Our sows are getting bigger bellies so we watch out for the beginning of their lactation as that tells us there will be piglets within 24 hours. Not that we need to intervene, they are both very capable mothers who prefer to farrow in peace, but we like to watch the joy and excitement of new life arriving. Barry the boar has settled in well and seems happy with his new home in the woods. The cows began to move out of the barn this week. Most of them have never been wintered in a barn before and initially were not impressed, but they have all relaxed and became accustomed to their confinement and we have enjoyed their company while giving hay and bedding up. Billy the bull will be coming soon and will run with our cows and the older heifers. 

Then there is the classroom. School visits have started and we have a lot more coming up. It is uplifting to hear the feedback and to see the delight on the children’s faces as they walk around here. I feel humbled observing their sense of wonder and awe whilst they look around; all I can usually see is what needs doing around the place. We are also preparing for all the workshops and trying to spread the word to let more people know we are holding them. 

I have also been creating connections to numerous people, businesses or charities and the interconnectivity of these connections are, at times, remarkable. Creating a network takes time and energy but they are rewarding and elevating for the soul. The possibilities of what we can do here feel almost endless, but working out what we want to do and when to do them is part of the challenge. These connections with others are part of the solution; some of them feel open and full of joyous energy and others, which may seem like a good idea, just don’t quite go anywhere or result in feeling like you’re pushing water uphill. Staying authentic is key and will lead me to where I am meant to be, but it is hard to remain tenacious sometimes as it does take a lot longer than I thought it would.

Starting a business seemed quite simple until I tried. Seeing others’ successful enterprises gives the impression that what they have built has been quick and effortless. It is a bit like watching the olympics; we can’t even begin to comprehend the amount of blood, sweat and tears that have gone into getting those athletes to that level, the culmination of years and years of hard work, practise, failing and trying again to result in finally achieving their goal. Starting this new venture: the farm, the new arable crops, the education centre, the workshops, creating a community of like-minded people, the social media, it is all a challenge with much to learn on all fronts. The ups and downs are constant and there are times when it feels too challenging to bother and other times when I feel elated and my vigour to continue is renewed. Mostly, it depends on if I have had enough sleep. And on that note, I am off to bed.