Embracing New Beginnings: A Homesteader’s Journey Into Autumn
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin their slow dance of color, there is an undeniable sense of change in the air. Autumn is coming and with its, the vibrant hues and cooling breeze will soon be here, signaling a time for reflection and renewal on the homestead. This season is not just about preparing for the months ahead—it is also about celebrating the rhythms of life that are already well underway here. From the steady hum of the forge to the quiet moments spent in the garden, each element of the homestead is woven into the fabric of our everyday life and business.
The blacksmith's forge has been alight for some time now, with tools and goods being carefully crafted for both the homestead and our customers. The rhythmic clang of hammer on metal has become a familiar and comforting sound. Each piece forged is a labor of love—whether it’s a handcrafted tool, a beautifully designed iron gate, or a set of durable utensils. These creations, born from fire and sweat, are crafted to last and serve, ensuring that our homestead’s needs are met and that others can enjoy the benefits of these functional works of art.
The pottery wheel has also been spinning consistently in our studio, producing handmade ceramics that bring both beauty and function to our home and our business. Each vessel, from rustic mugs to elegant bowls, is molded with care, infused with the warmth of the kiln and the earthy tones of the season. These pottery pieces are already gracing tables, both here and in the homes of our customers, bringing a touch of the homestead’s spirit into every home.
Preserving the harvest is a cornerstone of what we do, and the season of bounty has us busy in the kitchen, the apiary, and the herb garden. Our herbal teas, made from the freshest plants harvested from the garden, are carefully dried and packed, ready for their journey to those who seek their healing and warmth. The honey harvest has also been a sweet success this year, with the bees having worked tirelessly to produce golden jars of nature’s nectar. Each jar of honey, harvested with care, is a reminder of the land's generosity and the interconnectedness of all things. These preserves—teas, honey, and the fruits of the earth—are a reflection of the land’s cycles, ready to nourish and sustain us through the winter months.
One of the sweetest joys of autumn is gathering the raspberries with the children. Their laughter fills the air as they eagerly fill their baskets with the ripest fruit, their little hands brushing against the warm berries. It’s a tradition that we look forward to every year—picking those plump, sun-warmed raspberries and sharing in the simple joy of the harvest. These berries will soon be transformed into preserves, pies, and other treats, their sweetness capturing the essence of autumn’s fleeting beauty.
As we wait for the hens to start laying, we anticipate the arrival of their colorful eggs—green, blue, and white, all nestled together in a beautiful, rainbow-colored basket. The joy of collecting these eggs, knowing they come from a well-cared-for flock, is something we look forward to every year. The eggs will nourish our family and our customers alike, each one a symbol of the bounty that the land and the animals so generously provide.
Autumn on the homestead is a time to reflect on all the work that has already been done, while also looking forward to the fruits of that labor. The forge, the pottery wheel, the apiary, the garden—all of these are not just hobbies, but integral parts of our business and way of life. As the season unfolds, we continue to nurture these crafts, to share them with others, and to deepen our connection to the land and its rhythms.
This season is a beautiful reminder that every end brings the promise of a new beginning. Whether we’re forging new tools, molding clay, harvesting the last fruits of the garden, or collecting honey from the hives, each act of creation is both a continuation of the work we’ve always done and a fresh chapter in the ongoing story of this homestead. With the promise of autumn’s bounty and the excitement of new projects, we are grateful for the opportunity to share the fruits of our labor with others—and to continue embracing the cycles of life that make this journey so rewarding.
Sarah
Fox and Forge Farm
