Chasing Cows: I'm Not in the Suburbs Anymore

by Lyn Widmyer

“Born in Brooklyn, raised on military bases around the nation and the world, I never thought I would become a farm wife in West Virginia.”

Lyn Widmyer offers humorous essays about her 30 years as a “farm wife” who doesn’t can, doesn’t wear muslin and can’t tell a Guernsey from a Hereford. Her adventures in West Virginia range from chasing cows to taking a cake to Martha Stewart during her incarceration at Alderson Prison.

After retiring from her career as an urban planner, Lyn was elected to the Jefferson County Commission in 2008. When not writing, Lyn enjoys killing stink bugs, avoiding housework and trying to get her adult children to return her phone calls.

Genres: Nonfiction

95 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2012

Reviews

[Whitney 'Thompson' Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chasing Pills was such an entertaining read I thought I would give this one a look too! It did not disappoint! Quick, entertaining, and well written!

[Lara Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have to give this book 5 stars, plus. I was so touched and just feel like I have been reading a fairytale. Lyn Widmyer you did an amazing job and thank you so much for sharing your story. After reading your book - you are my Cinderella. You know how all little girls want to grow up and be like Cinderella, well I can say what I have always dreamed and still do at the age of 42 is to be a Farmers wife. I know that sounds crazy, but I would love to have the life you shared in your story. Thank you so much, your book touched me so much. Lyn you sound like an amazing lady and have touched so many in your life. I loved hearing about your children - I have three children - my middle child Savannah is 14 and she acts just like your daughter did at the same age. Thank you that makes me feel so much better, to know I am not alone that others have done this. What is so strange is my children would give anything to be in the same type of farm life. We love the animals, farming, community events and family things. Thanks for all the laughs and tears I have shared with your book. I pray God blesses you with all your heart desires.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

For such a short little book, this was actually a fun little read. In this memoir, a "city-girl" aims to being the best-darn "farm-wife" possible.

I loved how this book was organized into tiny "short-stories." And most of all - I loved the stories with mishaps and misfortune and how the author turned it into something memorable and laughable - instead of daunting and disheartening. I found her sense of humor as a breath of fresh air - there was no derogatory comments, profanity, sarcasm, or crudeness - just plain ol' trials that she turned into great miniature short stories - great for retelling.

That being said, I wish there would have been more farm-life type stories that she shared instead of stories from all different aspects of her life.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable and witty collection of stories and insights of life on a farm from a city girl.

[Melissa Oppedisano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!