Independence Day

25 years ago today, I declared my independence from the corporate world.

Yes, it’s been 25 years since I received a “real” paycheck or worked “regular” hours. (but that’s another story)

In the summer of 1988, the Boss and I were eagerly anticipating the birth of our first child.  It was our plan that I would stay home and care for the baby and any subsequent siblings while the Boss continued as sole breadwinner in his career with the power company.

It seemed only fitting that my first day away from corporate America was the 4^th of July...Independence Day. It was somewhat thrilling to start that first day of independence, charting my own course and all… although, I must admit I have questioned my decision more than once over the years.

"June Cleaver"
from LEAVE IT TO BEAVER
on tv from 1956-1963

I can honestly say that my life is nothing like I imagined as I drove away from my former office that long ago July day.  I envisioned myself being some sort of rural “June Cleaver”, trading the pearls and heels for boots and jeans…keeping house, baking cookies and keeping track of kiddos, while being incredibly, audaciously calm, cool and collected. 

Life apparently had other plans.

(I am pretty sure I have NEVER been audaciously calm...or cool...or even remotely collected!)






My first clue should have been when “Wally and the Beaver” turned out to be two little girls!

our girls - May 1, 1990

Little girls who developed a great love of pink and purple...

...and for a while...a certain dinosaur on PBS.

1994

I never could have imagined all those years ago that we would be living in a way and place so different from my childhood, starting from scratch and learning to coax a living from this little plot of land. Read this about the early days.   That our little girls would be grown-up, successful, married women. 

It’s been hard, it’s been fun, and it’s been scary. 

But, I can say without hesitation…”we’re doin’ OK!” We live in a very special place.

We’ve had experiences that would have escaped us if we hadn’t been open to change and challenge. We have met folks who have changed our lives and world view. Every day here on the hill offers us something new and different.  

Here are a few of my favorite stories.

http://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2012/02/i-smell-like-cow.html

http://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-random-act.html

http://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-special-thank-you-to-mrs-squash.html

…and the all-time greatest “living in the country” story…http://homesteadhillfarm.blogspot.com/2012/02/his-cow-is-in-your-barn.html.  Use your imagination and I guarantee...you'll laugh out loud.

So, while our country celebrates its independence with fireworks and picnics…I will note the amazing adventures that my own “independence day" granted me with a trip to the barn…gardens…hoophouse and sheep shed, all the while feeling thankful that...

a cloudy July day on the hill

Independence Day is just the start of all sorts of great things!

...these are MY people...

Enjoy!