Beach Plum Farm is a far cry from the necessary scrappiness of most working farms. It's an inspiration and an unobtainable aspiration, which makes languishing in its herb gardens and eating at the outdoor tables all the more appealing. It makes me hungry just reminiscing about it, so as I drool nostalgically, I invite you to vicariously languish in the gardens, meet the livestock and take in the Amish-built barn.

If you ever get the chance to visit Ithaca, be sure to stop at the farmer's market. The breezy pavilion was filled with such beauty and bounty, which we transformed into a pancake brunch board extravaganza (more on that to come!). 

If you want to learn the definition of resilience, shadow an old farmer. Shake his hand. Listen to the boom of his voice. Follow his gaze. If you want to see the definition of fearlessness, attempt to keep up with that old farmer. If you want to bear witness to your own limits and timidity, attempt to help that farmer. That's exactly what I did this past fall when I helped with a cranberry harvest.