We’ve all heard how important it is to eat a diet high in roughage. Likewise, “roughaging” (spending time outdoors) is essential to our mental health. Even if it’s a settee on the porch, we need it, gotta have it. I aim to be the reason you pulled your bedding out the back door last night.
Winnie Nielsen says: A tulip at the final bow???? Tulips! Did I mention tulips???? Oh my, oh my, I am deep in Tulip Fever over here and it is incredible!
I run EVERYWHERE. I run, and then I run some more. The humans who know me understand the importance of frolic and fresh air, bucolic and loving care.
When a truck comes, I run.
When a plane flies overhead, I chase it. Wherever the wind blows, I go too.
I run so fast my tail sticks straight out behind me.
My feet are as coordinated as those of a race horse.
But I can stop on a dime any ole time.
‘Cause every now and then I have to go find my mommy and catch my breath (and suckle a little something).
And then I run some more. Sure-footed me. It’s hard to imagine being held captive like most calves are on larger dairy farms. And having to grow up without the peaceable comfort of my mother to touch and love me.
…. all of it so food can be cheap at the cash register. Economy of scale it’s called.
Winnie Nielsen says: Etta Rose, you little darlin’, run and play your heart out! The last photo is horribly haunting and sad. It is just plain shameful how we run the meat industry here in the US. I am counting on the new breed of young and alternative seeking farmers of America to keep changing the conversation about food and how we produce it. Maybe StellaJane and Mia’s generation will see big strides in sustainable and animal husbandry at all levels of farming. They have big shoes to fill but I am counting on them to move the needle on this huge and entrenched industry!
That last picture of the calf ” igloos” brought tears to my eyes! and remember if they don’t move around then they are worth more as ” veal” . Just too sad ! This is factory farming at its low point.
Debbie Fischer says: This bought tears to my eyes, it is horrible the conditions that a lot of animals live in, so very sad. Glad Rose Etta has a lovely home to run free and be as a calf should be, having a great time and being with her mama.
Hugs,
Debbie
Karlyne says: Every time that I pass a Big Ag dairy farm (and they’re usually hidden), and see the cows standing on the huge piles of poop, I just want to cry big disgusted tears. Thank the good Lord for people with consciences, like you and your family, MJ!
Linda Radziminski says: Love your magazine. It is the only subscription I still keep.
Winnie Nielsen says: Gerber daisies I think? But how does this relate to yesterday’s photo? I am even now more confused.
MaryJane says: It doesn’t relate. My crew isn’t here yet:) Soon my darlin’!
Winnie Nielsen says: Bluejays on the west coast look very different from the jays here on the east coast. Ours have more white stripes on the head and body.
We have the ” gang of jays” at my farmette. About 8+ of them , whose preferred place to hang out and call out is my old apple tree by the farmhouse. Very loud and very beautiful too. They especially love the wild blackberries and raspberries here .They strip them bare in a berry eating orgy every season when they are just perfectly ripe.
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.
Such a breathtaking view! Wow, it is inspiring!