RESOLVE
Green Hill Farm “Happiness is the new rich. Inner Peace is the new success. Health is the new wealth. Kindness is the new cool.” ~Deepak Chopra Wishing everyone a New Year filled with good things!
The Weekly Bleat: A Grateful Heart and a Happy Spirit
It was such a beautiful day today on Green Hill Farm—blue skies and 60 something degree temperatures. I took every opportunity to be outdoors, spending extra time in the garden while Dash and Bizou ran around and played. And, I even decided to give the sheep and chickens extra treats…just so I could spend time with them on this blissfully […]
Honey Hen: Little Chicken, Big Impression
*This is a post I wrote several years ago about our pet chicken, Honey. I’m sharing it today as a reminder of the many beautiful lessons I’ve experienced since having our little hobby farm. Having just fed the barn kitties, I headed toward the chicken coop to gather eggs. On the way, I stopped and looked up, closing my eyes. I stood for a moment, letting the warmth of the afternoon sun wash over me. When I opened my eyes, I saw an autumn sky that was clear blue with wisps of clouds like white gossamer. The burnt colors of foliage lining the sheep paddock caught my attention; too little rain late in the summer had muted the usual fiery, fall palette. It was still a lovely sight, and it was perfect weather for Honey Hen to be outside in the fresh air. But then, I remembered. Honey Hen, a pet chicken unable to walk well or lay eggs anymore, had become part of my day-to-day routine. Although she didn’t have perfect mobility, Honey was still a fairly healthy, hearty bird. She enjoyed being outdoors in her favorite spot near the corncrib that Great-grandaddy Rieley built as well as pecking at clover and fanning out her wings in the sunshine. Everyday I prepared a plate of fruit and vegetables for her–especially when she couldn’t go outside. On warm days, when Honey was able to go out, I constantly checked […]
Friday Farm Favorites: There’s No Place Like Home
I’m truly grateful for this place…Green Hill Farm. And, what I’ve come to realize is that no matter the challenges of living here, my love for this farm is constant and irreplaceable. I love it for its enduring ability to lift my spirits, fill my heart, and give my life direction. The very thought of it…is joyful. I hope these photos of Green Hill Farm bring a bit of joy to your day. Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
A Lesson
As a child growing up on Green Hill Farm there were two things that I looked forward to the most: visiting with Grandma and Granddaddy Rieley and summer time. The thing I liked best was neither required dressy outfits or shoes. I also relished the freedom of an undetermined day, one without rules or routines. I’d run around the farm sometimes barefoot and still in my pajamas or a mismatched outfit chosen by me; one which usually included an article of clothing made of terry-cloth, a Mork and Mindy tee-shirt, and maybe even knee socks. I probably resembled something akin to a cross between Little Orphan Annie and a peasant. Nevertheless, I didn’t care. I had Grandma to visit, stuff to get into, and I was comfortable–a formula that equalled happiness in my world. Of course, those days are long gone, because I’d never go outside today without at least a pair of flip flops on my feet. I also don’t wear terry cloth shorts or knee-socks anymore, either–at least, not together. However, I still prefer jeans and tee-shirts to dressy outfits, and I’m known to wear my pajamas outside the house on occasion (but never off the farm). As for those undetermined days, well, I still love them, because you just never know who you may meet or what you might learn. It was a glorious summer day like the ones depicted in those old Country Time Lemonade commercials: […]
The Weekly Bleat: Green Hill Farm
One of the greatest joys of Green Hill Farm is observing and interacting with the animals who live here. There’s nothing I love more than sitting on the porch in the evenings and watching the chickens running around chasing bugs or the sheep grazing in the pasture. It’s simply the most satisfying and peaceful feeling. Here are a few pictures […]
Green Hill Farm: A Retrospective #2 — Perseverance
I’ve shared the Green Hill Farm Retrospective Posts a number of times: A Retrospective, Retrospective #2, and Retrospective #3. So, if you’ve followed Fourth Generation Farmgirl for a while, you may have already read them. But, for my newer readers, this may be your first time seeing them. I like to re-visit these posts every year, because they give me an opportunity to remember and feel grateful. These posts are beloved to me for a number of reasons. They’re an expression of my thoughts and feelings about something important to me as well as my first attempts at creative writing since I was an undergraduate. Most of my writing in recent years consisted of speech and language evaluation reports and IEPs (Individual Education Plans). These Green Hill Farm Retrospectives reminded me of how much I enjoyed writing and were the catalyst for starting this blog. Finally, these posts define my priorities and my path. But, mainly, they sum up who I am as a person. Whether you’ve already read the Green Hill Farm Retrospectives or if they’re new to you, I hope you’ll take the time to read them and enjoy the lessons in love, patience, perseverance, faith, hope….and a whole lot of tenacity. Thank you. 🙂 There’s a sign that hangs in our vestibule or small covered porch that says “PERSEVERANCE,” and it’s been our mantra since moving to Green Hill Farm. My husband and I […]
The Front Porch: Not a Place, But a State of Mind
If our old house could talk, I’m sure it would have lots to say, especially the front porch. Our home has been in my family for 105 years. Many folks, including great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, (great) aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends have passed the time of day in this simple but sacred space: talking and visiting, taking a rest after […]
Home Is Where the Heart Is
I love to travel: experiencing different cultures, learning interesting things, and making new friends. However, after being away for awhile, I begin to look forward to spending time at home again. I long to see our sweet animals, and I miss the routine of Green Hill Farm. Amidst the busyness and stress of our daily lives, the beauty before us is sometimes overlooked. Travel offers a break—it’s fun, it’s stimulating, and it opens our minds to different perspectives. But, perhaps the loveliest thing about it is its ability to re-focus our eyes, so we may once again, see and appreciate the simple things. And, feel a deep gratitude and love for home. Have a wonderful week!
Friday Farm Favorites: Freshly Sheared Sheep
Our woollies have been getting a little warm lately, especially since we’ve had a few days around 80 degrees F.–which is fairly hot for late-April. So, after re-scheduling with our shearer twice due to rain, we finally sheared, trimmed hooves, and de-wormed all of our lovely sheep last Tuesday. Now, they’re ready for warmer weather! Clover, Heather, and Ivy […]
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