Author Portrait: maryjane

Exo

Posted on August 24, 2013 by maryjane

Okay, so you didn’t exactly relish the prospect of eating bugs when I introduced you to Ento’s avant-garde gourmet …

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Photo courtesy of Ento

Blech!

and

EWWWWW!

could be heard far and wide.

But, here I am, bringing up bugs again.

Why, MJ? Why???

Hmmm … how do I put this delicately?

Crickets are an up-and-coming cuisine (yes, that IS a cricket tostado below).

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Photo courtesy of Thrillist; http://www.thrillist.com/eat/new-york/nolita/10012/antojeria-la-popular#slide=2?slide=2

Better you should hear it from me, dear heart, than from strangers. We can work together to get our heads (appetites?) around this novel notion—I haven’t actually eaten crickets yet, either.

But my mind is open, and here’s why.

The impetus to eat insects is not merely based on curiosity or shock value. We’re talking about a much more dire motivation. As we struggle to feed this populous planet, we all know meat is incredibly costly in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact (read more on that topic here).

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Photo by Jeff Vanuga, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, via Wikimedia Commons

While you know that I am not fundamentally opposed to meat farming, I do believe that it’s difficult to accomplish it sustainably on a super-size scale.

‘Nuff said.

This dilemma drives us to explore new frontiers of food and find alternative sources of protein.

So, you’re wondering, why crickets? Isn’t soy a perfectly suitable solution?

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Tofu cooked Chinese style, Beijing, China. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons; Fuzheado

Continue reading →

  1. Winnie Nielsen says:
    August 24, 2013 at 1:14 am

    Hmmmmm, maybe I could talk myself into cricket granola bars. I like the theory and the sustainability of it all but, I gotta say that the shock factor will be huge for me!!

    Hello from the Arctic Ocean along the northern most tip of Norway! Can I just say thank God for Dramamine? It is cold and stormy here and we have been pitching to and for for the past 16 hours like a cork !! Yep, this FarmGirl on the Loose wishes she were in a farmwagon on THE GROUND! It is beautiful and wild up here and extremely remote. We are on a cargo ship stopping off at these little teeny fishing villages here and there providing them with a lifeline to the rest of the world. People really live here which is pretty amazing considering the weather and difficulty. The people on the boat say tomorrow weather is supposed to be better. I am praying they are right! One thing for sure, I know without reservation I was not ever cut out to be a fisherman on the seas!!

    Reply
  2. karlyne says:
    August 24, 2013 at 6:53 am

    I think the wiggly-looking legs are what make me ewwww at chrickets. Ground up in flour? Maybe….

    Wow! Winnie, you are really doing some traveling! I hope the weather cooperates for you. I’ve always wanted to see Norway, but maybe from land?

    Reply

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Author Portrait: maryjane

photo-of-the-day

Posted on August 15, 2013 by maryjane

farm_romance-7884

  2. Kay (Old Cowgirl) Montoya says:
    August 17, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    Stargazer lily’s are so beautiful. I would rather look and smell one outside in the fresh air than in a floral shop or market.
    I am a gardener. Have been for 30 years. I have some Heirloom rose’s and I

    Reply
  3. Kay (Old Cowgirl) Montoya says:
    August 17, 2013 at 7:47 pm

    Sorry my beautiful big girl (dog) Sophie just nudged my arm and of coarse the mouse hit “post comment”. She lets me know when I have been on this too long and she needs my attention. So what I was saying is I also garden Organically. When I get moved I intend to go after the Green Badge and the Garden badge. Can not wait.
    love you all and have a wonderful day and evening.
    Kay

    Reply

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Author Portrait: maryjane

the birds out my window

Posted on August 12, 2013 by maryjane

Waking up each morning, I’m greeted by the wild whips, whoops, tweets, and chirps of various indigenous birds.

Press “play” below for a minute preview of what I listen to. Some may call it a bother at 4 a.m., but I call it pure bliss!

While listening, I thought you might enjoy reading this poem—a favorite of mine.

The people I love the best
jump into work head first
Without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes
almost out of sight.

They seem to become natives of that element
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half-submerged balls.

I love people who harness themselves,
an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo,
with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and muck
to move things forward,
as to be done, again and again.

I want to be with people
who submerge in the task,
who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.

The work of the world is
common as mud.

Botched, it smears the hands,
crumbles to dust
But the thing worth doing
well done has a shape that
satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn,
are put in museums
but you know they were
made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water
to carry and a person for
work that is real.

From Circles on the Water by Marge Piercy
Copyright 1982 by Marge Piercy
Reprinted by permission of Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

The bird you see when you listen to the audio is the Yellow Warbler, a regular visitor. We’ve had quite a few juveniles and older warbler-types flitting around the windows of the Design Studio lately.

(Rascal has enjoyed watching them, with reverent purring. I do believe she would love to give them a love bite … or two.)

Their pretty yellow color is similar to my lovely little canary, Daffodil, who passed away a couple of weeks ago.

  1. Winnie Nielsen says:
    August 12, 2013 at 4:44 am

    I am with you here. The morning chatter from the birds is both comforting and energizing. When we can keep the windows open, I love waking to all the excitement of a new day as heralded by the local cardinals, carolina wrens, and chickadees. My Mr. Bump spends his days watching our birds in the yard, but I would categorize his purring as tickster instead of reverent!! Ha! He is not trust worthy in his intentions.

    Reply
  2. Elizabeth says:
    August 12, 2013 at 6:14 am

    I am sorry to hear about your lovely canary, Daffodil passing away, MaryJane. Glad you have the beautiful songbirds to buoy your spirit.

    Sometimes when we experience a loss, being still & listening is the better choice.

    (Bible text at Luke 10:38-42)

    Martha and Mary offered hospitality to their friend Jesus of Nazareth, a respected but somewhat controversial Jewish rabbi. Their house was near Jerusalem, and Jesus often stayed there. Mary sat and listened to him as he talked, but Martha objected to the fact that she was left with all the work. Jesus told Martha not to worry about small things, but to concentrate on what was important.

    Reply
  5. Paula says:
    August 12, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    What a treat! Thank you for sharing, Mary Jane!

    Reply
  6. Victoria Stefani says:
    August 12, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    I’m always photographing birds through my kitchen windows – one of life’s finest little pleasures, along with listening to their songs. And the Marge Piercy poem has long been one of my favorites too. I’m sorry about Daffodil 🙁

    Reply
  7. Kim Platt says:
    August 12, 2013 at 7:09 pm

    Let me tell you, there is nothing like hearing a chirping bird first thing in the morning! It would never be any bother to me. When I have to leave for my job, hearing those birds always lifts my spirits a trifle. I’m sorry about Daffodil, too. Thanks Mary Jane.

    Reply

  8. Pingback: Bird Song | Raising Jane Journal

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Author Portrait: maryjane

photo-of-the-day

Posted on August 9, 2013 by maryjane

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  1. Winnie Nielsen says:
    August 9, 2013 at 4:32 am

    Stunning!!!

    Reply
  2. Jarda Crane says:
    August 9, 2013 at 7:43 am

    As the raindrops fill the cupped petals, so does the love fill my soul.

    Reply
  3. Dawn says:
    August 9, 2013 at 7:57 am

    Absolute perfection!

    Reply
  4. Judy Lockhart says:
    August 9, 2013 at 8:05 am

    The loving touch of nature upon nature. So simple and so beautiful.

    Reply
  5. T Kaaminii Stroh says:
    August 9, 2013 at 9:03 am

    Lovely, what is it about roses that just makes ya smile?

    Reply
  6. MaryBeth says:
    August 9, 2013 at 1:27 pm

    Wow! Must have been a gully washer. Lovely shot. MB

    Reply
  7. PATSY WEICK says:
    August 9, 2013 at 1:46 pm

    I Love Roses, This Red Rose with the dew drops is Beautiful. I Love this Picture.

    Reply
  8. Betsy Cline says:
    August 10, 2013 at 5:19 pm

    The picture is beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I do have a question. Is there anyway to get a copy of Nature Knows Best? I never could find it in June before I left for an Alaskan cruise. I really want it to use toward badges. Thanks

    Reply
    • Ace says:
      August 12, 2013 at 11:31 am

      Hi Betsy!
      You betcha. 🙂 You’re in luck! Mountain Rose Herbs just sold out, but we have a few left and can hook you up with a copy. Just email your snail-mail address to ace@maryjanesfarm.org and we’ll mail one out to you. Happy Monday!

      Reply
  9. carole says:
    August 11, 2013 at 8:35 am

    perfection! beeeeeeeeeautiful!

    Reply
  10. theresa beck says:
    August 11, 2013 at 11:14 am

    Outstanding! I have many stories about roses and they are always positive and have lots of meaning for me. Thanks so much for posting.

    Reply

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Author Portrait: maryjane

Ewwww de Toilet

Posted on August 9, 2013 by maryjane

How did that get there?

Just another day at the office—moo-ving between cows and grandkids and magazines and books—this lovely little, well, er, friend … deviant … smearing, smattering snuck its way onto my shoulder.

It whispered into my nostrils and those passing by me enjoyed its pungent pining.

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Until luckily for all, it was sniffed out and properly IDed by Ace who pointed to it saying, “That’s downright purdy” (spoken with a T).”

 

  1. Elizabeth says:
    August 9, 2013 at 5:16 am

    I’ve been birdie baptized a few times but have yet to receive a cow Christening.

    Gives new meaning to the phrase, “Taking your work home with you” 🙂

    Reply
  2. Laurie Dimno says:
    August 9, 2013 at 5:51 am

    I too have been “christened” with a birds love. I’ve been told it brings you good luck….hmmm…. . Heck, you sure were a good sport to let them photograph you smiling through it all! You wear it well Mary Jane- nothing can take away from your inner beauty! You have to laugh at the little things!
    Hugs to you!

    Reply
  3. Terry Steinmetz says:
    August 9, 2013 at 6:45 am

    Just another day at the farm, eh? You’re a good sport to let them take a picture. I’m surprised one of the grandgirls didn’t spot it; mine would have & made a B-I-G deal of it!

    Reply
  4. karlyne says:
    August 9, 2013 at 7:51 am

    This reminds me of the time a co-worker came back from lunch and complained about how bad the office smelled. No one else noticed anything unusual. And, then, a few hours later, she noticed the big blob of tuna salad on her collar… Still makes me laugh!

    Reply
  5. CJ Armstrong says:
    August 9, 2013 at 7:53 am

    Well, you’re beautiful, Mary Jane! I know EXACTLY how that feels, smells and looks as I’ve been there, done that! Had cow tails swishing all about my head and face and have had them step in the bucket of milk too. Ewwwwwww . . . but that’s the life!
    CJ

    Reply
  6. Denise says:
    August 9, 2013 at 8:48 am

    I remember being hit by a birdie at an amusement park one time just as we walked through the front entrance. Fortunately the ladies room was just inside the park. It never did all come out of the shirt but it was shaped like a heart. My daughter said even though it was nasty it was kind of neat that it was shaped that way. Eww! I have had my share of jeans ruined by cow spatterings too. It’s the price you pay for loving to work with them though I would have to say in the end the payoff is worth it really.

    Reply
  7. Christina B says:
    August 9, 2013 at 9:24 am

    I love my spring facials. Green grass ahhhdoopooo. My husband tells me women pay big money for what I get for free and exercise.

    Reply
  8. Betty J. says:
    August 9, 2013 at 11:05 am

    I was birdie baptized when I was in the Navy. I was in boot camp in Maryland and we were marching in formation when: Oops, sniff, sniff, there was this blob on my tie. It was wretched and nowhere to go except keep on marching. When I got back to the barracks the tie immediately came off and was sent to the cleaners.

    Reply
  9. MaryBeth says:
    August 9, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    Happening all the time on the farm. We have dogs, ducks, horses, kitties and goats and ourselves. I have been baptized many times. haha MB

    Reply
  10. Sandi O'Connor says:
    August 9, 2013 at 3:59 pm

    Looking forward to NOT being “baptized” by my daughter’s flock while I birdsit them for a week! Any tips appreciated. She cuddles them so they love to pop atop a shoulder or head! I think I’m in for a surprise! Sandi P.S. MaryJane, you wear it well!

    Reply
  11. Debbie says:
    August 9, 2013 at 6:22 pm

    I agree with CJ… your just as sparkling beautiful as ever or evah as they say here in the east!
    You look so happy even with that doodie on your shirt! 🙂
    Deb

    Reply
  12. Susan Laquintano says:
    August 9, 2013 at 9:47 pm

    I had a downright belly laugh when I read the post. I’m so sorry but it brought me back to some very fun times cleaning up after the horses. Thank you for that. I long for those times.

    Reply
  13. Betty Thompson says:
    August 10, 2013 at 7:06 am

    Rather than “cow love” I prefer the scent of horses. I can’t remember when I didn’t love horses, their tack smell, the stable smell .. to me that is what MY heaven would smell like. I have a friend, a city girl, who went with me to the stable one day and when I walked in, I took a deep breath and said “GREAT” and she said “what’s that stink”.

    Love to all, Betty

    Reply

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Author Portrait: maryjane

CanvasPop

Posted on August 7, 2013 by maryjane

I can’t wait to tell you about a company that’s doing business in a revolutionary way—you know how I love trailblazers.

CanvasPop is a web-based company that converts photos into printed canvas art.

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Photo courtesy of CanvasPop.com

That is pretty neat in itself, but wait … it gets better.

CanvasPop has just launched a new project called Remade that aims to transform pieces of waste canvas (inherent in the canvas art biz) into wow-your-socks-off photo-art wallets.

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Photo courtesy of CanvasPop.com

In doing so, the company will reduce its manufacturing waste by 70 percent while simultaneously creating a whole new product.

AND …

CanvasPop is donating $5 from every wallet sale (which amounts to 100 percent of the company’s profit) to Charity: Water.

Can it get any more amazing?

Oh, yes. In fact, it can.

According to Alyssa Hanson at CanvasPop, “Each wallet is constructed by EcoEquitable Inc., a non-profit organization that provides employment and skill development to immigrant and underemployed women.”

­If you order a Remade wallet, you’ll also get a $30 CanvasPop gift voucher printed on plantable paper from Botanical Paperworks that will sprout wildflowers when planted.

Here’s a video of how all of this magic happens:

  1. Laurie Dimno says:
    August 7, 2013 at 4:15 am

    How cool is this? The wallets are reasonably priced, and are so unique. It’s a win, win all around!
    Thanks for the heads up!

    Reply
  2. Winnie Nielsen says:
    August 7, 2013 at 4:32 am

    Amazing! The design of this business includes winners all around. Like I have said many times, the creative and responsible entrepreneurship of many young people today is so inspiring!

    Reply
  3. Kimberly Owens says:
    August 7, 2013 at 6:30 am

    Thank you for sharing. I love this.

    Reply

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Author Portrait: maryjane

Happy Day!

Posted on August 6, 2013 by maryjane

Our adorable Karina (graphic designer/photographer) has tied the knot this past Saturday. We plan on sharing more photos from her big day in an upcoming issue of MaryJanesFarm, but couldn’t wait to share just a photo or two. Let’s give Karina and Adam a big CONGRATS!!!!

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It seemed only fitting to send them off under a halo of fireworks, not that their chemistry doesn’t already sparkle, snap, and soar.

644210_633220073364585_1312968701_n Such happiness!!!! What would we do without weddings?????

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  1. Terry Steinmetz says:
    August 6, 2013 at 4:51 am

    Congratulations to Karina & Adam! 🙂 Ohhh what a lovely gown that bride has on. Best wishes for continued happiness.

    Reply
  2. Laurie Dimino says:
    August 6, 2013 at 5:06 am

    A big Congratulations to Adam and Karina~
    May you be Blessed with a lifetime of happiness!

    Reply
  3. Winnie Nielsen says:
    August 6, 2013 at 5:15 am

    Best Wishes to Karin and Adam! Gosh, what a lovely, dress she chose. Perfect for twirling and skipping through fireworks in high style! Looking forward to more photos and details about the special day in the next issue.

    Reply
  4. CJ Armstrong says:
    August 6, 2013 at 7:33 am

    Congratulations to Karina and Adam! Looks like there was a wonderful wedding celebration!
    Prayers for happiness!
    CJ

    Reply
  5. Kellie says:
    August 6, 2013 at 10:30 am

    Oh so gorgeous! Warmest congratulations to Karina & Adam (and gosh, Karina, I love your style)!!

    Reply
  6. Shannon Weaver says:
    August 6, 2013 at 5:23 pm

    Oh Karina, you were and still are such a beautiful person. We are so glad we could share in your amazing day. I have never been to a wedding where the commitment was so strong and the vows were so perfectly written. I’ve known you for so many years but now I look forward to getting to know Adam as well. May God continue to bless you both for many years to come. Remember…marriage is hard work!
    Shannon Weaver

    Reply
  7. Chrissy says:
    August 6, 2013 at 11:36 pm

    I think the fascinator is absolutely gorgeous! well, the dress is, too, but there’s something about netting over the face that’s so…romantic.

    Reply
  8. Debbie Fischer says:
    August 7, 2013 at 11:20 am

    Congratulations Karin and Adam. I wish you many, many years of love and happiness. What a beautiful bride and I love the dancing.

    Reply
  9. Laurel Bake says:
    August 8, 2013 at 7:07 am

    I do believe that is the loveliest wedding dress I have ever seen. LOVE!

    Reply

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Author Portrait: maryjane

The Reunion — bring some tissues

Posted on August 4, 2013 by maryjane

UK Conservationist Damian Aspinall raises gorillas at his wild animal conservatory, under the Aspinall Foundation. Kwibi, a gorilla he hand-raised until age 5, was released into the wilds of West Africa five years ago as part of a conservation program.

Their reunion couldn’t be more surprising or sweeter!

  1. Winnie Nielsen says:
    August 4, 2013 at 5:18 am

    Their meeting just makes me cry it is so sweet!! What an amazing life advocation and Damian seems perfectly suited for the task. It gives me hope and good cheer that the world has people like Damian doing such worthwhile work!

    Reply
  2. Laurie Dimno says:
    August 4, 2013 at 9:34 am

    Well, thanks for the Sunday morning cry! Oh my, how sweet that story is. I agree with Winnie- the world is a better place thanks to people like Damian.
    Thank you for sharing the story of Damian and his animals.

    Reply

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Author Portrait: maryjane

Cardboard Furniture

Posted on August 3, 2013 by maryjane

Did you ever have one of those cardboard kitchen sets as a kid?

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Photo courtesy of Edeenut Creates http://edeenutcreates.blogspot.com/2010/11/play-kitchen.html

Or, maybe your mother helped you make a simply splendid cardboard cottage …

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Photo courtesy of A Girl and a Glue Gun http://www.agirlandagluegun.com/2010/06/cardboard-playhouse.html

My siblings and I were famous for fashioning elaborate forts out of boxes and blankets (yeah, I might have slipped a doily or two into our DIY décor!).

No matter what you constructed with cardboard, it was fabulous, wasn’t it?

Sturdy, stylish, and real.

So, here’s a point to ponder:

Continue reading →

  1. Winnie Nielsen says:
    August 3, 2013 at 5:52 am

    In the university town of Gainesville, each semester end results in unwanted furniture piled on the side of the road getting rained on till it gets picked up. Sofas, broken desks, chairs etc. were all purchased cheaply and did not survive the student living. Zach’s idea would be a perfect solution for student furniture! Eco friendly, functional, and I think a great solution to the problem of cheap and wasted furniture. Just think about all the college towns across the US like mine dealing with broken down, soggy junk every semester clogging up the landfills. I say Zach Rotholz is on to something here!

    Reply
  2. Deborah Granay says:
    August 3, 2013 at 10:23 am

    Does anybody out there remember the original Barbie Dreamhouse? I received one for my 8th birthday in 1960. All of the furniture included with the house was constructed from cardboard similarly to Chairgami and the pieces were very sturdy.
    My Dad had to follow detailed instructions as to how to assemble the furniture. I had opened the gift before school and my Dad was finishing up the assembly of the furniture when I got home from school. Yes, it took him that long and he was an engineer.
    I especially remember the easy chair which looked very similar to the armless chair above. Why not cardboard furniture? If it was good enough for Barbie, it is good enough for temp use for us!

    Reply
  3. Denise says:
    August 9, 2013 at 8:43 am

    Watching my little ones and now their little ones my husband always said we were just going to give them cardboard boxes for Christmas because they always seem to get much more enjoyment from playing with the box more than the gift inside. Of course we never did give them those as gifts but it sure opens up a child’s imagination when you give them a box to play with.
    I think these are a wonderful idea! And saves the landfills to boot.

    Reply

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Author Portrait: megan

It’s a GIRL! Meet Eliza Belle

Posted on August 1, 2013 by megan

Eliza Belle is here! And a sleepyhead girl at that.

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The doctors and students at the Washington State University Veterinary School were so amazing and took such good care of Etta Jane and little Eliza Belle (born Tuesday morning at 1 a.m.). Here’s a commemorative photo taken when Eliza Belle was just 12 hours old. From left to right, Dr. Lisa Pearson, Erika Larsonberg (2nd year veterinary student), and Dr. Alexis Campbell.

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Eliza Belle may just be the smallest calf ever born there, weighing in at only 30 pounds. Click here for Eliza Belle’s debut on the WSU website. I’d also like to thank Dr. Ahmed Tibary and Vet Tech Shirley Sandoval for their generous help as well. It took a village!

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Continue reading →

  1. Diana says:
    August 1, 2013 at 3:54 am

    Thanks for sharing the beautiful pics!

    Reply
  2. Jenny Williams says:
    August 1, 2013 at 6:12 am

    She is BEAUTIFUL! I love the mark on her forehead.

    Reply
  3. Kimberly Owens says:
    August 1, 2013 at 6:49 am

    She is just so sweet!!! I just love her. I know that you are so proud. Thank you for sharing her with us 😀

    Reply
  4. CJ Armstrong says:
    August 1, 2013 at 7:51 am

    Awwww . . . BEAUTIFUL! More “moo” fun for you, Mary Jane!
    CJ

    Reply
  5. elaine reeves says:
    August 1, 2013 at 10:03 am

    What a cutie pie!! Transported me right back to grammy and grampies dairy. when I was abt 5 grampy would stand me up on the feed box in the milking parlor and i would look out the window and watch the cows calve. Thanks for the memories.

    Reply
  6. Debbie says:
    August 1, 2013 at 10:30 am

    I can’t stand it!!!! THOSE EYE LASHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    LOVE AND HUGS!!! Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS!!!Yes, I am YELLING!!!
    lol
    Deb

    Reply
  7. Barbara Moore says:
    August 1, 2013 at 11:12 am

    Beautiful little calf! And her Momma is beautiful too! Congratulations to all!

    Reply
  8. Eileen says:
    August 1, 2013 at 12:50 pm

    What a beauty!

    Reply
  9. Karlyne says:
    August 1, 2013 at 3:34 pm

    We are coveting Eliza Belle!

    Reply
  10. Shelley Quiner says:
    August 1, 2013 at 6:38 pm

    Hi Mary Jane, Love your website.. Went to WSU during Carla Emery’s time.. My husband and I were going to help teach at her school 1975, until a mudslide destroyed all the buildings.. I am living in Jemez Springs, NM.. I have a quarter acre farm land.. After 25 years I am farming again.. Raised my daughter by myself.. Still working part time at the Jemez Bath house as a massage therapist.. Such a pretty calf.. My daughters name is Eliza.. She is the one who showed me your site.. You are awesome!!!!

    Reply
  11. Kim Platt says:
    August 1, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    What a beautiful little lady!!

    Reply
  12. Laurie Dimno says:
    August 1, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    Congratulations Mary Jane!!! Eliza Belle is a stunning beauty! I am so happy that all went well with the birth for Etta Jane, and thrilled for you that you got the girl you were hoping for!
    Another future milking girl for you! Hooray!
    Enjoy her (although I know you already are!)
    Hugs,

    Reply
  13. Penny says:
    August 2, 2013 at 7:38 am

    Such a sweet blessing to your farm!

    Reply
  14. Sarah says:
    August 2, 2013 at 9:48 am

    what a sweet baby. I love cows and these pics draw up such emotion in me. congratulations! you are very blessed to be abe to do what you do. 🙂 a little jealous! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Brenda Cassady says:
    August 2, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    These pictures were my stress buster for today. Thank you for sharing. Mother and daughter are absolutely beautiful.

    Reply
  16. Jan says:
    August 3, 2013 at 7:59 am

    Oh, what a darlin baby girl!! Mamma is a pretty one too. Congratulations.

    Reply
  17. Cristan says:
    August 4, 2013 at 7:44 am

    I think that my heart grew ten sizes! I cannot express the adoration that I feel when I look at the pictures of baby girl, Eliza Belle! I want to kiss and hug her to pieces. <3

    Reply
  18. Daniele says:
    August 5, 2013 at 8:41 am

    She’s a cutie

    Reply
  19. Laurie says:
    August 6, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    She is sooo cute! It brings joy to my heart.

    Reply
  20. Laurel Bake says:
    August 8, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    I popped by earlier to see if Etta had popped, and was going to lament that we were STILL waiting on Lily…

    Glad I checked the barn, first!

    http://instagram.com/p/cxKZ-KoLTf/

    🙂

    Reply
  21. Kay (Old Cowgirl) Montoya says:
    August 10, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    Hi Mary Jane,
    I commented on how the magazine picture of the Cow was the one to go with. It had brought back so many wonderful memories for me. Now that I see little, perfect Lily, my heart has swelled to maximum. So many times a small calf would be born to one of my friends ranch and the Mother would reject it. We had to put a finger in his/her mouth to get it to suck to take a bottle until we could get another Mother to except it. Memories! Aren’t they great!
    Love you all and Blessings to one and all.

    Reply

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