Sheila

Hi, my name is Sheila. I'm looking to join with others in creating and supporting a modern homestead where all contribute to it's success. Ideally the goal would be in having the property become as self-sufficient as possible, growing/producing a majority of our own food and setting up a road side stand, and at garden markets. My contribution to the homestead would be primarily in growing food year round in as much a possible and making the most of the main growing seasons. I'm interested in using hoop houses and sunken greenhouse concepts as well as composting. Personal interest in learning more about beekeeping, growing medicinal herbs, preserving, permaculture, and self sustainability. I've been an RMT for 7 years now and will continue to supplement my income with this, but aim to get to a place where food production becomes the primary focus. I'm currently completing a restorative yoga teacher training designation and work in other areas of the healing arts - if there is potential for bringing in retreats or customers using these modalities this could be beneficial to a healing sanctuary or spiritual retreat type setting. I have some experience working in greenhouses, an apple orchard, tree planting, and using tools for small jobs. If I don't know how to do something I'll research it. I'm formally educated as an architectural technologist as well and love to learn about greener building methods and more efficient ways to heat and construct homes. It's a mixed bag. That's what I have to offer. Would love to collaborate with others who have different skills, and have a similar vision of where the future is going as far as returning to the land, self-sustainability, using organic methods, and working together to collectively create this way of living and raising children.

Experience

Relevant Experience to farming: Previous experience as a plant grafter (Roeland Farms, Forest), tree planter near Fort Frances, ON, and apple picker in Kelowna B.C. I have recently installed a hoop house and chicken coop in our backyard. We have a handful of chickens I have some experience in residential construction, drafting, estimating, the Ontario Building Code etc. Also experienced in medical massage therapy, restorative yoga, and the healing arts in general. BQH Practitioner 2020 Massage Therapy Diploma 2015 Architectural Technology Diploma 2003 General Art's and Science Diploma 1999

Partner(s)

It's just me so far and a 10 year old boy, who would be in school during the week, and taking on some sort of basic chore load. He spends a fair bit of time with his father on weekends and holiday seasons.

Farm Vision

I'm looking for the right place to be a committed participant in a farm model geared towards becoming self-sustaining. My plan is to set up hoop houses in such a way that will eventually allow for at least some year-round growing in our Canadian climate. My interests lie in ethical organic non-gmo produce. I am not so concerned about being 'certified' as I am in preserving what is as nature intended it to be and having little to no waste.

Relationship with Farm Owner

What I'm hoping for is living accommodation and a small parcel of land in exchange for work provided (ie. 15-20 hours a week). Or there is potential for rent to be paid instead as I could supplement my income with outside work as an RMT. We love and respect the outdoors. I meditate, do yoga, hike and read in my downtime. When the weather is fair we camp and canoe. I'd love to hear about other ideas and visions!! Please share yours.