THE WINNER IS “ROBIN IN NJ”! Congratulations, Robin! Email me ASAP at rebekah@maryjanesfarm.com with your address for your subscription! woohoo!
It is time for another “Ask Me Anything” post. I’ve gotten some great questions so far.
Okay, okay. I know, everybody wants to hear about the Give-Away first. So here goes.
I’m giving away a year’s subscription to the best magazine on the stands. maryjanesfarm Magazine!
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”.
Thank you for all the inspiration your words and enthusiasm bring to me. I look forward to your posts. They make me laugh, and they bring tears to my eyes. I am a city girl who yearns for the stillness of the country and I love to hear of your adventures on your farm. You inspire me that my dreams can still come true, despite anything. Your Merlin is a magic horse. There’s no doubt about that. Thank you for taking the time to share a piece of your world and heart with those of us dreamers.
-Natalie
Natalie, I have no doubt that your dream will come true if you want it badly enough. No doubt. Keep us posted on when it does. Merlin is magical in many ways, that is true. He was supposed to come to me. He is here to teach me certain things and I am here to support him through some of his baggage. That’s where a lot of the magic is. And that’s why I call him my Soul Horse. He has a corner of my heart that will always be his. I have, and will have, other horses. But he is my only one—Soul Horse.
A delightful read, coming at a time when I could certainly use it. I’ll be sharing this in hopes that at least some of my family and friends will read it and experience the pleasure and the uplifting of spirits it gave me. Thank you – and thank Merlin, too.
Thank you Barb! I’m headed out to see Merlin in a bit. I will tell him you said Thanks. He’ll want to know if an apple goes along with it…
I love the pictures of Merlin and your giveaway. I have seen that magazine in some stores and looks like a great one. I love everything about country life. I have lived in the country and hope to get back to it soon. I can a lot and dehydrate and spin my own yarn. The simplicity of it all is wonderful. Thanks again.
Rowena
Rowena, maryjanesfarm Magazine is like no other you have ever encountered. Promise! How do you spin your own yarn? Do you have the animals or do you purchase the fiber? Sounds wonderful. Is it like meditation? I canned jellies when I lived in the city, but haven’t had time since I moved here. I agree, there really is nothing that compares to life in the country. I hope you get back to it one day.
I adore your writing, Rebekah- count me as one of many who would love to see a book from you! I’d also love a magazine subscription. Merlin is just beautiful- and right now this city girl is dreaming about her own farm one day!
Thank you, Julia! One day your farm dream will come true! Sure is a lot of work, though. Have I mentioned that? haha
Merlin is indeed a beautiful horse! The first picture with the tree makes him look like he is wearing a crown. Loved the blog post and I agree with you about snakes-can’t stand them!
Oh, Debbie! He should wear a crown. Definitely! I am looking forward to the cold weather when the snakes find a hole!
I love your posts…I love your pics of Merlin…(you can’t post too many pics of him) He is gorgeous….My dream is to have land with horses…and other critters too. I envy you and rejoice for you!!
Sherry, the hardest part for me with my horses (and chickens) is to relax. I’ve always had pets in the house. The first winter I had horses I was so concerned about them being cold and wet out in the weather. Of course, they have a barn and other sheds they can go into, but often they are just hanging outside. After a couple of winters now, I can finally relax and know they are okay. There are cows across the street from me that do not have shelter. I mentioned to the guy who owns them that I worry about them in the frigid winters. God gave them a leather jacket, he told me. True. Keep dreaming–it will happen for you.
You are living the life that I wish I could have. My love for animals drives my husband crazy. Right now we have four farel kittens in the house. Love, love, LOVE the pic of Merlin where he is looking back! He is beautiful!!!
Tracey, dreams do come true. But the thing I have learned is that the journey really is the destination. Love where you are in the journey, but never quit dreaming. Oh my, four wild kitten in the house. You could handle farm living for sure!
I know this is not a business-like comment, but I have come to sort of love you and Merlin. Is this possible through cyber space? Anyhow, I am so happy to stop and “visit with you in your postings”. The idea of your book is ideal! The sooner, the better!
Maybe next year there will be a book including you, Merlin, and your family life on the farm? Put me down for one of the first copies off the press!
Mary, you inspired this whole post! Thank YOU! I know exactly what you mean. I love all of y’all too. It’s strange that we’ve never met, but feel like we know each other. I guess we really do!
I loved this post and reading your passion for Merlin, nature and the majestic beauty of your farm. Glorious!
Thank you, Lois! Those are three things that keep me grounded, motivated, and content. They make me warm inside–gives me “warm fuzzies.” Merlin, nature, our farm.
Rebekah I have so many questions I am not sure I can narrow it down to just one but I will try. I live vicariously through you and enjoy all that you share with us. Your farm is stunning and a dream come true.
I guess if I have one question it would be How did your chestnut floors turn out in your kitchen? I just loved the story you told of the day you found your flooring in the older gentleman’s barn and I have thought about how wonderful it must be to have those boards as your kitchen floor. I just finished reading “A Walk in the Woods” and there is a part in the book where the author describes the majesty of the Chestnut tree and I thought of your floors and how awesome they must be.
Thanks for sharing
I KNOW I wrote about those floors again, didn’t I? (ever since I hit 50 the ole memory isn’t the same.) We finally finished the floors in the new part of the kitchen, just sanded and put a clear coat on them. GOR-JUS! We are still working in the old part of the kitchen. We hit a standstill on that. The floors are down, but not sanded and not finished as we try to figure out what to do in there. I’ll try to find the post. If there’s not one, I’ll write one! That book is so much fun. I need to re-read it. I’ve heard the movie does it justice, too. Have you seen it?
I forgot to mention how beautiful Merlin is!
🙂
Joy Joy Joy down in my heart!!!! that is what I feel when I read your postings, from your first word to your last AND PLEASE don’t not admire the great pictures – YES Merlin is one beautiful horse and his pic’s show his personality – silly guy. Thanks for sharing. God bless
Oh, Joan, that’s exactly what I feel. Joy!
I also love horses. Never had one of my own, however have ridden a friends horse on several occasions. But she was not as gorgeous as Merlin. Love an animal with a personality and Merlin looks like he has just that. Love reading your blog, miss living on a farm and this takes me right back to my childhood. Never did and still don’t, like snakes. We had a pond on our farm, I had on a white bathing cap (back when they wore them) and turned around to see a snake chasing me in the pond, attracted to the cap, I guess. Needless to say, I never went swimming there again. Love Mary Jane’s magazine that I get at the News Center. Awesome magazine. Merlin really is a pretty horse!!!
note to self: do not swim in the pond wearing white. Thank you for the heads up! Merlin has more personality than any horse I’ve been around or heard about. When he came to me, I was told he is the barn clown. He IS a clown.
Whenever I admire your beautiful Merlin, I think of him as being the color of Ivory soap. Not just the Ivory soap bars but the Ivory soap flakes. I remember them when I was very young and my great-grandmother would put them in the sink to wash her dainties. When I see Merlin, I think of Ivory soap flakes, snowflakes and a handsome snow white prince.
When Merlin first came to me, I thought, “I hate that name. He will be Snow.” Shortly thereafter, I tried to call him Snowflake. And there was a time when I called him Snow Dancer. Soon, however, I learned that his personality is more like a Blizzard. The name Merlin just stuck. I love the image of Ivory Soap Flakes. He has white fur and grey skin, except for the little circle on his forehead where the unicorn horn would be. That is his only spot of pink skin. Because he lives on a big farm and loves to roll in the pastures, he is usually dirty. Happy, but dirty!
When I was growing up I wanted to be a cowgirl, so, of course, I think Merlin is wonderful. I didn’t get to be a cowgirl, though I used to be a country girl. I truly enjoy your posts and the final photo in this one is just beautiful. If I win I would give the magazine to my sister-in-law as I already have a subscription.
I think we can all be cowgirls. We don’t need a cow or a horse, just the right mindset! I finally got some killer cowgirl boots and that has helped my cowgirl mindset considerably. 🙂
How can I not mention your horse soulmate Merlin the Great! He is a stunning horse and I hope someday you will be able to ride him. I just love your posts! I have been reading them for a long time. Long before you had your farm. You write like you are talking to a friend. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
I feel the same way about you, Diane! Buddies, we are! Kindred spirits! Same taste in check-e-dee boots!
I love the picture of Merlin where he’s looking back like – “Whattttt”.
he says that to me frequently…
Rebekah, I would love a subscription to MaryJane’sFarm Magazine!!
I live in Idaho, just like she does! Merlin makes me think of the pure white, fluffy
clouds that have been floating by in our bright blue autumn skies lately. Idaho is wonderful! I’m sure Tennessee is wonderful too! MaryJane is wonderful! Merlin is wonderful! And you are wonderful! Have a wonderful day!!
Michelle in Idaho
And your comment is wonderful! and you are wonderful too, Michelle! 🙂
Merlin is as beautiful and magical as his namesake. I moved from the city to the country 23 years ago, then had to leave it for job reasons, and just last year moved back after a 15 year absence during which time I prayed every year for an opportunity to go back to what I considered my real home. You would have to pry me away to get me to leave again Even though it is only 2.5 miles from town, I am up on a hill and last winter it was only the bravest souls (and the milk trucks) who traveled it so I really get you when you talk about stocking on up the coffee/toilet paper/cat food. I used to get MaryJane’s Farm in my local grocery store back in the city (go figure) but they don’t have it right here in farm country … cows right up the hill for neighbors and everything! I love, love this magazine and was going to ask for a subscription for Christmas. It would be so lovely to have Christmas come early! Why do I truly believe that this is my real home? Because I would trade the best food in the best restaurant in NYC and a shopping spree at Saks for the view of a sunset across the valley below me every night. You can’t put a price on that. Love your blog. Give Merlin a hugs and a big, sloppy kiss from me! Barb
I know exactly how you feel! exactly! there is nothing quite like living in the country. I’ll def give My Boy a kiss from you! Did you return to the same area when you moved back out to the country?
My granddaughter discovered horses this year. Her dad’s friend Laura was going to go riding with her dad on Father’s Day, so Rylie decided she should ride with her dad. It was a great success. They found an instructor who loves both kids and horses.
Merlin is an exceptionally photogenic horse.
I’m so glad they found an instructor! I bet this has begun a lifelong love of horses for her. Wonderful!
I would love to win a subscription to Mary Jane’s Farm, I have let mine lapse.
By the way, your horse Merlin is beautiful. It reminds me of the white horse my daughter had when she was a teenager and loved riding horses. We do not have him anymore but he was a pleasure like your white horse is to you.
Was your daughter’s a quarter horse as well? You’re right. Merlin is a pleasure. There is nothing like looking out of my bedroom window and seeing him out in the pasture. That white against the green, green grass. I just looked out to admire him YET AGAIN and there are 7 deer out in the pasture. Two young ones are playing with each other. TOO CUTE
I just took a video with my phone. are you my friend on facebook? I’ll try to post it over there in a bit. those deer were having a ball in the front field! Merlin was just standing there watching them and their craziness.
beware of wizards, they may bewitch you and steal your heart…. especially horsey wizards…. 😉
That’s for sure!!! And it feels so good!
Merlin, your diabolical plan worked, your handsome good looks and charm stole your moms heart!
It really did! Although, I have to say that when he first came here he was pretty grouchy. I used to think that this is what an arranged marriage must be like. I was wild about him, but he was grumpy. Now he realizes how awesome it is here and he took over the farm. It is his.
Hi Rebekah! Great post. Love everything you had to say – especially the part about being happy. I try always to follow that same motto. And when I don’t feel like smiling? I hear my mother saying, “Put a smile on your face and straighten up” and it always works!
– Dori –
Oh Dori, your Mama was right! I remember seeing studies that have proven that “smile therapy” works. My daughter’s kindergarten teacher used to say, “fake it ’til you can make it.
That one is true too. 🙂
Do you miss law offices? By the way, Merlin is the most beautiful horse I’ve ever seen.
Kathryn, I absolutely miss dressing up and being in an office with people. I feel a little remote so far out. And I barely get out of blue jeans. I’m thinking about opening up an office here though. So, yes, I miss the office scene. Same here, he is the most beautiful horse I have ever seen. I used to want a Gypsy Vanner (before I experienced Merlin). No more. He is my fantasy horse.
your way of life is like a dream with your beautiful unicorn. you are so blessed.
thank you, Mona! it often feels that way!
I used to think you were a little crazy over the whole snake thing, Rebekah. Until I found one ( a small one, but one nonetheless) in the floor of my BEDROOM!!!!!! Now I am totally with you! I couldn’t sleep in that room EVER AGAIN! I told my husband we had to sell the house ( our daughter is the ninth generation of our family to live here- he just laughed at me). So I completely understand your trouble now:). By the way, Merlin is quite beautiful. Especially next to his red barn!
I would love a subscription to MJF again- I had to let mine lapse when we had to tighten our belts so I read it at the library. If you picked me I would be ever so grateful! And I would never question your snake phobia ever again. And Merlin is a handsome guy!
I feel your pain, Meredith! I’ve had one in the bathroom, in the hallway, in the attic…I think that’s all! Oh, yeah, in the living room too. Farm living. I do know, however, that my fear is more than fear. It is definitely a phobia. here’s to no more snakes!
I have fallen for Merlin….. He’s Beautful! Are you sure he doesn’t belong to Marry Poppins because Merlin is Practically Perfect in Everyway! He Sparkles with Majestic Charisma! Thank you for a delightful peek of Merlin and your farm!
I have fallen for you, Sheena! For saying that! Thank you!
♥️Merlin♥️
I know, right! Me too
You and Merlin are both extra special this post must be for the Merlin Adoration Society.
Oh, I am so pleased with this comment. The MAS has been formed and I appreciate the membership! 🙂 So does he! I think he knew it all along, that such an organization would be formed.
I think the quote should be “a clean house is a sign of a wasted life.” It is messy because we live in it.
Oh goodness, how funny! you are right! 🙂
Love ! I loved your blog, every word, every photo. Was it because beautiful Merlin has such mischief in his eyes and I bet a
mind of his own and we can all tell you are smitten? Your photos have made me love him, too and wish you both many years af happiness and health. Would you please give him a special huggie rub from me?
You’ve got him pegged, Jinx! yep! There are so many horses I have met that are “dull” or “empty” or “broken.” They do their job, but are listless in doing so. Goodness knows what they’ve been through. Horses seem to often be victims of human unkindness. Anyway, Merlin is special. Yes! huggie rub from you headed Merlin’s way! Thank you!
Love the array of questions and of course Merlin photos.
Me too! The questions make me think~!
I’m always so glad when I see your posts come up! Would love to see some more of your house redo’s. It looks like a gorgeous home. And your property-Wow. I live in the country also and everything (everything) is at least 30 minutes away. Really enjoy MaryJanes magazine. I usually get it at the library, so having a subscription would be awesome. It’s not always easy to get it, everyone else enjoys it too!
Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Claudette
I promise, when we are finished I will do a house tour! Maybe by Christmas? It is so slow. Our project list is L-O-N-G. But it keeps us motivated. 🙂
I live in rural Maine, and know exactly what you are writing about when you write about traveling for anything you need, the goodness of your friends and neighbors, but I am not a horse person. It is not that I don’t think they they are beautiful animals, I’ve just never had the opportunity to be exposed to them. I am a dog person, I feel about my Nellie the way you feel about Merlin. When I started reading this post, I thought my goodness how can I write something admiring about a horse…he’ s good looking, he’s big …rather bland comments… But after seeing all the we intrupts for Merlin, I get it…that horse is like my Nellie…his personality shines through with every picture…he’s just a big love bug! Thank you for sharing Merlin with us all…and giving me some exposure to horses…maybe it’s time for me to visit my horse neighbors and get to know them better.
You did great, Judy! Great! I had never been around horses either. Not until we moved here. I have no idea. But yes. If you are given the chance, spend some time with a horse. Nellie is lucky to have you love her so much. We have 3 dogs here, Blue, Strudel and Oreo. None are farm dogs, though–all house dogs!
I love, Love, LOVE when I find you have posted, Rebekah. I have country running through my veins, pooling around my heart…but my feet landed in Omaha, Nebraska some 30 years ago. So, it is my magical journey when I am transferred to my soul’s longing through your heart, words, and pictures. I appreciate each time you share with us, for I know that you have taken time to to confine to words what makes you sing. Thanks for sharing your heart’s songs so that I, too, can be whisked away.
Carol, I love sharing here at maryjanesfarm. You know why? Farmgirls are awesome. Thank you for being awesome! Have you seen farm vacations? Someone was telling me about them. You might get your fix that way. Thanks for joining me on my journey!
You seem to lead a charmed life but I know it’s a lot of hard work! You’ve definitely got the spirit for it and are an inspiration to me and many, many others. Your Merlin is a beauty and I can see why you’re so enamored with him, lol. One day you’ll be riding him in a parade as the Lone Ranger and Silver! I love to read your posts as they always give me a lift for the day.
I WILL ride him one day soon. I WILL. I want to wear one of those long, flowing dresses. Have you seen those pics online? I’m really dreaming on that one! I’ve always felt like my life has been charmed. But I don’t really know what that means anymore. You’re right, it is really hard work. I think maybe that’s it. I think the main thing is to keep smiling. Through it all. Thanks, Cathy!
Merlin is magically magnificent! Love your posts, they make my day when I read them!
Thank you Stephanie! He is indeed! Thanks for reading! Your comment made MY day!
I LOVE your posts! and I LOVE horses, but have never had one of my own. I am 61 years old……..may not ever own a horse, but still love them, and have transferred my love of them to my son and granddaughter! how awesome is that? but they don’t own one either. ………………. maybe some day
Mary, I have met plenty of first-time horse owners in their 60s. All women! It is never too late! But there are other ways to enjoy horses without having one yourself. Horse rescues. Trail rides. I hear being a grandparent is even better than being a parent!
WOW BEKA! Thanks for answering all the questions and sharing your life with us!! We do need a book from you!! Contact Susan Branch ~ maybe she would publish it for you are at least give you lots of pointers!!!! I love how you moved to the country and wasted no time getting all the things you dreamed of! You’ve made it a beautiful place! Would love to see more pictures of what you’ve done inside the house. SNAKES! YIKES! I use to have the same fear level with snakes but my husband didn’t and that made me determined to change. Not having any poisonous ones where we live now has helped tremendously ~ a super blessing. I still jump when I see one in the garden but my heart stays calm. PRAYING for you! I think you are well on your way just by going into your chicken house without looking up!!! OH BY THE WAY! Merlin is all the things you say he is plus a horse angel ~ white! When I close my eyes I see wings!!! Heavenly blessings to you and your family and your FARM!!! AND thanks for the giveaway!!!
Cathy in the hills of Idaho
Cathy, you are right! Feathery white wings for that boy! That’s great advice- I should contact Susan. I have enjoyed her books so much through the years. The inside isn’t finished. I keep thinking that when we get done I’ll get it decorated and share it. I just can’t believe how long it takes to whip an old farmhouse into shape. sigh
You really should write a book….we’d all read it, I’m sure. I love all the Merlin pictures and I can even see his unicorn-ness shining through in the second picture. You just have to use your imagination a little.
Maybe one day I will! My friend sent me a link to a unicorn horn you strap on a horse’s head. It lights up! I should get that. Poor Merlin!
Rebekah: I love you blog and I am like a kid at Christmas when it comes. I cannot wait to read what you are up to. Merlin is beautiful. I grew up around horses are love the smell of them and the hay and the barn. Everything horsey. Your picture of the land and pasture and the church would be a beautiful Christmas card. It is so beautiful where you live and being in nature is the very best church of all. Thanks for all the sharing you do. We all love you for it. Do you have the new James Taylor CD? It’s a good one. xxoo
Oh yeah! You know I do! I happened to be in ATL the Tuesday it was released. I ran to the store to get it that day. It’s super! I wish I could make that photo into something, but I took it with my phone and the quality is too low for anything. 🙁 I am the same way with the smell of horses. When I first got him Farmgirl Donna told me to take a big whiff of his mane. I did and I was like–hmmm, that smells very unique. I wasn’t sure about it at the time. Now, I do love it. And the aroma of hay! yes! Hey-I even love cleaning out all the manure in the barn. I’ve come a long way, Baby!
i always love your blog and Merlin was so cute sneaking in like that through out it! I already am a subscriber but its cool that you are giving away your extra free year.
Thank you, Denise!
Seeing your photos of Merlin makes me extra miss being around horses, I worked at a small barn in high school that bred Paints and Quarters for reining and showing. Then in college I volunteered for the Indiana Horse Rescue, now I’ve been an apt for over 10 years in Florida, but my husband is well aware that in the next couple of years we will have land and horses will follow, great pics of your guy, gorgeous horse, love that sweet face
Natalie, So, we’ve been on the farm 3 years now (I think!). There have been times when I’d give up on riding horses. I just don’t have the skills and have had a hard finding someone to help me. During those periods I realized that it didn’t really matter to me if I rode. I just love to have the horses here and to take care of them and to be in relationship with them. Something about horses! Yay for you! Keep us posted!
Your Merlin, is absolutely magical. My DH doesn’t understand horses but I would love to have one. I enjoy our miniature donkeys. Love all your writings. A definite connection for me. Throughly enjoy The magazine as well. My indulgence from time to time.
Denise, I’ve come to the conclusion that guys have different relationships with horses than gals do. In general. Apparently, there is a huge group of middle-aged women who are just discovering the magic and majesty of horses. Do you ride? I wish I had started learning A LONG time ago! I’m such a beginner.
Merlin is so sweet! I would love to come and visit and take him for a ride. I have not been able to subscribe to my favorite magazines due to my husband’s unemployment. I would love to win!
Robin, Mer is a doll. A wild doll! Yes, I’ll enter you twice! Thoughts with you and your Hubs! I bet something will come up for him real soon.
Congratulations, Robin! 🙂
Robin, I hope you see this soon! email me your address so I can send in our subscriptions. rebekah@maryjanesfarm.com
Based on your own experience, what would you tell someone that was looking to make a lifestyle change like yourself and move out of NYC (possibly upstate) to pursue their passion for farming, gardening and a more sustainable life?
By the way, my daughter (who’s 11) LOVES horses (she gasped while looking at pictures of your Merlin – he is certainly handsome!) and she’s been begging me to get one if we move. What would be your advice for someone her age wanting to own a horse?
Gigi, I would tell everyone to CHASE THEIR DREAMS, whatever they are. I think the key is to do enough research to be certain that whatever you decide to chase is really the DREAM. For us, we wanted wide open spaces and snow in the winter and to live around people who were nicer. We got all of that. But. Moving out into the middle of nowhere is not for the weak. There’s a saying that every horse deserves to be loved by a girl. The key to horse ownership, I have learned, is TRAINING. Of the horse and of the human. Maybe MORE of the human, actually. Get her involved in lessons or volunteering at a horse rescue. Oh, there’s another saying that always cracks me up when I see it: Get your children to love horses, that way they’ll never have money for drugs. Funny and True!! Horses empower and heal. However, if you get one horse, you need to get two (unless you are boarding at someone else’s barn). Horses need horses. They are pack animals. Sometimes people get a goat or a cow or a donkey to be the companion animal; and sometimes there is a rare horse that has lived alone so long it doesn’t need another horse to be happy. But as a general rule: you need two. The other thing I learned about horses is that the purchase price is the cheapest part of owning a horse. You need a pocket full of change, for sure. But there is nothing like it. Oh, one more thing. We have a friend who used to have horses. When he found out that I had caught horse fever, he said, “horses are like boats. You don’t actually want one of your own, what you want is a friend who has one.”
“horses are like boats. You don’t actually want one of your own, what you want is a friend who has one.”
So true! Wanna be our friend? I’m sure my Zoe would LOVE to play with/take care of/ride your Merlin! 😉
My MJF subscription is out. Here’s hoping! And fyi, i always start at the back as well. Yes, Merlin is awesome. Do you know his breed? A touch of Arabian? He does have a sweet face, the little devil. Cowboy Dan is awesome too, but then again, I have a soft spot for Rockys.
Carol, Merlin is a registered Quarter Horse, 100%. He was born on a farm in Va. I emailed the folks there, but never heard back. I’d love to trace his history since he was born. We all think he had some rough years with a rough handler. But those days are over, you know that! Yes, the Rocky breed is exceptional. So far, I don’t ride Cowboy Dan fast enough that he gaits, but he is a nice ride. Just quick. He’s also a little rolly polly, but honest and steady. He’s a great horse.
I love your Merlin! He is gorgeous and reminds me of the true love of my life, my mare Sunny. She was a “pale-o-mino” or maybe a “creamy”. I got her as a yearling and trained her gently and we understood and trusted each other. When in a questionable situation, I would tell her “It’s okay” and she would generally do whatever it was that I was asking (crossing a ditch, bridge, etc.) She has been gone for a few years now and I miss her like everything! You go ahead and enjoy every day in your paradise, for you never know what lies down the road. Thank you for sharing with us, and bringing back memories! I recently got my notice to resubscribe to the magazine, but am in a tight financial place right now, so am hoping my entry is lucky! Thanks again for your lovely blogs.
Linda, what do you think it is that made Sunny so special? Why do some horses just GET to us? I bet she was beautiful. I think the blonde horses are so lovely. Did she get dapples during the summer? Sounds like you had a great relationship with her. Merlin doesn’t have that trust for me yet. I’m not strong enough a leader for him—YET.
I think that Merlin is beautiful and I will continue reading your blog to find out more about him and you and your family. I haven’t yet subscribed but I want to, just haven’t saw an order blank in your magazines.
Thank you, Debbie! There is also a link on the main maryjanesfarm webpage where you can subscribe. Thank you for admiring Merlin! Double entry for you!