Monday opens a new chapter in our family's life. That's the day we close on our farm. As about to be first time homeowners this is huge. HUGE.
Frankly, I've no idea how I'll sleep at night till those documents are signed and the keys in my grabby little hands. We've dreamed of this day since our wedding. And, finally it is upon us. My long held dream of owning our own farm is coming true.
I've dreamed of having a farm for as long as I can remember. I am a farmer's daughter, after all. I've long had the name for our farm picked out, too. Quite frankly, Honeyman thought I'd really lost my marbles when I confided in him the name when we hadn't even started looking for farms yet. Ha! They're not lost. I just keep them locked up for safe keeping.
Frankly, I've no idea how I'll sleep at night till those documents are signed and the keys in my grabby little hands. We've dreamed of this day since our wedding. And, finally it is upon us. My long held dream of owning our own farm is coming true.
I've dreamed of having a farm for as long as I can remember. I am a farmer's daughter, after all. I've long had the name for our farm picked out, too. Quite frankly, Honeyman thought I'd really lost my marbles when I confided in him the name when we hadn't even started looking for farms yet. Ha! They're not lost. I just keep them locked up for safe keeping.
The name of our farm goes back to the inspiration for so much of what I do, my grandmother. My grandmother, a farmer's daughter, as well as a farmer's wife and mama, is my daily inspiration. She taught me to sew, cook, and put up. She instilled in me that hard work brought rewards and family is everything. And, while my dumplings pale in comparison to her's, that just gives me more reasons to practice.
It only made sense that I should use her maiden name in my endeavors of what I do daily as a way to honor her. In truth, it came to me nearly five years ago in my dreams so stark a realization that I sat up and immediately wrote out the beginnings for Just Jolly, now Just Jolly Life.
And, that has led to the name of our farm, Jolly Acres. A hat tip to the woman I loved so dearly, but also a reminder to be joyous in all things in life. To remind us that smiles are free and laughter good for the soul. That hard work can bring great rewards, joy, and a life full circle.
Those are lessons I will be using quite a bit of in the next coming months as we work to ready our farm inside and out. A kitchen to gut, a screened in porch to add, a natural, or bio pool to implement. And, that's just the household task list. The land has to be readied, soil tested, milking stands built for the goats, feed barn built, chicken coops repaired, and on and on it goes. And, while that list is daunting, I have faith we can cross each item off one at a time at the right time for each. Each day is a new one with endless possibilities to create, make, and do. Every day a new one filled with grace and love.
I look forward to sharing our new journey with you. I'll save you a spot on the porch swing and a glass of sweet tea. Well, once we put up a porch swing. It'll be jolly! I just know it!
It only made sense that I should use her maiden name in my endeavors of what I do daily as a way to honor her. In truth, it came to me nearly five years ago in my dreams so stark a realization that I sat up and immediately wrote out the beginnings for Just Jolly, now Just Jolly Life.
And, that has led to the name of our farm, Jolly Acres. A hat tip to the woman I loved so dearly, but also a reminder to be joyous in all things in life. To remind us that smiles are free and laughter good for the soul. That hard work can bring great rewards, joy, and a life full circle.
Those are lessons I will be using quite a bit of in the next coming months as we work to ready our farm inside and out. A kitchen to gut, a screened in porch to add, a natural, or bio pool to implement. And, that's just the household task list. The land has to be readied, soil tested, milking stands built for the goats, feed barn built, chicken coops repaired, and on and on it goes. And, while that list is daunting, I have faith we can cross each item off one at a time at the right time for each. Each day is a new one with endless possibilities to create, make, and do. Every day a new one filled with grace and love.
I look forward to sharing our new journey with you. I'll save you a spot on the porch swing and a glass of sweet tea. Well, once we put up a porch swing. It'll be jolly! I just know it!