My husband and I dream of owning a camper, someday driving across the USA. Recently, I met a special glamper and “Sisters on the Fly” member who did just that with her husband. Now, she’s traveling alone, on a special mission, carrying on her husband’s legacy of love.
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”.
Great keep up the good work
Thank you! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Wonderful, wonderful post! I certainly felt ‘nothin’ but love’ reading this. Thank you, Nicole (and Alison) for sharing this.
Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed the post. This was a special one to write, for sure. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I know exactly how you feel…ALL you hAve is the memories. Rest in Peace sweetheart….
i love it..what a beautiful article, alison…you inspire me, as you always have.
love always bobbie
What a heartwarming story! They will be reunited in heaven! God bless her! Best wishes,Cindy
This is beyond beautiful…..Thank you for sharing! Bless you!
Hi Joyce, I am so glad you enjoyed this post. I cried buckets writing it! I am blessed that Alison shared her story with me. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Blessings sweet lady on your journey of Love.
I just wanted you to know I really enjoyed reading your love story and how you have decided to continue traveling as you honor Chuck’s memory. I, too, and a recent widow – my husband will have been gone now for a year next month in September. I am older than you, 72, and now riddled with inoperable cancer so made the hard decision to sell our trailer and be content to travel other ways. Just got back from a dream vacation in Mexico, which I did from a wheelchair! Best trip I ever had. I am an artist and this trip served to show me I still have some artwork in me! I send heartfelt wishes for your happiness and the joy you spread wherever you go. I pray the Lord is in your life as well because He opens up so many more doors and possibilities. Hugs from Sister #820 Paige Bridges
Hi Paige, I am certain this comment will touch Alison’s heart deeply. My heart and prayers go out to you. I am so glad you enjoyed your dream vacation. You sound like a spunky, inspiring lady, as well. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I’ve been following Allison for a long time, loving every minute of it but thanks to you Nicole, I feel like I know her better now. Wonderful post.
Hi MaryJane, Thank you! I am so glad you liked this post. Thanks to your wonderful “Glamping” facebook page, I saw my first glimpse of Alison. I hope you two can meet in person someday; you both are amazing, inspiring, beautiful-inside-and-out, strong women! Much love to you! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Love her story, keep on doing what makes you happy!
Enjoy. Your brave young and beautiful
I’ll be watching you on Facebook from my couch
I’m 80 or I would be on a journey with you
You’ve got my prayers and love
Helen
Alison is a remarkable woman and I hope you can fulfill your dream. For five years, I traveled in an 18′ motorhome named Wendy (because Wendy went everywhere with Peter Pan and I was Peter Pan) and for two years in a 27′ motorhome named Lucy (because even though she was a pain at times, everyone loves Lucy). There is nothing like traveling where you want to do what you like and then coming “home” to enjoy your life. I also hope Alison has many happy years on the road.
Hi Adrienne! Love the names you called your motor homes! When I met my husband (and we were both very young), one thing we share in common is that we hope to travel in a camper – now we are hoping that will be sooner than later! I love the descriptions of your travels. Right now, I haven’t got a glamper yet, but I do tote around town in my car, named Ruby. She’s the same color as Dorothy’s slippers. 😉 Thanks for sharing. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Thanks for the feelings of LOVE in a tough situation. This is a true story of LOVE and we for sure need all the LOVE we can find. I so hope that Alison does find her way to my neck of the woods because it is beautiful here and because it would be so wonderful to meet her. Best wishes Alison!! and thank you Nicole for your LOVE. God bless.
Hi Joan, It was such a funny coincidence that I ran into Alison, like it was meant to be. She is such a beautiful lady, inside and out. I hope you do get to meet her, Joan, as she is such a blessing to be in the presence of. Thanks for commenting, sweet farmsister! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
This story made me cry. Allison is so pretty and I love her pictures and her “glamper” with the car in pink! Very sweet story of true love. I have my own with Richard.
Audrey looked so mature in her picture that I did not recognize her at first. I thought “what a pretty girl” and it was my granddaughter!
Love,
Mother
Hi Mom, Yes, Alison’s story made both Audrey and I cry. She’s an amazing woman, and an inspiration. I feel blessed to have spent time with her.
Also, I think our Audrey has grown a whole foot this summer. 😉 Love you, Nicole
Thank you for your truly heartfelt, inspiring story. She faces her pain and loss with faith and courage. A lesson for us all to learn. Lessings her way, and safe travels always!
Sincerely, Bobbie Shaw
P.S. I travel lightly with my 1967 Shasta Astroflyte 🙂
Hi Bobbie, Thanks for reading and commenting. You know what else I think about Alison? It’s lovely for young people and newly married couples to see that, yes, true love, “death to us part” is real and does exist. What a beautiful life they had together. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Bobbie,
One of the things that is so fascinating to me when I see my story written by someone other than I, is the perceptions by those who read it.
It’s ironic, really…I don’t see any of what I do as being courageous, though, yes, I’m busting out of every comfort zone I ever thought about having. I guess I see all of this as “well, what else was I going to do?”
I do know that Chuck knew that I was/am a strong woman, and he knew I’d do something with this experience. And it helps me to hear other’s perceptions at a time when I don’t really trust my own, so thank you for your words.
Happy trails yourself, with your traveling lightly Shasta Astroflyte~
alison
Oh my goodness, how special is that?!?! thank you for sharing that and thank her for doing that amazing journey she is on! what a story!
Hi Denise, Thank you…I am so glad you enjoyed this post. It was really special to write. I am so inspired by Alison. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Denise,
I apprectiate that you took the time to read the story of my Odyssey. Nicole did a great job with interviewing me (and I loved that her daughter was with her), and a great job writing about it.
If this is all I can do to honor my husband’s legacy, and the love he left behind for me, then I will do it for the rest of my days. He was worth this, and more. And he set me out on this Odyssey with intention, which I’ve come to realize more and more as time goes by~
alison
Hi Nicole,
This was such a special post to read. I bet it was even more special to write.
You know what my favorite part was? The journal they kept together. That is absolutely amazing. Every married couple should do that.
I’m so glad you had the opportunity to meet Alison… and to introduce her to us!
Hugs,
– Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Hi Dori! Our time with Alison was so special. I am so glad to have met her. My husband got to meet her, too, as we had her over for dinner after I interviewed her for the blog. She is now a dear friend, and Audrey really connected to her, too.
I LOVED the journal, too. Isn’t that a great idea? What a fabulous wedding gift to give…a nice blank journal! I love the look on Alison’s face as she was reading it.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
dammit, you made me cry at work….very moving I will be looking for that pink teardrop on my travels.
Oops… sorry. When I was interviewing Alison, I glanced over at my daughter who I thought was on her electronic device. Nope, she was bawling, too. Alison and her story is just so moving. I feel blessed to know her. She inspired me to recently take a road trip with my daughter. (I usually won’t drive far without my hubby). It was great fun! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Sharon,
How do you travel? In a trailer? I’d never even thought about trailers until I got my own, and now I’m fascinated with all the kifferent kinds that I see out on the road and at SOTF campouts.
I hope we get a chance to meet out on the road~
alison
What an awesome story!! Love her car and trailer. You go girl!!! Hope our paths cross sometime. Take Care and a beautiful love story!!
Hi Rowena! Keep a look out – she’s so easy to spot! Happy Travels! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Rowena,
Thank you for your words. It was such a treat to meet Nicole and be interviewed by her; it gives me an opportunity to touch base with so many more people along the way.
I was blessed every step of the way, sharing my life with my husband, and I’m blessed now, with my huge support community~
alison
What a beautiful, loving story. Loved every word and was sorry when it was to the end. I think there is some ‘nomad’ in me also….currently keeping my eye out for an small, older trailer that I can ‘doll’ up. How can I follow Allison to read about her adventures? Thank you for the great post.
Thank you, Susan. Follow Alison on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HappilyHomeless2 or on her webpage here: http://www.loveismycolor.com/
My husband and I are always keeping an eye out for a vintage trailer I can doll up, too. Seems they are not found that much up here. When we were in Florida, I saw a whole bunch. Someday!!! Good luck on your search. (Oh, and my ultimate dream to go with a trailer? A vintage pick up! I’ve wanted one since I was 15)! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Nicole, what a beautifully written story. It proves, without a doubt, that even though a loved one is gone, love never ends.
Alison, on your way to Moscow, Id to visit Mary Jane, please stop by Fairfield, WA. It’s beautiful here and I have lots of farm girlfriends that would love to share stories with you!
Thank you, Linda! This was so special a story to write…I so wanted Alison to be happy with how I told her story. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Love your story,happy trails sister and if ever in the Ozarks your welcome to my little nest on the river.
All I can muster is “WOW”. What a touching story. Thanks for sharing it with us. Makes me feel hopeful and thankful all at the same time 🙂 .
Blessings to you and Audrey today sweet farm sisters,
Dena
Hi Dena, Thank you…I am so glad you enjoyed the post as much as I enjoyed writing it. Alison is really a special soul. Big hugs to you, Nicole
Wow, Nicole, thanks for sharing this post. My husband and I also travel together in the same fashion. I feel a kindred spirit here with Allison. My heart is heavy with mixed emotions, saddened for her loss, but excited to see she is so brave to carry on. I pray that if anything should happen to myself or my sweetie that the other would carry on as well in the same fashion as Allison. She really does give courage to those who have lost their bestfriends in their spouse to keep on keeping on, and know that they are watching them, and traveling with them in spirit. Thanks Allison for giving those hope, and thanks Nicole for sharing Allison’s beautiful story. Be BLessed. Neta
Thank you, Vivian. I was so honored to be able to share Alison’s story. She is such an amazing person with such light beaming from her. Audrey and I were fortunate to spend some more time with her this weekend before she embarks on another journey. We also were thrilled to meet her wonderful son and beautiful daughter in law. They are a remarkable family. I feel so blessed to have gotten to know my new friend Alison. Be safe in your travels, as well, Vivian! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Wow, Nicole, this is so beautiful to read. Alison is certainly courageous. I love her living legacy. Very inspiring. And how wonderful for you and Audrey to meet her.
Greetings from Australia 🙂
Hi Denise, Thank you! I think Alison is definitely one of the most inspirational people I have ever met. Funny thing, we were messaging through Facebook, trying to see if we could meet when she wrote “Do you know where Newtown is?” I was across the street from where her son lives at the time! I could just about walk to where she is staying from my house…no more than 3 minutes by car. Funny how things work sometimes.Big Farmgirl Hugs, Farmsister! (BTW, Audrey dreams of visiting Australia someday)! ~Nicole
Hello Nicole I am an old friend of Alison from NJ having met initially when she joined our church. I have been reading her blog for the past 2 plus years and have seen her twice in the same timeframe. I knew Chuck and he was indeed that wonderful charming man she describes. But the reason I write is to tell you that you drew the perfect picture and description of her story and the incredible person she is. I attended the incredible memorial service Alison planned and executed for Chuch in at outdoor woodsy park. I am positive none will ever impact me the way that one did. It was unique and so full of wonderful love stories and testimonials. I applaud you for your story as it was so right-on and beautifully written
Wow, Carol, thank you so very much. This was a very special blog to write – I felt so fortunate that Alison would share her story with me. Thank you so much for this comment. I think anyone who gets the chance to meet Alison is so very lucky, she’s such an amazing person with such light radiating from her. I wish I would have gotten the chance to meet Chuck, but I’ve also been blessed to meet Alison’s wonderful son and beautiful daughter-in-law. What an outstanding family. Thanks again for writing me. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Oh what an amazing story! Thank you for sharing Alison’s story (love her decorating too). Also, best wishes to Paige Bridges (Aug 5 comment).
Hi Ali! Alison is a sweetie…you would have loved her. Maybe our Farmgirl Chapter can all get to meet her next time she is in town. We stay in touch. Hoping to see all my Farmgirl sisters soon! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole