I’m calling you out!!!! On a roll … call, here’s where you can read about the amazing accomplishments of Sisters who earn Merit Badges. “Hear YE!”
The adorable, always humorous MBA Jane is my way of honoring our Sisterhood Merit Badge program, now with 6,861 dues-paying members who have earned an amazing number of merit badges so far—9,721 total! Take it away, MBA Jane!!! ~MaryJane
Wondering who I am? I’m Merit Badge Awardee Jane (MBA Jane for short). In my former life …
For this week’s Each Other/Let’s Go To Town Beginner Level Young Cultivator Merit Badge, I gathered up my large stack of (barely overdue) library books, my biggest and sturdiest reusable tote bag, and my posse of neighbor kids. I had learned something about the little whippersnappers earlier and I was appalled.
They didn’t have library cards.
Photo by Joe Crawford via Wikimedia Commons
Winnie Nielsen says: How well I remember our regular visits to the library when my children were young. They are some of my fondest memories. My children loved to read, be read to, and attend the children’s library story hours. They even have a cool old bus, BookMobile, that brings books to large shopping centers. Those trips were especially loved as there was something really special to my girls about getting on that big bus and getting/returning books. I can’t imagine what childhood would have been around here without the beloved stores and series from our Public Library. Our libraries are one of America’s greatest national treasures!
When I was young our little itty bitty southern town had an old decommissioned church as their building. I was stunned to later learn that not ALL libraries had lovely stained glass windows! We also had a bookmobile that came to my one room schoolhouse, which was ever so cool . I loved the bookmobile. I adored books and it was the only time my parents didn’t bug me if my nose was in a book.
AhhhhLI…bless you for sharing the library with the future generation! I remember going to the library as a girl and am so grateful for my local libraries to share with my children. Let’s all share the magic!
Welcome New Sisters! (click for current roster)
Merit Badge Awardees (click for latest awards)
My featured Merit Badge Awardee of the Week is … Krista Butters Davis!!!
Krista Butters Davis (MaryJanesNiece, #528) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Level Crochet Merit Badge!
“I earned my merit badge by first learning how to crochet. I tried teaching myself by reading books. With no success, I asked a friend to come and teach me how to do some basic stitches. Once I got the hang of it, I decided to make a simple scarf for my little boy. After the scarf was done, I decided I wanted to add some easy tassels to the ends. Since the scarf was light blue, I wanted a dark color for the tassels and chose black. Then I decided to create a simple dishcloth for me. I chose to use a bright and fun colored yarn that would help me smile as I did the dishes.
The scarf turned out pretty good for being my first crochet project. I’ve seen the places where my stitches were tight and other places where they were loose. I only restarted a couple of times. My washcloth tuned out really nice. I was very pleased once I put an edge around it.”
Krista’s Auntie MJ (moi) couldn’t be more proud.
Winnie Nielsen says: Krista, your first crochet project turned out great! Once you get the hang of some of the basics, you can have fun making all sorts of things to use and wear. Have you tried signing up for the Dishcloth swaps over at the forum? They are tons of fun to do and with all the pretty yarn at your access, you can make great swaps. I first started that swap by using your Auntie MJ’s pattern from her Ideas book. I embellished my plain dishcloths with yo-yos, buttons, and the basic shell edging. With fun colors, ribbons, buttons and the like, dishcloths never looked so darling. Check it out and join in. I did the swap for about 2+ years and saved most of mine. Then your Auntie MJ found a wonderful neighbor who crocheted them all together for me into an afghan. Now I can wrap myself in Farmgirl hugs when reading a good book!
Cindi says: Congratulations Krista! Now that you have learned some of the basics, you will be able to relax and just enjoy. When my friend was confined to bed while awaiting the birth of her twins, my neighbor taught us both to crochet ~ a great way to pass the time while keeping my friend company. The first thing she taught us was to take our crochet everywhere! You can get so many things made while waiting for tires to be rotated or doctor’s appointments. Go wild! Can’t wait to see your next project 🙂
Krista says: This is so cool! I am super excited to see my work being featured! Thanks everyone!
The adorable, always humorous MBA Jane is my way of honoring our Sisterhood Merit Badge program, now with 6,861 dues-paying members who have earned an amazing number of merit badges so far—9,721 total! Take it away, MBA Jane!!! ~MaryJane
Wondering who I am? I’m Merit Badge Awardee Jane (MBA Jane for short). In my former life …
For this week’s Young Cultivator Each Other/Thank You! Intermediate Level Merit Badge, I decided to let Piper and Andy put down their pencils (the Gratitude Journal keeping was getting easier and better, but I was afraid another Merit Badge with writing involved might give them the Crazy Eyes). You see, to earn Level Two, they could either send Thank You cards to people in their community, OR they could do something nice for said people in their community.
Winnie Nielsen says: This experience was a great idea. Nursing homes and or assisted living homes can be frightening to children because they sometimes smell bad or residents are in poor health and look scary to them in their wheelchairs. Having an opportunity to see past those things and realize there are wonderful nice people there who are happy to see them is a gift of grace for both sides. They are forever better by having this experience!
Karlyne says: Some great ideas there! You rock, MBA Jane!
Welcome New Sisters! (click for current roster)
Merit Badge Awardees (click for latest awards)
My featured Merit Badge Awardee of the Week is … Marcy Lundy!!!
Marcy Lundy (#170) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Level Cross-Stitch Merit Badge!
“I have been cross stitching for years. When I saw this pattern, I knew that I had to make it. I love cats … well, I really love all animals. And I thought this bookmark was perfect!
I love how it came out! I don’t like turning over book corners, and I just know I will use this a lot.”
Winnie Nielsen says: Marcy, your project turned out so pretty and colorful. Congratulations on getting your badge levels and enjoy this cute book marker for years to come!
Winnie Nielsen says: A bird version of what it looks like HomeSchooling the youngin’s.
Bonnie ellis says: That is an adorable birdhouse. Makes me want spring now! Our real spring usually doesn’t come until late April or May.
Welcome New Sisters! (click for current roster)
Merit Badge Awardees (click for latest awards)
My featured Merit Badge Awardee of the Week is … Diane Kasperzak!!!
Diane Kasperzak (DiDi, #3657) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning a Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert Level Farmgirl Shutterbugs Merit Badge!
“I researched the photography terms and found several of them to be intriguing (especially framing and leading lines) and something I hadn’t considered when taking photos. I will try to use these techniques in the future.
I have taken well over 20 photos of horses, country scenes, and family pets, three of which were posted on the chatroom.
I got a blue ribbon at the Eastern States Exposition for the Black-eyed Susan photo posted in the chatroom, and a white ribbon at the Four-Town Fair for the photo of my parents’ dog, Baby Sammy.
I admire so many of the famous photographers’ photos, but I am particularly drawn to close-ups of flowers. There are many such photos on display online, and I was also inspired by a woman I worked with who also takes flower photos. We went to the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls on two occasions, and I posted my 10 favorite photos from those trips in the chatroom. I also entered several of the photos in the local fairs, and shared 8x10s with several elderly family members to send them cheer.
I read “50 Incredible Photographic Techniques and Tutorials” and “Ten Top Photography Composition Rules.”
I was astonished when I first saw my photos; I won a few ribbons at the fairs; my family loved the colorful photos; I learned new techniques; and I look forward to another wonderful trip to one of my new favorite places, the Bridge of Flowers.
I have taken photos for several events where I have taken more than 100 photos at each. One occasion was a high-school graduation. In addition to a photo album for the graduate, I framed several photos of her with her family members. I also have made several calendars with photos that I have taken.
I read “Advanced Photography Techniques,” “Six Advanced Tips for Photography Composition,” and “18 Composition Rules for Photos that Shine.”
I posted one of my favorite photos of a chipmunk sitting on a raccoon statue, along with my thoughts about taking photos, in the Farmgirl Connection Chatroom.
I have recently been informed by the National Wildlife Federation that I was a finalist in its 2015 photo contest, and that my photo of a chipmunk sitting on a raccoon statue (taken in my backyard) is on the NWF website in the Honorable Mention slideshow. The photo was also awarded a blue ribbon at the Eastern States Exposition.”
Winnie Nielsen says: Diane, Congratulations on your photo taking accomplishments! You are an inspiration to everyone thinking about picking up a camera. Enjoy having fun outdoors in all seasons and please share more photos again with us so we can keep up with where you have been!
Welcome New Sisters! (click for current roster)
Merit Badge Awardees (click for latest awards)
My featured Merit Badge Awardee of the Week is … Teresa Coleman!!!
Teresa Coleman (kangaroo kate, #1506) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning an Expert Level Quilting Merit Badge!
“I have made a few quilts over past 4 years. I gave 4 of them to friends. I am about to start another soon. My main style is appliqué with pieced blocks. Most have some embroidery on them and some have fabric painting. I did a history quilt that was entered in our state fair and got a ribbon. It had two sides—one was the Statue of Liberty and the other had blocks showing history events in America.
They all turned out good; sometimes, you don’t know how a quilt will look when finished. I put it on a quilt frame and roll it as I go. I work from an idea in my head and go from there. My friends that I surprised and gave a quilt to were speechless.
This one had a poem called “The Rainbow Bridge.” It was for a friend whose special wallaby died. She had raised him from a pinky joey (one with no fur). There were a variety of methods used on this one. You will find that I do a lot of kangaroo-theme quilts.”
Winnie Nielsen says: Congratulations Teresa! Your Wallaby quilt is very creative and beautiful and what a touching and lovely gift to give your special friend. It is truly a treasure!
ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE. Is it legal to have a pet wallaby in the USA, I had no idea that they could be kept as pets. but a very creative and touching gift for your friend.
Cecile Clausen says: My favorite place to nap is in the swing on the back deck.
Deb Larrabee says: I’m a quilt lover. Having grown up in the midwest, quilts were always available to be snuggled under or at the foot of the bed to keep your toes warm during those cold winter nights.
I love to snuggle up under the “love quilt” (my great grandmother made it) with my grandson Owen for a quick snooze in the “kids room” at our place. This room is specifically geared for the grandchildren and a quick nap under the quilt while watching a movie is the perfect retreat! Grandsons and quilts – a perfect blend for this grandma!
Vera-Ellen Turner says: During the month of May, my favorite place to nap is in my lounge chair with a ‘just hatched’ chick under my chin, an electric cover set on low over my chest and a ‘peep, peep, peep’ as the chick, only hours old, snuggles near my face. We both nap, off and on. Being born is a tiring job!
Welcome New Sisters! (click for current roster)
Merit Badge Awardees (click for latest awards)
My featured Merit Badge Awardee of the Week is … Erin McBride!!!
Erin McBride (Notathreatinsight, #3762) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning a Beginner Level Know Your Roots Merit Badge!
“I’ve been working on putting together a family tree, so I talked with my grandma a couple years ago about this. She helped me with some information about her grandparents and where they came from originally (Poland and Austria). I also have some pictures of her side of the family that are pretty old, and she helped me with some of the names of relatives in those pictures.
The family tree is an ongoing project that I’m only still in the planning stages of. Some of the pictures I have are hanging in my upstairs hallway. One is of my great-grandmother in her late teens or early 20s. Another is a wedding picture of my great-great-grandparents. The picture here is one that I have on a bookcase in my living room of my grandma, the one that I discussed family history with. I’m not sure where this picture was taken, but probably on a beach in Chicago, since she lived in Chicago all her life.”
Winnie Nielsen says: Congratulations Erin on being selected here for your ancestry work! It is fun to trace back the history of our families and meet the people and hear about their lives. We carry some of their DNA and when we wonder how we got certain physical and personality traits, it is powerful to learn we are not that different from someone else who lived many years ago.
Cindi says: What a beautiful lady your grandmother is. Congratulations on your badge! You are so fortunate to still have family to share stories and help identify people in pictures. Searching ones family tree is not only interesting but very humbling. It changes the way we look at our family members in a very good way. I hope you create some wonderful photo albums during your research so your journey can be shared.
Erin McBride says: Thank you Winnie and Cindi. She passed away in November, so I’m glad that I had a chance to talk with her about family history. I’m also lucky to live close to Fort Wayne. The main library in Fort Wayne is great for genealogy. I’ve heard it’s the next best library after Salt Lake City for genealogy research. I have an 18 x 18 scrapbook for my family tree project, but I haven’t been to the library to research it further yet.
Congratulations, Erin! You are doing such a great job on your family history! The picture you shared of your Grandmother is so poignant! Hugs to our Wildflower Hen House Leader!
Erin McBride says: Thank you, Judith!
Winnie Nielsen says: Not much longer until there will be daffodils popping up at MJF. These flowers are some of my all time favorites.
Bonnie ellis says: With all the snow we have it seems like forever when we will have daffodils. They are a special reminder of spring.
Daizy says: I have them!!!!
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.
They are here!! Just in time for Easter weekend too. Remember that old Nat King Cole song “If I had to choose just one day?” One of the first lines was “Lots of daffodils, were showing off their frills….” That was one of my very favorite songs ever and I remember stopping whatever I was doing when it played on the radio so I could hear every word. Daffodils are so special!
Nat King Cole was my mother’s fav, but that song slipped by me. Awesome to know about Cole… showing off their frills indeed!
Anyone with gray skies today could use a double dose of daffodils today. Since Easter is early some of the spring flowers haven’t had a chance to come up. Especially with the goofy weather. thanks for the picture.
Living in the Puget Sound area of Washington, we are blessed to have an abundance of daffodills. They have always been a special part of spring for me, especially the daffodil parade that happens the 1st of April. Unfortunately, many of the fields are being sold and paved over for ‘progress’. Such a sadness for all of in for this area of the world. I do plant bulbs in my yard, and have these lovely sunny flowers all around! Thank you for your lovely picture!
area
and don’t forget by William Wordsworth:
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
and twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretched in never-ending line
along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
in such a jocund company:
I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
what wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
and for you winnie:
here is Nat king Cole singing that song: “That Sunday, That Summer” that you remember
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAuPoFRugsM