Story
previously on farm stories
Winter Reflection
Something special happens at the turn of the season. As Fall leaves and Winter sets in, I see reminders all around the Farm to reflect and reconnect. Ona chilly morning, I love to light a fire, snuggle back into bed and spend some time writing in my journal. If I don’t have time to soak in a slow morning,I’ll bundle up and head out for a walk or hike. Inevitably, I end up wearing way too many layers and shedding a few, but I think a good outdoor adventureis about shedding anyway—letting go of the to-do list and all the things that may be weighing me down. Sometimes I forget just how beautiful thisseason is, from the towering trees to the tiniest pinecones; the light breeze to the cold wind. When I’m outside in the Winter, I feel such a connectionto something greater.
Connecting is something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. My parents are getting older, and my kids are growing up so quickly. I want to be moreintentional in 2018 about my relationships with nature, with friends and family, with our guests and owners and, of course, with our team. It’s alwaysso exciting to me when those connections intersect in special gatherings at Blackberry. This past year, hosting René Redzepi stands out as a monumentalexperience for me and for our team. Hearing him share his story and philosophy, I was reminded so much of my husband, Sam. They would have really enjoyedeach other.
Mary Celeste Beall, Blackberry Farm Proprietor