Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Taking the plunge

I have a long-time reader back east named Holly who has been working full-time at a job which was becoming more and more frustrating to her. Over the years we've emailed back and forth about the notion of full-time homesteading, but for a variety of reasons she and her husband didn't feel they could pull it off.

This morning I was thrilled to get the following email:

Hi Patrice,

Well I am handing in my resignation today to become a full time homesteader. I am excited and scared at the same time but have to trust that God will take care of me. I will be a lot calmer and happier in the long run.


I can't tell you how thrilled I was to get this! I asked permission to post it on the blog so we could all cheer her on. She replied, "Sure. I can use some support right now!"


So folks, let's give Holly and her husband a big hip-hip-hooray. They're in for exciting times -- some good, some bad, but never dull.

19 comments:

  1. Blessing and God's peace to you! I think it's amazing, and I absolutely pray that we may be able to full time homestead some day soon. That my husband would have courage and trust in God to do it!

    Learning in NY

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  2. Holly, You didn't mention your age, but...
    I a 62 and my husband and I just finished building a 1940's farmhouse on 10 acres. We have downsized to 1500 sq ft of living space. Moved in Mid-March. Planted 16 fruit trees, have 14 chickens. Have 8 blueberry bushes. Just finished 6 rows of corn, 6 rows of beans, a row of onions, a row of beets, 2 rows of peas and 2 rows of potatoes. My husband is retiring on June 12 and WE ARE HAVING THE TIME OF OUR LIVES!!!! Glad to have you with us. Lot of work and bushels of satisfaction!!!!

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  3. Good for you Holly and hubby! What a wonderful feeling knowing you can be self reliant. Wishing you joy and happiness in your new adventure!
    Shari from Cali

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  4. You go, brave girl! There's an army of people (I'm one) who are dreaming of pulling up stakes and taking the plunge too. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

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  5. oh fantastic! Well done her for taking the plunge! :) New follow from The Lady Prepper Uk :)

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  6. God's blessings to you, Holly and hubby. Remember your own words of wisdom on those days that you question yourselves, "in the long run".
    God has a plan and He is never wrong. Best wishes to you for happiness and success.
    sidetracksusie

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  7. It can work, but they have to be serious about it. I'll pray that they seek the Lord about things often.

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  8. Go Holly + husband Homesteaders!
    And, Go Patrice Homesteader Evangelist!
    Best wishes from Brenda, a sort of homesteader :)

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  9. Best of luck, I think it is the most satisfying thing we've ever done and I hope Holly and her Hubby feel the same way!!

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  10. Holly - My husband is retired and I'm retiring at the end of the year. You can do this. In the past 2 years, we've planted a huge garden, gotten guinea fowl (I'm very allergic to chicken) and will be moving them out to a "hen" house later this week. We have plans for an orchard next year. You can do this. It is the most terrifying and wonderful thing we've done in 44 years of marriage. Go for it!

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  11. You go girl! Brave move that will pay dividends in the happiness of your family.

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  12. Best of luck to you Holly and hubby, you'll be fine and you'll also find that you'll be able to live on the smell of an oily rag if you need to (not sure if you use that expression over there in the US) but what I'm saying is, as full time homesteaders you'll be growing your veggies and raising your chickens etc. Can I suggest you might also think of things like asking friends or fellow bloggers to send you some seeds from there collections to get you started. Also ask the old timers and neighbours for advise and help. People love to be helpful and will often give you a hand if needed. I'm very happy for you. Blessings Gail.

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  13. Well folks say you can't live on love, but it ain't living if all you are is miserable. I don't believe this was a spur of the moment decision, and I do believe you and your husband have done some plotting and planning, and that both of you are together on just how you intend to spend your time, resources, and spirits working together as a COUPLE pulling the yoke, not one holding the reins, and one walking behind.
    God Bless, Good Luck, I would lay money down that together you will be a winning team.

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  14. Folks do best doing things they enjoy best. Sounds exciting! You know Patrice and Don so you know it will be tough but rewarding. Maybe Patrice can update us on your progress?
    Montana Guy

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  15. Congratulations to Holly and her family for making the decision to move ahead! We were in her shoes 2 years ago and have been plodding along ever since, learning along the way and meeting wonderful folks. Wouldn't give up the memories for anything!! Slowly getting things pulled together and settled in.

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  16. Congratulations to Holly and her family for making the decision to move ahead! We were in her shoes 2 years ago and have been plodding along ever since, learning along the way and meeting wonderful folks. Wouldn't give up the memories for anything!! Slowly getting things pulled together and settled in.

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  17. Congratulations Holly!! I'm sure you will have quite an adventure :-) Just remember when you are having 'one of those days', pray and things will look different the next morning. When all seems right with you, remember to Thank God!

    My hubby & I are doing something similar. He retired last year and are moving out of state to our acerage in Tenn. Just to basic move is a feat. Then we will have to live like Pioneers for a period of time until our house is built, all the while building and trying to get an area ready & secure for a future garden/orchard.

    Best of luck to you Holly & these rest who are taking the plunge this year!

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  18. Congratulations to Holly. That's exciting news and an exciting step. Wishing you the very best!

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  19. Here's a good 'getting started' article about farming. http://www.hobbyfarms.com/farm-marketing-and-management/11-things-every-beginning-farmer-needs-to-do.aspx

    Mrs. Mac

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