Hello to all my sweet Farmgirl friends!
I have been pondering this blog post for two weeks and thinking (like I usually do) of what I’d like to share with you. But this month… what I have to share is a little different than my normal.
What I’d like to share with you today is a little personal. But I wonder if maybe we can all relate… so I felt moved to talk about it. (And keep reading because there’s a surprise at the end of this post!). So here is where my thoughts have been….
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Hello Farmgirl friends!
I’ve been working on a design to sew a darling fabric casserole carrier… something like a purse to carry your casserole to a potluck! And I’m ready to share it so you can make it too!
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I’ve written a detailed pattern for you to follow and you can click the link here to print it, or save it to your computer to use later!
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I used a really fun fabric that is bright, colorful and felt very much like my kitchen! This fabric came in a jelly roll – 2.5 inch strips and it really made it perfect for this project. You can also cut 2.5 inch strips from any fabric that you love. I also did a quick machine quilting along each side of the seams; its a great way to give a project like this some dimension!
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The carrier uses velcro to keep it closed. And cotton webbing for the strap handles. I chose to use some of my left over fabric strips to sew onto the webbing… my pattern shares a really quick and fun way to attach it.
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I “hid” my velcro stitching on the outside of the carrier by sewing a cute little fabric patch from a fabric selvedge I had saved!
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I’m looking forward to the next potluck I go to… so I can carry my casserole dish in Farmgirl Style! I hope you’ll make one for yourself! Be sure to let me know if you do!
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Til our gravel roads cross again… so long!
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Dori
Margie coffman says: So pretty
Dori Troutman says: Hi Margie,
Thank you! I love how it turned out!
~ Dori ~
Donna Forrest says: Your carrier looks so cute and handy!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Donna,
Thank you!!! I haven’t gotten to take it to a potluck yet but I’m excited to!
~ Dori ~
Luisa Watson says: Perfect timing!
I just got some glass 9 x 13 glass dishes and desperately want to store in bags that will protect while in storage, insulate the food and help transport safely! How clever you are. My sister married name was Trautmann by the way! Thanks, I am now motivated to clean my sewing room just so I can make the bags!
Heather Mergenthaler says: I head up the card ministry at my church. I would love to send these snapshot cards to many people in my church. The first card I would send would be to Ruth, who just had to put her husband of 70 years into an assisted living dementia home. She is feeling very grateful that he is in the right place but sad that he cannot be home with her.
❤️
Sharon Suzanne Moran says: What a WONDERFUL idea! I’d been doing something like this but the List is even better! Sine only my cousin lives nearby and has been my ROCK, she’ll be the first on my List!!
Brenda K Sutton says: Hi!! I’m here in the small town of Decorah, IA. Born and raised here on a small farm Northeast of town. I read this email and your blog I really liked the idea of writing to everyone who’s special to me. My goal is to send a letter to people I haven’t seen in quite some time. I’m planning to sit down write now to make my list!!
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Hello dear friends! When MaryJane shared with me that the upcoming magazine (April/May/June) will have a section on family recipes, I had just returned home from New Mexico where I spent 10 solid days helping my dear Momma turn her collection of recipes into a cookbook. My mother had started this project over 30 years ago… and due to all the normal busyness of life, that project got put in a drawer. It has been a dream of mine to help her get these recipes typed up and compiled into a book for the girls (and guys!) in the family. My mother is turning 89 soon and I just felt like there was no way I could let this project go another year without getting it done! I worked 8-10 hours a day, with Mom mostly by my side, where we re-typed, re-wrote, edited, and tried to make heads or tails of recipes that were missing pieces!
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Cindi J says: I love it! Dori, how did you determine the fabric to binder size? When my old boss was clearing out unused files, he let us take the large ring binders. I’ve used mine for recipes, but it’s big and black with state logos on it – so ugly! This would be the perfect solution.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Cindi!!
I laid the open binder flat and measured that and added about an inch on each side all the way around. If I remember correctly I trimmed after I had quilted and confirmed the size. The measurements in my tutorial will be accurate for a 1.5″ wide 3 ring binder. Email me if you have any more questions or need help figuring it out if you binders are a different size! redfeedsack@gmail.com
~ Dori ~
Anita says: I love your post! It was so sweet reading about your mother and her parents and how they and the ranch weathered the depression and other times. I would love to read more about them and their recipes, and your memories. Such a loving tribute. Your post started my Sunday so special, many thanks!
Dori Troutman says: Dear Anita,
Thank you! Recipes and food are such a huge part of our memories aren’t they???
~ Dori ~
Debbie Klann says: I love everything about this! Thank you for sharing and also for the detailed instructions!!! I can’t wait to make one for myself 😊. Love the fabric!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Debbie!!!
I can’t wait for you to make one either!!! Let me know if you need any additional help!
~ Dori ~
Charlotte Major says: loved the story and the binder cover idea, will be trying the pattern soon, thank you!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Charlotte!
Thank you so much! If you have any issues with the pattern, email me!
~ Dori ~
Valerie Trader says: Your story of your Mother a You is so touching to my heart and so beautifully an perfectly written Special Moments for sure My Mother will be 90 March 13. The recipes are sure to be treasured just like the Mothers who prepared those wonderful recipes. Thanks so much, just Beautiful ❤️
Meri says: Dori – This is adorable – I think I will attempt to make one for my small embroidery projects – I will see if I can obtain the clear vinyl inserts for the binder to hold my projects from my office supply store – also, I will probably need to incorporate a ribbon on the outside edge to allow me to tie it closed – Thanks so much for sharing – you are so talented!
TinaTina says: That is a very nice project that will be loved by your whole family for years. I love it!!
Mary Murray says: I absolutely love this post – I love the idea of handed down, tried and true, time tested recipes written on index cards or tucked away in cookbooks that have stood the test of time. What a wonderful way to spend the days together – preserving the sweet memories, not only of the how-to’s, but the history behind each recipe, and the laughter around the table. It will be a handed down book to treasure. And the cookbook cover – wow, Dori, as they say, that’s the icing on the cake – oh-so pretty! So glad you had this time together – a lot of hard work for both of you!
Mary
.Rural Farmgirl
Terry Garratt says: What a gem that will be. I did something similar in a families smaller scale. My friend inspired me. She did a small cookbook of her families favorite meals over the years and printed them up and gave them to each of her children. I asked permission to steal her project with my own and I did.
My children absolutely loved it. In fact, my son gobbled it up. We had our own names for different meals. We call them” awful waffles” even though were not awful at all! that
And interestingly enough, to my surprise, my son, even though my daughter appreciated the book my son kept referencing it whenever I’d see him and he was so glad to have those recipes.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Terry!
This sounds like the THE BEST cookbook!!!! What a great gift to your children. We do forget how much the boys in the family love our food and our recipes!
Thank you for sharing!
~ Dori ~
Debbie Fischer says: Beautiful Dori, I too love the binder. But was special to me was hearing about you and your working together on the recipes for a book. You and your mom created lasting memories for others in your family☺️
Thank you for sharing your time with your mom.
Sadly I do not sew on the machine I will hand sew if I must. At 70 I just not sure I could make the binder cover. I am anxious to see some of the girls who replied that are friends of mine their covers.
Thank you so much, I do love your blog💕
Dori Troutman says: Hi Debbie,
I loved the time helping my mom on the cookbook! It will be a special keepsake for all of us.
Hugs…
~ Dori ~
ELIZABETH JOHANNA says: I found that I was losing special recipes and decided to type up my recipes and print them off and place them in a binder. I placed the recipe pages in sheet protectors. I then made several binder cookbooks for my young adult children for christmas gifts. My husband then asked that we add childhood stories and photos to the recipe pages. We have made several new editions and will now be adding recipes and stories from our daughter in law. Such fun!
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I have a very good friend who has a husband going through cancer treatments. When he was diagnosed and I knew the hours upon hours she’d be spending at his treatments with him, I wanted to put together some sort of hand sewing project. The tricky part is that I didn’t want to give her something that required thinking, measuring, figuring… even reading an embroidery pattern seemed like it might require too much mental concentration.
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Kris Ross says: Good Sunday morning….I wanted to write before I read your “site” here…I have been a subscriber of Mary Janes for many many years..and am so sad to hear the publication will be ending….was my FAVORITE magazine….I hope that you and the other girls that I get info from…like this one you sent…will continue…How can I make sure it does? or just “dont do anything”…. appreciate all your posts and info….Kris from the Ga mts
Gayle Duda says: A beautiful idea. Thanks for sharing the process; particularly taking a photo. I very much enjoy reading your columns.
Debbie says: What an awesome idea and it’s so beautiful 😍. I’m going to try it. Thank you. I’m so glad for this blog because I sure do miss the magazine. Thanks for the awesome inspiration.
Elise Mysker says: I used to hand embroider and cross stitch. Since I purchased my embroidery machine I digitized a lot of my patterns. However, it’s not the same. I’m back to doing hand embroidery and cross stitch.
Carol Doberstein says: Beautiful idea! Thanks for sharing it ❤️ Hiw do you make a “needle holder”?
Marge Turner says: I just love this! I made a pin cushion some years ago with fabric scraps, lace and buttons but couldn’t bring myself to use any of my Grandmother’s doilies, hankies or quilt pieces. Now that the years have gone by I feel inspired to create something with those pieces that I can pass on to my younger nieces and cousins. Using our grandma’s treasures will be extra special. Thank you Dori!
Patty says: This is a beautiful little project. I have containers with these sweet vintage scraps that now I know what to do with!
Meri says: Dori – This beyond adorable – You are so very creative! – Thanks for sharing – Meri
Heatherlynn says: Dear Dori, Your post today couldn’t have come at a better time! Thank you. I’ve been looking over patterns and thinking about how measuring, cutting and perfecting would be hard to do right now. This is just perfect. Im usually silent in the comment department, but truly appreciate every one of your posts and all MJF sisters. You are amazing and inspiring women. Stay warm and safe on this stormy day!
Denise says: What a beautiful thing to do for your friend! I love slow stitching and how sweet yours came out too. Maybe if I make a kit I will be more apt to grab it when on the go. I actually have a kit I’m working on that a farmsister gifted to me.
Julie Ray says: Thanks Dori! Love this slow stitch as a gift.
It’s perfect
Anita says: I absolutely love this post! My eyes ate up all your lovely pictures! I’m going to make a kit also, and I have an antique tin to keep it in. Thank you so much for the inspiration.
Charlotte Major says: wonderful idea! I am sure this project brought as much peace to you as it did to your friend & this will be her positive out of the place she’s in with her husband.
gentle hugs, Char
RoseMary Baty-Willcox says: Awesome idea. Thank You for sharing. This could be used for other events in life.
RoseMary Baty-Willcox says: Could you show us the printed paper you put in the kit?? Thank You
Cindi J says: What a lovely idea! I’ve spent many hours at a hospital bedside before. It’s very hard for both patient and companion. How wonderful it would have been to have something like this to occupy the hands and mind, as well as relieving the patient’s worry if they feel they are a burden.
Bellepic says: Beautiful. I love the idea of using clothespins to spool thread!
Stacy Sundgren says: Hi Dori,
I love your slow stitching project! I used to stay away from any kind of hand stitching, except binding my quilts, or slow stitching. Honestly, I thought I wouldn’t be any good at it. Then one year, I started a quilt project that required a LOT of applique. I found that I enjoyed the process and started looking for other hand stitching projects to work on. I got into EPP and from there I began making little wool and flannel projects. I have since started a number of original slow stitch projects including a stitch journal (still under construction). It’s amazing how satisfying it is to create these little projects. Thank you for sharing the gift for your friend and your insights into the joy of slow stitching.
Stacy S. Farmgirl Sister 7112
Ann Ramirez says: I thoroughly enjoyed your blog. I’ve been fascinated by slow stitching for some time now. I love the concept of using fabric scraps from the past as a way to preserve memories of special people and places. The kit is perfect for allowing your friend to take her time, letting go of perfection and precision, and simply relaxing and enjoying the creative process.
Glenna Fugate says: That kit looks awesome. I may try that but, with my grandsons 1st clothes. It may take
a little longer and be a litter bigger, You gave me something to look forward in doing
Peggy Smith says: Wonderful gift. It is very hard going through what your friend is. I’ve been there twice. You’re tired and want to take your mind off all your problems. You have a very good and beautiful heart.
Sylvia Jacobus says: Beautiful thoughts going into this project. Your piece is really lovely. Thanks for sharing.
Binky Thorsson says: Outstanding, Dorie.
Just the right size. She won’t feel overwhelmed. Just loved, and inspired.
Distraction therapy 🙂
Sheila L. says: Hi Dori, I don’t sew, I mean I can put a patch on a pair of jeans or sew buttons back on, but I do needlepoint, kits mostly I like that the canvas is all printed and I do not have to do much thinking I usually do the one basic stitch. After reading and seeing your slow stitching I think I would like to do that, I am going to try it. I will be on the look out for some of the items you mentioned. Your kits look so pretty, thanks for sharing
Pat Mitchell says: Dorie please stay around. I hate that Mary Janes Magazine is stopping. We are so sad. So we are hoping you will continue to help us by being around.
Diane A Peterson says: I’m so thankful to be able to see this blog now that I can’t enjoy the magazine anymore. It was by far my favorite magazine and I had decided it would be the only one I would subscribe to when I got the sad letter that I won’t be able to enjoy it from now on.
Gayle Baskin says: Thank you for this beautiful slow stitching project for gifting or myself, which I intend to make soon. Love the needle holder and clothespins thread keepers. Farm Girl has been my favorite subscription…thank you for the lovely receipts/and projects. Thank you for your caring for others and their needs. Your friend will be forever grateful. God Bless
You and all who are suffering from cancer. Your give us such inspiration. Happy 2026❤️
Debra Ampe says: Thank you for this beautiful idea! In one of the photos it shows a printed direction sheet and I’m wondering if this is something that is download-able or did you make this also? I have a friend that I’d like to make a kit for as she sits with her elderly mother quite often. She would benefit from some ‘instructions’. I am also heartbroken not to receive MaryJanes Farm as a publication. Without a doubt my very favorite magazine. It spoke to my soul. So glad to get these articles digitally but miss the feel of the magazine. I will adapt!!
Brenda White says: That’s beautiful Dori! What a kind friend🩷 I’m a stitcher and started with pillow cases in my teens. You’ve reminded me how fun that was. I knit and crochet more now. But I’m your example and will do one of these kits for myself. Thank you!
Jenny says: This is a perfect antidote for the world we are living in. I love this idea!
Sarah P. Roy says: Thank you Dori. I like this slow stitch idea! I too miss MJF magazine, but love these podcasts from you and others – sisters all.
Terri H. says: I am in love with this sweet project! My dear friend passed away last summer and her daughter is grieving. Since she is trying her hand at sewing, I believe this would be a wonderful project for her quiet time. Thank you so much for this creative idea! Passing it on!
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Terri.
I think it would be an amazing project for your friend’s daughter. I’m sorry you lost a friend, that is so hard.
~ Dori ~
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Hello, friends! What a beautiful time of year it is. I’ve been thinking about so many things I’d love to share with you this week, and over and over my thoughts keep coming back to one favorite holiday recipe—so I decided that’s exactly what I’d share!
Continue reading Cindi J says: Yum! I love baked goods like this. Sweet, but not too sweet, and pretty too. I miss the house filled with the smell of the fresh baked bread I made regularly. I had a mill and would do the whole process, from grinding grain to slicing and bagging. The family is all grown now, and baking for themselves. I’m glad to pass the tradition down.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Cindi!
My daughter does that too… the entire process! It IS such a great thing when raising kids. I used to make bread all the time. And I’ve really gotten away from it.
~ Dori ~
Sheila L. says: This looks really yummy Dori I will have to try making it.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Sheila!
You need to make it!!!! It’s the yummiest!
~ Dori ~
Jenny says: Dori: This lpoks absolutely delicious!! I am going to try it for New Years as I am
traveling to Bismarck ND from northern MN to visit my son & his wife & grandkids.
I akways thought those almond braids were too difficult to make but your explanation makes it look esier! Thank you! Wishingnyou a blessed New Year.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Jenny!
I hope you got to try and hopefully you loved it!!!
Did you have a nice trip???
Happy New Year!
~ Dori~
Mary Murray says: That looks wonderful, Dori! And just the kind of thing I like on New Year’s morning (or any holiday morning.) Your instructions make it look so easy…I’ll definitely whip that up for Thursday! Thanks for sharing it with all of us…sending warmest wishes for a terrific 2026 to your family!
Mary
Dori Troutman says: Hi Mary!
Did you give it a try and how did it go? Hopefully you loved it too!!!
Happy New Year to you too!
Big hug,
~ Dori ~
Loretta says: I hope you will continue to do this blog. Will miss my MaryJane magazine.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Loretta!
YES!!! The blog will continue. There are three of us Farmgirl Bloggers and we will each continue.
The magazine will also continue!!!! We can be so very thankful that MaryJane found a way to continue it when the Publisher couldn’t. Please read her post on her website about it. Here is the link to her magazine update: https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/Magazine
It would be hard to live without MaryJanesFarm magazine wouldn’t it?
Thanks for following along on my blog posts!
Hugs,
~ Dori ~
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Hello my Farmgirl friends!!! A month ago today I had some corrective surgery on my big toe. And not only am I in this horribly heavy boot, I’ve not been able to put any weight on it at all. So I’m here to share all the things I’ve been up to in this season of life! As this picture above shows… I’ve been moving to all my favorite spots around my house where I drink my coffee and read! ALWAYS coffee in hand!
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Carol Slater says: Oh girl! In two years, I have had 4 surgeries on my left foot and one on my right. I have been 8 weeks non-weight bearing many times and I have to say that it is not fun. You were better prepared than I think I was the first time, but after that it just seemed to be a burden. I don’t like to sit either.
Dori Troutman says: Carol,
Oh my word… that is A LOT!!!!!!! Were the surgeries successful??? I feel like mine has been very successful. I will not ever be able to bend my big toe again so I’m wondering if that will be hard to figure out how to run properly again. However, that toe wasn’t really working well the last few years so hopefully it’ll actually be easier since I won’t have pain. I hope your surgeries were successful.
And yeah.. that non weight bearing is HARD!!!!!!
Hugs to you!
~ Dori ~
Molly says: You’re a true Trouper! Hang in there.here’s to a better 2026🤗
Dori Troutman says: Molly,
I’ve had my moments!!! Just a few tears though!
~ Dori ~
Judy says: You are in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery!
Dori Troutman says: Judy,
Thank you so, so much!!! Happy Thanksgiving!
~ Dori ~
Debbie Klann says: Praying that your recovery goes smoothly!!! Happy Thanksgiving!
Dori Troutman says: Debbie,
Thank you!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well!
~ Dori ~
Debbie Fischer says: Oh Dori you Rock you really do!!
Speedy recovery and no more falls please🤗
My favorite pie is Pecan. I am not much of a pie girl as I do not like the crust. But for
Pecan Pie I will suffer!
Happy Thanksgiving yo you and yours.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Debbie
Dori Troutman says: Debbie,
So just out of curiosity…. have you a good home made butter pie crust?? Because OH MY WORD, they are so good!!! Hahaha!!!
~ Dori ~
Debbie Fischer says: Umm, Dori I must say I am not sure. I have not liked pie crust for over 50 years🤗
Cathi says: I am glad you are on the mend and doing well. Prayers. My good friend is about to undergo foot surgery in the beginning of the new year and I keep telling her she has to prepare! Thanks so much for sharing.
Dori Troutman says: Cathi,
Share my blog post with your friend!!! Maybe it’ll help her prepare!! 🙂
Hugs,
~ Dori ~
Linda Hilburger says: Dori,
I hope that your foot continues to heal and you are up to your fun and exciting things soon.
Enjoy your time with your family this holiday season.
Sincerely,
Linda
Dori Troutman says: Linda,
Thank you so much!!! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season as well.
~ Dori ~
Cindi J says: Such a huge boot for an itty bitty toe! You are blessed to have wonderful family and friends helming you out. I have to laugh at the left foot sewing. When I first bought my sewing machine with a knee lift, I took the class offered to learn how to use it. Right off, the instructor taught us to “drive” with the left foot so it would free up the right leg to use the knee lift bar in a smooth motion when starting and stopping. It’s quite comfortable! Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Sheila L. says: Dori, you are a strong person. I am a not good when it comes to surgery and pain. I would probably be on medication and sleeping all the time. Looks like you have done lots of stuff while you are recovering, you my girl are an inspiration.
Dee Ann Parry says: Sewing standing up. I am impressed.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Dee Ann!
Ha Ha!!! Have you ever tried it???? You’d be amazing how much easier it is! No getting up and down constantly etc! 🙂 Maybe you shouldn’t try it though… then you’d be hooked! Ha!!
~ Dori ~
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Hello my Farmgirl friends! I recently made some of the sweetest pillowcases and shared them on my personal blog with a tutorial. I’ve had so much interest in those pillowcases as well as my tutorial, that I decided it needed to be shared here too.
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Llinda says: I love the pillowcases you’ve created. Absolutely beautiful!
I’m seriously thinking of making a few for Christmas gifts.
Lovely fabric.
Kim Obrien says: These are beautiful! I’m adding to my future project list.
Cindi J says: Those pillowcases are SO pretty! Thanks so much for sharing the instructions here. I’m definitely going to dive into that project. I was so shocked when your last picture came into view. Owie! Take good care of yourself and heal fast.
CJ Armstrong says: Those are just beautiful . . . definitely my “style”!
Hope you heal quickly!
CJ
Karen Scribner says: Pre-wash any of this fabric you want to use for a pillowcase and then test it on your face. Many of these fabrics are scratchy and miserable next year your skin.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Karen,
Thank you for that advice. I do only purchase and sew with very high quality quilting cottons; but pre-washing for something like this is a great suggestion. Some fabrics would be absolutely miserable to sleep on!
~ Dori ~
Karen Scribner says: Oh dear, I just saw your foot. I have no idea what happened to you, but I do know that because glyphosate is coming out of the car exhaust (from corn ethanol being added to gasoline), and is in all the food and water you do need to take glycine powder. Glycine is an amino acid that is in your food and your body uses to make connective tissue, which is muscle, ligament, bone, fascia (that net under your skin that used to be called cellulite). Glycine powder is inexpensive, sweet tasting, just put the dose in your mouth and chase it with water. If you need more information, see the work by Dr. Stephanie Seneff, who has been studying glyphosate for over 15 years. She reads and correlates everything written on it. Wonderful colors in your cases!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Karen,
Thank you for the info. I will look into that! I’ve had a bone graft from my heel to my big toe so I’m certainly interested in anything that is going to cause me to have stronger and healthier bones.
~ Dori ~
TinaTina says: They are really so cute. Nice work!!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Tina,
Thank you!
~ Dori ~
Stacey Mitchell says: These pillowcases are the cutest. I love them. Get well soon for your foot
Dori Troutman says: Hi Stacey,
Thank you! I love them too.
I’ve got an 8 week road to recovery on my foot… but I’m doing good! Thanks for the get well wishes!
~ Dori ~
Sharon says: Love them!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Sharon,
Thank you!!!
~ Dori ~
Melanie Gafken says: I love this pillow cases. I have admired this type of cases my whole life. Thank you for bringing attention to them.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Melanie,
I’ve admired these forever too! I really love them… make yourself one!!!
~ Dori ~
Sheila LaPoint says: Dori, you are so talented those pillow cases look just so pretty! It is nice to see the bright cheery colors, since we are going into stick season now in Vermont. Your bunting hanging in my window keeps a smile on my face. I wish you well with your recovery.
Dori Troutman says: Hi again Sheila!!!
These colors are so gorgeous aren’t they??? They make me really happy! I’m so glad you are enjoying your bunting. In front of a window is the best place to hang them I think!!
Hugs,
~ Dori ~
Karen Martell says: Dori,
Your pillow cases are so beautiful! I love the combinations that you choose! Prayers for continued healing on your foot! 🙂
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Hello Farmgirl friends!!!
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Last month, I wrote about Jina… the friend I finally met in person! I keep thinking of the sweet little gift she brought me that makes me smile every time I see it, and it got me thinking about tiny little home made things that bring a smile to someone else.
Continue reading Glenna Fugate says: This would make a great christmas gift
thanks
Dori Troutman says: Oh yes Glenna… absolutely!!!!
~ Dori ~
Meri says: Absolutely adorable!
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Meri!
~ Dori ~
Cindi J says: Thank you so much, Dori! I’ve sent you my address and have already decided where to hang your sweet gift. This is such a perfect project for using up those scraps that I will be making some of my own to pass the happiness along.
Dori Troutman says: Hi Cindi,
I think you’ll love it!!! Let me know when it arrives!
~ Dori ~
Brenda White says: This is so sweet. I thinking it’s a great winter project. Thank you so much for the instructions
Dori Troutman says: Brenda, the BEST winter project!!!
~ Dori ~
Darlene Riboldi says: Dori,
You are such an inspiration to me. I have made many buntings but never thought to give them as little gifts. I will be making some for my Bible study ladies for the fall. Good to have on hand for a nice hostess, birthday or cheer someone up gift. Way to go Sister for sharing your talent with us! I know we would be good friends if we lived close. So we’ll just have to be good friends from a distance. Have a Blessed day my Sister Friend!
Darlene
PS: Your home always looks lovely and so welcoming!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Darlene,
I absolutely LOVED you comment on my blog post!!! What a sweet thing to say and YES, we would be good friends if we lived close! Thankful for things like social medial, blog posts, email… so we can be friends from a distance!
It is really fun to gift these because it’s just a simple thing but is a really happy little thing too!! I think gifting them to your bible study ladies is a brilliant idea!!!
~ Dori ~
Juli says: This is such a wonderful craft. Thank you for sharing it
Dori Troutman says: Hi Juli,
It’s a simple one!!!
~ Dori ~
Barbara A Falencki says: Bless you Dory, you made me smile for the first time since tragically losing our oldest son Michael in an accident while our (healthy)youngest son was recovering from a stroke(undetected birth defect). I always enjoy your blog so, so much and even have ordered fabric you featured. My favorite was those pink Russian dolls 🪆/strawberries that you inspired me to make a purse (I’ll try to send photo, but seems I retired from technology when I retired from nursing😉, so not sure it’ll go through. Thank you for the JOY you bring🙏
Dori Troutman says: Oh Barbara. I am so very, very sorry for your loss and such hard experiences. Wow. My heart hurts for you. Life can really have some hard things can’t it.
I’m thankful that my blog posts can bring a little joy on a dark day.
Also… MaryJane forwarded your email to me and I LOVE the purse!!! Isn’t that fabric so much fun???
Tightest of hugs to you….
~ Dori ~
Bin says: Thank you Dorie,
We are looking forward o the weather changing into Fall so there’s pleasure quilting and srwing with out guilt that it good weather, we should be outside working~Binky Thorsson- Petaluma, Ca
Dori Troutman says: Hi Binky!
I know EXACTLY what you mean about the guilt of sewing when it’s perfect “working weather” outside!!!! I look forward to Fall and Winter for that reason as well!
~ Dori ~
Binky Thorsson says: Last message went before I was done. Lol
Linda Hilburger says: Wonderful article and bunting to make.
Thank you.
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Linda! I hope you’ll make one!
~ Dori ~
Jeretta Bliss says: Beautiful, just Beautiful!
Dori Troutman says: Thank you so much Jeretta!
~ Dori ~
Kim says: Such a great gift idea, so easy and cute.
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Kim. They are SO easy and FAST to make!
~ Dori ~
DeAnn Weir says: Your buntings are so cute and what a wonderful gift idea to give. Thanks for sharing with all of us.
Dori Troutman says: Thank you DeAnn!
I hope you’ll make one (or ten!).
~ Dori ~
Sherry L Buck says: Dori, I just love the bunting. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful ideas for such a great little gift. Have a wonderful day.
Sherry
Sweetea 59
Dori Troutman says: Thank you Sherry! It is the BEST gift!!!
~ Dori ~
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Hello farmgirl friends! I just returned from a week in Florida; we go every year with our kids and it’s always the best time. This year it was exceptional in so many ways. Not exactly sure the difference but everything was special. However, there is one thing that will stand out to me as one of the biggest treats and I’m sharing that with you here today. So here is my story (everything in my life has a story attached!!).
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Continue reading Terry Garratt says: What a wonder filled day for both of you!
Cindi J says: I love that stories of friendships like this spill over and fill the hearts of those reading them with the same sense of friendship toward those in the story. Treasure every single minute! And I need me some Poppy cotton!!
Debbie Klann says: LOVE this!!!!
Sheila LaPoint says: That is so beautiful, it is so special when you make that connection of friendship across the miles and then get to meet up! I do not sew but I do artwork and the Poppy cotton is like an artist palette, and you my dear are the Artist, your friendship with Jina is the muse! Keep creating your beautiful and useful sewing.
Sheila LaPoint says: I do not have a friend I have known for years and finally met in person, in many ways I wish I did. I do have several friends that I have kept in touch with over the years when I have moved out of state, and I am so glad that I did life seems to fly by once I became an empty nester and even tho I have been busy a quick note to some one seems to help keep the friendship going. You are so lucky that you got to meet your friend in person and keep that friendship growing.
Mary Murray says: Dori – isn’t it amazing when we meet people and just click? It’s as if we’ve known them forever. And when dear friends move away – then we finally meet up again – no matter how much time has passed, we always pick up right where we left off. Truly – those friendships were meant to be. And while I’m an prim gal when it comes to colors – golly, those fabrics are so cheery and beautiful and the projects you’ve created are so amazing – I could easily be pulled into the retro/vintage colors and life…gotta love aqua and red! So happy to read your story and so glad you both finally met.
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Hello my Farmgirl friends!!! I get myself into some pretty crazy sewing rabbit holes… you know what I mean. You just keep getting deeper and deeper until you realize it’s really becoming a problem right? Well, here’s my story!
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Continue reading
Mary Sheire says: Love them all
Amy says: These bags are gorgeous. Well done!
Oh, yeah, I know about that. . .except my rabbit hole contains fine lingerie. I keep buying these kits and supplies from Madalynne and using up leftover fabrics and supplies from other projects to make new bras and undies. Nevermind how many I’ve bought, made, plus the extra fabrics and elastics and things. You know how hard it is to stop yourself from asking people, “Hey, you wanna see my underwear?”
Duffel bags? Maybe when I finish with lingerie! 🙂
Debbie Klann says: Just wow!!!! They are all so pretty!!! What great memories for you and your girls 🥰. You’ve inspired me, I need one (or two) now! 😆
Joan Miller Piercy says: Hi, Dori, No, you are not the only one! My rabbit hole turned out to be a 5 inch mini quilt made of yoyos and a backing. It makes a great mug rug. I made one for a friend in her colors. Then I thought that they would make great gifts for the girls in my family: my daughter, her daughter, my daughter-in-law, her two daughters, my three sisters, my two aunts, and another friend. I have half of them completed, and am sewing yoyos together for the rest. I must say I think you rabbit hole was much harder than my yoyos! Your bags turned out so beautiful! Thanks for sharing them with us. Farmgirl Hugs! Joan P.
Debbie Fischer says: The bags are absolutely amazing Dora and all the girls looking lovely with the bags on their shoulders. You made 7 women beautiful bags they will treasure forever!
Enjoy the rest of your summer and I look forward to the next seeing rabbit hole you jump into.
Heather N. says: What a special treasure for the ladies in your family! Those are beautiful!!!! I fall into the apron rabbit hole all the time. Last Christmas it was soup bowl cozies. A wonderful friend gave me the pattern, and some fabric, and I made them for EVERYONE on my list. I’m not sure what rabbit hole I’ll find this year but I know there will be one. You are not alone in the rabbit hole 🙂
Mary Murray says: Dori, as we say here to exclaim surprise and awe, “Good Night Irene!” Those duffel bags are an absolute knock-out! Gorgeous fabrics, room for everything a girl needs, and made with LOVE…7 lucky ladies. And we can tell by the smiling faces how absolutely thrilled they are. What a talent you have…and to share you time & talents says so much. Hmmm, a friend gifted me with 10 gallons of farm-fresh milk. I’ve been making ice cream, butter, cheese, yogurt…not sure if it’s a rabbit hole, but finding recipes has become an obsession. A gal just can’t let all that goodness go to waste!
Molly says: Your are The Best Mom, and Grandma❤️. What a wonderful memory!
Beth says: Gosh I wish I could see like you!
Tammy says: Hello Dori,
I am not a seamstress-Yet. Plan to pursue this when I retire :), and; I don’t have story to share-Yet. But I wanted to tell you how much I admire your duffle bag creations! They are beautifully made and that is easy to see. Love all of the fabric combos, hand-picked per lucky lady. Thank you for sharing your story: down and in and out of the rabbit hole. So glad that you did.
So long until next time!
Tammy
is a certified farmgirl at heart. She’s happily married to her beach bum Yankee husband of 20 years. She went from career gal to being a creative homeschooling mom for two of her biggest blessings and hasn’t looked back since. Debbie left her lifelong home in the high desert of Northern Nevada 10 years ago and washed up on the shore of America’s hometown, Plymouth, MA, where she and her family are now firmly planted. They spend part of each summer in a tiny, off–grid beach cottage named “The Sea Horse.”
“I found a piece of my farmgirl heart when I discovered MaryJanesFarm. Suddenly, everything I loved just made more sense! I enjoy unwinding at the beach, writing, gardening, and turning yard-sale furniture into ‘Painted Ladies’ I’m passionate about living a creative life and encouraging others to ‘make each day their masterpiece.’”
is a “MaryJane Farmgirl” who lives in a large metropolitan area. She is a lawyer who has worked in both criminal defense and prosecution. She has been a judge, a business woman and a stay-at-home mom. In addition to her law degree, she has a Masters of Theological Studies.
“Mustering up the courage to do the things you dream about,” she says, “is the essence of being a MaryJane Farmgirl.” Learning to live more organically and closer to nature is Rebekah’s current pursuit. She finds strength and encouragement through MaryJane’s writings, life, and products. And MaryJane’s Farmgirl Connection provides her a wealth of knowledge from true-blue farmgirls.
an old-fashioned farmgirl with a pioneer spirit, lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a “lifelong learner” in the “Live-Free-or-Die” state, she fiercely values self-reliance, independence, freedom, and fresh mountain air. Married to her childhood sweetheart of 40+ years (a few of them “uphill climbs”), she’s had plenty of time to reinvent herself. From museum curator, restaurant owner, homeschool mom/conference speaker, to post-and-beam house builder and entrepreneur, she’s also a multi-media artist, with an obsession for off-grid living and alternative housing. Cathi owns and operates a 32-room mountain lodge. Her specialty has evolved to include “hermit hospitality” at her rustic cabin in the mountains, where she offers weekend workshops of special interest to women.
“Mountains speak to my soul, and farming is an important part of my heritage. I want to pass on my love of these things to others through my writing. Living in the mountains has its own particular challenges, but I delight in turning them into opportunities from which we can all learn and grow.”
Dori Troutman is the daughter of second generation cattle ranchers in New Mexico. She grew up working and playing on the ranch that her grandparents homesteaded in 1928. That ranch, with the old adobe home, is still in the family today. Dori and her husband always yearned for a ranch of their own. That dream came true when they retired to the beautiful green rolling hills of Tennessee. Truly a cattleman’s paradise!
Dori loves all things farmgirl and actually has known no other life but that. She loves to cook, craft, garden, and help with any and all things on their cattle farm.
describes herself as a goat charmer, chicken whisperer, bee maven, and farmers’ market baker renovating an 1864 farmhouse on an Ohio farm. With a degree in Design, Mary says small-town auctions and country road barn sales "always make my heart skip a beat thinking about what I could create or design out of what I’ve seen.”
Rooted in the countryside, she likes simple things and old ways … gardening, preserving the harvest, cooking, baking, and all things home. While you might find her selling baked goods from the farm’s milkhouse, teaching herself to play the fiddle, or sprucing up a vintage camper named Maizy, you will always find her in an apron!
Mary says, “I’m happiest with the simple country pleasures … an old farmhouse, too many animals, a crackling fire, books to read, and the sound of laughter … these make life just perfect.”
is a budding rural farmgirl living in Palmer, the agricultural seat of Alaska. Alex is a graduate student at Alaska Pacific University pursuing an M.S. in Outdoor and Environmental Education. She lives and works on the university’s 700 acre environmental education center, Spring Creek Farm. When Alex has time outside of school, she loves to rock climb, repurpose found objects, cross-country ski on the hay fields, travel, practice yoga, and cook with new-fangled ingredients.
Alex grew up near the Twin Cities and went to college in Madison, Wisconsin—both places where perfectly painted barns and rolling green farmland are just a short drive away. After college, she taught at a rural middle school in South Korea where she biked past verdant rice paddies and old women selling home-grown produce from sidewalk stoops. She was introduced to MaryJanesFarm after returning, and found in it what she’d been searching for—a group of incredible women living their lives in ways that benefit their families, their communities, and the greater environment. What an amazing group of farmgirls to be a part of!
Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen calls herself a “vintage enthusiast”. Born and raised in Texas, she has lived most of her life in the picturesque New England suburbs of Connecticut, just a stone’s throw from New York State. An Advanced Master Gardener, she has gardened since childhood, in several states and across numerous planting zones. In addition, she teaches knitting classes, loves to preserve, and raises backyard chickens.
Married over thirty years to her Danish-born sweetheart, Nicole has worked in various fields, been a world-traveler, an entrepreneur and a homemaker, but considers being mom to her now-adult daughter her greatest accomplishment. Loving all things creative, Nicole considers her life’s motto to be “Bloom where you are planted”.
What a wonderful blog and inspiration to all of us. Your Mom’s quilt is beautiful. I love it!! I find so much joy in saying a kind word or a special deed to at least one person a day so I love your challenge. I will add the card writing to my own daily challenge. Loving others even strangers makes the world a better place. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing about your husband. You are right about each person has their own challenges and by sharing them we know that we are not alone but together facing them. Sending lots of love to you.
Pamela,
Thank you for your kind words. They make a difference in our day don’t they? And YAY, I’m happy you’re joining the challenge! I had a kazillion things to do today (and did them!) but managed to relax out on my porch bed for 15 minutes and write a little note while I was there!!!
Hugs,
~ Dori ~
Oh how timely this fun challenge is! I was just thinking of starting a “what I’m thankful for you for” list this past week and that I’d start with my 91 year old cousin (I call her Auntie)! She’s our family queen/treasurer/historian and is so loved by our entire family. She absolutely tops my list!
Dear Sabrena,
Oh I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!! And I love your description of your 91 year old cousin! What an amazing lady!
Hugs,
~ Dori ~
I love this challenge! Recent family members have lost their loved ones so they’ll top my list, they need a postal “hug”, thank you for sharing your challenge & will think often of you & your husband-the view off your porch is breath taking-thank you for sharing it!
Many gentle hugs
I just returned from a Delta Kappa Gamma Conference (a philanthropic organization composed of women educations). Over 100 strong, smart women who dedicated their lives to educating the future leaders of our world. Many have faced challenges — health issues, job loss, funding cuts, children worries. I will definitely start with this list of women who have been part of this organization for 50+ years, as well as those who are new educators who need a “lifting up.” Thanks fo much for the idea!
I love this idea, i have a friend who I text every morning, and she texts me, her pictures and words are the best, and I tell her that, but now I will write her a letter and tell how much her Good Morning, quotes and pictures mean to me. THANK YOU !!!
I am definitely up for the “Lift Someone Up” challenge. My husband had a kidney transplant one year ago and I just finished writing thank you notes to all the people that have walked beside us through this journey. It was amazing to see the number of people that helped us as we went through the process of getting on the transplant list & then the journey of his healing over the last year. I love receiving snail mail & look forward to sending notes to loved ones mail boxes for a bit of a suprise.
Good morning from Nunica, MI! I’ve always been a fan of handwritten letters/notes so I love your idea! My mind is already working on everyone I’ll be putting on my list! I know I love to get a personal little note in the mail. It’s just makes you feel special and I want to do that for others also! Your mom’s quilt just oozes 💕 love! I hope to pass on my love through the notes I’ll be sending out thanks to your idea! Love from Michigan 🌻
Yes, I am up for the challenge! Great idea and I’m right there with you with an overflowing life of responsibilities and events pulling me in all directions. This feels like an opportunity to pause, think of others, and be thankful. I’m in! My first letter will go to my dear friend. We meet every Tuesday to support eachother in our lives and she has walked along side me through a lot over the past two years. Thank you for sharing your own story and this thoughtful challenege.
Thank you! This is the inspiration I needed and a wonderful use of the notecards I’ve collected over the years.
Thank you for this. It might be the light to pull my mom out of her darkness. We lost my dad threecyears ago, and she has descended into a deep depression, having been with my dad 64 years. On top of that, she is not well. I am going to try this with her, because I have been stressed out trying to care for her, and manage my own life. Hopefully this will bring her some joy. Thank you for the thoughtful idea.
What a wonderful challenge! How can we not have joy while lifting one another up. The picture of your mom with her quilt is just beautiful. I would love to do this challenge and I think I would have to top my list with my cousin, she is more like a big sister/mom to me. She is actually the generation before me even though we are cousins. . Thank you so much for sharing and encouraging us to do this!
What a wonderful idea! So few people write letters nowadays. I’ll start with my mom who just had her 97th birthday. She is such an inspiration. We call her the Welcome Wagon Committee of one in the retirement community where she lives.
My second will be my younger sister who is just finishing treatments for melanoma. Her faith is so strong.
Thank you for this challenge!
Connie
What a lovely idea! So often we get caught up in the busyness of life that we forget to be grateful and find joy in the people that are actually in it. I think my first letter is going to go to my Mom. She passed away at the end of February, but there were things that even though we had a lovely relationship, I never got to say. I won’t be able to mail it, but I would love to write it. Thank you again for the challenge and I look forward to it.
Dear Dori, although i’ve never written you a comment before.I’ve read your blog fairly often. I felt compelled to answer you on this one though, because of a personal experience. My husband and I were in a near fatal accident this January and we have been hospitalized and then in rehab and specialized nursing for 2 months before, we were able to return home. During this time, i felt compelled to express to all of my doctors, nurses caretakers, custodians, and everyone who walked into my room, how much they were valued and how they were appreciated for their services to other people. It cost me ao little and yet meant a lot to those who are often not appreciated and are under stress. I will begin to write notes when I get full use of my arm again. Thank you for giving us a wonderful challenge.
Dori,
Thank you. I needed this to shake me out of a struggle I have been experiencing since my mother’s death on February 1st. I will start my list today.
What a great idea! Bravo
This challenge sounds awesome. Even tho I lost my husband of 49 years a week ago, this would keep me busy along with the rest I have to do. I love writing letters, even the generation after me have their phones in their hands all the time. Maybe i can encourage them to do this also. Your mothers quilt is beautiful.
I always love your blog posts…this is a great idea! It’s easy to get stuck in our own little box and think that we’re the only ones who are dealing with struggles but we’re not. I think that lifting each other up would help to lift ourselves up as well. I will keep your family in my prayers:).
P. S. I was going to ask where you found your lovely cards! Haha! Very pretty!
Thank you so much for this wonderful and heartfelt post. I absolutely love your idea and plan to start today! I am going to encourage my mom to do it as well. You are an inspiration!
At our church, I was on a committee that just finished writing notes and mailing them to EVERYONE in our congregation. At first I grumbled a bit to myself saying, when am I going to find the time and what am I going to write. But you know, after I got started, it got easier and easier. All of us on our committe received replies from those we wrote to about how they loved our notes and how much they enjoyed the kind words we had to say.
So, yes, this is a great plan for everyone.
Thank you, Dori, for all your blogs.
Peggy King, Spokane, Washington
This is perfect timing! I was just going through the badge list to find a couple more to get started on. I was thinking about finishing up the farmgirl gratitude one. To complete the expert level you need to send 40 letters to those you appreciate the most. Reading your blog today inspired me to get to it! My first letter won’t be mailed though, it’ll go to my husband. And rather than finding a list of 40, I’ll take your approach and just sit down and make a list. Thank you for helping us all to remember the joy we find by lifting up others!
What a lovely challenge! I’ve been meaning to call and check on a dear family member, so here’s my “stop and do it now” cue. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi, I have enjoyed the “MaryJane’s Farm” publication for a very long time and was so sorry to see it canceled, discontinued by the former publishers. I am not much of a tech person, very old-fashioned and very analog. I love correspondence and “snail mail.” I love this “Lift someone up” project/challenge. Please enter me into the drawing, I love stationery and cards, especially of real places, handmade. My first card, letter is going to my dear friend, Sue Swain.
Dori! How perfect is the timing of your post!
My husband’s daughter was visiting from the UK this past week and before that my grandbabies and my daughter. Listening to them and thier life stories tugged at my heart! Im surrounded by friends and family just trying to make ends meet, trials, sickness and am so saddened. I’ve been wanting to create little pieces of art, painting atc’s and writing encouraging words on the backs and sending them or giving them to people, strangers included, to help bring a smile or encouraging word! I reading your posts this morning and ready to write my list! I feel the spark of excitement alongside of yours!
The quilt is gorgeous, the cards you’ve made, quite beautiful. Im sure those on your lust will smile and feel cared about and ‘seen’! Thank you for such an inspiring post and I also liked what Pam/above said! Blessings!
Dianna you post is so heartwarming, thank you for sharing💕
I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. Turning 69 in a few weeks, this has turned into quite a shock. The treatments have keep me home and very inactive. I am going to take your challenge and send a letter to folks who have made a difference in my life and I have not taken time to tell them. Old bosses, kids I used to babysit, old neighbors. What fun it will be to send a memory and a smile. Thank you for such a good idea.
Doris, thank you for reminding me of the Joy and Inner Peace that can come from sending a Postal Mail note to someone. I will write 2 today and send them in tomorrow’s mail! (Today is Sunday.) Your note took my mind from “self” to “others” where it belongs! 🧡
Dorie, thank you for reminding me of the Joy and Inner Peace that can come from sending a Postal Mail note to someone. I will write 2 today and send them in tomorrow’s mail! (Today is Sunday.) Your note took my mind from “self” to “others” where it belongs! 🧡
I love to make cards and have enough supplies to make 100’s. I thought I would just send cards out randomly to people in the community. My sister pointed out that I would be causing more “anxs” than joy to receive a card from a stranger. Might think I am stalking, so I laid that idea aside. I think I’ll go with your idea of a list of people who know me. Thanks for sharing a bit of what your day looks like with the needs of another.
Good Morning, the weather looks perfect for finishing up my garden remodel chores today as I sit outside, sip my coffee, and catch up on all the things in my little world. Your challenge has reminded me that I love to tell my aunt about my cucumber plan and get her advice on my soil modifications last year. Im in no hurry for suggestions, I have lots of other chores to work on. Some good ol fashioned snail mail would brighten her day. I’ll write her a letter. Also we have a farm girl in my local group who is having a surgery this week, I can mail her a letter and a smile to keep her company as she heals. My list is growing lol Thank you for be so thoughtful and reminding me that there always a few extra minutes to reach out to loved ones in a leasure enjoyable fashion. Take Care
Oh Dori, thank you so much for the lovely and heartfelt blog. Thank you for always sharing your Mom with us and now sharing with us your husband’s medical condition and how you as a couple are handling it. Thank you.
I will love to do your challenge and the first letter I will write is to my Birth Mother who I lost when I was 4 years old, I am now 70. I still miss my Mom every single day and I have never forgotten her. I know she will see my letter so full of love for her. She is always with me so I will write her first and go from there.
Thank you for the challenge and for always being there.
Big Farmgirl Hugs,
Debbie
💕
Dori, I will be honest with you, I have been feeling sorry for myself as I have become limited in my physical movements from having a sickness that made me weak unable to walk without a walker or a cane and so far physical therapy hasn’t helped me to get back to my normal abilities. But I have talked with others who are worse off than I am and I’ve seen others who are worse off than I am and who just keep on going regardless of how they feel about their limitations. They are the inspiration to keep on trying to get better and your idea to uplift others is also inspiring to help others who need an encouraging word in certain times. I am sure we all get depressed with our circumstances and could use a kind and helpful word at an exceptionally hard moment of our life, so I am going to work at this for a while until I run out of cards, stamps and energy. Thank you for sharing and God Bless you and your Mom and all who read this.
Dori, I forgot to tell you I’m 81 years young, and the person I will send the first one to, is my good friend, Vickie who has always been there for me, and who has a mom living with her that just turned 100 years young and gets around as good as I do with her cane. Love you and all who can relate to needing an encouraging word.
This sounds like a fun idea! People just don’t send letters in the mail anymore. I used to love to send out letters to friends and family. I think the first letter I will send will be to a friend I haven’t seen in years.
What a beautiful idea and part of the beauty is that it works both ways. We are lifted up as we lift up others. I recently read a book with a similar idea. called the “The Gift of Graditude”. The author wrote a thank you note once a day for a year and it changed his life. I’m up for the challenge and I’m also lifting you, your family and dear mother up in prayer. We need each other as everyone has burdens and struggles and we need the gift of joy in our lives. My daily devotion this morning was from 1 Thessalonians 5:11. “Encourage one another and build each other up”. I don’t think that was an accident. Oh yes, it made me smile!
Thank you for the challenge,Yes I will be doing it. Great idea!
My first letter will be to my sister!
Love,
Charlene
I really enjoy setting down with my coffee and reading the Sunday Farm Girl. I grew up as a farm girl in Ok. The Lift Someone Up challenge is an incredible way to reach out and let someone know you love them and that they are special to you. What a lift for a depressed or lonely person to receive a card with a thoughtful, heartfelt message.
Dear Dori,
I am in for the “Lift Someone up List”. The first person on my list is 103 year old Anne Pritchett. I met her at church about 20 years ago. I send her e-cards on holidays and birthday cards on her birthday in May. I will write a letter to her today.
How wonderful! I did this a few years ago and was so blessed by it. Time to do it again! Thanks for the nudge😉 My first note will be to a special elderly friend in Pennsylvania. We met at a Precepts Ministry conference in Chattanooga years ago , and though we’ve never gotten to see each other again, we have remained close friends. She has the same first and last name as my mother. Letter coming your way Gladys!
I just recently discovered you! You are truly my kind of a person 🙂 love your ideas, projects, way of writing, content, the bright, cheerful fabrics you use, etc. What is the name of the pattern of the quilt your mom made in the pic?
Life happens and haven’t been able to call a 99 yr. old neighbor (now in Assisted Living not close to us), so he will be the Lift Someone Up person this week.
Greatttt idea. Keep smiling.
What a beautiful response to a wonderful person to get us all in a challenge !
i
I have two cousins on either side of my parents families. We have been in touch since the two of us were 13 and almost in touch the same age. I am a native California girl and both of my cousins are in the states of Missouri and Illinois. We are now in our 70’s and it has been great!
I will pass this challenge on to them. I think they may be interested in joining in.
I am 77 have a small homestead with the remainder of our family LaMancha dairy goats that was a 4-H project run a muck since 1983.
I am a widow since 2018 and live now in a new area of the Sierra Nevada’s. Along with chickens, a garden of course and two Shetland sheep to feed my fiber addition with a spinning wheel and loom.
Hi, Dori!
I am up for the challenge. The first person on my list is my oldest Daughter, Audra.
She is going through a great deal right now. I want to let her know how loved she is and
That I am beside her 100%
I am definitely up for the challenge – it’s not only young people who tend to choose an unduly or text message over a phone call or a written letter – I find myself doing that, too at the age of 74 – the first person I will send a letter to is my dear friend Kim in St. Marie’s, ID – my former neighbor – we talk by text every single day but zI j ow receiving a. And written letter from me would surely brighten her day – what a great plan you came up with!
Dear Dori,
I have been recently going through a lot of rejection from/atives and I have been struggling to find joy. I always tell people when you are feeling down to reach out and do things for others. Unfortunately, I have left myself in a position where I am not taking my own advice. The first person I am going to reach out to is my husband. He is my Rock and my joy. Lately I have not been much fun to be around. He’s always the first to grab a pile of Kleenex when I’m unable to contain my weeping. He is the one that always gets the mail, so I am going to write him a letter. My list is long behind his name. Thank you for the reminder. Let us find joy together in this sometimes painful and tumultuous world.
Hugs
Jenny
I think this is a wonderful idea. I love sending notes and cards and I am definitely up to the task. Getting started on my list right away.
I love this idea. I have quite a few people to put on my list but I am starting with a cousin who is going through some health issues. If I can write a letter to him that is half as nice as the one his wife writes I will count that as a very bit score.
What a wonderful idea. Can’t wait to get started. Your mom’s quilt is beautiful!
Thank you for sharing. From Connecticut
Dori, this is a wonderful idea and I will join in. I make cards and try to send them but this will help me be more focused about it.
I, too, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease . . . in June 2021. It has changed my life and lifestyle very significantly, bringing difficult challenges. I’m not as active on the Farmgirl Connection as before, but I’ve managed to participate a bit more in the last couple years.
Thank you so much for sharing about your mom and your idea.
CJ
I have sent two custom made cards with hand written letters recently. One was to a friend I hadn’t seen in quite some time as I had moved out of state years ago and the other to an Artist friend/teacher. Thought it would be nice to let her know that I was grateful for everything she has taught me. I thoroughly enjoyed the process. I did not dash these off, I took my time,3-4 days, I was thoughtful about my presentation…I even ended up paying quite a bit for postage as my cards were wonky sizes…giant butterfly and a giant sun…cost me $8 each. They both reached out after receiving them…thankful with joyful tears…said it made their day….and that made my day.
Your mother and the quilt are both beautiful. My sisters and I have been doing a Do Good project for 5 years now. We get together and think of something to do for each week in a year. Yep, 52 things! We check off each week as we compete the projects. It is so fun and fulfilling. We have letter writing one week every month, and it can’t be an email or text. Other things include leave a treat for mail person, flowers in church, visit a neighbor, take a bag of things to donate to a shelter, make cookies and share in honor of our parents, call a cousin we haven’t seen for a long time, feed birds or wildlife and so on. We enjoy this so much! This coming week is letter writing and I already know my recipient. I enjoy getting letters so much, and that’s why we have it 12 times a year, and your project will make So Many people happy! Keep People Smiling!