It seems counter intuitive to tear down forests to plant crops. No other creature on the planet feels the need to alter its habitat to that extreme. Destroying to rebuild goes against my nature.
That being said, what is the alternative? I can’t see myself foraging forests and lakes for hours each day to sustain myself. So…farming it is. Or homesteading is you prefer.
I think the solution for me may be in the method. Planting in ways that heal the earth. Reversing some of the damage done. Using mother nature’s gifts to create systems that nurture and provide in an organic way.
That’s what I’m hoping I’ll create. Balance. Balance between our needs and the needs of our environment. Caring and respecting the animals we care for. Even the idea of owning animals doesn’t sit well with me so I must try to do it as gently as possible.
Therefore I am in the process of finding the perfect place. As some of you know, I already own a business. This new venture has to work around the music academy. Here are the specific criteria that any future homestead must meet.
- The distance from the property to my work must be no greater than 20 minutes
- Outbuildings must be in place and relatively solid
- The house can’t need major renovations
- There must be enough land to grow our food and pasture animals
- It goes without saying (but still sayin’ it) that the zoning must allow farm animals
Well we found the place!
We’ve been working hard getting our current home ready for sale. Will be placing an offer on the new property in the next few days.
If I’ve done my work well and lined by chicks all in a row, we might be moving in the spring. Which means, lots and lots of organization!
So, that’s the plan. Of course, being the compulsive over-thinker that I am, I have a few back-up ideas to make this shift in lifestyle happen regardless. But that’s for another day.
Unruffled Farms 