Introducing Life on the Farm

When I came on as Executive Director of Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, I confess to visions ranging from Green Acres to a rewrite of Walden's Pond- me out in the pasture surrounded by mile high corn and sleepy Southdown sheep. Some of that has come to fruition (alas! the corn will have to wait until next season) and the pastures at Mount Hope Farm are abuzz with activity that changes daily. So here's a snapshot of what Life on this farm looks like from the driver's seat.Last weekend we welcomed the first annual Artisan's Fair; like any first run, we negotiated parking; weather; the rush and tumble of who is doing what  followed by a deep sigh and joy of a successful event. (Thank you, Susan Maloney!)With barely a breath, we are in high gear preparing for this weekend's Farmer's Market on Saturday from 9:00 - 12:00 which features not one but three special programs including free outdoor yoga; West African drummer Sidy Maiga and legendary storyteller Len Cabral. We are looking, wishing and hoping to bring FAMILIES to the Farm. We love families- the wonder of a child who learns how goats are milked, what fresh veggies look and taste like and the emerging knowledge that they are a part of something right and good and there for the taking.On the everyday front we continue to welcome new and old visitors to wander about our gardens, grounds and collection of buildings. "Can we really come in?" they whisper at the Inn door- You betcha! AND let us show you around!Our staff vegetable garden, which admittedly started off looking questionable (okay, so we are Farmers-in-the-making!) is now going gangbusters; tomorrow we will be delivering a basket of produce to the East Bay Food Pantry. And in a nod to our unique blend of farming and open natural space, it's important to  note that local ground hogs are also proud of our garden and, while we found them cute and adorable,  they have been gently relocated by our Farm Superintendent to more suitable wooded accommodations without free access to our rockin' pumpkin patch (thank you, Arnold Gonsalves!).There is no doubt that we are full up with events, weddings and special gatherings here and well we should, but some of my favorite moments occur when I head home for the day and catch a glimpse of a family strolling down the road to Cove Cabin; it gets quiet here as the afternoon sun wanes and I am sure that the effort made to get everyone into the car will be time well spent;I have traveled the world over the past decade and I can state unequivocally that Mount Hope Farm is among the most beautiful places I have walked- and it's here for all of us.Next week we'll be encouraging more of that "Hey, let's do something outside after work" spirit with a guided Full Moon walk on Wednesday...come on over around 6 pm and join us and the RI Land Trust Council for a gentle hike down to the Bay to watch the moon rise. My Innkeeper, David, and I will be baking cookies and bringing along some lemonade to wash it down.Folks who meet me and learn of my position often ask me what the Director actually does all day. Some ask me if I changed my last name to Bristol to get the job (No, but after spending time here I could have been convinced to if need be!) I like to compare being the director here to serving as chaperone to a well heeled lady- you get to be in her company all the time, go to all the same parties as she does  and are given the honor of introducing her proudly to others whenever the opportunity arises. "Boy, that sounds wonderful- I wish I could be a part of something like that!", folks comment every time. You can. Our Door is open; come on down and let me introduce you to Mount Hope Farm.