Three years ago today, (January 1, 2018) I wrote this:

Today was the first day of the new year. A day always filled with promise and hope. And this year, it was day one of real discussion about our dream. We know we want to own land, most likely in upstate New York. We know we want to grow things on the land — fruit or nut trees, mushrooms, ginger, plus a big garden. We don’t know when or where or how this will all shake out and come to be. But over toasted rye sandwiches (with delicious Russian dressing) at a great Jewish deli on Georgia Ave. in Silver Spring, MD — we had our first really in-depth back and forth chat about it.

It was a freezing cold day, but we talked as we walked all the way to lunch, and then back home via Sligo Creek, so we didn’t notice the chill too much. Along Sligo was one of the places where we had even earlier discussed this dream. Things have moved farther along since that day…with a more positive twist…and things will continue to grow as we talk…and walk…more. Momentum is building. There is much to think about, much more to discuss…but it is all very exciting. We are building a dream together. Here’s to 2018 and beyond. Onward.

And now, three years later, sitting in our new home on our land in upstate NY, we re-read this and feel a deep sense of joy and gratitude. We set a goal, and kept moving in the right direction somehow. Some aspects of fulfilling this dream fell perfectly into place. Those were the lucky blessings. Other pieces had to be swayed, finessed, jammed or pushed along to get us here. But now that it is exactly three years since that crisp chilly New Year’s Day walk — there is a special wow feeling. We did it! Of course, it is tinged with sadness during this terribly difficult and sorrowful year full of such loss, grief and struggle. We are humbled by our good fortune, and are mindful of it each day. We resolve to stick with the general plan, and see where it leads.

Part of the dream has been realized — We got to where we want to be, but now we have to DO something with what we have. We resolve to nourish our connection to the land and nurture it. We will care for and maintain both the house and the surrounding fields and forest. We will honor each day all the reasons why we made this move — to be closer to the earth, to stay grounded, to develop a deep relationship with the natural rhythms of the universe, and see what magic or music we might be able to make while moving among it all.

My mom shared this Tolkien quote with us recently: “I am at home among the trees” This sums up perfectly where we are at and where we are headed here on the homestead. We are feeling hopeful for 2021 and wishing that it is a better year for everyone filled with good, happy and peaceful moments.

I hope to do a round-up here each month with highlights from the previous one, just so we can track big milestones and small successes (as well as the most definite failures too!) Will do the first one soon.