We’ll be on the move, soon!
Hey Farmgirls, it’s been a while since the last yurt check-in, and you’ve been asking for some updates. As we’re (likely) finishing up our last few months of living in the round, it seems like it’s a perfect time to let you in on some of our yurt life findings…
A fairly large wildfire started in Willow, Alaska this past Sunday, June 14. I was working on the farm that day and the farmer and I repeatedly lamented how crummy of a day it was: HOT (nearly 90 degrees), dry, cloudless and windy…Silty dust was flying everywhere and the combination of wind and heat sucked all of the moisture out of the plants and us. Little did we know that around mid-day, a small, nearby community was having a much worse time than us!
Ava doesn’t seem to mind the sweltering heat even in the greenhouse!
Tina says: My brother lives in Willow. The fire stopped about 100 yards from his place so he only lost some food. There will be lots of cleanup though and some hotspots still smolder.
Barb P says: Sometimes it is difficult to remember that my state (Oregon) isn’t the only one walking on pins and needles because of the forest fire danger this year. Prayers and positive thoughts being sent your way! And, speaking of positive thoughts, your comments about Facebook are so true, and reinforce my current attempts to focus more on educational and positive posts while still maintaining my quirky sense of humor. Thanks, and prayers for your safety!
I live in Colorado, where fires are a way of life. That doesn’t make them any less scary or any less devastating. So sad that you all are going through this. So scary!
clothespin says: Labor Day 2011 I lost my house in the wildfire of Bastrop TX (near Austin) along with over 1600 other homes. (Worst wildfire in Texas history – 3rd worst nationally.) We were lucky and got a phone call from a friend telling us of the fire as soon as it started, a mere 1/2 mile from our home. We were able to grab a few things and while we lost some treasures, pictures, 400 year old family bed… we at least got some stuff out. We were fortunate.
Through social media, I was able to keep up on where the fire was, inform friends and family who were seeing our fire on the news that we were OK, tell people what we needed, what we didn’t need… It really was an immense help.
Other ladies had husbands on volunteer fire fighting crews and as their men would call home they would relay the status reports to their FB feeds. Media in Austin wasn’t covering our disaster very well and FB was often the only and by far the most reliable source of information during the chaos of that month.
Sadly, FB has changed its metrics and now not all posts that you or emergency offices post is seen by everyone who follows them. There has been a vast shift to Twitter for this reason as they DO show all of the posts. During a crisis it is unconscionable for news that is desperately needed not to be relayed due to silly metrics for advertising.
Nearly 4 years out, and we are still recovering. Still using social media to gain information and alert us to new threats – floods, new fires… We know all to well that it can happen to us.
Stay safe, have pictures of everything in your house taken and kept in your purse, and good luck. And know that if the sky does happen to fall you will eventually recover… and you can always contact others in the forest fire club for support.
Here’s to hoping that you don’t join the sisterhood of the burning house.
Joan says: I live in Colorado, actually the Black Forest fire got within 1/2 mile of my home, my sons home is just a street width from the fire – he found temp homes for his horses, unfortunately the chickens had to be turned loose (they all made it just fine) the dogs n cats went with them into friends in Colorado Springs – they couldn’t stay with us because we were under ‘evac warning’. All said my family did fine but a few friends lost everything – one of their neighbors (husband and wife) lost their lives. This fire was man made and still no one held responsible BUT all that said – each and every fire is devastating whether one is personally effected or if it is the community – we can’t thank the fire fighters and other first responders enough for all they do everyday. So glad you are not personally in harms way but thank you for your kindness toward all that are. Just a quick word about Ava – just seeing her makes my heart skip a beat – precious!!!
God bless.
Denise Ross says: Fantastic post Alex. I do love how people really pull together when terrible things happen. It shows us that community is still alive and well. I’m glad that you’ve shown the beautiful side of life in social media. I agree with you wholeheartedly, when used for good things, social media is absolutely fantastic. Take care.
I know all about how damaging fires can be living here in Australia. We go through the exact same thing every summer season.
“Home is wherever I’m with you”~ Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
I’ve loved those lyrics since they came out in the song “Home” about five years ago. Home isn’t necessarily a place, it is a feeling that one has with certain people, a culture or a location. My blog’s little Farmgirl mascot often reminds me of a similar sentiment–“Farmgirl is a condition of the heart.” The City Farmgirl’s quote also exclaims a similar idea–“Being a farmgirl isn’t about where you live, it’s about how you live.”
Home is where I can identify and appreciate the wild flowers. Trillium in bloom in north central Minnesota.
“Home” is where you are. Wherever that is. But there are other versions of “home.” I lived in the same metropolitan area (St. Louis-sh) for the first 50 years of my life. Then I got laid off in a terrible economy and had to leave my state to find work. I landed in beautiful Colorado, living along the Front Range of the Rockies. This is “home” no matter what house I am renting at the time (I am an eternal renter). But I often go “home” to visit family and friends in Missouri. There are many versions of home. Many.
Adrienne says: Having spent seven years living in my motorhome and driving around the U.S., Canada and Mexico, I went by the adage “Home is where you park it.” The phrase was coined by the Escapees, a group of full-time RVers who are based in Livingston, Texas but roam where they want and had their mail forwarded to whatever location had general delivery. My home was always with me so I was always “home.” Now I live in an apartment in San Francisco and that’s “home.” I chose this city over all others in the U.S. and am very happy I did.
Joan says: Oh my a new experience on the horizon? I too have had many buildings/areas that I called ‘home’ – right now I have one of the most beautiful buildings ever but can move on to anything – well almost anything – at my age I do require much creature comfort – but could move on. BUT HOME is still my Grandparents HOME where I was loved and I loved – a farm, cows, pigs, chickens, orchard, gardens, lots!! of relatives – LOVE!!! Can’t go back to that, except in my memories n pictures but it is the ONLY place I want to be. Best wishes in your decision. God bless P.S. your Ava is scrumptious!!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Alex,
I have a lot of places I call home too. And I’m so thankful for that. My husband and I built a house all by ourselves (yes, totally) that took us 2 full years of working day and night. I knew this house inside out, literally, when we moved in and you know what? It took me almost a year before is really felt like home. That was when I really became aware that “home” is a lot more than where we live. It is memories! And for the first year of living here, I think I was recovering from the stress of building it (ha ha!) so it took me awhile to really make it a home. Now? It’s the best home I’ve ever lived in and I love it more than any of the others! And a lot of that is now due to the fact that we built it ourselves and the memories of that are phenomenal.
I sure loved your post and what I kept coming back to was your sweet comment about your little 10-year old farming friend. What a lucky little girl she is to have you for a friend. No matter where you eventually end up, it’ll be a happy day for her to come visit! 🙂
It is true – home really is where the heart is.
– Dori –
Jodie says: “Home is where you hang your hat.” My dad always told me that…I think prepping me for the day when I actually left “home”. Good luck in your search for your new home. Looking forward to an update.
Joy Pascarella says: There are two “Homes”. One in our memories from childhood, and one where we sleep every night and eat and relax and make new memories. My childhood homes are all gone because of progress so I have to close my eyes and remember it just the way it was. It will always be there. My today home is where I garden, take care of my chickens and cats and put my things in. Every few years my husband gets an urge to move. Leave everything I am familiar with and try something else. I fight it but always give in and have never regretted it. We have new experiences and learn new things like instead of living in a big house on a corner few acres where everyone sees every move you make, to a small cedar home in the woods with lots of acres and no one sees anything. Change is good and can be so fun, but always too scary at first. As long as you have someone with you , that you trust and love, I think home can be anywhere.
Rowena Philbeck says: My true home is where I live but I’m not far from where I was born. Texas is also my home. I have been here all my life. Traveled a lot and plan to do more for sure when I retire in a few years. Love everywhere…and seeing all what God has done!!
Hello Farmgirls! Whew—what a busy time of the year with gardens going in, kids finishing up school, and “dewinterizing” and “re-summerizing” our homes. I had a couple weeks there where I was juggling three jobs between teaching, nannying and farming (all part time, but still a lot for this “stay at home” mama). With my mind and body set in overdrive I’ve found it hard to find one thing to write about well. I could write about this! or how about that? Or there’s that other thing that I’ve been keeping in my back pocket in case of writer’s block!
Luckily, we just started our two week summer vacation in the lovely midwest. I’m sitting in my in-law’s living room eating delicious homemade treats, and I just woke up from a mid-morning nap. Life is good.
However, I still can’t focus on one thing. Continue reading
WOW Alex! Those are awesome. I’m interested in all 53 but there are a few I want you to write about soon. Like in 2 weeks. The one I really want? #16. The Yurt update. I’m really curious about your thoughts on it! 🙂 But there are a lot of others I’d really love to read!
Happy vacation and safe travels home.
– Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Alexandra Wilson says: Thanks, Dori! Yeah, there are a few I’d like to write about, too. Yurt update will likely be in my next two posts!
susana says: I see we have quite a few things in common….and heavy thinking. You forgot one of mine thoughts…..bugs and how do people deal with them…. I learned ants cone inside looking for water….as long as I don’t leave any water fir containers with water in them..,..I haven’t seen an ant on my counter. I still pt out ant traps, but I ate killing critters. Because they are all G*ds creations. But I still can’t stand bugs….. spiders I hate the worst. But flies seem to be an endless supply…how do people keep gutts outside?
Another is relationships on a daily basis….I try and talk and connect with everyone in my path….the mail person, truck drivers who deliver packages to my house, people n the stores I frequent….reaks personnel, other customers. I feel we distance ourselves with too much internet. I’m a people person….I think its why I come to Mary Janes….to connect to real people. I think its how G*d created us…..to connect but on a personal way, because he’s a personal G*d….if people would connect, they see him in everyone…..even though he seems to distance himself from us, But I believe there’s a reason why…..because we stopped connecting to one another.its why we dont believe many times…because were seemingly ego centric beings….were too much like our creator….we want to be discovered for who we are ourselves…..its why we are as we are….disconnected. we want others to like us for who we are. But we dont want to dpend the time .G*d is the same way, or should I say its how we are a lot like him.we want others to know us, but we forget how to be able to connect in any relationship because were too afraid to get personally involved
with anyone but ourselves. Were selfish beings….we like our own thoughts not thinking anyone else is our equal. Or like us. We like being unique . But the more you think, you know hour not different. Its one of my constant thoughts.
I do want to know about the Yurt? Is it yogurt? Its easy to make, just time consuming….like any relationship….you have to invest your time! Susana from Niagara Falls.
Deb Bosworth says: Hi Alex,
It must be spring that causes us to be unable to focus on just one thing. Our brains are finally awake and running a muck! I really enjoyed your 53 things to write about. All wonderful topics to ponder!
# 37 Chocolate sounds good right now! And # 28 She-sheds…My mom and I are designing two for our backyard now. One as an artist studio for her and an over sized greenhouse/potting shed for me! Write on, Alex!
Deb, the Beach Farmgirl
Joy Pascarella says: Fun to read your wondering mind. I like #35. I have often wondered how our past families had to say goodbye to everyone and never see them again. Even being alone without family. All we have to do is get on Face book and catch up with every detail and even send instant pictures for that very moment. We are so lucky. We saw it all come into place. I still think about the frontier woman by her self with her babies, figuring it all out for herself. Lots to think about. At least I now know, I am not the only one that thinks about these things. Love to escape with your writings. A mini vacation away from it all. I would love an update of your yurt also. Keep up the good work!
Jean B says: This is the first time I have really looked at any of the Farm girl blogs and I believe I started with a treasure. My family and I just returned from out 3rd adventure to Alaska and as before I always come home wanted to go back permanently. 🙂 My heart seems to be so full when I am there. Maybe one day. So…..thrilled to see that this is where you live and I found your writing made me smile. So many intriguing thoughts at one time AND while being a young mother. I will defiantly look forward to your future thoughts.
{{{First off, a big HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY!!! to MaryJane! I hope your day was fabulous and full of all of the love you deserve (which is heaps and mounds plus some).}}}
Ahhh, yes! It is finally here–long days in the sun, wind and rain. My days of watching and teaching kids outside has given way to mornings of planting seedlings, afternoons of weeding and mad dashes to harvest enough goodies for hungry customers. It’s the outdoor growing season! It’s here!
Look who’s ready to farm!
Wish we could send photos here…I’m just beginning my gardening….I turned some soil each day I try to do a little bit.I’m just seeing my tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and forget me nots blooming. The end of May I start planting things. Cold weather stuff first as most can’t tolerate the cold, but come father’s day I’m done with planting.and can sit back a bit except for mowing the grass and the/start of pulling weeds in my garden. I’m putting new mulch down and start using some form of mulch to keep ahead of the weeds without using/any chemicals. I wish farmers would share some ideas for keeping ahead of the
weeds . And I can’t wait for the first tomato or cucumber! My best time is watching for the humming birds to Chow down on my new bird feeders.can’t wait!
Hi Alex,
Loved reading about farming in Alaska. I’d been wondering how you do it with so few months to grow things. I love the mobile high tunnel idea. It’ll be fun to hear how that works out. What a great idea.
Ava is just darling in her perfect Farmgirl clothes! She gets cuter every blog post! This year she’ll be trotting around the farm and won’t stay content in a laundry basket! Her BFF will be chasing her! 🙂
Happy growing season!
– Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Dorothy says: Always enjoy your posts. Learn so much about you life. Love watching Ava grow. Thanks
Joan says: Your sweet ‘weed’ sure is growing – love that pose with her little hand out so cute. Not much happening here – we are have a LATE season – froze again last night so we are hoping for a LONG into Fall growing time. Thanks for sharing your life. God bless.
“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain” ~Bob Marley
This has always been one of my favorite quotes; and I am proud to say that I regularly listen to Bob Marley’s hopeful–yet often melancholic–tunes. Music is important in our yurt. It is often playing or being played. Music helps make chores easier, car rides more fun and naps more productive. Evan plays the guitar and sings (he has been accused of having the voice of an angel, before. It’s true). Evan and I have fairly frequent and playful arguments about our music preferences. I have a feeling that Ava (and any other children that come along) will either be a total music snob or rebel and have atrocious music taste (atrocious according to me, of course!).
Ava and I are treated with live music multiple times per week!
My love for music spans many genres and time periods, but I tend to turn to bluegrass, folk and classic rock. On my computer’s iTunes, the bands with the highest number of plays are Elephant Revival, the Avett Brothers, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin and Rush (I think Rush is a result of Evan listening to music off of my computer!). Raffi is quickly making his way up the yurt’s play charts, as well. I have been nannying for a couple of grade school girls over the last few months, so I’ve ended up listening to enough Taylor Swift to last a lifetime. Elephant Revival has been my favorite for years (one of the leading ladies rocks the washboard!). I listened to them for much of Ava’s very long labor, and I try to share them with anyone I can! There are some excellent free songs streaming from their website if you have time to give them a listen.
Elephant Revival is great campfire music. This is a shot from a camping trip two weeks ago with good friends!
When I first started farming, I had visions of what my future farm would look like. One of the bonus amenities I pictured was large speakers with a reliable stream of tunage. I imagine that I’ll have worldly, progressive farmhands working for me who bring music with them that will continue to open up our musical horizons. We will craft the perfect playlists to listen to while doing the most common small-scale organic farming/gardening tasks: Stall mucking, transplanting, pea/spinach/tomato/other delicious produce harvesting, CSA packaging, and we must not forget the most common and necessary–weeding!
Now, I see that there are times when recorded music is overbearing and takes away from a task. Sometimes the sound of a spade in the soil, birds flying over head, cattle mooing from the pasture, and the breeze whistling through a gap in the greenhouse door is the best music one can hear. Furthermore, there are times when singing a tune can make the most monotonous work bearable.
The sounds of helpful kids shoveling April 21 snow is music to my ears!
I remember clearing an acre of land in Costa Rica eleven years ago. There were eight of us in the crew and we cleared it using only hand tools (and machetes! I need to get me one of those…). It took the better part of two weeks! We ended up singing many labor songs, often to the tune of “Hi-ho, Hi-ho, It’s off to work we go.” We would create verse after verse, trying to give everyone a chance to add in whatever form of torture they were experiencing. This reminds me of labor songs that must have kept many willing and unwilling farmhands sane while toiling away in the hot fields. In the same vein, I think of people on chain gangs, rowers on huge ships and the other physical laborers singing and chanting together. Music, even in the worst and most trying of times, provides solidarity, escape and sometimes even JOY!
MORE April snow makes me turn to the music that makes me happiest: Led Zeppelin.
These days, I like to sing whenever the mood strikes me. I make up songs about my animals (“Her name was Moki! Moki! Moki! Cooler than all the dogs…”), Ava (“Her name was Ava! Ava! Ava!/Silliest baby around”), Evan (“His name was Evan! Evan! Evan!”…do you see a theme here?), my students and the kids I take care of. I’m not creative enough to craft an entirely new song, so I just parody tunes I know. I’m a fairly terrible singer, but I’ve gotten to the point in life where I really don’t care what others think of inconsequential things like my singing voice.
I cannot help but sing songs about our furry friends
When I was younger, I spent nearly every cent of disposable income I had on live music. I would go to concerts, on average, three or four times per month. Moving to more rural areas was hard at first. What would I do with my free time? Now that I have a child, the idea of going to multiple concerts a month is kind of absurd, so it’s good I made that transition before Ava came along. The music scene in Alaska isn’t that great, and most nationally known shows tend to sell out very quickly to people that aren’t even very big fans. It’s such a luxury to see great live music that people will go to see just about anything!
Evan and I had the pleasure of seeing Moscow, Idaho’s own JOSH RITTER last Saturday. It was a fabulous show in a new theater at the local community college. One of the perks of music out here “in the valley” is that the venues are small so the shows are intimate. The last time Josh Ritter played here (two years ago), he played in a local coffee shop with about fifty people! How many people get to see fairly popular musicians in that kind of space?!
Josh Ritter at the Glenn Massay Theater in Palmer, Alaska.
Josh doesn’t sing about farming, per se, but he is a modern folk singer that would appeal to any Farmgirl, I’m sure. Some of his songs harken back to classic folk characters like Stagger Lee, but he also has crafted tunes about a woman falling in love with a mummy that has come back to life, men lamenting the problems in the world when their loves have gone to war, and some star crossed lovers who find love waiting to push a warhead button to start WWIII in a missile silo, among many other themes. His voice is soothing and enveloping, his rhythm is flawed, and he definitely has some Farmboy charm. (Check out those two links, I think you’ll like his music a lot! He also did an NPR Tiny Desk Concert a few years ago check it out here, and another live NPR concert that is streaming here).
Another music opportunity in our community! Ava’s first orchestra?
Do you have any Farmgirl gems? A new season is upon us and some new music is in order! I will start my farming gig next week, and some new (new-to-me classics definitely count!) music to share with my co-farmers would be great!
I just had to share this sweet photo. Our good friends Bix and Emma left Alaska last week, and this is “Uncle” Bix walking with Ava for the last time in a long time. Sad Face. Perhaps I should parody a song for this moment.
Until Next time,
Sending you peace, love and beautiful harmonies,
Alex, The Rural Farmgirl
Nancy says: Oh my goodness! Thanks for sharing Elephant Revival (I’ve never heard of them). As soon as I clicked on the link and saw the picture, I knew by looking at the instruments that I was going to love them. Listened to a quick sample and yes, I am ready to buy, download a CD!
Alexandra Wilson says: Nancy–YES! I’m so, SO happy you enjoy them. I’ve listened to both “These Changing Skies” and “Break in the Clouds” too many times to count! Soundtrack of my last four years. It feels so good to get lost in beauty.
edith says: We love Old Crow Medicine Show whilst weeding! New Orleans Jazz, bluegrass, French classical, we’ve got it covered! Thanks for sharing ! Love the amber teething necklace btw!
Alexandra Wilson says: Oh yeah, OCMS is good for those energy suckers! I’ve recently been getting more into New Orleans Jazz. We visited a few years ago and loved it.
Music has been my life since I can remember. Sang when I was four years old. My mother thought it was cute and for the next thirteen years its all my sister and I did. It was a way of occupying ourselves. Little did we know it would occupy us our whole life. A day without music would be hell. I foray I never lose my ability to sing/and hear.
We were fortunate to have a lot of neighbors and aquaitances that either sang or player an instrument. Wed get a free concert all the time. But sometimes it can get verwheming too. Some peoples music could be your torture. Lol.
We have one neighbor whose gone on to be quite a singer…country music…J.B Aaron….we know him by the name Josh. Just put His name in a browser to find where he’s at now. He’s come a long way since he first came into our lives….he was going around town selling watches….and of course my husband bought one. He reminded me of my son….a go getter. He’s going places in the music world. Where as my sister and I just dang in New York, Pa, and/Ohio, as far as my mother could get us singing gigs, but when my sister got married, our duet broke up.I had a hard time singing alone…. I would just sing in a choirs. It felt weird to sing all alone. Once in a while I would sing a solo, but I would always picked the song. I never had the desire to make money at singing, as it always felt too demanding. Its not a life I some choose. Living out of a suitcase was never a life I wanted. But give me a song I like, and I’d sing. You kind a learn it from being around people who sing. My mother ….she had a beautiful vocal range. She sang like an angel, and I never appreciated her voice until she passed away.now I cry when I sing her songs she loved. Teach your baby all the best and she will never forget you!
Alexandra Wilson says: Oh, Susana! Thanks for sharing. I SO wish I could sing well, but like I said, it doesn’t keep me from singing a happy tune (although it could be torturous to some–sorry to those who have been tortured by me! haha). I bet your voice is angelic. I will have to check out J.B. Aaron. A day without music would be hell, you are right on with that statement. Thank you so much for your words of wisdom and encouragement! Keep on singing!
Gail says: Love your article, and love that Evan is carrying on. The music appreciation came from his parents, but not the talent. I can’t wait to see Ava rocking and singing in person!
A new haunting “farming” song I have been hearing on our sirius radio the last few weeks is “Next Year People” by Colin Hay. An Australian singer, former Men at Work member. It is about the dust bowl. I thought it was about an Aussie drought until I fell on to his explanation. He saw a PBS special on the “Dirty 30’s”, which I know I have seen, also. “Next year everything will come good, the rains they will fall and we’ll dance on the hood….”
Now, if the wind would stop blowing and the rains come soon to our dry prairie……….
We LoVe you guys, Gail
Alexandra Wilson says: Thanks, Gail! Where did Evan get his vocal chords? I also cannot wait to see Ava singing with a little guitar or playing the bass–female bass players are so awesome. I love Colin Hay’s music, but haven’t heard anything new of his for several years, I will have to check it out. Thanks for the tip! Love you!
Hi Alex,
Thanks for sharing Elephant Revival. I went to their website and my husband and I listened to the songs they have streaming there. Oh my word!!! My new favorite! 🙂 They are fantastic. I’m going to order a CD. Do you have a favorite you’d recommend? I was thinking about their newest one – Changing Skies.
I play the piano and give my little grand-daughters lessons, but I’m not actually a very good pianist because I have no talent so it requires a whole lot of effort on my part to play! My husband is learning to play the banjo and he’s getting quite good and I love listening to him.
This blog post was fun – I really enjoyed it and thanks again for sharing Elephant Revival!
– Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Alexandra Wilson says: Thanks, as always, Dori! My two favorite Elephant Revival albums are These Changing Skies and Break in the Clouds. These Changing Skies is the one that I listened to while in Labor with Ava–“Grace of a Woman” got me through some tough moments! I’m so happy to turn wonderful people onto their soul feeding music. I’m sure your grand-daughters think you are the best piano player around, despite your modesty. I, too, love the banjo, and I’ve dabbled here and there, but I’ve never gotten very good. I should start practicing again! I was a pretty good flutist at one point in time, but I’ve lost the facial muscles for any prolonged playing these days. So glad you enjoy Elephant Revival!
“To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence.”
~Mark Twain
We found an egg, success!
I did it.
Mostly.
I made it forty days and forty nights with no very few sweet treats. It was hard at first. After a couple weeks, however, it was easy and felt really great!
Even though I ate a few things here and there, I was definitely not bingeing on cookies, sneaking brownies or scarfing down chocolate during stressful times.
We have been eating more fruits and veggies and dabbling in alternative “sweets” (I’ve included a recipe for butter mints at the end of this post!). I’ve been sleeping better, feeling more energetic and saving money, to boot.
Success!
Maureen says: Thanks for the butter mints recipe, I’m going to give them a try. I like your theory about lent and habit changing. You may be onto something there!
Alexandra Wilson says: Thanks, Maureen. Those mints are yummy and so easy to make!
susana says: I’m curious how many Easter eggs did the little one find ? Thanks for the recipe for the butter mints.
Alexandra Wilson says: Hi Susana, The Easter Egg hunts were crazy! The big kids found all of the eggs in about 2 minutes, but they were really nice and shared with the little kids. She actually found one egg, but she came home with a five, I think. Definitely a fun experience. The candy fueled chaos!
Hi Alex,
It’s really funny how going without sugar makes everything sweeter isn’t it? And good for you sticking with it. I’ve been back off of it for a few weeks now and am starting to totally feel the positive results. Again. The problem for me is that it slips back in somehow and I’m eating it again before I know it!
Success for me comes in so many different ways. My husband and I ran a half marathon last weekend that we’d been training for and even though we walked a lot of it, we finished and the success was so sweet! 🙂
And a sleeping baby? That is very definitely success!!!
Happy Spring – Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
P.S. I love that green skirt you’re wearing… totally darling.
Alexandra Wilson says: A half marathon? That is so impressive! Congratulations on that incredible achievement. And with the sugar–I am definitely the same way. But we have to feel bad once in a while in order to feel good, yeah? Plus, sweet treats are so tasty and really fun to make. I love baking! That’s what usually gets me…wanting to bake treats.
pam demarrais says: I am inspired by your commitment to Lent! Good for you! When is planting time in your neck of the woods?
I bet that the one egg that your precious little girl found was like stumbling upon gold.
Thanks for your great blog!
Alexandra Wilson says: Thanks, Pam! The rule of thumb is to wait until Memorial Day, but many people will push it and start early to mid May. This year has been so warm that the beginning of the season should be pretty smooth. It’s been above freezing during the day here for weeks, way fewer vernal ponds than usual. The Easter egg hunt was so fun and cute.
I eat “chocolate cake” for breakfast rather often. It’s super simple but I do cook it in the microwave.
Mash one banana in a glass bowl. ( cereal size or a bit bigger.)
Add heaping tablespoon organic peanut butter, blend together well.
Mix in 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of honey if desired, & 2 heaping spoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Cook 2 min microwave. Yum! (I eat it warm. Loads of protein.)
Adjust to taste if needed.
Foraging for wild edibles has been one of my favorite activities since childhood. My mother hunted (and continues to hunt) for wild puff ball mushrooms, morels, wild ramps and fiddlehead ferns. We tapped maple trees in our yard and enjoyed the spoils of our relative’s hunting and fishing outings. I’ve eaten cattail, wild sorrel, various wild berries, fire weed, spruce tips, and many others. We’ve even made salves, teas and balms with foraged plants and herbs.
What is that black spot on that birch?! is it a nest? a burl? It’s chaga!
Adrienne says: I heard about chaga from the president of the Mycological Society in San Francisco. He recommended four types for my anti-cancer diet. We have many foragers who work with Far West Fungi and although shiitake and maitake mushrooms are fairly easy to obtain, the chaga is a bit rare. I use the dried mushrooms in soups but haven’t tried them in tea yet. Thank you for letting us know about these amazing fungal helpers!
Alexandra Wilson says: The Mycological Society sounds like it must be full of fun guys (and gals!). Ha. Ha. I bet they never hear that one. I read somewhere that chaga is present on one of every 10,000 birch trees. However, I have seen it a lot up here, even spotting it from my car several times. We must be in the ideal climate! I should try mine in a soup. Yum.
Joan says: Great article!! I too have been into the ‘wild’ side of eating – just because it is there, never heard of chaga, probably because I don’t live where birch grow nicely. Also love the pic with the babies – who are growing so fast – to double precious they are. God bless.
Alexandra Wilson says: Thanks, Joan! I like that–the “wild side”–it must harken back to our hunter/gatherer ways. Although, now instead of survival we gain great pleasure in the hunt. Those babies are growing SO fast. I can’t believe they are walking and babbling together. Soon they will be able to forage with us!
Barbara says: A close friend who is a 20+ year herbalist and a RN, introduced me to chaga last year. It is found here in the Catskill mountains of NY, so I have a great supply. I started having gastro-intestinal problems and after an endoscopy found just mild irritation at the base of my esophagus, I began to have pain in my stomach; kept me up at night and it hurt! My friend told me to start with the chaga tea again (I had stopped last year….don’t know why)…and the first night I drank it (about 4 – 6 oz each evening), the pain was gone. It’s now an every-day thing for me. …… When you first make the chaga tea, you should place it in a glass (never use metal….no pots, no utensils) pot (I use Corningware)…about 2 tablespoons…and cover with at least 16 oz of water (or until you can’t see the chaga pieces). Let soak, covered, overnight. The next day, bring to a SIMMER (never boil) for 30 minutes or so, with lid askew for venting. Then, cover fully, again, and let sit overnight or for 8 hours. The next day, simmer again for 30 minutes….and now it’s ready. It takes time for the water to extract the nutrients from the hard chaga mushroom. Every day, when you take some out to drink, replace the liquid you removed with fresh water….you always want to keep the mushroom pieces covered. Mine usually lasts like this for 2 – 3 weeks!! It never gets spoiled. If, for some reason, you do see spoilage (mold, etc.), toss it. When the tea starts to lighten (when you can see the mushroom pieces), it’s time for a new batch. I take those pieces, and dry them on a plate for a few days (crumbs and all). Then I run it through a blender (to start getting the pieces smaller….they are tough!) and then a coffee grinder. Use the “chaga flour” for baking! No waste! …… Thanks for posting this article and for reminding readers about responsible harvesting. Chaga takes a very, VERY long time to grow. ~~Peace!~~
Alexandra Wilson says: Wonderful, Barbara! Thank you for your insight and incredibly useful tips. This is how I will be preparing my chaga from now on. Peace to you as well!
susana says: I never heard of Chagra, but I am familiar with adaptogens. I use Astragulus which is s one adaotogen that also fights some forms of cancer and other fungus . I take it on occasion now, but took it regularly to fight tumor growths. It also is good for other reason.
But you need to be very careful cause it is a fungi. Some fungus can have a reverse affect. And cause sicknesses and diseases. I used yo walk barefoot and got a white fungus growing in my feet. Fungus , black and some more toxic can actually kill a child. Please be careful in hour harvesting if fungi…..be certain you know fir certain f their vale. I would never feed it to a child.
Alexandra Wilson says: Thanks, Susana. I only harvest mushrooms that I am very certain of. I am a trained naturalist and have taken mycology courses. Many mushrooms and fungi are poisonous and are easily misidentified as edible. Chaga is easily identifiable.
Hi Alex,
I loved reading about the Chaga. I’d never heard of it before. What an awesome thing it is to forage and harvest things in the wild and then to have the courage to actually use it. I think I am sort of a baby that way… 🙂
I was reading your comments and loved the one from Barbara. This Chaga must be the most amazing thing. I’m thinking I need to check into it!
Thanks for the post. Awesome as always! – Dori –
Alexandra Wilson says: Thanks, Dori! I love wild foraging, but I am always certain that it has been correctly identified before ingesting. The most worrisome things to harvest are berries and mushrooms as they can go fatally wrong. I would recommend taking some classes from your local extension office or something similar. I bet those hills around you have some pretty great treasures!
Hello Alex and thank you for your blog about Chaga. It’s interesting read the comments others have sent you. My company makes 8 flavors of tea + honey – that is raw, unfiltered honey infused with organic herbs. Our “Mocha Chaga” tastes like cocoa because it has a lot of cacao, but at the same time each cup has a goodly amount of powdered Chaga. Ours is wild-harvested by our son in mid-central Maine. I drink a plain Chaga tea every day to reduce my sugar numbers and I’m thrilled to say it really works! So thanks for spreading the word, Alex. If you’d like to know more about our teas just go to our website: zenbearhoneytea.com Cheers
Hello Alex and thank you for your blog about Chaga. It’s interesting to read the comments others have sent you. My company makes 8 flavors of Honey Tea – that is, raw, unfiltered local honey infused with organic herbs and teas. Our “Mocha Chaga” tastes like cocoa because of the cacao, Lucuma and sea salt, but it also includes a goodly amount of powdered Chaga. All the ingredients infuse in the honey, so you just add a spoonful to hot water to make a great cup of tea. I drink plain Chaga tea every day to reduce my sugar numbers. It works! Our Chaga is wild-harvested by our son in central Maine, but as you say, Chaga lives in all the world’s boreal forests. Thanks for spreading the word about Chaga. Check out our website for more info. on all our teas: zenbearhoneytea.com Cheers Lisa
Jeff Orr says: wondering best place to buy raw or chunk chaga in salt lake city
It’s spring break season for students of all ages—from little preschoolers to non-trad college students. For many, this means trips to warm southern climes: Mexico, Florida, Arizona, Hawaii, bikinis, tropical cocktails, suntans and sandy scalps. For others, it might be a good time to pick up extra shifts at work and make some spending money. Then, there are the folks who don’t have a designated spring break, because they work 9-5 jobs. We are a little bit of all of these. Evan works a “real” job, but his “weekend” is Tuesday and Wednesday. He’s also a student who happens to be on spring break. I have been nannying for a family who is also on spring break this week, so I have the week off. It turns out, Evan and I had our first two days off together since mid-January. We decided to celebrate with a spring break trip!
Spring Break, Alaska Style. Ava doesn’t look impressed!
susana says: Love the Alaska backwoods trip with you. Even though it was just a visual, I enjoyed the narratives and ohtos. …since I always wanted to go to Alaska but never found the time, even though I have traveled to many wonderful places.
I Love how Ava is so curious and brave to put her in the water with sea creatures. Must have been a joy to see her test the waters of many adventures. She’s so sweet.
I love the fungus glasses on the tree….and you feel the wonders of nature first hand. How weird but wonderful…..even G*d has a sense of humor in His creations! Thanks for sharing your spring break!
Alexandra Wilson says: Thank you, Susana! It was a nice little trip for our family. Ava is a a brave and tough little Farmgirl!
Denise Ross says: Sounds a fabulous spring break. We are heading into autumn weather here, and I’m looking forward to some cooler temperatures. We’ve had a long hot summer this year. I’m looking forward to getting outside more from now on.
Alexandra Wilson says: I love that we have a dedicated reader from “down under” (do you even say that in Australia?!). It proves that Farmgirl is a condition of the heart, not location! Happy Fall to you and yours.
Joan says: Thanks for the Spring break outing – I had a good time. Ava is growing so quickly – too cute she is. God bless.
Alexandra Wilson says: Thanks! She is growing up too quickly in my opinion, time for another wee little babe? Blessings to you, as well!
Alex, what a perfect Spring Break trip! I loved Seward. My sister in law (who lives in Anchorage) and I spent a weekend in Seward a number of years ago. My favorite part of our time in the area was taking the Danny J Ferry to Halibut Cove. Oh my goodness, it is beautiful there. We hiked around the island and had lunch at The Saltry (I think that was the name of it), we went to a gallery and bought some beautiful pottery. What a fabulous time! And we stayed at a B&B in Seward and just enjoyed it all. My sister in law was very kind to play tourist with me!!! 🙂 Loved your post and love that darling little Ava, walking around in her super cute little boots! What did she think of the baby? Hugs, Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Alexandra Wilson says: So cool that you’ve been there, Dori (but you might be thinking of Homer? that’s nearer to Halibut Cove, I think))! I’m loooking forward to getting out on a boat this coming summer when my dad visits. The male half of our friendly couple down there is a captain on a tour boat! He has a classic, calm, Mainer sea captain voice–it will be a treat! Plus, we can’t wait to see that little baby again. At first Ava was indifferent toward the little guy, but once he started crying she wanted to comfort him a bit. So cute to see her interact with other kids and babies!
Dori Troutman says: Ha Ha!! Yep, you are right! It WAS Homer!! I had to refresh my memory on that trip. One thing I was reminded of by my husband was that he and his brother left from Seward on a big fishing trip and that is where we left them off at before my sister-in-law and I headed out on our weekend trip. And we had the best Halibut Chowder at a little restaurant in Seward. Someday we’ll go back! It’s such a beautiful state! I always look forward to your posts, Alex. – Dori –
P.S. I’ll be anxious to hear about your boat trip with your Sea Captain friend. That is so awesome! 🙂
Alexandra Wilson says: Mmmmm, Halibut Chowder, my mouth is watering! I look forward to your posts, too, Dori. They help me realize that my dream can be reality some day all while providing great tips that apply to any Farmgirl. I also cannot wait for the boat trip with my friend. His voice is so soothing, it reminds me of an old-timey radio host.
robin fritz says: i love your blog, some day i hope to see alaska. have a happy spring!
Alexandra Wilson says: Thank you, Robin! I hope you see it some day, too. It is a gorgeous state!
Jennifer says: I would love to visit Alaska sometime; your words paint it so beautifully. My son was talking about going to college there, but it’s just so far from home! Still, an adventure would be lovely. We’re on our Spring Break now and so far, I have signed my oldest homeschooling son up to attend GED classes this summer.
Alexandra Wilson says: Thank you, Jennifer! It is a long way from home the other states. It is the hardest part about living up here. You should definitely consider a trip up here sometime. I suggest March or late summer!
{Disclaimer: I just realized that the teaser for this post kind of makes it sound like I’m struggling with an illicit drug addiction, this was not my intention…Don’t worry, I am definitely not partying like a rockstar}
Two years ago I wrote a post titled “The White Stuff” which was about both an abundance of snow and my love for raw milk. As I pondered what to write about this week, I kept thinking the white stuff, the white stuff; and I could not come up with a better title. Some others I sifted through: “Reawakening,” “Guilt,” “Transformation,” and “Forty Days and Forty Nights.” None of these seemed to fit what I was going for though, so I stuck with “The White Stuff” it’s just “revisited.”
It’s also totally different from that post. Unlike the glorious, snowy winters of 2012 and 2013, this year has been dismal! Apparently the east coast and parts of the midwest have been hogging all of the snow. I know that many of you in those areas would gladly part with some of it. Too bad Mother Nature had different plans.
Ummm…that white stuff is really far away! Snowless view of Spring Creek Farm
Kim says: Alex, God is not tsk-tsk-tsk-ing you. He is totally in love with you…more so than you are with your daughter, if you can imagine that! It’s an absolutely wonderful thing! I was raised Catholic and am a proud-to-be practicing Catholic. For Lent, I am giving up time…time to reflect on His word, time to reflect on myself, time to reflect on my relationship with Him, time to pray more. In the past, I have replaced a sacrifice of the typical food stuff with something that pushes who I am into a more positive place….for example, giving up complaining. I find those sacrifices more rewarding. When I fail, I don’t give up and God doesn’t give up on me either. Would you give up on your daughter if/when she fails? You are God’s daughter. He loves you no matter what…and there’s nothing you can do about it. 🙂 Many blessings to you and your family!
Deb Bosworth says: Howdy, Alex! You are certainly correct in the northeast getting tons of snow… it’s snowing right now, in fact. Mother nature is a funny thing. As for this farmgirl, I’m praying for warmer temps and rains…. I’ve got flowers to grow, after all and I can’t even see the tops of my raised beds at the moment for all the snow they are buried under. The only self-denial I’m practicing right now is not ordering more seeds than I have room to plant them in. It’s NOT easy… I’m ADDICTED to flowers! Enjoy the sunshine and warmth you are having.. It’s good for your bones and your spirits! Wish you could send us some!
Hugs, Beach Farmgirl, Deb
Alexandra Wilson says: Hey Deb! It sounds pretty wild out there. I bet it’s getting tedious, and I understand your worry about your flowers. Your flower beds are always so gorgeous! I bet you will be in the soil before you know it. I am the same with seed orders. I usually end up donating a bunch to the school I used to teach at for the kiddos to experiment with or grow in their own little containers. We are enjoying the warmth and sunshine and so wish we could send some your way. Here’s to a warm front!
Marlene says: As a recovering Catholic I recommend that next Lent you give up guilt and add doing something productive as a Lenten sacrifice. By Easter you’ll be 40 days a happier more guiltless person. It’s really quite freeing.
Alexandra Wilson says: Yes! I was hesitant to use the phrase “recovering Catholic.” I usually do try doing something productive over Lent, but this year I felt like my sugar consumption was getting out of control…so I went with that. Thanks for chiming in!
susana says: Well, you can have my snow….Frèeeeeeee! Got about five feet in my front yard and that’s not drift of sugar! Lol cone ad get it!
When I was a kid, I used go father snow so my mum could make us snow cones. But I wouldn’t do that now! I had to get my grandsons to come and clean off my deck and shovel snow off my roof….that was a scary adventure….with rope around him so he wouldn’t slid off the roof. Did that because we kept hearing popping and creaking sounds in the attic, most likely the heat hitting the snow and ice. Were ….on bended kbee …Praying my gutters dont get pulled off. Last year we had the covering get pulled off, of our back Door ….torn off by the
wind.-
I hate winter, but busy myself with crocheting, sewing, reading, filling my notebook with art and recipes…love collecting them.
Trying to avoid going out in the cold, going out only when our roads are dry. I hate venturing down snowy or ice covered
roads and I ate having to shovel that while stuff….. I wonder if that white stuff was sugar would t be/easier to go out in it? Be a sticky mess. Can you imagine snow being sugar?
But what I think if this cold…..I think the earth is doing that 100th year tilt where north becomes the west and south becomes the east. Something like that where the poles do a flip flop….its probably why weather gets freaky every so many years. And we see it as tusumis and bad weather. I did notice the/sun coming up this past week more northerly than it was. I always watch the seasons change out my kitchen window. Life fir ever changing. Yet staying the same. Winter has a way of making you ponder more….I even write more in the winter time. But I can never appreciate the season until it passes. Then I miss those lazy, curl up under the blanket days…remembering those cold Winters of Iowa with a wood furnace ….sleeping face and the blankets in the dead of winter! Then I’m grateful that thins get better! Now just waiting for spring and
Anting season…..in the meantime, I just made some pumpkin coconut muffins using my pump,in up before it rots….. made me 2 dozen muffins today. Boy did they taste yummy! Its what I do in the winter time. Bake! Don’t think I coud give up my sweet
tooth! Recipe ….if you care to try it……. 2 cups of puree pumpkin to be packaged cake mix, no oil, and three large eggs, and a half a cup to one cup of dred shredded coconut. Mix all together. Bake 350 degrees in cup cake time for ten more minutes than package says,( turn off oven, but let cupcakes sit in oven…. if cakes look wet. Let oven cool. Enjoy! The MST healthy cupcakes I make!
Alexandra Wilson says: FIVE feet?!?! Holy shovels! That’s incredible and probably a bit dangerous. Thank goodness you have your grandkids to help you out with the shoveling. I very much wish you could send some this way. Snow being sugar…ewww! Maybe it would help save the bees? There is a type of snow called “sugar snow” or depth hoar. It’s the layer of crystallized snow/vapor that develops between the lowest layer of snow and the ground. It commonly helps trigger big avalanches!
Pumpkin muffins are some of my favorite sweets! I think they are partially what helped propel me into my sugar addiction. I also love coconut…mix those two together? YUM. Thanks for the recipe!
Dori Troutman says: Hi Alex, I was hearing about the lack of snow from our family in Anchorage. What a bummer. I keep thinking about the Iditarod and wondering how that is going to go without good snow? The trails can be wickedly dangerous without good snow right? As for sugar (or lack there-of) I also know when my intake is getting out of hand as I get a migraine… then I’m careful again for a few months and then slowly, ever so gradually get too much of it again. 🙁 I have two little grand-girls that have been raised with VERY little sugar and I just recognize how beneficial it is. Easy to get addicted to the stuff for sure! And yes, you are right EVERYTHING tastes so sweet. I love that! 🙂 Hugs – Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Alexandra Wilson says: You are right, Dori, the trails are very dangerous without snow. They were bad last year as well and I think it led to more teams dropping out than usual. I imagine it’s hard on the dogs to drag a sled over tundra rather than glide over snow! We are really happy with our sugarlessness (good made up word), but I imagine the same thing will happen as time goes on. Then we’ll just have to cut back all over again. Your two grandgirls sound so very special! I love hearing about them. Best to you and yours!
Barb says: Ah, another recovering Catholic! But, finally, in my 60th year, I have no Lenten guilt. I try to make lifelong changes in myself and attitudes–nix the deprivations, add joy, graciousness, kindness, etc. Oh yeah, and, about 30 years ago I cut out most of the sugar. It was a LONG haul for 10 years or so, through a lot of REALLY bad recipes, trying to keep both my health and appetite happy. I now eat some sweets, but all the candy (except for very good organic dark chocolate) and processed foods are gone. I’ve learned to cut back sugar in recipes, substitute local honey when I can, and pack lots of other good nutrients into the goodies…sweet potato brownies—wonderful! They pass the chocoholics test! I bake custards, apple crisp, etc., but my portions are 1/4 of what I used to eat…and it all works for me. Once in a while I’ll fall off the wagon and eat four fresh, still warm choc chip cookies, but don’t hold it against myself…my stomach takes care of that for me! My family has a history of sugar addiction and all the accompanying ailments…I didn’t want to be one of them. By eating no prepared foods, lots of veggies, fruit, good meat and dairy, and doing my own cooking I can eat goodies without the trauma to my system. Good luck!
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”.
Thanks Alex for the insight into your yurt set up and life within it. It’s very interesting and I’m glad you are comfortable and happy with how it works for you and your family. Little Ava is a real cutie. Where will you be living when your time living in your yurt comes to an end?
Denise – Australia
Thanks, Denise! We are most likely moving into Anchorage so my partner’s commute will be much shorter. He spends 10-13 hours a week commuting as it is. It’ll be great to have that time back!
Youth haa its advantage for yurt lifestyle. Ava looks…. contented.that’s all that matters.
Thanks, Susana! Ava is very content, she doesn’t know any better and still gets everything she needs and plenty of the things she wants. Happy little lady, she is!
Great insight to your living!! I’m looking to downsize but – especially at my age a yurt won’t be IT – need a few more creature comforts but I love that you have done it and darling Ava is none the worse for it – it will be great to spend more time together, so hoping that all goes well. God bless
Thank you, Joan! This reminds me of my dad saying, “I like it–I think I could have done this when I was younger, but not now!” haha. It has been a good adventure, and one that we will look back on fondly…while taking hot showers in a future home!
Hi Alex,
Thanks so much for writing about your Yurt life! I really enjoyed it. It reminds me a little of living in our travel trailer for the almost 3 years it took to build our house. It was really fun for the first year or so. Then, the second year we tolerated it. The final 6 months I wanted to burn the place down!!! 🙂 It made our house all the sweeter!
Hope the fires have settled out some? I’ve talked to my sister in law (in Anchorage) a few times and always forget to ask her about the fires.
Hugs,
Dori
Hey Dori! Yes, I’ve had those same feelings…now that we are facing the end of our time here it is much better, though. The fires near us have died down, but there are still plenty of fires throughout the state. It’s been a bit rainy for the last couple of weeks, but not nearly rainy enough! It is terrible for both fires and farming…We need some new rain dances to perform, any ideas?! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your Yurt and family. Such a special place and I know you have great memories their and alway will. Enjoy your new adventure of a new place and I’m sure saving the gas will be great and more time with family. Are you selling your place their? I have seen others that take theirs down. Very cool for sure. Thanks again.
Thanks for the kind words, Rowena! We will likely be selling the yurt at some point. We’ll probably leave it up for the next winter and into next summer as a “second home.” This is funny for me to say! haha. We will probably sell it then, although the possibility to keep it is always an option. They are intended to be nomadic homes, so if we sell it or if we keep it it will be moved.
What made you decide to move to the city? What will happen to the yurt? Thanks for sharing your life in the yurt. it has been very fun and interesting. I know I couldn’t do it for as long as you have.
My partner works in the city, and it was getting hard to justify the two hours (or more) of commuting he was doing every day–especially since I don’t have class or regular work where we were living. We will ultimately sell the yurt, but it is still up right now as a “country house.” Plus, we still have quite a bit of little stuff in the yurt that needs to be moved/donated/tossed! It was definitely a fun and different experience. So glad we did it, but I’m also glad to be living in a place with more modern amenities!