Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 57 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. As spring starts to bloom here at Roots and Refuge Farm in South Carolina, I'm reminded of the cyclical nature of the homesteading life, particularly the "hungry months" at the end of winter when pantry stores from last season are low and the new harvest hasn't yet begun. Despite the challenges, I find comfort in the familiarity of the seasons after 10 years on the farm. Homesteading has evolved over the years, from being considered unconventional to becoming more mainstream. However, the recent pandemic significantly highlighted the flaws in our food system and the importance of self-reliance and small farm resilience. As our society prioritizes convenience over quality and locality, there's a growing awakening to the need for local food resources and community support. In the face of uncertainty, homesteading offers a path towards conscious consumption, sustainability, and reverence for the beauty of life. It's about living lightly on the land, seeking sustainability, and embracing the slow living mindset. Through mindful relationship with the earth and each other, we can improve our quality of life and build resilience against fragile systems. Embracing the homesteading life means choosing hard work over ease, embracing inconvenience, and prioritizing creation over consumption. It's about recognizing the value of restriction and finding freedom in mindful consumption. As we navigate the challenges of modern life, I find solace in the resiliency that comes from the homesteading mindset, especially during the hungry months of March. Join me as we explore the transformative power of homesteading and the resilience it cultivates in our lives. Thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Roots and Refuge Podcast! Thanks so much for listening. If you’d like to join our Patreon page, you can get early access to all our podcast episodes and monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives). Visit our Patreon Page to learn more and check out past episodes of the podcast on the website.