Slow Gifting Movement

Hello dear readers! Thanks for stopping by for another visit! Welcome to the new subscribers, the sheep would like to know if you brought them salty peanuts??

We had our first substantial winter storm this past week that left us with 4” of dry snow blowing around. The critters all fared quite well. Even Brandy horse did great. She finally put on enough fat and hair to keep herself warm. Although I suspect she was not amused by the whole thing. And the tank heaters are working, so no ice chopping!! WOOT!

The two girls that are visiting Mr Douglas have both gotten blue butt’s from his marking harness. They have had at least one heat cycle so far, and fingers crossed they are bred and will be making babies in May! The three of them are all getting along very well.

Back to the topic at hand, a slow gifting movement.

This time of year, I feel pretty cringy when I turn on the tv and see endless ads enticing you to spend spend spend on all that glittery stuff, mass produced with no heart or soul in it. They tell you to buy the “perfect gift” for your loved one.

What exactly is that “perfect gift”? Is it a toy that will break in just a few short weeks? Some kind of tool that you just “must have”? A mass produced, cheaply made in a foreign sweat shop shirt?

There is a global slow food movement that has gained ground since its inception in the 1980’s. The goal of that movement is to eat locally, seasonally, with traditional cooking methods and creating your meals at home. Sounds pretty good to me.

I say we start a slow gifting movement! I say we normalize buying locally hand-crafted gifts that the creator pours the passion and love into.

With the upcoming holidays, why not stuff a child’s stocking with some hand knit mittens so they can play in the snow? Maybe a piece of beautiful locally made jewelry for your mom under the tree? How about a 100% handspun, knit wool hat for your husband who has to work outside all winter? I bet your best friend would love a woven rug that matches her house decor. Would your luddite father enjoy a hand turned pen to write his memoirs with?

Do you have a friend or relative that just moved into a new house or apartment? Your local baker would love to produce a basket of bread, muffins, or cookies for you to bring over. Need a birthday cake? Buy local not walmart!

Maybe they would enjoy a few fruit or shade trees from a local nursery? That is a gift that keeps on giving!

Do you know someone who engages in the slow food movement? How about a jar of sourdough starter, some pickles or jelly from your neighbor? Source a beautiful roast or steaks from the rancher down the road. (Some states now allow ranch meat sales, but not all states do yet.)

The possibilities are endless!

Potters, weavers, hand spinners, silversmiths, blacksmiths, bakers, cake decorators, knitters, crocheters, authors, wood turners, dog groomers, house cleaners, music teachers, dance instructors, nurseries, local farm stand, ranchers, backyard chicken egg producers, seamstress/tailors, woodworkers just to name a few.

As you get to know these people, you will find not only amazingly created gifts, but the stories behind them.

How about a gift subscription to your favorite Substack writer?

How do you find these crafty folks? Check your towns facebook page and see if anybody is advertising or make an inquiry there. Right now, every weekend before Christmas in my area there is a craft show within 30 miles of my house. Does your local grocery or convenience store have a bulletin board with listings? Ask your friends for referrals. Check with your local library for authors in your area.

Trust me, these folks are out there waiting for you to discover them or their ad!

The investment you make in your local area reverberates thru out your community. The lady who bakes your bread can turn that into their child’s next music lesson. A grandma who can’t work at a job outside her home but can knit up a storm can now buy her much needed medication. A father who does a side hustle of blacksmithing will be able to put Christmas dinner on his family’s table. On a personal note of my own, selling 3 hats will allow me to pay off the remainder of my property taxes so I won’t have to worry about losing my farm for another year.

Are you onboard for a slow gifting movement? I am! Let’s spread the word!

Blessed be!

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I want to thank all you wonderful subscribers and followers for hanging around for another year with us. I am grateful for all your kind and supportive comments, likes, shares and restacks. Your encouragement keeps me writing, even when some weeks it’s a struggle for me. Thank you for being part of the farm!

I am offering a Thanksgiving holiday special from now until Christmas. Your financial support goes a long way towards helping me keep the farm running. It has bought bales of hay, grain, medical supplies, and now, a tank heater.

20% off a subscription and the option to give a gift subscription to a friend or family member.

Thank you for your support! The sheep and I love you for it!