One thing you’ve probably noticed about me is that I reserve the right to change my mind. You might also have picked up on the fact that I have a tendency to try a lot of new things — to experiment with new things and see what sticks. Sometimes those ventures work out in my favor — other times not so much.
For a while there, I thought I was stepping back from farming. I took a job as “Head Cook” at the local elementary school during the winter of 2024-2025. Then I went and fell in love, got married and thought I was going to enjoy subsistence farming for just my own family.
That turned out not to be my path, however — and now I’ve come to believe that the Universe closed those doors to me for a reason. I’m meant to be here at Runamuk – practicing conservation, stewardship, growing food and feeding people.
So I’m back!
Where I’ve Been Writing
In case you lost track of me, here’s what I’ve been up to.
December 2024 I finally pulled my writing off the back burner and got serious about it. What started as a Substack experiment evolved into something I’m genuinely proud of: Maine Homestead Life, a burgeoning newsletter and community for new and existing homesteaders trying to eat REAL food and build a more self-reliant life.
The audience has been growing steadily — now up to 1300+ subscribers, and I’ve even launched a companion website to go deeper — workshops, resources, and practical guidance for people who are done with the grocery store hamster wheel and ready to do something about it.
All of that is still going strong — and you should absolutely come find us over there.
But this? This is home base. And it was time to come home.
What That Means for Runamuk in 2026
What I didn’t anticipate when I took that school cook job was missing the spring planting window.
I thought I could do it all, but while I was slinging lunch trays, spring came and went without me — no seeds in the ground, no garden to tend, no harvest to speak of. I didn’t realize how much that would gut me until it did. Farming and growing food isn’t just what I do — it’s what makes me feel like myself. And last year I just didn’t have it.
So this year? I’m in the garden, and I’m not missing another season for anything.
Ways to Support the Farm
There are a lot of ways to be part of what’s happening here at Runamuk — pick whatever feels right for you.
The most direct way is to buy food: grab a farmshare or stop by the farmstand when we’re open. Your food dollars go straight back into this land.
If you’re more interested in the writing and community side of things, consider becoming a paid member of Maine Homestead Life — or if your business serves the homesteading crowd, sponsorship might be a great fit email me at: eco.farm.steward@gmail.com.
Need hands-on help with your own garden or homestead? I offer consultations — click here for more info!
And if none of the above is right for you, there’s always the option to donate, grab a copy of my book, or take a peek at the farm’s Amazon Wish List and send a little something our way.
Every bit of support — big or small — keeps this farm alive and growing. We thank you for your consideration.
Glad to Be Back
Every season is a new beginning — that’s one of the things I love most about farming. No matter what the year before looked like, spring always comes back around with a fresh opportunity. Thank goodness the soil doesn’t hold grudges!
This year feels like a exhale. Like things clicking back into place for yours truly. I’m back in my garden, back on this land, back doing the work that fills me up — and I get to share all of it with you.
Here’s to a beautiful season at Runamuk Acres. I’m so glad you’re along for the ride.
Bee’s still need you, I feel a lot of us were robbed in learning the wrong way, the hard way of trying to raise bee’s. Horizontal Hives Matter, because the bee’s matter. They work, and are the difference, as well not to be using feedings of any type and no chemicals
I’m glad you’re back. The funniest thing is for some reason you and your farm were in my mind this past week and I wondered what ever became of you. I know longer live in Maine but I’m still thinking of you while in the sunny state of Florida.
😊
What an awesome coincidence! Thank you for thinking of us, lol. Appreciate you following along.
Welcome back, missed you, Glad you’re home the earth missed you, your people missed you. I’ve been busy too, thanks’ for asking, lol
Lol, thanks Patrick. Glad to be back–and glad you’re also doing well!