06/15/2026
Sometimes working hard looks like taking a step back for some (as the "Honeybee" around here likes to call it) AAR — After Action Review 🎬
That's one of the things about homesteading that doesn't get talked about enough. Everybody gets wrapped up in having the perfect garden, the perfect setup, all the "right" tools and all the things we're supposedly supposed to have. 🛠️🔨⚒️
But homesteading was never meant to add stress to your life.
I'm not saying you're doing it wrong if you're overwhelmed. I am saying that somewhere along the way, many of us forget why we started. Homesteading gives us an opportunity to slow down, ground ourselves, and focus on what's needed today. Yes, planning ahead matters, but once you get past the idea that you need all the stuff, you start to realize that homesteading is really about taking back control of your life and relying a little less on everyone else to do it for you. ☯️💫🌕☀️🧘🏻♀️🪷
That's not always an easy process.
And if you aren't intentionally building time for you into that process, you're defeating the very purpose of what you set out to do.
Which brings me to my own AAR.
After looking at the calendar, reviewing what worked, what didn't, and where Mary Jane's Homestead is headed for the rest of the year, I'm opening my books for new clients beginning in July. 🗓️
I'm currently booking projects and farm-sitting into October, but I still have plenty of availability between now and then for routine care, special projects, farm sitting, homestead help, and a few of the odd jobs that always seem to pop up around this lifestyle. 👩🏻🌾
If you've been thinking about reaching out, now is a good time to get on the schedule before the fall season fills in.
As always, thank you for supporting this little homestead and all the adventures that come with it. 🌻💜
**local service area is the 757 area code
**available for overnights and extended stays in VA and surrounding area
