In December, when our seed catalogs for 2021 arrived, we placed our orders for seeds. It was maybe a week (two weeks at most) after getting our new seed catalogs in the mail and many of the varieties we wanted were already sold out! Wow, that happened fast. Last year seeds were selling out quickly, but this year even more so. (Some of you might have heard that Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, and other large seed companies closed their websites down for awhile so they could catch up with all the seed orders coming in.) We ordered seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, High Mowing Seeds, some plants and tubers from One Green World, and a handful of seeds from a few other places. We really enjoy making plans each winter for the garden, looking at seeds, and dreaming of all the things we want to grow. Seeds give me a feeling of hope, and I’m grateful for that right now.

Over the years I have found myself needing breaks from reading and listening to the news. I felt that way at times throughout the last year, and the start to this one too. I have concerns about things in our world, things that are out of my control… and I’m finding that focusing on what I can do in my own life is what I need to be doing right now. All things homesteading lights me up inside and gives me that passion to keep building our dreams here, one project at a time. And working hard for our business is something I find so fulfilling, and something I’m so grateful for. I want to keep focusing on homeschooling, and making good food, and fermenting, and trying new recipes. I want to continue finding ways to simplify and save money, and keep cleaning and organizing around our place. There are endless projects to do around here, and so many things I’m excited about.

We’ve all experienced a lot of changes in our world in a short period of time. It can be ungrounding. When we take a break from the screens and all the doom we’re constantly being told about, and step outside- it can make all the difference. The best thing I’ve found for feeling ungrounded? Digging in the soil. And going barefoot. For me, when something is weighing heavy on my heart, nothing is more soothing to my spirit than working in the garden with my family. Being outside in nature, breathing the fresh air, feeling the sun on my face, listening to the birds… those things bring peace to my soul. I love going on hikes and walks. I love being outside. It really does help so much. Music helps too. It’s always been a source of joy for me. I keep dreaming of seeds to plant and animals to raise, and it makes my heart feel lighter. If you’ve felt a heavy weight some days too- head outside. The world looks a whole lot brighter out there, and you’ll be glad you did.