Back in Business 2012

Bootstrap Farm is coming back! I have been away from my dream now for two full years, and it is time to put the boots back in the dirt. I've informed the Cherry Street Farmers' Market Board that I will no longer be Assistant Market Manager next year, that I will instead be at the market representing my farm and selling my wonderful veggies.

This has been a erratic couple of years, trying to "cover crop my soul". I've grown a lot, and I feel like I have a much better emotional foundation. I'm currently living in Tulsa and operating another business - Incredible Service. I work on coffee, tea, espresso, and water treatment systems. I love that too, so I'll be part time at Bootstrap Farm for a little while. I won't be the first farmer to have a "day job."

I have learned a few things over the last two years. I learned that I haven't been asking for help when I need it. I feel like I would be much farther along in my life if I had learned to ask for help when I need it. I've learned to put my thoughts away and listen to my feelings. I put some effort into it and finally came to the realization that my dream is to own an organic farm and grow great food for my community in novel and efficient ways, but I never wanted to do it alone. It was hard to admit that last part to myself. I wanted to believe that I could do it all by myself. I wanted to believe that I'd fashion the whole thing out of straw if I had too. It turns out that I can't do it by myself and it was pathological to think so.

2012 will be my year to reconnect with the land, my customers, and my farmer self. I will have a modest, habitable home on the farm by March. I will grow a few low maintenance crops in medium quantities for the farmer's market and wholesale. I will produce a business plan for the complete operation and determine how much investment I want. I will find the help I need, from my customers, my friends, my community. This may mean technical help, physical help, financial help, and of course encouragement. I will involve the broader community in a meaningful and authentic way, because I can't do it alone.