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!”
Welcome New Sisters! (click for current roster)
Merit Badge Awardees (click for latest awards)
The featured Merit Badge Awardee of the Week is … Rachel Nelson!
Rachel Nelson, (Yart #1081) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a beginner level Heirlooms Forever! badge.
“I was able to replace 5% of my planting with heirloom seeds. I was finally able to get Gardening with Heirloom Seeds from the library. It was on backorder forever … LOL! It had a ton of great information as well as a lot of varieties for things that I had never heard of before. I’m looking forward to finding Viroflay spinach. It’s considered monster spinach. And I had no idea there are so many different colors of nasturtiums. This book was well worth the time it took to get from the library.
Elizabeth says: Oh wow, just finished posting to your other two topics for today before I read this one; talk about being on the same page!
Way to go Rachel! Congratulations! Garden Gate is considered one of the top Gardening magazines available & I really enjoy it. Will delve deeper into the link MaryJane provided a bit later today. But most things Heirloom stand head-n-shoulders above the rest, in both looks & most assuredly taste:-)
They will be growing in our garden next spring. Looking good!!
I made Kale chips last night from Kale still growing in the garden. They are easy to make and realy krispy and melt in the mouth. Want the recipe???
MB
Elizabeth says: That is so very thoughtful & sweet of you Farmgirls. The look of joy on your face & in your actions is priceless MaryJane. Can’t think of anything better than a gift ~made & given~ from the heart. Looks like you are being wrapped in 21 harmonious patches of love. And the snow gently falling all around you makes it truly an enchanting scene.
Wonderful afghan/collage of care patches ladies.
Laurie Dimino says: Just beautiful! What a wonderful gift of love to keep you warm. We truly have some very talented and thoughtful sisters. Enjoy your beautiful afghan Mary Jane.
Nice work Sistas!
Merry Christmas!
Terry Steinmetz says: I love it, too! I can feel their arms around you, MaryJane! It’s the simple things in life that make the journey special. Way to go to the Farmgirl Sisters who made this happen! It’s beautiful!!
Debbie Fischer says: Oh Mary Jane you look beautiful in it, it turned out wonderful and Diane did a fabulous job putting it all together for us and coming up with the idea. Thank you Diane you did good.
Hugs Mary Jane,
Debbie
Winnie Nielsen says: Perfect,perfect, perfect for you in every way!! Love the colors and the diversity of it. Currently, I have been participating in all of the MJF Connection dishcloth swaps. This fall I decided to make an afghan type venue to put them all together . The one you have shown here looks just like what I had in my mind’s eye. When I purchase your Ideabook and sewing book 2 years ago, I found your crocheted dishcloth. Now I use that pattern and embellish it according to the swap and have so much fun. I am looking forward to the day I can wrap myself in Farmgirl love too. Getting pretty close! Maybe the end of 2013 I will be ready?? Thanks for sharing your new treasure today!!
Cathy R says: MaryJane! These are the most adorable pictures of you! Future magazine cover and story! LIFE is GRAND!
GOD is AWESOME! MERRY CHRISTMAS and sweet snuggles every time you wrap in that glorious throw!
Blessings, Cathy in Orofino
Toni Brownlee says: Love your FB site….and your new afghan! What wonderful friends you have.
I love those boots you have on also and was wondering what brand they are? I’ve been looking for some grey boots and these are wonderful. Would you please share your source with me? Thanks! Toni
MaryJane says: I’ve had them for several years. They’re actually black but have that white’ish film that comes from shoe leather when it ages. (I actually love that patina when it happens and don’t try to polish it off.) The brand is ENDEVUR. (I bought them online.) Here’s the thing. I took them to my local shoemaker to put vibram soles on them. Also, the leather heel was boxy so I took them up to my shop and “whittled” them on the grinder to a cowgirl boot shape. Good luck!!!! (I do love them. They’re so comfortable, I could sleep in them.) Oh, and they had some sort of biker chain around the back heel that I took off and turned into a necklace! Lookee, here are some on Ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/STEVE-MADDEN-Endevur-MOTORCYCLE-gray-leather-BOOTS-37-7-5-chain-harness-engineer-/251192854728
*swoon*
I love this for so many reasons — all the handwork that went into it, and all the love behind it. Truly a precious heirloom!
Diane Van Horn says: So glad you love it! I think the Anthropology story is such a weird coincidence! I just had the idea after I finished my first afghan for myself. I thought wouldn’t it be fun to have my fellow Farmgirl Sisters crochet or knit a square and then stitch them all together like a Farmgirl Sampler. It came together nicely! There are some talented Farmgirls out there. Then I thought…who to give it to? Easy, our mentor and Mother Hen, MaryJane. You have inspired so many of us through your magazine, chatroom and now blog. Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
BEAUTIFUL! GORGEOUS! I love the afghan! Love the pictures of you relishing and enjoying it! I agree, a future magazine cover!
And, to the girls who made it for you . . . AWESOME WORK! Thanks for sharing your creativity and heart this way. (Maybe someday I’ll find the time to learn to crochet or knit!)
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU for encouraging all of us!!!
CJ
Diana Ketron says: WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just LOVE to see the LOVE in it.
Yes this just has to be a mag. cover.!!!!!!
Julie Hofmann says: It was an honor to be a contributor to this project Mary Jane. You have given so much of yourself to so many it was a pleasure to be able to give to you. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and a joyful New Year!
Awww! Thanks for the shout out MaryJane! We (My cousin, Old Saint Nick, and yours truly) gave each child a tiny (2″ liner size pot) living Christmas tree (Monterey Cypress [Cupressus macrocarpa]) along with a (modern Fuji film’s version of the “Polaroid”) photo taken with Santa. We had over 100 kids, big and little, and their parents and grandparents come to see us and it was a huge success. We agreed that in over 45 years of working together (I was 12 years old the day our family’s retail plant nursery opened and he was my boss then as now…) at Sunshine Gardens in Encinitas, CA (when we are not working at the North Pole of course) this was the best time we ever had. Best time together. Best time at work. Best time of our lives. I was flower girl in his wedding and today, he and his real Mrs., celebrate 48 years of marriage. To quote Santa’s sainted uncle Ern, “Life Is Good”.
Our troubled hearts are with Nicole, our Suburban Farmgirl blogger, from Sandy Hook, Connecticut, where her precious daughter attends school. Even though Audrey was in attendance at a different school and is safe, Nicole’s community will never be the same.
Laurie Scott says: Prayers go out to the parents who lost children today and for the entire community of Sandy Hook.
Laurie
Terry Steinmetz says: As I watched in disbelief, I again lifted my prayers up for all those in Newtown, CT. How could anyone take the lives of innocent children? My own son & daughter-in-law live only 10 miles from there. They went immediately to a friend’s home to make sure that they were alright–they have a 5 year old daughter. But mostly they knew that there were people in their friend’s church who had children & grandchildren that go to that school. They went to support them.
You always think these things happen somewhere else; shocking to have it happen in your own backyard. The day started out just like any other day for most of us and in a blink of an eye, nothing will ever be the same again. People went about their normal routines, put their kids on the school bus or dropped them off at school and went about their day, only some of these parents’ day ended tragically. I just cannot comprehend what goes through an individual’s mind to make them carry out such a horrific massacre. Loving thoughts being sent to my neighbors in Sandy Hook.
Thank you M.J. for keeping us posted on Nicole and family. Our hearts and healing thoughts go out to the entire community of Sandy Hook, Conn.
Lots of love,
Deb # 1199 ( beach farmgirl )
Nicole, our hearts and prayers are with your community. Been praying for strength, wisdom, faith, and peace. Love to you all!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in Sandy Hook. Nicole I was so happy to hear your Audrey was okay, hold her close to you always.
Hugs,
Debbie
Laurie Dimino says: I dont even have the words to type- I am empty inside. I am aching. Heartbroken, and stunned. All I can do is PRAY.
Laura says: Continuing to pray for all involved. Such a terribly sad thing.
It is such a heartbreaking thing! My heart hurts and I cry!
But I’m thankful for the families who are still able to be with their loved ones and for all of those who were there to help, to share, an to care.
PRAYING FOR ALL WHO ARE SUFFERING!!!!
Nicole, I’m so thankful you and your family are together. If I know YOU at all, you will be one of the great supporters for those who are hurting!
PRAYING FOR YOU!
GOD BLESS YOU!
CJ
Prayers for all. Prayers for our whole country. Please can we somehow do something about these horrible tragedies.
Welcome New Sisters! (click for current roster)
Merit Badge Awardees (click for latest awards)
The featured Merit Badge Awardee of the Week is … Heather Neeper!
Heather Neeper (#4701) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a beginner level Homespun Christmas badge.
“This year, I decorated a Christmas tree with ornaments made from applesauce and cinnamon. I also strung popcorn and cranberries on the tree. For the homemade gifts, I made scrapbook calendars, sewn organizers that fit over a coffee mug, painted glass ornaments, and baked lots of cookies and bread!”
“It turned out wonderfully!! I love the way my tree looks. My kitchen smells so good from the cinnamon. The gifts are great too. My family and neighbors are going to love them.”
Welcome New Sisters! (click for current roster)
Merit Badge Awardees (click for latest awards)
The featured Merit Badge Awardee of the Week is … Terry Steinmetz!
Terry Steinmetz, (sister #3600) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning an intermediate level Scrapbooking badge.
“I made a scrapbook for each of my grandgirls after they came for their visits with us this summer. I used pictures, fabrics, drawings they had made, stickers, etc. I entitled them Your Visit in the U.P.
I couldn’t find the book mentioned, but have read many different books by Becky Higgins, and learned many things you mentioned.
Winnie Nielsen says: Terri– This is such a really cool project that you did. Congratulations!!
Elizabeth says: What a wonderful gift/keepsake you designed for your “grandgirls” Terry. You ladies are inspiring me to create & I’m so thankful:-)
Congratulations on your certificate of achievement!
The adorable, always humorous MBA Jane is my way of honoring our Sisterhood Merit Badge program, now with 4,649 dues-paying members who have earned an amazing number of merit badges so far—6,500 total! Take it away, MBA Jane!!! MJ
Wondering who I am? I’m Merit Badge Awardee Jane (MBA Jane for short). In my former life …
A much-anticipated opportunity came this week. I was so excited. A girlfriend of mine, a real farm chick, a bosom buddy, one of my besties, had a baby! I could finally earn my Lend a Hand to Families badge! I’d been waiting for pestilence and plague, someone to fall sick or have a tragic injury, anything to give me the chance to help someone out.
I know. Even as a joke, it falls flat. My sacrificial nature and priorities are one of the best things about Yours Truly. Along with my humility, of course.
So, I waited by the phone with bated breath, anticipating the …
Terry Steinmetz says: Brought back many memories of my earlier life as a doula. It is LOTS of work, but so worthy. I’m still close to all those families after 30 years! Treasure those memories.
Mary Beth Schwarz says: Jane you are such a good friend! I recall all the help I had from close friends when I had a C-section in 1970s. It was a busy, amazing time! The work around the house was exactly what the little mother needed so she could feed and are for Baby Boy. And it is great that there is a Merit Badge for this!
Winnie Nielsen says: The older we get, the more we forget how much chaos and work having an infant, especially when there are other young children present. Exhausting every single day! Tis is a good badge to offer ways to give back when we see the need!
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.
Must confess, I’m a little jealous of your picturesque snowfalls, as we have yet to see our 1st flurry…but I’m hopeful for a white Christmas anyway. And I will enjoy traipsing through your snowfall scenes until then:-)
This is so beautiful. I am reminded of how lovely the woods are in silence as the snow falls.
Ah the beautiful snow. We have RAIN and gray skies. The picture is lovely.
MB