2020….I became a mother. Our family tragically and unexpectedly lost a mother. Our daughter’s first interactions with family and friends was through glass windows. I learned that parenting without (physical) contact is incredibly lonely. We said goodbye to our first “child” our rescue dog Henry. We learned what being a good neighbor is all about and we have the best of them! The farm had its most lucrative year. I published my second cookbook with HarperCollins (the dyslexic preteen in my still has to pinch herself!) We relied on our farm crew more this season than we have in years past. They’re not just crew members, they’re goddamn angels and we are SO lucky to have them working the farm alongside us. This was the year that I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing first time motherhood with my sister-in-law (3 time zones away won’t keep us from talking multiple times a day!) We experienced our first real terrifying experiences being parents and are forever grateful for a healthy baby. My biological sister is moving two towns away!! 2020 was the year that I loved harder and deeper than I’ve ever loved. I’ve cried ugly, violent tears more this year than I’ve ever cried. This past year brought with it my first grey hairs, lots of laugh lines, and a hear that is full of so many raw emotions I’m scared to death it’ll literally break. 2020, you almost killed us. But here we are, still standing. We might be a bit wobbly but we’ve still got some fight left. 2021 I have hope.
Happy New Year to everyone who is a part of this community. XO
I enjoyed your heartfelt comments on 2020. I think everyone has their own stories of 2020 and can relate to your joys and heartaches.
I live in Melbourne Australia and although our growing season is completely opposite to yours, I still enjoy all your recipes and ideas.
Happy to year to you and happy growing season down under. xo
We stand with you. We have hope.
We stand with you. We have hope.
Happy New Year
Happy New Year to you. xo
Thank you for all of your gifts to us and to your local community! This Emily Dickinson poem sums things up for me as we head into a new year. I send it wishing you and your family continued love, courage, and hope:
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –
I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.
This is lovely. Thank you for sharing.
ugh, miss you guys! And so well said! Celebrating and mourning along with you from afar. xo, friends!
Dana! Happy New Year friend. I hope all is well. Cheers to a hopeful, healthy and peaceful new year. xo
Really appreciate you being willing and able to share with us!
Wishing you joy and happiness and much success in 2021.
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I have learned so much about cooking and produce from your books and this blog. You are my go-to for everything recipe related. I make one of your recipes at least 5 days a week. I have been giving your books as wedding gifts and now I struggle with “should I give them the first or second one?” Thank you!
Ahh! I love hearing this. Thank you for all the support. Happy New Year. xo
Thank you Andrea and may God bless you and your family with abundance of love joy peace happiness and wonderful health.
Thank you. Happy New Year.
The thing about being a part of a community, is the give and take….a yin-yang if you will. When I think about how much you and Taylor have contributed (and continue to!) to this community I am not surprised in the least to hear that you have had support when you needed it the most. The “rough ride” of 2020 is behind us, and I believe our community is stronger for it. Thanks for sharing your journey…..
Happy New Year Jewel! And thank you for the lovely book. xoxoxo
Love getting your posts so much. such a great way to start off 2021 with this. Thank you!
Thank you for reading along. xo