Author Archives: maryjane

Click to Give (part 2)

Posted on August 27, 2011 by maryjane

Compelled to contribute, I started looking into my options, and get this: the Internet (and its incredible compendium of genius minds) offers a number of different ways to give without lifting a …

Continue reading →

When my son, DIL, and toddler grandchild, who live in Japan, woke up to EARTHQUAKE! we wondered what we could do to help them quickly and efficiently. Without a moment’s hesitation, they said, Red Cross. We did a fundraiser on our website and in short order, sent the Japan Red Cross a check for $4,485.

If you love blogging and you love eating, here’s a clever way to help the Red Cross.

www.thetomkatstudio.com/good-books-50-fabulous-bloggers-50-fabulous-recipes/

Julie Beck

Posted on August 27, 2011 by maryjane

Julie Beck, 4th from right (okay, lefties, 5th from left), former farm employee, lives in San Francisco.

On Tuesday night, we took her and hubby, Doug, out to dinner, along with my daughter and her husband, Lucas. (I’m behind the lens.) The reason we were in San Fran, City of Charms, is yet another post I’m working on. Bedding. We were there for a meeting regarding my bedding line. Using pics I snapped, I’m going to walk you through the process, start to finish. Stay tuned for that!

Lucas, Doug, Julie, Meg

Mexican food. The best I’ve had.

And the street entertainment was upbeat. Five-gallon white buckets and gallon cans, along with a photo of the drummer getting a hug from Will Smith. (Darn GOOD stuff! The musician I mean. Will ain’t too shabby neither.)

Another Cog in the Noggin

Posted on August 25, 2011 by maryjane

It’s time for a little wordplay. My word for the week is something I like to do a lot of before I sit down to write my journal entries. Can you guess?

Continue reading →

Birds of a Feather

Posted on August 25, 2011 by maryjane

It’s no secret that I’m crazy about chickens. Been there, established that. But did you know that I also carry a torch for their free-flying cousins? Yep, birds of any feather tickle my fancy. Chickadees, woodpeckers, sparrows, even raptors and ravens inspire a kind of wide-eyed wonder in my heart, and I suppose that qualifies me as a birdwatcher. Throw in my trusty old pair of binoculars, and I might even be a bona fide “birder” (FYI: bird was first used as a verb in 1918).

Continue reading →

Here’s a Tip For You

Posted on August 24, 2011 by maryjane

I have a tip for you. It’s around 15 – 20%.

Your mind races. Your palms are starting to sweat. Time is short, and indecision holds you fast.

Continue reading →

Sentimental Shores

Posted on August 23, 2011 by maryjane

Misty of Chincoteague book cover, photo courtesy Harford County Public Library

The warm summer sun has set me adrift to another place and another time. I’m compelled to visit a novel cherished by many girls of my generation: Marguerite Henry’s Misty of Chincoteague, published in 1947.

Continue reading →

Wind, Waves, and Wild Ponies

Posted on August 23, 2011 by maryjane

Did you get a chance to read my recent book review of the childhood classic, Misty of Chincoteague? If so, I’d wager you’re ready to hop aboard as I set out on an island adventure!

Continue reading →

Great Find: Sun Bonnet Sue SOLD

Posted on August 22, 2011 by maryjane

In the next issue of our magazine, “Imagine a Place” Oct/Nov 2011, we’re featuring the adorable, traditional, much-loved Sun Bonnet Sue.

This handmade tablecloth, 35 inches x 35 inches, could be yours for $18. We’ll throw in a copy of “The World According to Mister Rogers (Important Things to Remember)” by Fred Rogers.

Continue reading →

Missouri Ho!

Posted on August 21, 2011 by maryjane

You know I’m a sucker for small-town America. Give me a hardy little burg that thrives on the fruits of agriculture and community spirit, and I’m in heaven. So this week, I’m making tracks to Mansfield, in the heartland of southern Missouri. Never heard of it? Well, you might just be more familiar with Mansfield than you think.

Continue reading →