Front page of the article about us in the magazine 393.
Local fame came our way as the newspaper of Meridian, MS, The Meridian Star, published an article about us in their magazine 393 (It might help to know that all our local zip codes begin with “393”). You can read the article at the bottom of this page.
Truth is that we still don’t know how we got into this. We asked, mind you. The reporter, Monique Harrison-Henderson, who first called us said that she believed that the photographer, Paula Merritt, pitched our story to the editor, Ida Brown. So, when the photographer came we asked her and even she couldn’t remember where she first found out about us!
Well, however it came about, here we are, featured in a local magazine!
It was really exciting to share our story with new folks and we’ve already had a lot of local folks contact us saying they’ve read the article, which is really nice.
Leigha wearing Jared’s well-known hat as they walk around the farm giving Paula a tour.
Family Farm
Monique visited us first. Since she is allergic cats we met outside, which was a fitting environment to talk about our family farm. We told her our back story and she asked us several questions about our property, our purpose, our goals and our dreams. I don’t envy her task of having to take an hour long discussion and parse it down to just-under one thousand words for a magazine article! However, she did a wonderful job and we appreciate her excellent writing abilities.
Arthur gives our American Guinea Hogs a part of their daily grain ration.
Animal Farm
When Paula visited we needed to get some good shots of us “doing our thing” on the farm. So, we held back our normal chores until she was able to come out.
We showed her all the animals and told her all about who normally does what types of chores. This led to having Brandon feed the goats and Arthur feeding the pigs. If I envy anything less than having to write the article it was poor Paula having to take these pictures. Animals, generally, don’t cooperate with planned photography! To our joy and amazement Paula captured some magnificent photos that we’ll cherish for a long time.
Brandon feeds our pregnant Nubian goats who are all to eager for some sweet snacks, despite the ample browse that is available.
Tracey and Kaylan looking for the plump and ripe blackberries.
Blackberries
Our blackberries were a big hit. Blackberries always amuse me. They seem to be one of those topics where people either love or hate them. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who was “on the fence” regarding their stance on blackberries.
We enjoy them for their fruit but as well for their forage for goats. And, while we have yet to do so, their leaves are good for tea as well.
Tracey was eager to talk about her plans for the blackberries this year and her and Kaylan were all too happy to show how they harvest their tiny treasure.
Happy Farm
I particularly enjoyed this picture of the family on the tractor. I’m sure the children did as well since I’m normally telling them to get off of it… but I digress.
The Stanley Family piled up on our tractor.
We didn’t get to mention everything we do on the farm, or even why we do everything we do, but we do hope that, perhaps, our story can encourage others to try… try having a small garden, try being more sustainable, try teaching children outside of a conventional classroom. Not every day is easy, but life will be more worth living.
Be sure to Subscribe to our YouTube Channel if you want to follow along with our family. You never know what will be happening next around here!
Sign-up for our Newsletter and get our eBook: Your Dream Homestead: Where to Start, for FREE!
Leave a Reply