs!
Elaine says: I always enjoy reading your posts, but this one is so special to me. I am lusting (yes ma’am) after a vintage travel trailer so I can fix it up and follow y’all down the road. I can’t wait to see the photos of your "new" little glamper. And thank you for the last line, "and that the weapons of war will finally and forever rust in peace. I hope, I pray and I believe." Freedom is not free as we all know, and our best sons and daughters pay the price for us all. I wish them peace tonight and every day and night until the "rusting" begins. Enjoy your weekend! Elaine
Diann says: Ya know, I’m reading this and thinkin’, Hey, I’ve got that 27′ 1972 Nomad sitting outside lookin’ homely as all get out!……hmmmmmm…..what to do, what to do! It could truly be a rolling mansion! Dang it, now along with this old house, I’ll be dreamin’ of all the wondermus things I can do with it. I’m already thinking "Sassy Sister" may have to be her name. My oh my, the hubby is going to gasp! But he just got his dream jeep, a 1946 Willy’s flat fender jeep, all original, which by the way, I named Willow. Yes, it’s true, all my vehicles have names. Anyway! Thanks for the inspiration! Keep those tires full and the gas tank full and glamp on!
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Diann, What’re you doin’ still sittin here, girl??!! Glam that vintage baby up!! A ’72 is vintage Enuff to have fun with. My girlfriend bought a 78 and it is as cute as a button. I like my cozy little glamper, BUT, a roomier version would be that much more wonderful…a little more room, a little more of everything. In truth, my favorite of the glampers are those that are about 20 feet long. Mine is 16′. Another 4 feet may not sound like much, but it is. Shery
Hi Sheri,
Once again so inspired by your sharing. It turns out that my husband and I have been living in a yurt with an outdoor kitchen, outdoor tub and composting toilet for almost 4 years now, awaiting the trials and tribulations of the requirements of obtaining a building permit! So I feel and smell your story of glamping. That has been my life. I am a bit afraid of moving indoors, I have come to so love the morning coffee around a campfire and even the cold winters (not near as cold as yours) and rain while living out of doors.
Have a wonderful time with your cowgirl friends.
I look forward to some pictures of those fixed up vintage trailers!
Terces
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You are a special breed, Terces. To live so close to the outside world for the time that you have, well, not many have the mustard to do it. Me included. More power to you. Shery
Jan says: Hi Shery, Oh what fun your going to have!! I have loved the glamping idea since I saw it in a MaryJane magazine a few years ago. I would love to find one of those little campers, but sure haven’t seen many around here. My neighbor got one last year, she spent most of the summer painting it and restoring it. Looks great now! I will continue to look.
I get a bit anxious before a trip too. Once on my way, I am fine. It’s all that getting ready I guess.
You girls have fun and I can’t wait for those pictures.
Jan
Susie says: Hi Shery, Sounds like your going to have a grand time glamping. I too loved the movie Out Of Africa. The scene you were talking about picinicing with the crsytal, silver and fine linens reminds of a time long ago when my husband I worked for this fishing resort on the central coast of Vancouver Island, B.C. Actually it was on Quadra Island just across from Vancouver Island. One of the things we liked to do with some of the long time guests was to take them on a picinic to yet another island a little further south. We would fish along the way for salmon. Once we caught one we would head to this little island and lay out the picinic. Fresh caught salmon, cooked crab salads, baguette and wine. We’d find a nice thick log and lay out the white linen table cloth, silver ware ,crystal wine glasses and ceramic plates. We’d cook the salmon over a fire on the beach,snacked on the crab until the salmon was done. It was magical!
The guests loved it.
Susie
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WOW, I would have loved it too! shery
Joan says: I am breathless – excited – hep’d up just waiting to read and see all about your trip. Sure wish ‘glamping’ would have been in my days of camping – just prepping the camper etc, is so much fun – hmmmm may have to think about doing a little ‘glamper’ for me even though using it is not a possibility – thanks for letting me enjoy your wonderful times. Safe travels and God Bless.
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Hi Joan, There are many glampers that will never see a lot of road time…including my own, in all honesty. Just the long months of winter here make that a reality. Then add the fact that getting away on vacation means that MOST of the time you’re busy with everyday life. SO, my little glamper will also be our ‘guest cabin’ and a cozy little place for my farmgirl pals & I to have a glass of wine of whatever when they visit. Its like a grownup’s playhouse and anyone who ever had a treehouse or a playhouse as a kid has WONderful memories from that time. Reinvigorating our inner wild involves our inner child too :o) in my opinion. Never lose that sense of wonder and hunger for FUN! shery
Debbie says: This is just fantastic Shery! Glamping fever is taking hold everywhere! I got my sis in law all excited about it and now we are on the hunt for one to share to start with then who knows? Can’t wait to watch your glamping adventures unfold! I I hear you have a " special" trip planned for the fall too! Yahoo!
Love and Happy Glamping!
Beachfarmgirl Deb
Kim says: Dolly, I am in Minnesota! My camper isn’t finished yet, but maybe with someone to camp with, I’d get my butt in gear! Kim
to quote Dr Seuss…
"Oh the Places You’ll Go and the Things you will See"…
I just got home late this afternoon after 3 fab-u-los days Glamping with 14 wonderful gal~pals over in Elk River, ID. You will got so hooked and just remember, when women gather together,,, food is like mana’… there is always so much and we have fun around the glampfire,,,not worrying about, hubbies, kids, pets, dirty dishes or paying bills… after all, it’s about the journey,,,not the destination!
Happy trails…..
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THANKS Grace! Soooo looking forward to enjoying all that you describe. LOVE the term glampfire!! :o) Shery
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.’”
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.
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.”
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.
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!
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”.
Awesome sums it up:) Shery you not only a wonderful friend, you are a very talented entertainer:)
the wait was worth it. Loved it all. So many treasures. enjoy!
That’s a terrific looking room you have there and your hard work paid off splendidly. I hope and yours have a wonderful New Year with a new screened patio on the horizon.
Shery … Your porch is magnificent. You should be so proud of all the hard work you and Lynn did to make it all come together. What a pretty place to have a party. I was especially touched by the typewriter … I made my living as a school secretary, starting in the early 1970’s with an electric typewriter and, of course, ending my career using computers! Thanks for sharing your beautiful place … and Happy, Healthy NEW YEAR! God Bless … Carol
Shery: Thanks for sharing your wonderful porch and Christmas decorations. Looks real "spiffy" gal. Keep up the good work for 2013. Wish we could visit in person. Bonnie in Minnesota.
Love your new porch and all the lovely furniture. So nice and country like. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND ALL YOUR FRIENDS. God Bless you.
Oh HOOORAY you have a most wonderfully, beautiful ‘old’ room. You two should be right proud for sure – such a lot of work and well worth it. Thanks for sharing the pictures – you really know how to stage. And I must say – y’all have way too much fun up there in the cold – our area is just getting built up so maybe here soon we can have some get togethers and dance hand in hand. Happy New Year to you and yours and I can hardly wait to hear from you next time. God Bless.
Thank you for the beautiful New Year’s gift!
What a treat to see your new porch, homemade and so sweet!
Too beautiful for words, and so inspiring to create new cozy spaces!
"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, ANYONE can start from NOW and make a brand new ending…….Carl Bard
Happy New Years From Diana in Noel Mo!
Oh my I love your addition!!! I live in California and I too love country and I have a good
all American quarter horse. I love your old style which takes us back to simpler times and
is so charming. Oh yes, red is the best color to awaken a room and your wood pieces are
rustic and strong. Shery tell your husband he did a wonderful job. Enjoy your new place and God bless you in 2013! Happy Trails.
You’ve done yourself proud Shery my friend. Have a blessed 2013.
Shery, your porch is beautiful and I absolutely love it! The Christmas decorations are gorgeous. I know you are going to enjoy it for years to come. Wishing you a Blessed and Happy New Year.
Shery…
What a beautiful place to enjoy a Christmas! Love the finished porch and I’m sure it will give you grand memories.
The dance looks like a superb time was had by all. Small community get togethers just can’t be beat. The rodeo ball was truly a western way of greetin’ the New Year.
Thanks for sharin’!
Kim M
Your porch is awesome! Just think of all the fun family & friends times you will host. Happy New Year from NC!
Shery,
Your porch is beautiful! You really have the touch when it comes to decorating. I’m saving this post for inspiration for some of my own projects. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year!
Jeanette
Oh Shery, it all looks so perfect.
So proud of you and Lynn for building such a warm and cozy porch (wish I had one like that … someday)!
Thanks for all the pics, it was like all your fans were there enjoying your Christmas feast with you. The cake sounds great … may try that myself.
Wishing everyone a great 2013,
take care, Marcie
Simply WONDERFUL…You amaze me with your creative abilities and your ability to visualize and plan your projects! I think that it’s good for us to see what you do and to give us that added PUSH to accomplish something wonderful in our own domain! I have been waiting for the unveiling of your porch room…Thank you for sharing!
It is because of YOU that we are working on a vintage travel trailer this winter. You finally pushed me over the edge and made me commit to a project that I have wanted to do for a long time. I also ran into a ‘spare’ that is plopped out in back for after the ‘Montana Cowboy/Cowgirl’ trailer gets done..
Here’s to many more projects that make life worthwhile! Happy New Year!
Hi Shery! Well, you’ve done it again~~~the party porch is totally adorable!! You are my decorating, "farmgirling", repurposing, inspirational fairy godmother! Thank you once again for sharing your heart & homey hospitality. I feel like I’m right there enjoying the party & your friendship. Can’t wait to see what you bring us this new year:0). Speaking of~~~Happy New Year~~~may you & your family & friends have good health, love, & Blessings from our Lord.
XOXO, Linda Sister# 971
Shery your porch is to die for! I love it, and it is in my favorite colors. Red and Blues. You and your husband should be proud of your project and just in time for your Christmas gathering. How perfect. It has been cold here in Michigan but in our area, which is called the snow belt, we have hardly any snow on the ground. Wishing you a very Happy New Year!
It’s just wonderful! Love it. Really like the red wall too!
My husband and I do most of our projects with recycled things also.
And a very Happy New Year to you, Shery. I too, sport a new "porch" which is windows on 3 sides and my sewing things live there. Ah. so sweet.
Love your porch project. I’ve been going back and forth on whether to add a wrap-around porch to my home or update my over 30 year old kitchen/bath/utility room area. My concept for a porch, was to use as part of my agri-business, antique/vintage storage and, of course, family & friends gatherings. As much as I would love to have a new country kitchen, I’m still leaning toward the porch.
Oh My Gosh, you are amazing. I am continually inspired by you.
We are working on a home, have been living in a yurt (illegally) for 5 years and I DON’T MISS A SINGLE ONE OF YOUR POSTS…..thank you for a year of inspiration. I follow you on pinterest for even more inspiration too!
Your porch is beautiful, just like you.
Happy New Year,
Terces
After looking at a handful of the blog articles on your website, I seriously appreciate your way of blogging.
I saved it to my bookmark webpage list.