The Summer of 2013

This picture sums up our summer!

Ups and downs and twists and turns - not knowing which way was up at times and wondering if this crazy ride would ever end...  Hair raising, sick-to-your-stomach, certain you are "going to die", completely out-of-control and having to trust that nothing bad will happen.  Yep, it was one of those kinds of summers for our family.  

Now, this was not the kind of summer we had planned at all.  We had a totally different picture in our minds:

Quiet.  Slower paced.  Idyllic....  Country living every day.  

Joy Bell Farm ~ from dream to reality

We prepared to transition our 7 years experience of building an urban farm toward building an organic, biodynamic permaculture production farm on acreage...

When suddenly, God interrupted our plans and asked if I would lay it all down and move back up into the city....and I said, "Yes, Lord."  And, upon sharing with Blaine and spending time in prayer, we were in agreement that it is the direction God is having us go.

From a growing season that rejoiced with early harvests due to incredible summer weather in Seattle (although the heavy rains that arrived in June ruined the strawberry crop) to hoping to sign a long term farm lease in Olympia to searching and searching and searching some more for a rental house in familiar Seattle neighborhoods.... Returning after 14 years away.  Wow!  This summer has held beautiful blessings and tearful goodbyes (and more to come still).

Where this has been the norm:

And now, with our foreclosure auction set for August 30th (oh, how we hope people do their homework and discover the serious environmental impact of this neighborhood and the underground water issue and how it has undermined the foundation of this house), we are not only packing up our belongings, but I am also giving away my entire garden.  I've kept just a few small pots and two of my dear maple trees...

This is going with me.  I couldn't bear to leave all my beautiful soil behind... 

Knowing soon, we will be seeing this in our new neighborhood:

And, I will have to trade this:

....and, eventually, this ~ 

For this:

Becoming a volunteer with Seattle Tilth and assist with garden classes (and in various ways they can utilize my service - events, in the office, etc) ...

Plus, visiting local Farmers Markets to purchase local, organic produce

...and find sources for local eggs, chicken, beef and pork

And, make this and Metro buses my main forms of transportation...

Instead of a car trunk, I will have panniers on my bike.

And, I will certainly continue my role in cheering on (and supporting) our local farmers.  You'll find me delivering farm guides every spring for Cascade Harvest Coalition!

In the midst of loss and laying down my farm dream, I am eagerly and excitedly embracing this new season/new lifestyle ahead of me.  And, I am so ready to learn more of who God is, what He desires to do through my life in sharing His love with others and to continually discover the wonders He has done.  

My people, hear my teaching;

    listen to the words of my mouth.

² 

I will open my mouth with a parable;

    I will utter hidden things, things from of old—

³ 

things we have heard and known,

    things our ancestors have told us.

⁴ 

We will not hide them from their descendants;

    we will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,

    his power, and the wonders he has done.  Psalm 78:1-4

And, praying that scripture shared with us, as we take a big step of faith into this new season of our lives, is truly evident, in some measure, daily!

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
   because the Lord has anointed me;
he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,
   to bind up the broken-hearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
   and release to the prisoners; 
² to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour,
   and the day of vengeance of our God;
   to comfort all who mourn; 
³ to provide for those who mourn in Zion—
   to give them a garland instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
   the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
   the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. 
⁴ They shall build up the ancient ruins,
   they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
   the devastations of many generations.
Isaiah 61:1-4 

Phillips, Craig and Dean sang a song that is still a favorite of mine.  So I guess, it's really time to:  Let go of the wheel, take a reckless ride of faith!

I'm ready!  Are you?

He is able!

God Calling:  June 22:  YOUR RED SEA

Go forward fearlessly.

Do not think about the Red Sea that lies ahead.

Be very sure that when you come to it the waters will part and you will pass over to your promised land of freedom.

We're believing and expecting miracles, Lord.  You are so able!

5939 Shincke Rd NE, Olympia, WA

We are asking God for this land ~ believing He has led us to this place.  Our dream + His story!

Theme God gave us for 2013:  Hope, Health and a Future...open to possibilities.

Be gloried, Lord God.  This is all about YOU!

Praying for a farm ~ for us!

An opportunity has come to us regarding a 5 acre farm property in Olympia. We were on the verge of a 3 year farm lease when the owner called today and told us he's gotten "cold feet". He is now giving us the option to buy it. We have until June 20th to give him an answer.

As most of you know, God has removed our "human ability" to make our farm dream happen. Last year, we discovered that the park just north of our home is actually a wetland that was filled in years ago. The outlet for the wetland is an underground stream that flows under our backyard (and through many back yards) and drains out of the front yard of a home a block away. The moving water significantly compromised the foundation of our house and garage with a $50,000 repair price. Already being underwater in our house for nearly $100,000 - after alot of prayer, we determined our home wasn't a good financial investment and we are allowing our house to be returned to the bank. One of the most difficult decisions ever, but we have had peace that this is our path to follow. Don't feel bad for us. We believe it's all part of our faith journey. Our prayer is that the next owner doesn't find out about the problems after buying the house when we leave. (House goes up for auction, August 30th.)

No. We're not asking anyone for money. We are asking for PRAYER! This is God's story. If Joy Bell Farm is to become an actual farm, we believe God will provide the necessary resources. We are seeking family, friends and others to pray from today through June 20th.

What we desire to create on this 5 acre property, established in 1917 (the homestead to a larger ranch originally) ~ build a polyculture, biodynamic, organic farm system utilizing permaculture principles. And, this property is special because it's just south of Woodard Bay Conservation Area (home to herons, eagles, bats and more) and is surrounded by 95 additional acres of a wildlife refuge. WSU own 95 acres across the street. A wetland area is adjacent to a portion of the property and a wetland buffer sits over nearly the entire 5 acres of the property. We've had a representative from Thurston Conservation District out to the property. Everything we desire to do on the property - fruits, veggies, nuts, eggs, meat birds, honey, sheep (meat/fiber) and on-farm market stand are all permitted as "usual and customary practices". NO additional buildings will ever be allowed, so existing buildings must be rehabilitated for all needs. There is a private well for all water needs for this property. There is plenty of roof space on the barn for a large rainwater catchment system in addition to establishing a solar energy system for electrical needs (although the Conservation District agent thinks we're crazy). We do welcome the opportunity to work closely with the Conservation District in working out a farm plan (land management stewardship) for the property, as this isn't about us achieving our farm dream, but about establishing a permanent agriculture farm working in harmony with the ecological systems it is part of and for future generations to come after us. We are believing God will give us this land and enable us to share His countless wonders with others.

Our eyes are very open to the realities on this farm property - a ton of work to do. Not only do we have to rehab the land and build proper soil fertility (only organically), but the house, barn and outbuildings all need major work. The land owner has done NOTHING to this property since purchasing it a number of years ago. It's been a rental and 2 horses that are boarded on one pasture have caused compaction of the soil in that area. This farm would be years of investment. We know that, but believe this is the piece of land God has for us to steward in our years ahead, but also for the future.

Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Please consider joining with us. We'd love to have you PRAY with us. We are excited to see how God will unfold this part of His story in our lives. Yes, No or maybe (keep praying) are all possible answers ~ we praise Him for this opportunity to walk by faith and not by sight.

And, PLEASE feel free to share this with others and invite them to join in and PRAY with us! This is about creating community - not just Blaine and Joan.

Abundant blessings on your day!

From 1917...still true today!

Mother Earth News Fair

For months I was looking forward to the Mother Earth News Fair at the Puyallup Fairgrounds, June 4-5. And, last weekend - the day had arrived! Gorgeous sunshine and Mt. Rainier greeted us and we drove down to the fair.

One of our first discoveries of the day was Breeze Dryer clotheslines! I want the Rotary 7 - Forest Green product. Planning to add one to our backyard, as soon as we save up its purchase price of about $300 (with shipping). Click on the photo to visit their site.

Check out this article too on Blue Planet Green Living!

We attended a great workshop on building the health and fertility of your soil...
Free, Homemade Liquid Fertilizer Recipes

An exciting local discovery: Uprising Seeds from Bellingham!

Brian and Crystine are local, organic farmers committed to growing wonderful organic food and sharing seed that is suited for the Northwest garden. Click on the picture above to read more about them and to visit their website. You're going to want to order seed from them!

Farm Stay U.S. was one of my favorite discoveries! Vacation on farms - love it!
Wondering if Blaine and I will be able to stay at farms each night next year when we hope to do a long road trip to see Elizabeth and Josh and Benjamin.
Wouldn't that be a wonderful way to see the U.S. between here and there?!
Click on the picture above and discover the adventures that await...

Loved the workshop with Linda Gilkeson! Learned alot.
She is the author of Backyard Bounty and a Pacific NW gardener...

A great book to learn from and add to your garden library!
Click on the photo to go to Amazon.

Preserve (dvd I referenced in a recent post).
It was a joy to meet Harriet and spend some time chatting with her... Funny lady!

Rosies Workwear (for women) had a booth at the fair.
I love my Rosies overalls and I'm so excited for the navy blue and denim overalls that should be available in the next few months... SO COMFORTABLE!
Check out their website by clicking on the picture.

Got a great deal on BumbleBars!
Check out the varieties they offer - all gluten-free - by clicking on the picture.

LOVE my t-shirt that I bought from Farm Stay U.S.

A great day at the fair... Hope it comes again next year!