{Living} Words to Live By

Hello dear friends and gentlefolk. Welcome to 2020. It’s a new year as well as a new decade! (Not only is this a new calendar decade, but it also happens to be a new decade in my own timeline- I will be turning 30 this year.) I know I have been somewhat remise in my duties as a blogger, creator and general story teller. With the new decade comes a renewed commitment to the former. I have so much I am looking forward to sharing with each of you in the coming year and beyond. 

If you will allow me, I would like to set the stage for the new journey upon which I (and I hope you will join me) am about to embark on. 

As you may know, my description reads “Welcome kindred spirits and gentlefolk. My Name is Ms. B (or Rebecca.) I will tell you that staying connected to the past is an important part of life here on the Flying V-S Farm.  Please join me as I share my journey of embracing the past in the everyday with simple, authentic and time honored traditions.” 

There are two words and a phrase that have come to be defining parts of how I want to life my life in this new chapter. 

Authentic

To be authentic is to be “made or done in the traditional or original way that faithfully resembles the original.”  As a lover of time travel and living history, I aim to be as authentic in my life as is humanly possible. Not only to the traditions of the past but to who I am as a person. This includes to be “inspired by the past” as well.

Simple

To be “plain, basic or uncomplicated form, nature or design; without much decoration or ornamentation.” I have found over the past decade that I fail at anything I have set my mind to that I have inherently made to be “overcomplicated.” Embracing the simplicity in which things used be done will make it easier to live the life I have envisioned and achieve the goals I have set for myself. I understand fully that this does not make the things in one’s life “easy.” Rather, it gives one a sense of peace. 

Time Honored

To be “respected or valued because it has existed for a long time.” Embracing the past is to embrace what those who have come before have done. Time honored traditions are things which have been passed down to the younger generations either through direct contact with an elder relative (like my dear Gran) or through the written knowledge we are privileged to have access to in the modern day. 

These words have become the framework for the life I wish to pursue. It won’t be easy by any means with our modern notions or being labeled a millennial. I intend to do it to the best of my ability. And I look forward to sharing it all with you my dear friends. 

~Ms.  B

{Farm} The importance of a Great Feed and Tack Store

Food is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to owning and raising animals on your farm or homestead. For some, homesteading means complete self-sufficiency. However, for many it just isn’t possible to have enough space or time to grow enough rations for the livestock you desire. This is not an excuse to keep from getting animals and enjoying the benefits they bring to your farm or homestead. 

If you are like me and have a hard time even fathoming what it would be like to grow all the food for your animals, there is an alternative. Patronizing your local feed and tack store is just as beneficial as growing your own feed. It can be a friendly environment that can allow you a little socializing away from your farm or homestead. It is also a reliable source for feed, even in the cooler months. 

As some of you may know, our little farm is nestled on an acre within city limits. We are blessed to have a fantastic establishment just a few minutes away. Benson’s has been serving the area for generations. Gran has shopped at this particular store for almost 40 years. It has taught me that customer loyalty pays off. I started purchasing feed for my animals from them almost 6 years ago when I purchased my first flock. Ever since then, the relationship built up with the proprietor and his employees has been priceless. Since we frequent the store for supplies, there are many instances where I no longer even have to give my order because they know what I get. 

It’s a bit like being a part of a rather large extended family-which keeps getting bigger and bigger. As a family would ask after one another, Mr. Benson always asks after my parents and the farm. He usually asks how the homesteading is going as well. We like to share with them come Christmastide in the form of cookie trays or little gifts. The store really is a family affair, as his grandkids are often in the store taking orders and helping process payments behind the counter.

Being a feed and tack store means they carry more than just feed- they supply for all aspects of life with animals. We purchase alwmost everything we need for all our animals there-including the dogs. It there is something I need, I will usually look to see if they have items in stock before searching elsewhere. I have found that if they don’t carry it in store, they are often willing to order an item for you if they have the ability to find it. I found out one day that the store accepts recycled egg cartons, which when I am in need of a particular type, I can be found rifling through their stash. 

I was blessed to become a patron of Benson’s through family tradition. Since we are a family here, I wanted to pass on a few tips to help you find a store that will allow you to have the same great experience. 

Online reviews can be misleading

In this day and age, it seems only natural to jump on one’s phone and scan Yelp or Google for reviews on a particular business. I caution against this- not everyone deems it necessary to post a review online. This means that there may be a bias one way or another with the reviews that are given. I encourage you to trust your own intuition. It will be of greater service to you in the end. 

Make a visit to the establishment. 

Actually stepping through the door can help in allowing your intuition to work. It will give you a better sense of the place. Take a walk through the store and browse their inventory. Do they carry items you use? Have a conversation with the employees. You will likely get the chance to speak with the proprietor, since it seems to be my experience that they spent quite a bit of time in the store. This will assist you in getting a feel for the store and help you make an educated decision as to whether or not the store will fit your needs. 

 Share with your new extended family.  

          This can take any form you feel is appropriate. Gran and I like to bake cookies at Christmas for the places we go to often. We make up a tin and deliver it to the store. I started sending a card to the store at Christmas as a thank you for the service throughout the year. It can even be as simple as taking your kids into the store upon occasion.  

A good feed and tack store can make all the difference in raising animals on your farm or homestead. If you don’t already give your patronage to a local store, I encourage you to find one and visit. You might be surprised.

Ms. B