Tiptoe Through the Flowers | Feb–March 2019
I thought for many years that my dream of owning a milk cow was just that, a dream, until an Internet search for organic gardening books suggested that I “may also like” MaryJane’s Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook, and my life was forever changed. I immersed myself in every page and realized that my journey to cow ownership was off to a joyous start. I now have two lovely ladies and a beautifully signed copy of MaryJane’s Milk Cow Kitchen, and enjoy every single thing about backyard cow keeping. The wonderfully fresh milk, the cheese, the yogurt, the cream, the butter, and did I mention, CHEESE?!
– Wendy, RaisingJane.org
I fell in love with MaryJanesFarm years ago upon going through the very first issue my hands touched—here was someone who spoke my heart, who fed my dream of being a farmgirl, whose style and wonderful projects let me know that my old-fashioned, “country” tastes were just fine, thank you very much. Thank YOU, MaryJane!
– D’Wanna, RaisingJane.org
I have been a subscriber to your magazine and a Farmgirl Sister for years now, and am one of your loyal followers who looks forward to each issue that comes in my mailbox. As soon as I see the cover of the magazine “smiling” at me, I practically do a dance up to the house, carrying it like a prize I just won. In 2017, I experienced overwhelming loss in many forms and in many areas of my life, and I was left with no inertia, no desire, and no interest in anything. My light literally went out. I did not read, write, craft, sew, bake, or hike, all activities that I normally love. When your magazine arrived in January or February, I came upon the announcement about the Farmgirl Book Club. It was as if a switch was thrown and my light was back on again. This book club has given me back my life and has inspired me to do more, risk more, and challenge myself more. Thanks to you and the book club, my creativity and excitement have returned. I am forever grateful!
– Lisa (Sister #3316), Indiana, e-mail
I have been a subscriber to your magazine and a Farmgirl Sister for years now, and am one of your loyal followers who looks forward to each issue that comes in my mailbox. As soon as I see the cover of the magazine “smiling” at me, I practically do a dance up to the house, carrying it like a prize I just won. In 2017, I experienced overwhelming loss in many forms and in many areas of my life, and I was left with no inertia, no desire, and no interest in anything. My light literally went out. I did not read, write, craft, sew, bake, or hike, all activities that I normally love. When your magazine arrived in January or February, I came upon the announcement about the Farmgirl Book Club. It was as if a switch was thrown and my light was back on again. This book club has given me back my life and has inspired me to do more, risk more, and challenge myself more. Thanks to you and the book club, my creativity and excitement have returned. I am forever grateful!
– Laura, Arizona, e-mail
I am a HUGE fan of your Lentils, Rice & Indian Spice meal. Because I have many food allergies/intolerances and I don’t eat meat, there are very few dehydrated meals I can eat. This particular one is not only delicious, but for many years, it has been the only meal I can take backpacking. I went on a 26-day backpacking trip, and this was my nightly dinner—seriously! Thanks for making a most excellent backcountry meal.
– Karen Lee, e-mail
Congratulations on a “bestie” in the Keep the Change Oct/Nov 2018 issue. I found it packed with so many interesting articles, including book-title suggestions. Cannot wait to try the Oilcloth Tablecloth, the Herbal Infused Butters, and the many interesting and healthy recipes. Removable Wall Coverings using fabric caught my eye; Modern Manners is a must-read; and the list goes on. This issue is a keeper!
Norma, Ohio, e-mail
Possibilities | April–May 2019
Hello from Pembroke, Ontario, Canada. Love your magazine! I made three cookie recipes from the Creature Comforts Dec/Jan 2019 issue, and I wanted to let you know they were all a hit. The Peanut-Butter & Jelly Thumbprints were the first batch, and they didn’t last a day—the grandchildren just gobbled them up. Then came the Oatmeal Cookies, my husband’s favorite, and then the Ginger Snaps—my scrumptious sin. The recipes are foolproof and absolutely delicious. Thank you for sharing.
Regards from The Great White North,
– Yvonne, e-mail
Opening my mailbox and finding your magazine immediately puts a smile on my face. From DIY projects, healthy recipes, book suggestions, Newsroom, Seven Solutions, and much more, I always learn many new things. I’ve been subscribing for quite a few years, and at one point, decided I needed to focus on quilting magazines and stop MaryJanesFarm. BIG mistake ... I missed it greatly and shortly started my subscription back up. I love everything about this magazine!
– Nannette, RaisingJane.org
We go way back, as I purchased your Backcountry Ecocuisine from your “newsprint paper” catalog, 1999 edition. I still have the catalog! You were ahead of your time with delicious, easy-to-prepare, and best of all, organic backpacking meals. I recently ordered two six-pack samplers of single-serve meals for a kayak trip—from your magazine this time. I’m looking forward to trying your Budget Mix for coffee cake, garlic knots, and oh, just about everything vegetarian.
Warm regards, health, and happiness,
– Phyllis, RaisingJane.org
That’s amazing! Why, just today, I pulled out my only copy of that catalog so I could take a picture of it for our new website. I am just so very pleased to meet you!!! And to be able to thank you. My word, I still can’t believe we’ve found someone who has been with us for so long. Please know how very special this is for us.
– MaryJane
Today, January 1, 2019, I’m resting in my favorite rocking chair in front of my spinning wheel. I’ve put away my Christmas decorations and rearranged my craft room. I picked up my new issue of MaryJanesFarm and read about hugs. I’m a hugger for sure, but my “huggees” are unavailable. In their place, I slip my bare feet over the new alpaca rug that I’ve just finished spinning and weaving. It ranks a very close second. I love your magazine. Thanks for the inspiration!
– Tammy, e-mail
[Your magazine has taught me] that you don’t have to live on a farm to have the heart of a farmgirl. I’m in high school, but consider myself an old soul and absolutely love your magazine! This summer, I was at my grandparents’ farm and read MaryJanesFarm. My nana saw that I loved it so much, she bought me a subscription. Thank you for your magazine!
– Julia, RaisingJane.org
MaryJanesFarm is the most authentic, entertaining, and beautiful resource for the country life.
– Tina, RaisingJane.org
First Time for Everything | June–July 2019
Summer has always been my favorite season. I love the long days, the smell of sunscreen, drinking sun tea, being barefoot, and the breeze that carries birdsong through my open windows. But the last few years, summer and I have been at odds. The smoke from area wildfires near our valley has started earlier and lasted longer, stealing away those days I loved. Last summer was the worst year ever. We stayed inside, windows shut tight. Rarely was there a break from the dreary, white pollution that permeated the valley, so we lived for the times when the smoke lifted and the air quality was at less-than-toxic levels. When we got them, we’d head out to the pool and swim, play baseball, or spend time with our animals. This picture was taken one evening when the sky opened up and the beautiful Table Rock Mountains were visible again. We went outside and ... we could breathe! I was so grateful to see a blue sky, I took pictures as my son fed the chickens with his headphones on and my daughter hopped on a goat for a ride through the pasture. A perfect moment. Back in love with summer!
– Jenny, e-mail
I am continually inspired by MaryJanesFarm magazine. I read it from cover to cover and can’t wait for each new issue to come out. Why am I so taken with the magazine? After all, I am a single mom working two jobs in suburban Northern California, not living on a farm at all. However, MaryJanesFarm transcends such superficial distinctions and makes me feel like I am 10 years old again, with the assurance that anything is possible. I may not technically live on a farm, but I can sit on my front-porch swing and dream that my life could be a bit more farmgirl-like, and with the inspiration from MaryJanesFarm, I can begin taking steps to find my inner farmgirl and let her run through the fields of my imagination, bringing together the free-spirited girl that I was with the free-spirited woman I would like to become.
– Kelly, RaisingJane.org
I bought your Cast Iron Kitchen cookbook and it’s my favorite. I love my cast iron and cook with it every day. The format showing which type of cast-iron pan goes with each recipe is brilliant. Lots of good eats and ways to use my cast-iron collection. Thanks!
– Paula, RaisingJane.org
I ordered my flour on Thursday and got it in North Carolina on Saturday. Y’all are AMAZING!!!
I had put in the comments that I was about out of flour and would like to have it Monday or Tuesday, but it got here on Saturday. That is the best customer service!!!
– Elisabeth, e-mail
Just wanted to drop a line and say thank you for the great food during my 2018 Appalachian Trail adventure. Keep up the good work, and more incredibly delicious meal options, please!
– John, e-mail
Because of MaryJanesFarm, I have learned to embrace the farmgirl in me again. Since becoming a Farmgirl Sister, I am always looking for new adventures to earn new badges. I joined the book club. I’ve searched and found my cast-iron pieces and revel in their beauty and ability to cook evenly, not to mention the history of each piece. My parents would be so proud!
I look at life with wonder and excitement, just like I did when I was a young woman.
– Teresa, RaisingJane.org