Head Farmer Once Again
What happened to winter? Not only was there no snow, but it went too fast. Melissa started back to work full time on Wednesday, so that means I’m in charge of the farm again. I must admit that I took a break over the winter—Melissa did all the chores—so it’s going to take a day […]
Bits and Pieces, #1
Sometimes when I’m stuck in my writing, I sit down and write to myself. It helps me figure out what I’m supposed to say next. Here’s a little bit I found in my files that helped me focus when I was stuck while writing Sheepish. Focus in memoir is so important, as is structure. It’s […]
Lost Doggies Lost No More
Late yesterday afternoon I turn off the highway onto our road. In the ditch I see two dogs: a black lab and a St. Bernard… a BIG St. Bernard. These dogs don’t live on our road. I have no idea whose they are.I pull over and open my window. “Hey, guys, what’s going on?” They […]
Am I Coming to Visit?
Years ago when I was writing but not selling anything, I dreamed of a life in which I was a successful writer with enough money to travel all over the country doing research for my next book. I haven’t reached that point, but that’s okay, because I am traveling to promote my books and […]
Can You Say “Iron?”
As a memoir writer, I’m used to sharing my mistakes, especially when they’re farm-related. But today I’m sharing an audio-related mistake. A blooper. The audio file is a blooper from when I recorded the audiobook of Hit by a Farm. In this blooper, I’ve forgotten how to say the word, ‘iron.’ Remember I’d been closed up […]
Farmers in Florida
We get off the farm so rarely together that I thought I’d share a few photos. When we spent the holidays in Florida with my sister and brother-in-law, we didn’t do Disney World or Epcot or any man-made places. We pretty much stuck to nature, which I guess isn’t surprising. We went sailing one afternoon with […]
Back in the Saddle
Yesterday one of “my” librarians asked my how my year was going. I said “It’s been free of stress and chaos.” “Are you writing?” I laughed. “Yeah, actually, that’s why it’s free of stress and chaos.”Made me think about how we get ourselves into, and through, a bad year. 2011 was one of those years. I […]
Rescued Sheep Multiply!
It’s been a month since I’ve posted. But I’m back. 2012 is a new year, and I’m thrilled to see the backside of 2011. (Long story….next post) I wanted to update the rescued sheep and llama story (animals abandoned on nearby farm a month ago—we found homes for them.) Our friend Drew and his family […]
Llama (and sheep) Drama
Monday morning I found an email in my inbox from a woman in northern Minnesota. She’d found us through the internet. Her brother had been arrested and was expected to spend time in prison. She’d just learned that no one was taking care of the 12 llamas and 14 sheep he left behind. And now […]
The Check’s in the Mail
Thanks everyone for loving our yarn, and buying it! We’ve shipped out about 1/3 of it, but the rest is languishing on our dining room table, waiting for ransom checks to set it free. 🙂 So if you attached your name to a skein or two, here’s what you owe. Please please please send us […]