I Heart Barnheart

I like what I call "add water and stir" sorts of friendships, the type of friendships that, with minimal effort, result in unions that are easy, comfortable, and seem to have existed since time immemorial. Such is the case with my buddy Jenna.

A full-time graphic designer by trade, Jenna is working towards making the eventual switch to full-time steward of her farm, Cold Antler, in Jackson, NY. With her menagerie of dogs, chickens, rabbits, bees, pig (named, appropriately, "Pig") and sheep (GORGEOUS sheep, people-check 'em out here), along with a market garden, Jenna spends her days creating images for Orvis and her early mornings, nights, and weekends tending to the needs of her 6-acre homestead in Jackson. Her blog, a much-loved source of musings and inspiration by many, many readers (it's one of my routine morning blog stops) is where she candidly shares her triumphs and tragedies, her blessings and blunders with the world.

We forged a friendship over a shared love of chickens and canning, fields of green and skies of blue. We both adore October, share birthdays one day apart, and adore the Smokey Mountains. We love our homes, we love our animals, we love our pets and families and are aware of our fortune.

The photos above showcase the contents of a care package I received from Jenna several days ago. The tiny cap she hand-knit was the first thing she's ever created with milled wool from her flock. As she describes it, "-a scrappy hat for your baby; it's far from perfect, but so real." I'd argue that it's actually spot on perfect, and real in a way that only true friendships are.

You're the real deal, Jenna. True blue. This household thanks you and wishes you a world of abundance in the year ahead.

*Wondering what the deal is with "Barnheart"? Read all about it here.

**Oh, and stay tuned for images of Peanut Sauce in his spiffy new cap....!