We have shed quite a few tears. Ran through every possible scenario. Worried about our daughters and our granddaughter. Worried about our cats. Felt tremendous loss. We thought when we moved here that we had found our dream homestead. Years of writing about it, practicing for it, praying for it led us here. We thought we would stay here for a very long time. I foolishly planted trees, spent double on seeds to make a farm that could sustain itself along with the classes. We have been promoting, connecting, making this work. In one moment it can all be gone and we are left with…not much. This was really crushing, if truth be told, and I suspect anyone can understand this. Especially if you have been following my writings for awhile. But, in the end we have to move forward. I know folks that have lost spouses. Lost children. Lost their true self. We just lost a lot of money and a dream. Dreams can be rebuilt.
You never know. I moved somewhere colder than where I lived before even, the plants haven’t even germinated yet, the classes aren’t filling up as much as I needed, Elsa, my goat didn’t work out, and my other goat, Isabelle actually belongs to Jill. I told her if she found herself in a place that she could have goats again she could have her beloved goat back. Jill found a place. So, perhaps the universe is actually doing me a favor by speeding the failure along. Or detour, whatever you want to call it!
Moving is expensive. We want to purchase a shed and turn it into the Hacienda I wrote about. But right now it is too late in the season and winter would kill us. No matter which option that I posted yesterday that we chose we would have to sell nearly all of our possessions to get the money. We will do the Tiny House thing in the spring if all goes as planned. Which it never does, but humor me! In the meantime, we know in our hearts the answer. Plus, I had a dream about it last night!
We will sell all our possessions save for a starter box with just enough to make a 200 hundred square foot house home. The girls are trying to find a place to rent. Not easy, but I still trust doors will open. We are trying to find different folks to take one or two cats for us. I cannot give them up. I just want them babysat till I get back! We’ll get the truck running good and head out after the Celtic Festival, July 19th. Our first stop, Illinois. On to New York, Virginia, then south and around. Be here for the holidays then head west and north then back in time to settle down.
Doug and I will be visiting and meeting people, pen pals, friends. I will be writing about farms and homesteads across America. Finding ourselves, ourselves as a couple. You know how hard Doug and I work, for years we have been non-stop raising a family, working our businesses, our homestead, and now we can rest for a bit and see all the colors and people and life in this great country of ours.
How you can help? Can anyone host us (farm or not) for a few days to a week? If you have a farm or simple homestead, can we come write about it? Does anyone want to meet us? Does anyone want an herbal class?
We are having a mega sale here. We have homesteading items, furniture, antiques, housewares, clothes, everything that would be in a little homestead built over years of love and hope. My phone number is 303-617-3370 to schedule a showing (early bird gets the worm) or Saturday morning, June 14th we’ll have an open house 9-1.
Thank you for all of your responses and for reaching out to us with hugs and support. I hope you will continue to follow us on our journey! Next week we’ll be back to be back to homesteading. I have mushrooms to show you, and a delicious recipe to give you, and much more!
The photos are from our hiking trip the other day. A good walk is a always a good way to think clearly.
Where are you planning to travel to? do you have any idea of a route?
I might be able to round up a group for an herbal class, but we are in California
Where in California? We may be going to San Diego soon.
Katie, you are such a positive person! Thank you for all your blogs and books, I hope you continue with your writing.
God bless you and your family. You guys are still welcome to visit us!
Thank you so much! We do need to come see your new place!
I DO have a goat for you. The family that took Isabelle’s baby can’t pay for her. Call me, my email isn’t working well. 303-617-3370
Have you checked out http://thekitchensgarden.com/ ? Cecilia has a great place – for working visits. I have a feeling you two would write the bests blogs about the experience!
You are the second person to recommend her! Thanks.