http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/Powered by: Forest Blog Copyright 2006 Host ForestI couldn’t stand the fact that the picture I took of that first wildflower was so bad. All because of my snake phobia. It blurred because the strap of my camera scared me half to death. I decided that I needed to do better. So, I took to the woods again. I was bound and determined to find a flower just like the one I had seen the other day. And, this time I would take a decent picture of it!]]>http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=111http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=111Thu, 8 May 2008 07:55:22 0000Well I took to the woods again. This time it was May Day. And this time I was on a clearly defined mission. I was going to find, photograph and identify some wildflowers.

The first wildflower I spotted was lovely. The white flower hung upside down under three leaves. I couldn’t get the camera where I wanted it in order to take a good photo. Where the flower was growing just felt… snake-y (you other snake phobic’s out there know exactly what I’m talking about.) I got off the path (something I never do) and stepped as close to the flower as I could muster up the courage.

]]>http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=110http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=110Mon, 5 May 2008 08:32:47 0000“And my heart came back alive….”

Somebody somewhere wrote those words in a song. And those exact words popped into my head this morning as I came out of the woods to head back home. What a great way is was to spend the morning of Earth Day. In the woods.

“And my heart came back alive…” Being in the woods does that to me. I come back alive. I go into the woods raggedy. I come out smooth. Being in the woods perks my spirit. Renews my being. Gives me peace. Yes, livens my heart.

]]>http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=109http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=109Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:46:25 0000Of Oz, that is. The occasion? My daughter’s birthday party. Yep, she turned 7. That’s right, 7 years ago today…okay, okay, I’ll spare you the details. Back to Oz. I, myself, was in charge of the party. Me, a party planner?! Now that’s different. But, since the guests were to be a bunch of 7-year-olds, I thought I could handle it. ]]>http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=108http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=108Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:41:46 0000At what point can you develop frostbite?

Believe it or not, that is what was going through my head the night last week that we arrived at our Mountain Farm. My parents and my daughter and I headed up there for “Spring Break.” My husband had to work and spent much of his week on a business trip to New York City. We were each at opposite extremes. He in the “city that never sleeps.” Me in the country-side. Where folks “hit the hay” when the sun goes down.

]]>http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=107http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=107Tue, 1 Apr 2008 07:25:20 0000This Easter, Easter 2008, is the first one where I am in charge of the kitchen. Me. Oh, yeah...I’m up for the challenge. It’s hard to believe but spending time in the kitchen creating meals has become fun for me. Actual fun. When I worked long hours and had very little time, I have to tell you, I did not enjoy it. Now that I have the time to think about meals and search recipes, it’s a different experience altogether. It is definite fun. I’d actually call it a hobby for me.

And this hobby is so rewarding. There’s nothing like putting a lovely hot meal on the table for your family and to hear your six year old child say, “Gross, what is this? I can’t eat it.” The joys of being the family chef.

]]>http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=106http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=106Fri, 21 Mar 2008 07:16:28 0000I noticed something last week. I don’t cut myself any slack any more. I don’t think that’s a good thing. I am going to learn to cut myself some slack.

Let me tell you how I came to this realization. Let’s talk about the necessity of slack.

]]>http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=105http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=105Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:22:31 0000I have been working feverishly on some projects these last few weeks. All of which are quite ambitious. That’s actually the way I like it. Working feverishly. Challenging projects. It is a truth that I function best under pressure. In fact, that’s about the only way I function. Otherwise, I’m bored. I’m sure there’s some fancy diagnosis for that. Besides procrastinator. Or adrenaline junkie. ]]>http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=104http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=104Wed, 5 Mar 2008 13:47:34 0000Hey you! How are you doing today? You know, I was thinking. Are you in the mood for a walk through my woods? It’s so bright and sunny this morning. Yet crisp. I’ve got to get out there. Nature calls. Now, listen. I have to warn you. I’m not much of a talker when I take my morning walks. I just like to enjoy the time in the woods. I know I’m a chatterbox the rest of the day. But, my morning walk is such a peaceful time for me. Do you mind if we have a quiet walk together?]]>http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=103http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=103Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:27:00 0000The day started out like every other school day. Rush, rush, rush. Get ready. Do you have your homework? Eat a little bit more. Can’t you eat just a little bit more? No? Well go brush your teeth.  Did you brush your hair? Hurry. We gotta go.

Now, you know I’ve moved out to the middle of nowhere in order to improve our quality of life. To take my daughter to school is so different than it used to be. I used to have to fight to get out in traffic and then I’d sit and sit and sit.  It was an unpleasant way to start a day.

]]>http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=102http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/MJFBlog/default.asp?Display=102Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:38:12 0000