Last week, while discussing their exciting new blueberry farm for sale, the Pickett Street Team and I found ourselves reminiscing about the book Blueberries for Sal. Have you read it? It’s a completely charming children’s book by Robert McCloskey, a writer and illustrator who also wrote the classic Make Way For Ducklings.
The book features a mother and daughter wandering the wild fields and beaches on an island in northern Maine. They spend the entire summer day picking blueberries. Though the story is simple, it brings to mind a question that is quite complex: what do we want our lives to look like? And, which moments matter the most?
As I reflect on my week, which was filled with long commutes, city traffic, air pollution from nearby wildfires, and–I admit–way too much screen time, the thought of an island’s cool salty air, wild blueberries, and quieter life makes my heart ache with longing just a little bit.
Most of us long for more time outside, less time sitting in traffic. Several studies show that nature and country living carry powerful health benefits. Stanford researchers found that 90 minutes walking through country fields, as opposed to walking in urban settings, actually decreased the brain activity associated with depression.
I often hear acquaintances say they wish they could just quit their job, move out of the city to be closer to nature, and find work that they love, work that feels more hands-on and creative. Lately I’ve been thinking about how, though life does get complicated, this kind of dream is possible. Usually, what’s getting in our way is our own self-doubts.
So, for those of you who have been waiting for a sign to make a lifestyle change, perhaps Pickett Street’s blueberry farm is that sign. The property includes a beautiful home and 5.5 acres of blueberries. To find out more about Pickett Street’s blueberry farm and home for sale, reach out to them at info@pickettstreet.com or 425-502-5397. Or, check out our previous blog post about this property and blueberries in Washington State.
In the meantime, here are the stories of two American farmers to show you that this kind creative, slightly wilder life is possible.
1. Jenni and Paul Callahan, South Carolina
Jenni and Paul once lived in Washington D.C., working in childcare and in state legislation. They loved the local farmers markets, and Paul also worked with agriculture and farmers. Like many others, they dreamed of a slower-paced life. However, unlike many, they actually decided to go for it.
The couple purchased a three-acre property and taught themselves how to farm through books, YouTube videos, and conversations with local farmers. Today, Harp and Shamrock Croft grows and sells vegetables, as well as eggs, poultry, handmade goat’s milk soap, and other goodies.
2. Erin Benzakein, Washington
Young urbanites, Erin and her husband left the city to buy a house on an acre of land in the Skagit Valley. Erin first tried candle-making, raising chickens, and growing vegetables before finally settling on her true passion: flowers. Today, Floret Flowers sells cut flowers and host workshops and other events. Both their blog and their instagram feature sigh-inducing photos dripping with gorgeous blooms and that sundrenched farm lifestyle.
How do you want your life to look? And what is holding you back from achieving this dream? If living on a gorgeous blueberry farm sounds like it might be just what your heart needs, don’t hesitate to talk to Pickett Street more at info@pickettstreet.com or 425-502-5397.