Amy Lou Johnson the Farmgirl

by Amy Lou Johnson published in the special MaryJaneFarm Magazine Stitchery Issue

My parents must have known I was destined to be a farmgirl. They gave me the farmgirl name Amy Lou and moved from my birthplace of Seattle to the rural town of Bowmont, Idaho, where I grew up running barefoot through the garden, snacking on fresh peas, carrots, strawberries, and apricots. Throughout my school-age years, I worked summers as the “fajita girl,” helping my dad sell food from his homemade mobile concession stand at small-town celebrations, fairs, and rodeos around southern Idaho. My dad was nicknamed the “fatija man” and known widely for his cumin-spiced, mouth-watering fajitas.

From my parents, I learned that a homegrown meal is pricelessly delicious. Wanting to learn about planting, harvesting, and preserving food is what led me to MaryJanesFarm. When MaryJane was named Idaho’s Progressive Businessperson of the Year, I was impressed! A woman, a farmer, and progressive business practices-hers was a name to remember! My desire to farm coincided with MaryJane’s book-signing tour, and as a landless apartment dweller in Boise wanting to get my hands in the soil, I asked MaryJane if she could use any volunteers on her farm. The answer was a month-long stay in a wall tent with days spent pitting cherries, harvesting garlic, blanching green beans, making sauerkraut, and pulling weeds.

This summer, I am working full-time as a farmhand while living in Moscow with my travel partner, Brandon Follett, who’s also working at the farm. We’re heading to Thailand at the end of the harvest season, and for now we are exploring northern Idaho reviewing omelets for our website, www.earthwormenvy.com. My parents taught me to live the fresh-vegetable lifestyle, and MaryJane demonstrates how to live it organically. In pursuit of sustainable living, I dream of raising chickens, goats, and a garden, and to open a cafe selling sustainable omelets.