For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. - 1 Corinthians 9:10
This is an awakening. The way that mankind has always lived is the new way to live. What was foreign, forgotten, and lost is being rediscovered. Those that have truly tasted the sweet fullness of the fruit of their labor cannot return to that which is hollow. With eager expectation and hearts full of hope, we spring forward- learning, sowing, growing, reaping, failing, starting afresh. There are so many lost skills to re-discover and cultivate again!
Modern homesteaders will bridge two worlds: between that which always was soil and flesh and that which seeks to unite machine and body. Modern homesteaders struggle with their land, their stock, to keep the art and joy of working with our hands alive and, in turn, truly know the feeling of being alive.
We plow in hope that we will be partakers of our hope.
Quill Haven Farm
Our family put our hands to the plow over 15 years ago and never looked back. The thrill of a homegrown tomato hasn’t dulled in all those years. A forehead pressed to the warm bulk of a cow while milking is just as restorative as it was a decade ago. It’s a slow, beautiful way to live and I can’t imagine raising my children, and there are 8 of them, any other way. I have been writing & sharing about our successes & failures while subsistence farming since 2008. Connecting with other homesteaders, whether beginners, experienced, or dreamers, adds a savor to the journey. There is so much we can learn from each other. It is a blessing to be lifted up by others who know and understand the struggles we face. We may start by planting a seed in the garden, but we reap a fellowship in community.
My hope is that this space is where I will be a resource, encouragement, inspiration, friend on your journey, and journal of mine. I will compile & share in greater detail than social snippets allow the lessons we’re learning on the homestead & in the garden, printable recipes, cheesemaking, family herbalism, and more. The exciting part is you never know where the journey will take you next!
Dig a Little Deeper
From time to time I can be a wrestler, rambler, and ranter. Perhaps you’d like to explore some of the deeper issues facing our times, complexities of agrarian living in a modern world, learning connection from considering the past, the unspoken challenges of raw motherhood? If so, you’re welcome to join me and support this work as a paying subscriber. The monthly fee is nominal, and, for all you cottage economists out there, even less if you join annually. In a world where a writer’s work is increasingly devalued, committing to tangible support is a gift of encouragement and for that, I am deeply honored and grateful.
Some articles will be subscriber-only, some will only be available to non-subscribers for 24 hours only before being archived but paid subscribers will have access to the full archive.
NEW! While pondering how I can bless those who support my writings, I settled on instituting a “Plow in Hope Monthly Tithe”. Once I reach 50 paid subscribers, I’ll randomly choose a person to send a gift to, valued at 10% of your support. Maybe it will be a book, a few bars of handmade soap, a ceramic mug, or a hand-carved wood spoon. The more paid subscribers, the higher the dollar value of the gift. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll be able to gift someone a cheese press or a mixer!
Regardless of which level you choose, I will always share the educational information freely. While I know easily searchable information is available online, I pledge that all I publish is tried and true and hope you learn that when you visit here you’ll find a trusted resource. Thank you for your joining us!
