The Internet was innocent enough at the beginning. Extensive, informative and a pretty good resource. Through it, I found seed sources, equipment, tips and like-minded folk to launch me on my farm adventure. Wildly entertaining, a daily surprise, and more enjoyable than I thought possible. (Kind of like raising chickens.) Then it got sticky...
There was the blog. Amazing fun, fantastic friends, and connections I never dreamed of with fellow shepherds and farmers all over the country, uh, actually the world. As we delved further into our farm efforts, the blog sometimes became difficult to manage, but we did our best. (Kind of like raising sheep.)
Next, there was the web page for the side business. Then, a site called Ravelry popped up to bring together fiber nuts, knitters, and crocheters. And I had(?) to become a part of that. Besides hours of fibertastic fun, it was "good" for the business I was told. So, we even got a forum group over there to grow the business and exchange with fellow fiberholics about the richness and diversity of our passion. Different tastes and colors, all beautiful, all desirable. (Kind of like growing vegetables.)
And then there was Twitter, and Facebook, and it got more complicated. Platforms to tell the world was I was doing now, what I liked and disliked, find friends from ages ago, and a little bit of how it is to struggle to be an organic farmer in the United States. Postings, tweets, walls, and updates now coming at me from all directions. Difficult to stay one step ahead, never knowing about the next contact or what to do. A roller coaster ride ... (Kind of like raising goats.)
I love connecting with people over the things we share...and meeting new ideas, old traditions, common threads, and fresh perspectives. My only question: Am I the spider or the fly?
7 comments:
I'm not sure but I enjoy it! I'd be so isolated without all my internet connections.
Spider or the fly...could be either at times...:) Saying hello from our Wee House to your Wee Farm.
Very well put! I love the blogs for all the reasons you mention...to know others are like minded in this venture is a huge encouragement and when they are not, it helps me to remain open minded and make a commitment to learn and grow. Challenging ones assumptions is a good thing at times. I have learned so much and continue to do so! I would feel completely lost as a hobby farmer if I didn't know that I am not alone and support is there when I need it. I am however resisting all the rest, especially facebook. I feel is just a matter of time to some extent, like it was just a matter of time that the goats, chickens, and sheep were to come here. I don't even know how it happened...a total snowball effect! But I am going to put it off as long as possible. I do think you and I are close enough in proximity that we should maybe plan farm visits to each others' farms this summer. What do you think?
Oh Kara - I would love to visit your farm and see all the sheep and animals!!! Yes, yes! And you are welcome anytime...
I stopped with "raising sheep" and a few "vegetables;" don't see myself ever going on to a website, Facebook or Twitter. There are only so many hours a day, and already not enough of those to ride, spin, knit, etc. on top of homeschooling and my wee business.
I *love* this post Melanie! I laughed out loud when I got to the goat part! I am learning so much while we are watching Finn (or maybe he's watching us, I'm still not sure) Goats, you gotta love them while they're jumping over every fence you put up! ;)
Spider. Definitely. You are in charge.
Post a Comment