August Spotlight- A Labor of Love!

Before I begin with August's Spotlight, I want to thank all of you fabulous readers who sent me emails with your support and creative input in regards to my new series. 

Thanks to all of you- I have started a list of potential topics (blog tips, home tours, decorating/diy ideas, special events and folks too)-so I hope it turns out to be a monthly series that everyone can enjoy!

With that said- I am very excited to share my first installment with you!

 A Labor of Love

If you've been following the blog for awhile, you might remember me mentioning my niece, Amanda, in several of my posts.  One post in particular, (her Fettuccine Alfredo recipe), received quite a few hits and was shared many times on PINTEREST, back in February.

Although, Amanda is family, as is her boyfriend of three years, Brad, that wasn't the reason I chose these two, to be in the SPOTLIGHT.

I did so, because they are remarkable young people, who have chosen a way of life that is both difficult and uncertain, and yet they wouldn't change it for all the money in the world.

Farming life is not an easy life.  Add to that a full time job 'off' the farm, and you might just have a recipe for disaster.  

But these two have proved it CAN be done.

How?

Well, according to them, there are three, VERY important factors that keep them going, day in and day out.

1. Faith in the Good Lord
2. Respect for the land and animals they tend to.
3. Love for each other

They both agree that the first two factors have always been easy.

The third-well, that took a bit more time................

First the seed had to be planted, before anything could grow.

From the beginning, it was pretty clear they had a lot in common...............

Amanda had been raised on a farm, so of course, she knew the ins and outs of farm life, and for the most part, loved everything about it. Especially, the animals, which is why she decided to become a Vet Tech, and spend every day taking care of them.

Brad loved animals too, but as a third generation farmer, he raised most of them for a purpose, and it wasn't to be pets.  Although this was the part Amanda didn't care much for, she understood it was a reality of living on a farm like Brad's, which raised beef cattle and pigs, to put food on other folks' tables.

But some of the animals on Brad's farm were pets, and Amanda couldn't help falling in love with them, and HIM, just a little bit more, each time she came to visit.

But those visits were few and far between, because during the day she worked full time at the clinic..........

And her nights and weekend were also busy, because of her part-time job as a bartender and waitress. Unfortunately, her VERY full working schedule didn't leave time for much else.

To make matters worse, these two new lovebirds, also had to deal with Brad's busy schedule, which not only involved his daily chores on the farm, but also his part time job as a small engine mechanic.

 

With all their time being gobbled up with responsibilities, there seemed to be little time left for a love that had only just started to bloom.

  Of course, they discussed possible solutions to this ongoing problem.  One of the logical ones was Amanda moving in. That way, they would at least have the time to share a morning cup of coffee, before they started their day.  And a sweet goodnight kiss, before they both fell to sleep from exhaustion.

But Brad wasn't so sure he was ready for that BIG of a change.  After all, he'd been on his own for quite some time now, and was more than comfortable living the bachelor lifestyle.

So, instead of jumping in with both feet, they decided to take it slow.  A toothbrush here.............

A few clothes and other essentials there........................

 And before they knew it, that old farmstead was starting to see some major changes...................................

 But the biggest change was the one happening between them.

Spending more time together, although stressful at times, was actually helping them to see each other in a whole new light.

For Brad, it was seeing that Amanda wasn't afraid of a little hard work.  And having her at his side, not only made things easier, it actually felt right.

 And those little feminine touches around the farm?  Well, he was beginning to realize, they weren't so bad after all.

As for Amanda, she was starting to see that her normally, rough and tough farm boy, had a bit of a softer side too.

 

Not only was he not afraid to be in the kitchen......................................

He could actually teach her a few things there as well.

And when she least expected it..................................

He always seemed to find a way to surprise her!

Over time, these two began to learn that the key to successful relationship-definitely involved a bit of compromise.

 And  even though there would always be hills to climb...................................

And obstacles that would try and get in the way..............

If they could keep their minds and hearts open to the changes that can, and will occur, while building a life on the farm....

Their love just might be able to stand the test of time.

And after all the hard work- they could actually find what they have been looking for their whole lives.............

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Happy Labor Day, sweet friends!


Blessings,

Christine