 Winter Moon - photo by Steve Brady Dear friends,
I’ve often said that the best time to visit The Farm is when some type of activity is happening. Otherwise, it’s a pretty quiet place (just the way we like it).
We’re all busy with our personal lives, at work or at home, out walking in the woods. Unless something is happening that brings us all together, you’re not going to get a sense of the vibrancy here, of who we are, and what it’s like to be in this community.
There’s always a lot going on during the summer, not so much in the cold winter months, especially anything that’s open to the public. That makes the annual Holiday Bazaar your best opportunity to have a fun and interesting visit to The Farm.
 Santa is one of our residents here. Of course, it’s not just us, but a smorgasbord of local folks, some who come every year to do Christmas shopping and others visiting for the very first time. It gives you some insight into our neighbor relations, what it’s like to be a bunch of big blue unabashed hippie liberals in the middle of a very red state. And it reveals why we moved here in the first place. Because by and large, people are friendly. Nice country folks who accept us for who we are and us them and this is how we make peace in the world. Starting with our neighbors, and finding the bridges where we can connect.
This event takes place in our two largest community buildings, which were used by our school at one time, back in the day when we had up to 750 kids enrolled. The hallway of the Solar School as well as several classrooms are filled with vendors. This is also the location where you’ll find some live music happening. Grab a cup of hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, along with some sweet snacks or savory food while listening to the entertainment.
Across the way in the Community Center, there are tons more vendors and a food serving window with a host of great items to choose from. OK, I admit, I spend most of my money on yummy food.
To help you get the vibe, I made a video back in 2009 (see the link below). My hair sure has gotten a lot more gray since then!
Otherwise, things haven’t changed too much, but there’s also a link below to a video from 2023.
I hope to see you there!
Peace on Earth...in our lifetime!
Douglas  The Holiday Bazaar has been an annual Farm tradition for over 30 years. The yellow paper was initially used because the printer had a surplus and gave us a discount, It has now become like an established logo, something people recognize when they see it posted around the area.
Over 50 vendors from Tennessee and the surrounding area donate a percentage of their sales to Watershed Public Theatre for quality arts access in Southern Tennessee. Food and drinks served throughout the day. Unique, affordable handcrafted gifts, including:
Click here to watch my video montage Holiday Bazaar 2009. I play a song at the end.
"The Annual Farm Holiday Bazaar 2024 is next weekend!!! Trevor and I have been working our butts off to bring our new and exciting business to fruition in time to share it with you all ✨✨✨ see you there!"
 Farm artist Alyxandra's Facebook page
 Music class 1978 - photo by David Frohman By 1980, there were as many as 750 kids enrolled in The Farm School and likely a few hundred more who were not yet school-age. It was not always easy for them, especially as their awareness grew of the world outside the community and the relatively poor economic situation that we, their parents had chosen. But what they gained in return, is something deep within their soul.
Douglas NextGen Reflections
When I think about The Farm, it is with feelings of joy and appreciation for a magical childhood. It was a childhood I wouldn't trade for anything in the world. Everything, The Farm, the place where I ran so free in my youth. Where the swimming hole, the snakes, soybean tortillas, our bikes, Zen Scouts, the love of our parents and of each other was so strong, that love would always conquer fear and hate.
These are the ideals I now live with as a result of that childhood. These notions of spirituality, of slowing the mind, of prayer and meditation. These things come naturally and easily to me now because of The Farm. Most importantly, I am fully aware that I cannot live a successful happy life without them.
I spend my mornings in meditation on the beach, as the sun rises over the beautiful Atlantic. I volunteer in the kitchen at a homeless shelter, and at a youth golf camp. I play golf and scuba dive. I read, I write, I attempt daily to live in Beginner's Mind.
I have amazing parents who continue to do extraordinary things with their lives. My brothers and sisters, their children, my cousins and extended family, all have wonderful lives doing things they love. All of us, and with every breath we take, are the world saved. If you founded, lived on, or worked for The Farm, this is your legacy.
Jason Wheeler
 Jason in profile with the headband. Plenty director Peter Schweitzer with the long beard, with Wavy Gravy, at the Plenty Center in Washington DC, early 80s. Photo by John Coate Thank you for your time and attention!
 My books:
Out to Change the World and The Farm Then and Now
Out to Change the World! $12 plus shipping
The Farm Then and Now $19.95 plus shipping
Watch my TEDx Talk: Out to Change the World - Living the Hippie Dream
A big thanks to everyone who has become a patron of Farm Fresh! When you become a subscriber, your contribution helps spread the word about community-based alternatives and the spiritual path.
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Douglas Stevenson
Douglas@villagemedia.com www.douglasstevenson.com Village Media www.villagemedia.com |
