There is no question that we are incredibly busy on our small homestead. Between working our “real jobs” full time, taking care of our slew of animals, clearing, cutting wood, putting up fence, etc, we have a tendency to always be doing something. But, there is always work to be done. I used to feel guilty if I would want to just sit and relax for a short break. I would try, but then all I could think about is the things I should be doing, which made me anxious, unrelaxed, and then I would just get back to work.
Recently though, things have shifted. There is still plenty to do around here at all times, but we are more established than we were two years ago or even last year. We have pasture established, fences, and systems in place. While there will always be wood to cut and animals to tend to, we have reached a point to an extent that with some things we are in “maintenance mode” rather than “getting established mode”.
It’s because of this we are able to sit back and ENJOY what we have worked so hard for from time to time. Don’t get me wrong, we enjoy the benefits from our animals year round whether it be their company, entertainment, meat, or milk they provide. But, there really is something about just sitting and observing them in their element we have worked so hard to give them.
For me, one of my favorite ways to relax and take in and enjoy all of our hard work is to spin on our patio overlooking the pasture. I can watch the sheep, the grass, and spin up some yarn. This is me we are talking about, so I still have to be doing something “productive”at all times, and creating yarn fits the bill 🙂 It’s incredibly relaxing, and is a wonderful way to soak in all of the fruits of our hard labor.
Below I have a recording of a recent soothing spin. Nothing but wind, birds, a visit from the sheep, and the metronome rhythmic click of my vintage wheel. A little spinning therapy does the soul good.
Happy Spinning,
