Red Earth Farmstead

Embrace the incubation period. Great things take time. 🌬️🪶

🐛 The Yellow-Striped Armyworm is Back! 🐛

Remember those pesky yellow-striped armyworms that wreaked havoc on my tomato plants last year? Well, it seems they've returned! Thankfully, I only found one so far, but it's a reminder to stay vigilant.

This little encounter got me thinking about the parallels between gardening and life. You can have the best intentions, plant the best seeds, and provide the most nurturing soil, but if you don't stay on top of things, weeds and pests will quickly take over.

Just like in life, a little vigilance and attention can go a long way in keeping your dreams and goals thriving.

✨What lessons has gardening taught you about life?✨

Honestly, it's nuts how good these figs are! 😳🤣

Our neighbor at Planet Peace Farm posted a pic of a ripe fig from their tree so of course I had to run out and check ours. 🤤

Snakes are amazing relatives! 🐍

Today I found this beautiful DeKay's Brown Snake chilling in our tomato bed. These little guys are incredible pest control, helping to keep our gardens healthy and thriving.They eat snails, slugs, earthworms, and other pests that can damage gardens.

It's a reminder that nature is full of incredible symbiotic relationships, and we can all learn to live in harmony with these fascinating creatures.

What are your favorite ways to welcome nature into your life? 🫶🏾✨

We truly cannot thank Wildwynn Stables enough for putting on such an incredible horse camp!

This was a really big deal for us. This was Mǫ:tiyį́ki's first time ever being left without being with someone from our household for any appreciable amount of time. What better way to kickoff the adventures of growing up a little more than horse camp? 😅

We are so proud of her and all that she learned. Meghan, her coworkers and their many young volunteers are truly making a difference in our community and we will forever be grateful for each and every one of them. 🫶🏾✨

What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?

Ford dropped a new Escape Edition y'all! 🥵

*More pics in the comments*

💫Growth happens from the inside out.💫

Just like this tiny egg, your potential is unfolding every day. Believe in yourself!

What is the most life-changing decision you’ve ever made on a whim? Can you imagine what your life would be like if you hadn’t done it?

Yes, Pardon My French indeed. 😍

Do you think it’s scarier to imagine that humans are the most intelligent life form in the universe, or that there is a more intelligent life form out there?

Having a rough day? Place your hand over your heart. Feel that? That's called purpose. You're alive for a reason. Don't give up, no matter what. Be smart, be strong, be proud, live honorably & with dignity, & just hold on. It's gonna be hard & scary & brutal, but if you just hold on, you'll be okay. Just hold on.

Looky looky who's joined their hatch mate with the big dogs...birds? Woof woof, bawk bawk it's basically the same. 🤷🏾‍♂️

Found this very welcome little visitor while taking care of the flock last night. 😍

This is a young Gray Rat Snake and we are actually at the very edge of their range of uncertainty (I'll post a picture in the comments), so a really cool find.

Why so excited? Well, this is the perfect size friend to have around the flock. Just the right size for hunting mice, but not quite big enough to steal eggs or eat chicks. 🐍✨

Watching life begin is always so fun. 😍

‼️F # Cancer‼️

Them: Don't do it!

Me:

Apparently it's just the year of the turtle over here. 😅

Today's rescue was carried out by Caitlin when she noticed Valencia barking at our visitor. This is an eastern river cooter, they are by far the most common turtle we have in our creek system. They tend to venture into the yard during egg laying season.

I love that I have a partner that is as passionate about animal rescue as I am. If you hear me quack occasionally it's just because I'm a lucky duck. 😍

What's Steve saying y'all?

The first coat on the front of Scorch's tank stand is done. I love watching our girls work together. Despite their big age difference they are super close and for that I am forever grateful. 😍

This year, I have not been as attentive to the egg and chick portion of our business as I would have liked. I am not proud of this, as I believe in honesty over toxic positivity.

Toxic positivity is the act of always portraying life as perfect and in order, which is not reflective of reality. While I maintain a positive outlook on life, it is important to acknowledge that emotions and productivity fluctuate.

Typically, we would be nearing the end of our hatching season, but we are just now setting our first eggs for the year. These eggs will be retained for our breeding and egg laying program to continue supporting our community. Despite the delay, we are close to being able to fulfill our commitments to our patient community by sending out hatching eggs and chicks.

I apologize for the delay and assure you that steps have been taken to prevent this from happening in the future. I am grateful for the support and understanding of our community as we navigate this situation together. Thank you for joining us on this journey. 💛✨

Another turtle rescue in the books! Peep the comments to see my thoughts on a possible career change. 🐢💪🏾

Where in the world has the time gone?! Our nephew is officially a teenager! 😭💛✨

I'm thrilled with how Scorch's tank stand is turning out! 😍

Despite not using any plans or guides, I'm really pleased with the result. Just a few more details to add: a piece of wood between the doors, handles for the doors, and a fresh coat of paint.

Building this with the girls has been an absolute blast! 🥹🫶🏾✨

Look forward to the future, but don't forget to appreciate the present moment. Skywalker reminds us to keep our eyes on the horizon, but also to stop and smell the fresh air.

Life is a journey, not a destination. 💛✨

🤬 global warming but 107° is still better than 32°. I said what I said!

Would you rather spend time floating alone in space, or floating alone at sea?

Blurry because we're in motion at 4:00 in the morning. 😏

Haven't gone to bed yet. Not by choice, thanks insomnia. Run, 100% by choice even though I'd rather mindlessly scroll social.

Wearing cargo pants with my pockets full. Just because it's what I'm always wearing.

Running in muck boots when I shouldn't be. My feet have so many problems that I get custom orthotics every 6 months but waiting till I get running shoes is just another excuse.

So, let this be your motivation too! It's time to stop making excuses and start chasing your goals. You got this! Go out there and crush it! 💥

Why? Why is this little one standing like a Serema?! 🤣🤣🤣

It's giving cockerel vibes. 🫠