MaryJane's Outpost

by MaryJane Butters

Get out! No matter what your age, MaryJane Butters walks you to the door and OUT you go. Wilderness ranger turned Idaho organic farmer, MaryJane is a woman OUTSIDE . . . the norm. Drawing from her own diverse background, she’ll show you exactly HOW to get outdoors—and what to do once you’re there.

Think and get inspired in her OUTTHINKING chapter. Head to your porch, yard, or rooftop, using the innovative and easy suggestions you’ll find in OUTBOUND. Kick up a little sass with her ideas in OUTRIGGED, joining the ranks of “reel” women who go tramping (trailer camping), or wily huntresses who take the kind of “heart shots” that knock ‘em dead and into the freezer. In OUTSTEPPING, learn to load a backpack with her unique high-protein meal plan that won’t break the bank or your back.

And throughout these pages you’ll encounter the inspirational stories of OUTSPOKEN women who’ve blazed the trail and beyond. By the time you turn the last page, you’ll be going flat-OUT for all the world to see.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published June 24, 2008

About the author

MaryJane Butters is the internationally recognized organic farmer, book author, environmental activist, and food manufacturer behind the self-titled MaryJanesFarm magazine. Working from her family farm in Moscow, ID, and through her websites, Butters has achieved success through a variety of business ventures relating to the domestic arts, organic farming, and a grassroots self-sufficiency movement directed at creating a rural revival.

Reviews

[Elior Sterling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful exploration of life outdoors, of women's strength found in adventure, and of simple self-sufficiency. It's not a book about being self-sufficient 24/7 or living off the land all the time, though. Instead, it's a book about refueling and refreshing yourself with bits of the outside in any season. It's a book about finding courage in simple acts of venturing out beyond the house. It's also about finding out more about the land around you, what foods are hidden in plain sight, and what a weekend or a week of camping can do for your soul.

The book includes recipes for simple camping food, advice about packing, ideas for bringing children along on outdoor adventures, and lots of inspiring stories of women who have gone out and made their lives richer beyond the boundaries of town and home.

I checked this book out of the library, and then checked it out again. I think I'm going to need to buy a PDF copy of the book so that I can browse it again when I feel the need for some inspiration.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

MaryJane Butters' cheerfully feminist book, MaryJane's Outpost was just the thing to read this gray May month. It stoked my desire to take my two little girls camping this summer and made me realize that even in my own little city backyard, we can pitch a tent and sleep outside and have our own little mini camping trip. Now I just need some warm weather.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MaryJane Butters book is always a good way to indulge your inner farmgirl and to revisit your childhood in the simpler 1950s with memories of so much time spent outdoors and making things yourself. I always get inspired to do something handmade, or do sewing repairs, or even just enjoy vintage belongings that I haven't looked at in a while. Get ready to go on an impromptu picnic or just enjoy a cup of tea on the porch with the birds singing.

[Christine Kenney]

Start with the Idea Book before moving onto this-- it has more of MJB's backstory and philosophy while this title jumps around more chronologically. I am inspired to try a quinoa detox, institute a "Green Hour" in homeschool, picnic in a cemetery, and read Out of Africa and Thousand Pieces of Gold al fresco.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love everything about this. :)

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

All kinds of adventures can be waiting just outside one's door.
I must admit that when I see some of them I imagine the washing up part ...

[Didi Delighted · Rating 4 out of 5]

The layout and pictures in this book are very pleasing, and it has a cheerful tone. I liked the how-to projects in this book better than the ones in her "idea/lifebook" book. There is a nice "how-to" on making an end table from willow branches that I think is lovely, and certainly wish to try on my own. The author jumps around a lot with different ideas, but I like the overall outdoorsy spirit of this book. It is nice that she includes info (with pics) about common wild edibles and how to prepare them. I may purchase a used copy of this book down the road, but for now I intend to copy a few pages with my favorite ideas on them before returning the book to the library.

[Relyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this from the library and was so intrigued. However, I didn't finish it before I began to pile up late fees. So, I return it today and plan to check it out again as soon as possible.



OK, I don't know how much later it is, but I have finished this book now. I love it! The ideas are terrific, the inspiration is abundant, and the eye candy on every page is delicious. This is one I must buy.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a kindred spirit of mine out there. I thought when I picked this up from the library it was a home decorating book using things recycled/antique/outdoorsy from the cover. It wasn't until I got home and read it that I found out it was about all things Kim loves...outdoor activities, foraging for food (dandelion wine anyone?), raising chickens, backyard BBQs with friends, grass whistling, animal shadows, camping. I want this woman's life!

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read. I liked the antique ironing boards, the "fantasy" of sleeping outside, and the survival skills section. I am adding "large plastic garbage bag" to my Circleville Pumpkin Show backpack list. I never thought of wearing a trash bag and stuffing it with leaves or grass for insulation. There has been many a cold and windy show where I would have been glad to have the wind-cutting power of a plastic bag over my clothes.

[Annie Feuerborn · Rating 2 out of 5]

How to keep on being a "country-girl"..Fun and interesting.

[Susan Elizabeth Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! What a fantasy getaway for a few hours to read this book on the front porch swing!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been enjoying her magainzes, and this was fun to flip through. Some good recipes and cute ideas.

[Jill Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wowza! This book made me want to pack up and hit the campgrounds ASAP! A great book encouraging its readers to get outside and enjoy.

[Melissa Yael Winston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute book...reminds me of some of why I wanted to move to MT in the first place.