Thank You!

Well, dear reader, we have another Fall At The Farm in the books. I believe this year was the best yet. We were graced with perfect weather, amazing vendors, a phenomenal crowd, and so much love and support. When we say we appreciate you, it is a simple phrase, but it is packed with so much meaning. We know we could not do what we do without your support. We understand that out of a sea of handmade soaps, you choose us, and that is big. Although thank you does not seem sufficient, it is all I've got. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do for us to help us realize our dream. From sharing our social media posts, to reading my daily ramblings, to giving us feedback, to talking about us and recommending us to your friends and family, you guys are rock stars. We really do appreciate you. 

Although The Bibbed Wonder and I try to at least say hello to everyone, we know we miss quite a few. We take our jobs of being hosts seriously, so we rely on really great people to handle the tent and sales while we make sure our vendors have everything they need, run for products to restock when necessary, and try to get around to everyone to say hello and thank you. Kristene and John R., I saw you and wanted to chat, but you slipped away before I found you. Jennifer M., I saw you too, but I couldn't get away in time to catch you before you left. For those I missed, I'm sorry. If you see me out and about, please say hello. If you come to our event, please make sure to give me at least a wave. It makes me feel bad that I don't get to have conversations with everyone who so generously gives their time and resources to support us. Please know, we notice you and hope to say hello and thank you. 

Let's talk about those vendors! Please understand that everyone who attends my events either has a solid connection to me or comes highly recommended by someone I have a solid connection to, and I trust them. Everyone here I consider a friend, and they impress the socks off me with their products! I maintain a standard of make it, bake it, or grow it for our vendors. These people are the real deal. They make everything with their own ideas, their talent, and their God given gifts. You won't find third-party vendors at my events. Not that I have an issue with third-party vendors, but my goal is to support the handmade community and artisans. 

It is my vendor friends who come out to help support us that make this event a success. Without their willingness to sacrifice a precious Saturday, and trust me, free Saturdays are few and far between, we could not do this. If you guys are the rock stars, they are the stage. They create a solid platform of incredible talent, but amplify it with such kindness and integrity. I love our handmade family. Even more, I love sharing my handmade family with all of you. Thank you for showing all of our friends such overwhelming love and support. 

So, you may have heard that my birthday was yesterday. Many people joked that I spent my birthday weekend working. I may scoff back with a joke, but the truth is, it doesn't feel like work. It feels like a birthday party where I have almost all of my favorite people in one spot. My friends make sure to go out of their way to make me feel loved and appreciated, and I am so very grateful for their kindness. If you are a frequent blog reader, you know I have some pretty big and painful holes in the fabric of my traditional family. My husband, daughter, GB, and so many friends who have become family go out of their way to make me feel special and try to fill those holes for me. I love you guys for that. Thank you. 

As I sit writing to you, I have a chorus running in the back of my head of the things I need to do this morning. The Bean and I are going to go away for a girls' trip for a few days to celebrate my birthday. I hope this becomes a new tradition for us that will last for many years to come. So, my dear reader, thank you for all your love, support, encouragment, and efforts to help us be successful. We know, it is because of you we get to do what we do in the place we love, together. Without you, I don't know where we would be. I gratefully and humbly thank you. 

On this blustery October day, stay safe, be smart, know you are appeciated, know we say thank you for everything you do, and know in our book, you are all rock stars. Oh, of course, keep washing your hands.