Kathy's Funny Farm
Kathy’s Funny Farm came about to help us save money on the cost of buying organic pork, but instead it ended up saving me. Basically the main reason for it’s name. So Funny Farm was a slang used for talking about mental health facilities, and please know I am not poking fun at that. Instead I am embracing that reference. I personally have worked through many tears and heart aches in my barn with my animals. Animals have a way of soothing you and they are always appreciative to see you. And some days that is all you need, no words just pure appreciation.
How I Got Started Hobby Farming
During the end of 2019 I received a call from my organic hog farmer telling me he was getting out and asked me if I was interested in one of his last hogs going to butcher. Obviously I said yes and then my gears started reeling, frantically wondering what I was going to do. We live in an area where there are a very limited amount of organic farms period, let alone hogs. So basically we started the conversation about how much for your sow and boar. By the end of 2019 it was a done deal, and it was set for May 2020 for delivery.
Then the pandemic hit, and the whole world came to a halt. Which became a blessing to have hogs coming since food supplies were uncertain. And a curse, since I needed to have a barn built by May. With lots of prayers and grace we made it, only a few weeks behind. When they showed up, I was expecting like 2-300 lb pigs. And the boar was about 800 lbs. I actually had a panic attack, wondering what they heck I got myself into this time! But I was able to talk myself down and realized it was going to be ok.
In June the sow farrowed 8 piglets. Then I realized what a special gift it was to have piglets. Instantly I fell in love with pigs and their personalities. They’re like giant dogs, in fact they play with my dogs through their fence. That’s when I officially started a hobby farm of selling my piglets as feeders and raising some for others. Personally I don’t make money at this, however I’m raising the healthiest pork on the market to help supply my family and a few others with amazing organic pork.
How Kathy's Funny Farm Was Named
I wasn’t sure what to name my hobby farm at first. After a few months of starting my hobby farming venture, something unthinkable happened. Someone close to me chose to become estranged. This was so painful and shocking, I was numb. Then the feeling of shame, as if maybe somehow I did something to instigate this action. I just couldn’t wrap my head around why this was happening and why they didn’t want to try to work it out. It took me a long time to even be able to talk about it without crying. And I still have moments.
Consequently many days I spent sobbing in my barn, while trying to process what I could’ve done so horribly wrong. And each day my animals were so happy to see me and appreciated everything I did for them. They silently saved me in this dark time. And I realized that I cannot make anyone else do anything, so this is not my fault, it’s a choice someone made. And I need to learn to live for myself.
In the post about “Codependency“, I talk about attracting narcissists. I was dealing with a few of those personalities as well. And my animals helped me with those as well. Anytime dealing with narcissistic people reached a high level of frustration, I would calmly walk away to the solitude of the barn and process while doing the chores. There’s a reason that animal therapy is used, because it works! And Kathy’s Funny Farm was born. As I mentioned they saved me.
Many people will judge and blame and accuse others of being at fault even if it’s totally out of our control. We need to do better as humans and uplift more than we judge. Maybe we can learn from animals.
What I've Learned
What I’ve learned from life while operating Kathy’s Funny Farm. First and foremost animals can provide you with much more than food. They are a commitment and should not be purchased without that in mind. Although it’s very rewarding taking care of animals and they appreciate everything. And cleaning the barn is a great way to work through frustrating situation that get you fired up as well.
Unquestionably we can only control ourselves and our actions, so we must let go of things that others choose to do. Even if it affects us. This is not easy. Additionally, other people’s opinions are none of our business. What I mean by that is; what others think of us, does not matter. Nor does it determine our worth. We determine our worth and that starts with how we let others treat us. So if someone can’t see our value, then they are not our people. And we do not really want to waste our time chasing someone who doesn’t value us. They are not worth it. And we are worth so much more than that.
We also deserve peace and happiness. So find what makes you happy and brings you joy. And take time to grieve those that chose not to be part of your journey, and then move forward. If you struggle, find a good therapist to help you see your value. You deserve the best!
*Highlighted words contain links. Some links income or other perks may be earned. If you use them Thank you!
Are you interested in learning abut the hobby farm side? Check out Kathy’s Funny Farm on Facebook or Homesteading; Raising, Growing & Preserving page.
Additional resources if you are dealing with an estranged person in your life is Done with Crying by Sheri McGregor M.A. This is pertaining to children that become estranged but truly it can fit for any situation for someone that is very close to you. Just change the message to fit your situation. Enjoy your journey!
