You know that pondering tilt of the head a person gives a work of art they’ve just completed? Writing about your life is that exactly. You step back, pick up your paint brush, apply a dab of compassion here, a brush stroke of flair over there. Putting your life on canvas allows you to see what your life looks like through the eyes of others.
Going Granny (actually my grandkids call me Nanny) is my best achievement yet! Here’s a phone message my barely two-year grandgirl left for me on my 58th b-day. I guarantee it; this will make your day.
Have you ever wondered what the world’s ugliest color might be?
Photo by Yanns via Pixabay
Yeah, no … I really hadn’t either.
But, leave it to science to sniff out a seemingly silly subject and say it’s so.
Such is the case with Pantone 448C, otherwise known as Opaque Couché.
This is it, they say—the world’s ugliest color:
Well, approximately, anyway.
Frivolous as this finding may appear, it’s making the news because the Australians have pinned down a way to put it to good use …
If you feel a certain zeal for Zentangle, then follow me along another winding path …
Image by LittleGretchen via Flickr
to the Spirograph!
You might recall this mesmerizing pastime from childhood, complete with little plastic gears and multi-colored pens.
With all of the recent buzz about adult coloring books and Zentangle, it’s no surprise that the Spirograph is finding its way back into fashion.
“The only toy I still have from growing up is a Super Spirograph,” shares Heather Holm of Spirographic Art. “I was already a teenager when I got it, so that would have been in the early 1970s. My sister had a regular Spirograph, and we both loved it, so when the Super Spirograph came out, I had to get one. It has survived many moves and a fire … now my son enjoys playing with it too. One day he observed, ‘Whoever invented this was a genius.’”
Heather is such a passionate proponent of the Spirograph and all of its gorgeous geometric possibility that she dedicated her entire website to the art—tutorials, tips, product reviews, and coloring pages.
A variety of Spirograph kits are available from vendors like Amazon, from travel sized sets to super deluxe versions with a dozen or more discs in different shapes and sizes. To get an idea of how hypnotically creative you can get with circles and spirals (stick with the video to the grand finale), watch:
Thanks for the mention! My SpirographicArt.com website has connected me with people around the world who are intrigued with those crazy curves, from parents to artists to mathematicians and inventors. The user feedback keeps me going and trying new things, like Wild Gears, which is a step up from Spirograph. I’m also fascinated by the art people make with their Spirograph designs. Presently I’m working on more videos and coloring pages!
MaryJane says: You’re an early bird, Heather! I think my grandgirls are going to love it.
Cindi says: Oh my gosh that is amazing artwork!!! I can’t tell you how many hours I spent playing with a Spirograph – even got my kid brothers hooked on it and that wasn’t always an easy thing to do! I can’t believe I never thought to color the designs in ~ hahaha! Guess you really are not ever too old to learn something new. Thanks so much for the link. New ideas for my grandkids are always good 🙂
Krista says: I remember spending hours using my Spirograph kit! I also never thought about coloring in the designs but now I wish I would have. The colored in designs are so visually pleasing. I know I still have my Spirograph kit somewhere, so now I need to go find it and play with them again!
Noi says: I just brought one home from the Thrift store in a beat up ole box…my 21-year old daughter was like–what is that thing? jeez! Can’t wait to play with it this winter when it snows!
Darlene Ricotta says: Those Spirograph cookies are pretty! I used to do this when I was a kid and I have one of these sets so I think I might try it again soon.
Thanks
darlene
Marie M says: My favorite toy growing up was the Spirograph set I got for Christmas. 2 Christmases ago, when I saw that a new version had come out, I put it on my list to “Santa”. Apparently I was a good girl that year because it was under the tree Christmas morning. After watching this video, I think I’m going to pull it back out because (I’m ashamed to admit) I never once thought of coloring the shapes in like Rachel Evans has done. MaryJane, thanks so much for this particular story. It has truly inspired me!
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For all of you moms who’ve found yourselves perched in an empty nest,
Photo by Laura Hartog via Flickr
wondering what your kids are up to today …
(Insert wistful sigh here.)
Meet Jonathan Kubben Quiñonez from Brussels, a 27-year-old traveler who steadfastly keeps his mom in the loop, no matter where in the world he happens to land.
From the top of a pyramid in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula,
Photo courtesy of Instagram.com/momimfine
to the sea floor of Colombia’s San Andrés Island,
Photo courtesy of Instagram.com/momimfine
Jonathan lets his momma know he’s alive and well.
“Quiñonez quit his job, sold his car, and ventured out to see the world. However, after arriving in Cuba, the first stop on his round-the-world trip, he had a hard time getting in touch with his family,” reports Travelweek. “So the intrepid traveler came up with a genius—and heartwarming—way to let his loved ones back home know of his whereabouts: by starting up an Instagram account and posting photos of himself in new locations, holding up a sign that reads ‘MOM, I’M FINE.’”
Share Jonathan’s Instagram adventures with your kiddos and see if they catch the hint!
Photo courtesy of Instagram.com/momimfine
Amy Cloud Chambers says: What a sweet guy! His mom must be so proud that he thinks of her so often. We never stop worrying, no matter how grown and independent the kids become!
Karlyne says: Awww, what a good kid!
Krista says: Heartwarming! It’s so sweet that he goes out of his way to contact his mom to let her know that he is doing okay. The best part is how fun he makes it! Hopefully this can help others remember the importance of letting their mothers know they are doing fine!
If you love needlework, most likely, you’ve knitted or crocheted a gift for a loved one. Potholders, shawls, throws, even sweaters.
But maybe you really, REALLY love needlework and have always longed for an even bigger project. Well, sisters, I’ve got one for you … dare we call them car cozies?
photo, blooger.com
photo, carmagzonline.biz
photo, blogger.com
photo, yarndoodler.com
or how about a bike cozy?
photo, mentalfloss.com
or even a bus cozy?
Mary Frances Rauch says: Wow, I have to say that MY mind never went this far when it comes to knitting/crocheting.
Krista says: How cute! I am in love! The second picture is my favorite. Whoever made these has some serious talent and a wild imagination! I would love to make one of these, but for a toy car of course!
Bobbie calgaro says: My hometown of Pittsburgh Pa knit a bridge cozy in 2013, called Knit the Bridge. It covered the Andy Warhol bridge in knitted afghans to bring together the neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. It was something to see. If you google knit the bridge, you can bring it up.
Darlene Ricotta says: Those are so adorable, what a creative design for all those. I would never have thought to do something like that.
How fun!
darlene
Have you volleyed around the idea of going solar?
Photo by Unsplash by via Pixabay
If the venture seems a little too “out there” or overwhelming to pursue, you might be interested in a free online Google tool called Project Sunroof.
The tool “helps homeowners explore whether they should go solar or not” by offering a birds-eye view (aka high-resolution aerial maps) to help calculate a roof’s solar energy potential “without having to climb up any ladders.”
Photo by Joan Sykes via Geograph
(I couldn’t resist that photo!)
Anyhow …
Currently available in 42 states, the tool searches your address and, if it’s available, comes up with a basic analysis of how much sun your roof gets and what sort of solar installation might work as well as prospective costs and savings. You can also tweak the estimates based on your actual electricity usage and other parameters. If you’re interested in exploring more, Project Sunroof will help you find local installers who could give you a more accurate quote.
If your address isn’t accessible yet, fear not—Google plans to reach all 50 states this year.
Try Project Sunroof here.
Amy Cloud Chambers says: I tried it out, but unfortunately my address wasn’t there yet. Quite a few folks have gone solar around here, so I think it must be a pretty good location for it. It’s something I’ve thought about a lot, thanks for this resource, I’m sure my address will pop up eventually!
Winnie Nielsen says: We have enjoyed the benefits of solar panels on our roof since we purchased the house in 1984. Essentially we have free hot water and the system has only required updates and maintenance twice during all those years. I am not sure I would want goats on my roof!LOL!!
Krista says: Solar panels have really started to boom. Within the last 2 months I have had about 7 different salesman visit my house trying to sell solar panels. I can’t believe there are so many different solar panel companies around here. I checked out Project Sunroof and found my house. My roof doesn’t receive much sun and I would be saving an average of $100 annually. This is a really cool resource!
Are you a sheddie?
If the image below strikes your fancy, then you are, dear, you are …
Photo by Mira (on the wall) via Flickr
“Sheddie” is one of those catchy British terms that means, loosely translated, shed enthusiast.
If you are, indeed, a sheddie, then you might also identify as an outpostie, shackie, coopie (I’m just making those up as I go, in case you were wondering).
In England, it seems that there’s a sizeable population of sheddies—enough to support a site called Readersheds, which celebrates every conceivable style, shape, and size of shed from the traditional to the unconventional.
Photo by RobArmstrong2 via Pixabay
Readersheds showcases sheds a-plenty, but its crowning achievement is its annual Shed of the Year competition, which kicks off each year in May.
The man behind Readersheds, known simply as Uncle Wilco, is the head judge and founder of Shed of the Year. A passionate sheddie since his youth, he claims to have made it his mission “to open the eyes of the world to the importance of the shed.”
Photo by Antranias via Pixabay
This year, a panel of judges has selected a shortlist of public shed submissions for each category:
“Now it is up to you to decide on the winners from each one,” they invite. “Take a look at the sheds our panel of experts have selected to represent each category before voting for your favourite. A final judging panel will then pick an overall winner, whose creation will be crowned Shed of the Year 2016, later this Summer on the Channel 4 show Amazing Spaces Shed of the Year.”
Here’s a clip from the 2015 show:
Photo by Efes via Pixabay
Winnie Nielsen says: Yes, I am a Sheddie and I take it as a badge of honor!! It all started when I was growing up and my Dad had this little house built in the back corner of the yard to keep the tools, lawnmower, my bicycle in Winter etc. It was painted white with a green roof and I claimed it as my place space too. I always wanted a horse so I pretended that this was my barn. Some how I inherited an old bridle and martingale which I kept oiled and hanging up inside. Who knew if possibly that dream of a pony appearing in the backyard would materialize? One had to be ready! Realistically, it was the stall and shed for my stick horse which I would ride about the yard and jump over lawn chairs on their sides . Then I could pretend tie up my little horse, pull of grass and place in a bucket for his dinner and pretend to groom him.
I loved that shed and when I went back to my home two years ago, it was still standing in the backyard and looking just as cute as it did 40+ years ago. There are two elementary aged children living in my old home now and I wonder if they have ever explored the possibilities that this little building might hold?
Today, I sure wish I had enough space in our yard for me to have my own Shed again. This time, it would be a sewing and craft space and all fixed up with vintage stuff. Once a Sheddie, always a Sheddie!
Oh Winnie -what fun memories!
the shed here at my farmette in Amishland, is a recycled tractor trailer ( well the trailer part) the original roll down door is up and stowed curled up in the ceiling. The previous owner put on more traditional doors with the standard black iron hardware. It has a nice sturdy ramp if you want to put your riding mower inside.000000000000000 alas I don’hbbbbbbbblb( oops my new 7 week old kitten, BB king, typing) have one.
I love how the british are so very “twee ” ( british for ever so sweet but slightly kitshty ) about their sheds. On their allotments (small pieces of rented land usually in urban areas, where they plant their gardens), you will see amazingly funky sheds. People virtually live in them as an escape, having tea ( or something stronger) and so forth.
Debbie Jackson says: I too am a sheddie, also a coopie as I with the help of my husband built a 12 x 12 pallet building that houses our chickens and ducks but phase 2 will be for me. I want a place of my own to use for my sewing, crafting, and whatever else my heart desires to put in it. I see a rocker and a table for tea. I’ve been lucky enough to find a property (a rental) with acreage and the permission to have at it out in the yard! You meet wonderful people away from the city and they love to share trash which I turn into treasures. Also they are the first people to come to your aide and help you get started with new ideas, farm animals and gardening plans. This is the best part of my life!
Krista says: I can’t say that I am a sheddie, but I do enjoy looking at others! I never had a shed growing up and still don’t have one to this day. Some of these sheds are absolutely stunning and I would love to have one of them in my yard. I will have to head over and check out the nominations for this year and cast my vote. I love hearing your stories about your sheds and childhood memories!
Amy Cloud Chambers says: I don’t have a shed now, since I have a detached garage (could count as a big shed, though, cause it’s full of stuff and the car never goes in it). Growing up I loved hanging out in the shed with my Dad, it’s a sweet memory.
heres a pic of my antique apple tree in bloom and my trailer shed behind, its bigger than it looks in the pic. Oh and i forgot to mention the previous owner did put up nice wooden siding so it doesnt look like a trailer.
http://www.amishlandseeds.com/images/misc/apple-tree-in-bloom-2016.jpg
MaryJane says: Gorgeous! Another little glimpse into your wondrous lifestyle.
Thanks MaryJane! As soon as I can figure out how to do the pics from my camera to email I will send you photos of my new little 7 week old kitten, BB King, who I got to keep Earl happy since he was soooo lonely after we lost dear Duke back in March.
Yeah my ” wondrous country lifestyle “- haha- replete with the world’s largest ,most destructive GROUND HOG (or as the locals say in PA German dialect, Grundsau = ground pig)
He has eaten nearly all of my super rare skirret :
http://www.amishlandseeds.com/images/skirret.jpg
and all my about- to -blossom ( ie give seeds) rare PA German Lettuce.:
http://www.amishlandseeds.com/images/rare/evasletNEW.jpg
see for more history on htese reage veggies:
http://www.amishlandseeds.com/rare_seeds.htm
I am beside myself as I have a small seed business that is taking a direct hit . Any suggestions ,fellow farmgirls, will be most welcome. All the common tips are doing zip ! I have tried ” Deer Off “, bowls of ammonia ( which supposedly smells like predeter urine) , the commercial fox urine ( who knew? and how the heck do they get it from those foxes anyway ?) and hot pepper sauce and cayenne pepper powder, all to no avail. Tonight I built some Rube Goldberg style cages over the plants in true desperation.
Yes, life here in wondrous Amishland sometimes comes with its trials and tribulations.
MaryJane says: It’s always something. I have days when condo living calls my name:) I recently lost a bunch of chickens and my favorite ever rooster to an early morning coyote that I saw sulking around–first time I’ve had that kind of predator pressure in 20 years. How cool about the lettuce you grow. Damn ground hog. My father was an extraordinary gardener. He didn’t mess around with competitors. He would have tried to trap it, put it down inside a garbage can inside it’s cage next to his truck and then run a hose from his exhaust down into the can. You can either run a wildlife preserve or be a grower of food but rarely both.
thank you MaryJane ! I needed that touch of humor about “dispatching” groundhogs your dad’s way. Oh my ,coyotes ! akkkk! !I am so sorry you lost your chickens and favorite rooster- that hurts.
Oh I wouldn’t hesitate to shoot Phil the groundhog (you know- from the movie ” groundhog Day”?) but I sold my custom shotgun ( an engagement gift from my ex-hubbie- how romantic ) I hired a ” critter control” guy for an unseemly amount today in desperation . I have my wonderful fix it guy Bill coming tomorrow to build more Rube Goldberg style defenses also. see Bill:
http://www.amishlandseeds.com/images/misc/bill-greenhouse-2016.jpg
thanks again MaryJane for your understanding. Hopefully now my gardens can get back to normal.
Kulning (pronounced just as it looks) is a Swedish term that describes a unique form of singing used by Scandinavian herding girls who live in the high mountains with the dairy cattle during the spring and summer months. Think Heidi.
Families would traditionally have their own signature songs that were recognized by their herds. Wouldn’t it feel amazing to be in a beautiful setting with only your cows and belt out the sound of kulning? I’m game. How about you?
Here are a couple more kulning renditions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN1_-AB7LO4&index=5&list=RDjHWguX1oVNQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LxsvTfASP8
Reminds me of the sounds of some of the old celtic chants used in the highlands of Britain. Lovely, and I bet the cows really respond to this music as well.
Krista says: Very lovely sounding. I really enjoyed listening to the videos. I found them very calming and enjoyable to listen to. They remind me of a perfect nap time music for little ones.
Winnie Nielsen says: Since I have never lived on a farm or experienced isolation , I have a hard time imagining such an experience and how the song would bring me a greater sense of peace and belonging. It is quite creative!
Amazing! I would almost be afraid to make my cow dry up!! Such POWER in these voices!!
Speaking of May flowers …
(really, who doesn’t have May flowers on her mind?)
Photo by Soorelis via Pixabay
… here’s a perennial blossom worth celebrating:
Photo by Hans Gerber via Wikimedia Commons
Yup, the lovely Audrey Hepburn was born on May 4, 1929 (in Belgium, by the way, for you trivia buffs).
We remember her as an icon of style and sophistication, a selfless humanitarian, and one of those enviable ladies who seem to maintain a heart full of youth throughout her life.
Photo from Roman Holiday movie via Wikimedia Commons
So, I thought you might find this little tidbit as inspiring as I did:
“Hepburn never skipped breakfast, usually choosing two eggs, whole-wheat toast, and coffee with milk. Once a month, she would have a ‘detox day’ during which she kept herself well hydrated and ate only fresh fruit, vegetables, and yogurt,” recounts blogger Jessica Reidy. “She preferred to eat organic, and the only exercise she liked was to take was walks in the fresh air. Hepburn believed that her care and attention to a healthy diet gave her the energy she needed for her demanding schedule as an actress, activist, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”
Just a little something to keep in mind as we move into the season of rejuvenation.
In the words of Audrey herself, “Nothing is impossible—the word itself says ‘I’m possible.’”
May flowers, here we come!
Winnie Nielsen says: I love this bit of information on Audrey Hepburn’s lifestyle. She is one of my favorite all time actresses when I watch old movies. It is true, I think, that a healthy lifestyle maximizes your possibilities to live an active and happy life.
I adore Audrey, as did just about everyone. Be sure to see her iconic movie ” Roman Holiday” if you have never had the pleasure . One of the most joyful romantic comedy movies ever. She started as a ballet dancer but grew too tall and so got into acting ,but you always saw that ballet grace in the way she moved.
Not surprised that she was an ” early health nut”. Uh, I have 2 organic eggs, all natural ,usually whole wheat or whole grain bread and tea with milk every morning too. I try to add veggies like making a spinach omelet I sincerely hope that I can live as healthy and happy a life as she did (well until late in life when cancer took her life.)
Krista says: This is a nice bit on Audrey. I actually don’t know much about her, so it was fun to discover new things. I really like that she’s all about eating healthy and feeling healthy. Her detox day sounds absolutely divine and her fresh air walks sound like my kind of exercise! I will have to watch some of her movies now.
Amy Cloud Chambers says: I grew up utilizing Audrey Hepburn and always wished I could look like her (never going to happen, but dreams are nice). This was wonderful info, and I was excited to see she shares a birthday with my mom, who just celebrated her 94th yesterday! Also a lovely lady who I admire. 🙂
Grace Brown-katmom says: She was lovely both inside and out…
For a chance to win these robin cutout painted wood shutters from Shuttercraft Quality Wood Shutters, tell me about your favorite bird in the comments below. I’ll toss your name into a hat and draw a lucky winner sometime mid-July.
Stay tuned for more magazine-related giveaways. If you’re not yet a subscriber to my magazine, MaryJanesFarm, subscribe here for $19.95/year.
Kendra Chubbuck says: Chickadees. They are so friendly and talkative. My husband (John) has been trying to train the chickadees the visit our bird-feeders. He wants them to take food from the palm of his hand and they are almost doing it! Wicked fun to watch. They are year-round birds here in Maine.
These shutters would look wonderful in our new home that we are building. John and I built it ourselves. I have certainly learned a lot from him. We think they would look great as our office door.
Thank you! Have a great weekend.
Pileated Woodpeckers, you know, the ” woody woodpecker” type? I have 2 mated pairs of them at my farmette and they are way loud, think jackhammers- honestly, that loud. It’s mating season so they establish their territory by banging away on the trees. And impress the females who call back with more banging! Yep it’s deafening, especially in the mornings and at sunset. They are very shy so you hear them a lot more than you see them. They are huge birds, about 1 feet tall. Very impressive when you see them and their call is distinctive too.I love them as they are so special.
see here for more info from Cornell:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pileated_Woodpecker/id
MaryJane says: That’s amazing Lisa. Such a rare bird, and to have it take up residence at your place?! You must be living’ right:)
not sure about that-MaryJane but it’s really amazing that I have 4 of them (at least) . They need old growth standing dead trees to be really happy and that I have lots of . Their favorite 2 trees are about 5 stories high at least. becuse of the standing dead wood, I have a huge ( and happy) woodpecker/flicker population here.
Diane Van Horn says: I have those “rare” woodpeckers putting big holes in my cedar house!
are the holes square? then it is the Pileated otherwise some other woodpecker or flicker
MaryJane says: We have flickers here and they do a fair amount of damage. My poor historic barn and one-room schoolhouse gets riddled with holes every spring, even though I’ve covered the siding in chicken wire and hardware cloth, the flickers still peck huge holes into the wood through the wire. I’ve put shiny CDs everywhere and planted fake owls here and there; nothing stops their need to make noise to attract females (originally I thought it was the female trying to build nests). That’s the reason our facility is covered in metal. They still drill into it but can’t damage anything other than their stubborn noggins. I had one early this morning pounding out a staccato on our metal siding.
My oh MY! and I was worried about my poor antique apple tree riddled with holes! Amazing isn’t it how ” love” make you do the stupidest things? oh yeah and the CDs work on deer (kinda) but I haven’t seem them do diddly on bird problems . Ah Mother Nature at her finest making sure they all perpetuate their species, And “ain’t nothing” gonna stop her.
MaryJane says: I have two milk cows in heat this weekend. They act like obsessed zombies when they’re in heat. Night and day.
Winnie Nielsen says: Gosh, picking out a favorite bird is hard to do. I guess I would say my favorite is the Carolina Wren. They are so adorable hopping about and boy can they sing. We have several who live around our yard and come to the feeders and suet everyday for a visit. This morning, I saw a Black and White Warbler at the birdbath having an early morning visit and bath. This is the first time I have ever seen one and when I looked them up in my bird book, I learned that they migrate here in August for the Winter and leave in May. I think I have been lucky to catch a view of one in the yard before they all head north for the Summer.
ELLEN DUSENBERRY says: One of my favorite birds, and not because of its color, is the tree swallow. When I see them and hear their awesome song I know Spring is here. I take my coffee and just sit in my garden and watch and listen. It is especially calming.
winnie Jackson says: Oh how I love these shutters and the color is perfect for my sunroom. My dad was a lover of birds of all kinds. He would feed them and sit for hours in the afternoon outside and watch and just be at peace with them. He would always want me to sit with him and just take in all the joy they give us. Oh how these shutters give me a joyful reminder of my special dad. They bring happy tears to my eyes! How special they are in many ways.
Blessings and enjoy all the world around us daily, Winnie Jackson
Cheryl bell says: Hi Winnie I love your post my daddy loved watching all the birds also,his favorite was the blue Jay’s because they would eat peanuts right out of his hand now they are my favorite because when I see them I think of my wonderful daddy.
May says: My favorite bird is a cardinal because they are so pretty.
Amy says: My favorite bird is the red-winged blackbird. We have many blackbird friends that visit us (and our bird feeders) all through summer. Our family enjoys listening to their song from our windows and backyard.
P.S. Adorable shutters! I absolutely love these.
Krista says: I would have to say my favorite bird is a Blue Jay. Blue is one of my favorite colors and I think they are very smart birds. When I was younger we would put out peanuts for them and watch them fly up and take them. We even placed them right at the edge of our open door and they would still come get them. Sometimes we would even find peanuts hidden in our potted plants! It was such a cool experience.
Such pretty shutters, MaryJane! Wouldn’t they look pretty on our garden/potting shed!
I have so many favorite birds! We have several kinds of woodpeckers, cardinals, chickadees, nut hatches, Orioles, Hummingbirds, besides the less colorful. I think my very favorite is the Gold finch. It is our state bird. Also, in the Fall when the yellow leaves are falling to the ground the bright yellow gold finches (and we have many of them) look like yellow leaves falling up!
Thank you, for another opportunity to win something wonderful!
Alice Minasian says: They’re all so sweet, but whenever I see a beautiful little bluebird, it puts an extra special smile in my heart!
Tracie says: Oh my goodness, 1 favorite… well today my favorite is the hummingbird, they’ve just arrived and having so much fun watching them and trying to recognize any from last year.
Im a bird lover of all kinds. I love my namesake Robin- but adore the song if the little wren. Theyve become quite friendly in our bird houses
my favorite bird is the raven , its mysterious like me. I was in Bryce canyon in Utah and one flew over by me and had a rest on a post . it was a bout 1 yard from me and it wasn’t going any place . everyone with a camera made their way over to were me and my new friend were to take photos and of course my husband had my camera and about the time he was ready to snap a shot , well my friend was gone . see my husbands not to great with my Nikon . so sadly I haven’t a photo with my raven but I took some before I handed camera to husband for he wasn’t moving until I handed husband the camera and it took so long for my shocked husband to click click
Michelle Seliga says: Favorite bird, Hmmm… have a few Ravens I guess , there are alot of HUGE ones around here. All the different sounds they make and they share roadkill with the Bald Eagles!! Also our Dog likes to “chase” them.
Jane Mason says: While I LOVE wild birds, my favorite being Waxwings, bother cedar and bohemian, my personally favorite bird is my Yellow-naped Amazon Myka!!
Sara Kitchen says: My favorite bird happened to be a woodpecker: As I arrived home, a very large woodpecker on the front lawn caught my eye. It stood so still that I went right over and picked it up in both hands, then went inside the house to surprise Daddy. Indeed, he was very surprised as I held it for a few minutes. Then it flew into the walls and again, I picked it up and went outside. It didn’t fly off my hands for a while. Finally it took off and I watched it fly zigzagging away into the sky.
Sharon Demers says: Thank you for the opportunity MaryJane 🙂 I would have to say that Meadowlarks are my absolute favorite bird. I love hearing their song first thing in the morning, all day and at dusk in the warmer months. My ring tone is even a Meadowlark which can make answering the phone difficult in the Summer 😉
Diane Van Horn says: My favorite bird also happens to be my state bird! It is the robin, state bird of Wisconsin. You can always tell when spring is coming by the first sign…robins! I love watching them dig up worms and feed them to their babies in the nest.
Denise says: Oh I just love the hummingbirds! We see them a lot here once I fill my window boxes. I don’t put anything out for them just the flowers seem to draw them. It is just awesome to me the way they keep their wings beating yet can stay in one spot.
These shutters are beautiful and would be so pretty for the little shed I am planning for this summer.
terry steinmetz says: My favorite bird is our state bird, the robin. When I see them, I know that winter is over and spring is here. They work so hard to get their food. And they sing so sweetly
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I love seeing the Eagles in Zion National Park. We live close to the Park and visit there often. Nothing like a brisk hike in the beautiful canyon. It is always a great day when you cna hike there and be joined by the eagles soaring over head along with your hiking. It is almost like they are dancing with you ans you enjoy their home.
Lori Myers says: Tufted Titmouse. They are such pretty little birds. A pair built a nest on a shallow ledge at the corner of our upstairs porch ceiling. Six babies hatched. I had a great view of them from my master bedroom. I must admit I worried as they got bigger that one would fall out, but they stacked on top of each other pyramid style. They were very comical. We happened to be working in the yard the day mom and dad decided to hold flight school. It took most of the afternoon, but each little bird successfully learned to fly and made new homes in the trees around our house. Ever since, they have been my favorite!
Marilyn says: I love the wintry contrast of the male Cardinal at a feeder. These are strikingly beautiful birds!
Rose Ann Wong says: Cardinals. I love how in the grips of cold,snowy winter in Minnesota, they provide a bright splash of color for us to enjoy!
Chrissy says: Naming a favorite bird is a little like naming a favorite child. But, I suppose the one that piques my interest in pictures, little stained glass suncatchers, and in nature and makes me feel some (not all) is right with the world is the hummingbird. I plant appealing red flowers and shrubs to attract them, and try to maintain a feeder. It was a favorite of my mom and dad’s and they were savvy to return dates and getting the feeders out before they came. My dad enjoyed the male ones hovering around his red cap reminding him to fill the feeders when thy became empty. They talked to all the birds and animals, and I do, too.
Elisabeth Perkins says: I would say all birds are beautiful! Since I have to pick a favorite I will pick the sparrow. It reminds me of three things.
First, I am reminded of the Bible verse, Matthew 10:21, that says “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
Secondly, I am reminded of the song His Eye Is on the Sparrow written by Civilla D. Martin, in 1905. One of my favorite parts of the song is the refrain, “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
Lastly the Sparrow reminds me of the poem by Elizabeth Cheney.
“The Robin and the Sparrow”
Said the robin to the sparrow,
“I should really like to know,
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so.”
Said the sparrow to the robin,
“Friend I think that it must be,
That they have no Heavenly Father,
Such as cares for you and me.”
That is a hard one! I like so many. A few years ago we took in an injured owl, Barred. He got well and flew to the woods behind our house. He even called in a mate! Now we have several back there. I love listening to them call back and forth. I remember thinking back in March that it was a sound I would miss when we moved to the farm, but last week, I heard a pair behind our cabin!
I once rehabbed a baby screech owl that had been injured. Bottom line- you want to be sure and keep them VERY HAPPY, as their screech is many decibels loud, it actually truly hurts your ears. I couldn’t get those ( dead) baby mice ( called pinkies in the vet trade) in her mouth fast enough! I was soooo happy when she was able to be further rehabilitated by bird experts and eventually let back out in the wild. Good for you for helping your owl.
I am so excited birds, my favorite of all! I love all birds; however just like most things I do have a favorite which is the cardinal. I keep the saying close to me heart, when a cardinal appears it means a loved one is near! When I see a cardinal with their beautiful crimson red I see my beautiful mother in law whom I know is near me everyday! I miss her so but know she is near when my favorite cardinals appear! I just love these beautiful shutters!
Sharon says: My favorite bird to spot is the pileated woodpecker, when climbing the side of a tree or watching its distinctive flight.
Deborah McKissic says: These shutters are such a pretty blue! The cutouts are beautiful! My favorite bird would have to be the dove. We have a pair of “love doves” as my grandchildren call them…doves mate for life so I read…and, ours hang out together in our yard…I think of me and my hubby as we call each other “love dove”. The one dove was injured one year…could not fly….and we were all heartsick…but it would walk down our front walkway and I kept a bird bath low to the ground for it and fed it thistle from the goldfinch feeder…it finally flew up to our roof top and would sit on the gutter all night, then back to the ground and would even walk up to people who visited! We were amazed at its personality…it healed and flew off with its mate, who was always close by making their “love dove” cooing sound…now, this same dove flies up to the goldfinch thistle feeder and tilts it so it spills out thistle to the ground and then the two “love doves” enjoy it together…..oh…love…..true love….
Deean Hicks says: The Robin, always a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. Here in the mountains of northern Utah the weather can change from snow to 60’s in a matter of minutes. We have a saying here, “If you don’t like the weather it’s okay it will change in a few minutes.” Love everything country!
LaWanda says: I love the humming birds because they are so pretty and I love to watch how fast they can flap their wings. Amazing little birds to watch.
Faith says: I’d say cardinal. They are a bit sassy, but they really catch my eye.
Amy Nixon says: Great white herons. They remind me of camping in the Florida Keys with my midwestern, farm-minded World War II hero dad. He used to call every single heron he’d see “George,” and when I see one fly overhead or poke its head out in the marshy grass on a vacation, I always think of my dad, and his series of “Georges!”
Jana Blackwood says: I love just about all kinds of birds but I guess my favorite is the bluebird. One legend says that the bluebird brings happiness. Whether that is true or not the bluebird is beautiful and harms nothing.
BETH TABBERT says: chickadees are my true favorite year long bird, but in the spring, I put out oranges for my orioles who come back every year…
Sandy Worley says: The shutters are wonderful! I’m making curtains for my sewing room that have all types of lovely birds that would be perfect with those shutters. I have jars & jars of buttons around my bird decorations to enjoy while I’m sewing/quilting. Cardinals have always been my very favorite, but we have darling little sparrows that nest on our patio….& we treasure their devotion to their babies.
Dawn says: My favorite bird is the wren. It heralds spring with its beautiful song. And such a voice from a tiny little bird!!!
Elizabeth hawley says: I would have to say the bald eagle! It is so thrilling to see one! I love owls too and other birds of prey. They just fascinate me!
rosie Halvorson says: My favorite little bird who visits my garden is a Black Phoebe. I just call her Phoebe. She’s there all the time and is a flying bug catcher, so you never see her on the ground. She perches on my fairy statues and on the backs of my chairs waiting for her next meal .
susan barger says: I’m partial to the crazy robin that has built her nest in the open trusses of my balcony roof. I can see her through the french doors to the balcony sitting on her nest. She tries to scare off her reflection in the doors so I keep hanging scarves to keep her from hurting herself. She likes to sit on the railing when she’s not on her nest!
GeriWitt says: We are a bird crazy family, so I have had several favorite birds. Right now my favorite bird is our cockatiel, Angel. He had been with us for 5 years, rescued from a co-worker’s backyard and home, where she had 5 cats. A true rescue! He is fun, quirky and greets me with a whistle and “hello, baby” when I get up in the morning or come home from work.
Gina says: Honestly, I think all birds are my favorite, but if I must pick, I will choose a Carolina Wren because no matter the season, the weather, or the variety of other birds around our feeders, this wren always chirps and hops about cheerfully. Never does it seem to fuss with and bully other birds for food at the feeders; it just waits its turn. These wrens cheerfully sing in our area all year long.
Ashley says: Bluebirds. Our farmstead is a under wildlife management for Eastern Bluebirds and we have several pairs on our property. We’ve had one batch of 5 babies earlier this spring and another batch of 5 eggs are currently in the nest.
They are so pretty, make sweet little songs and fun to watch. Also, our farmstead is called Bluebird Acres and I was nicknamed Bluebird by my friends years ago.
Cutouts make some of our most beautiful shutters! They add charm and personality to any cape, cottage, ranch, bungalow, or farmhouse. The possibilities are endless! Colleen at Shuttercraft
Lynne says: The huge bright Pilated Woodpecker. He makes huge holes in our dead trees and sounds like a jungle bird. So prehistoric!
Sandi says: Mary Jane, I like all birds, but my favorite bird is a night bird, the whipporwill, for it’s haunting song. As a child I listened to them at night when I lived in upstate New York in the country. I have always remembered that sound, such a longing it held and for those who were around to hear it, a blessing to be treasured. You were never really alone if you were close enough to hear the haunting cry of the whipporwill.
Debbie Jackson says: I have more than one but right now I am in love with the Purple Martin’s. I am going to make them a home to ensure they continue to return to my little farm and take care of the little pests. When they first starting swooping around, they’d zoom in low and startle my chickens and ducks but now they are fine with them. They are such a pretty color and so graceful. To me asking what is your favorite bird is like asking what is your favorite flower. Too many beautiful ones to choose from.
Ann Zeigler says: I have one Guinea Hen. I started out with 5…..I did not realize they would be so frail. Have had chickens for years. So I really like my Guinea Hen, she makes funny sounds, keeps all of my hens in line and eats ticks. How awesome is that!
We’re told time and again that supermarket eggs won’t hatch.
Photo by Karen Arnold via PublicDomainPictures.net
Winnie Nielsen says: Who knew this could really happen? I love the story of little Albert!!
I read about little Albert- who knew that Quail eggs were sold fresh in the Netherlands? hey Winnie, you are headed there soon aren’t you? Be on the lookout for them.
Winnie Nielsen says: Lisa~ As a matter of fact, I will be in Amsterdam May 6-7 so I will be sure to look out for a store to see if they carry Quail eggs. I will let you know if I do when we return.
Neato, too bad you can’t bring them home and try it. I bet after Albert all the quail eggs are flying off the shelves now.
Oh be sure to watch all the Albert videos, too cute! I just love him!
Krista says: This is so cool and he is such a cute little quail! I almost want to try and see if any of the eggs I buy would hatch. It’s crazy how nothing is impossible.
Denise says: I would think since it was a quail egg maybe they are raised differently? Possibly with a male around? I don’t know the difference in how chickens are raised there but I doubt it is the same as here in the states. Well the ones for producing eggs for retail.
Buy props used in MaryJane’s books and magazine!
5% of profits will benefit www.firstbook.org, a non-profit that provides new books to children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s how:
MaryJane will post a photo and a description of a prop and its cost along with a few details as to its condition here: https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/MaryJanesCurations. It’s a playful way to be the new owner of a little bit of farm herstory.
Oh my wonder if they tested this with real addicted smokers?
Some men are color blind and the color won’t bother them.
Good luck!
How interesting! I’m really curious to know how well this works and if it has it limitations. I would assume it’s working to an extent if other places are now considering a color change to their tobacco products. Hopefully we can bring something like this to the United States.