It's been a while since I've felt like writing. I have a lot to say but once in a while, I figure a lot of people can't handle my opinions or thoughts...so I keep to myself. Today, I have a lot on my mind and in my heart. So this has been building for a bit. So let's chat!
My life gets a little crazy at times. Some of it is just juggling so many schedules and different hats I have to wear, but there is more. I tend to be a venting post for so many, and many times those conversations stay with me long after the actual conversation is done. I truly enjoy visiting with people, and it eases my mind to know that so many depend on me and trust me with their thoughts. There are times though, that people just drain the life out of me. The constant negativity, the dramas, the complaints; some days are just extremely overwhelming, while dealing with my own life. Trying to keep a balance is very difficult when you want to always be available for people and never want to let anyone down. With all that being said, sometimes I just have to withdraw for a little while and allow myself the time to recharge.
We moved to our farm in 2011. Not having grown up on a farm, I've really had to learn a lot, double time! Not to mention the physical side that my 110 lbs. was not ready for. I've done it though. Anyway, my education is in business and analyzing. Although there have been many years when juggling a budget with one income was nearly impossible, I've always tried to do my best. After many years now of battles over how to best make several things work...I'm hoping we are finally on a good path. It's all a matter of getting the ball rolling to make everything work. I'm spent many years moderating and trying to stay on neutral territory, as a referee of sorts. Now, I am stepping up bigger than I have in 20 years. I have to. I've tried things one way and they do not work for me...so now it's time to try them my way. While we spent a little more than 2 years away from our farm and eliminated everything when we thought the farm would sell, we are now in a position to have to replace a lot. Our first year back had more twists and turns than the road we live on, and several heartbreaks(for me). Now, I'm done playing around. It's time to shit or get off the pot! I have had many ideas through the years that have been let go. Now, I'm going to make them happen. It's time to make this farm earn its keep. I'm done just throwing money at it and trying to work with uncertainty. We are replacing hay equipment as we can, we had already built built half our east perimeter fence, now we are building the rest. I've listened to small minds, big mouths and rumor mill crap; now I'm listening to me. I am doing what is best for my family only.
I love our little farm, and the man that told me to make it our home is always close to my heart...even if I miss his little chats, I know he's never far away. I hope my dreams will come to fruition for this place and would make him proud.
As I said earlier, there is always some form of craziness around here. If it's not my young people and their personalities, it's animals, everyday life, schooling schedules, work schedules or my newest adventures. Now, we are welcoming an exchange student into our home and life. We have had the pleasure of getting to know her since about April, and she will be coming to her American home August 2nd. We get almost a year to learn and share cultures with our host daughter from Italy. While we can't wait to share our lives, our home, our farm and some adventures; we can't wait to learn about her life, her home, her family, and I am looking forward to even sharing my kitchen! Maybe we can even learn some of the Italian language.
It's weird to think about everything going on around here, but not know where to start! Our oldest graduated in May, our youngest has begun 5th grade. I'm constantly learning something - from "counseling" to psychology, new found business plan writing techniques, graphic design, many areas of red tape, juggling 4 work schedules, a home school schedule, traveling schedules, farm schedules(breeding, wormings, weight gain, etc.) all while attempting to keep up with housework, laundry, meals and groceries. Most days, as soon as dinner is over, I am curled up in my recliner asleep! So many schedules tend to make make me crazy. If it wasn't for my planners, I would not keep up! Honestly, I do not handle being bored well, so being busy is good. Although there are times I would love to take a day without technology...I probably won't, but it sounds good!
As some of you may have seen on Facebook, I am helping expand a veteran foundation in my area. The foundation is one I have done a lot of volunteering for over the past 3 years; everything from deer hunts to thank you concerts, to kayak trips and community involvement. It's been such a humbling experience to work with such amazing people. Taking the time to get to know and hear the stories of the veterans, to see their exceptional attitudes even through their personal hardships, and to see them continue to gain their independence and courage through the multitude of events is an incredible experience. The men and women I have gotten to know, have helped me to remember never to give up. It's also a good reminder that so many of my little issues are unnecessarily being worried over - even when I have no control over them. Our American veterans are some of the most incredible people!!! I hope you will keep up with the events through Facebook and my blogs.
As our family continues to adjust to our new "normal" you can follow along on our Bowen Family Farm Facebook page. You can keep up with my personal page, and the foundation Facebook page, WakeFoundation. If you are near us in location, just know we love visits, but if you are coming to look at my house...probably best not to come. I do what I can as I have the energy, the rest will be there when I get to it! I've learned that life is fleeting, and there's more important things than an immaculate home, expensive material items and useless stuff.
So, for today, I'm going to finish up to get more of my to-do list knocked down. I wish you all a beautiful and blessed day!!!
Salli
