Hi! I’m Jessica from Twining Seasons Farm, our family-run flower farm in the hills of Friendsville, PA. I have a confession—I’m a total bookworm. Once I started reading as a child, I never stopped. But have you ever had a book—or even just a single conversation—completely change your life?
For me, it wasn’t just a book, but a few words from its author’s husband that shaped my journey into farming.
A Farming Love Story
It all started when my husband, Nick, and I were living in a tiny Buffalo, NY apartment while he continued his education. I spent my days working and my evenings devouring books. One book in particular, The Dirty Life by Kristin Kimball, caught my attention.
Kristin was once a city-dwelling vegetarian until a freelance assignment led her to a small farm, where she found herself butchering a pig—alongside a farmer she would eventually marry. Her memoir tells the story of leaving behind city life to build a farm with her husband, Mark, in Essex, NY. They created a full-diet CSA offering vegetables, meat, dairy, and grains. Their story was one of risk, hard work, and deep love—for farming and for each other.
A Life-Changing Farm Visit
After finishing the book, I discovered that Kristin and Mark hosted seasonal farm tours. So, on a whim, Nick and I packed up a crockpot of beans, slept for a few hours, and set off at 2 AM to drive across the state for the fall tour.
Their farm was both ordinary and magical. We walked past fields of vegetables, joined a crowd outside their old farmhouse, and listened as Mark captivated everyone with his passionate storytelling. He even juggled flaming torches while discussing fossil fuels! At one point, he stamped his shirt with a heart-shaped beet, and I wondered—was this spontaneous, or part of every farm tour?
But what impacted me most wasn’t the entertainment—it was a single, simple piece of advice.
“Stop Reading, Start Doing”
After the formal tour, we were invited to either explore the chicken coops with Kristin or help Mark move the cows to a new pasture. We chose the cows. As we walked, I found myself next to Mark and asked, “What books do you recommend for someone who wants to start a farm?”
His answer? “Don’t read books. Get experience. Volunteer, work on a farm—hands-on learning is the best teacher.”
That one sentence shifted everything for me.
From Dreaming to Doing
Shortly after, I rearranged my work schedule and started volunteering one day a week at Thorpes Organic Farm. That led to seasons spent at 5 Loaves Farm in Buffalo, and later VINES Urban Farm when we moved back to Binghamton, NY. Each farm, each season, each mentor shaped my understanding of farming in ways no book ever could.
Now, on our own farm here in Northeastern PA, I often think back to those experiences. The lessons, the friendships, and the hands-in-the-dirt learning gave me the confidence to pursue this dream.
What’s Holding You Back?
Have you ever had a conversation that nudged you toward your passion? Or maybe you’re still in the dreaming phase, waiting for the right time?
💡 What small step could you take today to get hands-on experience in something you love?
I’d love to hear your story. Send me a message, or better yet—come visit us at Twining Seasons Farm and see what we’re growing. 🌸
~ Jessica
