Isaac French

🌿 In the late 90s, Penny and Armin Rembe saved a farm near Albuquerque, New Mexico, from becoming a subdivision. They purchased it with family funds and began focusing on biodynamic and organic farming, ultimately planting lavender. After seven years of securing permits, they opened a five-room bed and breakfast, which ran at a loss for five years. Their son Matt left NYC to join the venture, expanding the family's vision of agritourism.

🚄 In 2009, during the financial crisis, my dad moved our family 2,000 miles north to Idaho to plant a church community, giving away his plumbing business to a young friend. Starting afresh, he rented a farm and took on small jobs. In a few years, the business flourished, leading to the purchase of a collapsing brick Ford service station for a bakery and creamery. We also transformed an old appliance shop into a quilt store. Later, we discovered the 120-year-old WI&M Car 306 train car.

💥 A severe storm resulted in extensive damage to a home, with a lightning strike causing the loss of power and hurling objects across a room. The home, constructed with about $20,000 of salvaged materials 25 years ago, now faces rewiring costs estimated by an electrician at $100,000 due to melted insulation. The family's car was also damaged by hail two days later. Amidst these challenges, the author finds solace in their child's affectionate greeting, highlighting the importance of simple joys and love.