Well, that's a good question and one that runs through our minds 24/7. Seriously, we are obsessed with farming, folks. All things considered though, I would say that we're handling things well. Don't get me wrong, we do have our moments of sadness and utter despair but we're trying to put that energy towards something positive. Normally we would have planned our season by now and would be getting ready for our first batch of baby chicks, lambs and whatever else we plan to raise. Starting seeds. Planning and prepping the garden, etc. Needless to say, it's hard for us to be idle right now. No hens to wake up for. No sweet little faces greeting us in the morning. It's a bit of a culture shock. And let's not even mention the culture shock of living in suburbia. Yeah, it's nuts.
Nate and I have come up with some really amazing, educational and community-oriented ideas for a farm . . . we just need a farm. We have enjoyed the nomadic lifestyle so far but we're looking for a more permanent situation. This would either be a farm of our own or some sort of long-term arrangement to live and work on a farm. We would eventually like to try our hands at raising a new species . . . human children. But that will have to wait a while.
Unless one inherits a farm, acquiring one is no small task. Thinking of buying a farm is hugely overwhelming as the last thing we want is to enter into a farming enterprise with a huge load of debt. It's also important to take into account whether or not the farm can pay for itself. Is there enough acreage? Is the farm close enough to the city, which is our primary market? Barns and other outbuildings are helpful as well as existing fencing and watering systems for animals.
We are trying to make the best of this 'little vacation' by researching and visiting some inspirational farms. Lots and lots of breathing, internet surfing, idea generating, book reading, writing, grant researching and talking to super supportive friends.
Something amazing is in store for us, I can feel it. A few years ago when Nate quit his job in England and we boarded a plane for the States, we felt as though we were jumping off a cliff. We had a dream to start a farm and it was exciting to know that anything could happen and that new experiences were just waiting to be born. Well, we feel like we're jumping off a cliff all over again.
This has all happened for a reason. My awesome blogger friend, D tells me, "Sometimes everything has to completely fall apart so that the pieces can be put back together the right way."
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