Sharing Knowledge

This is my friend Michelle. I like to call her the "Crazy Goat Lady"...but she is much more than that.

She is a mentor, an encourager, a fellow unschooler. I am so thankful that she and her husband Tim have graciously allowed us to come hang out at their farm and learn. She is so patient with my newbie questions and happily shares her knowledge. All of my goat paparazzi photos have been of  her goats...with a few that will soon be OUR goats!

As we were leaving the farm recently, she brought out a large box of magazines. I'm somewhat of a magazine "enthusiast" so my heart started racing pretty fast at the mere sight of it. Back issues of Mother Earth News, BackHome, Backwoods Home, Home Power, Acres U.S.A., Hobby Farms, Live Free Learn Free (out of print)...pretty much a homesteader's dream box.  So much information to be consumed! *said breathlessly as I throw them all in the air...commence slow motion movie with pages floating down all around me as I spin, backlit by the sunset*.

And perched on the top of them...two dozen eggs from her hens for me to purchase. The happiness never ends!

Apparently it's impossible for me to post a blog without a goat photo. I couldn't help it. She is just too cute.

And now back to your regularly scheduled blogging: I'm a researcher. I LOVE the feeling of new information in my brain! :) It's been quite awhile since so MUCH new info was being introduced on a daily basis. It's gooooooood.

There is nothing that compares to hands-on, face-to-face mentoring...but magazines, books, and websites are great sources of inspiration and info:

Here are a few I like right now:

New Life on a Homestead (having so much fun peeking around this site...lots of archives) Homesteading Today (everything under the sun!) The Goat Spot (for all you crazy goat ladies...) The Chicken Forum (chick chick chick!!)

I kind of feed bad for hoarding all the good chicken, gardening, homesteading, and goat books from the library. Kind of. But obviously not enough to return them yet. Sorry Longmont friends!

Now that I've had a chance to peruse all of these books, I thought I would would compile my favorites in an aStore for you. When you click on these and purchase, I will receive a small part (as an affiliate payment)...and that helps me pay for keeping this blog active. I will keep adding to this list...if you notice that I am missing something amazing...let me know!

ATTENTION! If you are a farmer, a homesteader, or a wannabe...I would LOVE to hear about your real life mentors! People you have walked alongside, whether it be family or friends or teachers...tell me what sparked your passion! Share your story in the comments below! Also, if you are a homesteader interested in guest blogging about your journey, let's talk :)

Please also share your favorite resources for learning about farming (urban or rural) and homesteading. Let the knowledge sharing begin!

*p.s. for those of you wondering if Sara will ever blog about "normal" stuff again...the answer is yes. someday. stay tuned. :)

Goat Paparazzi

Goatie FaceThis face has captivated me. I will never be the same. Goats have a way of making every day brighter!

Last week we visited Tim and Michelle's farm so we could meet Cloud and Clover. At this point, I'm feeling a bit like I'm 33 weeks pregnant...waiting that last 7 weeks until they finally come live with us at OUR farm!

Checking it all out It was so neat to see how the farm works...just little things like where the goaties like to sit and what they eat. It filled my farmy heart.

Get Er Lucy wasn't quite so sure about curious Cloud...but she warmed up quickly!

Smiley Cloud and Clover are Nigerian Dwarfs...but after meeting the funny and affectionate Nubians, we put in our order for two Nubian babies that will be born in a few weeks!! Just like that, our goat herd just doubled to FOUR! I think I might be in big trouble...

Gaggle 2

I love how they follow each other around...it makes me laugh!

Saying Hello

Beautiful barn light.

Goatie Sillouette

All ears.

Three A lovely trio. The Nubian in the middle is our future goat baby mama, Scarlett.

chick chick chick Good chicken watchin'.

bella and the chicken copy Bella is a natural..she was MADE for farm life!

Oreo Oreo the llama struts his stuff.

sunshine goats What's up?!

Walker and the Chicken A boy and his chicken.

Friends Farm buddies hanging out.

New blog coming soon...photo session with  2 - day old goat babies!! Wait until you see them! Eeeeeep! Goat papparazzi in full effect. And you thought I was obsessed with chickens? ;-)

 

Falling In Love With Country Life

photo 1i
photo 1i

I've always thought I was a "city girl". I love the energy and accessibility. The people. But now? The "country" has captured my heart. The houses in the city seem so close together. And the traffic so much louder. :)

On Saturday we went out to the farm to drop off our disassembled play structure and ended up staying awhile...chatting and learning more about the property. The photo above is the view from our road looking north. I'm in love.

photo 5e
photo 5e

After reading so many books and blogs about chickens, I found great joy in just sitting and watching our future chickens hanging out. I keep forgetting to ask what breeds they have...so feel free to educate me in the comment section!

I took a little video of our girls for you! :) It's safe to say I'm a little smitten. Can you see our duck?

chick chick
chick chick

I may change my official title to "chicken photographer".

photo 5a
photo 5a

We caught a little glimpse of how different country life is for a child...there is so much to do and see. Lucy was such a big helper and wanted to know everything that was going on. But her favorite spot is still on the trampoline :)

photo 1
photo 1

Here chick chick!!

photo 1a
photo 1a

This is the official "before" photo of our garden :)

photo 2a
photo 2a

We will be setting up some "work days" soon so that we can get out there and plant and start taking care of everything!

photo 3a
photo 3a

Our neighboring horse came over to say hello.

collage 1
collage 1

More work and play.

photo 2h
photo 2h

As we pulled out of the driveway, a wave of gratitude and awe swept over me. I am SO READY for this adventure to begin! I want wide open skies and rich dirt under my fingernails. I want roosters crowing and goats playing. Exactly 2 months from today we move in...so for now, I will start by packing boxes. :) Happy Monday everyone!