Vintage Knitting, Retro Dressmaking, Make do and Mend, Original and Vintage Inspired Knitting Patterns, Vintage Inspired books

Thursday, March 05, 2015

What a difference a year makes

A whole year has passed since we made our move to our hill farm in the North Lancashire countryside and what a year it has been. We have experienced tremendous highs - shearing our own sheep, growing our own food, seeing chicks hatch from eggs, incredibly busy periods for the business - and also unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, some lows - foxes taking our lovely young ducks, my studio blowing down in gale force winds, stock (as in wool) being damaged, incredibly busy periods for the business (Bizarrely both a high and a low as those busy periods have proved hard to deal with to be honest).

Sometimes it has felt like taking one step forward then two steps back but there hasn't been a single moment when I haven't been glad we took the plunge and made the move. When I view our initial two year plan I almost laugh out loud at our optimism and naivety and we are only now at the beginning of our second year really beginning to address the plan at all. But when I wake up of a morning and look out of my window at the fields, at the weather, at the wildlife, at our home, I cannot help but be happy. Yes the amount of work we have to do is frankly, insurmountable, and we have next to no free time and I can't remember the last time I wore nail varnish, and the books I am reading are all about sheep illnesses or the correct grass seed to use but I have never been more content in my life.

When people visit the farm or even just drop off a parcel, they stop half way down the drive and stare into the distance. Without exception they are filled with awe and tell us they could remain in the same spot all day just absorbing the scene. And after a year this is still how it makes me feel. It often overwhelms me completely and I feel moved to tears. I have butterflies in my stomach as I let nature seep through my skin and into my being. I am still struggling to channel these feelings and use them creatively but that will come.

A good friend pointed out how much my colour choices in my work had been affected by our location. She is right and yet I hadn't even noticed. Maybe this is how it will happen. I won't see the changes in me, I won't know the impact but others will. And that's fine.





 




















 













So for now,
Susan xx

27 comments :

Ühltje said...

<3

Mim said...

I'm glad that you're still enjoying life on the farm. My mum's partner is an arable farmer, so I know farming is very hard work - you have my admiration for taking it on.

Emileigh said...

This is SO beautiful! I've always wanted to live on a farm. (Though American farms look a bit different. I really love yours!) I'm glad you're settling in and loving it. In times of big transition, I've had to remind myself not to push myself too hard and to be alright with slow progress. Humans aren't naturally quick transitioners, so it's okay for change to take a while to feel comfortable!

Theodora goes Wild said...

Wow - can't believe it's a year already - for both of us! We had such a wonderful time with you in the summer, the little ones still talk about it.

LandGirl1980 said...

This whole post has made my heart sing. Especially the photo of your surrounded by sheep (i love sheeps). This all looks so glorious :)

Evie said...

These photos are absolutely stunning! We have a small garden plot and a few chickens in our urban setting, and that's really all I've ever been inclined towards, but if I could have a farm that looked like that I might change my mind ;)

Tasha said...

All of your views are awe-inspiring! I'm a city dweller myself but love getting into nature. The photos take my breath away, I can only imagine in person. Your farm looks magical, and may it continue to always give you that feeling!

garofit said...

Wow, it is so pretty, and all yours, no wonder you feel like crying happy tears! You even had snow!!!

Jenny said...

Your farm looks like such a beautiful and inspirational place to live. Just wonderful.

Unknown said...

Jealous does not even begin to describe it. What an amazing adventure. To look around you and see beauty in every direction will surely inspire and change you, I look forward to seeing your journey.

She Knits in Pearls

Josie-Mary said...

Beautiful photo's :) x

Michelle {Miss Strawberry Shortgirl} said...

Oh goodness! What lovely photos - simply breathtaking.

mila said...

I think what you are describing is really the heart of creativity: Everything you do will have an impact - even if you are not aware of it. I hope that much of your fascination with the landscape will be kept for the next years...

Baa-Me Kniits said...

I just found your blog and I have to say your farm is a beautiful treasure. I too would be moved to tears by that gorgeous scenery.

Just call me Ruby said...

Thank you so much. My apologies for the delay in oublishing and replying to your post but I have been having problems with blogger and have been unable to access my dashboard or to send replies

Just call me Ruby said...

So true! And I hope so too. My apologies for the delay in oublishing and replying to your post but I have been having problems with blogger and have been unable to access my dashboard or to send replies

Just call me Ruby said...

Thank you so much. My apologies for the delay in oublishing and replying to your post but I have been having problems with blogger and have been unable to access my dashboard or to send replies

Just call me Ruby said...

Thank you so much. My apologies for the delay in oublishing and replying to your post but I have been having problems with blogger and have been unable to access my dashboard or to send replies

Just call me Ruby said...

Thank you so much. My apologies for the delay in oublishing and replying to your post but I have been having problems with blogger and have been unable to access my dashboard or to send replies

Just call me Ruby said...

Thank you so much. My apologies for the delay in oublishing and replying to your post but I have been having problems with blogger and have been unable to access my dashboard or to send replies

Just call me Ruby said...

Thank you so much. My apologies for the delay in oublishing and replying to your post but I have been having problems with blogger and have been unable to access my dashboard or to send replies

Just call me Ruby said...

Thank you so much. My apologies for the delay in oublishing and replying to your post but I have been having problems with blogger and have been unable to access my dashboard or to send replies

Just call me Ruby said...

Thank you so much. My apologies for the delay in oublishing and replying to your post but I have been having problems with blogger and have been unable to access my dashboard or to send replies

Just call me Ruby said...

Thank you so much my dear. My apologies for the delay in replying to your post but I have been having problems with blogger and have been unable to access my dashboard or to send replies

Just call me Ruby said...

Thank you so much Lovely. My apologies for the delay in replying to your post but I have been having problems with blogger and have been unable to access my dashboard or to send replies

Just call me Ruby said...

Thank you so much. My apologies for the delay in replying to your post but I have been having problems with blogger and have been unable to access my dashboard or to send replies

Just call me Ruby said...

Thank you so much Mim. My apologies for the delay in replying to your post but I have been having problems with blogger and have been unable to access my dashboard or to send replies