Let the Crazy Ensue

This summer my family went on a road trip. While it was mostly vacation, we were also exploring the possibility of moving.  Moving. I didn't really want to move. I love my sunny SoCal life. It is seventy degrees and sunny year round here. I have a flip flop collection. There are palm trees and beaches and... sigh.
But yes, we are considering moving. There are a couple of reasons. One is to be nearer to my mother and father. While technology makes it easier to stay in touch, I'm just not able to give the kind of support I'd like to. Also, we are just done with the L.A. life and all the busy-ness that it entails.
Prior to the trip, we had planned to explore areas where we could stay in our current professions, and just relocate. However, that changed along the way. My cousin Valerie told me about her friend who is trying to bring back the idea of the 'gentleman farmer'. This is in reference to a farm that is  smaller than a commercial farm, but different than a hobby farm in that it supplies enough income to provide for the family. The idea intrigued me. A lot. I couldn't shake it.

What if we could pay cash for a small farm, and have no mortgage? Could we earn enough doing home-based/farm-based businesses to support the needs of our family? Could we leave the hustle and bustle of L.A. and take our kids (and the dog) across the country to a quieter, simpler life close to my parents? 

We began to dream and brainstorm. (There are plenty of miles for conversation on the way from Colorado to California.) We discussed the fact that the only plant I have successfully grown is lavender. Maybe I could have a lavender field with bee hives. And maybe I could have a few goats. Then maybe, just maybe, I could make a myriad of products, including goat cheese, soaps, honey, etc. 
It sounds like a fairly well thought out plan. Unless you know that I am SO Not A Farm Girl. I haven't any idea how to make soap or honey or goat cheese. I barely make breakfast. Although, I'm fairly certain the bees do most of the work with the honey. (At least I think they do.)  
Then I had another idea. What if we documented all of my experiences, whether success or failure and post it online? Would anyone care to read about it? We shall see, we shall see. And so, here we are.  

So Let The Crazy Begin...
Here's the plan: 
Save and scrimp for 6 months. 
Scale down, sell, give away, and pack our stuff.
Move to the country and pay cash for a small farm.
Document my experience on this blog and on YouTube.
Market my farm products online, and at farmers markets or in specialty stores.

You can help!
What do you want to see me try?
What should I make with my lavender bushes?
Any advice?
What resources are out there for me?
Where should I start?

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