In 2017, while enjoying a little R&R at a Rabun Gap Bed and Breakfast sheep farm, I stumbled upon what is now my own little farm with 5.6 acres. I always dreamed I’d have a farm one day, now I am living that dream!

My farm came with five goats, a guardian dog and 13 chickens! Overnight I became a goat farmer and to my delight found out what wonderful animals goats are. They have so much personality and a calming influence on my adult disabled son who is now thriving as he bonds with the animals. Caring for the farm animals and growing his own vegetables has given him a sense of purpose and hope in his life. The goats have been great therapy for me too in so many ways. They rejuvenate me and help me connect deeper with God. Brushing and petting them relieves anxiety and stress….and they just make you laugh!! This is my happy place!

Today’s busy world makes us forget to take time to nourish our Souls! Without even realizing it, our mental wellbeing is suffering. Wayne Dyer, a motivational speaker, published a book called ‘Getting In The Gap’. It talks about the space between the written words on a page as being the ‘gap’ between all the busy-ness of life. It’s in this ‘gap’ that we can find quiet stillness and connect with God, nourishing our Soul. Spending time with the animals does that for me….it makes it easy to just be still and quiet (get in the gap) and just BE.

I’ve seen my goats and other farm animals reach deep into the hearts of those who are Autistic, mentally disabled, broken from abuse and neglect, and even dying from Cancer. Each animal has their own way of connecting with us offering peacefulness, happiness, acceptance and safety…..even if only for a short time.

Animal assisted therapies have been proven to improve our quality of life in so many ways from reducing anxiety to increasing mental stimulation and motivation to move forward in life.

Body language is the way animals ‘talk’ to us. Spending quiet times with animals helps to increase our awareness and focus as we ‘listen’ to what they tell us: ‘Too close!’, or ‘I need a hug’. In the same way, there are many humans that also struggle with communication - whether it be due to an illness or a life that is way too busy.

I encourage you to slow down, ‘listen’ to what is being said by the animals, hear the whispers on the wind, see the movement and color of the leaves, feel the grass between your toes, smell spring flowers, taste a raindrop on your tongue.

This is what I want to share with others. Slow down, refresh your mind, connect with nature, nourish your Soul. I look forward to your visit!