Monday 16 June 2014

a visit to Autumn Farm

A couple of weeks ago Poe and I made a big journey down the south coast to Bega to visit Autumn Farm, the home of some dear, dear old friends; Olive, Oscar, Annie and Genevieve. We spent a precious few days catching up, marvelling at their wonderfully small handcrafted straw bale home, their perfectly proportioned 7 acres, clucking over their chickens, drinking lots of tea, reading lots of books, drilling their brains for building knowledge and doing all we could to love and support them during a particularly crappy part of their lives. 

You see our lovely Annie was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, she has since had a mastectomy and embarked on her chemo journey, of which we were there to witness round 2. As we entered this special space created by this amazing family that are currently going through al of this I couldn't help but step back and marvel at how well they were all functioning. There is a strength, love and focus that surrounds them. They bolster and fight against the chemo (and the cancer) in the most purest of ways, with love and a whole lot of really wonderful and strong food as medicine, think bone broths (galore), fermented foods, yoghurt, bucket loads of greens and an overwhelmingly positive 'let's kick cancer's butt' attitude. It is nothing short of inspiring.
I have no doubt that the reality of the situation creeps in and everything does go pear shape at certain moments but I can see that this family is also supported by a beautiful and giving community. A community that is strong and is just waiting at the sidelines whenever they are needed. 

Unfortunately for us the time between embraces with these four had been far too far apart, but once we were there it was like no time had passed at all (yes, as it happens to those who are indeed so true and dear in our hearts). Poe, Olive and Oscar had a ridiculous amount of fun together, adventuring, laughing, standing, watching, night time giggling, wonderfully imaginative journeys and the simple joy of just being together. Poe at one point said to me "I am having so much fun, I feel like I am dreaming". I know how he felt. 
It was a quick trip squeezed in amongst lots of other things but I feel so lucky that we were able to come and visit, to reconnect, to be there for them when they needed us most. We will be back and we can't wait. 

This post is absurdly photo heavy, yes I know I have said that in the past but this is seriously big. However I feel it shares our trip with you all in such a perfect way, a real tour of a very special place and a very special time. I hope you enjoy being inspired by the magnificent Autumn Farm and the four outstanding humans who call it home.  

29 comments :

  1. Oh, Jay. I am floored by the beauty here...and the love is palpable. A truly unforgettable series of photos. I'm inspired x

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    1. Thanks lovely one, you surely can understand how i couldn't leave any image out. They are amazing humans indeed. xxx

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  2. Thank you for your beautiful and generous words and thank you for your time with us amidst such a busy time of your own. We were very moved. Your photos are so very glorious. Much love xxx

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    1. No thank you for such a special few days, as i said it was easy, delightful and so wonderful to be there. xxx

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  3. Beautiful photos as usual...always the same feeling of freedom, joy, happiness, creativity all around. This space is really apart and truly inspiring...I wish the best for Annie...
    Sweet thoughts from France

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    1. thank you lovely, so glad you too were inspired. xx

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  4. Oh my... just seems like with every picture I was taking a deep relaxing breath. What a beautiful place!

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  5. Amazing photos Jay. So beautiful. I teared up. x

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    1. Oh thank you beautiful Meg, it was so beautiful (i am tearing up now). i don't know how you stay away. Genevieve filled me in on how you are, so happy things are so great for you. xxx jay

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  6. ah jay, again i feel like i have been transported to a magical child's wonderland... so beautiful, so sad. i wish the family grace and strength on their journey. I have always aspired to a p&e skirt...

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    1. Hey there you, thanks for your lovely words. I think myself quite lucky to be the keeper of quite a collection of p& e items, you should definitely snap one up when Annie whips up some more. They are guaranteed to make you smile.xxx

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  7. Wow. So many beautiful images. That cubby. Beautiful Poe lost in a dream. Crappy cancer, wish somehow it would be eradicated from the world. Peace & love to you and family and your friends xxx

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  8. just lovely. found my way here via Jodi. amazing photos!

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    1. hello and thanks for popping by Melissa. xx j

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  9. these photos are amazing - some of the best pics I have seen in my lifetime!

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    1. Ah wow, what can I say that comment blew me away. I am very touched by your very enthusiastic praise. thank you. xx j

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  10. AMAZING! So incredibly beautiful.

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    1. Thank you Sharolyn, it is a truly amazing place. xx

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  11. hello, visiting for the first time, coming through Jodi. what beautiful photos you have here. truly inspiring!

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    1. Hello and welcome, so glad you came to visit, thanks for your kind words Lil. xx j

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  12. These photos are absolutely beautiful and inspiring!! Thank you for sharing :)

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  13. Lovely, having regularly read their blog, to see their world through your eyes :)

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  14. I had the privilage of meeting them and helping them build some steps on their land about 2 years ago and fell in love with this family. Thank you for sharing, it made me feel those same warm and fuzzy feelings I had while sitting at their table drinking coffee 2 years ago.

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  15. Everything about this is so incredibly beautiful - the family, the farm, the love, the pictures... Pure magic. Thank you so much for sharing.

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thank you, thank you for sharing your words, thoughts, feelings. xx