What a great post. I follow your blog regularly and I really enjoy it. The variety is great, the content is great, the advice is great. I'm in the process of a career and industry change and I've found several invaluable gems of advice in your archives.
Thanks again.

Maybe I'm on a limb here but this kind of "entrepreneurship through the eyes of actual entrepreneurs" — unlikely ones, especially — is fantastic and could be a niche blog by itself. Just a thought. Field journalism for bloggers, I like it …

This is my favourite ever post on your blog! Now I want to meet this farmer too.

That is an interesting story. About perspective. And recognising that one's own way is not the only way to frame the world. That with each territory comes a different set of problems, requiring a different sort of prioritisation but in the end, messages such as 'take initiative', 'don't waste resources', 'separate the wheat from the chaff', 'seek new pastures', 'learn that it is not possessions in the house that make you happy but what you do' (oh, whatever, just ignore the farming puns, please) are common to all situations at work and in life.

Good post! Unusual but good.

I love your blog, read it regularly, and just now I'm compelled to comment. What a great, great story - on so many different levels. I'm starring this one in my Google reader.

So glad to hear about your farm visit. It can really be truly relaxing to visit a farm. I know your kids must have had a great time and sounds like you did also. There are a lot of family farms left and they do well when they market to achieve the best value for their products. Just do not ever volunteer to clean the chicken coop and pitchfork the soiled hay into the compost pile.

I'm a Wisconsin small business and farm girl at heart, so this post hits home.

Wisconsin is full of farmers, most of them dairy, who are excellent entrepreneurs and marketing gurus. They have to be, because in the last 30 years the idea of the family farm nears extinction due to government intervention, middleman markups and overall high economic issues.

Many Wisconsin farmers combat this by creating their own product. Rather than shipping their milk to dairies, farmers such as Crave Brothers in Waterloo, http://www.cravecheese.com, now make their own specialty cheeses and sell them to niche markets.

Other farmers have diversified into all together new products. In Ixonia, Wisconsin two brothers took over the family dairy farm and created Eberts Greenhouse Village, http://www.ebertsgreenhouse.com/. Today, this is a phenomenal botanical experience for anyone who has even an inkling of gardening interest.

These are two examples of many. What's great about them is they have created a means of carrying on a family-owned business. They have created top quality products - local products that defy corporate enterprise. And, my favorite, they have preserved their land and not sold it off for development.

Yes, Wisconsin is full of smart, innovative and hard-working business people. Learn from them. And check out their products at http://www.savorwisconsin.com/default.aspx

So was he cute? I smell romance! :)

Ha! Ha! I was thinking what Ed was thinking.
Really, this is beautiful. I'm glad you got to go. You've been needing an opportunity to get out in the country.

You sound so different in this post, in a good way. While no one has offered a trip to a farm from my blog, I second the notion that it has changed my life.

What I like is the title of the blog…it hooked me in because I thought I was learning about a new tool. Then, your story kept me here. Nice job. I have a lot to learn from you, thanks!

I love this post and I love this side of you. I don't know how to explain it, organic and genuine I think? Not that you aren't genuine in your other posts, but this one there's no added preservatives…does that make sense?

What a warm and reflective post. This story reminds me of those nonprofits groups that take inner city kids to experience a day of country life. There’s nothing like fresh air, green grass, and farm animals to make everything seem alright. You can skip Yoga/Pilates session tonight… you’ve already bowed to your inner self.

. . . this is one of the most gorgeous posts i've ever read . . . because of its simplicity and heart, but also because it speaks to that intersection between the modern world and the old world, that intersection we must come to to survive and thrive the changes that are coming to our way of life . . . what an awesome way to start a day . . . thank you!

This was a great post. Great to know that you are broadening your horizons.

Thanks for this post.

My family farms in Iowa - and sometimes I feel ashamed to be from a 'hick town' in the middle of nowhere. This reminded me that growing up on a farm and knowing where your food comes from is a privilege that not many get to experience in this day and age.

Beautiful, thoughtful piece.

Does this guy know you're blogging about him? That his sexual prowess is likely to become a topic of discussion here? Don't punish him — Emily Gould-like — for having merely entered your orbit. He sounds like a decent, kind-hearted guy. Your husband was once too, probably still is.

Kids love farms.

* * * * * * *

Oh you don't need to worry about this guy. Before I had been on the farm even for a half-hour he laid out the rules for what I could write about him and what I couldn't.

-Penelope

Not to be all "you're a great writer–you should write a novel!"…but if the time ever comes when you get too stressed out being an entrepreneur, you should write a novel. I know you wrote some kind of fiction under another name (which I've not yet read and will have to check out). If you write fiction your lawyer can't give you crap about disclosing details of your personal life.

I guess I'm the only reader so far who didn't like this post. You come off as a woman wanting to please - everything the (male) farmer says or asks, you think of how to answer so he sees you in a positive light. If you don't usually give thanks before meals, you should have told him. If you regularly throw away food, be honest. It sounded like a first date where all you wanted to do was make sure there was a second, and if that meant bending the truth a little, well so be it.

@ prklypr

Interesting take - I think Penelope was reflecting what is naturally thought of as rules of propriety when you are someone's guest. You know, "When in Rome?" There is nothing offensive about joining someone in saying Thanks before a meal even if you regularly don't…and as for the food issue, perhaps she was caught off-guard and unsure how to respond. Obviously a farmer has a lot more uses for leftover food than Penelope does. She doesn't exactly have farm animals sitting around to eat catch the overflow…

prklypr, I disagree. I hardly think Penelope is chameleon to her surroundings or company. This is Penelope we're talking about, after all. Perhaps she is pointing out her opening outlook and sense of awakening to ideas different than her own.

Penelope, Madison is an ithsmus in more ways than one, in that its surrounded by a world quite different than its own. Madison is very liberal however most of Wisconsin is not. Prayer before dinner is a good thing. In Wisconsin it's also common. (Go Badgers. Go Packers.)

The farmer sounds like a great person. His values to be noted!

This post grabbed me this morning and I just had to respond to it.

I grew up in Wisconsin, and I have found it difficult at times to explain to people the midwestern sensibility. In big cities on the East Coast, the assumption is that ignorant bumpkins in floy-over country just don't understand the world, and that they like to shoot guns and go to church to fill their empty lives.

Sometimes people are genuinely shocked when I tell them that I would like to move back to the Midwest someday.

Of course, the reality is that many people make conscious choices to preserve a way of life that is important to them - and reinvent it for a new generation. Much like your new farmer friend.

Thanks for sharing.

A perfect example of how a blog post can be compelling, authentic, and transparent without recourse to sensationalism or controversy of any kind.

Best post on your site that I've ever read.

Loved this.

I agree with some of prklypr's points.

"I got excited that he thought there would be a next time. I thought my life could be very peaceful here, as I looked out on the fields like they could fill my days. I made a note to see how much it would cost to get wireless Internet at his house."

There is something so immature about the need to write this down where the farmer can read it. Too desperate for my taste.

I can see you moving onto that man's farm and within weeks, writing a snobby blog about how basic and difficult your life has become. Not all of farm life is romantic. It is one of the most demanding existences there is. Appreciate the beauty, yes, but be respectful, please.

I'm a Manhattan girl who is madly in love with New York City, but this makes me want to run– not walk– to the country and feed chicks or something!

I mean, Central Park is great and all, but compared to this…

Great post!

The past two weekends Date #4, a certified farm boy-cum-lawyer, has taken me out to the country for a little peace and quiet. This past weekend, I visited his family's ranch, which included a stone-built house from the 1850s with no air-conditioning (this is Texas - that's unheard of). There were three rooms - his grandparents' bedroom, the girls' room and the boys' room… For 11 kids and something like 33 grandkids. They still speak German.

It's a lesson in humility. And somehow, that brings quiet to my mind.

Wow. Just. Wow.

I love this post because it touches something in me that I've been feeling. Just over the last couple of months I've been considering moving to Viroqua (http://www.viroqua-wisconsin.com/) in the Driftless region of WI and farming. From corporate city-dweller to farming. Taking the ideas of marketing and business that I know and applying them to farming, while at the same time building community.

I'm so glad the farmer contacted you because what he says is right on. Farming has to change to survive in the coming economy, and people's minds are becoming more cognizant of where their food is, and where community is. What a great experience for you and your son.

It touches me even more because Saturday morning, I was on my way to that Madison farmer's market when I was in a terrible car accident. Miraculously, I walked away unscratched. Reading your blog post this morning was just what I needed - as if I'd actually gotten to go there afterall.

And it makes me so very ready to give thanks.

I'll join in the chorus in saying bravo to this post. My grandparents have a farm and I grew up around farm culture. I think it is natural to want to return to that or to experience firsthand if you never have. One of the best memories I have of my grandpa was waking up at 5:00am to feed and milk the cows. When I think about it logically, I don't think I want to do it but when you are out there, you want to be a part of it.

@ Chris - I don't know where it is mentioned that farming isn't difficult. I think you've let your overriding assumptions color the post in a negative light. That's terribly unfortunate for you.

First of all I'm glad the farmer dispelled your preconceived notions about farming. Farmers are the original entrepreneurs. And they are very technically savvy. Even back in the 1980's many farms had satellite dishes to get data from commodity markets.

Since he lives with his family, it is actually a family business.

Back in WWII farm boys were sought after for tank crews. Many of the soldiers under General Patton were farmers. Why did they specifically choose farmers? Because of ingenuity. Farm boys were used to fixing farm machinery in the middle of nowhere when it broke down, they also knew how to improve the equipment they had to keep it running. With farmers driving tanks, if a tank broke down, they'd find a them.

Take a look around at your suburban sprawl Some farmer made millions selling their acreage for a new subdivision.

There was a time in the US not too long ago where farming was the #1 industry / employer. Not anymore in the US.

I'm glad you found new respect for farming and I hope you learned you can't pre-judge someone by what they do or judge someone by who they are because of their occupation.

Farming is not an easy job, you have to know everything from the environment to meteorology to world markets to veterinary medicine to agriculture to science. Math is also extremely important: How much do I plant, what is my yield, how much does it cost versus my profit, how much fuel will it take, how much wood / materials do I need to fix the barn, build a fence, etc.

oops - I meant to say if a tank broke down, they'd find a way to fix them.

What a wonderful story! It makes me want to visit a farm. I told my friend back in high school that when I have kids, I want them to spend a summer working on a farm so they can learn the value of hard work and enjoy life without all the amenities city or suburban living provides.

Penelope's post (a good post, BTW) on top of that 'Farmer Wants a Wife' reality dating show — makes me think we're looking at the beginnings of a new farm-chic cultural moment. Will overalls make their first comeback since the early 1990's? Will supermodels start sporting farmer's tans? Who can tell?

@Lane
If you move to (or even just vist) Viroqua, be sure to visit the little bakery on the east side of town off Hwy 14. Amazing breads and pastries.

@Lance
I think the negative light that was shed comes directly from P's silly schoolgirl daydream of moving in with a farmer after 10 minutes of visiting a farm. The beauty is in the farm, not the desperate need to belong to a stranger's world.

want to change the way your think about your food and where it comes from? Read this book: http://harpercollins.com/books/9780060852559/Animal_Vegetable_Miracle/index.aspx

Love this post. Even with the sorta incredulous tone, there's a ring of authenticity and groundedness that is very refreshing.

You make me love Wisconsin all over again. My farmette is for sale, just outside Mt Horeb, I'll tell you about it next time I see you at a preschool thing-y. ;) ~Noelle (Sofia's mom)

Your best post ever.

Thanks for reminding me with this story that there a lots of reasons I write my blog other than stats. This was a friendly reality check I badly needed.

This post is definitely what Wisconsin is all about. It's a bunch of blue-collar workers who actually have very successful businesses. Never judge a book by its cover. I'm glad you went to his farm and learned a lot that day.

BTW.. Love your blog. I've recently become a regular reader and it was before I realized you live in Wisconsin!

I love this post.

I made a note to see how much it would cost to get wireless Internet at his house.

I think that's the 21st Century of writing your first name and his last name in ballpoint pen on the cover of your spiral notebook, just to see how they'd look together.

That's a great story! But wait until you have to get up at 5 am everyday to milk the cows. It will make a 9 to 5 city job seem very easy.

@Chris: I've seen that bakery but I will stop next time! I visit Viroqua all the time - my mother lives in Gays Mills, and Viroqua feels like my home away from the city.

This is the most authentic & real person you've ever written about. I have new respect for you for this post (but it doesn't change the fact that generation Y still sucks)

Yep–this post definately sounds like one of those things white people like. I'm not white and maybe that's why I'm not seeing anything special about going to a farm to visit and seeing the particularities of this farmer's way. Enlighten me please! I am from Wisconsin and went to school at UW-Madison so I do know a thing or two about farms.

Dia: You've gotta go girl. It is the contrast that is so joyous among other things. I have taken country kids to Manhattan and City kids to Iowa and in both cases they had a blast as did the adults. I thing you will notice with most rural farmers is a lack of white non-white thoughts. Farmers think of people as cityfolk and countryfolk and they will treat you the same as Penelope. UW-Madison is a great school but a gigantic school where it is hard for me to picture learning about farms unless you went out to some a bit distant from Madison. Assuming you are black you probably realize how many sharecroppers worked the land as farmers until the lure of urban jobs and the drought of the 1930's sent most to the City. Please find an opportunity to spend some time on a rural farm and you will see what the post was about. For those other rural readers do not assume you know Madison or Manhattan unless you find a native and spend time with them also. The differences between the two worlds are almost 100 percent.

There are times when I don't quite know if I like reading your blog (so I keep reading to find out one way or the other), and then there are posts like this. I loved it. Thank you, it made my day.

As a fellow Wisconsinite, (ya der hey…where we park our cars side by each and such) this was a blog post that really hit home about why I refuse to accept really worthwhile job offers somewhere else and demand my entreprenurial independence. Its also why most people in those organizations agree to accept my refusal and demands, especially if they are originally from "fly over country" themselves.

If you liked this story…check out this YouTube post that Tom Peters linked to not long ago:
http://www.tompeters.com/entries.php?note=010392.php

Thanks again Penelope!!!

I feel so happy for you, I don't know what to say.

On a post related note, I think we're starting to see a trend where people realize that the power of the web truly is more relational than it is in marketing, etc., because relationships are underlying to so many different aspects of our lives, which can include marketing, but doesn't have to. Thinking of posts on Ittybiz, Copyblogger, etc. about how so many bloggers are just blogging to other bloggers, marketers to marketers, etc.

We hear the word "social" so much in terms of the web now that it's funny that it would suprise us when it comes out on top in the equation…

So maybe it's not a NEW way to measure ROI, instead, it's just something that's so fundamental, we kept forgetting to factor it in for a long time.

Very sweet post. It can be amazing when you find a place that just feels right, but is not the kind of place where you thought you'd feel right.

What a lovely story! Thanks for sharing it. This is so encouraging - we're not just alone thinking about promotion and marketing and doing better, but we, your readers, are actually a community of good people. I'm glad that people like this farmer are out there.

(Also, it's brought back memories of rural Missouri and riding horses in Kansas as the sun set over the fields.)

If you came to visit me in my city, St Albans, I would take you around our Roman ruins, walking through our nearby woods and muddy lanes, the hedgerows frothing with cow parsley. The small beauties I take for granted would, I'm sure, be surprising and relaxing to someone seeing them with fresh eyes.

This is a well-written but cliched post. Farmers are no more "salt of the earth" types than the urban teacher, police officer or anyone else who do the necessary jobs that make civilization possible. And they are probably even more self-interested and insular as the rest of us. Look at how much subsidies they willingly accept while decrying "welfare" for truly needy people. Look at how our trade barriers ravage third-world farmers. I'll believe this "salt of the earth" nonsense when I see farmers campaign for elimination of agricultural subsidies and reduction of trade barriers.

Are you sure you didn't just fall asleep on the couch in front of 'The Horse Whisperer'?

(I liked the part about his farm being "tricked-out" for kids with chicks and swings…and not a Wii in sight!) I'm surprised he doesn't just keep jumping through hoops though and get that 'Certified Organic' stamp. I wonder why it would be more profitable to go grass-fed and hormone free even if you run the risk of being eschewed for being thrown in the 'conventional' heap anyway? This guy must indeed know his stuff.

And with posts like this one, sometimes I wish this was a photoblog. Would love to see you knee-deep in cow poop (and so would some of your snarkier commenters, I'm sure).

Great post!
Reminds me of my childhood and spending good parts of my summers on my uncle's farm in Wisconsin. Great memories!

@Paul R Williams:
I LOVE you for saying 'side by each'. I use that line on my west coast friends and it just kills them.

Great post! Farmers are some of the best entrepreneurs. I can relate to this blog growing up on a big farm here in Montana. I would also encourage you to seek an Amish community for the experience. You will be amazed at the craftsmanship, talents, and the many system in place to make things go effectively.

I truly enjoy reading your blog and this post was my absolute favorite! I hope it turns romantic lol. The part about not wanting to throw away food that you grew yourself was really eye-opening. Great job!

Unfortunately, Sidney is correct on the subsidy comments. I'm from farming Wisconsin and can vouch for the tens of thousands of dollars some individual farmers receive for various reasons…anything from not planting on specific acreage to cutting back on milk production (or whatever commodity happens to be in excess). What's worse, it's the often farmer that makes the most money that collects on the greatest subsidies. Yes, farming is business just like any other business, and the rich have a way of getting richer, not always in the most ethical of ways.

Check out http://www.farmersonly.com for a farmers' dating service. No joke, I LOVE THIS SITE. Hours of fun.

Farmers aside, I think the greatest ROI I've gotten from my blog has been the relationships with other bloggers and readers. I've made friends, found deals, hung out with people, discovered career resources…all kinds of stuff.

You just made me proud to be have been raised a country girl.

To borrow your term, my blogs is about the intersection between life, values/ethics and money. Its basically the stuff I am somewhat obsessed with and I find that they are very related. I want to spend less money but I had to pick the areas I wanted to do that with. For example I believe that if you look at just the cost on a sticker of a loaf of bread or meat at a Walmart, there is a load of externalized costs that are not accounted for. Why is that meat $2.19? What was that cow fed? How much was the butcher paid? How much was the packaging company paid? Am I comfortable knowing that the cow was probably fed a diet anthetical to its nature?

I really enjoyed this post because I was wondering when you would make that step toward getting closer to your food source. The career advice is great…but alot of the U.S. economy's growth is based on assumptions of infinite growth that was growing exponentially when energy was almost free. So I need to know how to make a career move or be a good manager, but at the same time, events that have been put in place well before I was born will come to head in my lifetime with several groups of people competing not just for jobs but also for increasingly scarce energy resources.

I don't mean to sound nutty, but I think getting in touch with the local food supply is as important of an idea as learning how to navigate the career ladder.

Thank you for this post.

Best post ever!

That's the first blog post ever that made me cry.

You have a lot of people who root for you. I know I do from out here in Philadelphia.

That story struck really close to home because my father-in-law was the head of Farm Service and was based in Madison for a long while before he returned to Iowa. Farmers are good people, and you met one of the best.

Peace to you and your family. You have found it.

Very heartwarming story. Enjoyed it immensely. The country folk can sure teach us city folks a few things.

Am so glad that I discovered your blog. I am hooked now, a regular reader.

To echo what (most) everyone has written here: this is one of your best posts. Loved the natural rhythm of this post.

One of my favourite lines: "And my son ate extra cheese and looked very healthy."

Amen!

As an ISTJ who is obsessed with shopping and needs immediate gratification, I'd see living (or even visiting a farm) as a nightmare.

I live in Kansas City- if you ever need an escape to shop, I'm your girl! Oh, and you can throw out all the food you want!

I am a regional consultant, so I travel by plane frequently and when I look down and see a random farmhouse in the middle of nowhere my first concern is what they do when they need to make a 10:00 pm trip to Target for fun!? I relax by walking through Target. In fact, I'm house hunting right now and my priorities for location include having the following within a 10 minute driving radius: Target, Walgreens, Old Navy, Kohls, The Limited, Starbucks, a NICE grocery store, QuikTrip, , nail and tanning salon, Cold Stone Creamery, my bank, and some kind of healthy sandwich shop.

As I fly over a secluded farm I also wonder how much the FedEx guy hates his route, how the kids will probably never get excited to hear the sounds of the ice cream man in the neighborhood, and how long it takes to run to the store for milk (oh wait, they have cows, right?!).

What about ambulances, police, and fire trucks? How long do they wait for those. I'm fascinated by your well connected farmer and hope you ask LOADS of questions next time you "relax" on his farm. Please post what you learned…my mind is spinning with questions.

Sorry Penelope but this doesn't really have anything to do with with blog return on investment. That's what you were aiming at, right?

Can only echo what others have said - loved this. I've read your blog for a while now, but this is the first time I've been prompted to comment.

As one of your UK based subscribers Wisconsin has never really crossed my radar, but you transported me there, and also made me stop and think for a while about a whole bunch of things including farms, children, food, marketing and responding to change.

Bravo!

Date the Farmer! He sounds really grounded in who he is, and he obviously made a profound impression on you!

Wow. You really touched on something here. I almost never comment on blogs, but this was a wonderfully rich and provocative story. It's almost like fiction; I can't wait for the next episode!

I wish I learned 20 years ago what you just learned. Slow down and smell the roses.

Aren't you glad you live in Madison?

What makes you successful as a writer, I believe, is very much on display in this post. You're introspective and honest in a very public way. I don't know if or how those qualities translate into success as an entrepreneurss, but man do they make you a compelling writer. I hope your drive to run a business doesn't ever requiring sacrificing this talent.

im all about meeting people that can change my life. in fact i could use a few right now. good luck to you penelope. :-)

Wow, Penelope, I love the brave way you write. Thank you for allowing us to see your journey.

That is a great story and a fantastic way to show how your blog can help you see new and interesting perspectives.

So did you decide if you'll be going back out to the farm?

@Neil- I agree that it's not the clearest connection to see, but Penelope met someone who could change her life (this farmer) as a result of her blog (he decided to contact her after reading her blog). So meeting someone who could change your life is a new way to think of/measure ROI.

I'm so glad to hear of a good day in your life. You've blogged about so much of the hard stuff in the last year — finding family time, starting a business, getting divorced — that it's beautiful to see you finding some peace.

And to the farmer: Your generosity is awesome.

Great post! Your story reminds me of The Pioneer Woman, http://www.thepioneerwoman.com, and her love story, Black Heels to Tractor Wheels.

I enjoyed the post and it set off the reminder in my head while long ago I promised myself to limit my blog reading. Why? Because getting outside and actually doing, seeing, smelling, touching and living is so much better than letting others do it… then letting them tell me about it. It's also healthier for my kids too.

Good post Penelope.

Penelope,
Such an interesting post - thanks! I'd like to share something, too. I think it also deals with the themes of perspective, and some of the other things you've posted in your blog.
I just finished reading James Arthur Ray’s newest book, Harmonic Wealth, and I had to share this concept he has that I think makes so much sense: LIVING FROM THE OUTCOME (Page 322). James says that most people live toward the outcome, meaning you are living like you don’t have it yet. He says you should shift your thinking so that you are LIVING FROM THE OUTCOME and thus sending out the energy to the world that you already have it. Think, feel, and act like you’ve already made it and the universe will say “Your wish is my command.”
For me, that meant acting like I was more valuable as an individual – acting like a $500 a day earner instead of a $150 a day earner (no more reality TV marathons!) and acting like a thin and fit woman instead of a slightly overweight and sometimes lazy woman (goodbye Ranch Doritos!). Honestly, in the two weeks since I put down the book, things have started changing. And I think it really comes down to that one concept.
Check out the Harmonic Wealth site and link to the book: harmonicwealth.com/read
-A JR FAN

Hello Penelope, I seldom comment on all the blogs I read - though I almost did the when you posted about being "eccentric" and what that meant to a man "in bed"… can't even get myself to type it out!!!

It was a very heart-felt, touching story - this is why I read your blogs: not just for the "inside juicy scoop" on corporate live, but that the stories mostly connect and touch me. It's a hard balance between life and work that you/me/we tend to get caught on the work side.

This story felt like a slap in the head to wake-up and remember we really work to live. And when we feel like shit, we just try to "work harder" or "work smarter", not live better. I think it's a great step to see you experiencing living better. It's a truth that cuts me to the bone.

Love it!

Farm owners are the early form of entrepeurs.
I myself worked on a farm until I was 18.
Those were some of the most formative years of my life. I never will forget the time I helped birth a baby calf. It was the most disgusting thing I ever saw!!

You just blew my mind … your writing gets better and better and your perspective more and more intriguing. I read this with the relish of a romance novel. (and, I don't even read romance novels;-) Your best yet!

Normally, I read your posts in my reader and do not click on through to your blog. I loved this post and wanted leave a note letting you know it was awesome. Obviously, I was not the only one who enjoyed it. You are an excellent writer and enjoy reading your posts.

Your farmer appeals to the realism so many city slickers are missing in their fast paced, cookie cutter lives.

I grew up in the country, with all the values your farmer espouses, and after I moved to the big smoke and began a career I also got caught up in the pace of life. Until about 3 years ago when the lure of the land called me back.

People love hearing my stories from the farm, and seeing animals enjoying an easy existence. I never really connected why til I tapped into what people in the city don't have access to.

So I've started sharing what's going on at the farm on my blog http://www.farmerjen.com It's not as eloquently written as yours but people like it for the peek into wonderland it affords them.

so i dig the post as i live the dream: once a small time entreprenuer, now small time bureaucrat during the week, entreprenuer farmer by weekend. its a beautiful thing, trying to direct responsible best business practices by weekday and trying to direct responsible best land practices by weekend.

i want to thank everyone for their supporting comments to penelope’s blog, their interest in eating local; for experimenting with their food; being concerned with how the land is being used; and where their food comes from.

we appreciate it.

Love this post. Penelope, how do you not know about Amish in Wisconsin? This summer, please promise me that you go to Spring Green to watch a play at the American Players Theatre and there is an Amish Community there. Go visit them, you may get answers about entrepreneurship that you never expect. Remember they do not use electricity so it would be hard for someone to blog here and invite you.
One thing about farmers and entrepreneurs are there is no gathering around and discussing pros and cons etc aka no analysis paralysis, someone decides what to do and they do it and they learn their mistakes if there is any. Much is based on experience. I think too many times, in a corporate environment, we discuss way to many times and seek consensus to please everyone and doing justifications and return on investment etc and miss the boat.

Enjoy your summer.. and what is this about road works on East Gorham in Madison.

This Kansas born girl relates. When you throw in with the universe sometimes you get something really cool back - pretty amazing.

I love this and that's so cool that your blog made this experience happen. (My husband was raised on a farm, btw, and so I am partial to farms and ranches).

first time commenter, long-time reader… this post was your most captivating yet. I liked your humility and sense of wonder. The tone was perfect. Sounds like a successful mini-retreat that all us city dwellers could benefit from.

Reading this felt like drinking a tall glass of homemade lemonade on a summers day :)

Take care!!!

I just read this post for the fifth time in two days. I keep telling people to come read it. Every time I start I say I just want to read the beginning, or the part about the cattle stampede that didn't happen, or the end about saying grace. And then I read it all in spite of myself because it makes me so happy. I smile the whole way through. This is probably the best thing I've ever read on the Internet.

Absolutely wonderful post. I read everything you write but seldom comment, but this was a gem. Kudos. Your writing and subject matter just gets more and more compelling.

I absolutely loved this story. Came via a link in Brip Blap's roundup this week and think I'll end up staying for a while now…

Beautifully written! GREAT story. You made me laugh and you touched me with hope, and filled my heart with gratitude. Thanks for all of it!

I never thought of myself as a city girl until I realized I was in college before I ever saw a cow up close. Your comment about being an environmentally-conscious city person reminded me of that.

Fun read. Can't wait to hear about next time. But where's the part about the kiss? ;-)

There are tons of mennonites and amish in Wisconsin. If you get up to Northern Wisconsin around HWY 29 you will see mennonites riding their pedal bikes on the highway.

Yay! Let's hear it for farmers!

Enjoyed the post. If you're ever in Southern Iowa and want to visit a farm. Ours is "different!"

(Of course, our Jersey cows have great manners and always wipe their noses) ;)

Beautiful story… What happened after the kiss?

So I took a break from reading your blog after I got frustrated, and came back to read this. Probably my favorite post ever.

The stereotypes from this post are just sad. It's pretty amazing to me that someone so educated assumes that a farmer is an ax murderer and not competent or savvy enough to read career books and run his own business (which is what farms are!). The farmer is clearly a patient and understanding man. He has must deal with "environmentally-conscious" food wasters a lot.

My dear friend recently turned me on to your blog for career advice - I think she's tired of listening to me floundering… And I'm a huge fan already. This post really struck a chord with me since my career, conservation of farmland, is aligned with this content. AND I'm fellow ENTJ who totally respects and admires modern farmers for their entrepreneurship. I'm feelin' what you're layin' down, woman. kudos.

Penelope, Madison is an ithsmus in more ways than one, in that its surrounded by a world quite different than its own. Madison is very liberal however most of Wisconsin is not. Prayer before dinner is a good thing. In Wisconsin it’s also common. (Go Badgers. Go Packers.)

Though I don't mean to disrespect Sophie, these are horrendous overgeneralizations.

Everything is more complex and complicated than black or white. Having just moved from Madison after five years there, I can tell you that Madison isn't as liberal as one thinks, and Wisconsin can't be painted all with the same brush.

People who live on farms aren't all the same. Just as people who live in the city, or on the Isthmus, are not. We aren't all one thing or another. We don't ALL concer