Ohio Country Journal: January 2014

Who We Are

The past few years, the area where I live, Crawford County, Ohio, has seen a wonderful explosion of younger families who are embracing the joys and challenges of living off the land. Because of them, amazing things are happening which have been embraced by our community. Farmer’s markets have been created and on-farm stores have opened. Families dedicated to growing organic produce and naturally raised meats are meeting the public’s needs for locally raised foods. And at the heart of this movement are the women.

Ohio Country Journal is my attempt to share the essence of farm life, focusing on, but not limited to, women. My goal is to bring you into our circle of friendship by inviting you to share your stories and experiences with us. You don’t have to be a full time country woman to benefit from joining us; you just have to be you.

The full-time country women featured in Ohio Country Journal are an inspiration to anyone who dares to follow her dreams, whether it is to live in the country or to bring the country life-style to their urban neighborhoods.

Friday, January 3, 2014

Bright Sunshiny Day

Don't let the sun fool you...even though it is white-hot, it only warmed the atmosphere to 5 degrees f this morning.

I loved the long shadows the cold Old Sol cast from nursery and orchard trees, and decided to test the scene with four different cameras. If you are interested in the details, you can read about them and see the other pictures on my World According to Marcheta photography blog. http://marchetagibson.blogspot.com/2014/01/confessions-of-camera-junkie.html

The sky is such a brilliant blue today that the song Bright Sunshiny Day by Jimmy Cliff http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OITxdCJg2Y has found its way into my heart.

Graphic details, such as the spiny shadows of bare-naked tree and eyepopping contrasts, like the deep blue sky and snowy earth, are a few elements that make country scenes seem extra special. On days like today, when the two aspects show up at the same time, well..what could be better?

Marcheta *happy happy sunshiny

Thursday, January 2, 2014

First Adventure of 2014

http://marchetagibson.blogspot.com/2014/01/where-eagles-dare.html

The Year of Adventure got a great start! Yesterday we went to Mohican State Forest to see the Bald Eagles. You can read about it on my World According to Marcheta Blog, the link is above :)

Marcheta *and so it begins....

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Everyone!

I think of this first day in our brand new year as a garden bed that is ready to be seeded with new ideas and goals. The milkweed in this picture has tossed its seeds to the wind, where they will land in many places and take root. Some seeds may stay closer to home, near the mother plant. Either way, whether our ideas nurture our immediate surroundings or reach out into the larger world, our impact will shape the days to come.

Exciting, huh?

Marcheta *how does your garden grow?