Goodbyes produce different emotions. Butterflies in the stomach, awkward silences, proposed hang out times that will never come to fruition, dread, fear of what is to come, reality of the end, wishes for more time, excitement for a new beginning, reflection on good memories.
We are at a major goodbye stage of life. It is the closing of a significant chapter for us. The end of loyalty to jobs, two jobs that have been stable, allowing us to experience good things in life.
With these goodbyes, a new opportunity looms. A dream that was big, perhaps seemed a little unattainable, and was stuck in our heads. We did not let it stay there. We read books, we asked questions, we germinated seeds, we bought a grow light, we took a class, then another, we looked for land, we networked, we made budgets, we researched, we put our dream on paper. We let that dream take turns and transform and shed some weight and gain it in other areas. It is not completely matured. A dream never is. But it has grown to a point that we can take a major step, say some goodbyes, and continue to allow it to flourish.
The dream: to become organic vegetable farmers and run a bed and breakfast.
We believe that food is one of life's most basic necessities and it should not be fake or unattainable or quick or tasteless. The development of every piece of food that enters our mouth should begin with healthy soil. The seeds used should not be genetically modified. The land that will house those seeds should be cared for, not covered in harsh chemicals. Birds and bugs should live. The water should be free of pollution. Consumers should know where their food comes from. The little farmers should be respected and not forced into compromising their values. Big agriculture companies should not dictate prices or have unjust control. We believe all of this, along with many other aspects of farming. We invite you to journey along side us as we continue to struggle through different food and farming issues. To learn with us as our beliefs transform and become sharper.
We do not just want to learn about all of these issues. We want to be part of putting into practice quality farming techniques and producing real food and bringing justice to farming and food production and consumption.
Our next step: we are embarking on our first hand experience of farming. We will be living on a vegetable farm this growing season, getting our hands dirty, driving a tractor, pulling weeds, planting seeds, harvesting thousands and thousands of veggies, packing CSA boxes, learning to drive draft horses, getting farmer's tans. Yes, all things involved in the lifestyle of a small family farmer. We invite you to journey along side us in our experiences and learn with us as we become farmers.
This is the platform for you to join us. It will vary in content. From personal experiences on the farm to articles that address global food concerns, from prayers to techniques of growing certain vegetables, from recipes to stories of fellow farmers. It will vary in style. There are two farmers here. Two different writing styles and two different ways of experiencing life. Both voices will be heard.
These goodbyes are almost done. We are eager to cultivate this dream. Please join us.
