Happy Hallowtide!

This year at the farm I am foregoing modern Halloween celebrations for that of a time gone by…All Hallow’s Eve (Oct. 31), in which the faithful prepared for All Saint’s Day by doing a little “souling” — the precursor to trick-or-treating.

I even tried my hand at a medieval soul cake recipe. It was delicious.

Of course, the tradition of an inspirational pumpkin message shining on the farm continues…so come, enjoy me for a new perspective on what this season can be all about.

Welcome to a special edition of Olde Stone Well Farm, one in which I invite you to explore your fears — and finally overcome them so that you can truly live! It has been said we often fear are light more than the darkness, letting doubts and insecurities dim the bright future God has for us.

So come for a little behind the scenes look at typical day at the farm…and stay as we go on a pumpkin prayer walk.

Enjoy your time in the Vermont woods! And do me a favor…let go of all the fears that are holding you back this day and let your God light shine!

Blessings!

A Lonely Cow Gives Me a Fresh New Look at Loneliness

Well, the beautiful colors of fall are taking their time here in Vermont. I noticed a lot of green trees on the mountains the other day. I just hope the colors appear before heavy rains and winds blow the leaves away. It has been a busy October, but the good news is I do hope to have videos coming to you more frequently, as there is just so much I want to share with you!! For now, I invite you pull up a chair and join me as I share with you how my neighbor’s lonely cow tugged at my heart and got me thinking about how we handle our times of loneliness and being alone. I also discovered something interesting about the word “alone” — the old English definition gave me a new perspective that I will turn to whenever I am feeling down and lonely. I hope it helps you, too! So enjoy this packed full episode…featuring cute animals, a walk in crunchy leaves, some frolicking chickens enjoying the pink popping corn from my garden — and so much more! It’s so wonderful to have you here with me!

Into the Haunted Woods I Go — To Find a Story of Hope and Healing!

October is here! The leaves are falling, and the crunching underfoot is one of the most beautiful sounds to hear. October is also a month where tales of things that go bump in the night are told in the dark of night with a candle lit.

I share one such tale right here in the Vermont woods where a tower is said to be haunted. I ventured into the woods to see it, and was a bit spooked. But the tower revealed a much more important — and more hopeful — story. A story of how Vermont first asylum for the insane began an innovative farming model — called Retreat Farm — for its patients back in 1834.

As I explored the trails, I can see how being out in nature healed those battling depression and despair. And with October being Mental Health Awareness month, I thought it was only fitting to talk about the doubts and fears (and depression and despair) we all battle and to remind you once again that you are never alone.

There is always a light shining in the darkness for you. There is always a hand reaching out. There is always a ear eager to listen. There is always God who wraps his arms around us all.

My friends, welcome to this episode of Olde Stone Well Farm. Pull up and chair and let’s visit together. Invite a friend! There’s room for everyone.

Blessings!