Year in Review 2022

Looking back on 2022

My ROSE, Bud & Thorn for the year

Every year between Christmas and New Year’s, when I am recovering from my calorie hangover. I sit down to reflect on my year and set goals for the next season of my business and life.

Yeah yeah, I am one of those people…

But even if you are not, hang with me for the ride because I think you’ll gain some insight from my easy reflection process.

If you have been around here for a while, you have probably read several of my rose, bud, thorn reflections. But, if you are new, here is a little breakdown.

·         Rose: A highlight, success, or something positive.

·         Bud: A new idea or something budding you are looking forward to.

·         Thorn: As you might expect, something prickly such as a challenge you are facing.

It’s one of my favorite ways to look back on my year, and of course, it has to be through a plant lens.  

Prior to this year, I worked a full-time job off the farm. Then, this spring, I swallowed the big fear lump in my throat, and I left that job to sling posies full-time. I always preach that ‘comfort is a slow death,’ so I figured I should jump in.

Even though one of my roses for the year was being able to focus my attention solely on the farm, it also came with a few growing pains.  

Last year my thorn landed on one central theme, remembering to rest. As I started 2022, I could feel the burn of working two jobs for the past six years on me, both physically and mentally. And I am still learning to weave in rest.

Sometimes I don’t think it’s in my DNA.

Our spring was a whirlwind on the farm of planting and harvesting, and we were able to open our U-Pick in June, a month earlier than in previous years. My farming partner, Mother Nature, was kind to us this spring.

Except for the downpours on Mother’s Day weekend, I am still salty over that.

Spring rolled quickly into summer. We had our best sunset u-pick events ever. In 2021 we had over 200 people here, and I couldn’t have imagined a bigger turnout.

In typical MOV fashion, you all showed up in such a big way for our little farm. Over 1,200 people attended our August sunset u-pick. My favorite line from the whole day was from my Dad, who was on the parking crew and said, ‘I think that is the hardest I have ever worked for free.’

Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces makes it all worth it.

On a personal note, another rose for my year was starting a flower-farming podcast with my friend Shannon. The podcast is The Dirt on Flowers (I know the cutest name, right?) Each week we share our flower journeys with other farmers. It’s a little bit of storytelling, a little bit of business development, and a whole lot of fun. I would love you to tune in and check out a few episodes, even if you aren’t a flower farmer.

A year ago this week, I sat down with the same notebook and wrote out my goals. Yep, even the big scary ones that I was afraid to say out loud.

I wrote at the top of the page, Don’t you dare dim your light for the comfort of others. Shine bright and light up the path for others to see theirs.

One thing that gives me life is sharing with others about flowers, and I wanted to do it on a national platform, but I was afraid to say it. I swallowed that lump in my throat again and started shouting it from the rooftops (figuratively).

Trust me, nothing about saying it out loud felt comfortable.

I worried that sharing these roses with you is boastful. I continue to remind myself of that note I wrote.  

I promise I am not some manifesting guru. I just kicked the imposter syndrome to the curb and allowed my light to shine. It still felt scary as hell, but I was able to speak at four farming conferences this year and met the most amazing people doing it.

My bud for the season is going to spill over into 2023…

I have been keeping a secret. We are expanding our Agritourism dreams and building an Airbnb on the farm. Lots of exciting details to come, and I cannot wait to bring more flower lovers to this amazing community.

As I wrap this up, you might wonder why you would end the year in review on a thorn.

I don’t look at thorns as problems. Instead, I see them as opportunities for growth—a little prick in the side to grab my attention.

When you own a business, there is an invisible line that runs between your personal and work life, and my job is to define the line. Especially when your passion in life is what you do for a living, it can be easy to become defined by that thing.

A few months back, I got Covid and was cooped up in the house. Most people turn on Netflix to pass the time, but I found myself with a paintbrush in my hand. I sent my Mom a text message asking for a coloring book and watercolors. Five days later, I painted more pumpkins, squirrels, and fall pictures than I did in kindergarten. 

That week made my thorn obvious. I had felt it previously, but I couldn’t define it. What I found in that watercolor set was something just for me. It had nothing to do with my job. It had no deadline, it didn't need anything from me, and there was no looming curveball from Mother Nature. I wasn't lost in my thoughts swirling around in my head about budgets, crop projections, and marketing ideas.  

We are all superhuman busy people, and it’s probably a safe bet to say you could use something just for you too.

That thorn reminded me that in order to create moments for you to step away, I need to keep my tank full.

My entire team, Emily, Elisabeth, Nola, Kyra, Linda, my countless friends, and family, put everything we have into this farm. I am deeply grateful for your investment in our stories. Your engagement allows us to stay refueled and continue producing joy that echoes through our community.  

When you share our newsletter, write a review, or visit our farm, you invest in us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Cheers to closing out our 6th season and an exciting 2023.

For the love of ourselves and bright lights,