The Weekly Bleat: Another View of Green Hill Farm
According to a notification from WordPress, it’s been one year since I became the voice of Fourth Generation Farmgirl— blogging mostly, but not entirely, about the happenings on Green Hill Farm—past and present. I want to express my thanks to those of you who take time out of your busy days to read my posts. I am deeply appreciative of your interest, enthusiasm, support, and encouragement.
Green Hill Farm is certainly part of my identity and most definitely occupies a significant part of my heart and soul. It was a MAJOR undertaking to save this place (house, cottage, barn, outbuildings, etc.), but I was compelled to do it out of love—love of family and love of continuity. The past decade was never easy; for various reasons, it was overwhelming and anxiety-laden along with too much heartbreak. There were, of course, joyful moments, and those are what I focused on for a long time; however, about a year ago, I began wondering if I could continue to stay. I was so unhappy, for reasons I cannot openly discuss, that I couldn’t see the beauty anymore because of the despair. It seemed ironic to me: I tried so hard, I accomplished so much, and yet, I felt defeated.
So, I started remembering—remembering WHY this endeavor was important to me: I remembered my grandparents; I remembered caring for the sheep and chickens; I remembered my kitchen garden; I remembered the many animals I rescued; I remembered playing on the farm and spending time in this house as a child; and finally, I remembered my heart. I started writing, and the reasons came pouring out of me. I wrote and wrote, discovering writing’s cathartic nature; and, after some generous and supportive feedback from family and friends, I decided to start this blog.
Writing Fourth Generation Farmgirl has given a fresh perspective and revived my love and passion for Green Hill Farm, and I owe many thanks to you—my readers. Through your eyes, I’ve seen my home anew and realize how fortunate I am to live in such a special place. Your interest, enthusiasm, and kindness have enabled me to redefine my journey here, and for that, I am grateful. Thank you all for being a part of Green Hill Farm and my journey of faith, acceptance, forgiveness, and gratitude.
Categories: Family, Family Homeplace, Photography, Reflections on Farm Life, The Weekly Bleat
fourth generation farmgirl 
Well said, and happy writing anniversary! Writing is truly your gift. Love the photos, too!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Donna. I appreciate ALL of the times you’ve let me “bend your ear.” 😘
LikeLike
congrats!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jim. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful blog and congratulations. Just love all those beautiful farm photos.
Shine On
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you very much. It was a nice trip down memory lane! 🙂
LikeLike
So glad you started writing and decided to stay….hope I get to see your beautiful farm one day!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many thanks, Sally. You’re welcome anytime! 🙂 xo
LikeLike
I will send a bleat out to your husband. It was grand of him to move into this venture with you, assuming you married before the move (don’t remember what wedding anniversary it was).
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are exactly right! I’m not sure he completely knew what he was getting into with this adventure. I don’t think either of us realized at the time.
LikeLike
Did he have to change jobs/careers, or is his work portable?
LikeLiked by 1 person
We moved about 45 minutes from his office. I used to have the 45 minute commute before we moved. We just swaped.
LikeLike
That’s not so bad then, I thought you move from much further away.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on your one year anniversary Tonya! You’ve been an inspiration to me. You always look so happy even though we know you are always working so hard. I will continue to look forward to your posts!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, Becky. That is very kind! 🙂
LikeLike
What a beautiful post! Thank you for your openness and sharing the struggles you’ve been through. Most people think your life is wonderful just because you live on a farm and raise animals and grown your own food…But there’s so much hard work, disappointment, and pressure involved. It’s so wonderful to hear that you have chosen to focus on the good and you’re not dwelling on the negative. The photos are absolutely gorgeous – I also love the old black & whites. I so enjoy your blog! Thanks for persevering! 🙂 xoxo
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you for such a lovely and encouraging comment. I thought twice about sharing so openly, but I decided in the end to speak my truth. If we can’t be honest and real, then what’s the point? I truly appreciate your support and kindness! 🙂 xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes!!! A truly wonderful post. Thank-you for sharing a part of your life with us 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much, Marisa! 🙂
LikeLike
Wonderful!
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Doug. 😊☀️
LikeLike
T – first Congrats for sticking with it, we truly enjoy you and your posts. It is a legacy that lives on my friend! Keep posting we’ll keep visiting with you! I have 7 web sites, 5 children. hubby, large beachside home, if I can do it you can too! Your Florida Friend, Cheryl. XOXOXOXO
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you very much for the supportive and inspiring comment, Cheryl.
You sound like a busy lady! Best wishes and thank you! 🙂 XOXO
LikeLiked by 1 person
XOXO
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLike
Bless you darling. I cant imagine how stressful the past decade has been but I know a few farmers and understand the battles you must have faced in every respect. xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Raphaela. xoxo
LikeLike
Happy Blogiversary! Thank you for sharing a slice of farm life with all of us. Your photos and words have been a great source of inspiration for me. Looking forward to much more to come in year two!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so happy that you’ve enjoyed my posts, Karen. Thank you for your generous comment. Hearing that my words and photos have meant something positive to you is such a wonderful compliment! I could really say the same about your lovely blog as well. Many thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy blogiversary Tonya! I love to visit your farm life blog! Here’s to many more years! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks very much, Ritu! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your post really struck me, Tonya. I never once picked up on any self-doubt or negativity in your posts….I only ever find Tonya, that fourth-generation farm girl proud of who she is, her heritage, all she does to continue the traditions, and how much she could do to keep things going even adding a blog into what must already be an overpacked schedule. We were very lucky the day your blog came on board and I’m so happy you’ve decided to continue in things…..I do believe it’s people like you that make ALL the difference to a world…..both on here in the blogosphere and there at your family farm……
LikeLiked by 2 people
Torrie, I’d hug you right now if I could! I was so moved by your comment. A heartfelt thank you for your supportive and kind words. They really mean a lot. XOXO 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Blogiversary Tonya! I have truly enjoyed getting to know you, your farm, and all your furry friends this past year. Here’s to many more years to come!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many thanks, Melody. That is very nice of you to say! It’s been a delight getting to know you as well. I love your beautiful posts on cuisine and travel. Oh, and most importantly, dinosaurs! 😉 Your blog is definitely one of my favorites. 😊
LikeLike
That has to be some of the most difficult yet rewarding work out there. Congratulations on your one year anniversary but more importantly in following your passion and family history. You can’t turn away from that which envelops your heart. …:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
George, thank you for your thoughtful and insightful comment. You’re right about not “turning away.” It’s so much more than just brick and mortar and fields and barns. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The photos are beautiful and enchanting. Such a wonderful family history. Congratulations on your blogging anniversary!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so very much, Deborah. It’s hard to believe it’s been a year! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
If farming was easy, everyone would do it!
You’re inspiring 🙂 Great photos — always great photos!
LikeLiked by 2 people
How very kind! Thank you, Joey. Your generous comment is much appreciated. 🙂 xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy anniversary…wonderful pictures, thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations 🙂 truly feel a part of Green Hill now with Hamish, Maud, the eggs and the lovely skies. Truly a great Journey
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Prajakta. That’s such a lovely compliment, and I’m so happy you feel a part of Green Hill Farm. You are definitely an honorary member! 😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a beautiful piece. The pictures told the story of both your challenges (or at least a few obvious ones) and the reasons the property is important to you. The pictures of the folks who were probably your grandparents brought back memories of my own ancestors–the pictures in front of the cars looked quite familiar–Just exchange the faces! Kudos to you for your work and for your writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Judy. I truly appreciate your kind and supportive comment. Your opinion means a lot to me.
LikeLike
You are an inspiration to so many! Blessings! 🍓
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s such a lovely comment. I appreciate your kindness! Thank you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My aunt and uncle lived on a sheep farm, so I know how hard you work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is hard work, but we enjoy it most of the time. I feel very blessed to live here. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are blessed! 🍓
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person