Odds & sods

April was a month of family.

The month began with Easter and an epic egg hunt and outdoor games with my whole family here at the farm. We all had so much fun. I spent an evening at a dinner theatre with my friends–a different activity for us and a nice night out together. Yesterday, we went to a community breakfast with Matt’s whole family. It is so special when everyone makes it to a gathering and we can all spend time with each other.

We also spent a day with my brother helping him prepare for a big renovation at his house. It’s been a while since my brother and I have worked together, but we fell into our old rhythm easily. It’s a family rhythm all my siblings share. It comes from years of working with my Dad and my Mom. From being one of six. From sharing what has to be done and balancing everyone’s needs.

I love feeling that rhythm. I enjoy construction and hard work. I love contributing. My brother’s renovation is a big and important thing for his family. It’s exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. Supporting him, his wife and their kids and doing a little bit to make things easier is meaningful.

Showing up, whether it’s for celebrations or for work, is important to me. Earlier this year, I came up with a “life razor” inspired by The 5 Types of Wealth. The idea is to develop a “single, identity-defining statement” that describes how you approach your life. Mine is “I am a person who takes care of the people, places and things that matter most to me.”

I use this statement to make decisions about what I’m going to do, whether it’s hosting a get-together, spending a Saturday swinging a sledgehammer, mowing the grass so the farm looks nice (soon), texting a friend or having a quiet “home day” with Ellie.

Here are some other things I am caring about this month

Cleaning up litter from the roadside is one of the ways I take care of the farm each spring. One of my favourite storytellers shared his unique perspective on littering.

April marked one year with the chickens.

We went to a fibre arts festival a few weeks ago, and it was so inspiring to see people’s creativity. Honourable mentions go to the Quilt of Belonging, Canadian Centre for Rural Creativity, Felted Art by Pat (her heron and hen were standouts) and the KW Garment Sewists Guild.

Source: House of Leaders via Sterling Hawkins

We’re ending April with some tree cutting with Matt’s Dad, a great example of us caring for each other and the farm. I’m going on a field trip with Ellie. And we’re preparing to host Matt’s aunts and other family this weekend. Lots of care.