This past weekend has been a tough one in the news.  In the wake of tragic news stories coming from our own country and around the world, it is difficult to maintain a sense of optimism and hope for the future.

But as I tell my children during times like this, it’s important to look for the helpers.  And to make a special effort to look for things to be grateful for in our ordinary, day to day lives.  An ordinary life is something to cherish in itself.  Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so it feels especially important to focus on what’s really important.

Finding beauty in the ordinary.

Personally, I have much to be thankful for.  A loving family, a job, enough food to eat, a nice house to live in.  What more can I ask for that isn’t just icing on my already rich cake?

Here on the farm, we are currently at the peak of harvest season.  We are still busy with our leafy greens, and now also getting the storage crops out of the fields and indoors to last us as far into the winter as we can.  The farm is bustling with activity and much work to do!

A lot of hard work.

We are truly grateful to be able to do what we do.  We couldn’t do it without the tremendously talented people here.  Field, production, warehouse, drivers and office teams – you all bring your own unique talents, and we appreciate each and every one of you.

Camaraderie is built despite language barriers.

Hard work but lots of laughs too.

We couldn’t do it without our customers – restaurants, food box companies and retailers.  Your creativity, ingenuity, entrepreneurship and good values continue to earn our admiration.  To our customers’ customers – you value and seek good food in a myriad of ways and your support comes back to us indirectly – for that we extend our gratitude to you as well!  You are the reason we do what we do.

We are glad to be on this journey together, and we do look forward to a bright future – good food, good health, and good people!  Shine on.

Never give up.