This is my friend Michelle. I like to call her the "Crazy Goat Lady"...but she is much more than that.

She is a mentor, an encourager, a fellow unschooler. I am so thankful that she and her husband Tim have graciously allowed us to come hang out at their farm and learn. She is so patient with my newbie questions and happily shares her knowledge. All of my goat paparazzi photos have been of her goats...with a few that will soon be OUR goats!

As we were leaving the farm recently, she brought out a large box of magazines. I'm somewhat of a magazine "enthusiast" so my heart started racing pretty fast at the mere sight of it. Back issues of Mother Earth News, BackHome, Backwoods Home, Home Power, Acres U.S.A., Hobby Farms, Live Free Learn Free (out of print)...pretty much a homesteader's dream box. So much information to be consumed! *said breathlessly as I throw them all in the air...commence slow motion movie with pages floating down all around me as I spin, backlit by the sunset*.

And perched on the top of them...two dozen eggs from her hens for me to purchase. The happiness never ends!

Apparently it's impossible for me to post a blog without a goat photo. I couldn't help it. She is just too cute.

And now back to your regularly scheduled blogging: I'm a researcher. I LOVE the feeling of new information in my brain! :) It's been quite awhile since so MUCH new info was being introduced on a daily basis. It's gooooooood.

There is nothing that compares to hands-on, face-to-face mentoring...but magazines, books, and websites are great sources of inspiration and info:

Here are a few I like right now:

New Life on a Homestead (having so much fun peeking around this site...lots of archives) Homesteading Today (everything under the sun!) The Goat Spot (for all you crazy goat ladies...) The Chicken Forum (chick chick chick!!)

I kind of feed bad for hoarding all the good chicken, gardening, homesteading, and goat books from the library. Kind of. But obviously not enough to return them yet. Sorry Longmont friends!

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Now that I've had a chance to peruse all of these books, I thought I would would compile my favorites in an aStore for you. When you click on these and purchase, I will receive a small part (as an affiliate payment)...and that helps me pay for keeping this blog active. I will keep adding to this list...if you notice that I am missing something amazing...let me know!

ATTENTION! If you are a farmer, a homesteader, or a wannabe...I would LOVE to hear about your real life mentors! People you have walked alongside, whether it be family or friends or teachers...tell me what sparked your passion! Share your story in the comments below! Also, if you are a homesteader interested in guest blogging about your journey, let's talk :)

Please also share your favorite resources for learning about farming (urban or rural) and homesteading. Let the knowledge sharing begin!

*p.s. for those of you wondering if Sara will ever blog about "normal" stuff again...the answer is yes. someday. stay tuned. :)