Life at 40...... Seize the Day

 Since my Dad died on January 11th and I turned 40 in March, I have this overwhelming motivation to Seize the Day. It is cliche to say, but Life is just so dang short. I don't want to have any regrets if I can possibly help it. "Carpe. Carpe Diem..." was actually what I wrote about on my personal Instagram page on New Years Day.

  Brent and I really want our kids to learn about all aspects life and to be hard workers. 

We both love the outdoors and we both love to eat home cooked meals! HA (Me more than Him!!) As you know, we have 10 chickens and a little 1 acre garden in our back yard where we have been trying to grow as organically as possible.

  And now, we are wanting to take the next step.... It is an amazing thing to have dreams and goals that you are working together to slowly make happen. 

My parents bought a nice sized piece of property back in the 80's in West Monroe near West Ridge Middle School. The plan was to one day develop it into a subdivision. When my dad and I were working together in the early 2000's, we always laughed and said we would name it "The Stables" and have the streets named after famous racehorse. "Alydar Ave, Native Dancer Drive and Secretariat Circle" were some of our favorites. I loved riding around with him and dreaming about this. I always thought that was the coolest thing that he and Mom got to name so many streets in our town.

  Fast Forward to 2019. That land was still just sitting there. 

Meanwhile, Brent and I had been all over the parish looking at property.

We met with Lincoln Parish realtor and sweet friend Robyn Brown in Choudrant to look at land and we also checked out property in Calhoun, Downsville and Ruston. She was very encouraging to us on our farm dreams. After great discussion, we knew we didn't want to leave the Claiborne school zone and uproot our kids from their friends.
  The perfect land was just sitting there the whole time and we didn't even realize it at first. Brent and I went out to that property one Sunday afternoon and walked around it.

It isn't perfect. It has a pipe line running through it and a pretty massive creek, but it just felt right. (He loves when I stop to make him pose for a pic!!) Ha! 

 I sat down to talk to Mom about our ideas and asked her if we could live and farm on her property. And, she gave us her blessing. Thank you MOM!!!!

  So, we jumped into action.

 Our neighbor and forester, Corey May, helped us with securing timber sales for the property. It is currently being cleared now.

I think a lot of folks have gone into shock over "Their" woods being sold!!  My parents land is surrounded by homes. Change can be tough on people. I totally get it. But I know that we will do our best to be great neighbors.

   As we were riding through the property marking trees we wanted to keep, I was amazed at all the trespassing that had been going on there for years and years and years.

We found camp sites, and mattresses (!!!) and shooting targets and all kinds of stuff people had just trashed. The four wheeler trails were so pronounced, they could be seen by Google Earth amongst the thick trees. It's sad, but people just do not care if they are trespassing. So now, everyone's "Playground" will now one day be a big beautiful pasture.

I can visualize Compton Farms all so clearly. 

And know it will take some time.

(I took that strength finder test on the encouragement of Melanie Massey and "Futuristic" is one of my Top 5...)

I'm so excited about this journey for our family. I know my dad the developer is being entertained up in heaven watching all of this unfold.

to be continued.....

Love
Lissy
 


P.S. I can't wait to share with you guys all that I am learning about the USDA, fences, ponds, grass seeds and more!!