Dear Oak Spring Farm-ily,

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, reflecting on the year gone by, what are you grateful for?

In the spirit of the season, we want to share our heartfelt thanks with you, our extended family of customers, CSA members, and the local community that makes Oak Spring Farm thrive.

What are you most thankful for this season?

It is a daily habit for me to wake up and go through a quick list of what I’m grateful for. I might be lying in bed, just awakening to the day. My brain starts going in 3 different directions and I grab ahold of the reins and say ‘slow down’.  As I linger for a few moments feeling thankful, it helps me set the tone for the day ahead. And when I remember to share my appreciation with those closest to me it just brings more of what I’m gratful for into view. Sharing our appreciation and wins with each other ‘greases the gears of appreciation’. 

My 3 pillars of gratitude

#1 Gratitude for Family:

This year, my heart is full of gratitude for the resilience and growth of my family.

Samantha, still thriving at Towson University, studying Early Childhood Special Education, Henry graduated from Hereford High School and is working and learning to be a diesel mechanic at Hunt Valley Truck and Trailer, and Isabelle is settled in to her second year at St. Tim’s  – all are shining examples of determination, independence, and personal achievement.

I am especially touched by the strength and positivity shown by my mom, who turned 81 this year,  as she continues to courageously embrace life without my dad, ‘Papa’.

My gratitude for family runs far and deep. I am incredibly grateful to be adopted and to have met both my birth mom and birth dad and  sisters and brother over 25 years ago. 

Sam, Izzi and I are spending Thanksgiving week with my birth family! This is our first cruise. I feel so blessed to have the close relationship I do with the family I never knew I had. I grew up wondering about who they were and what they were like. I have nothing but admiration and love for my mom who birthed me; she is incredibly strong and resilient and I can see some of myself in her. I am forever grateful that she made the incredibly difficult decision she did at my birth; otherwise, I wouldn’t have been raised by my mom and dad.  My life has taught me that EVERYTHING happens for a reason. I am learning the depth and capacity of my own heart; I’ve come to understand that love knows no bounds and my ability to love grows as I mature. It is limitless. 

Each day, my entire family inspires me to cherish the moments, big and small, and to celebrate the unique journeys we’re all on.

#2 Blessings of the Farm:

The farm itself continues to be a source of profound gratitude. 

I appreciate the amazingly fresh, nutritious food that is so readily available to me, nearly year-round. 

I am grateful to feel healthy and vibrant, in large part to the discipline I keep. I attribute my good health in large part to my farm life. I know what I need to do to feel good. And I am continually grateful that I can provide a rich and healthy diet to my family. 

I try and never take for granted life on THIS farm – making a living and supporting my three children on this beautiful land. I am so grateful for every person who has helped me get here and continues to help today. It takes a village.

#3 Thanks to You – Our Community:  

My deepest appreciation extends to you – this cherished community that surrounds Oak Spring Farm.

Your unwavering support for small, sustainable farms like ours is the backbone of our success. Together, we create a community that values local food, connection, and a shared commitment to well-being. 

Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. When you choose local, we all win.

Indulging in Gratitude and Good Food:

And finally, as we sit down to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving feast,(my mouth is watering as I write this) let me express thanks for the simple pleasures, like a succulent stuffing cooked inside a fresh, local, pastured turkey. Now my feast will be on a cruise ship his year, so no cooking for me. But I love to share my favorite stuffing recipe, a time-tested indulgence adapted from The New Basics Cookbook by Julie Rosso and Sheila Lukins.  I have made it many, many times. 

What better time to be indulgent than on a day dedicated to giving thanks for all we have and all we love?

This Thanksgiving, as we count our blessings, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your family. May your day be filled with joy, gratitude, and the comforting embrace of loved ones.

CLICK HERE for Lisa’s favorite stuffing recipe

Happy Thanksgiving!