Time To Reflect

There is something wonderful about the period of time after Christmas.  Life slows down considerably.  Although our holiday, this year, was unlike most, thanks to the flu, we were eventually able to spend time with loved ones.  

The Littles came for an overnight on Friday and thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas village.  We played, visited the barn and animals, and took the dogs for their woods walks.

We were so happy to finally be able to spend some fun time with these three!

A quiet, foggy weekend gave us the opportunity to do chores unhurriedly and spend time with our critters.

I took some time to start my annual post-holiday jigsaw puzzle.  I like to take time to do a puzzle each year after Christmas.  I always find the week between Christmas and the New Year to be a slow and peaceful time.   Each year, I find a new fungi puzzle to do.  This year I found two!  Here is the first.  It's a 1000 piece puzzle, so it might take a few days!

 Tomorrow, the calendar flips to the final page of the year.  Before starting a new calendar, it's good to take a look back and reflect on the journey that has brought us to this day.  As always, our peaceful little farm has been a haven of growth, learning, and love.

Farm life has given us lessons in resilience, adaptability, and patience.  We've navigated unpredictable weather, and battled pests and sickness.  Sadly, we endured a number of losses - precious lives that were dear to us.  Challenges are a part of farm life - and truly, a part of life in general.  This human existence calls all of us to be resilient, adaptable,  and patient.  Learning to go with the flow is easier than swimming upstream.  This year has offered lessons in letting go of those things that do not serve us, and holding tightly to those things that uplift us.

Through it all, the farm has been a labor of love.  We have poured our hearts and souls into every aspect of this land, from the seeds we plant to the animals we care for.  We have shared our joys and our struggles with you, our farm friends, and have been buoyed by your support and encouragement.

As I look back on 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the ways in which the farm enriches our lives - the land, which nourishes both our bodies and our spirits, and the animals who teach us about loyalty, compassion, and the interconnectedness of all living things.  

I am grateful for the simple joys that make the work worthwhile... the warmth of the sun on my skin, the taste of a freshly picked tomato, the soft muzzle of a donkey friend as it brushes my cheek, the feeling of the good earth beneath my feet as I walk through the woods.  Life brings so many tiny moments of joy.   It's these tiny moments that we love sharing with you!