One rhythm in our marriage that began almost accidentally but I believe has been one of the most important rhythms of our life has been going to bed at the same time. It’s a launch pad for a daily debrief when days are full, it’s a moment of physical connection and don’t miss the symbolic significance of this simple act. Only recently have I realized that I believe it’s one healthy habit that would be a game changer for most marriages. 

I’ve been asking myself this question recently: why are you taking the time to write these posts? They actually take quite a bit of time and my schedule feels maxed out. Although I often wonder how busy I truly am in comparison to everyone else who also feels busy, I struggle to think of an objective way to measure that. The most basic reason I’ve been writing is because I’m really enjoying it.

Someone asked me recently how I made the transition from Snowboarders & Skiers for Christ to farming in New Hampshire, and whether farming is how we are making a living for our family. The simple answer is no. It would be extremely difficult to make a living doing what we’re doing and it’s actually not our goal. In this post I aim to share a better picture of how our family spends our time and energy. I’ll also briefly explore the state of farming in America and why very few people are making a living growing food on small farms, though I understand it is possible.

One of the last summer’s that we were living in Colorado I repaired and sold over 80 lawn mowers. The business was simple. I posted ads online that I would pick up lawn mowers in any condition for free, the farthest I would drive for them is about 10 minutes. Then I would fix them and sell them for $80-$200 on craigslist and facebook marketplace. It wasn’t about the money, it was mostly fun to take something broken and make it work.

One of my most up-front goals when I moved to New Hampshire was to slow down. Cities are great at many things, fostering a lifestyle of high productivity is certainly one of them. After living almost 15 years in the suburbs of Denver I would occasionally drive by someone who broke down on the side of the road and think “gee, I wish I had the time to help them.” I’ve realized that this is a lifestyle choice. One that has not come automatically. 

If you want to be happy live near your friends, the closer the better.