Author Archives: maryjane

Going to the Apes

Attended Denali’s delightful wedding this afternoon (one of my graphic designers). I took lots of photos. Stay tuned!

Last weekend, Nicker Doodles asked me out for a date, which means he gets to choose the restaurant, the movie, the whole affair, whatever … getting out the tractor to install new fenceposts? Sometimes. (Actually, I just came in from helping him do just that.)

He took me to the movie “Planet of the Apes.” We have a new theater in town we haven’t tried yet. The new seats, even the popcorn was top notch. But here’s a little tip about “Planet of the Apes.”

The movie ended. Everyone exited the theater except for the two of us and one other couple.

I’ve always wondered why we sit there reading credits. Testing our eyesight? Looking for someone we might know? (Fat chance.) Using the extra time to decompress from an overly thoughtful, heavy movie? Finishing off the last of the popcorn? Milking date night for one last kernel?

Well, finally, it paid off. The opposite of a spoiler alert is this: don’t leave. Somewhere in the middle of the credits, the movie actually ENDS and it’s a very different ending than the ending those who left, left with. Stay put. There. That’s my date night tip. Apes will rise but movie patrons need to do just the opposite.

Official Movie Website for Rise of the Planet of the Apes

Bedding Idea

I’ve come up with the most fabulous bedding idea. First, we took photos of some old ceiling tins I have as well as some that my friends here in Idaho, www.blackcanyonrestorations.com, turned into wall mirrors for me to sell in my retail stores. Next, I turned the designs into quilts and shams. I’m planning on several different color palettes over time. Can you tell I’m excited?

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Giveaway: Sheep Tape Measure

I found my wooly Willie a wooly-eyed friend. First thing he sheepishly said to Willie was, “pull my finger.”

Actually, it was “pull my tail.”

He did.

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Cast Your Vote

Get ready to cast your vote for jobs in rural America.

Here’s how. MORE magazine sent a crew to my farm recently for photos because they’re going to feature my Project F.A.R.M. (First-class American Rural Made) in their November issue. Make sure your subscription to More magazine is current!

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First Day of School

Here’s my grandgirl heading into the University of Idaho music department for her first day of music classes. Note her travel companion — a well-loved, hand-rubbed blankie.

Today’s Recipe: Big Carrot

Ghoulies, groovies, I was working in my lab (greenhouse) one night when my eyes beheld an eerie sight.

My monster carrot from her slab (garden trough) began to rise,

and suddenly, to my surprise …

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Real Worth of Farm Animals

Travel. It’s something I do these days. More than I’d prefer. If I didn’t HAVE to travel, I’d probably never go more than 30 miles past the end of my lane. But because it seems to be what’s required of me these days, I’ve figured out how to make it work for me. I’ve discovered it’s in the little things, the perks. A handmade travel case I adore. The snacks I prepare the night before. The books I get to read. The luxury of a quiet hotel room that’s all mine. The dinner I pack on ice that greets me when, travel weary, I open my suitcase the first night I arrive. Time to paint my toenails. Time to think. Stare out a window.

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San Francisco

Good morning sunshine! … from the 20th floor of the historic St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. Come on out and play the day away …

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Unplug Billboard

Loved this USFS (United States Forest Service) street sign I walked past on a recent visit to San Francisco. Clear Channel: boy on top tubing/boy on bottom watching fireflies. Clear Message.

Bodie, California

In a world of rapid growth, sharp declines, and precious little that’s permanent, the town of Bodie, California, never changes, because …

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