Life Lessons and Farmer Blows

I'm taking a break from life, dear reader. In the next few days, I will re-post some of my favorite blogs from the last four years. It's a bit of a rewind, and I enjoy seeing how far we have come, how The Bean has grown, and how my ideas have developed over time. I hope you enjoy it.

While walking the woods and fields with my ten-year-old daughter, she caught me off guard and completely grossed me out by doing a farmer blow. For those of you who are civilized and uneducated in practices of mucus control without the necessary tools such as tissues, handkerchiefs, or the trusty sleeve in a pinch, a farmer blow is when you close one nostril with your finger and commence blowing mucus with much force and projection from your unclosed nostril.

After a loud and exasperated "WHAT THE HELL!" from me, she laughed hysterically and said, "Daddy said you would yell about that!" I proclaimed her behavior disgusting and offered the many other options she could have chosen other than the farmer blow. Still tittering away like a crazed chipmunk, she explains how having "variousness" in your skill set is essential. She informed me it wasn't gross (although that is a definite perk for her). She was merely problem-solving.

We always discuss problem-solving with Jordan and try to make her understand that there are always options. In my opinion, you are never stuck. The options might not always be the easiest or most pleasant, but there are always options. Step back and look at the possibilities before you, decide your desired outcome, and choose your option. It can be difficult, but you aren't stuck until you decide you are stuck.

We also frequently discuss skill sets and the importance of having a varied skill set. I feel that a varied skill set makes for a strong, confident, problem-solving individual. For example, Jordan can sort her laundry, run the washer and dryer, load and unload the dishwasher, follow a recipe, milk a goat, help a pig deliver piglets, butcher a chicken, safely handle a butchered chicken, read Edgar Allen Poe, write a thank you note, complete her homework without being told, make change, do math in her head, safely handle a firearm, clean and maintain a firearm, discuss politics in a non-offensive manner, form an opinion, respectfully share that opinion, place her napkin on her lap during a meal, and use the correct flatware. It is a varied skill set for a ten-year-old, in my opinion. (Truth be told, the kid is a rock star! However, I understand I am completely biased)

She got me; what can I say?

 By my definition, she viewed her options, decided on her desired outcome, chose her option, and acted upon that. By her definition, it was a success. Her nose stopped running, she could breathe, and bonus point: she cleared her boots! It's not necessarily an option I would choose or have her pick. However, that is what life is all about, right? That's the glory of it all. Learning to sit back, watch them make their choices, and celebrate their wins. I also want to hand them a paper towel when they don't clear their boots.

Stay safe, be smart, make good choices, always clear your boots, and keep washing your hands.

Tuesday Spotlight: Panty Dropper

Click to Save on Panty Dropper Soap

Today, our spotlight is on The Bibbed Wonder's creation, Panty Dropper. Eric was the mastermind behind this soap and its name. Sigh. Not everyone has The Bibbed Wonder's unseemly sense of humor. The local health food store carries our products. They prefer our soap to be "naked" or without packaging and sell it by weight. They changed the name of this soap so it was more appealing to their customer base. Regardless of what you find funny, this soap is delightfully scented with luxurious qualities.

We begin with the base recipe for all our soaps and add poppy seeds for gentle exfoliation. The scent is mildly masculine, but many customers enjoy it and the poppy seeds. The name may make you giggle, roll your eyes, or perhaps blush. However, there is no denying that the soap smells lovely and is excellent for your skin.

This week, exclusively on the website, save 25% on Panty Dropper soap. No promo code is needed to take advantage of the weekly special. The discount will be applied at checkout. Now is a great time to stock up on a favorite, try something new, or purchase an affordable gift. On this lovely fall day, stay safe, be smart, enjoy the savings, and keep washing your hands.

Thank You For A Wonderful Fall Event

Welcome to Monday, dear reader. We had such a good weekend. On Saturday, we had our Fall At The Farm event. We could not have asked for more beautiful weather. The sun was shining, and there was a fall nip to the air in the morning, but the day warmed to a comfortable seventy degrees. Saturday was also my birthday, and I could not have asked for a better celebration. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You all helped make my day absolutely perfect. Nothing is better than being surrounded by your favorite people on a gorgeous fall day at my beloved farm. To everyone who came out to support us, thank you.

The day began before dawn. I wore my "good" rubber boots, and soon, my tootsies were numb and aching from the cold. I put on Muc Luc socks made from recycled plastic, thinking my feet would be comfortable. Thankfully, I came to my senses and purchased a pair of alpaca wool socks from the kind shepherd who owns PrAiry Girl creations. I can't begin to compare Carlene's wool socks to the recycled plastic socks. My feet were warm, toasty, and comfortable the rest of the day, with Carlene's wool socks on my feet. Nothing beats natural, no matter how environmentally sound it claims to be. I will be stocking up and gifting Carlene's socks this Christmas.

My wonderful friends gifted me their beautiful creations throughout the day. I felt very loved and appreciated, and my heart continues to smile. Knowing how uncomfortable I was being the center of attention, Jenna LOUDLY demanded everyone sing Happy Birthday to me before the event began. Sigh. What would a birthday be without an element of discomfort? Although it made me squirm, I appreciate the gesture. I'm just grateful my jokester friend does not make good on the threat of renting a billboard for my birthday and showcasing every horrible picture I have ever taken. She acts a lot like my husband, and I sometimes wonder why I like either. Sigh.

The day was filled with smiles, good cheer, kind gestures, and well wishes. I was happy to see some of my favorite soap family members. We appreciate those who traveled an hour or more to be with us and help us celebrate. Robbie and Chap, Gus's Grandparents (said to make you smile if you read this), the Giles, we hope to hang out with you outside an event, Abbey and Dylan, and The Bumgardners, we loved having you as vendors. These are just a few. To our local and neighboring soap family members, we loved welcoming you and appreciate your support. Ed and Susan, you always make me smile; Bobbie and Calvin, I loved talking goats with your grandson; Jane, my dear friend from elementary school, thank you for your support; Jimmy, Terry, and Ed, your long-time friendship and support make me feel like a bit of my dad was here. Aunt Carol, Gloria, Angela, Cathy (Susie), Norma, and Debbie, thank you for never missing an event. Ginny, I loved seeing you and hope to see you at many more. The list is too long to name everyone, but you all made my day.

My vendor friends always comment on how friendly, polite, and supportive the crowd who attends our events is. Our soap family truly is filled with wonderful people. Words cannot express our gratitude and appreciation for all you do for us. Indeed, you make what we do worthwhile.

My vendor friends make this event possible. Many of them drive an hour or more to be with us. They get up at the crack of dawn, drive through darkness, fog, and deer to come set up for a few hours, and support our small farm endeavor. I am so proud to be part of this wonderful, talented, hard-working circle. They treat me with kindness and respect, share their insights, help when needed, and make my world better. So many began as neighbors at the Ligonier Country Market, and all have become friends. We are truly blessed to know you.

Jenna and Janet, who graciously give their time, energy, math skills, and warm, friendly personalities, always help us with our events. These remarkable women have surpassed friendship and moved into the role of family. However unlucky or lucky they may feel, they are my people. We could not do what we do without them. They help us out and have taken The Bean under their wings. They have listened to my neurotic worries about life, calmed my anxiety, made me laugh, and earned my respect.

Thank you, everyone, for all you do, the light you bring into my world, the smiles, the kind gestures, the support, the help, and the friendship. We could not do what we do without you. As I move into the autumn of my life, I believe I have a greater understanding of what is important, what this life is supposed to be about, and how to be truly happy. One of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself is to surround yourself with others who lift you up, support you, respect you, and make you feel appreciated. I had the best birthday ever, thank you all.

On this chilly autumn day, stay safe, be smart, celebrate the good people in your life, appreciate all this life has to offer, surround yourself with amazing people, and keep washing your hands.