Don’t worry, I’m not going to wax poetic. Instead, I’m just taking a moment to

d…e…c…o…m…p…r…e…s…s

Running a conference is hard work. Where are my lackeys? My interns? My groveling servants?

Ah, apparently those don’t just come free with the territory. Bummer. At least I do have family members and dedicated speakers who help to make it all a possibility.

These two years have been a learning experience, a challenge, and a blessing. I won’t lie, it is tiring to plan and prepare for an event like the conference. It’s a lot of time spent getting in touch with people, planning, preparing for classes, shopping, and standing. The standing is the hardest part. By the end of the day my feet throb. There are always moments when I’m tired, or something doesn’t go exactly to plan (1. I always run late and 2. I am a little up tight about things going to plan…which doesn’t go well with point number 1…), that I think “maybe I should just not do this next year, and maybe just sleep instead.”

But both years I have learned as much (actually, more) than I have shared myself. I have met interesting people and had good conversations, and I have walked away feeling that — even though it may be far from perfect — the conference is helping to reach people and to educate them about self-sufficiency, homesteading, food production, and stewardship.

That’s what it’s all about. Empowering people to lead more self-sufficient lives.

I wish that I could watch each class during the conference, because our speakers are awesome awesome awesome. They have so much incredible knowledge and experiences to share. Some days I feel like, yeah, man! I’m practically a female Paul Bunyan over here! (Paula Bunyan?) Look at how much I’ve accomplished, and how much I can do! And it’s true, I have accomplished many things, I have learned many things, and I can do many things. But ya know what? I don’t know it all and never will. There are many things I can’t do. I couldn’t even remember what a wing nut was called on Saturday. Listening to others is always a good reminder that I must never stop seeking wisdom.

The good news is that I love to learn. I have a passion to share and teach in some ways, but I enjoy learning even more. I always have, and a desire to learn fueled my decision to do the conference just as much or more than my desire to teach.

No matter where you are in homesteading, remember two things: 1. You have something to share and 2. You have something to learn. 

That’s what I love about the conference, and it is the reason I will most likely keep doing it, even though it’s tiring, and it’s stressful, and I get a little wired and anxious and frazzled when it comes around. It’s such a wonderful atmosphere to learn and share together. Everyone — attendees and speakers alike — contribute and pass on information and experiences.

So here’s to homesteaders sharing and caring about other homesteaders…here’s to self sufficiency…sustainability…living close to the land…and closer to our food.

[She types after eating take out for supper…don’t give me that look. Sistah is too tired to cook.]

Cheers

P.S. If you spoke or attended the conference, thank you thank you!

P.P.S. Check out some of this year’s speakers! I wish I could link them all, but they don’t all have web presences.

Appalachia’s Homestead with Patara and her guest, Misty Prepper

Jared Stanley of J&J Acres

Thyme Wisper Herb Shop

Paula Sweatt of B O H Creations