It all started in Pleasantville in our home garden. Every year Dad asked me to help him tend to the vegetables and fruits that we grew in a tiny plot to the side of the house. It was small but it taught me valuable lessons. I learned how much I enjoyed my time in nature, watching things grow and the wildlife that came investigating. I learned about soil health, harvesting, watering, training, protecting, and most importantly the joy of picking that perfectly ripe squash that you somehow missed under the foliage. Those experiences shaped my youth and I looked forward every year to gardening.

Fast forward! After many years of studying in the field of Natural Medicine and working on several farms, I bought my first home and set up my own small vegetable garden. It was hard work! The soil was rocky, the roots were plenty, and the deer just came around and ate as they pleased. Never give up. My land was already showing me it was producing herbs that were hard to find and even the weeds that were proliferous were edible. I tackle work symbiotically with the land and rotate in new ideas every year. It's been a fun journey! And has lead me to value self sustainability.

What if everyone had a garden? What if everyone learned how valuable their weeds were? What if we all put the health of our soil in higher regard, contributing to the greater health of all living things?

When COVID happened I was volunteering my time with a good friend of mine who managed Bluestone Farm in Brewster. Their farm market was small and not many people knew about the abundance that was happening there. I tried creating a website for them and thought up ideas to organize foot traffic. We formed a group of women to mastermind what could be done on the farm and how to bring it all to the public. It was a difficult realization that other people may not have been as motivated for change as we were, and that it may have not been the right time.

I then moved to thinking of how I could deliver other farm CSA boxes to area people and fantasized about a day where less people went to the grocery store for their produce. I dreamed of local only grocery stores and meeting halls filled with people enjoying each other's company. I dreamed of less cars on the road and better public transportation. I dreamed of jobs, vacations, and paychecks more plentiful. There had to be a better system of living, especially here in one of the most expensive areas of the country! Was I alone in my vision?

I think not! I think you also have dreamed up a few ideas yourself! I think it's high time we all work together for the betterment of everyone and the planet. To work WITH our differences and even celebrate how our differences can contribute unique, practical and efficient paths towards better systems. From my meager beginnings I can say that I have faith and a willingness to do what it takes to make at least a small portion of this dream come to life. Are you with me? I'm a one woman show at this small stage in this business, and I see a bright future ahead of me. If I can start with just a small portion of local customers, and provide a streamlined service that allows people the convenience of time and offers support to local farmers, isn't that a win win? One small step at a time is all it takes to create big waves. With God's help and yours I believe we can build a brighter future.