This year we are thankful to be mission-driven and to have the courage to live out our dreams, even though day-in and day-out, our life is no fairy tale – it’s hard work. Ben and I have always shared a farm dream, although our dreams differed in ways, we melded that dream into the reality that we are living today. When we got married, as all our wedding guests can attest, we vowed to find to find our dream farm.
The following August we set off to Humboldt, and with more support from our loving network, were introduced to Nat at Humboldt Seed Company (HSC). Half of everything in life is luck, and in this case 99% of this was luck, to be totally honest we had no idea the caliber of HSC when we were introduced to Nat. Fifteen months later, we had grown and brought to market the first certified organic feminized cannabis seeds available internationally. Sure, we had the agricultural and educational background to actually do it, but that opportunity was a real miracle and for that, we are grateful. Moreover, we are honored and happy to be flying the Humboldt banner here in Maine.
We went to Humboldt with the goal of having a farm of our own and believing that cannabis seed production was our pathway to that goal. Having both been long time vegetable growers, we knew that profession wouldn’t likely afford us the farm. And time will tell if we made the right decision, but we are sure enjoying the ride.
We moved onto the farm March 1st. Immediately, we felt embraced by our neighbors with people stopping by, introducing themselves, and showering us with all sorts of goodies. Loving our home and our community has brought us continual gratitude, it is an unexpected gift to feel such a strong sense of community in a rural place. People have explained that they are happy to see this farm, known locally as the old Atkin Farm, back in action. And that it is.
Here we are after three wonder years of marriage doing the work we find deeply fulfilling. We welcomed our baby Lyla into this world about six months ago. Babies are truly a slice of heaven. Even when they are screaming, and you feel like you are out of your mind, you can’t help but love them, thus I must express gratitude for capacity to love both my husband and daughter so deeply. 
Between the addition of a baby and a new farm business, we are scraping by in so many ways. We are exhausted but continuing to put all our effort towards our business goals and our little family unit. Some days when I feel completely drained, I reflect on all the people in our life that are cheering us on. Family, new friends, old friends, acquaintances, current and future customers – so many people in our life are instrumental in helping our young family succeed. This support is what I am most grateful for, it gives us steam, and nourishes our fire to keep on keeping on.