Whew! What a day, Farmgirls. I’m finally home and sitting after a day full of: new jobs, new homes, escaped critters, dog walking in the mud in formal clothing, a wonderful evening with some friends, and late night wading through vernal pools…
It may just be the lingering vibe from a “glam rock” themed party I attended last weekend, but David Bowie said it best “Ch-Ch-Changes/Turn and face the stranger.”
Come see some of the strangers this farmgirl has had to face recently…
My bees
Hello all you fine, friendly farmgirls! It’s finals week here at Alaska Pacific University, and because of that…I’m sleep deprived. It happens to the best procrastinators among us year after year, generation after generation. When some people say they are sleep deprived, they are probably surviving off of just a few hours of sleep here and a few hours of sleep there. Since I’m fairly child like, sleep deprivation for me means that I’m getting less than eight hours of sleep per night for several nights in a row. The least amount I’ve slept has been five hours, and I kind of feel like a zombie. I know, it’s rough. How can I hope to be a farmer some day if five hours of sleep leaves me feeling less-than-human? I don’t know, that’s a question for another day.
Anyway, I digress. One reason for this sleep deprivation is some forced civic dutiness I was assigned to complete for a graduate level environmental law class. We had to write and submit an official public comment to a governmental agency regarding our stance on some bill, act or other decision that is recently being decided upon. Of course, this had to be regarding something related to the environment.
Evan and I enjoying a spring ski. It should be a civic duty to enjoy state and national recreational areas on a regular basis.
Thank you for this thoughtful, important post. When my children were young, I took them to many a public hearing on any manner of things. When it was my turn to read my prepared comments, my children would get out their crayons and coloring books. Looking back 30 years, I do in fact know, our voices made a difference, and my children now benefit from some of the decisions made because of the efforts so many of went to back then. Let our thoughtful, educated voices be heard!
Tina Hart says: the words ‘super weed’ freaks me out and scares the heck outta me alone!
Adrienne says: I live in California and was very unhappy that Proposition 37 didn’t pass because Big Ag threatened labeling of GMO foods would raise prices on produce. Monsanto is the culprit leading the fight for their Roundup-ready seeds and I fear the farmer who raises food organically will be forced to use their seeds. My friend has been suffering from pesticide poisoning after-effects and there is no cure. Thank you for what you’re doing to inform and enlighten.
It’s the winter that keeps on giving. Maybe it’s just the winter that needs the last word, when everyone is too caught up in the impending spring and summer to retaliate against the shoveling and plowing anymore. We just give in. We put on our boots and cram our heads into our hats and head out into the white abyss without a dismissive word about the darn winter or cursing the yet-again snow-covered porch. We’ve become complacent with the winter world around us.
The only animals that seem to be protesting are the chickens. They have left their coop exactly once per day for the last five days to eat and drink. Egg laying has all but ceased.
The spring tease a few weeks ago had me excited about sitting on the GREEN grass, hiking in the GREEN wilds and strolling through the farmers market, checking out the GREENS. Im supposed to start a new farming gig in a few weeks, and it seems like the season may be off to an extended indoor start.
To compensate for this lack of natural green, this Farm Girl has been taking in some green news. Some of it has been great, some of it has been not-so-great; but the most interesting of it has been GREEN.
Does a green filter make this shot (from April 6) seem any less wintery?…No. The answer is no.
Joan says: Well now Alex, I can somewhat relate with your winter. I live somewhat on the plains of CO. – WIND/DUST/DRY/BEAUTIFUL. We haven’t had nearly as much snow – sure could use some wet but oh my the COLD and WIND have been our nemesis for many months – now that Spring is here – well so we are told – we are still having blizzards/whiteouts and the bulbs are very buried. BUT hope is always in my thinking and soon all this cold will be gone and I will probably be mentioning how HOT it is. Hope your weather clears soon and the GREEN will follow. Well best get back to one of the quilts I am making – I do hand sewing mostly and all hand quilting so it takes me a long time. God Bless
Merrilyn says: This is absolutely a very long winter. I thought when we moved to Soldotna from Palmer it would be warmer. The major difference is we still get lots of snow but no wind to blow it away. How have the winds been this year? Keep your chin up. Everywhere seasons go through their up and down cycles. We just seem to be in the down cycle for the last couple years. We can always count on Alaska being beautiful in the summer. We live in a beautiful state. Keep writing..
Your Alaska sister
Merrilyn
Thanks for the post. It’s great that you don’t let the white weather lower your positivity. Keep it up.
“We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility of our future.” George Berrnard Shaw
Our pasts, however much we want to think of them as static things, are ever changing. Think of the word ‘recollection.’ Every time we look at the past we are re-collecting, or collecting again, thoughts and memories of times past. There is no doubt in my mind that this act of re-collecting continually results in changed versions of memories and the uncovering of thoughts long unthunk. How have I come to this point in my life of dreaming of being a farmer? As a kid, farming wasn’t even a consideration. What happened between then and now to influence these present dreams of farming?
I’ll have to take a trip down memory lane…
How in the heck have I found myself immersed in Alaskan agriculture?
Diana Henretty says: Loved all your beautiful pictures this morning of your life’s journey in so many places!
Im not on a farm, even though it is in my blood and in my dreams to live on one,but for now, we take back roads for country drives to soak in all their beauty and it does the trick for me in the hills of the Ozarks.
Growing up in San Diego Calif, I can remember holding my little newborn son and looking out to the mountains thru the city’s buildings, and knowing someday I would be raising him away from the city life and into the country!
And we did just that, moving far from family and the noise of the city to the mountains of Montana to live our dreams of learning how to raise huge gardens, canning, and milking goats!
Yay for the country life, sometimes it takes a little while to get what you want, but it’s worth it all looking back on the journey!
Hugs from Noel, Missouri, Diana
Marion says: I love your posts and this one in particular gives me hope for our world and for women. Keep exploring and being appreciative of all that you have and all you can be. I know you will help other women to achieve their dreams and stand up for their values.
Pam deMarrais says: Alex, this has been a great journey with you. How blessed you have been to have all of these great experiences!
I was blessed by having a grandmother, Pasqualina, who built her life here in America after leaving her home land of Italy. She was so resourceful, raising a family of 9 children during the depression. She had a big garden, fruit trees, cows for milk and cheese, chickens, and an admirable sense of farmgirl frugality. I learned a lot from her, and, like you, I realize all that she empowered me to do when I look back upon the impact she had on my life.
Spring was here! for a few days, it was here, I swear. The skies were clearing up in the afternoons, the icicles broke from our house, and that distinct smell of snow melting and gravel roads thawing tinged the air. It seems to have all been a tease–but what was I expecting? It’s March in Alaska after all. Last year at this time we still had thigh deep snow on the farm, and growing up in Minnesota I would be expecting at least one more big snow fall.
However, the daylight hours are increasing, daylight savings time means that the afternoons seem even longer, and spring really is just right around the corner. With this increased vitamin D comes a jumpstart in our farmer-wannabe attitudes and motivations. Sigh…what a wonderful time of year!
It’s Spring Break for teachers and students alike! I headed south with a friend and spent a few days in Homer, enjoying the spring tease.
Hey Farmgirls, Guess what? I have now been lucky enough to have shared a year’s worth of some exciting and not-so-exciting stories with you all. That’s right, it is my one year Rural Farmgirl-iversary. The year has been full of ups and downs, wrongs and rights, and straight down the middles; and I can’t THANK YOU enough for joining me biweekly for a whole year. I love writing for Maryjane and you, her audience of amazing women (and some men, too!). Thanks for sharing your own anecdotes and providing some great advice for all situations.
I wanted to make this post an extra special one. However, I was having trouble getting past the stage of blabbing about what has happened over the past year–if you really want to read that, there is a list of my writings over there—–> somewhere on the side of the screen. Be my guest! Otherwise, I have composed some poems as a sort of lighthearted thank you to you all.
So, come on in for some various high school level poems inspired by 366 days (2012 was a leap year!) in Rural Alaska as Mary Jane’s Rural Farmgirl.
I’ve learned that skiing (and other winter sports) is a wonderful complement to farming! Plus, back country skiing is free!
Pam deMarrais says: Happy One Year Anniversary Alex! I have enjoyed your articles, and delighted in your news of your engagement. You are very much a farm girl, and what’s even better, you started a lot younger than I did. Keep doing what you’re doing, and keep inspiring us!
Rachel says: Puppy haiku!! Congrats on your one year!
Oh my goodness, reading your post this morning just MADE mine farmgirl AWESOME! All of us farmgirls (at THE farm) love and value your every word, trials, ups and downs, wrongs and rights, and straights down the middle. Looking forward to everything you share and teach us in 2013. MUCH love.
diana henretty says: Mornin from the Ozarks,
We watched the movie "Into The Wild" last night, and thought of you my dear!
It’s a beautiful story of a young man searching for his life thru the mountains of Alaska!
I can see the "loves of your life" in every picture and hear it in every word on your post this morning.
Thanks for sharing your life and your dreams! ~Hugs, Diana
Laura says: Thank you for your year of ‘service’. You are an inspiration!
xo
from hudson valley, ny
Sounds like this past year is cause for celebration. I’m a country girl too so of course I’m looking foward to more of your stories. Happy Anniversary!
Jan says: Great job! I love Moki Dugway, as he(she?) reminds me of my Blue Boy dog. The sweet and innocent brown eyes, with the ability to chew into and out of any situation in life! Watch out for the baby bunnies…
It is nice to see a young woman enjoying life and nature in such wonderful surroundings…
Lorrie MacKenzie says: Your poems are cute! You made me laugh. It has been an incredible year and I’ve enjoyed reading your posts. It’s wonderful that we’ll get to share another year. Your life is very different from mine. It’s so interesting to read about your experiences and see your pictures. I’ve always wanted to visit Alaska and now I get to! Thank you for giving me a glimpse into your world.
Adrienne says: Thank you for your poetry and your year of service. I’ve enjoyed all the adventures you shared with us and I wish you much success in the future.
First off Farmgirls, Happy Valentine’s Day! For some reason, the holiday has eluded me this year. Yesterday, a few moms of my students asked if it was alright if the kids brought in cards or treats for our class, and it took me a second to realize why. Then I realized–oh yes, we are studying hearts and the circulatory system today for a reason! It is the heart happy holiday. The best thing that came from today was finding out, through the grapevine, that one of my cute students has a crush on another–he displayed his love by proudly giving her a candy heart that had “awesome” etched into it. He can’t read very well yet, so he had to ask me what it said (he’s seven). “Because you’re awesome,” he sweetly proclaimed as he handed it over. Ah, young love!
My stepmother collects heart shaped rocks for little decorations, I’ve taken to snapping pictures of heart shaped boulders.
While my love and I won’t be celebrating Valentine’s Day this year, our love is still young and this post is about a thing that we love to do together…Repurposing found and otherwise cheap objects. Have you ever heard of repurposing or upcycling? It entails taking another person’s trash and transforming it into something useful, possibly beautiful, and definitely better than it previously was.
Kathy says: Our local school district was replacing their wooden bleachers with new plastic ones and we managed to snag the wood from those bleachers. We cleaned the boards up, sanded them down and used them to replace all of the trim boards in our house and put up wainscoating in our living room. Pretty much most of our remodeling has been with repurposed material and items bought on clearance.
Your ladder idea is awesome! I’m on the hunt for tree-vees to make my own coat rack like yours. Brilliant idea.
Karen Pennebaker says: If you want to tear pallets apart or take up a wooden floor, etc, buy a tool called a "Gutster". We have one and I used it to tear apart a deck that had been fire damaged. That tool makes a quick job of tearing up anything nailed together! We got ours at Harbor Freight but I would imagine other places have them.
Repurposing sewing is my game in the south….why throw clothes away when something else can be made of them….my blog show what I’ve made and where I sell…www.cabinfever228.blogspot.com….
I’m also on Facebook at Mel’s Designs ‘n Harmony page….
I enjoy your postings of your recycling and heart shaped rocks and your farm…best to you in Alaska!
Brilliant! Thank you! I love both of these ideas, and though we don’t have much birch around where I live, we do have a lot of other kinds of trees (and hopefully some old ladders!).
: > Sippie
Deb Barkman says: My husband made two, one small and one very large, chicken coops out of pallets. He can be very creative when he has time. I always scout around for old jewlery or trinkets to add to my cards and scrapbook pages that I am making. We also love to collect old things, just for the sake of history. It always brings awe to my being when I come across old, used, loved, items.
White. It is the color of purity and innocence. Most say it isn’t a color, rather it is the combination of all colors. For our purposes, white is a color that compliments and opposes all other colors at the same time. It is clean and bright, and it brings to mind (at least for Farmgirls!) an image of crisp, beautiful linens flapping softly in a summers breeze. However, as the weather reports have shown us over the last few weeks, white takes on a whole new meaning in the winter months.
A farm in Norway, ca. 1910
Mary Rauch says: Sure did enjoy your whole article, The White Stuff! You know, I really never thought too much about the meat/dairy association. As I grew up, I was encouraged to drink almost a quart of (unprocessed)milk a day. As I aged I became so allergic (or food sensitive) to it that now my breathing is impaired if I consume ANY dairy. Sure hope all that early-child milk drinking did the trick. I really don’t believe that calcium supplements do much, do you?
We live in Montana, and while we’re in town and do NOT have a cow, we *love* raw milk when we can get it! But even the far-inferior storebought stuff makes darn good SNOW ICE CREAM! 🙂 My kids adore it – I just made some this morning with a bowl of fresh, fluffy white snow from the back porch. Add vanilla, sugar and milk and stir it up – hard to beat a snowy ice cream treat!
Jan says: Wow, what a coincidence! I just researched about how to make paneer. As you might know, it is a cheese product made in India. Basically boiled milk and lemon juice and the magic separation creates a lovely soft cheese. And THEN you can use it in many lovely dishes. A recipe for naan led me to the paneer! Must make both…
Thank you for the idea of making your own sweetened condensed milk. It is refreshing to hear you speak of dairy products with such a positive vibe!
Bettina says: Thank you so very much for your wonderful perspective on living close to the land with all its gifts. Even in the "white heart of winter", your words brighten my day and launch me on a journey to try out some new recipes with milk! In our family, my grandmother loved her little jersey brown cow as much as her own children. When you see it in the perspective of what a cow meant to a family during the great depression years, she meant health and food and obviously a lot of comfort to the woman who loved her. In my own journey to return to the land and finding my own center of self, your footsteps are easy for me to follow, especially, in the white snowfall of winter!
till next time, all the best wishes flying up your way like a springtime vee of geese.
B. 🙂
Here in Maine we get a lot of snow, and can appreciate it….until about March, then we are wishing for Spring! However, we do like to take advantage of all of Winter’s offerings, and are always looking for more! Great post…really enjoyed it!
Amanda says: My husband and I both grew up on dairy farms so raw milk was an everyday thing that we didn’t give much thought to. When we got married, moved off our family’s farms and had to buy "store" milk, we realized what we were missing. Now, we’re back on a dairy farm and enjoying REAL milk again! My girls won’t drink anything but raw milk. A few weeks ago it was in the single digits here and when my girls and I went into the heifer barn to feed, we loved the frost on the windows, the soft glow of the barn lights, and just how content the heifers were as they quietly munched their hay. That is a stillness I will never forget. Tonight there is another kind of quiet stillness outside as the noreaster passes just to the east, the worst missing us(I’m in PA Dutch Country). I’ll be up late tonight staring out my window enjoying the beauty of the snow before it gets tracked up by the dog, the kids and the sleds!! Thanks for the idea for sweetened condensed milk, gotta try that!
Farmgirls, I have a confession for you: My holiday season up until about yesterday wasn’t all that great. I tried, really, to see the best in everything and be full of holiday cheer. There were definitely very good times had by myself, my loved ones and some great friends, but overall, I was kind of down in the dumps. I even tried a faux Happy New Year resolution excitement in my last post on New Year’s resolutions; and you know what? I’ve already failed at most of those! Have I done yoga once in 2013? No! I did call a good friend; but I called my grandmother and she didn’t answer, when she called back I didn’t answer and haven’t called her back. I guess I have been a bit more organized. But overall, I’ve been somewhere between apathetic and discouraged.
There are many, many facets that played into this state of mind. Most notably I really miss my family. Another one is ice. It gets to me. I’m afraid of it at times and in total awe at others. We have been living in an increasingly icy world here in Palmer since before Christmas, so I’ve had a lot of time to ponder ice and its role in my life. Luckily, I’m gaining traction, both physically and mentally.
Moki gets a break from the ice in this snow at higher elevations.
Diana Henretty says: Good Morning from the Ozarks,
How well I know the feeling of "ice" everywhere!
In 2007, we had a huge ice storm here in the Ozarks that caused our electricity to be out for 13 days.
We were not ready for the isolated feeling, the sounds of the trees crashing around us in the woods, and the dreaded lonely feeling when the sun set.
For a long time after that winter, I dreaded the sound of ice rain tinkling outside.
We have learned to prepare all year though so there are no surprises.
We keep solar batteries charged, we keep our little "ice storm pantry" filled with everything imaginable, and that seems to help.
We found out that when we get iced and snowed in, taking our sled to town for forgotten items is a way to combat cabin fever, going to thrift stores thru the year and buying books and crafts helps keep our spirits up, and reaching out to others in our little town who might be needing firewood or
emergency items helps too.
That was the worst ice storm in 84 yrs. we were told by an elderly friend,
but it taught us so many lessons in life, sharing with others, and being prepared.
Fight the fear of winter with fortitude my dear, and remember, after a long winter, comes the beauty of spring! ~Hugs from Diana in the Ozarks!
What an incredible story–13 days without electricity! It sounds like you came out on top with new experiences and skills to share with others. I have an inkling feeling I’ll turn out the same :). Thank you for your words of encouragement!
When I lived remotely, winter cold and ice had a way of getting to you, bone deep. Outside chores made it better (fresh air) but they also made it worse. This I do know, someday you’ll value the memories.
I’ve been fishing on frozen lakes in Minnesota. Everyone drove their cars onto the ice, but having never done that before, I was nervous the entire time. I’m so very sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a sibling in such a way must have been horrible. Heartbreaking to this day I’m sure. Hugs.
Thanks for your kind words Mary Jane! You are absolutely right about outdoor chores making it better and worse. It is a blessing to be forced to go outside at least a few times per day. The animals are definitely happy to see me, too. And hey, my ice-stabilization muscles are getting a workout. Evan and I were close in age and demeanor, it was and is hard, but I wouldn’t be who I am today without his presence and absence…Hugs to you, too!
Adrienne says: My heart goes out to you, sweets, especially at this time of year. Many friends have SAD (Seasonable Affective Disorder) due to death or other traumatic experiences during the holidays. Life is not easy under the best of circumstances and it helps to remember the warm, pleasant events when the snow, rain and ice permeate your world. I’m holding you in my thoughts and wishing you a better new year.
Hugs,
Adrienne
Thank you Adrienne! I have friends and family with SAD, too. I don’t think I totally fit the bill, as you are supposed to feel it for two years in a row…but it is a likely possibility. I think this year will be just fine, hopefully the hard times were just packed in to the first few weeks…Thanks for your thoughts, Best, Alex
Alex,
Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts during a tough time for you. Winter is one of those seasons that provide challenging and profound moments. I too deal with a few demons and lovely chores raising sheep, goats, rabbits and chickens. We have gotten 4 straight days of rain and expecting snow at any moment. I spent the last hour moving animals around, feeding them. I am soaked and it did not help that I too fell trying to move a ram. But I like the fact I own my farm, work for myself, make my schedule and don’t have to dress nicely everyday. And I would rather have animals for co-workers. Enjoy the rest of your winter.
Kat.
Sandy says: You are missing the Brainerd Ice Fishing contest on Saturday! The ice is at least 16 inches thick. The temp should be about 15 with a 40 mile an hour wind. See what you are missing?
About this time of the year I miss green vegetation. Anything. A few years ago we went to Maui in February and I absolutely drank in the green and the flowers. Absorbed it. Felt much better when we got back to Minnesota! SAD is a definite possibility.
Laura says: Hi Alex,
I was moved by your story. Deeply, as winter implies. Touching something inside, profound, true, soulful. Like the beauty found under the ice.
Thanks for sharing your winter challenges, and being brave and adventurous in the face of them.
hugs,
Laura
Denise says: My heart goes out to you…I think the other ladies have said it all, hang in there, life will get better continue to find the joy in the little moments love and hugs xxx
Hello from sub-zero Colorado. This is only my second winter here, so I’m still figuring out what winter is like just east of the Rockies. I am originally from Missouri, and I know ice storms well. You need some Yak Trax to give you better grip on snow. 🙂
I have, unfortunately, had my own trouble with the winter precipitation. Three weeks ago I went up to Rocky Mountain National Park to sight-see, and fell in a small patch of snow along a road. I broke my ankle in three places (two fibula, 1 tibula) and dislocated it to boot. I have plates and screws and a hot pink cast and no walking for six weeks. What am I saying? PLEASE BE CAREFUL and get some Yak Trax.
Winter landscapes are, to me, just as beautiful as winter, even though it is mostly black and white and grey. I can find beauty in all seasons, and I rejoice in all seasons.
Lilyrose says: I am sorry to hear of your loss. You have a beautiful and lasting memory of him. You, right now, are living and vibrantly alive in one of your most important times in your life. You have the right attitude and gumption to pick yourself up when you stumble, slip, slide and fall.
Go ahead and make that time to call or hand write your loved ones, and be with them as often as you can. It is and will be the most important thing you can do in your life. As for the beauty, awesomeness and fierceness of ice there is much respect to be had when facing God’s creation.
(I’m not so sure you are aware of it or not, but popular as Yoga may be for physical health, it is still a religion. The movements have meaning, there is worship of a god, and it promotes a certain way of living your life. I, for one, am glad you have been lazy with it. Stick to that wonderful, rugged, outdoor life you are blessed with. It’s a workout.)
Thanks for your thoughtful words, Lilyrose. You are right, ice demands much respect. I have been practicing a semi-yogic lifestyle for several years now. It isn’t a religion, it is a lifestyle. There are gods respresented in asanas, you’re right. But, at least to me, these gods aren’t spiritual gods in the same way that the Christian, Hindu, Wiccan gods or goddesses. Instead they are representations of different aspects of our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves. Some religions, like Hinduism and Buddhism, have branches that include yoga as a part of their practice. I still love my outdoor lifestyle though too–there’s nothing better than doing yoga high on a mountain!
Oh, wish I could reach through the screen and send you a big ol’ hug! And I’m so sorry you lost your brother!
As for the ice, having moved from Texas where right now it is in the seventies and eighties, to Connecticut where it is cold, grey, and icy much of the winter until Spring, I understand how you feel, especially the part about missing family. What I like to do is find things I enjoy indoors (knitting, baking), turn on some great music, light up all the lamps, and focus on happy things. I also find fun things to do outside like ice skating or even sledding! Some days you just need to find some fun!
Alaska looks really beautiful, and my daughter and I really enjoyed seeing all of your animal friends. Big hugs, your blogging sis, Nicole (Suburban Farmgirl)
Well, Farmgirls, we’ve done it, we’ve turned another page in history and now have a nearly blank page to fill with the trials and tribulations of 2013. What stories will top our bank of memories at the end of the year? Will the great and beautiful outweigh the hard and sad? Will our adventures outnumber moments of inertia? I have a feeling this year is going to be great! Maybe thats just because of my unorthodox attraction to the number thirteen, though…
Laura says: resolved to eat more greens, and yes, do more yoga, and take more walks outside 😉
Annie says: I really look forward to reading your posts this year! I have never been to Alaska, but always wanted to go and am excited to hear more about it from you. You sound like a really cool Farm Girl!
Karen says: Do the Best I can…for Me and others…Happy New Year Ahead…
Hi Alex,
I’ve decided to keep my ears held close to my heart so I don’t miss out the direction I am supposed to be going in…!
I also started walking just before Christmas and as soon as I get over this blasted flu I’ll be bundling up at 5:30 am to meet my walking pal at the end of my driveway for a new year of exercising more regularly! I do think winter time makes us all feel a bit yo-yo ish as far as inertia setting in… after all we are supposed to be resting up for a busy spring! Good luck with your resolutions and your lists! Can’t hurt!
Deb ( your farmgirl sis at the beach )
sharon says: I resolved to develop better sleep patterns, move more, and leave a job that has left me feeling toxic and unhappy. I gave my notice this week and am taking a leap of faith. No matter how bad the economy is, if I’m willing to work, there’s no reason I can’t find a job.
Sandra says: I still would like to read my way through the Classics…that is an ongoing resolution. Would LOVE to have Buff Orpington chickens…still trying to talk Hubby into this one!
I love these resolutions! As an English Major, I have a special spot in my heart (and library) for the Classics. Maybe you can make some kind of deal the the Hubby about the chix? You can let him read the Classics and report back to you, and you can get chickens.
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”.
What an adventure! You tell it so well, I could imagine myself in your shoes, er, your fancy clothes. In fact, I hope you take pause to realize what an amazing life you’re living. Dream come true, right? Can’t wait to see pics of your next residence. In the meantime, enjoy your house-sitting job.
Wow, you are soooo adventurous! Taking the bees in your car, in the dark, in the water. Amazing. Crazy, but amazing! I am glad that you were able to stay safe. I love reading your in depth blogs. Thanks for sharing!
Hi farm girl,
I always wanted to be a farm girl too. But I was born in Brooklyn,New York . Not much country,all city. Maybe on the outlines.I sometime go for rides down the country,it is like a slice of heaven.Peaceful,You only hear the sounds of running water,animals,birds,trees in the wind,thats life.Have a good day,God Bless. Lorraine.