Yuletide on the Farm

When you show up and support me thus, how could I do anything but keep going?

Waking to find $1280 in gift donations in the name of my sweet farm-dog, Murphy, I was moved to tears by the generosity of folks who are near strangers to me. It’s impossible to deny the blessings writing has brought into my life and I am profoundly grateful for the community cultivated around my work, both online and locally. Get yourself a cuppa and join me for the latest from this farm in the frozen winter wonderland of Western Maine…

Welcome to the latest Updates From the Farm! If you are new here, I invite you to check out my About page to learn what this is, who I am and why I am doing this. Or just dive right in! At “Runamuk Acres” you’ll find the recantings of one lady-farmer and tree-hugging activist from the western mountains of Maine. #foodieswanted

In This Post:

Fundraising for Murphy
re: Fashionable Homesteads
The Homesteaders’ Handbook
Murphy’s Appointment
Yuletide on the Farm

It’s all compulsory for me. The farming, the conservation and the writing—I have to do these things just as I have to breathe air to live. To know that the work has value and meaning to others is not only validating and rewarding, it also tells me: I am not alone in my thoughts and opinions.

When you make a point to read my farm-updates and support my work by sharing posts or upgrading your subscription, you’re telling me that you see me. You’re saying to me that you recognize the importance of the issues I am about: food, farming, self-reliance, wildlife conservation and authenticity.

In a world where mainstream society seems bent on total self-destruction, it’s a comfort knowing there’s an army of us who can see this existence isn’t sustainable.

By reading and supporting my work, you’re substantiating my position. Reaffirming it. Strengthening my resolve to stay the course and continue to fight the good fight.

That’s huge, and I thank you for that gift and inspiration.

Fundraising for Murphy

Things had gotten a little out of hand, financially speaking. When I took the job in the school kitchen it was with the intention of catching up my debts—namely the property taxes—though I knew it would allow me to cover a list of other expenses, too, including getting the farm’s cats and dogs up to date on vaccinations.

I’ve been particularly concerned about my black lab, James Murphy, who hasn’t seen a vet in several years and has developed a couple of lumps in his advancing age. I made the call in October and scheduled him for the end of December, hoping I’d be able to stash a funds aside to cover the expense.

All my careful planning was spoiled, however, when my old Subaru died on me and I was forced to take a loan to replace it. A chunk of every paycheck now goes to the car-loan.

At this time of year, another chunk of my paychecks are going to heating fuel. This old house burns 10 - 15 gallons of fuel a day during the months of January and February.

School-vacation has been great, allowing me some much-needed time on the farm, but I don’t get paid for vacation-days, and with taxes still outstanding, there just wasn’t anything left for Murphy’s appointment.

Because veterinarians are in short supply and high demand in our region, rescheduling would have meant another long wait.

Instead, I decided to make a push for blog-sales in an effort to generate the funds needed to cover the expense. Posting about the membership drive and sales event to Notes, I let folks know that all proceeds would be dedicated to Murphy’s vet-visit.

The response was overwhelming, with the majority of the $1280 coming by donation. It’s amazing and wonderful, and I thank you all.

And you know what?

This isn’t even the first time (this year) you’ve come through for me.

Remember my crowd-funding campaign back in June and July to raise money for Runamuk’s winter hay? We’re working our way through that stash in the loft thanks to you.

When you show up and support me thus, how could I do anything but keep going?

re: Fashionable Homesteads

When I first came to Substack over a year ago, I commented on one of those “how-to-grow-on-Substack” posts, wondering how I could possibly monetize my obscure little farm-blog. To which the author responded: “I should think you’re sitting on a gold-mine, Samantha.”

Still, I resisted the notion of creating content along the lines of homesteading.

Who knows how many homesteading blogs there are online? The internet has made homesteading fashionable, with influencers on Instagram and TikTok glamorizing the lifestyle. It all seems very superficial and rubs me the wrong way.

I don’t want to be just another in a long line of homesteaders regurgitating content to please the almighty algorithm.

Having made a few videos here and there in Runamuk’s name, I know the amount of work that goes into them and I always wonder how these people are able to make videos and farm at the same time.

As a solo lady-farmer, I struggle to do both on my own. I’m also not super comfortable on camera and much prefer writing, so this will never be one of those fashionable homesteads you see on social media.

I can promise you right now, this is NOT that.

I think we’re seeing a shift, though… People are overwhelmed with “content”—with all of the information being crammed down their throats. The internet has isolated us even more than the industrial system could have hoped for. We all want to know we’re not alone in this world.

We’re seeking connection.

We want real stories from real people doing real things. So that we can know we’re not the only one going through these experiences or feeling the feelings we feel.

My homestead and farming journey has been far from picture perfect. The Runamuk-blog is raw and honest, sharing true stories from the trenches. Blogs like mine offer that sense of truth and reality that allow others to relate, I think. I hope…

And so, whether you’ve come for the stories or for the information, I thank you. Because—just by showing up—you’re both inspiring me and supporting my work, and this work is my whole life. It’s my calling and the reason for my existence. That’s why it means so much to have you here.

The Homesteaders’ Handbook

I’m stoked to delve into this upcoming series on homesteading because I feel like it allows me to give something back. Through “The Homesteaders’ Handbook” we can answer some of your burning questions, eliminate road blocks you might be facing along your path to a more self-sufficient life, and solve problems together.

Rather than bowing to Insta-trends, however, it’ll be on my terms.

Drawing on my experience as a homeschool-mom and writer, I’ll create a series of posts under the umbrella of homesteading and tailored to the specific interests of those paid subscribers who choose to enroll in the course by completing a short survey. The survey is important because it provides information about you and your interests that will allow me to tailor posts and essays, how-to information just for you.

We’ll have weekly and monthly challenges to encourage our community to try new things and practice new skills. I’ll put out the occasional demonstrative video, bonus content, and—as I am able—we can do a live Q & A session later during the growing season.

*****This series is only available to paid subscribers.*****

Click the link below to be directed to the course portal (I just wanted to use the word “portal” lmao!). Scroll down the page to access the Survey and enroll.

Upon completion of the survey, students will be redirected to the Resource Packet which contains links to Runamuk’s Google Classroom, the Course Syllabus, my online Recipe Box, a Glossary of Terms, and access info for our Community Chat. Most importantly, you will be enrolled to receive notifications of new posts and assignments as they are distributed.

Murphy’s Appointment

Certainly, I could have rescheduled Murphy’s appointment, but that would have meant another long wait to get into the office. Thanks to your generous support, it was not necessary and I had the funds to cover his visit and whatever tests he might need.

I’m pleased to say that old dog of mine came through the examination with flying colors!

The lumps we’d found were merely cysts, not uncommon for dogs of his age and nothing to be concerned about. His bloodwork came back indicating all organs are functioning properly, only showing elevated antibodies due to chronic lyme disease which was previously diagnosed.

NOTE: To learn more about lyme disease multiplex testing in canines see this resource from Cornell.

Every now and again we see a flare up of lyme-related symptoms, but generally Murphy is a very healthy older dog. With just a little weakening of his hind legs, he’s still fairly physically active—even if he prefers the couch a little quite a bit more these days.

Largely, I can attribute this to our farming-lifestyle and careful attention to the quality and quantity of the food my dogs eat. Just as with people, health issues for dogs increase with obesity. Keeping their weight in-check makes all the difference in their overall well-being and longevity.

NOTE: Check out my guest-post to Dog Snobs: “How to Make Homemade Dog-Food Without Even Breaking A Sweat”!

It’s plain to see that Murphy still has a lot of life left in him. He’s healthy, active, eats with gusto, and continues to be a very vibrant character on our small farm.

Even so, I wanted him established as a patient with our local veterinarian’s clinic in case he should take a turn for the worse. At his age, too, he should have annual check-ups to monitor organs and address any issues.

*****Special thanks to those who sent donations on Murphy’s behalf!*****

Yuletide on the Farm

My holiday is less about “Christmas” and more about honoring light and life through yuletide on the farm. We observe the winter solstice, light candles and make cozy, eat good food and count our blessings.

With my sister and my youngest son in attendance, it was a simple affair, though not necessarily quiet, lol.

BraeTek made peanut butter cookies, my sister brought homemade chex mix and I put together cinnamon rolls (scratch-made, of course!) and this pretty fabulous bouche de noel. And, of course there was a holiday feast.

But check out this CAKE! It even sparkles!!!

Wherever you are reading from, I hope you’ve had a holiday filled with light and love, with friends and family surrounding you. Thanks for joining me on the farm and please enjoy this short video of the Runamuk sheep enjoy the gift of a holiday pumpkin!

Sending love and good juju to you and yours.

Your friendly neighborhood farmer,

Sam

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Thank you for following along with the story of this lady-farmer! It is truly a privilege to live this life serving my family and community, and protecting wildlife through agricultural conservation. Check back soon for more updates from the farm, and be sure to follow @RunamukAcres on Instagram or Facebook!