When I posted about possibly writing a book, and asked what sort of book I should write, a number of people requested a book telling how I did it. How I came to live on this farm. Some suggested an “instructables” sort of thing. If I do ever write a book including that sort of thing, I would write more than I’m going to write in this post (maybe), but, for now, I want to at least write this:
If you’re looking for an “instructables” on how to take your life to a farm, I don’t have one.
If you want to know how to save money and make financial plans to move to the country and buy a farm, I can’t help you. There are all sorts of expert financial resources available–financial planners and materials, books and websites, and so on. Do a search on Google and you’ll find professional advice about saving money and making financial plans.
If you want to know how to plan a farm, I can’t help you. There are all sorts of books and magazines and websites devoted to professional information and material and advice on all sorts of subjects related to setting up a farm, how to prepare and plan for various animals, and how to develop and improve land for agricultural use. You can also find a breed association for every animal on the planet with information on how much space different types of animals need and various housing requirements. There are more books and forums than you can shake a stick at.
If you want to know where and how to buy property for a farm, I can’t help you. I’d suggest you buy a farm in West Virginia. It’s the most beautiful place in the world. You probably have your own favorite place in mind. Research the real estate market in the area you’re interested in and get a good grip on values in that area. Talk to your bank. Find out how much money you can borrow. Figure out how much money you can earn. Work like dog.
Unless I think I might blind myself doing something (such as making soap), I don’t usually plan, prepare, or study up on it a whole bunch first. Why scare yourself with all the information? Ever notice how many situations I find myself in that I know nothing about? JUST GO GET YOURSELF A PREGNANT COW. (Where’s your sense of adventure?)
Disclaimer: This is not for everyone. I am not telling anyone to do what I did. You will have to believe, or not believe, all by yourself. I can’t help you. You should probably do all that planning and preparing stuff.
I did not make financial plans. I did not prepare to have a farm. I did not study the real estate market.
I had no money. I didn’t know anything about having a farm. I wanted this piece of property because it was across the river and adjacent to my great-grandfather’s old farm.
I still don’t have any money. I still don’t know much about farming. I love this piece of property.
Like anyone, I have all sorts of messy personal details in my life. There are blogs where they tell all their messy personal details. This isn’t one of them. I found myself one day in the position where I was free to go where I pleased. I wasn’t free because anyone let me go, but because one day I let myself go. I had no plans. Or money. I just went. And I figured it out one day at a time from that point on, and I am still figuring it out. I dreamed of a different life for myself. I went after it with nothing but passion in my pocket, chore boots on my feet, and belief in my heart.
Believe–and make no mistake, believing means working. Dreaming AND doing. (Doing doesn’t mean you have to buy a farm tomorrow. But if it’s what you want, you should be doing something toward the goal. Every day.) There is no greater obstacle to your dreams than fear. And common sense. Common sense is a huge obstacle. If I had been making my decisions based on common sense, I would still be living in a 4000-square foot house in a posh suburb in North Carolina buying Viking cookware while I fed my kids mashed potatoes out of a box.
Every day, no matter what, I wake up and tell myself I believe. And I do whatever it takes, all day. And I keep believing. I never stop believing. I am a believer. I operate on passion. My passion for my farm, for my kids, for my life, for my writing. My belief drives me like a battering ram through every single day, no matter the obstacles–physical, emotional, or financial. I love what I do and where I am. I believe I am meant to do this and I am meant to be here and I will succeed. I am an unstoppable force. (Just because I say so.)
Some people would call that crazy. I call it standard operating procedure.
Believe.
And the cookies will come.
lizzie says:
AMEN AMEN AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is what I LOVE about YOU!!!!!! and you make everything seem possible!!! This is why I love this site so much, I am not interested in a How to Book, I love your stories, they give me inspiration along with all the other WONDERFUL people on this site! I am sure some of us have messy details in our lives, ( Me too) but this is my happy place to go and it always brings a smile to my face!!! THANK YOU!!!!! :heart:
On October 30, 2010 at 1:56 am
mariah says:
Ditto to Lizzie’s comment! I couldn’t have said it better. I’d only add that if you ever do write a book I hope you write it according to your dreams and passions, to preserve what’s in your heart for your children and others. I hope you’d write it because you want to, and if it’s gets published and sells, great! But if not, it’s ok because you would have, once again followed your dream. You are amazing and a huge inspiration as someone who has made her dreams a reality. Everyone has dreams, but not everyone has the courage to follow them. That’s the main thing I love about your blog. That you follow your dreams! (And live to write about them…hahahah!!!! 😆 )
On October 30, 2010 at 2:34 am
skippymom says:
You repeat “I had no money.” But your house didn’t build itself. As beautiful and simple as you make it sound [even with the italics disclaimer] there was something financial in your ability to do this.
I applaud you for your faith in yourself – it is admirable and inspiring, but there is a bit more to your story then just what you put forth even in an economically depressed area in which you reside.
On October 30, 2010 at 3:01 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
skippymom, what I mean by that is I didn’t have some big hunk of money to buy this farm. It is mortgaged to the hilt. But as I said, explaining how to prepare to get a loan isn’t my forte. There are plenty of experts (and banks) who can help with that. The most important piece of the puzzle, for me, is believing in yourself enough to go for it.
On October 30, 2010 at 5:53 am
bonita says:
Suzanne, I’ve always admired people who could fully follow their dream, no matter what happens. Most, like yourself, seem to be able to make their dreams a reality. Yes, believing in yourself is essential, but as you mention, so is working like a dog. The joy of it is, if it’s your passion, working like a dog is a dog’s life! Thanks for your honesty and inspiration and for creating a supportive and nurturing space for those of us not yet ready to fully do our dream.
On October 30, 2010 at 3:28 am
Julie says:
I agree with skippymom that your faith in your self is admirable. I think that for some people the dream IS the plan. I think it’s just a different way of looking at it. My husband and I are living his dream and we did it by doing, but there was plan set forth and once it was put forth, we started down the journey and DID it! All semantics I guess. I applaud your ability to live your dream and I think it’s wonderful that you get to live near your great-grandfather’s property ~ there’s nothing quite like having “roots”.
You have the gift to inspire ~ I love that!!
On October 30, 2010 at 3:41 am
glenda says:
You sound like you are where you should be. How wonderful that you have found that place so early in your life.
I raised both our kids with this bit of advice. You can make plans but something always happens to interfere
so be ready to change at a moments notice and don’t spend half your life planning!
On October 30, 2010 at 5:37 am
Judy says:
If you write a book I’d be your first buyer. I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and you have been definitely an inspiration to me. We left an area where my husband and I were born and raised and moved to a place that is very foreign to me at least and that is the “country” 🙂 AND We love it here. You don’t have to have a lot of money to “dream and do”.
On October 30, 2010 at 6:02 am
patrice says:
I love this post!!!
On October 30, 2010 at 6:26 am
CindyP says:
THAT is what I get from this blog everyday. Inspiration comes through your stories, every time you show us something new. THAT’s what makes life — learning new things that fits into the life you’re building for yourself.
I AM SO GLAD you don’t live in your 4,000 sq ft posh suburbian home…I wouldn’t even know about blogs!
On October 30, 2010 at 6:37 am
wildcat says:
Suzanne, you are so right. People stop themselves from following their dreams, because of fear and rational thinking and common sense. I need to stop thinking so much about things that I want to accomplish in life, worrying about everything that could go wrong, and just DO them. Thank you for the inspiring words!!!
On October 30, 2010 at 6:39 am
knancy says:
Suzanne,
Re: ideas for books. I saw an interesting item about blog books on the following:
https://thewiveswithknives.blogspot.com/
Ii is her October 28th post.
Just another idea; may lead to other ideas?
On October 30, 2010 at 6:54 am
Kathy in FL says:
I couldn’t agree more. Believe and Dream Big. And work hard, every day. Being happy is a lot of hard work! And it is so worth it!
On October 30, 2010 at 7:19 am
Johanna says:
I think one of the biggest obstacles is that people think “if I do this, it can never be undone.” There is precious little in life that cannot be undone in one way or another. Take a chance. If it doesn’t work out, go back to your other life. But if it does work out, then you’ll have a new life.
That’s what I finally did, anyway. And it worked out.
On October 30, 2010 at 7:21 am
Gem says:
Ahh, God is good. What blessings are upon you for such faith Suzanne!
On October 30, 2010 at 7:27 am
Rose H says:
This sentence says it all for me Suzanne
Quote
“I went after it with nothing but passion in my pocket, chore boots on my feet, and belief in my heart.”
I have nothing but admiration for your guts and determination to lead the life that YOU want to lead.
I love visiting your blog – usually three or four times a day, it makes me laugh out loud. Whatever you’re doing – keep doing it!
:heart:
On October 30, 2010 at 7:31 am
Miss Becky says:
what an uplifting and inspiring post Suzanne. One day I thought you were living the perfect life in N.C. and the next thing I knew, you were living in a slanted little house in W.V. You didn’t offer any explanation as to what suddenly (it seemed) happened, and I didn’t feel I needed one. So here you are, living on this beautiful farm with all these wonderful characters and I’m loving that you share it with me and everyone else who reads this blog. I love that one day you let yourself go. That is beautiful. what a gift you’ve given to so many. thank you.
On October 30, 2010 at 7:34 am
ellen mcbryde says:
You Go Gurl!
Suzanne,
Howver you came to follow this path is important.
You inspire people daily to go, see, do!
Even if it is by the seat of your pants..try it!
Your Life experiences are shared..along with some very humerous and creative writing.
Keep on sharing, seeing, doing, going.
On October 30, 2010 at 7:55 am
Luann says:
I too BELIEVE in you Suzanne! I also believe in my dreams also, this is why last Dec. I bought a property in Roane Co. and once I am done school on Dec 20th, I will be moving Dec 21st to pursue my 20+ year dream. I was only introduced to your blog a few months ago from someone who knew I would “LOVE IT” and she was def correct. You are inspiring and at the same time help me realize I am not totally nuts for what I do and what I want in this time era. I am not a writter, I will work outside the home, my children are raised but I will have the lifestyle I want, finally, animals, gardens, sewing, quilting, canning and a whole lot of country air. Don’t think you have nothing to offer as a book, you do! You could compile all your blogs and sell books. You make us laugh, you teach us, inspire and we could cry right along with you. And I LOVE love love your pictures!
On October 30, 2010 at 8:02 am
Pete says:
Knowing the difference between following your dream and just muddling through is what makes the journey so satisfying. Discovering the fulfillment of one’s own dream is better than anything else on Earth.
But first, one must determine just what that dream is. Too often folks find disappointment after expending huge amounts of energy following what turns out to be someone else’s dream.
Go for it! Helping others see that finding their own dreams is not only possible but rewarding is the inspiration.
On October 30, 2010 at 8:05 am
Niki says:
I rarely comment on your site but I just had to tell you that you have just gave me hope. I am going through a very hard tim and am about to be a single mom(despite all my efforts) and this post has given me a little strenght back. Thank you.
On October 30, 2010 at 8:11 am
Granny Trace says:
:snoopy: Why I love your blog! You are real…Just like the rest of us…And so darn country!! Love your blog and especially this mornings post..Now I am getting another cup of coffee and a cookie!!
Hugs Granny Trace
P.s I have a 5 month old chocolate lab girl…who I should of named GLORY BEE!!
On October 30, 2010 at 8:29 am
EightPondFarm says:
Suzanne, thank you for a great post. You have remarkable insight into yourself. I do enjoy your writing. Sometimes when I read one of your posts, I think to myself: What?? She is getting a cow/sheep/whatever? She knows nothing about cows/sheep/whatever.
But, of course, she does now!
And isn’t that precisely the whole point of all of it?
:jackolantern: Happy Hallowe’en.
On October 30, 2010 at 8:31 am
JOJO says:
:woof:
Suzanne–I beleive this is one of the best posts you have ever written, I am sure ther are thosethat have read your blog and see your life as getting up each day and feeding the animals, taking pretty pictures, then going to the kitchen and dreaming up some new things to cook. Those of us that are familar with old style farming know what a truly hard life it is, a daily struggle to hold on to the things you love, family, your animals and your land. It is a life of hard work struggle and at time many tears. Preparing for the winter as you do is not just a way to save money, it is a matter of survival.
You spoke of common sense, I firmly beleive if you use common sense as a total factor to acheive your dreams, you will go nowhere, to know what you want, take chances, hard work and beleiving you can get there is the only way, you have to have that drive and take that leap of faith. I guess you have to decide if you want to dream how you want to live, or live how you dream.
One of the things I appreciate about this blog, you write about your triumps and well as you failures, you are not a super woman with unlimited resources that has a farm in a beautiful place, but an everyday woman that is scraping by, working hard doing the work most women wouldnt dream of doing to live the life you love. You started with your dream and turned it into a goal–to live the life you had always dreamed of living, I beleive if you are unhappy in life, do what you can to change it, I did, and never looked back. I left everthing behind and started over. I know a lot of your readers have done that very same thing, and never had any regrets.
your faith in yourself has inspired us all, no matter what our goal is, be it a beautiful loaf of bread or carving out a farm in the mountains.
At times I wish I could turn back the clock about 40 years, but I have a wonderful life, an amazing Husband of 30 years and my little piece of heaven, it is only an acre and a half, but it has all I have ever dreamed of, so in essence I guess it did–dreaming is good, just dont wake up and find it is only a dream–live it. Passion is the key to everything.
Thank you.
On October 30, 2010 at 8:45 am
Diane says:
Just want to say that I love comming to visit your farm each morning. I love how you tell us about Clover, BP and Pokey and the chickens and all the barn animals. You surprise us with how you take on a project like making cheese or adopting another critter and learning about it. How winter is hard and that your first winter was hard, but the second was a little better. This year you are even more prepared. Your passion is an inspiration. Thanks for shareing it with us.
On the book thing. No I cant see you write a cook book or a instruction book. But stories yes you write great stories. You have all the charters right there in your farm and in the town and in your family. What kind of book?? Dont know. But I think you suppect its in your heart. You have not found it just yet. But Clover knows and so does BP and Morgan and Weston and Ross. They are your love and life. No matter what you decide you will do it with your great style and love and passion. I know it.
Thanks for letting us into your life.
On October 30, 2010 at 8:52 am
IowaCowgirl says:
Nice post Suzanne.
On October 30, 2010 at 9:15 am
jackie c. says:
That is precisely how I ended up in Alaska for 20 years and loving each year of it.
On October 30, 2010 at 9:15 am
Sherie Adams says:
I loved this post – I’m 60 and it still gives me hope – that’s how much of an inspiration you are to all of us!
Now, in an off-topic subject . . . . how in the world did you come about using cookies as treats for the animals? . . . and do they ALL love cookies?
On October 30, 2010 at 9:16 am
Leila says:
We also left a huge house in a posh NC suburb (Cary) for our wonderful life on the farm. What suburb were you in, Suzanne?
On October 30, 2010 at 9:20 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Leila, we lived in a gated community in Sanford–not far from Cary! I know Cary, NC very well.
Sherie, the people we got Clover from used cookies as treats. That’s how it started!
On October 30, 2010 at 10:18 am
Carol says:
AMEN SISTER!!! THAT is why I read your blog everyday.
Carol
On October 30, 2010 at 9:28 am
Becky says:
Well said, Suzanne!!
Making dreams become reality is hard work, but worth every last minute of it when you can sit back and enjoy the life you dreamed of.
On October 30, 2010 at 9:35 am
texwisgirl says:
I loved this post and all the comments that followed it. Your readers express the love they have for you, your life, your heart, your dreams. Your words and photos and pure LOVE for your life inspire everyone who reads your blog.
You are infectious, and I hope we can all pick up your positive energies of faith, hope, love and hard work and continue to spread them with everyone we come in contact with.
Go Clover! You deserve a cookie today!!!
On October 30, 2010 at 9:36 am
Wendy says:
All I can say is: “You GO Girl”
On October 30, 2010 at 9:43 am
Sandy says:
Good post. You have inspired people to attempt new foods, new craft projects, new farm adventures, and even to start blogging. Lots of people think they need a “how to” book when all they really need is a dose of “just do it” in their brains.
If you really want to write a book just do it like you did before the grand adventure. That plan seems to have been successful. You have a pretty good subject to share. I am sure there are publishers who can look at the stories on your blog and see the potential.
NaNoWriMo is upon us. Give it a shot and see where you end up.
https://www.nanowrimo.org/
On October 30, 2010 at 9:57 am
marymac says:
The way you live proves you can be happy living a self sustained life style and still be happy. You don’t have to have that 4000 sq. ft home and all the ritzy stuff to fill your home to be happy. True, everyone can’t live by being self sustained, but we could all do without so many frivilous things. You are a hard worker and you enjoy every thing you work for. So many people think they would love to have your life, but would they be willing to do all the work? Nothing happens by itself, and you are proof. We love you Suzanne!!
On October 30, 2010 at 10:07 am
Joycee says:
A visit up your road inspires me to keep it simple. Our lives include so much stuff, the kind that accumulates in our brain until we’re on overload. You are my pressure valve in this crazy old world! I watch the chickens peck around the yard, read how to make candles or can pears and I’m transported to a calmness that some people get out of a prescription bottle. You offer a simple solution to what ails us in 2010. Would a book like this sell? I wonder how many billions of dollars are spent each year on anti-depressents?
On October 30, 2010 at 10:08 am
Beth says:
I’m going to have to disagree with you on the common sense thing, Suzanne. There is nothing more in line with common sense than figuring out what you want and doing what it takes to get it. After all, no one is going to answer the “how do you want to feel looking back on your life someday?” question with “pretty okay, it was good enough I guess.”
I think the real issue is that not everyone is willing to follow through on the second part. A farm is a ridiculous amount of work. So is most anything that people dream about (raising a family, starting a business, going back to school, owning a home, pursuing a particular career…). Failure and sleepless nights and being in way over your head is part of the deal, and though preparation might help ease that, nobody can avoid it completely. The question is whether what you want, and how you want to feel down the road, makes all of that worthwhile for you.
You decided that it was worth it, you followed through, and you’re making your life happen. I think that makes you one of the most sensible people in the world!
On October 30, 2010 at 10:10 am
Tina says:
Sister, you just said a mouth full. What you said about doing something EVERY DAY to move toward a goal…..that’s pure gold. I have OFFICIALLY been INSPIRED!!!!
That’s it! I’m opening a new savings account for My Dream.
Thank you Suzanne. Surely you must feel all the love that pours from your readers. I am one…. Hugs
On October 30, 2010 at 10:13 am
MMHONEY says:
In my case it wasn’t a choice – it was sink of swim. I am not sure I was given a swimsuit. Now my goal is to help others… and not expect interest on your investments,
On October 30, 2010 at 10:14 am
Eve Davis says:
Okay my turn to say a few things, I have aways told my children, who are all gown now and some have children of their own, ” Be true to yourself “. Just because you get married it does not mean that you have to forget about your dreams and wishes. Never forget who you are and go for what you are meant to be. Do not leave this earth without leaving your mark ! Suzanne you have left your mark on this earth, actually many marks and without me even meeting you I know your gift that was given to you was to tell others what you are learning everyday, it takes no money to smell the roses and or the goats, and boy do the boys stink, but when they smile at me, I no longer smell the stink ! Sometimes we are given great obstacles to hurdle, they ae meant to give us the strength we need to do what our heart and soul desires. I have had to trudge thru snow hip deep to carry water to my horses in the barn because the water lines in the barn froze, I would not trade it for the world. Like you I have come from many worlds, city life and country living, I have worked two jobs a day to help support a family of 4 kids, 2 of which we adopted, a weekend meant not a day of rest but 2 days in which to get house work and yard work done. A vacation is when we can build something or repair something that was put of because of working for pay. West Virginia is a most beautiful place, I agree but I have 27 acres in east NC, 25 of which is wooded and will not trade it for the world. I love that I was up and out the door at 6:30 AM to tend to my chickens. So in summary, be always true to yourself and your dreams will come true, and no it really does not take money to do most things, if we can’t figure it out, we go get the book that has it all figured out. Yesterday I cut 12 roses from my rose garden so that I can smell the roses in my home. So folks go smell the roses and live your dreams! : )
On October 30, 2010 at 10:17 am
Eve Davis says:
One last word from me, my daily motto in life is K.I.SS. , keep it simple stupid ! It works for me, too many of us want to make more out of something then it truly is so I have to KISS.
On October 30, 2010 at 10:21 am
Jenny Sterling says:
What a wonderful post to come home to after 12 hrs in the NICU. Thank you for this one, so inspiring and HONEST. This is why I follow your blog daily, not only that you’re incredibly entertaining (and I want a farm REALLY bad!), but also that you’re genuine and it shows in your writing. Have a great day and give Clover a cookie for me :).
On October 30, 2010 at 10:25 am
Deb says:
I think people often don’t realize that we each have our own dreams, and our own path to get to them. We might envy someone else’s dream, but following their path won’t get us to it. Everyone’s dreams come about differently….I sort of “fell into” mine, others plot and plan, still others are just given theirs. Appreciate your own journey, don’t try to copy someone elses.
I’d love to see you do a book with your craft and decorating ideas, your life on the farm, your stories…….not as a “here’s how to do it” but as “here’s how I did it”. We each have our own stories to write.
On October 30, 2010 at 10:54 am
Patsy says:
Great posts, very inspirational….I’m 57 and I basically do the same thing….just do it!!
On October 30, 2010 at 11:15 am
Melody D says:
terrific post! Just trying to get started ourselves I can completely relate to a lot of it.
On October 30, 2010 at 11:15 am
lauren says:
Love this post!! Thank you!! you just gave a great gift 🙂 keeping all inspired and not giving up hope when all hope seems lost..
On October 30, 2010 at 11:29 am
Barbee' says:
I like what Deb wrote: “not as a ‘here’s how to do it’ but as ‘here’s how I did it’. I think that is what fascinates us. You may have to wait until one or two more children are grown, out of the house, and on their own, to find the time to get the actual writing and publishing done, but in the meanwhile I bet you are planning your books in your mind and will absolutely do it one of these days. And, they will be just as you dreamed them to be. That accomplishment will be another chapter in your life story.
On October 30, 2010 at 11:39 am
Nancy says:
As much as I love all of your posts, the funny, the sad, the scary…this has got to be one of the best. Thank you Suzanne for all your inspiration and for sharing your life. If you don’t mind, I would love to share a bit of the post as my Facebook status.
On October 30, 2010 at 11:48 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Nancy, feel free to share it!
On October 30, 2010 at 11:55 am
Brenda E says:
I certainly BELIVE you can write – that you can do and whatever you would write a book about would be great. This article just proves the point.
On October 30, 2010 at 11:58 am
morningstar says:
Dear Suzanne,
This column is exactly the sort I would pay money to read!
Inspirational, but not preachy. A peek into your thoughts, without feeling like a voyeur because you’ve shared all the messy personal details. Not an “instructables” by any means, but just a view from a different perspective.
Here in Ohio, we used to have “The Farm Wife” column, written by Pat Leimbach (sp?). It was a newspaper column, but very similar in tone to your blog. Sometimes upbeat, sometimes struggling, but always very readable, and even when I was very young and the topics were supposedly above my comprehension, I took something away from them which I have rediscovered in your blog.
Thank you. Thank you for being discreet enough to protect your family’s privacy, but willing to open yourself and carefully-selected parts of your life up to those of us who may share your dream, or may have other dreams, but who appreciate your invitation to belong to your virtual circle of friends and followers.
On October 30, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Judy McCormick says:
I know this is far from what you would want, but a couple years of “reality tv” seems to sure help the pocketbooks! How about a Learning Channel Reality show?! Just think of the possibilities!!
Keep up the wonderful work – it’s so fun for us to watch!
On October 30, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Cousin Sheryl says:
WOW! Powerful and poignant! (Especially since I know the back story.) I know how hard you work. You constantly amaze me with your ability to write about life’s journey.
You are inspiring me to get off my duff and get that Master’s Degree.
:heart: :snuggle:
On October 30, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Mel says:
Thanks Suzanne. Your mantra is so true, truly how I strive to live my own life. Nothing is handed to you, you must go out and get it!!
On October 30, 2010 at 12:35 pm
northcountrygirl says:
Suzanne, Just write YOUR story how you came to be where you’re at and what happened along the way. Write about your farm and the animals and all the situations that made you laugh and cry. I learned in a Dale Carnegie Course that what you have to say is interesting to someone else. “Yeah, right!” I thought. Till I got up there and told about a situation in my life and noticed the audience hanging on every word. AND, I did the same too with their everyday stories. Your life is important and sharing with others will help them along the way. Just be you, write about you, and let things take off from there.
On October 30, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Yvonne says:
Excellent post! :heart:
On October 30, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Runningtrails - Sheryl says:
Amen!!! I think the same way. Unfortunately, I have to drag hubby into believing way behind me.
On October 30, 2010 at 1:10 pm
LisaAJB says:
Suzanne, wow! That was exactly what I needed to hear today. I realized this week that what I’m doing and where I am is not ever going to make me happy. But deciding to leave a secure job (especially in this economy) doesn’t really follow common sense. And of course, I wont leave unless I have somewhere to go, but I guess I needed to know that it was okay to try and find something better. “Doing doesn’t mean you have to buy a farm tomorrow. But if it’s what you want, you should be doing something toward the goal. Every day.” There’s a lot of wisdom in those words. Thanks for sharing them, and thanks for taking a bit of fear out of the adventure.
On October 30, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Tammy says:
THIS is why I come by every day.
On October 30, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Whaledancer says:
I agree with Deb about not writing a “how to” so much as a “here’s what I did.”
As I think more about your “should I write a book and, if so, what?” question, I think today’s post answers it. You should write a book if doing that helps get you your dream, and you should write what appeals to you. If you enjoy writing it, I know we –and others– will enjoy reading it.
There are a gazillion how-to books out there about farming, country crafts, and cooking. But there’s no one but you who can tell YOUR story. You have such a gift for describing how your dream plays out in concrete terms. In that place, in that time, with YOUR family, with THOSE animals, wearing YOUR muddy boots and YOUR apron. I think that if you write what you love to write about, people will want to read it.
I love the way your go-for-it attitude runs through everything you do, from cooking without a recipe to owning a cow to buying a farm. It encourages all of us to be willing to risk failure in pursuit of our own passions, whatever they might be. It reminds me that how I make the journey is more important than where the road takes me. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
On October 30, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Stephanie says:
A beautiful and encouraging post!
On October 30, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Lori Skoog says:
You are so right! I love your philosophy and passion for life. Believe, and be prepared to work for it.
On October 30, 2010 at 2:30 pm
thayla tucker says:
i love your humor about the farm.. i totally relate to it. there is an adventure awaiting every day on a farm
On October 30, 2010 at 2:43 pm
Heidi says:
Don’t discount your wealth of knowledge just because you aren’t an “expert.” I was interested but not decided about raising chickens until I read your blog
On October 30, 2010 at 3:44 pm
Jim in Colorado says:
Ther is no limit to the goals that one can set. It is a matter of setting a small goal for every day, or one a week. And you set that small goal to the big goal. And yes, there are set backs. And hard times. But that is what makes us who we are. And it makes us stronger.
And when the time is right, I’m sure that the Book will be right there to be written. Since I have found your blog. It makes my day. And puts a bigger smile on my face than the one I started with. Every one has a passion, and it justs needs to be given the OK to follow it. Sure it can be scary. You just need to step out of the box your in, and go for it. Thats what makes life exciting at times.
I love how you write about the farm.
And I follow the KISS method also. It works for me.
On October 30, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Diane says:
So inspiring!! Thank you for being our hero!
On October 30, 2010 at 4:41 pm
BuckeyeGirl says:
Amen Sister.
On October 30, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Kristen says:
Love this post…mostly because it hits home so well. We have found ourselves in many funny and not so funny situations because we didn’t plan this farm life we have very well. I wouldn’t change a minute of it though….I couldn’t imagine raising our family on anything but a farm, and I am glad I didn’t listen to the people who told me not to do it, that it’s to hard.
On October 30, 2010 at 5:30 pm
QuietStorm says:
Niki from post #21….you will get thru this and you will find strength you didnt know you had….it may not seem it right now but there will be something out there better for you… keep faith!
Suzanne, WOW! i so needed to hear that….especially the “common sense is a HUGE obstacle”
On October 30, 2010 at 7:00 pm
ScreamingSardine says:
Thank you for such an inspirational post, Suzanne. I’ll read it when I need some motivation – which will be quite often – lol!
On October 30, 2010 at 10:46 pm
abhaya says:
Now you’re talkin’!
This is the bare bones stuff that makes us all realize no matter where we are or what we’re up to we share a common thread. We just need to dive in and DO IT!
Abhaya
On October 31, 2010 at 12:52 am
cgReno says:
Thank you Suzanne, perfect as always.
On October 31, 2010 at 1:35 am
Sharon says:
And that is why I love you and your blog! You dream and you do..an inspiration to so many of us. Please, please do not stop…you amaze me with your view of life and even in the messy parts it’s an adventure we walk through with you. Keep on keeping on Girlfriend!
On October 31, 2010 at 7:25 am
DarleneS says:
You have a lot of moxie and I believe you will make it.
On October 31, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Margie brown says:
Well said! Really enjoy your blog…maybe someday I will be a farm girl?
On November 1, 2010 at 10:16 am
Amber says:
Great post! Now stop saying, “I have no money” and say “I have lots of money” and believe it! The power of the mind and faith is truly amazing. :heart:
On November 1, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Linda says:
Mmmm…wonder if I could fit this post on my bathroom mirror. I need to be reminded of these things very often.
I’m glad YOU know them so well, Suzanne, and that you share your world with us. It is a really good place to go to remember what is important.
On November 2, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Ramona says:
Good for you!
On November 2, 2010 at 2:20 pm
wkf says:
That was a good one.
On November 6, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Rebecca Dieffenbach says:
Awesome. Amazing and wonderful. This is exactly how I feel although I am no good at putting things into words. May I suggest, just write, nothing specific maybe but all those everyday stories just like you do on here. With goats and cows and chickens and kids and gardens my mom says i would make a great book just writing what happens because no one would believe it all anyway!
On December 14, 2010 at 5:29 pm
drumwife06 says:
I just re-read this post today and sent it to my husband. Finally, finally, he is considering going to the “farm life”. I don’t feel my life will be complete until I have a farm. “Misplaced Seattle-ite”. Now I just have to find myself a Clover…
On March 31, 2011 at 2:48 pm