Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day always brings back fond memories of my Mom. Although she hasn’t been around for awhile, I think of her often. I’m finding that this day has broadened a bit for me. I’ve been appreciating the women who’ve been supporting me in this busy farming life.

My friend Elliott comes to mind. She recently moved away from Western New York, now spending most of her time near one of her daughters and family. While I miss her and sometimes feel sorry for myself, I mostly feel happy for her. I think of how grateful I am for the years of having her close by in our East Otto neighborhood.

Elliott moved here from Buffalo decades ago with her husband, Michael. She’s had a long history of helping at our farm, starting out with being a part of the blueberry pruning team. This was back when my Mom and Dad were running things. I know she was close to my sister, Paula too. 

Since we moved to the farm full-time in 2015, Elliott has been there for us with so many acts of kindness and generosity, always with a listening ear, understanding what it’s like to run a business. She would show up or text asking how she could help before season opening and before events like the June Afternoon Tea, a farm wedding, or a flower workshop. I don’t know how she even had the time, given her busy life as a successful potter, sensitively crafting beautiful pottery for so many Western New Yorkers and beyond @hogshedstudiopottery, and soon, @sugar.and.earth. Somehow she did. I know it helps that she loves this patch of blueberries and flowers. She has made us feel loved and we are privileged to call her our friend.

One time Beth remarked that the flower cutting garden didn’t feel like “hers”. She had taken it over after my sister Paula passed in 2014. Beth felt the urge to continue the legacy especially with her empathy for growing things and her love for everything beautiful. A few weeks after making this remark to Elliott, a stoneware sign with “Beth’s Garden” in Elliott’s beautiful script arrived. It was very touching and a part of Beth feeling more connected and belonging to this 3rd generation family farm.

Elliott is also a wonderful cook and baker—an artist in so many ways! It wasn’t unusual during long farm days to return from working in the field and find she had dropped off a delicious meal or dessert. I want to mention too that we are fortunate that Elliott loves to pick blueberries and is one of the best pickers I know. I can always tell which bucket Elliott has picked as they come in from the field, practically perfect. She has generously donated her time and energy to help pick for our retail baskets and new value-added blueberry products, Blueberry Splash and Blueberry Butter. We are so grateful that she has arranged to be here during blueberry season again this year, and our June Afternoon Tea as tea brew master!

So, here’s to a very Happy Mother’s Day, Elliott, and all of you out there sharing that motherly love with others. Thank you...we love you!