What is your personal New Year's Resolution for 2008? Mine is to create more balance in my life - to find the antidote for what in 2007 seemed to be a schedule so jam packed, it commanded 24/7 focus on the farm. In researching ways to quiet my mind without it drifting back to the myriad details of running a busy, successful farm business, I came across the technique of mindfulness. Mindfulness is a method of cultivating balance in an increasingly hectic, chaotic 24/7 world. But how do you use mindfulness to create balance in the midst of a busy daily farm lifestyle?

Mulling over the possibilities, I came across a comment that said to succeed in this mission you must involve community and the support one generates from community activities.

Suddenly it dawned on me some ways all of us farmers can use to renew and restore ourselves. Perhaps we just need to update old fashioned, time-honored farm community practices like pot luck dinners and barn raisings to reflect current modern-day lifestyles.

Next time you need to cultivate balance around your farm, try these…

Morning Coffee Get-Together - When was the last time you shared a cup of java with a fellow farmer?

Beverage Break in the Barn - Set up a table and chairs for scheduled breaks and casual conversation in the barn with your family, co-workers, or farm visitors.

Sunset in the Pasture - Take a break and enjoy watching the sunset in the pasture. Dusk is a favorite time for cria pronking. When was the last time you stopped and watched yours?

Spin In, Knit In, Felt In - Celebrate what you love about your fleece harvest with fiber friends. Keep it casual, informal, and fun.

Pot Luck with Other Breeders - Build a sense of community by extending an invitation to area breeders to bring a dish and enjoy each other's company in a relaxing environment.

Fun on the Farm - Collaborate with other breeders to host an enjoyable social event such as a barn dance.

So here's the plan at WoodsEdge to create balance in our every day workload, celebrate the farm lifestyle and do so with the camaraderie of community. You are invited to join us!

COFFEE IN THE CABANA
May 8, May 22, June 11, June 25, July 3,
September 11 & October 7 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

A one-hour morning gathering with steaming hot coffee as the mist evaporates over the pond. Conversation topics will include fashion forecasts, how to use your fleece, and anything else that arises with the mist. Expect guest appearances by the resident blue heron, and the gaggle of goslings.

MOTHER'S DAY TEA
May 10, 2008 11:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.

Mothers, daughters, soul sisters, and friends looking after friends unite! Celebrate spring with Brenda's Gifts and WoodsEdge in a Mother's Day Weekend Farm Tea Party! Put on your favorite hat and join us to sit and sip tea at bistro tables in the charming event center.

SUNSET CRIA CRUISE
May 2, June 6, September 26 & October 3
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Hop on board the WoodsEdge "limo" for a sunset tour of the cria fields. Enjoy the "romp-n-stomp" antics of cavorting crias, a country sunset and end of the day chit chat. (BYOB optional.)

Sunset Cria Cruise

TIKI TERRACE POTLUCK
June 14 and July 12 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Celebrate summer with a pot luck on our terrace. Enjoy the pastoral view from the tiki-decorated terrace. Island wear appropriate. (BYOB optional)

SPIN IN
May 4, May 11, September 28, October 5
Noon 4:00 p.m.

Bring your favorite spinning wheel and chair - we'll provide some different fleeces from ultra-soft baby alpaca to silky suri llama. Let your frustrations fade into the rhythmic whirl of the wheel turning fleece into beautiful yarns.

FASHION FORECAST
May 2 & October 3 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Crop farmers watch commodity markets; fiber farmers watch fashion forecasts to know how to process their farm's annual fleece production. This fun and informal class will bring you news on everything from hot colors and styles to the latest accessories to help you keep your farm products current, right from "Fashion Avenue" in New York City.

BARN DANCE
September 27 7:00 10:00 p.m.

Bring your neighbors and do-si-do as WoodsEdge hosts an old-fashioned hoe-down barn dance. (No square dancing experience required.)

If there are days when you, too, are begging for balance in your busy life, take time to stop and cultivate the balance that will keep you performing at your best. Join us for any or all of these events and we'll make sure you leave with mindfulness and new energy.

Email or call us today to let us know which of these events you plan to attend, (609) 397-2212, WWFAlpaca@aol.com

©2008 WoodsEdge Wools Farm LLC