I am so glad for Spring weather.  I think Spring may be my favorite season because I enjoy watching everything turn green and blossom.  The unpredictable weather can make things difficult, but the warmer temperatures are a nice change after the Winter blahs.
I am working on some serious garden improvements this year.  The plans I have in my head may be vastly different from reality, but we'll just have to try it and see what happens.  Our yard at the house is very small, but I am attempting to maximize space using containers, rotational planting, and a little creativity in some cases.  I have always insisted on only planting perennials when I plant flowers because I have no desire to maintain annual flower beds.  That may change slightly however, because I am going to try planting food in the front yard.  I want to choose plants that are visually appealing as well as tasty.  It's all really an experiment and I am constantly learning as I go, but hopefully my big ideas will turn into at least a few successes.  I'll keep you updated as the growing season progresses.

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How does one begin a blog?  I honestly don't know that I have ever read the "first" post on anyone's blog.  What does a person talk about?  I suppose a basic introduction would be best.

My name is Nicole, and I am the primary responsible person here at Wildflower Valley Farm.  Oh my husband  does help, but his physical limitations prevent him from doing a lot.  I'm content with that and just appreciate the support more than anything else.  I have always loved the outdoors, and animals, and growing things.  I love the proliferation of live things, and just being a part of nature.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not a "tree hugger" - I do understand the need for balance and that some things must die so that other things can live.  But I believe God expects us to be a part of nature rather than just looking at nature and expecting that it will take care of itself.

I am a christian, and my faith is hugely important to me.  My family attends church on a regular basis, and we are involved in church activities.  I believe in prayer and place great value on spiritual health and improvement.  I am by no means perfect and I beg you not to look at me as the example of what a Christ Follower should be, but I try my best each and every day to be as much like Christ as I possibly can.  It is my hope that when you see me, you see a reflection of Him.  Please however, forgive me when I fail, because I am but a mere human and despite my best efforts, I most assuredly do fail sometimes.

I believe in real food and simple living.  Much of what I write about will revolve around those things, primarily because that is what happens here on our little homestead.  I thoroughly enjoy producing our own food.  I'm still learning, but I enjoy sharing about what I learn.  I also much prefer simplicity over the hustle and bustle of what seems to be the "standard" American lifestyle.  I say "seems to be" because I don't really believe most Americans live like what we see on television.  Much of this country is still very rural and agriculture based, despite what many retailers and marketers would have us believe.  I don't see any reason why we can't continue to live like our great-grandparents did.  Producing our own food, making things from scratch, and fixing what's broken rather than throwing it away, are all very realistic expectations we can have for ourselves.  No one has to slave over a hot stove all day to put food on the table, or plow a 100 acre plot of land to grow produce for the family.  If you have the means and desire to do that, more power to you!  But those of us that don't (or can't), are still able to do a lot more than most of us realize.

I'll step off my soap box for now and leave a few thoughts for future blog posts.  I hope you enjoy what you read here.  I hope you find it both entertaining, and maybe even educational and enlightening at times.  If you like what you see, I would love to hear from you!