Home is Where the Hay is.

Spring is finally here. The weather is good, still a little hint of winter's past in the air. This is an exciting time at the farm! Cover crops are coming off, ploughing has begun, seeds are being gathered to be planted, and the first cut of hay is more than ready to be taken off. It's a time where newness has already begun. Baby lambs frolic with each other in their pastures, kittens and puppies run around everywhere. It's an incredible time to be living on the farm. It's also an incredible time of hard work!

All of the scents: the fresh cut grass, the warm scent of the earth being turned over by a plough, sunscreen, hay bales, diesel make my heart so happy. All of the sounds: the rumble of equipment, the squeaking of wheels, the sound of the grass. This is what made me who I am.

You develop a great appreciation for farmers. They tend to the land so meticulously. They replenish it each year with the nutrients it needs to keep producing healthy crops. They rotate crops to make sure that the land is never drained from it's ability to give back to us. They run their equipment as efficiently as possible. The truly good farmers also treat all of the animals that they raise with respect. They're handled fairly and given the best living conditions possible. They take care of their animals before themselves every day.

I wish that more people were educated on where their food and produce comes from. There is so much hard work, and it's a labour of love, that goes into bringing all of these farm fresh foods to your plate. Without the dedication of the farmer, we would have nothing to eat! (So don't EVER complain about farmers with your mouth full!)

Slowly, our agricultural land is being taken away. Subdivisions are going up. People build their mansions "out in the country" and take away little parcels of our precious farmland. Greenhouses pop up on agricultural land, taking away from the farmer's hay supplies. Too often we take for granted the dirt. It serves us so well. For anyone who has horses or a small hobby farm, your hay doesn't just show up in those perfect little square (or round) bales on its own. There are hours -- even days of preparation that have gone into producing that hay. In order to keep your hobby going strong, we need to protect the land that feeds it all. So when you complain about the price of bread and cereal, or how expensive produce is, remember that the land that grows it needs to be cherished in order to bring you the best. Maybe consider growing a small garden of your own. You'll greatly appreciate the farmer and what he does when you do!


This wasn't really meant to turn into a rant about how land is being taken away. I just appreciate it so much that it would be a shame if others couldn't appreciate it just a little bit more too. Nature is so therapeutic. It's perfect just on it's own. I believe that it's a small, little glimmer of what heaven will be like one day. I also think that God has a preference to the colours green and blue!

The views for a farmer are always good! 

A grass field in Pemberton, BC 

Wheat growing 

Organically grown Spelt 

Asparagus 

Tractors of the past 

The Best Things Come From Small Towns and Big Dreams

Life has been full of big dreams for me lately. Some of them have passed on, and some have come true! There's something so remarkable about living in such a simple state, and being able to see what God
desires for you to do much later on in life.

A good ride fixes anything! 

One dream that  came to pass for me was an opportunity to own a Peruvian Paso again. While the deal fell through, it was still one of the greatest (and probably one of the toughest) circumstances that I've been through in years. Getting this Peruvian Paso was pending on that I could sell my current Quarter Horse. Unfortunately, the lady who came to see him wasn't as interested as I thought she was. (Not to mention, she treated Spirit horribly, so I'm quite glad that she didn't like him!) Riding that Peruvian Paso named Nina was so freeing for my heart. I needed that ride. Now, the determination is back in my heart for what I love to do. I'm going to work with my horse that I have, and hopefully, by God's grace, I can feel the same bonds with him that I had with my first horse. I know that I have this horse for a reason, and it is to teach me something. Already, I've learned the lessons of perseverance and self discipline. Even when I'm not liking my horse, he still depends on me to care for him. I'm learning how to not be afraid. I'm learning diligence. This horse is going to make me into the greatest mom someday! He tests my patience. He knows what buttons to push, and unfortunately, he's found my soft spot where he can get away with anything! We'll be fixing that soft spot soon!

Another dream (or maybe this was more of my heart's desire) was to grow closer to God and my husband. It took some very tough moments. Anger. Tears. Frustration. At times, I wasn't the loving spouse I should have been towards my amazing husband. But he is so loyal, and forgiving. We're learning, and we're still very new at this. I feel like God is drawing us now into a sanctuary of his presence.

Speaking of small towns, I was able to be a bridesmaid for my friend that I have known since Kindergarten. It was a gorgeous wedding to be a part of. Held at the Fraser River Lodge out in Agassiz. My friend made such a beautiful bride. It was a day full of laughter, stories, and love. The food was the most fantastic thing ever!

Her photographer did a great job at capturing the day. You can see some of her work here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachelpatterson/7123826043/

Another little dream of mine was to make up memory boxes. My father in law passed away quite suddenly this past February. We miss him so much! So I decided to create a few things that had to do with the life that he lived. We always want to stay true to our roots. We're farm babies all the way thanks to both sets of our parents, and we wouldn't want it any other way!

Lots of painting

Stamps and stickers. 

Chain link from his baler 

First one finished 

The back 

Making another one

Another thing that I've discovered (thanks to my baby sister) is an awesome journal:

 

It's called a Smash Journal. I bought it at Michael's for around $25. Its great. You can put literally anything into its pretty pages. I've dedicated mine to pretty things, and findings of inspiration to keep my creative side flowing! It also then becomes a great pick-me-up when you're having a bad day. You can remind yourself of all of the things that you love, and that make you who you are. And unlike Pinterest, it's portable.

Of Horses

Equus Caballus. These are the creatures that inspire me. When I was eight years old, I went on my first trail ride. It was for a birthday party. I loved every second of it. I knew I was going to have a horse one day. The freedom I felt during that first ride was incredible. It was an adventure and a learning experience for me. I was amazed at how the lead horse could pick up to a trot without the rider even doing anything (or at least that's how it appeared in my young mind at that time!) It was like they shared a secret, and the horse knew what it was supposed to do.

At twelve years old, I was bound and determined to have a horse of my own. I had made up my mind, developed a plan, and I was going to find the perfect horse. She would be beautiful. I would call her Wind Dancer. We would face the world together. I would trust her, and she would trust me. I cried when my parents came back one afternoon and told me that they had signed me and my sister up for riding lessons at a local stable. No girl could have ever been as excited as me. I couldn't WAIT for Saturdays to come. I loved my lesson horse, Nash so much. He taught me a lot of things. My parents thought that lessons would suffice for my horsey intoxication, but they had no idea what was coming there way.

I was doing my research all during this time. I had my notebook, where I gathered all the facts about horses: grooming, cleaning stalls, tack, bits, grain, forage, equine psychology, and tips on what to look for when buying a horse. One day, I began to talk with my instructor about the costs of owning a horse. It was at this point that my dad had said to me (and I quote!) "if you can save up enough money to buy yourself a horse, and you prove that you're responsible enough to own it, I will build you a stable, and get hay for it."

I was getting a HORSE! So, I talked with my instructor about it, and she explained the costs. About a week later, I got a phone call from her, asking if I would like to work in the stable cleaning stalls and feeding horses for her. I had gotten myself my first job. All on my own! And it was with the horses that I knew and loved. Life was great for this young lady! So I worked, and saved and worked some more.

Eventually, at the age of 15, I had enough money saved up to pick out a horse. I began the search. After trying out at least eight horses and inquiring about ten more, I found my girl. A sweet, little palomino Peruvian Paso mare named Farah. I was in love just based on the pictures of her. After many let downs with other horses, I tried to guard my feelings and not get too attached to her.

The day I went to try her out, we visited Chilliwack Heritage Park. One of my dad's friends was riding his cutting horse there. I was so nervous about trying out my new horse later on that day. I couldn't eat a thing when we went out for lunch. We finally got to the stable where she was boarded at. Her owner was a sweet gentleman who had taken great care in training her. When I saw her cantering up to him from in the field, I knew she was the one. I got on her bareback and rode her around the arena. She was so smooth. It felt like I was floating with her. I rode her with her saddle, and then we made arrangements to take her home.

Farah lived out a very good life at my farm, which is exactly what her owner wanted for her. Every horse, at least once in their lives, deserves to be loved by a girl. Boy, did I love her. Nothing was greater than being outside with my horse. I could take her anywhere, and trust her to do anything. She got me through my teenage years, and then I moved on to learn some new things from my current horse, Spirit.

Peruvian Pasos have Brio. Brio means to have pride and energy.

I have stumbled across the opportunity to own a Peruvian Paso again. I'm praying that if it's supposed to be, then it will be. I want nothing more than to feel that sense of freedom again. So all those who read this, please pray. It's my heart's deepest desire to own a Peruvian Paso again.

Better Life

This past week has been a wild one. It was full of good weather, lots of work, and family time since it was Easter this past weekend. I haven't forgotten how I said that I would try to find at least two living moments in everyday life. Here they are:

Life was going to work 8 hours a day, starting at 12:15pm and coming home at 9:00pm. Living was when  a lady who adopted the sweetest little grey and white cat stopped by for a visit--with Tracycakes in hand for all of the staff. She had come back with a lovely thank you card for all of us and a little treat to spoil us with. She was so pleased with how we took care of her kitty before she found her forever home.

Life was having to run errands, and bring charitable items to Value Village this past week. Living was when I got to hug the one of the sweetest young ladies I have ever known, who now works there. I got to catch up with an old friend in an unexpected place. (Plus, I walked away with $8 name brand jeans, and an armful of books! YAY!)

Life was when our dryer decided that it would disconnect itself from its duct work. When you're a relatively new homeowner, you don't always have the supplies at hand to fix such things (like duct tape...it was nowhere to be found in our house!) Living was walking down the block to Canadian Tire on a gorgeous day to pick up the tape.

Life was when I was driving out (again) to the stable to go and clean up after my horse. Living was when a police officer stopped traffic on Highway 11 to let the most beautiful trumpeter swan cross the highway. Everyone stopped and watched this magnificent creature cross the road.

Life was doing horse chores. Living was when my husband stopped by just in time to help me empty the wheelbarrow, and to show me the awesome diamond harrow that he got me for keeping my arena's footing nice, and soft.


So there's a few things that I observed (and actually remembered!) in my ventures. This week is another crazy week, full of adventure and learning.

We'll Bring Our Troubles

This is my song for today. A reminder that we don't have to carry all that presses so hard on our hearts.

Come down to the river
Come and let yourself in
Make good on a promise
To never hurt again
If you're lost and lonely
You're Broken down
Bring all of your troubles
Come lay 'em down

All you sinners
And the weak at heart
All you helpless
On the boulevards
Wherever you are now
Whatever evil you've found
Bring all of your troubles
And come lay 'em down

We're all tied to the same old failing
Finding shelter in things we know
We're all dirty like corrupted small towns
We'll bring our troubles
We'll bring our troubles
Lay 'em down

All you rich men
And the high above
All of those with and without love
All you burdened broken down
Bring all of your troubles
Come lay 'em down

Simple Living

The more that I "grow up," the more I come to realize just how much life gets in the way of living. There's always errands to be run, something to be fixed, a room that needs to be cleaned, animals that need to be attended to, and that's just life. Yesterday, my husband and I spent two and a half hours filing our tax returns for the year. That's life. I also had to pick up some more groceries to get us by for the week. That's life as well. Then it was off to do my horse chores really quickly before attending a meeting at work. That's life too. 

But what about the living part of it? The part where we relax, and love each other deeply. The part where we listen to those who are older than us tell tales of wisdom and stories of the past. Where is the part where we find refuge from the daily tasks and burdens that weigh us down? Some people would say that relief is only found on Sunday, but why can't it be a small part of every day? I believe that there is a sacred spot in each day, where we find strength and renewal to face the "life" parts of living. 

More often than not, I find peace in being outside, surrounded in all of creation. Just knowing that it was all spoken into being is incredibly fascinating to me. Nature is so complex, yet at the same time so simple. I find solace in my horse. His gentle eyes are calming. I love the stillness of the morning when you're not quite ready to get up yet, but you know that you've been given the gift of another day. I lust after long, hot summer days full of adventures with my horse, and my husband. I cherish every second spent together with our families, gaining wisdom and learning by their great examples. 

Farah. She made everything worth living for
during my teenage years. 

Armstrong, BC. The place where life and living become one

Alfalfa fields 

Bale diamonds. You don't see too many of these anymore. 

Some horses that I met in Kamloops, BC

My baby kitten, Filly. 

A Dock at a lake in Pemberton, BC

A lake in Pemberton, BC 

My goal is to find at least two things about living in all of the life stuff that comes my way. With Easter just around the corner, I'm also reminded about how many life things my Saviour had to endure, yet He could always see the living in it. Maybe some of you will do the same with me. Leave me a comment if you do. 

Hard Work Has Never Hurt Anybody

I just finished day two of my Pesticide Dispenser Licensing course, which included writing a test in order to get it. Talk about a long day! This week is going to be busy for me with full work days, so I decided to make my Super Slow Cooker Chilli for supper. It's spicy, thick and loaded with lots of vegetables. It's super easy to make, which is great if you're on the go all the time like I am! So here are the steps to making this wholesome, filling chilli! (Now I have more time to play with the Kitties and my Pony!)

Getting ready to cook! Lots of ingredients. 

The tomato soup base.

Making it spicy! 

Blending spices 

Adding the veggies

Looks delicious already! 

If you don't want to mix all the spices yourself,
you can use this instead! 

Beans

Mixing

Ground beef 

Thick and Delicious! 

Alyssa's Super Slow Cooker Chilli

Brown:
1 lb Ground Beef
Dash of Salt
Dash of Pepper
1 TBSP Cajun Spice Mix

Mix:
1 Can of Tomato Soup (you can use two if you want a less "chunky" chilli.)
2 TBSP Cajun Spice Mix (you can use less if you prefer a mild chilli.)
1 TBSP Onion Powder
1 TBSP Garlic Powder
Cayenne Pepper (to taste. We like our food spicy!)
Chilli Powder (to taste as well.)

PS: If you want to, you can cheat and use a pre-mixed package for flavouring your chilli!

Rinse:
1 14oz can of Peas
1 12oz can of Sweet Corn
1 19oz can of Tomatoes (it can be your choice on this one. The Alymer's Accents make this dish delish!)
1 small can of Mushrooms
3 cans of Beans (can be your choice as well!)
2 Handfuls (accuracy is key here!) of Frozen French Style Green Beans

Directions:
Combine the tomato soup and spiced together over low heat in your slow cooker. In the meantime, brown up the ground beef with some salt, pepper, and the remaining cajun spice mix. While this is browning up, rinse out all of your veggies and beans. Combine into the tomato soup base. Once the ground beef is browned, combine into the mixture. Let it simmer for at least one hour. It can also be left in the slow cooker on low heat all day. Optional: add spinach in 10-15 minutes before serving (or until wilted) to add to the veggie power of this chilli!

Will serve at least 5 people.
Freezes well.

PS: This can also be made and served ASAP if you make it in a stock pot over medium/high heat!

Some other ideas for this one:
Choose the salt free (or the low sodium) veggies and beans to make this a more heart-healthy supper!
Strain your ground beef before adding it to your chilli to make it "fat-free!"
Try it with some ground chicken or turkey to make it a little more leaner!
And always try to use local, fresh ingredients to get the best flavour out of this one whenever you can!