I had a super-surreal experience this morning. I was working on a blog post in a coffee house in C-ville, killing time before my hair appointment, when I noticed a young woman with a pony tail and a UVA sweatshirt reading my blog on her laptop. At first it didn’t even seem like anything to me, because we have the website up on all the computers in the house nearly all the time and it took a moment to sink in that a total stranger was reading my blog!
I can’t tell you how weird and cool it was. I was so excited that I had to tell someone but couldn’t get anyone I knew on the phone, so I opted for telling everyone via twitter. I walked on air the whole way to my hair appointment, feeling like I had an amazing secret.
I pulled out my laptop to finish up my blog post while I was waiting for the color on my hair to process, but then I started to think. What if the young woman with the pony tail in the UVA sweatshirt was bored by today’s post? Maybe I should write about something more exciting to hold her interest. I mean, she looked like a college student. And what would hold the interest of the young woman with the pony tail in the UVA sweatshirt? Certainly not my exciting recap of my day in Charlottesville. In addition to getting my hair done I was planning to pick up a cushion that had had it’s zipper replaced and help fix some fences with Paige and Erin when I got home. BOR-ING.
My mind started to run away with me (as it tends to) as I envisioned the kind of posts the young woman would be interested in. Maybe I should start going into D.C. more, eating in better restaurants, changing out of my pjs before noon even when no one is coming over.
After all, I have an obligation to my readers to be entertaining and to my sponsors to keep you all coming back, don’t I? They pay me to keep readers and the whole hair-cut-cushion-picking-up-fence-fixing life I lead, well, who the hell would want to read that?
And then, in a moment of clarity that is rare for me I realized that I love that hair-cut-cushion-picking-up-fence-fixing life. I was actually excited that I had called around and found a place where I could have the cushion repaired. It felt terribly grown up to me. Sort of the way grocery shopping with a list does. Or ordering fire wood. Or doing trimming hooves and worming the flock. Those blessedly banal things are what keeps me centered. They remind me that I have a place in this world, a me-shaped place that only I can fill. And that gives me an overwhelming sense of peace.
So, to you, my readers, I will say thank you for being interested in my small life. Thank you for coming here day after day to read about the things I find worthy of writing about. I promise to try not to subject you to too many hair-cut-cushion-picking-up-fence-fixing days if you promise to let me know if this blog ever veers off in the navel-gazing direction. Deal?
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Deal!! You and your wonderful little daily life things are why we keep coming back… that and the sheep and goat thing we all have in common.
Deal.
But what could be more “worthy” than hearing about how the CSA life happens and what makes up your days? When I get home from the daily rat race, it’s lovely to read about a life that’s closer to the land and about the animals and their needs. I find it comforting in a strange way, finding a vicarious peace.
And that is SO cool that you saw someone reading your blog. You should have introduced yourself! I know I’d be thrilled if I were reading a blog and the writer was nearby!
-Perry-
Don’t you dare start doing “exciting” things.. My fantasies involve sheep and yarn! Oh wait, that didn’t come out right ;o
I am twenty-three years old and an avid reader of your blog. I come back every single day to read about hoof trimmings, granola makings, and sheep shenanigans! I wouldn’t have it any other way!
I totally feel you on the responsibility thing. When my partner and I plan out several dinners ahead, make a list, and go to the store to buy the ingredients, I feel like I have this whole “life” thing pretty much figured out.
Congrats on your moment of clarity.
So compare the cushion-picking-up-fence-mending-hoof-trimming life to the alarm-ringing-Starbucks-stopping-meeting-after-meeting-attending-accidents-on-the-405-stop-at-Ralph’s-to-get-some-toilet-paper…, well, you get the point. I need the hoof trimming, and the puppy hugging, the snow on the sheep, the sheep. Don’t change anything.
I’m warning you.
OK, I’m not in my twenties, but still.
Actually, I’m in pretty strong agreement that you should come up to DC more often and eat in fancy restaurants. *coughcoughcough*
And, at the same time, obviously I should be going down more often too.
Hey! I got a car now, so trips will be way easier, and I can bring champagne too.
I’m sure she would have loved to meet you, if she’s already a blog reader? I know I would.
I. Love. You. Susie.
what Lauria said…exactly…
I think I would have been thrilled (although speechless) if I were reading your blog and then you came over and said, “Hi”. Yikes!
Seriously, how is it possible that you didn’t introduce yourself? The woman would obviously have been thrilled! And, when she reads this post (which you know she will), she’s going to wonder the same exact thing.
I feel a song coming on. Hair-cut-cushion-picking-up-fence-fixing day would make a great country song!! I love reading the blog. I do so everyday.
Deal.
I also agree with the people who said she’d probably like to meet you. I know I’d be totally excited if I were reading your blog and then there you were!
For what it’s worth, I’m a 20-year-old college student, and I love your blog, cushion-repair and granola-making and all.
You must introduce yourself next time…you are a rock star! Remember so many of us wish we had the courage to take the risk to do what you have done and work as hard as you do, that is why I read. Thanks for sharing who you are, you really make me laugh a lot.
Trust me, I work in DC – stay where you are for your peace of mind and spirit! Love hearing about day-to-day life on the farm and surrounds and seeing photos of the beautiful sheep and dogs. Keep up the good work.
Deal! I love reading about all the things a shepherd does in a day, including haircuts and such. I just read through all the comments in the hope that the women in the coffee shop might have left a comment. We readers may look like strangers to you, but to us, you’re a friend whom we would love meet in a coffee shop while we are reading your blog.
Me shaped space that only I can fill. I LIKE THAT. That is the most wise, most centered statement I have heard in a long, long time. Thank you so much. You have made my day.
I agree with the masses – introduce yourself next time – or better yet, set up a meet and greet – she’d prolly bring a few friends. I love reading your blog; you inspire me in my own fiber adventures, and I wish I had the guts to retire from the j-o-b and be a shepard full time. You are helping me get there! so thanks for all you do. You might think it’s small, but it is significant!
Susie – smallish life, no way. Even before meeting you and knowing you I enjoyed your blog posts and when Deb and I (and Chappy) finally got to meet you it was like old friends reconnecting.
And like Deb said… seriously, how could you not introduce yourself, I know I’d be thrilled if someone whose blog I read came up to me and said ‘hi’.
Keep those posts coming.
I thought the idea of keeping a blog was journaling about what’s on the blogger’s mind. Your blog is interesting exactly because its your journal.
(Personally, I love your blog, especially when accompanied by pictures w/captions of your animals.
Hey, this was BEFORE the haircut- so maybe that had to happen before going public?
I’ll add my voice to the chorus of: we read this blog because it reminds us of the earth, life, sheep, caring for what’s around us. Don’t change a thing, except:
I also agree, come to DC more. I have a great restaurant with a private room where we can have a meetup. (Petits Plats on Conn. Ave, not too expensive.) I want to meet the others in this crazy city!
Speaking as a 20-something UVA grad student (and frequenter of many C’ville coffee shops) – you’re doing great! Please don’t change a thing about your posting style or subject matter. Can’t wait to visit your farm on one of the open weekends with my knitting group – we’re all very excited!
I read you and I miss you since you’ve left our area. It still makes me sad that I never had an opportunity to meet you! But I am glad for you – happy that your life is unfolding in a comforting satisfying way.
Being a young(ish), ponytail wearing, college student myself, I can tell you that your blog is certainly not boring. I very much enjoy your posts and btw I live in Florida and actually heard about your blog from my friend who lives in Oregon.
I love your small life. And I too would’ve freaked out heartily at seeing someone reading my blog!
Should you decide to sample the DC restaurant life, might I suggest Restaurant Nora? They are “America’s first certified organic restaurant”, as well as shopping locally (MD/VA/PA) for most of their food. Even the servers’ shirts are organic cotton from an American manufacturer! Everyone I’ve ever spoken to who has been there has raved. http://www.noras.com/
“I have a place in this world, a me-shaped place that only I can fill.” This is my new motto.
I live in Maine and early last summer I found your site thru another site actually. I love your site ! After a job elimination at my employer after 17 years, I was/am looking into farming as my next career. I have gone back to your site nearly every day since I found you and read your blogs religiously ! Its fun, inspiring, down to earth and I “get it”. I love reading about the goings-on @ your farm. Im a country girl at heart and your site gives me hope ! Keep up the good work. I hope I get there some day too !
Don’t change a thing! We’re here because we love reading about your life! And the sheep! And the chores! You are our vicarious farm lives!
Cool experience! Bet she’d have liked to meet up with the person behind Juniper Moon. I loved meeting you at Rhinebeck. If you want to remain private, I can understand that, but in person you are very gracious and delightful.
As for your blog content, it’s just right. I especially love the photos and least like the “stuff” part. But I feel lucky you’re posting. You may not know that there are groups of use who talk about things that happen in the blog. Feenut is a special favorite here.
OMG! I was just writing to an old friend this a.m. and my exact words were “I’m experiencing an amazing clarity. . .” Is it this book I’m reading (Flow, The Psychology of Optimal Experience) or are we all seeing reality w/ new eyes?
Love your reality–keep living it!
I’m a total stranger and I love reading about your “smallish” life. For all of the reasons the others have said, but also because you write about it so well. I enjoy your use of words and your imagery and your insight. There are a lot of blgs about smallish lives, but the ones that are compelling are the ones, like yours, that draw us in and make us feel like we are sharing your experience. Adorable photos of animals are an added bonus.
k, i’d have been super bummed to read about your seeing me reading your blog if you hadnt said hi!!
Ya know–I was thinking the reason you didn’t introduce yourself to your obvious fan is that you’re just a humble soul. . .
Waiting for the comment of the reader who didn’t get to meet you in the coffee shop that day, so you can get coffee together next time!
Your life is, to me, the Big Life that I meant to live. But, I bumped off-track to a Small Life in Urbanity. Reading & looking at your blog satisfies me in very real, visceral & happy ways. Thank you.