It can’t all be Peaches and Cream. Right?
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”.
Hang in there! Moving is hard enough; add renovation to the mix and it can be pretty overwhelming. Not to mention sixth grade which is known to be the hardest year out of twelve by a longshot. Love pure love!
We once had a little paso fino yearling that we got in a horse trailer deal, jet black and beautiful with a perfectly smooth gait. I loved him, but my husband called him the demon horse from hell. Ha. He was pretty feisty but so much fun. We sold him at two and a half years and he is now a fantastic trail horse.
If you don’t read Cold Antler Farm blog, check it out. You will fall in love with Jenna and her farm
and I think you will find her encouraging. Your pictures of the horse drawn hay cutters reminded me of her.
I am a Lutheran living in a Catholic community, 30+ years now. Even my husband was Catholic when we met! You are handling the situation just fine in my opinion. Let them see you are not so awful. And I found a very large Lutheran congregation in the next town where I am very active. My philosophy is to live a Christian life quietly but with authenticity. Let your light shine!
Try Avon’s Skin So Soft Original Bath Oil on your horse for flies. Spray lightyly around tail area & rub some around the eyes, but don’t get it in the eyes….
Please make sure your new found love is gelded.
Hi. We have lived on rural properties in serveral different locations and countries and from our experience we would recommend a Mule…a Kawasaki Mule. It is so much fun to ride around in and has a little bed on the back to haul things and more than one person can ride around together. If you buy a typical ATV it will only haul one person at a time and part of the joys of country living is sharing beautiful sunsets, lovely views and even the simple times of working together! Just our suggestion….
On the not all peaches and cream, yes. I currently live in TN in an area where my religious and political views differ dramatically from the majority of the population. I love living here but hate feeling uncomfortable about my views. My workplace is less than hospitable when it comes to that, especially the politics. But I’ve learned to cope. I feel for your daughter because people can be so harsh, especially other children.
But on the peaches and cream side, look where you get to live!! So beautiful and so peaceful (with the exception of prior tenant dude – scary!) and so much to be thankful for.
Re: fireplaces. I know it won’t be the same but how about installing either gas logs or using those candle holders made to be placed in the fireplace? At least temporarily until you can figure something else out.
How about a black and white checkerboard for your floor? You could easily paint a square or two at a time, so as not to be overwhelmed by the whole concept.
As far as the religious aspect, keep to your kindness philosophy as people have to love and appreciate other people for who they are. I am always amazed at what goes on in the world under the guise of "religious beliefs". Daily living can be hard enough without tearing people apart for their differences. Kindness and love rules always!
How about some of those fireplace candelabras for ambiance? You’re heading into the most beautiful seasons, enjoy it!
What a beautiful place! Are gas inserts an option for your fireplaces? I love mine and no messy ashe.
Kill ’em with kindness is my answer when someone tries to give me a hard time about my beliefs. It’s worse when it involves your child, but still works. I am so sorry that you can’t use your fireplaces. I was looking forward to living my dream of a home with a fireplace through you. Your farm really is BEAUTIFUL, though, and there still seems to be quite a bit of peaches and cream for you to enjoy.
Good for you for looking at the positive even though right now life is a little
negative.
We’ve been thru a similar experience, left our church in a small town where later our family was shunned for several years. Our kids were teens at the time, so we faced a mountain daily.
Stay sweet, stay kind, show everyone what true love really is.
Keep focused on your blessings each day, count them on a dry erase board where your family can write theirs too at the end of a long day.
As the old Christmas songs says "The wrong shall fail, the right prevail"….
~Hugs~ from Diana in the Ozarks.
I second the motion on the Kawasaki Mule! We have one that is about 15 years old- couldn’t run the farm without it- and it is like the energizer bunny- it just keeps on running- even when it is feeling sick. If the day ever comes that it has to be "put out to pasture" we would not consider replacing it with any other brand.
I also second the motion to get your new friend gelded as soon as the vet recommends!
I would be up in your maple tree calling the police on the man who wont leave your farm alone- you have every right to, just on trespassing if nothing else.
Show your community that you are genuine and loving- there is no excuse for your daughter to experience this at that age- the way you react will prove your faith. Good luck!
True "grit" will get you through the next few months. Enjoyed your article in the magazine and can see how having "grit" can help you through the less than enjoyable moments. You really need to get a few fishing poles and enjoy the solace.
I am so sorry you’re having these problems. It must feel like hitting a brick wall. I’m so curious though – how did they KNOW? Are y’all purple with feathers, or something, that they could tell just by looking, that you were a different religion?
I think you’ve got the right idea about it. Be yourselves, be kind, and give them love. Cookies might help, too. Or better yet, pitch in and help if a family needs something, or there’s a community festival, things like that. I do know what it’s like to be different, but most people eventually come to accept you.
I like the other suggestions for your fireplaces. Fake it ’till you make it, I guess. I really hope you’re able to change the fireplaces so you can use them.
Good luck with everything! Just think, a year from now, perhaps most of these issues will be gone, and you’ll have possible solutions for the others. Keep your hopes up!
I just LOVE hearing all about your new experiences and thank you for sharing once again. I grew up with horses and the best product for repelling flies is called Wipe Fly Repellent. You can buy it online or wherever they sell products for horses. You will instantly see the relief it gives an animal and the scent is fairly pleasant too. Take care & have fun!
I would suggest you get a second opinion on those fireplaces. There are so many new things out there that it would not surprise me that someone has a solution that would work. Do a little research on line too.
With the community just be yourself and again do research on their religion so you understand where their feelings are coming from so you can understand these folks better. It would be like a midwestern (Nebr, KS, Wyom) moving into a New Jersey or New England community and not understanding any of the customs of the other religions in the area and there holidays etc.let along their dialect. Smile I am trying to be positive about this all. Good Luck and enjoy your new home.
I am just reminded of the verse that says Love never fails…. and as for the fireplaces, I agree gas logs for now…and maybe something will come up..as for the drunk guy, I am sooo sorry you have to experience that especially around your little girl…I will pray for that situation to dissolve..and I will pray that your daughter’s school mates learn more about love and not just religion. Be Blessed
Well, now you know you’re home. It is ALL yours…including owning the "unpleasantries" :o) I say that with compassion. I do feel for you … and most especially your little girl. It is hard to go to a new place, period, much less having to endure being singled out as even more different than just ‘new’. Your ‘love em’ response is the right one. You can’t control the choices that others make, but you can control your own and rise above the poor choices of others. It will be a character building experience for her, albeit not a fun one. My dad was in insurance and I was married to the military for several years too. I know all about having to start over in new places…as a kid and as an adult. It is not easy, but eventually things fall into place. You fell in love with the farm and you love each other. It will be enough to get your through. :o) hugs.
What puzzles me is why anyone would put that many ‘just for looks’ fireplaces in a house … and an old one at that. Now that’s just plaid weird. Is there any evidence of them having had fires in them before??? Hm, well if you can’t use them as is, then maybe re-think how to use them differently…the new high efficiency gas log type or some other insert? You’d have the visual flamey thing…minus the mess. Maybe the options will be better than the original idea? Sunnyside thinking?
With the right training, I bet your new horse will work out fine. At least, he’s not a repair horse. He’s clean…no bad experiences, no unfortunate history to un-do.
MyOhMy girl, you’ve got a full plate and no more beautiful a place to do it all in. Good gravy, it looks like what all of Grandma Moses paintings were based on … storybook country images.
Keep your eye on the dream. Not even the scarey ole drunk fella can impede a farmgirl with a vision.Call the law and be firm. Stake your claim and stand on it girlfriend. The world will come around and your dream farm will EVENTUALLY live up to your hopes for it. In the meantime, you’ll probably relate to the Tom Hanks movie, The Money Pit, from time to time. Laugh whenever you can grab a giggle. You’re gonna need it.
Sending supportive thoughts from Wyoming…where we’ve yet to finish my dream place in 18 years.
Shery
Oh, my dear Rebekah….I have no suggestions other then what has already been suggested here, and it’s really great advice! But my dear, I will say this: I am sending you and yours an abundance of love and good energy in your new home. Everything will work out, it always does! People will be people and people will judge, but your response of pure love is beautiful, and the ONLY way to handle the situation. May you be surrounded and protected by love, joy and good will. May your days enjoy a savory ripeness, and may your hard work reap a bountiful harvest of bliss. You are such a wonderful woman, and I love your blog! You are a blessing to those who know and love you. Thank you for sharing your life with us, the good, the beautiful, and the less than perfect parts. All shall be well…
Cindy
Hi Rebekah,
I like the gas log suggestion too. They heat the room, look great, clean and no mess to clean.
Also agree with "kill them with kindness" approach … your daughter will become a stronger person too.
About the trespasser … he wrote his own destiny years before you met him, plus he’s messing with the wrong person now. You know the law … use it to your advantage and find peace of mind that you’re right.
Love the pony, what a great addition to your farm.
Also, love the suggestion about the mule or a ranger instead of an ATV. A shared ride for your family around the farm would be great.
To control flies around our chicken coop and yard we use a food grade Diatomaceous Earth … works like a charm and it is safe for one and all. Should work well around all animals. We find this at our local county co-op.
Rebekah, enjoy your beautiful farm and hopefully everything else will fall into place.
Enjoy this beautiful fall in the mountains.
You have the right idea about the religion. Kindness is the best virtue. I would suggest the Mule also. A GREAT machine. I like the idea about the checkered floor. I had one (vinyl) in my kitchen and loved it. It is so beautiful at your new home. SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Hi Rebekah….I’ve enjoyed your posts for many years now and I’m quite envious of your beautiful new life. Of course there will always be bad with the good but in know in good time things will work out for the best. As a horse owner for many, many years I know you will find much happiness with your new bundle of joy. The only thing I would add is that horses are herd animals and they really need a friend to hang with not only for companionship but for security(safety in numbers). All the best to you and yours in your new life!!
Hi!! Sorry to hear about the chimneys, but yes, get a 2nd (and 3rd) opinion.. gas inserts are great and heat up the place without all that heat escaping up the chimney! As far as your situation with the locals; we moved from busy Southern California to rural Tennessee to find some peace and beauty.. not everyone likes newbies, but oh well. We just respond with kindness and humor and soon, sorta, they come around. The rest is between them and their Maker. You had more guts than we did, we bought in a subdivision with 1/2 an acre, which was a good ‘spread’ compared to the postage-stamp-block-wall-bordered-lot we had before. But, starting to feel confident to spread out a bit and maybe in the next 2-4 years we’ll migrate to 3-5 acres, Lord willing.. Exciting right? I had to buy several books on planting seasons/plant types for this part of the country, since I haven’t a clue. Seems like I’m starting from scratch when it comes to understanding the various seasons, etc. All I’m used to is just sun, sun, sun and 50 degrees was considered cold. Loving the different weather here, it makes me feel alive.. the smell of rain, trees, hay, cows and horses.. can’t get enough! So yes, different place/different problems but the upside is HUGE!. Don’t be discouraged, little steps will get you where you want to be…Enjoy the RIDE!! ")
Wow! You had a mouthful to say on this blog!First let me say,A loving mother feels a child’s pain a hundredfold. I grew up in a New England town with one church, Congregational.We were french Canadian in our heritage,our grandparents only spoke french and it was disrespectful to speak english in their presence.Therefore, english happened when I started school.My father drove us to a bi lingual school every day of his life.There was no kindergarten to give us a "headstart" My family was Catholic and a family friend drove to our home every Sunday to say Mass.We were taught,as you are doing, that God is God and we all reach out to Him in a different way.Like your unwelcomed visitor there will always be people who just don’t get it. I have to say that when my brothers and I became adults my parents had already instilled a sense of purpose in us and most people like us just fine and are only too happy to enjoy our friendship.With your guidance, I’m sure the same will be true of your daughter.Patience and love will rule.I must say I think the fireplaces are your biggest problem.Love the pictures.Before we had a tractor on our farm,the sight of those big black horses meant that my grandfather would hoist me up on the back when he walked them back to the barn. Such fun for me……today he would be arrested for child endangerment. So glad you are able to see a bright side to all of this as you have taken on a huge project.You "be steady" in your journey and you can’t go wrong.