too do's
this past week my stress level went through the roof. our spring to do list is growing like crazy... transplant seedlings, get manure compost spread, move the chicken coop, get ready for new baby chicks, have products ready for the farmer's market, clear trees for more garden space and get it all done before the end of the month , while working a full time job.

but wait ~ isn't this suppose to be a more relaxing lifestyle?! i stepped back this weekend and realized that i was actually adding stress to my life by setting up goals and deadlines that are well~ unrealistic... unless i want more stress from the farm than i have at my workplace

i now realize that the farm life we want to achieve is a marathon not a sprint. since i do work full time i can not expect to complete as many projects as someone who is able to commit full time to a farm or homestead. so with that in mind i decided that we did have to step back, be aware of the must do's vs the want to do's. after all what good was my goal of a less stressful life if the goal itself adds stress?!

we decided sunday would be our day off and we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon on the farm with our family & friends... a delicious meal ~mustard & rosemary grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob and glass after glass of strawberry & thyme aqua fresca ~ followed with a little hike to the stream that runs through our property. trees are blooming & hints of spring are everywhere ~ laughter filled the air ...now i remeber why this place is so magical ~ and i remember that this farm and this life is all part of a journey. one that will not be completed by rushing through it, but by pausing and savioring each little step along the way.

remember to live well,
tamara

Mind Games

i stepped outside - the air is cold this morning. the wind is blowing and the snow flakes are dancing around me as i stand on our porch. i take time to slowly breathe in the fresh, cold air ~ breathe in 1,2,3,4,5 ~ hold~breathe out 1,2,3,4,5....~ i do this to remind myself to stay in the moment , enjoy right now, take in the beauty that is today. i have to remind myself of the importance of staying in the moment.

i have a 2 hour commute (one way) to work. yes i know that i made the decision to accept the commute - in exchange for living on my farm. and don't get me wrong - i would much rather have my 4 hour round trip commute, and come home to this beautiful setting, than live in the city. but the problem is i do not want to leave the farm. so i have taught myself to play a little mind game of ~

"if you go to work now you can do _________ when you get home"~

this game has proved to be a good tool and seems to help with the dreaded drive to work.......after looking around outside i discover some pretty healthy looking sage, rosemary and thyme ~ hmmmmmm.... i do have apple cider vinegar too..oh, oh and organic garlic.....and dried red peppers.. that's it herbal vinegar! oh and i have some beautiful old bottles to put it in. i quickly decide that organic herbal vinegar will be made this evening. simple, delicious and good for you! now i am humming a little jack johnson tune as i get into the car... i notice the beautiful landscape surrounding me as i drive. life is good!

remember to live well,

Tamara

Welcome!

hello and welcome to my first blog! hmmm, let's see...i guess the best place to start is to tell you a little bit about myself. so here it goes...i have spent the last 20 years working in corporate america, for over 30 years i have been married to a wonderful, caring man who has shared with me this crazy, wild, roller coaster ride we call life.

right now i have one foot still in the corporate world and the other in the life i want to live - one with less stress and more living. 2 years ago my husband and i bought some property and set up a small farm. here we grow organic veggies, fruit and herbs. we create beautiful things from our little farm and we try to live in harmony with nature. we strive to leave ourselves open to life and all of its possibilities (crazy and not so crazy).

the good earth farm is located in the hills of southeastern tn near fall creek falls park. we are lucky to be right in the middle of such a beautiful place. the mountains and water falls are incredible.

i love cooking and discovering new ways to make delicious meals, i enjoy finding unusual ways to store and preserve foods and ways to live a life that is a little less hectic and a lot more fun. i plan on sharing my discoveries with you and i hope you will join me on my journey to a more natural way of living here on the good earth farm.

remember to live well,

tamara