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.