Welcome my friends to a special edition of Old Stone Well Farm as I invite you to join me as I end my Lenten journey and begin to prepare for the start of Holy Week, which leads us to Easter. This year, I added a new springtime celebration — I observed the original New Year.

Yes, New Year’s Day was once marked on the calendar as March 25, which was also the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord, which then became known as Lady Day, to honor Mary who received the news that she would be the mother of Jesus. It was a day to remember how God was and is still making all things new…not just the birth of Christ, but also with the coming of his resurrection. It was day to remember that hope never dies and creation always comes back to life from its slumbers.

In celebration of this day, I debut my 17th-century jacket that I have been working on for two years (on and off!). I had wanted to created such a jacket after seeing the original in the Victoria and Albert Museum. So what better time to put it on then for the original New Year’s Day celebration, which was on March 25 in the American Colonies until 1752 — that’s when the world got on the same calendar page.

And so, I hope you enjoy this special episode! Please share with others, make sure to press the like button and leave me a comment. Were you familiar with the old New Year? And what are some joyful interruptions in your life that made you stop and see differently?

Blessings!

I cannot believe how fast the Lenten season is going. I am not quite ready for Easter. Are you? There’s still much to learn from the journey I have been on as I have intentionally retreated from the world, staying off of social media and even being quiet on YouTube. I have been pondering, praying and walking the lonesome valley in order to hear better from God. And what I have come to realize is this: It’s okay to let go of your old self, of old dreams…change is scary, but good. So who am I becoming? What does God have planned for Old Stone Well Farm? I am not sure yet. I have a ways to go before I get to the promise of Easter’s new life. And so, pull up a chair, get comfortable and enjoy this time together! Blessings!

A new video from Old Stone Well Farm is here and this time together we are going sledding! Yes, spring is around the corner, but snow is hanging on here in Vermont, making for a wintery wilderness for me this Lent. I have been feeling quite out of sorts and empty inside lately, but more on that and how I am turning my mood around with a prayer nook and some interesting 18th-century tea. So come, visit with me here in Vermont.