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.
Did you know that December 5 is National Bathtub Party Day? This sounds like a farmgirl holiday thru and thru … why, of course, I’ll proudly celebrate this one! Just FYI, I should clarify, my party will not include any guests. A nice cold beverage, a good book, and I’m set to celebrate. Happy soaking!!
I shall wear diamonds
And a wide-brimmed straw hat
With silver and leather on it …
and I shall spend my social security
On white wine and carrots
And sit in the alley of my barn
And listen to my horses breathe.
I will sneak out in the middle of a summers’ night
And ride the chestnut mare
Across the moonstruck meadow.
If my old bones will allow.
When people come to call I will smile and nod
As I walk them past the gardens to the barn
And show, instead, the beauty growing there
In stalls fresh-lined with straw.
I will shovel and sweat and
Wear hay in my hair as if it were a jewel.
And I will be an embarrassment to all
Who look down on me.
They’ve not yet found the peace in being free
To love a horse as a friend,
A friend who waits at midnight hour
With nuzzle and nicker and patient eyes
For the kind of woman I will be,
When I am old.
Old Cowgirl by Patty Barnhart
Originally published in The Arabian Horse World magazine in 1992.
Terry Steinmetz says: How wonderful!
Winnie Nielsen says: I love horses and was privileged to ride a lot in my teens. Horses are amazing animals and provide wonderful memories !!
Kathy says: This is beautiful.
Winter checks at Lazy H Ranch, in Cheney, Washington, were in full swing last week. Our ace photographer, Alicia Carlson (“Ace”), paid them a visit in addition to offering them a helping hand. Here are some images from the round-up. Thanks to Dave Harris and crew for letting her snap some photos!
Terry Steinmetz says: Can I ask…what kind of vaccines do cows get this time of year? (I’m clueless about this! and also inquisitive)
MaryJane says: I will ask for you. I wasn’t there so I don’t know.
We thought these cows looked as if they’re sharing a cheeky comment.
Psssst. What do YOU think they’re saying?
Suggestions from our design staff were …
Terry Steinmetz says: “Do you think they’d notice if we just walked out of here and went to the pasture?”
It’s a hometown book signing! I will be signing copies of my new book, Glamping with MaryJane, at Verde, a gardening/home decor store located in the Palouse Mall, this Saturday from 1-2 p.m. Don’t miss out, as there will be chocolate and goodies galore! There will also be live music by Garrett Clevenger. The Palouse Mall is located at 1850 W. Pullman Road.
If you can’t make it this weekend, I will also be at a signing next Wednesday, 7:30 – 8:30 pm, at BookPeople, located at 521 South Main Street, Moscow, Idaho. Get yer’ Glamping books signed in time for Christmas.
Winnie Nielsen says: I bought a copy of the book on Amazon and it is really fun and full of lots of inspiring ideas. A signed copy for a Christmas gift is an awesome gift!
I was channel surfing (rare) looking for some quality programming the other day when I glimpsed a lady holding a chicken (even rarer!). My curiosity was piqued, so I lingered for a second or two to discover that there is a show called Redneck Island … (funnier still) and this lady, Catherine, brought her chicken, Pearl, with her.
My pet chicken, Ginger, and I cooed as we …
Terry Steinmetz says: O.K. then…does she sit in your arms all day, or freely walk around? Just curious!
MaryJane says: She’s with the other girls but still keyed in to people and especially me. She’s a kid cuddler and waddles right up to anyone begging for some love.
Winnie Nielsen says: I remember this issue and it had me wanting chickens so badly!! My husband keeps saying that chickens were not supposed to be cutesie pets! Wy not?? It is an argument we still keep having. I want to have a glammed up chicken coop and the allowable 2 girls for my urban tiny farm!! Maybe this year!!
Raquel says: Thank you for sharing this – much appreciated! 😊
Dianne Hallman says: Awesome!! And simple too!
Ciska says: Could you please post instructions for sewing the diaper?
MaryJane says: Scroll down and you will find them.
marion says: Do you have instructions on how to make the diaper ❓
MaryJane says: The pattern is on page 89 of the April/May issue of MaryJanesFarm.
Oh yes, it’s ladies night
And the feeling’s right
Oh yes, it’s ladies night
… at Moscow Building Supply. Yes!
Picture this, ladies …
Terry Steinmetz says: Wow! This is something that I’d look forward to each time!!! Winning a woman’s heart at a hardware store; when will they do this here, I wonder? Thanks for sharing. Now I’m ready to visit our hardware store & look around.
Winnie Nielsen says: Now this is the most creative idea I have seen in a long time! I would certainly be signing up for the opportunity to learn and mingle with other women doing projects. Looks like so much fun!!
Another funny ‘farmin’ spoof. This one is a mimic of Carly Rae Jepsen’s hit, “Call me Maybe?” This kid is super cute!
Oh my gosh. When he danced the sprinkler, I just smiled and laughed. Thanks for posting this. Too darn cute!!!!
Laurie Dimino says: OMG- that is just the cutest lil video I have ever seen. Love it! Thanks so much for sharing. I like his version MUCH better!
“When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of creation is completed inside us, the doors of our souls fly open, and love steps forth to heal everything in sight.”
— Michael Bridge
To gather my thoughts for composing what I would say at my mother’s memorial, I needed to create a space where I could work from my heart. Unbelievably blessed at birth—Helen Butters for a mother—I learned by her example how to find that place long before I was old enough to know what she was teaching me.
Before yoga and meditation and …
karen says: I used to say that as a family, we were lucky, a good friend insisted on correcting me everytime, “You’re blessed, not lucky.” Now that she’s gone I’ve switched over to her way of thinking.
Sounds like you’ve been ‘blessed’ too!
Elizabeth says: This is a beautiful tribute to your mom, MaryJane. Before I even opened your site up this morning, I knew you’d write something special & moving. And once again I see that you & I may be feeling/thinking in a similar fashion, today? I believe there is a reason why I was guided to your site not so long ago, hard to explain really. But your mom did pass-on something very special to you & I’m grateful that you are sharing some of your inner gifts, talents & true blessings with us.
May you & your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Terry Steinmetz says: Thank you for sharing your mother with all of us. How blessed your family was to have such a remarkable woman as a role model!
Kim Anderson says: What a beautiful story. It makes me want to strive to be more like her
Winnie Nielsen says: Your Mom sounded like the person we all wanted to know. Your spirit seems to follow right in her footsteps too. This was a beautiful and heartfelt tribute. Thank-you for sharing her many talents and her remarkable life with all of us!
My goodness Mary Jane… You and your momma are twin spirits! I couldn’t help but think of YOU as you described the many incredible Helen’s. Her spirit, talent, openness, creativity, generosity, encouragement and love shine’s brightly through you blessing us all! I wish I could put into words what if feels like to be under your wings…!
What a beautiful tribute from the heart. Thank you!
Much love M.J.
Deb ( your BEACH farmgirl blogger )
Peggy Dudley says: Best Picnic…an old, really old, quilt, my daughter and granddaughter and myself, on a grassy hillside beside a softball field in Georgia. Granddaughter took a break from ball practice and her mom served us simple sandwiches, chips and pickles, with fresh fruit for dessert. The sun was warm, the breeze was refreshing, and the love and laughter and food felt envigorating!!
Rene Varozza says: Thank you for sharing! Beautiful memories!
My favorite picnic memories are of being newly married, over 45 years ago, packing a picnic basket with fried chicken and potato salad! For dessert, a must, tapioca pudding. I know that’s crazy but my husband loved it so and so pudding it was. We’d find a place on the back roads of Amador County, California to share a blanket and our feast!
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.
It is amazing how a good long soak can be transformative in our outlook and mood. It is so much easier to opt for that quick shower when a nice hot bath would do so much more for us. Is it not just so easy to not take the time when we need it most? Why are we so stubborn?
I so agree Winnie!