Isn’t it funny how projects and schemes come along? Years ago I started this blog and I took a few photos, cooked some
bread, grew some vegetables and in between all of that I continued to be a mum, wife and distance education supervisor. Not too much has changed except our farming business has expanded and our children are growing at a rapid rate.
It has always been my grand plan to fully embrace cooking and workshops on a small commercial basis once our children were older. When that time will actually come, who knows?
As time has rolled on other little projects have slowly appeared. Suddenly I find myself trying to source panettone and baking gingerbread walls and roofs in October for a Christmas photo shoot.
Recently Ellie, from The Darling Design Co helped me to overhaul my blog. In the meantime Ellie has been creating a blog and publication of her own, featuring real people and real stories from the far west region of NSW. Ellie kindly invited me to write a blog post for Far West Living and I have included some of my favourite places in our region.
Sometimes I help out with some styling, photos and social media bits and pieces for our school cook book which is fun, gives me more photography practice and supports our school fundraising in a very small way.
I still bake bread and take photos and take care of my family but I jump at all of these extra opportunities. As a mum living on a sheep station I don’t have a career of my own, as such. I am perfectly happy with this arrangement. But, a little independence is healthy for all of us.
It is motivating to connect with other young women who have a passion for life on the land and it is a pleasure to contribute to their ventures.
Some days I question where all of this is leading me on a personal level, but I do know that whenever I say yes to projects, momentum is created. You just never know what might be around the corner.
The photo of my husband with our horses has nothing to do with my personal projects, but it does remind me of why we live where we live: the good bits, the tricky bits and all of the bits in between.
Do you have any projects on the horizon?
Are you searching the internet desperately for pre-Christmas panettone? Perhaps that’s just me.
Happy Friday, friends x
Say Little Hen
It's so interesting where our blogs can lead, isn't it? I'm so happy for you that you've had opportunities arise from your blog – it's so exciting! I didn't really have any idea what I was doing when I started my blog (over 4 years ago now!), and certainly never imagined that I would lead to me falling in love with photography, let alone all of the other wonderful things that I have learnt and embraced along with way.
I'd love to run sourdough baking workshops one day, hopefully sooner rather than later. I think it would be so fun to be able to talk sourdough baking for a couple of hours straight and play with dough for half a day, not to mention teaching others how easy and fun it all is!
And, on a side note, it's a funny world to enter into, isn't it – the magazine world? Working three or six months ahead can be a little tricky with seasonal articles sometimes! I hope you find your panettone!
I hope opportunities keep coming your way Jane!
I off to read your guest post,
Sarah x
Jane S
So very thoughtful Sarah! Yes, the magazine world is funny but also very exciting and at times challenging, in my very limited experience! Good luck with your sourdough workshop plans, it is amazing how often people ask me if I run workshops. People are very keen to learn. Jane x
Jane S
Yes, I found a panettone…well not the traditional shape unfortunately but a close substitute.
Anne
It's so exciting to see you spread your wings and grasp all these opportunities. Keep saying Yes!
We were recently interviewed about the Christmas trees for a magazine and it was only after they'd taken a photo of Bill amongst the trees that I realised he was wearing shorts, which will look very odd in December.
My current projects seem led by my children. I would never have predicted that spending her childhood picking sloes and blackberries would inspire my daughter to start her own fruit gin business, which I help out with when needed or that I'd be teaching jelly printing in my other daughter's Art business.
FWL looks very interesting.
Jane S
Thank you Anne. Isn't the magazine world a strange thing? Christmas trees and shorts are an obvious match in Australia, as you know! How wonderful that your daughter has started a business based on her farm upbringing and even better that you can help both your daughters with their ventures. Good luck to all involved! x
All That I'm Eating
So many different things going on for you and they all sound so exciting. It's amazing how quickly the seasons change.
Jane S
Thank you!
mimi rippee
The book looks fabulous! What a great, but quite involved, I imagine, charitable project!
Jane S
Thank you!
aj.bart
Thanks Jane, your Christmas cooking is inspiring me! Gingerbread looks great. Ax
Jane S
Thank you Annie! x
Kate Moore
I love the sound of that group and blog. I am missing my country connections. I can't complain. The coast is beautiful, but I am a rivers and dams and muddy (and dry) watering holes kinda girl. I still stay in the shallows on the beach – I've never adapted to the waves. Your projects all look and sounds wonderful. I love a school cook book. We have one, the Binya Cook Book, that lives on in our house. The best family favourites come from it.
Jane S
Love a school cook book Kate! I appreciate you calling in.
strawberriesinthedesert.com
Hi Jane, I bumped into your husband at the Silly Goat a few days ago, while Clyde and I were having lunch with the Galls from Langawirra. It was great to meet him but sorry I still haven't got to meet you! Love your blog, best wishes, Deb
Jane S
Thank you Deb, you are so kind. I am sure that one of these days I will see you at the Silly Goat.
cityhippyfarmgirl
Panettone….love the stuff and I think it's been a monkey on my back for the past 6.5 years of blogging, because I still have never made a sourdough one…Anyway, by the way side! Yes, it's a bit of a ride this creative journey and you really never know who is looking at your stuff, what lies around and opportunities are about to be created. Go get them all Jane, you are doing beautifully. xx
Jane S
Thank you Brydie, your comment means so much to me! x
Amanda
I'm so pleased to see opportunities opening up for you, Jane. It's often very surprising where these small beginnings of ours can take us. Keep saying yes whenever you can and enjoy the ride!
Jane S
Thank you Amanda, how lovely to hear from you!
Maria
I found that cookbook on the Graziher site last week and ordered it. I cant wait to get it. I am a DE supervisor/mum/farm wife too and I always try to support other DE'ers. Life does take us on interesting paths – being able to accept, enjoy and just make the most, be thankful for each day is what I think is important.
Jane S
Thank you Maria, lovely to hear from you! I hope you enjoy the book 🙂