From City Life to Lavender Fields

Growing up in the rural community of Boring, Oregon, I had a pretty good childhood. But as an adult, life got a bit more complicated. Marriage and raising a family were great, but we ended up living in a small city with more concrete than dirt. After raising my kids, I found myself single again. So, I made a big decision: I bought a 6-acre property with mature trees, plants, and wide-open pasture. It was love at first sight.

However, I had no idea what to do with all this land. So, I did what any sane person would do—I invited my aging parents to sell their large two-story house and build a forever home right next to me on the property.

Obsessed with the beauty of lavender, I decided to turn the land into a lavender farm. Despite having zero experience in gardening, let alone farming, I pursued my dream. To make things even better, my new neighbor (Mom) is a retired florist. We teamed up and added a cut-flower garden to the mix. It's been one heck of a journey, filled with long days, failed crops, and unpredictable weather, but it's all worth it. I fall into bed exhausted but grateful for every flower bouquet and lavender bundle we share. And you know what? A few of our Sunday dinners have turned into farm meetings.

It's just the three of us, but it feels like we're part of something bigger than ourselves. We're making memories that will last a lifetime.