I have grown a vegetable garden since before we moved to the farm. I think it is important to be connected to our food supply in the ways that we are able to. I also grow a tea and medicinal herb garden and harvest for use in my home apothecary. I have been making room to grow more flowers, but these other plants will always have their places here.

I am an aspiring dahlia hybridizer with a passion for pollinators. Watching the
bees, butterflies, and various birds inhabit my garden brings me peace. I use organic methods of controlling pests and weeds, while allowing the beneficials to thrive. This is probably the most important thing to me. I utilize compost from our rabbits and chickens to help amend the soil, as well as organic fertilizer options.

A love of gardening has been passed down to me by the women in my family for many generations. My late grandmother holds a special place in my heart. She was my person and I miss her terribly. One of my goals is to someday get some of my own dahlias evaluated by the ADS and to name one after her. She loved making arrangements for her church and events. I hope my floral arrangements make her smile as much as the people I make them for!

My favorite dahlia form is the waterlily and I hope to add as many of them as I can as I curate my dahlia collection. I'm so excited for what the future holds for my small dahlia farm and that I'll be able to share my love of these amazing flowers with others.

I have been breeding poultry since 2018 and exhibiting my birds at APA/ABA sanctioned shows since 2019. I am a member of the American Poultry Association, the American Bantam Association, The Marans Club, and the Ameraucana Alliance. I have served on the board of both of my breed clubs as well as the Marans Chicken Club USA. I am currently the President of The Marans Club and spend a lot of my time promoting both breeds I work with and helping others in the hobby in various ways.

I have judged youth poultry for the past 6 years, traveling across the state to evaluate birds and judge showmanship and served as a 4-H poultry leader in my kids' 4-H club. I aspire to become a licensed judge in the future, likely after my own "chicks" leave the nest.

Studying poultry genetics is a passion of mine and I hope that I can pass on a love of learning to others. I seek out sound resources to sharpen my knowledge and animal husbandry skills. Building a successful, long-term program is my main objective, as well as acquiring hands-on experience while I work towards my breeding goals.

Temperament, vigor, health, and production are all important to me. Breeding towards the Standard AND for egg color is also my top priority. I grow out everything I hatch season after season to evaluate them and select for the traits I'm wanting to breed forward. This is why my availability is very specific and limited.

I live just outside of my hometown, a rural map dot in southeastern Washington state (the desert side). We are largely a farming and ranching community.

I am madly in love with my best friend and husband of almost 17 years. He is my rock, my cheerleader, my backbone, and my second chance. I'm a mother of four busy teenagers that keep me on my toes!

I am an introvert. I enjoy quiet and solitude, but also genuine connection. I appreciate people who are unapologetically real. And silly. I am a vulnerability enthusiast and mental health advocate.

I am a bookworm, a mad scientist, and a nature lover. A stargazer. An aurora chaser. A huntress and a hiking enthusiast. A homesteader and home butcher. I love farm life- growing, raising livestock, and preserving our harvests.

I love a good cup of tea or coffee, watching musicals, and listening to music (cello and sappy country songs some days and punk rock or Metallica on others). I collect old books and nests. I adore my dogs, but I'm definitely a cat person. I also like tattoos and reblooming orchids.

I am forever learning and trying to grow. I'm glad you're here to grow along with me!