Baby Maple Leaves

I have kind of a strange obsession with baby maple leaves. There, I said it. It’s out in the open.

The slow emergence, and then the rapid stretching, of the tiny, paper-thin leaves in spring is one of my favorite things ever. In fact, they’re so endearing to me that I can’t help but document their youth in pictures each year.

*Young maple leaves emerging on a low branch.*

Maybe it’s the fact that the appearance of their tiny buds marks the end of the maple sugar run, or that their translucent red fronds are one of the last species of tree leaves to finally emerge in mid-spring that makes them captivating. But I think it’s something deeper, at least for me. I think…it’s something…maternal...?

Call me crazy, but I find it so ridiculously cute that maple trees (and oak, and probably plenty of other plant varieties that I have carelessly overlooked) have leaves that start out as teeny tiny versions of their adult forms. They don’t have big, wrinkly, elongated leaves stuffed into protective shells until they explode into the daylight like some species do. They grow miniature, delicate real maple leaves. It’s like the tree gives birth to fully formed baby leaves that just need time and nutrients to grow big and strong. (And, of course, that’s pretty much what’s happening, but for some reason it’s strange to think about it that way. I mean, dang, how many babies does each tree have if all their leaves are like children?)

The newborn leaf stage passes quickly though. Each day they add length and strength to their tiny forms--I swear you can even see them stretching out if you watch them closely enough. It takes about a week for all the maple trees in our central Massachusetts yard to go from bare skeletons to bursting with adolescent leaves, and another couple of weeks to reach full photosynthesis. I’m pretty sure those few short weeks of maple leaf watching each May make my top ten list for “Best Life Experiences”.

Baby maple leaves guys, check them out.

Baby Goats

Speaking of growing up, our goat kids from this year have undergone a similar metamorphosis. Last time I wrote, I was sharing the excitement of two brand new sets of triplets. Moon and Rose both had beautiful, although surprisingly large, sets of 3 kids each. About a month later, Snowflake became a mom for the first time, quietly giving birth to twins in the middle of the night as I looked on and gave moral support.

*Granite and Tornado, Snowflake’s first babies, April 2022.*

Just like waiting for new maple leaves to emerge and grow, seeing our homegrown goat kids wobble to their feet within minutes of their birth, and then hop around sure footedly within days, I’m amazed at the vibrance of the spark of life.

Yesterday the last two kids that we’re placing this year left for their new home. As Stacey, Granite and Rocket’s new human mom, loaded them into her truck she asked, “Doesn’t it make you sad to see them go?”

*Kalina taking Granite and Rocket, the last kids to be placed for the year, for a walk.*

I pondered the question for a minute and did an internal scan for feelings of loss or regret. “No.” I said with a smile. “It’s always nice to see them take the next step in their journey.” I feel so proud to have been a part of their creation, arrival, and first few months of life.

Becoming a responsible dairy goat breeder has required a lot of research, dedication and forward thinking that I never would have anticipated when I brought Violet home as our first family milker 8 years ago. But it’s brought me to a place in life where I am so grateful to be able to witness life’s many stages year after year, day by day.

*Me and my girl Snowflake. Finally got my polled, blue eyed, milking doe.*

Spring Soap Releases

The spring soaps are up in the online shop and are available while supplies last. You guys are so dedicated to the our seasonal soaps that these have been going fast. (Or maybe it’s because they smell so good.) In any case, you won’t want to miss these lovely bars.

Spring Rain

Fresh outdoor air meets spring's mineral-rich wetness. Juniper carries this refreshing essential oil blend with the help of pine and clove accents. Colored with an all natural teal swirl derived from indigo root and chlorella.

Buy Spring Rain Soap

Herb Garden

Inspired by our kitchen garden and Herbs de Provence, this all natural goat milk soap is scented with an essential oil blend of rosemary, lemongrass, marjoram, benzoin and lavender. It is herbal with notes of citrus and flowers. Colored with swirls of natural green chlorella and purple alkanet root. Topped with homegrown dried bachelor’s button flower petals.

Buy Herb Garden Soap

Teacher Gifts

Say thanks “a BUZZ-illion” to your favorite teachers with this handmade end of year mini gift set. Set includes 3 6oz sample sized Beeswax and Honey Goat Milk Soaps in the shape of flowers. Packaged in a white waxed paper bag with fun teacher and bee themed labels, allowing space for your child to sign their name on the back.

Buy Teacher Gift Sets

Maple Syrup

I think I promised to let you all know when our wood fired maple syrup was available this year. Well, a bunch of friends and family scooped up the large bottles. But there are still some 8 oz and 3.4 oz bottle left. It’s as sweet and delicious as ever.

Buy Maple Syrup

New Retail Partner - Cat & Crow

Cat & Crow in Shelburne Falls, MA now carries our goat milk soap! It is a home, garden, and thrift store nestled next to the Glacial Potholes of Shelburne Falls. Cat & Crow is filled to the brim with cultivated finds from all edges of the world. Learn more about Cat & Crow online.

Our Retail Partners

Behind the Scenes

A sneak peek at some other things we’ve been up to lately. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more!

Mikah is staying

*Kalina and her keeper doeling, “Mikah”, May 2022.*

Did anyone actually doubt that we’d let Kalina keep one of her grandkids? She has worked hard to prove that she’s ready to care for a second goat of her own and Mikah is the one she’s picked. I’m looking forward to watching these two grow together.

The cow babies are getting big

*Shine is raising 2 calves this year, with her 2021 calf, Mouse, to the right.*

Radar and Maple are 3 months old now and are enjoying their first spring grass. Shine allows Radar to nurse in the mornings when Maple latches on, but Maple gets the majority of the milk and is growing like a body builder.

New piglets

*Charlie in the back, Lucy in the front. Gloucester Old Spot / Large Black / Berkshire / Hereford hogs.*

Charlie and Lucy arrived at the end of April to help us with our extra milk supply and transitional land clearing. They’re doing a fantastic job at both.

Baby turkeys

*Newborn baby turkey drying off in the incubator.*

We’ve hatched 3 batches of Narragansett/Standard Bronze turkeys from our own turkey eggs this spring. The most recent batch hatched yesterday and now we have many more cuties than we need. If you’d like some poults of your own let me know! There are about 10 little ones looking for a new place to roost.

Baby chicks

*Lavender Orpington chicks, just a couple of days old.*

We also hatched a big batch of Lavender Orpington chickens from our small flock. This breed is so beautiful.

Custom soap video

One of my super loyal soap customers treats herself to a custom soap batch a couple times per year. This one is extra luxurious, with a full heavy cream and goat buttermilk base and high end oils and additives. Check out the video of it coming together on our YouTube channel.

Enjoy those babies and embrace the next steps of life’s journeys. I’d love to hear about your small joys turned favorite life experiences.

Love, Christy