The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow

Life here at Sap Bush Hollow is not without pain - it’s hard work, accidents happen, and we get old and ouchie.  But sometimes pain is the reminder we need to love what we have even more. The text ve…

There’s so much coming and going in life.  This week is a story about a dog teaching me to “STAY.”  If you'd like the full text of this story, you can find it on the blog at www.sapbush.com.

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How does our need to be liked by our teachers, to make them happy, effect our learning and personal growth?  That’s what I’m pondering this week on The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, episode 36.

Folks, th…

Returning to business-as-usual after losing a favorite customer is BRUTAL.  And that has me pondering this place where love, community and commerce coincide.  I’m Shannon Hayes, and you’re listening …

I know we are all supposed to believe in ourselves.  But what magic unfolds when someone helps us along by believing in us first?   Today is the story of a great knight-errant, on a quest to help as …

Farming is tough.  But how much easier is it for me because of the color of my skin?  I’m Shannon Hayes & that’s what I’ll be talking about today on The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, episode 33.

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I still remember my first wilderness camping trip from when I was a teenager:  what we ate, what we talked about, how I felt at each moment.  And I remember the adult who was willing to bring me to t…

This is the year small farm life is becoming a fast-paced life for many.  We opted out.  Today I’m going to talk about one of the reasons why.  This week’s story is about The Sweet Spot.  You’re list…

My house is  a wreck, my email box is flooded, my to-do list is out of control, my feet are tired….It must be August…And  You’re listening to Episode 30 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow: The Choice.

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“Alice laughed. 'There's no use trying,' she said. 'One can't believe impossible things.'

I daresay you haven't had much practice,' said the Queen. 'When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-ho…

Does anyone find it interesting that, in the debate about whether to open or close schools, and how that impacts parents trying to work and manage kids…That no one asked the folks who do it every day…

If we all  ascribe to the same values, how come we don’t all have to play by the same rules?  I don’t get it.  I’m Shannon Hayes and you’re listening to The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, and this is a s…

What lengths will we go to to create a unique memory during this pandemic , when every day can seem the same?  You're listening to Shannon Hayes on The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.  

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One of my greatest anxieties is that I’m not the farmer that my parents have always been.  Not even close.  And at a moment when I was most distressed by my perceived failing, my daughter left me gob…

I used to be frightened of teenagers.  Today, I can hardly fathom that.  I can’t image my life without them.  You’re listening to episode 23 of The Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow, Thoughts at 2am.

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Shutting our cafe for the pandemic felt like turning off my purpose for being here.  When we decided to re-open, my biggest worry was protecting my customers.  This past week, I saw what they did to …

I used to be so frightened of lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses that I deprived myself of too many joys of the natural world.  Eventually I replaced that fear with information and education…

I received a note from Jessi, who’s farming in West Michigan, asking for my thoughts on how farming/rural living attracts very liberal and very conservative folks.  She writes, “I've just been proces…

How would the Red Baron counsel a small business owner navigating a pandemic?  That’s what I’ll be pondering this week, on the Hearth of Sap Bush Hollow.

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We wish and pray for so many things in life: for a healthier planet, for peace, for more time, for deeper connection with family.  Sometimes we get our prayers answered.  But before we fully understa…