This is my Job
Farming these acres is my job. A job I chose. A job I chose and grew to love. Being a woman farmer is what I am all about. A woman who farms not a farmers wife. I am the farmer. The grower of food. 
And I am still a relatively young woman. In the peak of her working life. This is not my retirement or anything, I am not old enough for that – not by a long shot – this is my job. This is not a hobby or just something to pass the time. This is my job of work. It is a small enterprise on purpose. I like to fly under the radar. My food revolution is spreading by word of mouth. My job has impact. I feed people. I invite people to come and experience farming. This is my job. 
It is not 9 – 5. It is unpaid. I am self employed with horrible pay. But I did not design this work to make money from the outside. That would be another kind of job. I designed my career to create a self sufficient life, to train myself to live within my means, to feed people all summer long and put some away for the winter. And to write about it. To create a lifestyle that feeds itself and feeds me and enables me to save a little for travel and clothes and boots (and the hairdresser though she gets paid with eggs as often as not!). And to document the progression in written and photographic form. The work and the documenting in this blog are my job. I am amazingly lucky to be able to love my job. Though I did not love it at first.
But is a job that makes no cash a lesser job than well paid work? Am I of lesser value to society because of the lifestyle I have chosen? Am I still a force to be reckoned with? 
I start work at 7.45 every day. This is what time I walk out the door dressed in work pants and a warm top and boots. By then I have had my coffee, done the washing, made the beds, planned the dinner, swept the porch, cleaned the kitchen, hung out the laundry and answered my messages. Just like any working woman. By 8am I have arrived at work. List in hand. And we proceed.
At 12 we have lunch, we go on a break, then the unpaid workers take time off until 3pm, while I do paperwork and planning and food (which is part of my job), write the lists on the boards then garden or mow then we reconvene at 3 and work again until 6. Then showers, dinner at 7 and clean-up. I am a farmer so this is my day. (The hard part is being the farmer and managing a house as well – but many working women struggle with that problem.)
In the evening I do the pictures for my blog, catch up on messages, personal or otherwise. Do housework then later in the evening I rest. 
This is not an extraordinarily heavy or hard day. Many, many women have harder days. I am not over working and I do not need to take it easy. Maybe when I am 60 or 70 or something I might take it easy but I am a long way from that. This lifestyle is not something I am doing because I cannot work any longer – this is my job. If I chose to leave the country and go back to my former life I could get another well paid job very easily. So I am not farming because I have nothing else to do. The farming,growing good clean food, hosting/teaching young people, the photography and the text – they are my job. It is intensive for about 10 months of the year and in the other two months I travel and write – travelling is an important part of my learning to farm and live better and this is when I have some downtime. 
I have chosen this job. It was planned and organised though evolving. Sometimes I do overtime, but usually it is only a 9 hour day. And if you factor your job and travel time in I bet most of you work or have worked a 10 hour day too. I am not elderly neither do I need extra rest. I am still young. I do not need to take it easy. I am young enough to work all day at full steam with ease because this is my job. I will not wear myself out. I am fit and healthy. I am peaking physically. I am a woman we peak for a long time. The animals and plants and earth and pasture and I are a team. We work together. We are roaring along – not always easily, the lessons are brutal but always we move forward. I planned it this way. I love it. I thrive on it. We manage a kind of symmetry, creating a small ecosystem of our own. The animals and gardens and I. I am a part of a whole. A pivot, true, but part of a balanced whole. The animals and I, and John on the weekends and our resident workers in the summer all contribute to this whole. We are a team. We have our systems and rhythms.
I determine my net worth by how many people I feed a year – how many meals I grow – how many plates I fill – how many hot dinners from my fields and gardens, how many salads and plates of scrambled eggs, how many days the animals feed from pasture and food raised on the farm – how many smiles they elicit: not on how many dollars I feed into the bank. I feed the people who go out and put dollars in the bank – I am part of their chain – their ecosystem.
Just because it is unpaid on a small farm does not mean that it has lesser value than a paid job off the farm back in Europe. Just because it is unpaid and menial does not mean that I should not work as hard as I can and give value for my presence every day. Just because it is unpaid and not in the news does not mean that it is not a serious and valuable contribution to the clock workings of the earth. And just because it is unpaid on the Plains of Illinois miles from anywhere with not a soul watching does not mean that I can laze about on a Monday. Whether I feel poorly or not. On a Sunday afternoon maybe. But Monday is a work day. Monday to Saturday. Work Days. And oh when the sun comes out late in the afternoon then BAM – Miss C is back on board.
There. Said. Jumbled. But said.
Hope you have a lovely day.
celi
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Food is currency and these days free range is quite valuable 😉
Agree Mad!
especially when it comes to eggs and chickens! I barter them more often than not. It is great.. c
“Food is currency.” Most certainly, and the most valuable of all currencies. Farmers keep us alive…literally.
Yes Unathi – you have it exactly right. And when we eat good food our energy levels sky rocket.. I love good food! Take care.. c
Of course it’s a worthwhile job. More worthwhile than I lot of others I can think of. Salt of the earth – and think how many people take pleasure in following this blog! X
Also you all feed me emotionally which is wonderful.. c
I like what you do i think horrible first because you get paid less but you chose that and you are helpiing animal
It is usually a mistake, I think, to value anything in terms of money. The world poverty index is set according to monetary income, and anyone living on less than $1.25 a day is living in poverty. But a person with land to grow food or a goat that can be milked will get by a lot better on that (admittedly very small amount of) money than someone in an urban environment. Because there are some things the figures can’t express. In the account book, your job may not be valuable, but that is because the value of what you do cannot be enumerated in dollars and cents. When you build soil and raise animals and follow the seasons, you are adding wealth to the land we live on, and this is something with incredible value. Add to this that we are coming up on the one day in the year when people take a moment to acknowledge the most arduous unpaid job there is – being a mother, a job that you also do! Well, it’s all intangible money in the bank!
Well said! Amen to that!
I love how you mention building soil (and I know you do a lot of that in your hillside garden in Turkey) and the soil should be THE most important component in any farming enterprise that grows food. Nurturing it in a way – protecting it. Being a mother of five I know what you mean about unpaid – but WELL paid in value terms.. c
Not jumbled at all and I am (and always have been) full of admiration for you, verging on awe! Even though I too am on a farm, it isn’t a working farm anymore and the birds are simply a hobby. My own job now is being at the nursing home for long afternoons of joyful companionship with Ants. I am gradually getting myself into a more regular routine (I tend to be haphazard and a bit up and down with clinical depression but people like you both inspire and support me and I love you for that.
I wrote this straight from the top of my head to my fingertips without pause. So I am surprised it is not jumbled.. my thought process is not normally very linear! Morning Joy.. c
I hear what you say. I respect your work enormously and appreciate your commitment. You probably don’t welcome the concern the Fellowship has for your health but iIf you itnore your body when it’s telling you it’s poorly, the whole fragile ecosystem-cum-house of cards could come tumbling down.
and now I’ll shut up,
sending love and hugs
ViV xox
PS Lady A looks like an overstuffed pincushion and ready to pop!
Oh I do welcome your concern Viv. really I do. But i think I have always been a bit prickly when I am told to Take it Easy. A However it is said with love and care and i ignore it with equal amounts of love and care!! ha ha .. c
Well said! And treating your animals well ,as well as you do, should be valued highly. In my book you are extremely valuable. As my daughter once said “Mommy, Miss C must be rich”!
You are rich with the important things.😘
Your daughter is indeed a wise young lady!
Yes – I am also very fond of your daughter – wish you were both not so far away – she would love it here on the farm knowing as much as she does from following the blog with you.. c
Ditto, this is my definition of rich too.
Very well said. Living in the country after 49 years in big cities, I now truely appreciate the work and effort and hours that all my farmer neighbours endure. It is a tough life but they like you, would not want to do anything else, they love it.
I honestly do not think it is physically tough – mentally though it is pretty hard yacka sometimes.. c
O Miss C. you made me cry this morning.. you also made me first pump the air and GO YES!!!
That was beautiful and I understand.. I truly do.. I am amazed at the things people say over the years.. I said to a friend last night.. I just love that I added an extra two hours to my day with the new calf (which is already dropped down to about 20 min per feeding and as I am feeding four time a day, only a hour and 20) and I said it with joy.. I meant it.. I am so happy with the new..
and before I could finish the tease of the added joy of another milking momma as well, now milking sheep and a nanny goat.. she sighed and said in a sad voice, You are a glutton for punishment.. I would tell you to slow down and rest but I know you won’t..
I stopped.. breathed and quietly said.. its spring.. its full of new babies, and new plants and I choose this life.. I love it..
Her reply was I know, I know.. but I still think you overwork..
I took a deep breath and said, I am sorry that you find my choices to be more then what you would choose but I like to be busy.. and lets move on.
Its not the first or the last time , I will hear it.. but I will tell you something funny, because I know you will get a laugh or snort.. I have a certain SIL that has been known to say, that she wishes she could just stay home and have fun like me..
I just raise my eyebrow, and snort.. I like my farm, I love my life, I am proud of what I do.. but I do not stay home.. I am a farmer! its a never ending job.. its a wonderful never ending job..
PS, I am so glad you included how very important it is to get that time off the farm.. because its true! Hugs Farmgal
Ha ha – YES I did laugh out loud!! Luckily we have fun too – but we work a proper day. I know that many people think (who have never been here) that I am just puddling about with animals so i should be able to do other things with them and FOR them but if I were a man they would automatically think I was a farmer! And busy with my job. Well you and i know this is our Job! c
And you have the bonus of your work being close by. So many people these days have to drive through heavy traffic or stand in crowded trains for hours every day just to get to their work.
Yes – I am just a short stroll.. lucky really
You are an inspiration to me and probably to a lot of others! Your job of sharing your experiences on this blog is much more valuable than you are likely aware of. Thanks for doing such a fantastic job of it. I look forward to reading about your farm every morning.
Oh Thank you Margaret and thank you for being a reader every morning too.. just wonderful.. c
Food is not the only thing you grow. You raise a crop of a new and aware generation of small farmers. You feed the minds and imaginations of hundreds of people who read your blog posts. Your work is not menial, it is the most important work you can do (sorry, all the mothers out there, but you just can’t raise babies without food…). You grow awareness in vigorous adult women everywhere that farming, feeding not just your family just some of the time, but a whole load of people all the time is not only possible, but satisfying, and that you don’t need to be a man to do it. You grow friendships, support networks, information exchanges and an opened awareness of possibility. Menial my arse. Unpaid? Well, there’s no formal salary, no pension fund and no medical plan, but I bet you’re a whole lot more satisfied in your work than the average city-bound office worker. Stay strong and well, Miss C, and long may you prosper.
Amen!
Yes to this!
Well written summary. Totally agree.
I agree – AMEN TO THAT!!
BRAVO! Kate. Add to that she’s educating people to be aware of what they are putting into their bodies and leading them to read the labels and stand up and insist on the quality of what they buy and also teaching the importance of rebuilding soil to raise that quality food. I know, that’s a really long sentence!
But a great sentence! And yes thank you Kate .. c
Yupe 🙂
How are your ovens – I hope your spring has finally arrived.. c
Reblogged this on bridgesburning and commented:
This is a life. Thank you Celi!
Thank you Chris and many thanks to you! c
I’m glad you’ve found (and made) a job you love. Did someone poke you about your work or something? This reads like a response to someone’s misunderstanding of what you do.
I felt that, but we have all recently been saying Whoa, slow down a bit, take a bit of rest now and again.
Ah. I can see that.
And because all my readers – in fact thousands a day, understand me enough to let me stomp about and rattle the pots in the sink every now and then – aye Viv! The fact is if I were a man I would not have to say any of this out loud.. c
Damn it! Sexism is still so rampant. And some big contributors are WOMEN!! My hackles flare when women ignore subtle insinuations that women are a minority. There is NO nation that can ever call itself “evolved” until women are equal. Not made/allowed/seen as equal. ARE equal.
I’m “older”, Celi and still cannot believe humanity’s numbskull attitudes toward woemn.
One day a friend who is lost without a man in her life called to see if I wanted to go for lunch. I told her I would love to, but needed a shower ’cause I just changed the oil in the lawn mower. “Honestly, Amy! No man would ever feel needed around you.” I choked on that one.
I also choke over “And what are you doing with all your free time now that you are retired”
I work at keeping my tone in check. “Oh, I write, study courses at Harvard, go to yoga, aquafit, keep on top of my prolifically productive 1/2 acre, clean my eaves, haul/chop/stack wood, hike, manage my three different roles with the Emergency Program, support the retired business person’s club, mentor women, look after business and strive to be a good neighbour. ”
I purposely don’t mention domesticity or all the invisible challenges arising out of living solo.
By this time, their eyes are usually glazed …
Ah, a woman after my own heart! I do have a man around but ya know, sometimes it’s just easier (and faster) to do it yourself. Not that I don’t appreciate him and all he does but I did survive on acreage, with animals, with an outside business to run all by myself for quite a long time before he shined around and I haven’t lost those skills just because I got married!
It’s never ending the things that “must be done because…” (because we’re women, because we’re X or Y or Z.) I’m all for pot rattling.
Oh Soul dipper you are such a star. That is exactly right. Had to laugh at the “man not feeling needed!” My Dad TAUGHT us how to do all those things – his daughters and sons equally – without thinking about it – so I just don’t think about it. And I am sure no man worth his salt would be bothered by his partner changing the oil in the mower.. c
I have always thought your job is far more satisfying and much more rewarding than any high paying job I ‘ve ever had. I certainly don’t underestimate your ability or your contribution – I wouldn’t dare. I’m with Viv, because many of us have been sharing the ups and downs over the many years of reading, we consider you a friend, whether we have actually met you or not and will occasionally express concern for you, that is what friends do. Glad to hear the sun is out again. Laura
And you are good friends.. c
You are a modern day pioneer and have all the right values. Kudos to you for your philosophy as well as all you do for your animals and others. I have not been here very long, and am curious as to how you ended up in Illinois.
Oh https://thekitchensgarden.com/2012/10/19/do-you-want-to-hear-how-john-and-i-met/ Here you are! c
Needed saying – hear, hear
I think I sat on a prickle and let out a shriek! c
What I love about your farm is that you have a farm in America without The Industry breathing down your neck. I imagine ( and I could be wrong ) that your beautiful, thriving farm with bugs and shit and worms and animals is surrounded by corn and wheat miles in the distance. A Google map of brown, but this patch of green in the middle, the farmy. A plot of green with animals working the soil. Those plants that are heavily managed with chemical food to grow bigger, stronger, quicker are wishing the cows could graze them. The farm that you farm is not easy in America.
You are absolutely right. Everywhere as far as the eye can see and as far as I can drive for days is brown, empty earth waiting for the corn and beans to be planted – actually some of the corn is just coming up now too. And here I sit right in the middle – the original green patch. It is quite funny when you think a bout it. When I am dead they will run a couple of machines through here and flatten the lot in a matter of hours, till it up and plant a few more rows.. c.
I wish there were more farms like yours. Better for the environment. The health. The happiness. The community. The family.
You must be feeling better…….
Exactly Elizabeth! ha ha ha .. c
Well said. You are engaged in life.
Do you correspond with other women who farm?
Lots of us readers here are strong farm women!!!
Good
and you are our resident scientist Jim!
I like that title. Thanks.
Aw, well stated. And it is very evident you love what you are doing and that is part of the reason I tune in daily. You passion is so very evident. I miss having passion in my work. I used to love it, but now, maybe I am too weary from all the other stresses in my life. AND I think I have your cold now…. Can colds be caught via INTERNET? 😉 I’m drinking some allergy tea from Maine. (http://homegrownherbandtea.com//index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=111_106&products_id=404)
Have a fabulous DAY everyone!
PS For some reason May 5 just popped into my head…… Lady A you think? Day after tomorrow?
Just could be – poor girl she looks so ready but is still grazing happily.. c
You are a valuable member – paid or not paid. Think of how many peoples lives you have touched – some that come to the farm, some that you know in person and the tons of peeps here on your blog. What’s most important in life is not how much money we make but how many lives we have touched. Sometimes humans forget about that. I for one consider it a blessing that we met. See, you even touched this piggies life. Smooches. XOXO – Bacon
Love you little piggie! You have a good Mama.. c
Amen
smiles.. c
to be fully engaged with whatever life you live is the greatest joy. Feeding that life so it can feed you. Mutual. a partnership. Work is Living. In the last 100 years or so, here in America, there has come to be an insidious misunderstanding of so much.
I know many people who do not know where their food comes from – not even the country where their food was grown – pretty scary really.. c
Direct – emphatic – inspiring words. Are these what you used to pull up your boot straps yesterday? Onward ho Ms C!
YES! A lecture to myself.. I deliver great Self lectures.. c
You are full of passion and life. The visitors who come and work with you are learning vast amounts of life lessons. This is a ripple that will spread out and do enormous good. Balance is the goal.
I absolutely agree about Balance – so important.. c
Your feelings were well expressed. I catch flack from a lot of people about their perspective of my life… they seem to think it should be this way or that way – like they know better who I am than I know myself. I used to try to explain, but I don’t anymore. I listen and then thank them for telling me who they think I am or what I do and then tell them frankly, they don’t know me very well. I don’t defend myself any longer. I don’t need to. I believe most folks here understand you… love what you do and respect your ways. It’s a wonderful life that you have. You take us through the ebb and flow of your life. That’s why we are here every day. We are fascinated, intrigued and in awe of this amazing life you live! 🙂
This from the lady who Walks with Deer – you have a fascinating life! c
Yes! Yes, you are a force . Yes, you are known. Yes, you are an inspiration, for those of us in cities as well as on farms, for women and yes, men, and yes, children. I am saving this for my granddaughters and grandson when the time is right.
It took me years, almost a lifetime, to learn about the power of women. It started when at 30 when I started reading. I read “The Long Loneliness” – then “Wise Blood” – and on and on. Soon I remembered the nuns from my childhood. Eventually I remembered my mother, who never “worked’ and who never wrote a thing. The strongest woman . Now I read this blog, looking for strength. For education. For fun. (P.S. This post is another of your memorable poems. Mind if I arrange it that way for my friends?)
I love it when you arrange my words into poetry – of course I don’t mind.. c
Yes! Ditto down here! xoxoxo
Must catch up with you and see how your piglets are.. c
What you posted today is NOT jumbled. It was beautifully written (as always) and so heartfelt. We could all feel the passion you feel about your chosen ‘job in the world’. And I loved the way you laid your ‘job descriptions’ – and it IS a lot. But, as you said, you can do it – and every year you learn more and become an even better farmer than the year before.
When we had our farm in Quebec I was, I think, about your age. I could work my butt off the entire day, although did take a rest on the couch in the afternoon. And…in the spring and fall… I usually only had myself to feed. One of my French Canadian neighbors told me I worked like a man – and I loved hearing it. Another rather grumpy old guy who had lived in Vermont told me, “Tu est ‘tough'”. That also made my day as well. Now I’m in my 60s and I can’t do what I used to – so You Go Girl – you’ve got decades and decades to continue your chosen work!! ; o )
Tu est tough! brilliant.. c
That old pain-in-the-butt farmer would drive up to the barn in his old truck and look in the windows. Needless to say – that DID not make me happy. He was the one who told me that the baby pigs would get bigger and not be able to live in the upside down rabbit cage covered with straw. No kidding Mr. French Farmer Guy – grrr!
Once I was in the barn with the baby pigs when he drove up and looked in the window.
Annoyed, I walked out to see what he wanted. And that’s when he told me I was ‘tough’ – one of the best compliments ever! ; o )
I guess he was just surprised the baby pigs were still alive – LOL !
more thinking, what you Do requires a steady sustained Mindful pace. no rushing. no frantic.
it’s really quite Beauty Full, this
Yes, the steady considered work day – that is how is is now.. c
When I was a child in Germany there were about 20 small farms like yours in my village of 250 people. On the smaller farms the women did all the work while the men had a job somewhere else . Today there’s one farm with no animals but huge machines that farm the land. I am glad you are raising awareness and educating young people. Keep up the good work.
And now ypur brother has his sheep? Yes? If they hang on a little longer i think all these little farms will come back – we are slowly changing the perspective on small holdings you and I and the fellowship.. c
Not an easy life, but if you can enjoy it, so much the better! I take my virtual hat off to you, Ms. C! And always love your thoughts and especially your photos! xoxoxo
I love taking the photographs – it helps me to really study what is going on.. c
Bloody well said miss c!
Darling girl! c
what you provide in your job for all the folks who sit down at your table or their table is priceless. Precious beyond explaining. We all should have jobs like yours!
I love feeding people.. and I am joyful admitting it.. c
I am proud of you Celi. I read your words and I am bursting with pride for speaking loud and clear. I am so proud of you and your values. I am proud that every day, in some way, I know you are making a change in some ones life. Everything that has happened to you in the years before you became a farmer are evident in the strength and conviction you have with your job. It is the best job in the world, because it is the job you want to do. I am proud of every of you. For what you are. For what you have become. For what you have accomplished. I am proud of you.
That is such a wonderful thing to say – thank you! I am making the lemon tart this weekend for my sister – like your ice cream recipe i think this base will become a regular in theis kitchen.. c
It always make me glow with happiness when I think a little bit of me is in your kitchen. XX V.
Very well said:)
Morning Jo.. c
WooHoo! Sonwthing definitely bit your britches! And on a day where I’ve made had to make the point in my life too. Careless comments. I greet someone at the gate who asks to speak to the farmer. Or those jibes about ‘all your free time’. Or how this is ‘a nice little retirement project’ or how luckly i was to be able to retire early. I didn’t retire early, I had a career change. I tell people that this is my living: some folks make a living by working to bring in cash, others work hard so they don’t need to spend it. I put anout 90% of our food on the table, from this farm and garden. Sales off farm pay the farm expenses including the gas and electric, and bartering provides most of the rest. Cheese, yoghurt, cream and sour cream, bacon, ham, sausage, salami, beef, lamb, pork, poultry and eggs, all the fruit and veg and homemade bread. This is no small accomplishment but food comes so automatically to most folks that it exists compketely below their radar. To their detriment. Viva la revolution!
You are making me so hungry for the milk ! What is that cow doing making me wait so long! c
And very well said indeed! I think what you do is brilliant!
Thank you and have a gorgeous day.. c
Beautifully communicated 🙂 When I wrote The Little Farm Book guide for my niece, that Miss C. is the farmer was expressed right up in the first paragraph. I wanted her to know that.
I don’t miss my paid day job at all. Of similar age to you, I’m often now asked if I’m retired. When I can’t be bothered, I answer “No. Unemployed”. When I can be bothered, I explain my beliefs, activities, plans and dreams that I think make mine and the greater world better.
Ha ha ha – unemployed! Brilliant!! c
Celi – I think each and every one of us knew what you have said today without you having to say it at all. It is hardly accidental that over 5000 people click you on with breakfast coffee! Enjoy you, need you, are taught and encouraged by you. And beautiful Miss C: please never ever use the word ‘menial’ in relation to your life again: OMG, anything but!!! My father was a quietly brilliant man – he taught me from the day I could walk: ‘Eha, 1/3 of what you do is for ‘money’ to look after you and yours, a 1/3 to help those less fortunate and, that done, have the last 1/3 for fun and learnin’ . . . I am much older than you, but the formula still works fine for me . . . retirement: what is that: well, when one is six feet under 🙂 !
I think he must have been making quite a good wage to give 1/3 away to the less fortunate and 1/3 for fun. And not save any. I would love to be able to do that but I can feed many – that is the best i can do.. c
Picked this up as someone had ‘liked’ it and the message was in my box – I was talking about TIME not money: Dad never believed in wasting a moment and brought me up in the same thus manner. The ‘fun’ included time for eating and sleeping and the Arts and friends etc And from the time I was 5 and began receiving pocket money: I could spend 1/3 any way I wanted , had to save 1/3 and give 1/3 to someone less fortunate: to my parents’ absolute shock/horror I did not take baby clothes to maternity hospitals but very successfully ‘rehabilitated’ a few of the drunks begging on the streets!! Honest injun!! But yes Dad did earn more than most: he deserved it 🙂 !!
Lovely post. I have long envied your life. It may not be what I would choose for myself, but it is what YOU have chosen for YOURself. That is something to admire. Too many people (myself among them!) are too afraid of upheaval to make any meaningful changes in their lives, and just carry on with the same old humdrum, because that’s what we’ve always done. You are an inspiration.
P.S. Do you follow theelliotthomestead.com? Her philosophy for farming the land is very similar to yours. Maybe she is one of your readers here!
Don’t be afraid, maybe where youa re is where you are meant to be. Thank you for the link – I will go and see them.. c
Yep Celi, most days you can just smile and pity those who (perhaps purposely) misunderstand your life. Other days you just have to rattle the pans and stomp and hiss. It might not change anyone’s perspective but it almost always helps to vent. And you’re allowed an extra half hour when you need it!
I love the rattle the pots in the sink – I clean the best when i am miffed! c
Lovely assertive statement! Though I am wondering what you are reacting to? Perhaps it’s “back” in the blog: I haven’t been able to follow each and every day as I’ve been so busy! There’s a slightly defensive tone here, but maybe I’m over-reacting to the word “unpaid”. I do understand what you are saying by that word though. Sometimes, no matter how much you love your work or appreciate its value, you just grasp how MUCH work you do and for so little in terms of (objective) compensation. I’m kind of in that place now too, so I’m trying to take stock of the other types of compensation I do receive, which is a lot. And obviously you feel that way too.
I think I am just giving myself a stern talking to – to keep myself in line with my resolutions. For you – As a teacher the “unpaid” areas of life are huge however to do your work properly it kind of needs those extra hours. And your words are so good – I am endlessly educated when i read your blog.. c
I wish this messed up carcase of mine could handle the kind of work you do every day. I did a man’s job, out worked most of the men who “worked” with me, ended up in a position of command and had the men complain that I’d gotten the position because I was a woman. I earned that command position, it was because I knew how to lead, never asking any of the big, strong men to do anything I wasn’t willing to do myself and outdoing them in the bargain. I did all of it as a survivor of polio which I had (mildly, thank God) before the vaccine came out, but which left me with a scoliotic spine and pretty much constant pain. I succeeded in every job I ever had, I worked hard. I had a retail store until the economy crashed and my customer base just about disappeared. The pounding those concrete floors finished off my already messed up knees. I do know you can’t farm in the kind of physical condition I’m in. If it was possible I’d do it. I admire you, I’m very much aware of just how much work is involved in your days. I agree that sometimes rattling the pots and having a good rant helps, sometimes it even enlightens a few people. You’re of tremendous worth – money has nothing to do with it. I appreciate you sharing your days with us all.
I don’t mean to compete with anyone. So sorry about your knees – that must be so hard.. c
It’s not about competition, Celi. Just that I also have dealt with that silly business about doing a “man’s” job, doing it as well (and usually better than any of the men I worked with) and hearing about how I must be given breaks because I was a woman. And, yes, messed up knees and a messed up back are maddening to deal with.
I mean competing with the men. You just work alongside and work as hard as you can and did very well.
You do not exist, you contribute to the world, you participate directly with the most basic needs of humans. Many many people with great paying jobs are just existing and pretending it’s good.
Most of us are living lives of disguised desperation. (sorry Thoreau) We disguise the unsettled feeling of disconnect from the direct relationship to our survival with THINGS. Phones and clothes and sports and TV shows and cars and just stuff. We need money to disguise the unsettled feeling. You on the other hand – are living a life more satisfying. You are in a direct relationship with your (and other people’s) survival. It’s primally satisfying I would imagine. And its valuable.
I am certainly not desperate – that is for sure and I do remember those desperate days.. c
Guilty as charged! I confess that at times, I have suggested that you take it easy or rest, only because I care. I admire enormously what you do and only wish that I could contribute to so many lives in the way you do on a daily basis. Each time I read your blog posts, I learn another lesson on living in the ‘Real’ world and not the ‘plastic happy’ packaged world of commercialism that is pushed at every hands turn on us.
Nobody is promised an easy life, but how we deal with our hurdles can determine whether we sink or swim. You are certainly the Gold Star of determination that we should aim to emulate.
Oh no – not to emulate – just puddle along beside me – that is better – howp you have some irish sunshine today..
The bones are thawing, Celi. We had 13°C today and by Monday it is expected to soar to 17°C.
So Inspiring for young lady like me!!! I wish if I could come there and hug you tight!!😍
One day when we go back to our home country (India) will make sure I also own a farm house and mingle with nature!
Keep loving your self and you are the best! 😊
I hope you do get your own farm and would love to hear about it if you do! how wonderful – a farm in india.. c
Hope I can fullfill my dream and enjoy the nature at its core 😍….
You will always be a force to reckon with!
LOL looks hard 😦
Reblogged this on specialblogger812 and commented:
what is new job
This is beautiful! I currently live in the city and work in a school district but my heart is in the country. I would far rather have your job. I admire highly your want to live only by means of necessity. That is something that I firmly believe in also. I believe that all should live simply, that we should stop crowding our lives with things that are unnecessary. My parents own a farm with chickens, goats, bunnies, dogs, cats, and all the other typical farm animals. My favorite thing to do on my breaks from work are to drive “home”, pull on my boots, and get to work. I value working with my hand’s greatly. I hope that you are encouraged and continue to do what you are doing!
I really enjoyed this post. My lifestyle is very similar and I ask myself similar questions. It is a valuable and meaningful way of life, but not always easy.
Reblogged this on The Poor American and commented:
I like what Miss CelI shared with us. I feel the same way. I love my blog “The Poor American”. This is what life is all about. Being rich with self fulfillment and unfortunately not with money.
More power to you. I have a similar goal of being a self-started and I would like to keep up on your story for inspiration and networking. Keep up the fight!
So inspiring !! hope you get all you want and get your own farm.. keep going
and everyone gets his own farm * sorry
Thats the dream! I can not wait for my own farm life.
I can really relate to this. Though I don’t farm (your post makes me want to get into it!) I don’t work a 9 to 5, but rather, I care for my son 7 days a week. In our society we measure success by our paycheck but there’s so much more to life. I feel inspired to write about this now. Thanks!
This is a great post, is well written, and I truly enjoyed reading it. I know nothing about farming myself, but i do appreciate the people that do farm, and provide the food for themselves and others. Your pay rate isn’t what defines a job. I think you have one of the most rewarding jobs of all. You most definitely is a force to reckon with!
A wonderful article, It sounds like you are doing a fantastic job in a wonderful place, something I’d love to do for myself and my family.
Very thanks for share, I also try to build a little farm in Philippines, need to learn many knowledge form u, hehe
I moved to the country after living all my life in the city. Two years breathing fresh air and I love it!
I love the pictures! This is the type of places I use to see a lot of being from Saskatchewan in the Prairies 🙂
Awesome photos thanks so much for sharing!!!
I someday should take pictures and post if we ever get chickens and such again lol
For A moment I thought it would take only a strong women to do things like this, but after reading your post it, it doesn’t take a strong women to do this, it takes courage and self-motivation. I always wanted to farm but then never got the chance to because I live on an island that hardly has any farms. I can use this as a motivation for me to remind myself that anything is possible. Thanks
It is strange how you wrote, your income is minimal, yet, you can afford an electronic device which allows you internet access. Most likely you paid for WordPress for your own account. If you were a real farmer with minimal income: wouldn’t it make sense, you can’t afford to have a WordPress account. Obviously, you do have to pay for property taxes, for own need, plus your housing needs, electric bills et cetera.
Love it!! I totally agree in doing something worthwhile and amazing ….regardless of the money it brings in!! ❤❤
Great post of the real life!
I think the lifestyle you have chosen is amazing, and you should not feel the need to justify it, those out there (sadly such as myself) should be scrambling to justify our life and or choice of income. Which would be pointless this “rat race” is exactly that a race for the cheese to distract us from the FACT they are manipulating our very reality. Case in point you are creating an inspiring experience for yourself and others. Thanks for sharing it makes my dreams seem more possible .
Sorry I get distracted easily and I missed an important part of the sentence before the last so insert right after others, but society try’s to fit u into labels that imply should behave, think, and do certain things, pardon my expression but that’s crap. You aren’t those labels new or old.
I am very fascinated by your story! You mentioned a lot of truths and I think every bit of work you do and including you yourself, has worth. It is amazing how you have planned what you do and really enjoy doing it! I wouldn’t take what you do for granted! I actually took the time to read this and enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading more from you! I’m a mother and this gave me so much insight!
Reblogged this on Gaviria, E. and commented:
I had my own small farm. My lone cow and three chickens. My tiny farm took a lot of work from me, but I loved every moment of it. I always fantasized about having a larger farm, one that would feed myself, family and friends. But I knew that would become my job. It would consume my life in a beautiful back breaking way. This is an amazing read to give some perspective on the life of a farmer.
Ish
If you found a job you really love, you’re lucky. So many people drag themselves from their bed just to prepare for work.
I admire you alot not for being a farmer bit for flaunting that proud that this is what you love n have chose to. Here in India we’re still fighting for rights that a woman can get! That’s nice to hear
do u get to surf online and play some games if u want as farmer?
whatever that makes u feel the life is worth living tbh
I admire you. Having grown up on a farm I understand. Your photos are stunning.
Hey is it good to opt for agriculture as carrer
Just seen your post, both words and the pictures feels like a cold breeze to my soul. Keep up the good work .
wow.i like cow.i want to eat this cow because this my favouritefood,’KARI LEMBU and SUP TULANG’
I also like the way of life and it will make your day
I admire you greatly! I am all about doing what you love and loving what you do 🙂
I just loved your job idea 🙂 In this way not only you produce food for the stomach but also food for the soul… you stay close to nature and help in maintaining the ecosystem. Keep it up.
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this is really great
Beautiful pictures! Please take a look at my blog https://magicwandsandunicorns.com/2016/05/10/pout-ready/
You do one of the greatest job out there. And you should know that without you or any other farmer we won’t last or won’t be able to do other ‘paid’ jobs.
Bless you
Agriculture in one of the best and most respected profession in my country. also i myself would love to learn about farming one day. Well Written.
I wish i had a farm like yours…
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Reblogged this on givepurpose and commented:
This is a good example of someone giving purpose to life!
Your work is really an motivating amd inspiring.
Hi i am very happy having attach my company with you
Lovely post about farm life and contributing sustenance towards the construct of society. I appreciate what you do. I’d like to farm for harvest season for free someday, just get the experience. Have a lovely Wednesday.
Kudos to you..As the saying goes, Find a job you like and you will never have to work a day in your life….
You just create your own ecosystem. Life is too short, just appreciate and value everything you do! 😘😘
This is what people should know to care about and be kindn with animals
Yes kartik – there is no reason to be hard on the animals you are raising for food.. c
Yes dear, i love animals
i really enjoyed this article thanks for sharing i have a cow and two horses that is nowhere near the amount that you put in but i know how costly it can get just feeding the an imals
Mine spend the whole summer in the fields and as I do not grain feed there is only hay in the winter – I have to say Vet bills are the killer – don’t you think?
Yayy!!! no grain fed cows with rotting guts…nature as intended. I bow to you.
Love this post, and your voice where you proudly state what you do for a living. What a gift to have a job where you are living a purpose and contributing to society along the way. Unlike a lot of us shackled to 9-5’s, you are the master of your days. God bless!
Oh I would hate those shackles – i am a very lucky person to be able to farm.. c
This is amazing!
On the contrary, such kind of job gives you more self value because you are doing something you LOVE! What can be more satisfying that a job we really love!
I loved the pics and I really hope that one day I visit you in your farm and have coffee with you 🙂
Thank you for sharing this and the beautiful pictures.
Great
You are hardworking
I struggle with a career and managing the house
Wow! Amazing Blog, well written. And I have to say, I agree 100% with you!
Good article!
This is so inspiring! And great photographs. A really refreshing point of view. Thanks for sharing this with all of us.
James, thank you for following me – wanted to return the favour, but your website has been deleted…
Either way, appreciate it! =)
Ah! My personal blog is deleted, but you can follow me at oneaardvark.wordpress.com.
I grew up on a farm but now sit behind a desk all day. Give me the farm any day!
I’m not a big fan of the monetary system we live in currently. Food, on the other hand, has real, intrinsic value, as does the quality of living it sounds like you’re fostering for yourself and those around you. Kudos for that.
I enjoyed this read about living under the radar and off the grid. Relieved to discover I’m not the only lady considering ways of “building my own life” at this stage of the game. I shared this post to Facebook and I’m going to give your blog a follow.
All the best,
Butterfly
For a ‘jumbled’ piece you get your point across very well XD – really enjoyed this x
Seems like you keep your hours under control. I thought farmers had unlimited hours when I wanted to be a farmer. I appreciate the freedom you enjoy and the others- economically, the meaningful work and the living with nature. Now I’m too ole to start again. But it is happening and the torch has been passed. Here is to long life and growth and prosperity.
Don’t forget Jesus who made it all possible- from the idea, to the respect for womanhood to alternatives ways of living. He is more meaningful, more satisfying, more holy and more real. I pray y’alls spiritual path leads to HIM.
Lovely environment
self sufficient life is really beautiful.
I kind of envy you, I used to help around a country house that could be considered a very small farm. While I cannot remember ever thinking that I’d just love to be shoveling manure today, there is something about working outside, sweaty and with obvious purpose, that is just nice. And I don’t think it’s that easy to be neurotic if you’re a farmer. I like that you farm. And I like that you blog. Yay!
God bless you for the holy service you do each day for man.
My mother is a farmer and she pretty much has the same schedule as you apart from the blogging that it. Whenever people ask me what do your parents do I say farming. I can see on their faces how much romanticized this job is and no one is really awake for the hard, never paid enough work.
Cheers to you!
T
Reblogged this on christoff2016 and commented:
i found this interesting because it tought me about living within my own means. it showed me that you do not need a lot of money in life to make you happy. it shoed me that all you need is a few small things that you enjoy to make you happy.
Some of the most important jobs are unpaid, or paid marginally. Mothers. Teachers. Farmers. I grew up on a farm, but after doing a couple of stints on the hay wagon during my teen-age summers, I decided to become an engineer. Now I’m retired, and on our small suburban plot we have garden beds, fruit trees, blueberry bushes, and rabbits. (No, I don’t raise the rabbits, but plenty of them come around anyway.) Your job may have long hours and horrible pay, but you are rich nonetheless. Your post was beautifully said, more poetry than prose. Should be required reading.
Thank you Steven. I am envious of your blue berries – every year mine come up and weakly throw out a few berries. I think the ground is just too heavy.. c
Farming… The job that feeds us all.. My small town in Wisconsin is a farming community.. Kids even drive their tractors to school! Please follow ☺️
Wonderful! Driving a tractor to school – it is not a farming community here – mostly cropping.. c
I would love to do this!! Growing food is so important. I am very jealous!! 🙂
It is great to know where my food comes from. Thank you for dropping by Lauren.. c
Wow! Seeing women in control of their work is inspiring no matter what work it be💪🏾 I applaud you.
It has never occurred to me that being a woman would hold me back – raises a few (bushy) eyebrows that is for sure!! c
I really liked this post. I am a freelance cook now but I have dreamed of owning a small farm. I know there will be little profit, but there is something majestic about livestock and a seed turning into food that comes out of the ground
and then cooking it! Yes. Cooks and Farms are the perfect match – I hope you get your dream.. c
An itemized list of all your jobs would be as long as my arm! Thanks for the window into your world.
Such a beautiful place. Wish I could come and work for you in the fields. Lovely to see you dear. Have a great time.
Self sufficiency is a beautiful thing!
I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to be a farmer, and this has provided me with incredible insight as to how unique and rewarding it is. Bravo, lady!
Thank you so much for sharing this! Recently my husband and I made the decision that I am going to take a step back from teaching full-time so that I have more time to be a farmer and a mother. Thank you for your perspective! I look forward to reading and sharing more!
And i was a teacher too! wonderful.. c
Reblogged this on Intentergy and commented:
This is not my writing in this post but it shares so many of my thoughts and beliefs about the value of being a farmers. Please enjoy this post!
This is pretty great!
What you’ve done is priceless and can’t be paid with anything. The self-sufficiency of that farm is amazing. I want a similar simple life, too. And, when given a chance to own a piece of land to farm on with cows, pigs, and chickens roaming around, with organic vegetables, I choose and prefer it over living in an urban area where pollution is very high. I grew up in a farm, but in search of a greener pasture, I’m now living in a city where there’s not much choices when it comes to food, but chemicals and pollution everywhere. Now, I realized…the greener pasture I was looking for can always and will always be waiting in the farmland.
Kudos to you who kept the farming tradition.
I hope you find your farmland soon.. do you have a little backyard for some vegetables? I hope so.. c
We utilize what we have around our apartment. We are using pots and wooden beds to plant common vegetables like eggplants, tomatoes, we also have bitter gourds that have limited space, a grafted lemon, which is now bearing fruits. I miss the days when I was around 5 years old where space is not a problem and having cows, pigs and chickens roam around was just so fun! The small space we have with our pots right now serves as a good starting point. Neighbors and bypassers admired which kinda warmth our hearts. Their most admired part is the sweet potato tops we planted on empty bottles of soda, which now we enjoy as vegetables. We also have a few oregano, which is a good medicinal plant and a spice.
Wooooow most beautiful .
I wish our society valued this kind of work as much as (or more than) it values the work of people like bankers. Thank you for doing what you do 🙂
Reblogged this on BilalbinYoussef's Blog and commented:
Something I’d love to do. Such a great lifestyle..I envy this lady so much!
Great blog!
Reading your article truly reminded me of my own great grandmother who much like you, was a women farmer as well. The everyday things you do for the community are greatly appreciated.
GOOD JOB! YOULL SURELY GET PAID OFF 🙂
I really enjoyed reading about your self-sustaining farm and work day. My husband and I are contemplating quitting the rat race and making a go of it up in Maine. I would love to read more about your adventures!
Keep pursuing what makes you happy!
Nice ❤️👏
It’s a really amazing life style, without money in this would may not be a worst thing compare with those war or terrorism.
My grandpa was a farmer before his death. I’m pround of him, and will miss him until the day I die.
Do what makes you happy! I Do. I live on a farm, in South Africa. I don’t farm, but I do repair the human body. I get paid in eggs, shoes, whatever is needed! Love it….. (midlandshouseofhealing@gmail.com )
That is pretty cool to be paid the old fashioned way – wonderful.. c
A fantastic mission, admirable, inspirational, and absolutely filled with great value. All the more for your dedication to giving and sharing and educating. May there always be wonderful food at your table, memorable company to enjoy it with you, and may you always love the journey.
Oh thank you! What kind and generous words.. have a lovely evening.. c
a nicely down-to earth account of your work. I have only one question, as always when the subject is the wonderful Animal Beings……’ What happens to these precious Beings that the smiling visitors don’t see?’ ….. Will they still be smiling when they see the slaughter ( torture and murder) of those lovely, cute, furry, sweet Animals?’
Good question and yes everyone is very aware that the animals who are designated for slaughter will be dealt with swiftly, with respect and only by professionals at the Amish facility who handles this aspect for me. I also think that if everyone knows about this side of meat production we would all eat a lot LESS meat and I think this would be a good thing. c
Having witnessed just one slaughterhouse torture, I have no need to check out any other, Amish or not. Have you witnessed, first hand, the slaughter of any of your dear Animal Beings? If you have not, then you are not qualified to speak about your work. If you have, then how are you reconciling what is in your heart and soul with what you are doing?
I remember as a kid going to help my uncle on his farm this was a very good time for me because unlike today’s many big farming businesses he respected his animals and they intern gave us a great way of life and I respected him for his honest and good way of earning a shy living but honorable. This is a great post that you put up gave me the sight into what farming has lost today. Farming should be respected it is what gives us sustenance so in turn we owe them respect.
Yes, and like you said it is a great way of life for sharing! It seems that many people have memories of farms from a previous generation. This too teaches us something. c
What a wonderful life u live. ..hats off
and hats back on again – we don’t want any sunburn.. c
good job
Beautiful one there
Thank you and welcome! c
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Sometimes it is not about money; but bigger reasons that may only make logical sense to that person. Example, I started a show called Raw Orange which is my site on here that gives you links to the show, but everyone I know, even some of my closest friends are not seeing the bigger picture of why am I applying so much time to this channel with the “hopes” that one day, maybe I can survive off it. The point is to many it don’t make sense because they don’t see the benefit financially, but the dream is much more than a dollar sign; it starts with a passion and idea
Yes – the passion about an idea is what makes our lives tick – well done you!! c
It is a worthwhile job! And you are doing nothing an awesome role! 🦄
Reblogged this on Smile Circulation and commented:
And what a great job it is too!
“Just because it is unpaid on a small farm does not mean that it has lesser value than a paid job off the farm..” I like the positive attitude that comes out in this write-up. You are doing a great job Cecilia. I myself have a passion to farm and write about farming. I have found someone who gives me the inspiration to stay focused.
A passion that feeds you is a joy! What do you grow on your farm?
Am growing onions, just began, look forward to grow pepper, tomatoes and watermelon. My aim though, is to make money.
You can make money from food it is all in the marketing – good luck!! c
It’s wonderful to see another persons view and experience with farming! I grew up on a farm, my parents still farm (beef) we have 100-150 head of cattle, sometimes pigs and chickens, my family hays in the summer to have feed for the cattle all year. We have a wood stove to heat the house than we need to spend a lot of time gathering, splitting and piling firewood for the summer. My dad is usually busy outside from 6 am to 10pm and needs help from time to time. Very interesting to see how different it can be! I love that you added pictures. 🙂
That is a lot of cows. I only have 12 acres so not as much to do.I have help come in all summer. Interns, farm stays and woofers – usually all young and strong – I am lucky. 6am to 10pm is a terribly long physical day – your Dad works very hard. c
Yes he does! That is great you have help 🙂 what is a woofer? One day when I am settled with a home my partner and I want to have a few cows, pigs, chickens, garden, hunt and try to be self-sustaining and healthy like my ancestors! 🙂
There is an international site call the Wwoofers – the people who want to work sign up and the farmers sign up and people find each other. It is great – I have all kinds of people come to stay and work for food and a bed and the experience that comes from farming..
Wow that’s amazing! I wonder if that is available in Manitoba, Canada!? I know with us kids all moved out my dad might want extra help but can’t afford to pay someone.
YES! It is a world wide organisation. Go to wwoofer.com you never know.. c
Thank you!
Wow and wow again . I really enjoyed reading about your day .
Thank you.. Have a good one yourself..c
Oh you’re living my dream. When I was a kid, I would say I would like to be a farmer’s wife when I grow up, for lack of a better word. But maybe it was growing up on Enid blyton’s stories or something else, I love to farm too. Can’t wait to explore your blog.
Much love from tropical Sri Lanka
Hi, Fab blog! Fab Read! I have just set up mine, but still in the very early stages – a few months old. Just making efforts to link in with fellow bloggers to improve our followers and get the word out there for us both. I would appreciate you having a peek at my blog, as I have published several posts. Feel free to like, comment, follow or just take a peek. Thank you 🙂
Reblogged this on Fight2stand.
Hi, Cool! You know what you are a myth breaker for my country especially, people believe that farming requires stamina and toughness which is a manly and done best by men. may be you are less paid but the best part is you are your own boss as self employed. you are helping the green life to come in to existence, you are there for those who cannot talk and express like us.
My childhood was mostly spent in fields supervising the people working there, with my grand paa,
and i must say your farm is looking lovely, i wish i can come and see it personally.
Keep up the farming… 😀
❤️ it. I love to know you love your job 🙂 and you see it that way, i wish other famers love the way you love it 🙂 inspiring.
Magnificently noble with a great heart.
You write pellucidly too! 🙂
I think your rich in knowledge, a good heart and that’s incomparable to being materialistic! I commend you for staying true to you!
A life well lived is better than the life most will live.
The world has changed dramatically in the last 200 years as compared to the previous 5000+. Let’s see where this new reality gets us.
Nice
Hi, Cecilia. I know you love your job. I too, have grown up in the farm. Farming is my life. And I wouldn’t be ashamed of that. Not all can be a doctor, not all can be a lawyer either. That helps me to understand the fact that each profession has its own importance. I couldn’t imagine how the whole world can survive without a farmer. Can we?
WELCOME fellow farmer – yes our job is pretty primary to survival i think! c
Very inspiring post! Loved reading this! 🙂
Beautiful photos! Farming is quite a difficult industry to be in.
I appreciate the insight into your world. I never really thought of farming as a job to turn to. More so, it is something that I’ve known people being born into this life. It is very interesting to see how you are able to sustain yourself with little reliance on outside means. Well done!
Food is money . I totally agree aswell… thanks . U inspire ppl like us everyday . U are incredible . Simply incredible . Thanks for this post
Not all wealth is measured by money…quality of life and the ability to choose how you live it counts for a lot!
Yes! I do agree.
Your doing good, congratulations for you are doing what you love – it’s priceless
Thank you miss pot pot
Your welcome Mam.
I’m so glad that I came across your blog. You are right, many people value things in monetary terms and not on what brings value to their lives. You have found what gives purpose to your life and have kindly shared it with us. Thank you for being vocal and letting others know they have a choice on how they live.
Thank you for popping in and commenting – this time of year we are flying along and eating WELL! c
Love your perspective. All the best to you 😃
I was looking for new reading material and I stumbled upon your blog. Great post. Well written and inspiring. Looking forward to coming back and explore other ones you have.