The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow

The school year is coming to an end for our daughters.  Finishing projects and finals is not just about escaping classes….It’s about weighing the demands of the classes up against the siren call of spring.  Apparently this is a recurring issue in our family. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 7, Episode 5 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. Find the text version on the blog. Support the show

Last summer, Bob and I moved down to the farm at the start of lambing season to help pull things together in the wake of Mom’s death.  All in all, it was a bad idea.  I’d do it again. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 7, Episode 4 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Find the text of this story here. Support the show

Farming’s a tricky business, and managing for cash flow is hard.  Managing for profit is even harder.  So we farmers learn to be careful with our money.  Those management skills mean we get pretty good at living within our means.  But they can cause a total head trip on those rare occasions when it’s time to stretch beyond them.I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 7, Episode 3 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. Want a text copy of this story?  Find it over on the blog. Support the show

Did you ever notice what makes a community feel inviting?  It’s not the big box stores.  It’s not the chain restaurants.  It’s the small businesses that create a true sense of place, that let a traveler know that a given corner of the world is cared-for and cherished.  But how much burden and responsibility can a small business shoulder for a community’s well-being before they are unable to exist?I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 7, Episode 2 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.   Prefer the written version?  Find it here. Special thanks to Tanya Barrow at Unsplash for this week's image!Support the show

Healing isn’t really possible unless we’re willing to look at the wounds we’ve been hiding.  For most of my life, I haven’t been willing to look.  That’s changing. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 7, Episode 1 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Find the text version on this story over on Shannon's blog. Support the show

I was always an A student.  Actually, I couldn’t NOT be an A student.  After writing this week’s post, I think I could fairly say I was TRAPPED into being an A student.  I’m beginning to see how that has been working against me.  It’s time to turn things around and make life more sane.  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 17 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  For a full transcript, check out The Radical Homemaker Blog at SapBushFarmStore.com. Support the show

If your doctor advised you to cut back and do less, could you do it?I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 16 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  For the transcript of this story, visit The Radical Homemaker blog at https://www.sapbushfarmstore.com. Support the show

It never occurred to me that cleaning my mother’s house would shed light on her fears.  But as we continue to work to revitalize the Sap Bush Farm House, more mysteries about her are solved…and revealed…  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 15 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Find the printed version of this story over on The Radical Homemaker Blog at SapBushFarmStore.com.Support the show

We got a day off this week! Bob and I took off for a paddling trip to the Adirondacks, where I used to dream of buying a cabin with a fantasy $500,000 book advance.  On this day off, I got a chance to reflect on where that dream got us. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 14 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.   You can read this story on The Radical Homemaker Blog, which is now located on the Sap Bush Hollow website: SapBushFarmStore.com.Support the show

I’m 51 years old. I’ve spent nearly all those years living and working at Sap Bush Hollow Farm.  How is it that I still don’t know how to be a farmer?I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 13 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. If you'd like a written version of this story, find it on The Radical Homemaker blog at SapBushFarmStore.com. Support the show

I received a letter a few weeks back from a woman who found an old copy of one of my most popular books, Radical Homemakers, in her public library.  “I want to become someone I believe in,” she wrote to me.  And she wanted to know how my beliefs and research have framed my life, and how my views may have changed since writing that book. It’s taken me a while to think of how to respond. On any given day, I found that I had a different answer.  How would any of us tackle that question: Have I lived my life as someone I can believe in?I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 12 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  For a text copy of this essay, visit The Radical Homemaker Blog at SapBushFarmStore.comSupport the show

What will it take to get this farm to run smoothly and efficiently?I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 11 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  For a written version of this story, check out The Radical Homemaker Blog, which can be found at SapBushFarmStore.com.Support the show

s it possible to lose a beloved parent without an existential life crisis?  Oh if only…I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 10 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. For the written transcript of this story, visit The Radical Homemaker blog at SapBushFarmStore.com. Support the show

https://www.sapbushfarmstore.com/s/stories/the-all-girls-tractor-schoolFarming requires everyone to work hard, and to take pride and joy in doing so.  But there’s a long tradition of dividing the labor along gender lines.  That can be a problem if you’re trying to make sure a business can continue when the entire next generation is one gender. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 9 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. If you'd like to read the full transcript of this story, find it on the Radical Homemaker blog here. Support the show

My mother’s callous attitude about death could come across as shocking to those who didn’t know her.  But her views were hard-won, and they’re getting me through the tough work we face here at Sap Bush Hollow.  Those of you who’ve known mom and me personally are aware that she raised me to swear like a sailor. To be true to her parenting voice, I’ve employed our natural language here.  If you’ve got tender ears within listening range, you might want to slip on some headphones for this episode. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 8 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Find the transcript for this story on The Radical Homemaker Blog, which is now located at SapBushFarmStore.com.Support the show

Efficiency.  That’s key to profitability on a farm.  Everything must contribute to the well-being of the whole. If it doesn’t contribute, it must go.  But what, exactly, counts as a valid contribution?I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 7 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. For the transcript of this story, visit The Radical Homemaker Blog at www.sapbushfarmstore.com. Support the show

This year marked my first Mothers’ Day without a Mom.  I didn’t think it mattered much, in light of the fact that I abhor the day and refuse to mark it.  But that doesn’t make me celebrate my mother any less. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 6 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. For the written transcript of this story, visit the Radical Homemaker blog at SapBushFarmStore.com.Support the show

I normally like to write alone, but this week’s essay was written in collaboration with Kit, my emotionally avoidant dog.  It’s about the importance of a time-out.  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 5 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. Find the written version of this story over on The Radical Homemaker Blog at SapBushFarmStore.com.Support the show

Final exams and final projects, lambing season, the loss of a local microbrewery, spring cleaning.  It’s been a busy week here at Sap Bush Hollow, with  lots of change and lots of surrender.   I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 3 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. You can find the text version of this story on The Radical Homemaker blog at SapBushFarmStore.com.Support the show

For three years, I’ve been gently encouraging folks, even farmers and small business owners, to consider abandoning their social media accounts.  But today, I’m not going to beat around the bush.  I’m going to come out and ask you to do it.  I think you’ll be happier for it, that your businesses will run better without it, and that you’ll be helping to take steps to restore democracy.  And right now, the stakes are higher than ever.  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 3 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Find the full transcript for this story over on The Radical Homemaker Blog at https://www.sapbushfarmstore.com. Support the show

It’s hard to ignore the news these days, even though I think a lot of farmers prefer to.  We’re keenly aware that agrarian political views vary widely, and rural neighbors can’t afford too many political battles.  I try to keep my mouth shut to get along better.  But last week, farm and homesteading culture got thrown into the political debate.  And I think a few things warrant discussion.   I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 2 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Find the transcript of this episode over on the blog. Support the show

Winter is loosening her grip slowly this year, matching our emotions as we move into our first season without Mom here on Sap Bush Hollow Farm.  We’re doing as well as can be expected…in spite of my dog’s utter failure to offer emotional support.  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 6, Episode 1 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. You can find the full transcript of this essay on The Radical Homemaker Blog at SapBushFarmStore.com. Support the show

It's the final episode of the season, and we're going to explore what it takes to make it in this agrarian way of life when aptitude isn't in the cards.  For a written copy of this piece, visit The Radical Homemaker Blog.  You can learn more about Sap Bush Hollow Farm at SapBushFarmStore.com.Support the show

Family farm life is rife with daily disasters.  If we measure our happiness based on our ability to avert them, we’ll never be content.  The trick is to enjoy the life in spite of them.I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 19 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  To find a text version of this post, visit The Radical Homemaker blog. To learn more about Sap Bush Hollow Farm, find us here. Support the show

Living rural has typically necessitated car ownership.  Our family tries to minimize that expense for ecological, financial and quality of life reasons.  But now both our daughters are driving….What will this mean?  You’re listening to Season 5, Episode 18 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Find the transcript over on the blog at The Radical Homemaker.net.  Learn more about Sap Bush Hollow Farm here. Support the show

The real estate market is booming.  What does that mean for our farmers?  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 17 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Find the written copy of this story over on The Radical Homemaker Blog.  To visit Sap Bush Hollow Farm on the web, find us here. Support the show

What does it take to savor every moment of every day?    I’ve been taking lessons from a two-year-old.  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 16 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. Find the transcript on TheRadicalHomemaker.net.  Click here to learn more about Sap Bush Hollow Farm. Photo by Alexander Mils on UnsplashSupport the show

I believe my meditation practice has improved my life immeasurably, making me less volatile and more full of loving kindness.  But does that mean there is never a place for a splash of volatility?  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 15 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Find the transcript on The Radical Homemaker blog.  To visit Sap Bush Hollow Farm on the web, find us here. Support the show

Life throws all kinds of challenges at us.  But if we’re living the life we want, even the challenges can be valuable experiences. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 14 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, and today we’re going to talk about Bears, Bees, and other failed endeavors fit for a castle.  Read the transcript over on The Radical Homemaker Blog.  Find out more about Sap Bush Hollow Farm here. Support the show

“We are all in the gutter.  But some of us are looking at the stars.” - Oscar WildeI’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 13 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, where we’re going to talk about the power of hope and friendship.  If you'd like a transcript of this episode, find it on The Radical Homemaker blog here.  If you'd like to learn more about Sap Bush Hollow Farm, find us on the web https://www.sapbushfarmstore.com/. Support the show

Mom has been gone from the farm house for about a month.  And she’d been sick for some time before that.  It’s a wonder the barn didn’t eat the house in her absence. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 12 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  To find the transcript of this story, visit the blog at TheRadicalHomemaker.net.  To learn more about Sap Bush Hollow Farm, visit SapBushFarmStore.com. Support the show

It’s been a crazy couple of weeks.  My family has been shaken up, and we’re madly trying to swim to the shores of a new normal.  Thankfully, we’re not the first to make the journey.  I’m going to try to bring you up to speed this week.  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 11 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.   Find the text version of this story over on The Radical Homemaker Blog.  To learn more about Sap Bush Hollow Farm, click here. Support the show

A lot of small business owners and farmers had to raise their prices this year.  And sometimes, we take heat for it.  It’s time to have another talk about that cloak of shame. To read the transcript and review the sources, visit the Radical Homemaker Blog.  To learn more about Sap Bush Hollow Farm, find us here. Support the show

There’s short cuts, then there’s cutting corners.  One way saves time, the other usually winds up wasting it.  But sometimes, time needs to be suspended all together, and the longest way is the only way.  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 9 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  You can learn more about Sap Bush Hollow Farm by visiting on the web at SapBushFarmStore.com.  You can find the text version of this story on The Radical Homemaker blog. Support the show

I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 8 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, where we’re going to talk about farming, vaccines, social media, and getting the most out of life.  Prefer to read the story with all the citations?  Find it here. Support the show

If granted three wishes, most of us who run farms and have families could easily name the first two: one for the well-being of the farm, the other for the well-being of the family.   What about the third wish? I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 7 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, a story about a Banana Coffee Peanut Butter Smoothie.  If you'd like to read the text version of this piece, you can find it  on The Radical Homemaker Blog.  If you'd like to explore Sap Bush Hollow Farm, find us on the web here. Support the show

What does it take to become an expert?  Who has the right to use that title?  Does it even matter anymore?  I'm Shannon Hayes and you're listening to Season 5, Episode 6 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. If you'd like to read the transcript, you can find it on The Radical Homemaker Blog.  If you'd like to learn more about Sap Bush Hollow Farm, you can find it here. Photo by Growtika on UnsplashSupport the show

How many moments of your life do you get to remember?  I just picked one.   I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 5 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  The transcript of this piece can be found on the blog at The Radical Homemaker.net.  To learn more about Sap Bush Hollow, visit SapBushFarmStore.com. Support the show

Breaking up with friends and lovers is never easy.  But chickens help.  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 4 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow. You can find the transcript for this story on the blog at TheRadicalHomemaker.net.  You can explore Sap Bush Hollow at SapBushFarmStore.com.Support the show

The New York Times is reporting that angry farmers are shaping the political landscape of Europe….but maybe not for the best.  But that anger is valid.  And it’s on this continent, too.  It’s just harder for our culture to listen to it.  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 3 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Looking for the original text version of the story?  Find it here. Support the show

The weight loss industry is now valued at over $70 billion dollars.  And it’s making a lot of us unnecessarily hungry, farmers included.  We need to talk about feed. I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 2 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Looking for the transcript?  Find it here. Looking to learn more about Sap Bush Hollow Farm?  You'll find that here. Support the show

When you’re open to the public for business, you can choose what to sell.  But you don’t always get to choose what issues you’ll have to tackle.    I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 5, Episode 1 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Read the story over on the blog.   To learn more about Sap Bush Hollow Farm and its grass fed meats & wool products, visit it on the web here. Support the show

We’ve been operating Sap Bush Hollow Farm since 1979.  Things keep changing.  I’ve seen things my elders never imagined we would see here.  Then again, a lot of things are way better than they used to be.  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 4, Episode 20 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, our final episode of the season!You can access the full text version here. Support the show

It's so simple.  And it makes such a big difference.  Read the story here. Support the show

How many times must we circle the sun before we feel comfortable expressing our truth?  And does that make us any less courteous and kind?  Read the story here.Support the show

Farmers make up less than two percent of the population.  Farm kids even less than that.  And farm kids on the dating scene?????  Even less.  Is the world ready for this farmer’s daughter?I’m Shannon Hayes and you’re listening to Season 4, Episode 17 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Read the transcript here. Support the show

We’re all supposed to do one better than what came before.  But is it the doing, or the trying, that matters?  I’m Shannon Hayes and you’re listening to Season 4, Episode 16 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Read the story here. Support the show

Are you a glass half-full type, or glass half-empty?  The difference between success and failure really is in the perspective.  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 4, Episode 14 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  Read the story here. Support the show

Learning to say NO is tough, especially if you have to do the personal work investing intense consideration into every decision point.  Sometimes, a few fast rules for NOs to live by can ease the burden of on-the-spot deliberation.  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 4, Episode 13 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, the third & final installment in my 3 part series, a Celebration of Negation. Read the transcript here.  Featured image courtesy of Corbie Mitleid. Support the show

I can’t give you a surefire formula for success, but I can give you a formula for failure:  try to please everybody all the time. — Herbert Bayard Swope, first recipient of the Pulitzer Prize’I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening to Season 4, Episode 12 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, the second in my 3 part series that’s a Celebration of Negation.  As I mentioned last week, I’ve spent a lot of years exploring the importance of NO in my life (which is funny, when you consider how most 2 year olds come by the gift naturally).  In any event, I had to learn a lot about employing that magical word in order to step to the helm of my family’s business and continue to balance it with my creative and family life.  What you’re about to hear is a reading based on my research and experience, adapted from my book, Redefining Rich from Benbella Books, copyright 2021.  It’s called Yes to No.  You can read the full transcript http://theradicalhomemaker.net/tuesday-post/celebration-of-negation-part-ii-yes-to-no/. Support the show