Filling in the Gaps

I've been thinking recently about the importance of having a stake in something.  Here I am living in the middle of nowhere working as a goat-milker for not very much money and I couldn't be happier.  If I were doing this solely for the paycheck, surely I would still enjoy the company of the animals and the work which is physically and mentally challenging.  But I wouldn't be skipping through the forest humming to myself about how fabulous my life is...which I am indeed.  The fact is, having a stake in the future of the company I work for, and everything it entails and represents, inspires more motivation in me than money ever could.

This evening Lis and I had the opportunity to take a long walk around her property and talk about what is to come now that the papers are signed and the future looks slightly more clear.  We talked about where the "make room" should go, about goaty sleeping lofts, about pasture.  We walked down to the pond where they intend to build a little "Walden hut" for guests to stay in, complete with a dock and wood stove.  We dreamed of moving goat trailers and seasonal cheeses.  We share a vision of the future.

I feel so lucky, have I said that recently?, to be a part of this family business, to help it change hands from one family I like so much, to another I adore.  And I am so glad that I can be as helpful to them as possible in their time of need, filling in the gaps wherever necessary.