What do you love? What brings you joy?

It's that time of year, when all the creatures big and small, human, beast and plant begin to feel the awakening of Spring.  Oh, it's not here just yet, but you can smell it in the air just as easily as the first, succulent fruit of the harvest season. Even more so, you can feel it in your bones as it calls out to you, filling you with anticipation of all that's coming into being.

It's no surprise, then, when I woke early this morning and asked myself my favorite morning question: What brings me joy?, the awakening spring ritual was my answer. I tried to read my email - but it was pointless.  I tried to get excited about doing something in the house - but that was useless. Truth is, and more than anything, I wanted to be outdoors, my hands in the dirt, my mind planning and plotting out gardens for flowers and delicious vegetables; redesigning my chicken coop to become the most chic and happening brooding house on West River Road; I wanted to mark trees for removal...the wood offering to be used for the fireplace, compost, as well as spring-summer-fall bon fires. I planted rows and rows of peony this morning, as well as several small fruit orchards. The small, yet absolutely adorable summer kitchen that sits upon my farm, was completely revamped into a magnificent writing and relaxing home for dwellers and guests alike. Oh, I even replaced the roof on the main house with a gorgeous standing seam - in a charcoal color no less.

Yes indeed - my morning and afternoon was very productive, with most of it taking place in my mind's eye. I love, love, love my imagination and all the ideas and desires that are born - especially when it comes to anything related to the home / cooking / gardening / farming.

When my imagination could no longer contain the enthusiasm bubbling inside me, I did the one thing that would get my dogs more excited than me:  I showed them their leashes and into the SUV the three of us went. First, we enjoyed a mile long hike through Sidecut Park with, thankfully, most of the deer taking their late morning / early afternoon siesta. I love seeing deer on my walks, but Lucy and Cooper tell me it's their solemn mission to protect me from all beasts, including those I enjoy. Lucy + Cooper + Deer = WARNING, WARNING, HIGH ALERT!

Afterward, we took a quick drive through a local fast food joint for coffee (me) and chicken strips (the dogs!). As I sat in the parking lot, wondering what was next for our adventurous day, it's no surprise my truck intimately knows my strongest desires and took me, post haste, to my farm.

Confession --- the farm I've named, and moved into (if only in my mind), isn't really mine. At least not according to the county auditor, and the people that still hold the deed. Nevertheless, it's mine in heart, spirit and mind. If there ever was a great love affair between human and land - then that would be me and this property. It's a wonderful and lovely home and farm that's been on the market for almost 2 years, if not longer. There's been a few close calls where someone actually thought the place was theirs and attempted a purchase, but luckily and selfishly for me -- the sales fell through. Whew!

Joyfully, the dogs and I traipsed through the snow, making our rounds on the farm - noticing where wildlife had done the same thing hours earlier. Things I never noticed before popped out waiting for my camera's acknowledgment - of which I gladly obliged. When it came time for the three of us to once again climb inside the warm comfort of the truck, I said my good-byes, infused the home and property with my love and appreciation, and drove away shouting the best Arnold impersonation possible:  "I'll Be Back!"