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.
I was excited to see the 2017 edition of the Vintage Directory, the “Northwest’s Guide to Vintage Shopping” with Megan’s article, “Glamping with Megan Rae.” If you’re in the Northwest, look for the Vintage Directory at your favorite vintage shop.
If you hail from other parts, I thought you might enjoy reading Megan’s article here:
My mother’s mother was glamping far before we decided to start calling it that. The women of her generation were not shrinking violets, and my grandmother was no exception. They were wildflowers, ready to hit the road and live off the land. But at the same time, they saw no reason not to “rough it” in style. They fussed over and gussied up their campsites, giving rise to the glamping concept. I love my mom’s stories of my grandmother at camp. With her picnic table adorned in a freshly laundered and ironed tablecloth and a bouquet of hand-picked flora, she would stoke the fire, sauté veggies brought from her gardens back home, and grill the catch of the day from the water hole around the bend.
Fast forward 50 years, and we’re still drawn to that floral vase we found while antiquing or those vintage salt and pepper shakers that match the camper perfectly. It should come as no surprise—it’s in our genetics to prettify our little plots, whether at home or at the campsite. It’s been done all along. Now it just has a definition.
Glamping, defined: It’s the juxtaposition of grit and glam, rugged and reined in, burlap and lace. We’ve ditched the notion that camping is daunting, just as we’ve jettisoned the misconception that going “out there” means you have to give up creature comforts like a billowy-soft bed, stamped linens, and bubble baths. Proud of our natural panache, we dare to decorate our gypsy world of trailers and tents in our favorite happy colors. We dust off our prom dresses and hang them right next to our lanterns, loving the way the light dances through the lace. What’s more, we eat chocolate with abandon in the open air, trading traditional adventuring terms like “harsh” and “tough” for our own renditions of comfort, playfulness, and style. Of course, glamping also means we get to own our own campers if we’re so inclined. We’re capable of backing them up or changing a flat tire as easily as we change a nail polish color!
As I said, glamping is in my genes, making its way from my grandmother to my mother, and on to me. But, back before choosing a color palette for a camper was her thing, my mother, MaryJane Butters, worked for the U.S. Forest Service for many years. She’d spent her childhood camping in the Utah outback, so when it came time to venture out of Dodge, she headed straight for the mountains. She was ready, equipped with all of the knowhow she needed to get by, so she sought out a solo stint in a lookout tower watching for fires. Afterward, she worked as a wilderness ranger, which meant moving into a wall tent year-round, 27 miles in from the nearest dirt road. Her stories of winters in those days are wild; her tent would be walled in by five feet of snow each year, insulating her through bitterly cold months. Working for the Forest Service, it didn’t take her long to realize that, while she could build a fence with the best of them, she also loved an immaculate, perfectly-organized tool shed and didn’t mind carrying a crisp hankie (complete with embroidered edges) in her back pocket.
Shortly before I was born, Mom decided it was time for modern conveniences and bought the farmstead where I grew up. As her daughter, I might mention that her idea of conveniences were not entirely conventional. Luckily for me, though, her how-to-it-ness allowed her to run water to the house and plumb the entire thing herself. I never did get a flushing toilet in my childhood (an outhouse sufficed), and we bathed in a clawfoot tub in the kitchen closet. But we did have hot running water, and every seasoned camper knows what a luxury that is!
Within our little outpost, there was always a home-cooked meal atop a beautiful tablecloth. The woodstove kept us warm on winter nights while we enjoyed a good book or family board game. The rest of the seasons were spent roaming outdoors, and it wasn’t unusual for my brother and me to bring home bouquets of wildflowers for the table.
Needless to say, I grew up building a strong sense of DIY and a desire to be outdoors (with a few feminine frills for good measure). Thanks to my mother and my grandmother before her, glamping was destined to become a big part of who I am, and I imagine my daughters will follow suit.
Glamping is a grand tradition among women of all walks of life, and it’s regaining popularity in our modern age for good reason. We really aren’t that far from what our grandmothers once knew. For so many of us, the primal need to be outdoors is as real as it was in generations past, grounding us in an increasingly chaotic world. Our urge to nest and provide are also deep-seated connections to our adventurous ancestors. It’s so satisfying to channel these impulses into our campsites, arranging everything just-so and preparing fabulously fire-roasted meals for those we love. Glamping, I think, also fulfills our need to accomplish. Pulling a camper across the plains, backing her into place just perfectly, and building a campfire like a pro are skills that remind us how very capable we are.
Each summer, as I’m loading up my red and teal vintage finds into our camper, making sure all the right tablecloths and doilies are clean and ready to go, I often think of my mom’s efforts to raise us ready for the world—the wild world, that is. It makes me wonder if another soul-nourishing component of glamping is the sense that I can get it right. Mom sure did. The simplicity of the task allows for perfection, or something close to it. For one weekend of glamping, I don’t have to think of the laundry that needs to be done, so I can fully enjoy my perfect set of tablecloths. I don’t have much to sweep, I don’t need to mop, and I can’t vacuum, so I can take the time to hang the lights I want for the perfect campsite ambiance. And I really don’t have much else to do other than create a campfire meal, so I can get that right, too. I mean, let’s be real, food always tastes incredible eaten outdoors, so whatever I cook while glamping seems perfect. Then, there’s time to just be, to enjoy family and friends, to share the experience with your children (no homework!), and to relax quietly by yourself—things we never seem to have enough time for in our busy lives. If you’re an avid glamper and have been at it for some time, you’re nodding right now. You know. So, happy trails! I wish you glorious journeys, lovely linens, and the perfect salt and pepper shakers.
If you haven’t glamped yet, I bet you’re daydreaming about what you might do with that set of dainty antique teacups you found last week, or the splashy color you could paint that old wicker chair that’s been sitting out in the rain, or how good it would feel to make that first pot of tea on a campfire you built yourself. True? Well then, I believe you’re ready to give it a try. Glamping is calling your name. You don’t have to have a camper, so don’t let that stop you. For many years, we pitched a tent, and those were terrific times. Your pretty tablecloth can still grace a portable camp table, and a welcome mat for your tent entrance is nothing short of wonderful. If it’s warm enough, you don’t even need the tent. A starry sky makes the most divine backdrop for a summer glamping trip.
Down the road, if you set your heart on the perfect color scheme for a camper, you can find a fixer-upper and doll her up (now that’s a sense of accomplishment, let me tell you). At last, you’ll feel free to paint the kitchen cabinets fuchsia. Tuck those antique teacups inside, and create a special corner for that wicker chair. Just remember that you’re encouraged and supported by all us girls who are in love with glamping. You can always find a gaggle of us gabbing on the Farmgirl Connection. If ever you have a question or an idea that needs some sculpting, pop on by and let ’er fly.
Cheers to the journey! No matter where you go, it’ll be positively glamporous, guaranteed!
Megan Butters Rae is the daughter of glamper extraordinaire, MaryJane Butters, and writes for MaryJanesFarm magazine. MaryJane Butters is the author of Glamping with MaryJane and editor-in-chief of MaryJanesFarm magazine. Both Megan and MaryJane have spent countless hours glamping and antiquing together.
Nielsen,Winifred T. says: Megan, I love this tribute to your Mother and Grandmother! Glamping has taken over the hearts and minds of so many of our Farmgilrs here at the MJF Forum and it so much fun to see their photos and hear their stories each year. It is certainly true that being outside and eating and star gazing are good for our souls. Like you say, the outdoors is what replenishes us when nothing else can do that same job.
I look forward to hearing more about your adventures as Glampers on the Loose!
c says: Dreams, doers and adventurers.
What would some of the wild prairie women thought of “Glamping”?
Woman have always been nesters, artists, and creators.
Looking forward to finishing two Glampers this Spring and Summer.
I have no desire to travel, just stay put in the wilderness and allow the skies and thr prairie to be the canvas.
Ones own little doll house of dreams is the perfect world to escape to and to become the princess of your dreams.
Wishing blessings, hope and joy to all Glampets and dreamers.
Krista says: That’s a very nice article Megan! It really is wonderful to hear how Glamping has traveled down with the generations. My dad probably got his love for camping from Grandma as well. Even though he doesn’t glamp per se, he does like to make many things about camping a luxury! One day I am hoping to own a trailer for my glamping adventures but until then we will use a tent. I also remember visiting you guys many years ago and using the outhouse for the bathroom! It was such a fun adventure when I visited!
Denise says: Yes! Great article Megan. Brought back many memories of when we would all go when I was young. My mom had the campsite spic and span and homey too! Probably why I love it so much. The things that are passed along through the generations.
terry steinmetz says: Loved the article, Megan! I am dreaming of spring and summer coming and the glamping i can do, while looking out over our property at all the snow on the ground. I enjoy glamping so much. I share it with my grandgirls when they come for their once-a-year visit from southern Indiana.They enjoy the campfires and talks the most. And s’mores is always our treat. I hope they will make the memories that will keep them yearning for the great outdoors! Here’s to dreaming!
Sharon Ames says: My 2017 Retro camper is in the side yard waiting for me to get going. Can’t wait to get moving. Mary Janes Farm Magazine is the only mag. I read cover to cover. Would love to get in touch with other Glamping gals.
Nielsen,Winifred T. says: I have never skied before, but it looks like it would be a fun thing to do in all that beautiful snow. Maybe snow shoes would be a better fit for this not that great athletically older Farmgirl?
m says: wow old fashioned wooden skis! I used them once when i was an estate manager in Northern New Hampshire – many years back. used the new ones after that, the wooden ones need to be waxed constantly to slide correctly.
Bonita Bosch says: I tried skiing once bad idea.
Nielsen,Winifred T. says: There is a peaceful quiet in this photo of the winter’s nap on the Palouse.
Karlyne says: This picture is A Beauty.
Bonita Bosch says: Winter Wonderland
Cindi says: Wow! So delicate and powerful at the same time. Is that a photograph or artwork? Kate Garchinsky does wildlife drawings so realistic that you almost expect to see the animals move. This is a stunning (and super lucky) capture!
MaryJane says: Karina took this photo the other day. She has the bird sitting on a branch and then taking off. She was pretty happy about it! She has taken quite a few amazing bird photos.
Nielsen,Winifred T. says: Look at those wings! Birds are just so amazing in their structure.
Lisa Von Saunder says: Wonderful bird shot, kudos to karina!
Bonita Bosch says: Beautiful
CJ Armstrong says: Strikingly beautiful!!
CJ
Lisa Von Saunder says: Beautiful Bird, so what is it? it does not look familiar to me. maybe a western species?
MaryJane says: We think it’s a Varied Thrush. Ain’t it purdy?
m says: Sorry, thanks . I’m a little late in replying, didnt come back til today. -but I needed to know. We dont have any really colorful birds cept the cardinals of course. and some winter plumage goldfinches and well ,yes, the darling purple finches . OK I take that back , alot of woodpeckers, the yellow bellied are the most colorful with a full red head and quite large. but my huge Pileated woodpeckers dont venture to birdfeeders.
I put feedesr on my front porch to keep my kitten BB King and Earl entertained. Word has spread and now they are eating me out of house and home! Just bought them 40Lb of black oil sunflower seeds on sale yesterday.
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.
This little place comes complete with darling curtains and bouquets of fresh daffodils in May if you are ever there. It is not your Grandmother’s outhouse from the late 1920s like my grandmother had!
This spring hubby and I are going to build a shed/outhouse with a roof just like the one shown. It is going to store all my glamping things that are now stored in my glamper in the winter. I keep things out there from teh campsite, as there is no room in the shed by the house for it! Besides, it’s a 1/4 mile walk to the glamping site, and some things are just awkward to carry that far each year. I can’t wait for spring!