Small Farms

-Late November, 2021 –

“No Farms, No Farm Girls”

There is something really gratifying about being part of the small farm culture. I smile when I see those bumper stickers that say things like, "No Farms, No Food," "Support Locally Grown," and "Eat More Kale." Farms are important and I have become increasingly aware that how food is grown and processed is important too. It feels good and right to be a small part of this culture.

The Greatest Gift

One of the great things about going to the farmers markets and the fairs and festivals, is getting to see all the goods and crafts of other vendors. Talking with other vendors is a gift - they love what they do. We love what we do and we all put our collective hearts and souls into our products. A few farmers markets ago, I heard a woman tell the potter next to me that her pottery was too expensive. Kim, Kelly and I have heard the same thing about our maple products. Yes, all of our items are more expensive than what you will find in box stores or on Amazon. The potter paints each item individually, fires, and glazes - some come out great and are sold at the market, but some do not and have to be recycled. You can see as she talks about her pottery that each piece is a labor of love. The vendors, those fellow small business owners, do what they do because it fills their soul. The greatest gift for them is that someone comes by, tells them they love what they have made, and hopefully purchases something. To be told, "you're pottery is beautiful" or "your maple cream is life changing" (yes, that happened), is the greatest gift to us, the farmers, crafters, and artists.

My mother's birthday gift this year. Locally sourced and hand made. Pottery by Kristin Nicholas.

Small Business Saturday

It is small business Saturday today. As you think about gifts for family and friends this year, please think about choosing products from small businesses. Many, including us, are seeing rising costs and unpredictable supply chain issues. By supporting local businesses, artisan, and farmers you give a little love back to us and that generosity of spirit helps build the healthy, sustainable communities where we live.

My mom loved her gift. I think she loved it a little more when I told her I knew Kristin and that each piece was individually painted. Gifts are just better when they come with stories. May you be safe, happy, and healthy this season.