Welcome to Fern Creek
Much happens here. For our part, Mark and I tend orchards, vegetable patches, a flock of hens, and a few Nigerian Dwarf goats. Fern Creek takes care of the rest--tending a lot of other life, and all of it precious, sacred. As a Quaker I see my job as loving creation, holding hope, nurturing, laughing, praying, and in all of it, being attentively grateful.
Most who come to Fern Creek these days come for renewal through spiritual direction and personal retreats. Others find unexpected renewal in the berry fields when they come to pick strawberries, thornless blackberries or blueberries. Others come (and generally find renewal) by staying as Airbnb and Vrbo guests in our guest apartment.
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Life at Fern Creek is blessed and integrated. It’s not always easy and not nearly as idyllic as it sometimes sounds, but it overflows with goodness. Multiple pieces get reflected here. The strand that weaves them together is the blog, Maples and Mud, where I explore my experience of God’s loving presence in the world, whose grace keeps the universe from coming apart.
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You Also Make Goat Milk Soap?
So... part of this integrated lovely life involves Nigerian Dwarf goats, who remind me daily of God's diverse creativity. I'm learning about goatness, and am better for making my acquaintance with this gentle peculiar species.
That means, yes, one by-product of sharing life with goats is goat milk soap, which is creamier than soaps made with water, and lathers with a silky lather high in butterfat, natural oils and acids that contribute an extra layer of skin-renewing goodness.
Our Fern Creek commitment to organic and fair-trade practices means our primary oils and fats (olive, coconut, almond, hemp, apricot, sunflower, castor, shea butter & cocoa butter) come from fair trade and organic sources. I am committed to continued learning regarding which oils and butters, clays and colorants are environmentally friendly and how to source them from socially and environmentally responsible suppliers.
Soaps are available locally in the Fern Creek Market, as well as on-line.

America the Beautiful Series Purple Mountain Majesty,
Sea to Shining Sea,
Amber Waves of Grain

Clara and Sophie (two ADGA--American Dairy Goat Association--registered does) add conversation (Sophie is particularly verbal) and frolicking in the forested fields. They love attention, apple slices, carrots, and sunshine. Their milk, while a wonderful gift, is secondary to what they bring in their goat-ness. We look forward to welcoming their babies to Fern Creek in early March.
