From City Streets to Country Roads: Embracing Change and Finding Our Farm Life
- Rosemary Phillips
- Jan 7, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 13, 2024
Change is a daunting concept for many, often viewed as an overwhelming, insurmountable challenge. It’s true that adopting new habits or making significant life alterations can be difficult, and there’s a tendency to resist change, preferring the comfort of familiarity over the uncertainty of the unknown. However, change can be approached in manageable steps. You don’t have to overhaul your entire life at once. Instead, start small—switch to a reusable bottle, carpool one day a week, ride a bike when you can. Gradually, you’ll find that these small steps add up, leading to significant transformations without the daunting pressure of a complete upheaval.
For our family, the journey from urban living to farming wasn’t a simple series of small adjustments. It was, indeed, a monumental shift—one filled with trials and triumphs that often seemed overwhelming in the midst of it all. But looking back, it’s clear that every step, no matter how small, contributed to the bigger picture of our new life.
The Seeds of Change
Our story began nearly 20 years ago when we were just starting out, full of youthful enthusiasm but lacking in the wisdom that comes with experience. Like many others, we followed the conventional path: quick, processed foods, everyday chemicals, and the conveniences of modern living. We didn’t question much. However, as our children grew, I began to learn more about the hidden dangers of chemicals in our food, products, and environment. This sparked a desire to make changes, however small.
The shift began with the transition from plastics to glass and from processed foods to organic, pesticide-free produce. This move to cleaner, more natural living was a significant adjustment, particularly for our grocery budget, but we were driven by the hope of fostering a healthier environment for our children. These initial changes were not easy, but they set the stage for a broader transformation.
The Beginnings of Our Farming Journey
Our foray into farming began modestly with a small 10x4 garden in the corner of our fenced yard. We embraced the square foot gardening method and achieved some success. Despite the challenges, this small garden became a source of pride and a way to reconnect with our food. When our garden didn’t yield enough, we turned to local farmers, frequenting Eastern Market on Saturdays to source pesticide-free produce. Each fall, we dedicated ourselves to water bath canning, preserving the bounty of summer to sustain us through the winter.
These early experiences were formative, planting the seeds of a dream we had long nurtured: owning a farm. Our vision was clear—we imagined a place filled with homegrown food and flowers, bustling with animals and adventure. In February 2022, we took the plunge and purchased our farm—nearly seven acres of untamed land, ripe with potential and, as we soon discovered, considerable challenges.
The Reality of Farm Life
1. The First Year: Trials and Triumphs
The transition from city living to farm life was far from smooth. The first year presented a series of obstacles that tested our resolve and resilience:
Mold Remediation: We were greeted with the unpleasant task of addressing mold issues that required extensive remediation. This was a wake-up call to the complexities of maintaining a large property.
Building the Chicken Coop: Constructing a chicken coop from scratch was a labor of love and necessity. It took longer than anticipated but eventually became a functional and cherished part of our farm.
Raising Chickens: Our foray into poultry was both rewarding and challenging. We learned the ropes of chicken care, including managing their health and integrating them into our daily routine.
Weather Challenges: We faced extreme weather events, including intense wind storms and a pine tree that fell on our house—twice. These incidents were reminders of nature’s unpredictability.
Bee Stings and Deer Ticks: Our farm’s wildlife included more than just friendly creatures. We dealt with multiple bee stings from nests and a deer tick bite that tested our health and our patience.
The Muddy Driveway: An experience that will forever be etched in our memories was getting stuck in our muddy driveway with no clear way out. It was a moment of frustration, but it also taught us the value of persistence and problem-solving.
Rescuing Animals: We added a Monster Puppy and a bunny to our family, both of whom brought their own set of challenges and joys. These new additions were part of our growing farm family.
Health and Homeschooling: Balancing health issues, including dealing with MAST Cell and epilepsy, while managing the demands of homeschooling our children added another layer of complexity to our new lifestyle.
2. Embracing the Challenges
Despite these trials, our first year on the farm was also filled with moments of joy and discovery. We learned to adapt, problem-solve, and find creative solutions to the myriad challenges we faced. Each difficulty became an opportunity for growth, and every setback was a lesson in resilience.
3. Building a Support System
One of the most valuable aspects of this journey has been building a network of support. Connecting with local farmers, joining farming communities, and seeking advice from experienced homesteaders have been crucial in navigating the complexities of farm life. Sharing experiences and learning from others has been a source of inspiration and practical guidance.
Lessons Learned
1. The Importance of Adaptability
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. Farm life is unpredictable, and the ability to adjust to changing circumstances is essential. Whether it’s dealing with unexpected weather, health issues, or logistical challenges, being flexible and open to new solutions has been key to our success.
2. The Value of Persistence
Persistence is another crucial lesson. Many of our challenges seemed insurmountable at first, but by continuing to push forward and finding solutions, we’ve managed to overcome them. This persistence has not only helped us tackle immediate issues but has also contributed to our long-term growth and development as farmers.
3. The Joy of Small Victories
Amidst the challenges, it’s important to celebrate small victories. Whether it’s a successful harvest, a well-built structure, or simply a day when everything goes smoothly, these moments of achievement provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
Looking Ahead
1. Future Goals
As we move forward, we have several goals for our farm. These include expanding our garden, improving infrastructure, and continuing to build our animal husbandry skills. We also plan to explore more sustainable practices and deepen our connection with the land.
2. Embracing the Journey
The journey of moving from the city to a farm is ongoing. It’s not just about achieving specific goals but about embracing the process and finding fulfillment in the daily experiences of farm life. Every challenge and triumph contributes to our story, and we look forward to continuing this adventure.
3. Inspiring Others
We hope that by sharing our story, we can inspire others to take their own steps toward change, no matter how small. Our journey has shown that even the most daunting transitions can be navigated with determination and support.
Conclusion
Buying a farm and transitioning from city life to a rural existence has been a transformative experience for our family. While it has presented numerous challenges, it has also provided opportunities for growth, learning, and joy. Embracing change, no matter how overwhelming it may seem, can lead to profound personal and familial transformations.
As we continue to navigate this new chapter of our lives, we are reminded that change is a journey—one that involves small steps, persistence, and a willingness to adapt. Our story is a testament to the power of embracing change, and we hope it serves as inspiration for others who are considering their own paths to new beginnings.
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