These January thaw “spring” smells are making us really excited to get back into active relationship with the ground. It’s comforting to be doing less farming this winter; the stirring sensations of slightly warmer days trigger a genuine pull because we have allowed ourselves to be slower. It’s a slowing down and speeding up all at once, the “doing self” resting and inspiration coming online.

Walking around on the hard cold earth it feels right to be doing less, like a devotion to rest on a bigger scale. I hope that as farmers in the winter we send some prayers for slowness, in our own upcoming seasons & for each other & the wider community.

We’re planning for 2020 in this spirit. Our goal is to recognize that our efforts and possibility are not infinite in any given year, and to choose a few things – however enticing – to say no to. This may seem obvious, but it’s a new effort! We’ve been talking in farmer circles about how folks who live in conjunction with the land are intoxicated by possibility. We experience every year how quiet contemplations of the earth spiral into the most delicate and profound bursting at the seams… the planet teaches us what possibility looks like, and how infinite. I think what we’re trying to do this year is to put more effort into doing less so we can learn, rather than race to match the possibility of nature. The potential to trade in some stress for wonder is really exciting.

Part of this dynamic is recognizing our small part in a larger community of badass and tender souls. We don’t have to try to do everything - so many beings around us are doing amazing stuff. Aliyah and I are in a young parenthood state: we are our young kids, our jobs, our desires for balance & meaning. It’s all of us all the time. It feels good to take one tiny step back and watch/encourage the development of the things around us.

The step back is really tough because it’s the opposite of so many parts of this country are fighting for, silently and loudly, for centuries. The step back is not just about letting the land rest, but about who has access to land and food. How can we take up less space and meet our basic needs? This feels like the big question and such a huge opportunity for urgent shift.

In all of this pause, there’s a little speed gaining that also needs to happen, or we will miss the ride altogether. We’re making decisions and hiring a fabulous crew. Any day now we’ll be seeding leeks and first fieldhouse transplants, then alliums and tomatoes and eggplant. We look forward to keeping you posted!

Thanks for being part of our journey and letting us be part of yours,

Much love

Lauren & Ironwood Farm