This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
After three years of sharing my passion for organic food, homespun habits and simple pleasures, the time has come for me to pack up my column and head for home. As much as I relish spreading seeds of traditional wisdom, I realize it's also essential for me to follow my own advice. Starting today, I'm setting out to find more of those precious moments we all crave — moments that remind me why I set out on this path from the start.
Since childhood, I've been drawn to places off-the-beaten path that others might deem lonely. But whether I was backpacking solo or serving as a lone sentry on a fire-lookout tower, I've never felt alone in the wilderness. Embraced by open skies, I find the space I need to recharge, and I'm ready to lace up my boots and get "off road" again.
Perhaps even more important, I'm just embarking on my journey as a grandmother. The experience has reawakened my sense of adventure and my yearning for family time. Two of my children and their spouses work with me on the farm, so my three granddaughters — and aspiring farmgirls — are here most days, growing like wildflowers.
Needless to say, I want fewer deadlines so I can drop everything and take hold of those little hands when they beckon me to the gardens, hammock or fishing pond. I can already imagine impromptu picnics, campfires, sledding trips and winter afternoons of reading books under a cozy quilt. In fact, tomorrow, I'm planning an expedition into the woods with my grandgirls. The weather is perfect for hunting fairies, and I wouldn't want to miss it.
Of course, I won't completely give up my work: I'm hardwired with the drive to create. Here are a few tidbits about the projects I'm planning.
I'm working on three how-to books: launching your dream B&B; baking one-minute-a-day artisan breads; and bringing home a backyard miniature milk cow. All of these topics spring from my personal passions, and I have lots of experience in taking them from the dream stage to full-fledged reality. I'd love to help you do the same.
In addition, I'm busy building a new website called Raising Jane (raisingjane.org). It's my idea of a daily journal in which I get to celebrate so many of the subjects I brought to this column (plus glitz, giveaways, girl chat and more). Raising Jane will be chock full of old-fashioned values (good for girls of all ages), so get ready to join in as it bursts into full bloom.
As I close up shop, I want to extend armfuls of thanks to all of you. Whether you took my tidbits back to your kitchen, grew something green or went outdoors and unleashed your inner wild, I'm thrilled that you found inspiration here.
One evening a few months back, I ran into my banker at the grocery store. His cart held several empty five-gallon buckets that he'd talked the bakery into giving him. I looked at his cart and said, "Food storage?" "No," he said. "I'm a big fan of your columns and have turned our TV room into a production center for homemade vinegar and sauerkraut."
I'm also grateful that you took the time to send me your comments and letters. I read every one and found inspiration in kind.
MaryJane Butters is the editor of MaryJanesFarm magazine. Email her at everydayorganic@maryjanesfarm.com.