Feb 24, 2017
This is part two of a conversation with Shannon Varley about her journey to find, purchase, and raise her family on the farm of her dreams.
After the emotional ordeal of losing their home to a fire after carefully restoring it over two years, the Varleys wondered if it was time give up on farming. Shannon toyed with the idea of opening a bed & breakfast, but she knew in her heart she shouldn’t relinquish her dream.
You don't have to listen to the first part to appreciate this episode, but if you'd like to hear Shannon's full story, check out Ever Better Episode 56.
Support from family and friends helped the Varleys to keep their animals, but the winter was difficult. Then, after a series of remarkable events, the family was able to bid on the farm Shannon and her family will never want to leave.
Their new home, "The Village Farm," is located in Stafford, Vermont, and Shannon says she's created a life that she never has to retire from. "It evolves and grows better."
Shannon shares her vision for her life, her children, and how the farm can be a source of food, a place to gather, and a place to teach about the environment.
I hope you find this story of the power of the human spirit as inspirational as I do.
Key Takeaways:
[1:37] After the fire, the Varleys weren’t sure if they should continue farming.
[6:37] In order to provide stability for their children, Shannon and her husband renovated another "beautiful money pit".
[15:21] A series of favorable coincidences allowed the Varleys to bid on their dream farm.
[21:32] The family has big plans for their ‘forever’ farm, and are excited to get things started.
[24:40] Shannon is drawn to farming because it is a platform for everything she cares about.
[28:23] Shannon shares her vision for her children.
[31:08] Shannon speaks of her inner strength and the desire to pay it forward.
Mentioned in This Episode: