What a month it’s been! We worked day and night to get our little camper ready for a Vintage Camper Roundup last weekend. (Check out the updates we’ve made to her since the last blog!) Being our maiden voyage, we weren’t sure what to expect. Would we be comfortable sleeping in the camper? Would she travel well? After all the excitement, hard work and dreaming, would we even like camping??
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”.
We camp often and just returned from a 4 day campout yesterday, but this looks like so much fun! I think I may have to look into a small vintage camper or glamper.
Hi Carol, I bet a four day trip was awesome! I can’t wait to camp again. We love our little camper and think it is perfect for small getaways. If we were to travel across the country for months at a time, I might consider a bigger one, but wouldn’t part with this little vintage gem! Thanks for commenting! Drop me a line if you do buy a vintage glamper someday! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Oh my goodness! That looks like so much fun! And your trailer is adorable! Thank you so much for sharing this!
Hi Ramona, Glad you enjoyed the blog! The rally was one of the best times I have ever had with my family! And we survived being in a 15 foot space with a teenager, lol! (Actually, my daughter enjoyed it, too). Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Looks like so much fun!!!
To say these are cute campers would be an understatement!
Thanks for sharing your fun adventure!
Hi Bonnie, Thanks for commenting! Oh my goodness, they were all so cute and unique. Each one really reflected the owner’s individual personality! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Sounds like such a fun and exciting adventure. I’m a bit jealous! We still haven’t made it out camping yet. My husbands job is too demanding to get away right now. Since we are still in the 90s here my hopes are still high for another chance.
I agree about the red and white trailer! It’s beautiful! Those would be the colors I would choose if I was painting my own. Or maybe even a turquoise color! Lol. Glad to see you had fun and met other likeminded people. Your dogs outfit is adorable.
I’m happy to hear your family is doing alright. Texas still remains in my thoughts.
Hi Krista, thank you. Now we are all praying for Florida, as well!
Wasn’t that trailer adorable? I like red and white anything! That’s why I chose red as my accent color in mine, as well. I think it looks great with the turquoise. We can’t get away much, either, with my husband’ job, daughter’s school, my schedule, and our animals! But we enjoy just hanging out in the camper when we aren’t using her. I am sure next year we will use her more than this year. We’ve only had her two months, and the first month we spent fixing her up. It’s still kinda a production to take a day off, lol! Thanks for commenting! Big Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Looks like a fabulous time. I need to find a sweet vintage camper and hit the road. 🙂 You have inspired me.
Hi Connie, Thanks! Fixing up this little camper and spending time in her really has been a blast! Good luck in your hunt…vintage camper treasures are out there! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Really cute!
Thanks Cindy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
You did a wonderful job of restoration and I’m so glad you enjoyed your maiden voyage. If you can tolerate one more suggestion: see if you can find a vintage cover for your spare tire. If not, find a vinyl cover to protect it from the sun. That giant ball of fire in the sky can cause your tire to deteriorate quickly and make the rubber unstable. Meanwhile, continue having as much fun as you can!
Hi Adrienne! Thanks so much! And that might be a good idea. I’ll look into that. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
You know, Gidget stood for “girl midget” so your name is perfect, “Glamping Midget”. I love her, and wish you many happy campfires!
Hi Linda, Oh my, {giggle}, I don’t think I knew that, after all these years! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
What a great job you did with the camper. i love anything Vintage. Thanks for sharing.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn, Thank you! I hear ya…I love all things vintage, too. Vintage makes me happy. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I’m no longer a “camper” but love the idea of having a camper and the fun of decorating it. You have done a superb job, love everything. Thanks for sharing your wonderful time. God bless.
Hi Joan, Thank you so much! 🙂 Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Loved seeing your Vintage Glamping ideas .
I bought an older Scamp this year . Glamped
it out , still doing art work on the outside . I’ve
had more fun in my ‘little femine ‘ get away bug , just
sitting in the driveway . Many neighbors stop
by to talk and we’ve solved a lot of problems out there .
It’s simply a creative outlet , fun and given me much
joy ! Soon to hit the road .
Hi Ione, Oh I love the Scamp trailers! Congratulations! The vintage trailers are a conversation starter. We learned so much from the other campers, as well. Happy Glamping! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
What great pictures! Your camper turned out fabulous :).
Hi Heike, Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I loved seeing everyone’s camper at the rally. They are all so unique. I’m surprised how many models were made back then. Thanks for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Oh my word Nicole, I’m dying over your camper (but you already know that)!!! It is SO AWESOME!!! I need one. Oh how I need one! Just exactly like yours!!!
Big hugs,
– Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Hi Dori, I’m giggling…your comment makes me smile. Thanks so much. I need to sew up some bunting for her now. It’s been fun fixing her up and I can’t wait to camp again. Keep your eyes posted…you never know where you might find a vintage camper for sale, but they do go fast! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
One word: FABULOUS!
Thank you! Can’t wait to see you and catch up! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Love the blog!! 🙂
Hi Sherry! Thank you! I am so glad we met, and looking forward to seeing you on future camping adventures!
Nicole, I love the name ‘Gidget” for your little camper! Beautiful pictures and great story.
Such fun! Love,
Mother
Thanks, Mom! Can’t wait for you to visit and see her in person. Love you, Nicole
Nicole That is SO AMAZING! You made my heart smile, as this is my dream. What a beauty. The colors are so happy and inviting. I bet it will look even better when you get the awning. Enjoy it!!
Hi Connie, Thank you! It makes me happy to be in there, too. Can’t wait to get the awning. (The only drawback is I get behind on chores in the house – I’d rather be in the camper, camping, reading, sewing…Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole loved reading your blog about the rally, even though I was there to it was great seeing thru your eyes. You know I’m still looking for a camper.
Hi Linda! Thank you so much! I am glad you liked the blog, and I am so happy we met! I will keep my eyes peeled for a vintage camper for you! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Oh I love all the pics and what a fun time… I cant wait to take mine on a camping venture with other vintage campers, we go camping all the time, just havent been to one with other vintage campers yet…how fun to wake up in the 60’s…LOVE ELVIS….I love the name Gidget, and I love yall had such a good time…many happy trails to yall. Neta.
Hi Vivian, Great to hear from you. The vintage camper rally was something – it truly was a great time. What kind of vintage camper do you have? Happy Camping! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole –
I have to say that everything that you do you put all your Heart & Soul into it. I love the camper. Might get me back into the camping mood! What a great project. Enjoy it! Diane
Hi Diane, Awwww…thank you! You are so sweet to say that. Will you be at the Sheep and Wool festival in Rhinebeck this year? Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Oh, how I miss camping. I haven’t been in years. Congrats to Susan C for winning. Nicole, your glamper Gidget is so cute and the name is perfect. I am so glad you posted these pictures. It is so much fun to see the different ones and how cute they all are.
Hi Sandi, Thank you! I am so happy you enjoyed the post. I love looking at photos of vintage Glampers, both needing restoration (the possibilities) and those already done (so cah-ute)! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
How exciting to live your dream. Gidget is just perfect for your family. You did a super job inside and now you get to enjoy all the hard work. Congrats!
Hi Bonnie, thank you so much! We still have a few little things to do (being vintage, I am sure there always will be something needing done) but we love every minute! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
HI Nicole,
LOVED your beautiful pictures! They took me back in time. You FEEL like you’re back in the 60’s being around all those vintage campers! Enjoyed experiencing your “fun” camping…you did a lovely job of decorating Gidget the Glamper…Perfect name.
Hi Julie, Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed the blog. Gidget the Glamper is like a time machine, lol! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole! I lost track of you for sometime and I was thrilled to open this email! I, too, am looking for my camper….it’s out there somewhere waiting for me…..they sell so fast and so many are on the west coast. I’m in Michigan…..
Love your blogs and I was so happy to know that you are fine and with a little glamper too. Take care….
Hi Susan! Welcome back! Thank you for your nice wishes! I hear ya, it seems there ARE a lot of vintage campers on the West Coast and down south, I guess because there’s less salt on the roads and less wet weather, perhaps. Have you tried Facebook? I found mine on a local tag sale, but there’s also groups on Facebook that are just there for selling vintage campers. I’ve seen a few in your area, maybe that will help! Good luck, my fingers are crossed for you! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole