February 2026 Roundup
February had some wild temperature shifts toward the end of the month. With highs in the 50’s that dropped to the low teens. While many people might be on the edge of getting a bit winter stir-crazy, I still embrace and appreciate the winter that is clinging.
The Liminal Farmstead?
“Liminal spaces are transitional or in-between places that evoke feelings of eeriness or nostalgia, often depicted as empty or abandoned locations. The term "liminal" comes from the Latin word for "threshold," representing a state of change or transition.” I think farms and rural places are naturally liminal spaces. And a name change felt right.
January 2026 Roundup
Two ritual practices now are journaling on a regular-ish basis and either quick or elaborate tarot readings for myself. The journaling also involves recording dreams if I remember. I believe this helps me keep a meter on my mental and physical health. Because holy smokes do we need to keep a check on our mental wellbeing right now!
December 2025 Roundup
The highlight of the month was taking Luigi with me to the Winterlude winter market at Brewery Nonic in Menomonie, WI.
Proactive Rather Than Reactive
This breed is critically endangered, which means many different things to many people. To me, it means that countless paths and projects could be followed with these goats. I have been raising this breed since 2013, and I have seen and dealt with “a lot”. Over this short yet long span of time, I have been recognizing cycles that lead me to pursue some proactive paths regarding the short and long-term well-being of these goats.
Farmers, A Mythical Complicated Past, Present, And Future
Lastly, I’m also unsettled by the uptick in fascist ideology and eugenics merging more and more into the lexicon of organic or regenerative farming. Farming thrives when there is actual diversity in not only the farming practices but the farmers themselves. So many farming practices used now come from many different cultures, though not much, if any, credit is given to those cultures and their history.
Why A Farmstead?
Moving back to a small community made me anxious. The stereotypes, while they can be real, are also utter bullshit. I was nervous about moving back to an area where I had been bullied and threatened. Only to find other layers of a small community I had never known existed. And realistically, dealing with bullies as an adult no matter where you live is a real part of life. It doesn’t just happen in rural areas.
Delete-A-Thon
The struggle with still promoting and sharing what happens at the farmstead is real.
Ending June-I’m Stinky!
While there are parts of me that are permanently hurt due to selfish dishonesty, I think I’m in a fairly contented place that allows me to have freedom and flexibility to be there for myself and others.
Walking Away From Social Media 2
Think about how being constantly entertained has impacted us individually or as a society. Perhaps we now judge leadership based on whether things are being shaken up and if we see things “happening” rather than recognizing what good leadership qualities are. I dread feeling like I’m in a reality TV series some days. And have been craving for more balanced and authentic interactions in my life.
A Cold Spell
These are perhaps some bits and pieces that are new considerations for people getting into farming or animal husbandry. There are many elements to keep in mind and be prepared for.
Walking Away From Social Media
I want to walk forward knowing I’m doing everything I can to make the change I want. Though I know the best-laid plans can always fail.
SCI Goat Seed Saving Fundraiser
This is essentially seed-saving but with a critically endangered goat.
2025, Bring It On. San Clemente Island Goat Projects
But representation of how the goats were observed on the island is important. And the same goes for preserving line genetics. Lines help keep genetic diversity healthy in a breed.
I'm A Confident Woman, Not A Carnival Barker
To me, confidence isn't necessarily being self-assured. Confidence means being humble, knowing when to self-reflect, admit to mistakes and seek resolution and change. Being comfortable engaging with things outside my comfort zone. And sometimes, being a confident woman seems like a threat to people. Being a confident woman means being ready for a dogpile of criticisms confident men would never be accused of. Derogatory terms come to mind.
Who Runs EB Ranch Farmstead?
Cheers to Bob, he has done far more personal projects than wood cutting and music over the years, but those are his stories to tell or for me to share later.
San Clemente Island Goats-Are These Goats Feral?
Calling these goats feral just isn't true. They have been cared for by humans for almost 40 years. There are no longer any feral San Clemente Island goats on the island. This is a beautiful, hardy, multipurpose breed of goat. Perfect for people that want that type of animal for their farm. Or if people want to start participating in conservation breeding. Helping to grow healthy goats and preserving lines is always needed.