This weekend, I celebrated my 50th birthday by throwing a party at the farm with my family and friends. Because I love to dance, I hired a band to light up the canyon with music from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. While the band was setting up, one of the members asked to see the animals.
As we began walking toward the pasture, he looked at the guests and asked, “Which one is your husband?”
I stopped, turned toward him, and replied, “None of them.” He looked confused.
“You mean you take care of all of this by yourself?”
“Yep.”
The words that came out of his mouth next were about how strong I was… how independent… “Wow, I can’t even imagine how you do it.”
If I was a man, would anyone even ask me that? How do I do it? I am farm girl tough.
I grew up in the heart of Silicon Valley in the suburbs of San Jose, and from the time I was six years old, I would look out at the distant mountains that surrounded us and dream of living among them. I dreamt of looking out my window and seeing horses… my horses!
Well, it took me forty years, but I made my dream a reality. I now live nestled in a canyon, rightfully named Paradise Canyon, on my little two-acre farm. Right outside my window, I can see my three miniature horses and my herd of Nigerian dwarf and Nubian goats playing. My KuneKune pigs come right up to my back enclosure, and I wake up to the sound of my roosters crowing.
I have experienced the cycle of life a little too much in the past 4 ½ years, but what is it they say, “Farm life isn’t for the faint of heart”? True words. But every experience has changed me. Made me stronger. Made me humble. Taught me patience. And perseverance. Most of all, it has given me unconditional love (and some biceps).
So here’s to all you hardworking ladies out there with your independent spirits and rock solid determination to make your own dreams come true. Join me on this journey.
Tiffanie
#farmgirltough
Great job Tiffany but I think you take after your mother & father. Bobbie (your mother’s friend from HSS.)
Oh, I completely agree, Bobbie! I was just telling mom that yesterday. Thank you for reading. 🙂
You’re an awesome lady and I have been amazed and inspired by you. I am so happy to have hopped on this journey with you!♥️
That goes both ways, Ruthie!
Tiffanie,
You are an inspiration!!! I have only just read your first entry and can’t wait to read more. The absolute best.
Elaine Matalone
Thank you so much, Elaine!
Tiffanie, I never doubted you would do well in life and have your dream of a farm. You were well on your way in high school when you bought your first horse.
( I loved the time you allowed me to help with your horse )
❤️❤️❤️ I remember those days so fondly! You and I waking down the streets off Harwood with Karabic.
I so agree Tiffanie. The expectations and assumptions that there has to be a man in order to succeed especially with what you do is so pervasive. I’m so glad you were able to have that conversation. You are a strong, independent and capable human being and woman!! Proud of you. And the 50s are fantastic!! Good job!
You truly are an inspiration Tiffanie. Keep up the hard work it is paying off!