The phrase “newsletter” doesn’t feel quite appropriate: news from the farm and from the heart, personal reflections and realizations, an outlet for connection and yes, another form of validation. All these things wrapped up in a string of words (maybe a few photos) and a format that is feeding my desire to share myself honestly and more completely. The month of April has been full to the brim: planting fields, the never ending task of weeding, first burger pop up at Sidetrack, my birthday, the return of pizza night, assisting with Claude’s memorial, another burger pop up coming April 30… We certainly have moved away from the stillness of winter and into the hustle of the growing season. The wind has been blowing, the sun feels more expansive, each day we are striving for a balance between work and play. Otis is ripping up the trails on his strider bike (thanks Jana and Raleigh!) and I am in awe watching this process of him becoming himself; weighing risks and rewards, pushing his body to try new things, expanding his language and sharing more of himself with us daily. Not to mention his immune system growing stronger as he battles the newfound germs that come with attending daycare. What an incredible gift it is to be building our life so that we can be present to these changes in Otis, and open to whatever changes are calling within ourselves.
Seeds are growing at rapid rates: hakurei turnips, kale, spigarello, mustard, fennel, dill, lettuce, carrots, chard, mustard, buckwheat, flax, radishes… the flavors of spring are diverse and abundant, freeing us from the grip of winter and going forth into the brightness of spring. We continue milking a few does, the sweetness of their milk hard to let go of despite the calendar urging us to move into the task of breeding in order to be able to milk again come winter.
As we shifted away from social media this year I’ve had moments of questioning if our business would continue to be viable without a presence within the algorithm. Can we exist in a world of capitalism and consumerism without being active on the digital platform that so many depend on to receive information and updates? How will people know where to find us when we host pop ups or underground supper clubs? This newsletter has included a list of upcoming events… but would anyone actually synthesize that information and remember to show up? Can we cultivate excitement through word of mouth, get in the practice of reaching out to people directly, and rediscover the joys of a well-designed physical flier? We’re trying!! And will keep tackling the experiment in the months (years?) to come. I’m feeling proud of building this space to express myself through written word, proud of the way that Carlos and I continue to grow as a couple and as individuals, and proud that our people show up to support us doing what we love: growing, cooking and eating delicious food.
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 28 Cowboy Claude’s Final Farewell
April 28 Margle at the Guild Cinema
April 30 Smash Burgers at Sidetrack (5pm til sold out)
May 3-10 Farm Shark on Vacation
May 18 Biscuit Pop Up at Zendo
May 25 Pizza Night on the Farm