When we rely upon laws to enforce decent behavior, we end up spending our hard-earned money on attorneys. Rather than legal recourse, I’m on a mission to amp up my personal charm and collaborative kindness. Good manners are contagious.
Let’s get viral together.
If you’re already yearning for an ocean vacation, complete with snorkeling, I have just the vicarious voyage for you … The Google Oceans mapping tool is one more way in which Google packs up the imagination and sends it sailing around … Continue reading Continue reading
Pen pals are back in style in a new and creative way, thanks to a gal named Janette Lane and the growing sensation of her Pocket Letter Pals network. Pocket letters are pen-pal letters in a pocket format. The idea is to fill all nine pockets of a 9-pocket trading card sleeve and send it to someone who’s agreed to swap with you. Pen pals connect by signing up on the free network, where they can also create a profile, join groups, receive news, and message other members.
Pocket letter samples via PocketLetterPals.com
The swap can be a one-time exchange, or you can exchange indefinitely if you find someone you really like. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a collection of new pen-pal friends from all over the world? I’m thinking it would. Visit PocketLetterPals.com to learn more.
Winnie Nielsen says: In the fourth grade, we all got pen-pals at school and mine was a girl who lived outside of London. We stayed in touch through high school. You can imagine how excited we both were talking about the Beatles debut. She actually went to a concert and wrote me all about it and sent a postcard or two! Later on in early high school, I had a pen-pal from India who was related to a graduate student who studied under my Dad at the University of Virginia. I found a letter from her recently in a box of my keepsakes. I think it is a great idea to meet new friends and exchange letters from others who are interested. It definitely is a wonderful experience for young children and the neatest way to open the windows of the world community.
MaryJane says: And this may be the reason you’re a world traveler. You never know what will make a permanent impact.
April says: This is a super cute idea. I had pen pals growing up from Australia and somewhere in Europe. I also had lots of penfriends from here in the U.S. I love writing letters and receiving them. It’s such a great way to connect with people in a tangible way. I love my penpals from MJF! Maybe we should have a Farmgirl version of this!
Winnie Nielsen says: Would these be apple tree blossoms?
Nancy Coughlin says: Would love to see some blossoms- somewhere! We had snow, again, yesterday!
Cindi says: I love love love grape hyacinths. Funny thing is that I have never had any in a single place where I have lived. Should fix that!
Winnie Nielsen says: I love these Spring bulb flowers. It is always a joy to walk into the grocery store and see a whole big grouping of all the colors of Hyacinth and take in a big breath. Beautiful!
Nancy Coughlin says: Such a beautiful color. Feel sorry for those who are allergic to these flowers. I agree with Winnie about taking a big breath and enjoying the scent!
Winnie Nielsen says: Are these the cans that were used for storing oil, kerosene and such so that you had a safe pouring spout?
MaryJane says: Given the style of this one, perhaps. Especially if it once had a lid but I think of it as a watering can and use it for that purpose. When I found it in a second hand store years ago, it didn’t have any oily residue or weirdness on the inside.
Nancy Coughlin says: How ironic. Just found an old oil can today in a home I am helping to clear out. Was told “Take it I have no idea what it is or what it is used for.” Explained and she told me to take it anyway. Elderly woman/friend is moving form a 4 bedroom family home to a one bedroom assisted living apartment. Hoarding has been an issue and it is going to be a long time of ‘doing’ and clearing.
Winnie Nielsen says: Spring green and gentle spring rain. What a beautiful sight to behold!
Cindi says: Well we do indeed have the gentle rain ~ and my first crocus looks very pretty under the droplets. Since I thought all of the bulbs I planted the year before last had been lost to a freeze, it is a double pleasure to see this beautiful purple and green flower 🙂
Winnie Nielsen says: I really enjoy these morning photos. Beautiful flowers, vintage farm pieces and barns, and so much more!
MaryJane says: You’re what keeps us outside with our cameras! Good morning gurlfren!
Marcia Hicks says: Lovely Helebore! Mine are a very deep purple/almost black color and they are splendid looking in the morning sun!
Winnie Nielsen says: This bloom close up is stunning. What will it be when it opens up? Spring pink and green are one of my favorite color combinations.
Carol Hill says: Hi Winnie! The photo of the day is a Lenten rose (Hellebore) bud. They’re popping out all over!
Nancy Coughlin says: If anything ‘popped out’ right now, here in northeast PA, it would freeze and fall off the plant. Cabin fever is really becoming an issue for some folks. I am hard put to keep up with my bird-feeders and suet hangers. Hard to believe that Spring is supposed to be here in a couple of weeks.
Winnie Nielsen says: This profile looks like the American Robin. Currently, they are here in Gainesville enjoying an abundance of bugs in the yards as they migrate back north. Robins are one of my very favorite birds as I have many memories of them raising their young in our back yard Dogwood trees.
Cindi says: Oh he’s pretty! I’m seeing (and hearing) the birds coming around again – just a few right now. Soon we’ll be hearing the resident pheasants! I call them Mr. and Mrs. Barkley D. Fezzant. They are so much fun to watch. The Mrs. scratches around for bugs in my flower bed and lawn while Mr. struts back and forth where the grass meets the street looking bold and challenging to any other Mr. who might try to steal his lady. I can’t wait 🙂
Karlyne says: Is it a robin? Ours are more brown, it seems. But maybe that’s dust…
MaryJane says: I’m thinking it’s a robin but I’m not an expert, just an admirer.
Karlyne says: I am going to use that at every chance I get! “I’m not an expert, just an admirer.” Love it!
Buy props used in MaryJane’s books and magazine!
5% of profits will benefit www.firstbook.org, a non-profit that provides new books to children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s how:
MaryJane will post a photo and a description of a prop and its cost along with a few details as to its condition here: https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/MaryJanesCurations. It’s a playful way to be the new owner of a little bit of farm herstory.
Big Smile!