The Simple Farm is located in the middle of a beautiful neighborhood in Scottsdale, Arizona.  If you're not looking, you just might miss it. I had my eyes peeled for the small sign.  I was excited as I turned in to the dirt drive to park my car loaded with friends.  I wanted to visit the farm for several years now and ...I'd finally arrived.

Lylah and Michael Ledner made a decision to change their lives and become farmers. About three or four years ago, Lylah and I connected through our blogs.  Back and forth messages ensued and we discovered a unique connection.  Michael and I both grew up in Lindenhurst, a village on Long Island in New York.  He graduated one year ahead of me.  I remembered his brother Bob.  The brothers were members of a band that used to play at our high school dances.  Ah memories ...

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The Simple Farm hosts a farmer's market every Thursday morning from 8:30-12.  Typically, I'm working during those hours so I've never had the opportunity to visit.  I've told many people about the farm, including Venous.  She's the mom to three of our students at school.  She's become so passionate about The Simple Farm's message that she volunteers every Thursday and is the official greeter.  Venous is the perfect ambassador for the farm.  With her beautiful smile, she has a way of making everyone feel welcome.


Venous even invited me to a special tea she hosted in honor of her mother at the Ritz Carlton last month.  Check out her aqua nails that I captured in this photo.  Venous arranged for Lylah and me to finally meet in person.  What a joy to wrap my arms around this gal, listen to her voice and see her lovely face.

But back to The Simple Farm.  This picture speaks to me.  A juxtaposition of a quiet retreat and yet the convenience of a car. How often I long to go back to a simpler time and way of living.  And yet I do love some modern conveniences.  :)

We began with a personal tour conducted by Michelle Spiller.  She explained how the vegetables and herbs were grown and cared for. We checked out the goats.  Their milk is used to create the most amazing caramels that melt in your mouth.  I know because I've eaten many of them.

Lylah was busy working but stopped to spend some time with our group.  She drew us around her under a shade tree and began to share.

 There's something so appealing about a passionate person.  Lylah shared her vision of community.  On a trip to France, she had an epiphany of sorts.  She was enjoying the more leisurely lifestyle.

• Families preparing food together. 
• Families sitting down to meals together.  
• Families spending time sharing during the meals.  

How far we've deviated in America as we pursue a fast paced life of convenience.  We've lost that sense of truly listening to one another.

How often do your dinners consist of take out consumed in front of the television? Oh and did I forget the constant texting?    

Well our group had fun at The Simple Farm and we learned much.

Since I've so much more to share with you about our visit, I decided to do a part two.  I know how people don't like to read long blog posts after all.  So be sure to come back for Part 2.

Blessings and love,

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Memorial Day is a day to remember the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  So many sacrificed their lives for the freedom we can all too easily take for granted.  

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Rest for the weary.  This scene looks so inviting.  A time of peace and quiet and ...rest.

It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with Lisa-Jo of The Gypsy Mama.  We get to write for five minutes flat on a word we're given each week.  The word for today is VIEW.


GO

I've experienced my share of turbulence while riding in airplanes. That up and down agitated motion causes my stomach to drop. Looking out the window, I can't see much except the color gray.  I hope the pilot knows what he's doing.  Just as suddenly, the shaking motion stops and we're cruising above the clouds at a higher altitude.  I can breathe easier now.

Sometimes life seems like that.  I don't always get to see everything clearly.  Life becomes turbulent and I don't know what will happen. Changes occur that I hadn't planned.  My perspective is blurred and I don't like it.  And yet through the turbulence I've learned to trust my Navigator.  

I cling to God.

Psalm 63:8: "My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."

My view isn't clear right now.  But one day it will be.  In the meantime, it's my faith in God that propels me on.

STOP

Blessings and love,



photo credit: Eustaquio Santimano via photopin cc

This is the last week of our school year.  I've been going through photos and writing up some of the funny things the children have said this past year.  And now I'm feeling a bit sad.  It's hard to say goodbye to children I've grown to love.  Although most of them will still be at the school, it won't be the same.  It's time to let go ...

Heidi and I work so well together.  She gave me a photo album as an end of school year gift.  We think alike as my album to her should be in my mailbox by Tuesday at the latest.  Thank you Shutterfly!

In the album I received, Heidi interviewed each child and asked them questions.  She recorded them in their exact words.  I loved each one.

I had to laugh as Saniya said "Miss Debbie is special because she ties my shoes."  If you only knew how many times I have to tie her shoes!  But I really don't mind.  One day she will be able to double knot her shoes all by herself. :)

Photo Credit

At the beginning of each school year, I collect cute things the children say.  I place them in a jar like this one.  This weekend I took them out to review.

Arcadia is one of the older neighborhoods in Phoenix.  Many people have lived and grown up here.  But a growing number of younger families are moving in.  They're making improvements to their homes while still staying true to the original character of the area. Many are creating their own edible gardens in their backyard, with organic vegetables and a variety of fruit.  Orange, lemon and grapefruit trees line the streets and yards.

I love Arcadia!  It's where Greg and I relocated a little over one year ago. When I read about Arcadia's Edible Garden Tour, I knew I had to purchase a ticket.  I'm so glad I did!

Early Saturday morning I was prepared with my map, bottled water, sunglasses and camera.  I decided to create my own route instead of the numbered list I was emailed.  I was hoping to avoid the crowds. I headed out to my first stop.

The Boho Farm is located within walking distance of my condo. Since I had other gardens to visit, I decided to drive.  This 'farm' is nestled in a quiet neighborhood.  From the moment I stepped on to the grounds, I felt comfortable and welcomed.



I'm also linking up with Joan of The Beauty in His Grip for Sharing His Beauty.

This has been the week for celebrating nurses and teachers.  I've been privileged to be a part of both professions.

To be a nurse or a teacher requires dedication and caring for others.  

I worked as a nurse for 25 years.  After personally experiencing open heart surgery as a child of seven, I knew what it felt like to be a patient.  I wanted to give back.  So I became a cardiovascular nurse specialist.  I met so many amazing people and had many life experiences.

However, I came to a point in my life when I was able to retire.  I thought I'd spend the rest of my life volunteering, traveling and having fun ...

But it was not to be.  Circumstances dictated that I return to work after an almost ten year hiatus.

So where did I go?  I went to work at Rancho Solano Private School working in a classroom filled with three and four year old children. This is something I never expected and yet ...it's been a blessing.

Since I was unable to have children (and I always wanted them), this was a perfect environment for me.  I remember as a child lining up my dolls on the window seat of my room.  My little sister Christine sat crunched in the middle of them.  I was the teacher and I would teach school.

 
Sometimes life doesn't always turn out as you expect.  But in the midst of those times, I've learned to count my blessings.  God is good and how thankful I am for the opportunities He gives to me.

After all, I get to spend my day with these precious little ones.  And I love each one of them!

So thank you nurses and teachers!  You are amazing!

Blessings and love,

Working with little children is a delight.  However, they love to run up to me every day to show me their latest boo-boos.  They lift up their pant leg so I can see a tiny scrape.  Or they hold up their finger to show me their princess band-aid.  When the other children see this they have to run over to show me their boo-boos too.

But are we adults so different?  Where do you turn when you're hurting?  Do you pick up the phone to talk to a friend?

To continue reading, click over to Laced with Grace ...

Blessings and love,