Sarah, I’ve always thought you were wise beyond your years, and I mean that as a true compliment. I’ve read every single one of your farm notes and never felt the need to comment but this one really got me. It’s so great and perfect. I wish I could come and help but I live just outside Toronto and with all the unsettling things going on right now in North America, it’s probably best not to cross our border for a little bit. I really hope this situation calms down soon so I could come and help in the fall 🤞🏻🤞🏻.
Janice--we'll happily be scooting up to Canada a few times this year so if we make our way to Toronto again, you'll be first on our list to notify! Thank you for this kind note, this was a really fun one to write and I'm glad it resonated. You're welcome here any time!
Waypoints - My Scottish Journey by Sam Heughan recounts his own trek on the West Highland Way. If you ever pull the trigger on that hike, his account is worth reading.
So happy the community has come together to work the dahlia patch for you! That’s what it’s all about out, isn’t it?
Shelly, I'll check it out! Funny, because it's my very first time hearing about the West Highland Way. I'll never forget learning about the Camino de Santiago from a woman who I just absolutely admire when I met her back in Key West years ago...she lives on the Camino now and sometimes reads this note. I've been wanting to do that trek for many years and was really bummed last year when I couldn't make it happen. I felt like I needed to be available to my boss during that time...yep, the one that let me go five days before Christmas. Getting to do the dahlia patch in community is shaping up to be such a highlight of this year. The cows coming back, the patch grown in a group...it's gonna be a great LDF year.
May i suggest sourdough bread for your event? I dont know your gluten tollerance but its great for the gut and has taught me so much patience. The learning journey has been so much fun. It seems like something you would love while your back heals, with the benefit of selling loaves and treats once it's mastered!
Patti - I've tried twice now to keep a starter and learn to bake sourdough but it turns out earlier this year I had to completely cut out all gluten and most grains and I am feeling SO much better as a result. I get new bloodwork for my thyroid in a few weeks and am so eager to see how my numbers are resolving. So...sadly it's likely totally out of the question for me for now...but hoping that I'll be able to develop the tolerance for it again down the road! Love this suggestion - I know too many good bakers around here to try and compete with their sourdough genius!
Wow. I mean…just wow. I love everything about this week’s farm note with the exception that I’m on the other side of the country so I’ll be watching it all happen from my screen. Your friend sounds like a true gem, a deep thinker enjoying the simple things in life. Much like you. Thank you for sharing the happy parts as well as the not so happy parts. I think the happy parts are to be cherished and are there to keep our spirits up when the not so happy parts inevitably occur. The rough times help shape our character as we learn through each experience. Connection is such a big part of life. It’s something I’ve learned since last July that I wouldn’t have known if that rough patch of life hadn’t come along. I found people I didn’t know I needed. If I lived near your neck of the woods, I think you’re the kind of person I would be seeking out in life. Plus…you have donkeys, chickens and kitties. It doesn’t get much better than that! As always, thank you for sharing :)
Kandi you always have the most beautiful words and the things you say really stick with me. Thank you for taking the time to share this beautiful comment. You're right--my friend is a total gem and she's really onto something, isn't she?! It's true we're forged in the fire, so to speak, and I've been keenly aware of the way these struggles this year have improved my life on the balance...in ways I didn't even expect, kind of like you saying finding people you didn't know you needed. I think you're right about us in the same neck of the woods. Until we get a chance to meet in person we'll remain as soul friends from afar. Sending a big fat virtual hug your way - hope you can feel it!
Sarah, that's so wonderful!! I'm so thrilled for you that you've found a solution to not only get the dahlias in the ground, but also to include your community, give back, and educate! I'm so looking forward to seeing this play out via the Farm Note and (hopefully) Instagram :)
Amanda! Hi! I just happened to mouse over your bio and your Seinfeld mention made me want to ask you, have you listened to Julia Louie-Dreyfus' podcast, Wise Than Me? OH it's SO good...a total delight. Scroll back and start with the older episodes first. I listened to a bunch while traveling last year and some had me crying laughing on the plane...she's a gem!
This read was so inspirational(more-so than the norm of feels I get with each read)! I live in the Chicago area and feel like I would LOVE to come out and help not only with the Dahlias and fresh flower planting/take-down, but just to come and help with the daily work for Everyone! Thanks again for 'keepin' it real' with us all, been loving your posts since the Chonky Mr. B! Who first brought me to you and your ever-evolving crew. Much Love to you and Chris and the Crew there on LDF :)
Looking forward to seeing the community flower project in action and to see how all the furmers interact with everyone. I know that all the furmers will love all the extra attention as will all those friends who are lucky enough to live close and get to help out on LDF!
Oh Sarah, don’t you know yet that all you need to do is ask & you will receive! I’m glad you have realized you can’t physically deal with the dahlia patch this year. Now you can supervise! ☺️
I'm overjoyed to report that as of this morning...16 people have signed up to help plant the 2025 Dahlia Patch. HOW AMAZING!!! 😭
Sarah, I’ve always thought you were wise beyond your years, and I mean that as a true compliment. I’ve read every single one of your farm notes and never felt the need to comment but this one really got me. It’s so great and perfect. I wish I could come and help but I live just outside Toronto and with all the unsettling things going on right now in North America, it’s probably best not to cross our border for a little bit. I really hope this situation calms down soon so I could come and help in the fall 🤞🏻🤞🏻.
Janice--we'll happily be scooting up to Canada a few times this year so if we make our way to Toronto again, you'll be first on our list to notify! Thank you for this kind note, this was a really fun one to write and I'm glad it resonated. You're welcome here any time!
Waypoints - My Scottish Journey by Sam Heughan recounts his own trek on the West Highland Way. If you ever pull the trigger on that hike, his account is worth reading.
So happy the community has come together to work the dahlia patch for you! That’s what it’s all about out, isn’t it?
Shelly, I'll check it out! Funny, because it's my very first time hearing about the West Highland Way. I'll never forget learning about the Camino de Santiago from a woman who I just absolutely admire when I met her back in Key West years ago...she lives on the Camino now and sometimes reads this note. I've been wanting to do that trek for many years and was really bummed last year when I couldn't make it happen. I felt like I needed to be available to my boss during that time...yep, the one that let me go five days before Christmas. Getting to do the dahlia patch in community is shaping up to be such a highlight of this year. The cows coming back, the patch grown in a group...it's gonna be a great LDF year.
May i suggest sourdough bread for your event? I dont know your gluten tollerance but its great for the gut and has taught me so much patience. The learning journey has been so much fun. It seems like something you would love while your back heals, with the benefit of selling loaves and treats once it's mastered!
Patti - I've tried twice now to keep a starter and learn to bake sourdough but it turns out earlier this year I had to completely cut out all gluten and most grains and I am feeling SO much better as a result. I get new bloodwork for my thyroid in a few weeks and am so eager to see how my numbers are resolving. So...sadly it's likely totally out of the question for me for now...but hoping that I'll be able to develop the tolerance for it again down the road! Love this suggestion - I know too many good bakers around here to try and compete with their sourdough genius!
Wow. I mean…just wow. I love everything about this week’s farm note with the exception that I’m on the other side of the country so I’ll be watching it all happen from my screen. Your friend sounds like a true gem, a deep thinker enjoying the simple things in life. Much like you. Thank you for sharing the happy parts as well as the not so happy parts. I think the happy parts are to be cherished and are there to keep our spirits up when the not so happy parts inevitably occur. The rough times help shape our character as we learn through each experience. Connection is such a big part of life. It’s something I’ve learned since last July that I wouldn’t have known if that rough patch of life hadn’t come along. I found people I didn’t know I needed. If I lived near your neck of the woods, I think you’re the kind of person I would be seeking out in life. Plus…you have donkeys, chickens and kitties. It doesn’t get much better than that! As always, thank you for sharing :)
Kandi you always have the most beautiful words and the things you say really stick with me. Thank you for taking the time to share this beautiful comment. You're right--my friend is a total gem and she's really onto something, isn't she?! It's true we're forged in the fire, so to speak, and I've been keenly aware of the way these struggles this year have improved my life on the balance...in ways I didn't even expect, kind of like you saying finding people you didn't know you needed. I think you're right about us in the same neck of the woods. Until we get a chance to meet in person we'll remain as soul friends from afar. Sending a big fat virtual hug your way - hope you can feel it!
This is so wonderful! Both the meaning of life and the help you will get for the flowers! Can't wait to see how it goes!
You and me both! Thank you Bettie!
Oooh! What a delight to read your SS today! Connection - may we all cultivate it
with gratitude ☀️
Thank you Mary Ann!
Sarah, that's so wonderful!! I'm so thrilled for you that you've found a solution to not only get the dahlias in the ground, but also to include your community, give back, and educate! I'm so looking forward to seeing this play out via the Farm Note and (hopefully) Instagram :)
Amanda! Hi! I just happened to mouse over your bio and your Seinfeld mention made me want to ask you, have you listened to Julia Louie-Dreyfus' podcast, Wise Than Me? OH it's SO good...a total delight. Scroll back and start with the older episodes first. I listened to a bunch while traveling last year and some had me crying laughing on the plane...she's a gem!
Ooh I've heard of it but I haven't listened yet! Thanks for the reminder :)
Just fantastic! Well done.
Thank you Michelle!!
Connection! I was wiping tears from my eyes by the end of the Farm note. So much insight and love inside. Thanks Sarah.
Thank you thank you Laura...this was such a fun note to write. I wish you could meet my neighbor you'd just love her!
This read was so inspirational(more-so than the norm of feels I get with each read)! I live in the Chicago area and feel like I would LOVE to come out and help not only with the Dahlias and fresh flower planting/take-down, but just to come and help with the daily work for Everyone! Thanks again for 'keepin' it real' with us all, been loving your posts since the Chonky Mr. B! Who first brought me to you and your ever-evolving crew. Much Love to you and Chris and the Crew there on LDF :)
Looking forward to seeing the community flower project in action and to see how all the furmers interact with everyone. I know that all the furmers will love all the extra attention as will all those friends who are lucky enough to live close and get to help out on LDF!
Oh Sarah, don’t you know yet that all you need to do is ask & you will receive! I’m glad you have realized you can’t physically deal with the dahlia patch this year. Now you can supervise! ☺️