Embracing Creativity and Freedom: My Journey to Building a Homestead in Virginia
I’ve always loved writing. But if I’m being honest, what truly excites me even more is the act of creating. Whether it’s a new idea, a project, or even a space, there’s something deeply fulfilling about bringing something to life with your own hands. That’s one of the main reasons I made the decision to leave Florida and move to Virginia: I wanted the freedom to create on my own terms, in my own space.
I envisioned a homestead—somewhere I could truly call my own. I dreamed of building a little farm where I could nurture the land, create cozy homes for my animals, and set up a place where creativity could flow without limits. I didn’t just want a plot of land; I wanted to build a life and a legacy here. And so, that’s exactly what I’ve set out to do since moving to Virginia.
In this blog, I’m excited to share my journey with you. I’ll be documenting everything—whether it’s a big project like building a barn or a simple, quiet day of tending to the animals and doing the routine chores. I’ll share what I learn as I go, the challenges I face, and the rewards I experience along the way. From crafting projects to hands-on work, there’s always something to learn.
This space is not just about the physical labor of homesteading, though. It’s also about the creative process of making this land my own, embracing the lessons nature teaches, and allowing myself to grow as I learn how everything works. I hope my story and the projects I share will inspire you to pursue your own dreams, no matter how big or small. Because, for me, it all comes down to one thing: creation. Whether it’s with words, wood, or the land beneath my feet, I love bringing something into existence.
Stick around—there’s more to come, and who knows, I might even figure out what I’m doing along the way!
Recent Posts
- April and hatching LeggsApril is one of the best times to start hatching eggs for Ancona ducks or Dominique chickens—especially if you’re using an incubator. As daylight increases and outside temperatures begin to rise, your home or barn naturally stays warmer and more stable, which helps maintain the ideal conditions for incubation. Humidity and temperature tend to be easier to regulate in April than in colder winter months … Read more
- Ancona Ducks + Water = Total Chaos (and I Love Them Anyway)If there’s one universal truth about Ancona ducks, it’s this: they love water. Not like, “Oh, this is fun” love—more like, “I must fling it everywhere, immediately, with wild-eyed joy” kind of love. Give them a clean bowl or a fresh kiddie pool, and in approximately 90 seconds, you’ll have a splash zone that rivals a water park built by toddlers on espresso. It starts innocently enough. … Read more
- Predators from Above and Below: Protecting My Flock from Hawks and FoxesIf you’ve ever had ducks or chickens, you know you’re not just a backyard farmer—you’re a full-time security guard. Around here, the hawks patrol the skies like feathery drones with talons, just waiting for the perfect moment to swoop in. My poor Dominique chickens can’t enjoy a dust bath in peace without looking over their shoulders (er, wings). And my Ancona ducks? Blissfully unaware, waddling … Read more
- Why a Covered Chicken Run Is a Must in the Blue Ridge MountainsLiving in the Blue Ridge Mountains means waking up to breathtaking views—and also sharing the land with an impressive lineup of predators. From hawks silently circling above to the occasional fox with sneaky intentions, it’s not exactly a safe free-for-all for backyard flocks. That’s why having a sturdy cover on your chicken run isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. My Dominique chickens may be smart, … Read more
- Why I Raise Heritage Breeds: The Beauty of Ancona Ducks and Dominique ChickensIn a world full of mass production and uniformity, there’s something deeply meaningful about preserving the old ways—especially when it comes to the animals we raise. That’s why I’ve chosen to care for heritage breeds like Ancona ducks and Dominique chickens. They’re more than just beautiful birds—they’re living history, and raising them is a way to honor the past while protecting the future. A Rich … Read more