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How are you spending your early days of 2026? Farmers of all stripes typically start the new year in the office amongst paperwork from the previous season and dreams for the upcoming year – envisioning possibilities. That’s what I’ve been doing these last few weeks – thinking of ways to improve my little business and turn it into a beacon of light.
These last few months have been shrouded with darkness and gloom for many reasons and I always envisioned a farm business that might serve as an antidote to social woes. In part, that’s a typically female approach to farming (but more on that another day). Women are more likely to want to use their farm operation for social good. I’ve been giving this topic a lot of thought since I retired from MSU and I've made the commitment to embed my values more deeply into my farm this year.
Enter the Third Place. "The Third Place" is an idea developed in the 1980s (by an old guy[i]) to show us how important it is to have physical spaces where community members can convene and grow their community. It’s not home or work, but a space that is essential for community building, social interaction and a sense of belonging. (Being new to town, I'm struggling with that a bit). Some examples of third places include cafés, parks, libraries, and community centers.
Third places are those that invite a sense of universal welcome to all, easy to access, where you are able to come and go as you please. It’s a playful environment that encourages lightness and joy. And most importantly, it’s a conversation hub where people can share, listen and connect. Folks feel a sense of belonging in a Third Place because they're comfortable and trust others in the space. As you can see, the impact of such a space can be an environment that mitigates loneliness and polarization.
That’s my dream for my farm. Is this something you might be interested in helping me and others create for our Alma/Ithaca/St Louis community? I want to give it a try by hosting a meal on the farm. You are invited to “lunch in the lavender” - it's complimentary, no expectations, except good conversation and community building.
Come to Lunch
I have committed to kicking off the new season by sharing a meal with my Sixteen Sprigs Newsletter subscribers only. You’ve been with me for a while, followed my journey and demonstrated interest in lavender and the farm’s development. Some of you have been with me since the early days on Harper Road in Mason and followed my journey to my little plot on Clark Street in Lansing. I appreciate you and the ways you have supported my dream over the past 14 years, so, come to lunch May 23rd, 2026. There's no charge – no need to buy anything just come with a willingness to share, network and grow our community in this lavender space. We can get better acquainted and start to build the community we deserve. I am not opening this invitation generally to all my social media followers, but for your eyes only. I want to keep this more intimate so we can interact more meaningfully. My goal is that we will add other opportunities to connect, but let’s start with lunch on me. I do need you to RSVP – you can let me know if you can make it by emailing me at sixteensprigs@gmail.com. Please expect a confirmation email. I will have to limit attendance so I can manage numbers so the first 20 will be accepted and if needed, we can add another date. Please RSVP by May 1st.
[i] The Third Place is an idea credited to Ray Oldenburg. For more reading see, “The Great Good Place”, 1989.
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