Spring 2017

Here I am again. Its been another spring and I am behind in everything from starting seeds to clearing brush, weeding and planting. These last couple of years have been spent trying to formulate a happy balance between urban farming and spiritual consulting. Im so good at everything that I want to do it all but then find myself back at this point, behind. This year I am rethinking how sustainability really looks for me and my family. Documenting my efforts will hopefully keep me focused on whats really important. I look forward to sharing more and creating more avenues that will keep me farming and sane. Happy Spring.

I'm Still Farming

It has been a whole lot that has happened since the last time I made a post. Not only have I gone full time, as in self employed but I have also signed a leasing agreement for the land with The Mahoning County Land Bank, set up at the Idora Neighborhood Farmers Market and North Side Farmers market, took out a small business loan with YNDC to create an indoor growing system for microgreens and seed starts, went to the Black Urban Growers Conference in Detroit, started teaching cooking classes for Resource Mothers, participated in the OH WOW STEM to Table event with fermented veggies, applied for a hoop house with EQIPT, had a farm tour in August in partnership with Women Farm Ohio, made the 100 Faces Of Women Farmers of Ohio, presented 2 cooking shows on WFMJ, got a contract to do the Garden Club at East High School, was on a panel to discuss Marketing at the Trumbel County Mini Farm Conference, recorded my story with Jay from Jackson Maters for Voices of the Valley StoryCorps at the McDonough Museum of Art, joined both Common Wealth and Treez Please board of directors and now preparing to present at both Oberlin College and at Franklin Park Conservatory on the subject of urban agriculture as it relates to people of color, neighborhoods without access to fresh foods and joy. I told you that was a lot. I am sure I left out other partnerships and events but I plan to better with posting as life happens in the world of Lady Buggs. Happy Spring!

This photo was taken at DTown Farm in Detroit at the BUGS Conference. I was giving a little talk about wild edibles and urban foraging.

Sustainable Living Post #1 Summer Slostice 2014

It has been brought to my attention, by my own feelings, that doing things in my own time and efficiancy with small work challenges are better for my body than rushing to show the world that I can homestead over night. I have so many tasks on my plate. I will be able to achieve a bit of relief when I at least acknowledge that my way of doing things is just fine, that I no longer have to do it exactly the way I was taught but do it in a similar fashion that works for me.  Was that a run on? Lol So I thought I would share a post that has been flotting around social media that I feel  supports this way of sustainable living.

I must remember that I am farming for joy and balance and peace of mind. I trust that this helped someone the way it has helped me. Happy Summer Solstice!

Transitioning from job to joy!

Today has been a day of hope. Hope the day goes by good. Hope I can deliver more flyer's for the new market and hope that it will rain on my baby plants on the farm. Hope I will have the energy to work on my own farm after leaving my current job for today. Even though I am doing what I enjoy it's still work that requires energy. I feel so guilty sitting on the porch just observing the plants. So I am going to need to create a new work flow for transitioning from one type of job to a home business of joy.

1. Create To Do Lists
 A. They will help you stay organized.
2. Create Time Schedules
 A. They will help your tasks to be efficient.
 B. Be In Bed By 9:30 PM!
3. Meditation Before & At The Your Day/ You Time
 A. Your time will keep you focused and centered.
4. Stick To The Schedule
 A. Scheduled routines will become habits which will keep you organized, prepared and ready for   
 community guest that will stop by the farm
5. Chant this daily: "I am a farmer and I love what I am doing".

I am going to take my own advice. I am giving it at least 21 days. I am sure I will have gained some new good habits, happier plants, rest and a healthier me. Happy transitioning!

Transplants in care unit. "Please Plant Me"!

Transplants in care unit. "Please Plant Me"!

Transplants in care unit. "Please Plant Me"!

Transplants in care unit. "Please Plant Me"!

12X20 Hoop House. The soil still needs clearing of rocks. "Please Plant In Me"!

Mulberry Tree

North East Ohio City Farming

Each year I get a closer peek at what mother nature gifts us seasonally. I have discovered all sorts of wild edibles, plants, birds and bugs that I had never seen or noticed before. Within the last year I purchased a few books and articles that focused on my zone and area. So far NE Ohio has got my mental wheels turning about her chilly mornings and some evenings because I have to tend to the farmstead. With all of that I will find a way to adjust to all things natural in NE Ohio.

Laws of Attaraction and Urban Farming

As many of you may already know that I am very spiritual. In my spiritual maturity it has brought me closer to my purpose, farming. This farming can be viewed as living sustainably, being green or even homesteading in the city. Either way, I am drawn to the idea that I can manage and care for my family and my community.

I have been worried and stressed about, lawnmowers, volunteers, tools, money, my roof, the groundhogs, rabbits, deer and my maternal family members. All of the worries have manifested into aches in pains mentally and physically. So now I have to find those other things to pull me up and out of those unwanted desires because farming with a sore body is very depressing. I have been listening to Esther Hicks CD's and Youtube posts to remind me that no matter what the desire and wanting is I am a deliberate creator. And if I want to create a life of peace, joy and bliss then I need to change the way I feel to get what I want. So there you have it. Choose to dream big. Focus the energy on all the positives and the universe will delivery.

So now I will retail the story:
I am so grateful for the green contrast that my city provides with cleared lots and wild edibles. The animal life present are meer signs that life is returning and being restored to a healthy habitat. My close friends and family members are in awe of my accomplishments and are eager to participate at their own time and pace. The farm, my home and my community has all the resources that it  needs to be a successful and my ancestors are dancing in their spirit world with praise and support. I have the physical and mental capacity to restore the soil, plant crops, educate the community, create a sustainable life and be the change that I seek.

That is the best explanation for this subject and I where I am and that place is now, good.

Happy Spring!

Prunella Vulgaris/ Heal All

Happy Spring 2014!
I know I have been MIA but I have been working toward becoming a fulltime farmer. I've had the greatest experiences a new farmer could possibly have!  I resigned as the lead farmer to Turning Point Residential June 2013. I currently am Americorps VISTA serving with Youngstown Neighborhood Development. My service ends June 27, 2014! I had garden kitchen cooking classes with Goodness Grows. Took a Maps and Apps class with Mahoning County Extension. Spoke at PASA with executive director to Goodness Grows, Greg Bowman. Spoke at Raising Richland in Mansfield, Ohio with the subject Growing Hope. I made a few news worthy events related to urban agriculture. Completed a 7 week business class, Bright Idea To Business. This class was designed for people who are planning or have already started a food based business in Youngstown. There are so many other events and accomplishments that I have not mentioned but whats important is that I am still farming. I have been so busy with everything else that I am behind with starting seeds and planting my starts. I have so much to share but for now I am going to use this Mothers day weekend to reconnect with my farm, daughter, house duties and my personal well being. I will officially be farming %100 June 29, 2014!! Know Your Food Know Your Farmer! Urban Homesteading!

Growing Hope <----Check out this Youtube presentation!

These are random pictures of all of my joyous farming experiences. Food connects us to more than just the soil! Grow where you are!

Lady Buggs