'Our Sunday Homestead'
WELCOME!
Welcome to Our Sunday Homestead, an itty-bitty blog that's all about the learning, joys and challenges we have come across on our journey into homesteading. Seriously though, and we can't say it enough - we are so happy you're here! We have fallen head over heels (thankfully not while out in the manure pile...) for the peaceful moments with our family milk cow, making meals from scratch and growing as much of our food as we can manage! This realization for our love of a homegrown life, began on those beautiful, slow Sundays, where you bake, cook, and nest all day long. These moments inspired us to create, and create we did. So, WELCOME, we hope you enjoy your time at, Our Sunday Homestead.
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What to Expect While You're Here?
February 11/2021
We at Rosewater Farm are so thankful to have the opportunity to share our journey with others who have an interest in homesteading, farming, nature, animals and a simple life. This is what fuels us, those simple moments that string together to make a lifetime of happiness. That is what we seek to cultivate and hope that by sharing our experiences and passion for this lifestyle, we can inspire you to follow your dreams for simplicity also. On Our Sunday Homestead, we intend to offer you information about seed starting, the beginnings of a flower farm, recipes, what it takes to have a family milk cow, the decision to raise your own beef, lamb and chickens, and the many other moments, skills and joys of life on a farm. Wherever you are at on your journey towards a more self-sufficient and purposeful life, know that here on Our Sunday Homestead you have a place that welcomes you and is always ready to cheer you on!
Until next time,
xo E
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Our Why
February 12/2021
Our why begins when I was a very young girl. Dreaming of riding horses through blowing fields, being outdoors surrounded by nature and always smelling of a barn. This "phase" never seemed to fade (even if that was what most people had hoped for...). The animal-obsessed girl was always how I was known in school, within my family and really to anyone once they met me. It was something I used to feel somewhat embarrassed about as it made it much harder to fit in - safe to say, I have always found it easiest to connect with animals. This all changed when I pursued education and a career in Social Work. Now, many years later, I am confident in my connections with both animals and the human-kind. My passion for plants and growing flowers came a little later on. Despite the late onset, it captured me with an intense passion and intrigue to learn more. Humble beginnings of planting in every possible crevasse of our small suburban lot, we relished in the joy of providing what we could for our family. This led to an on-a-whim-lets-just-go-look-it's-not-going-to-happen, miracle. We finally found and have now settled into our very own piece of paradise. This tiny piece of land, at just over 3 acres, has given life to each and every dream I've ever had (not to mention all of the newly emerging dreams since being here...ahem...thank goodness my partner is so handy!). So, born was Rosewater Farm. Here we sit at the beginning of what has taken a lifetime to dream up. So, our why? Our why is to fulfill our dream. To inspire others to do the same. To bring to life what could be. To honour what is. To live each day to the fullest. We seek contentment. We breathe in joy. We share what we love. We teach. We grow. Our why, quite simply, is being here.
Until next time,
xo E
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Hardest Learned Lessons...
February 17/2021
One of the biggest lessons I have had to learn is that of Patience. Let me tell you, it's definitely not a strong suit of mine, particularly as a dreamer with ever-evolving plans, ideas and goals, patience doesn't come to me easily. I have accepted that this is the case and instead have shifted my focus. I now work towards the balance between 'going for it' and working with 'patience'. This balance has supported the intentional shifts and growth of Rosewater Farm, and allowed for things to continue on a somewhat - relatively - linear path towards becoming the farm and business we have hoped for. I guess, my point? Go for it. Go for it big-time, don't stop and always keep trying. The caveat and hard-learned lesson? Yes, go for it, AND, with patience. Work with intention, its not all about the pace. Reframe the small steps we can often overlook, as huge steps towards the bigger picture. This shift can transform the process of your business/goal/plan. Ordering this years seeds, yep a small-ish step, but without the huge decision of making that order, every other plan is null and void. Whatever your plans and dreams, go for them. Know you have us here cheering you on (seriously though, we are, we love seeing the success of others!). Working with patience and finding that balance just be the thing you need to help propel you even further into your success.
Until next time,
xo E
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"One Day"
February 18/2021
"One day I will live on a farm. One day I will run a business on that farm. One day I will wake up to all of my animals greeting me. One day. One day". Wait, open your eyes, I tell myself. When I do I am greeted by the sounds and faces of all my animals, in our happy little barn, on our beautiful piece of farmland that is the home to our business and homestead. How did I get here? Shifting my identity from dreamer, to go-getter, from one-day to today is still a work in progress. Our one day, is today. We are living the dream we have set out to, and get to enjoy it in all the ways we never thought would be possible. My dreams have shifted into real possibility and are now underpinned by a true desire to honour the land that has given life to this dream. These few acres offer more possibility that I ever imagined would enter my world. Lush gardens, rows upon rows of flowers, animals grazing, farmers working, peace, serenity, calm. All things that are now in our backyard, not only in our dreams. Why do I share our dream with you, and our path towards fulfilling it? It's hopefully to demonstrate that even in the depths of despair, the lowest lows, the hardest moments, there can be opportunity. This farm came at a significant crossroad, low-point, difficult time in my life. It was the one thing that I thought wouldn't truly become possible, and did - even when everything else felt like it was falling to pieces. Dreams are funny that way. They often come to fruition at the times where we need it most. Our one day is now everyday, and for that, for this farm, for this land, and this opportunity to grow here, we are thankful.
Until next time,
xo E
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Building Connections
February 19/2021
This path into homesteading and farming our own food in addition to starting a flower farm has quickly shown us the importance of connection. Connection to our community, to each other, to our animals, and to our land. These connections, especially to our local farming community have been transformative for our operations at the farm and guiding what direction to take next. We have met people who are so willing to help and teach. Connections have been made through online sales ads, our feed store, vet, farrier, friends of friends, online forums, social media. The opportunities for connection are endless, and incredibly important - particularly to a new farming operation. What I had previously underestimated is, the vast amount of people in the agriculture industry who are so interested in helping others to learn and grow their operation. Even when I find myself asking questions that I feel I "should" know, these farmers have always met me with respect and delivered helpful information, despite my naivety in certain areas. The thing is, too many times people feel that they have to figure everything out all on their own. I believe that there is definitely a place for winging it and using the 'sink or swim' mentality. However, when there are so many willing, kind and knowledgeable people out there who are prepared to offer their assistance and insight, take it. Run with it. Access and take advantage of each ounce of valuable knowledge these individuals are willing and prepared to share with you. If you're struggling, reach out. If you think you've got it all under control, reach out. Connections can be made anywhere, and thankfully so many others out there are ready and willing to do so. If I can be a support to you, a connection to you and help - reach out. Connection is what will make us all successful.
Until next time,
xo E
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Summer Flower Subscriptions
March 6/2021
As we head into this upcoming growing season (and first full season for Rosewater Farm!) we wanted to take a moment to chat about our flower subscriptions with you. We will be offering monthly flower subscriptions where you will get a fresh bouquet each week to enjoy for the whole month! This will begin in June and take place for four months (June, July, August and September). We welcome subscriptions for just one month at a time, a couple or all four. Each bouquet will be created fresh and with the blooms that are in bloom at the time of delivery. Unfortunately, due to this, we won't be able to take special requests for subscription bouquets (however, if you have a particular request we ALWAYS welcome individual orders). We look so forward to bringing some colour and local flower love into your homes this summer!
Until next time,
xo E
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Hey! It's Been a While...
October 17/2021
Hey, how's it hangin'? Its definitely been a minute since we checked in here. I hope you had a beautiful summer and enjoyed as many special moments as you could. Of course, so much has happened here on the farm and I figured it was due time to let you in on it all!
Where to begin? Well, we had an incredible season of flower subscriptions. These ended in September and thankfully our cutting garden stayed plentiful right until the end. Things are definitely slowing down out there now, leading to the big end-of-season clean up.
Through my floral journey this summer I found myself most drawn to designing and playing with the flowers. This led me to taking on some freelance work as a floral designer. All in all, growing all of these pretties has been such an incredible experience. One, which clearly helped to lay out where my passions lay most. So, here's what I know - I LOVE growing food. I like growing flowers, but LOVE to design beautiful pieces with them. I absolutely adore caring for our livestock and other animals, as well as each and every aspect of homesteading.
This lead me to a few realizations in preparation for winter and planning for our next season here on the farm. I will continue to grow flowers, however they will be available by individual request and primarily for events (weddings etc). I will be available all year to take on wedding and event inquiries and would be so honoured to design beautiful florals for your event. On the homesteading front is where my main focus will remain. Both on our own farm, and bringing all of my knowledge, learning and lessons to you! So, what does this all mean? Well, it means a full-on revamp of this blog, "Our Sunday Homestead". Here, you will find resources, online workshops, eventually a course, an all-access homestead school and place to connect with others who aspire to this lifestyle. I can't wait to share everything I have learned and be in a space with others equally passionate about the world of homesteading.
What will "Our Sunday Homestead" focus on? I think the better question is, what won't we? Dairy cattle? Yep. Equine friends? Definitely. Laying hens and meat birds? You betcha! Want to learn to make cheese with me? Let's do it! What about all the homemade bread? I'm so in. Honestly, the lessons, growth, learning and community opportunities are endless on a homestead, and I am here to learn, grow and connect with you wherever you are at on your homestead journey.
Can't wait to catch up with you all!
Until next time,
xo E
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