Al-Fresco

I think it's time for a little Al-Fresco {in the open air} at the farm served up 

with the farm's special buttermilk peach pancakes with a pad of butter and hot real maple syrup, 

two over easy farm fresh eggs on the side, 

a cup of French press coffee with heavy cream and 

and a little glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. 

I think that'd be just about perfect! What do you think? 

My Morning Farm Thought

You're never really alone, even when you think you are.

My View . . .

. . . and the spaces where Sanctuary is created and for which I give thanks to Creator - every day.

Turning Ugly Into A Beautiful Garden Area

This past year has been quite the adventure!  We've spent the last year turning dirt and sticker bushes into spaces and places of beauty.


We've Michael has ripped out fences, torn up dirt, built barns, put up fences, moved dirt around, built raised beds, made little gates and a lot more to reclaim 9080 E. Cactus Rd (Scottsdale, AZ) back into the farm/ranch land it once was.

His newest spot of attention has been to redefine and redesign the center island area of the turn around on our farm. It's been ugly for the past thirteen years with what I'd say would have been hopeless for anything other than the pine tree and the big rocks.

Creativity flowed the day my husband stood staring at this ugly place {here}

Today Michael spent time on Ugly and he's slowly turning into a spot of sanctuary.  Stay tuned for part 3 pictures!

Spring at Our Farm

The other day Sook and her husband stopped by our farm to bring us several bags of wonderful aloe vera plants.  As we took a little walk around to admire the spring beauty, Sook commented how we should charge people just to see our farm.  Michael and I took that as a complement to the hard work we've done.

Yesterday, we held a yard sale here at our farm and one person after another commented about the beauty. Others expressed their comments in silence while wide eyes peeked around at the color.  Some people said they didn't know such a place of beauty and particularly this farm existed.  I like to say that our farm is Scottsdale's best kept secret.  

Everyday we are so thankful that we get to experience what others often do not or who are to busy to notice.  We are so thankful that God has given us the strength and joy to take a piece of land that was barren and rugged and create sanctuary in this place we call our farm and our home. 

When is our farm open to the public?  

Because we're a very busy working farm - and are only open to the public on Tuesdays - the day we hold our farmers' market.  

We do make time (occasionally) for special tours so please see the Visiting Our Farm page {here}

One Thing My Farmer Husband Will Be Remembered For

I just happened to be outside preparing some areas for heirlooms and I just happened to have my little Canon in my pocket and I just happened to catch the beauty and joy of seeing my husband with two of his grandchildren.

And then this third little one wants a ride too!

I don't think they'll forget these days.

Sweet December Love . . .

. . . that my love brought home for me . . . just because.

Enhancing Your Life with Aromatic Herbs and Essential Oils

When I saw Anita's copy of Fragrant Herbal - I knew I needed a copy. It's one of those books that you linger through its pages with a second or third copy of tea or coffee. 

I was captured by such things as: Moroccan Mint Tea (we grow tons of different kinds of mint here at the farm) and Monastery Gardens . . . 'the eternal popularity of the cloistered garden reflects a widespread appreciation of secluded tranquility . . .'  

Who, today, is not longing for that peace - that sense of secluded tranquility?

 and the fennel pictured in a monastery in Germany (lately, I have been compelled to grow fennel).

The pages of descriptions and pictures and usages of culinary herbs caused me to slow down . . .basil, chervil, chives, dill, parsley, tarragon - (all are growing fresh here at the farm) with eggs (...our farm fresh eggs) and cheese (my husband's chevre').

Romantic Herbs & Oils . . . 'the unbidden smile . . . these scents are gentle and relaxing, as they generate a smile of well-being and openness; they are the light-floral and sweet-green scents . . . ' and the subsequent pictures of roses, peony, orange  blossoms all within a French garden.  

We have just planted our French garden at the farm - which I love showing to and describe what its beauty will look like as herbs and lettuces, peas and beans grow up and when we plant a pair of those delicate climbing English roses this month.

. . . a lovely book for a day when you just need to slow down because life is going by too fast. 

Color Spots . . .

.

. . at the farm.  We hope you're having a great day that is full of color!