It's A Start

Nothing is impossible. Just know that deep in your heart, dear friends. 

While talking with a gentleman at the meeting on Saturday, I mentioned that I was looking at the possibility of renting a farmstead in Willamina. The man perked his ears at this idea since he had food related projects underway in that small town and was looking for more farming people in his area. Of all things, it turns out that his grandparents used to live in the very house that I've been looking at. With a smile on his face he told me that the hill on that property is the best around for winter sledding. We talked more, about livestock, gardens and rent fees, and then, pulling out his wallet, he handed me a quarter. I cocked my head in a questioning manner as he still held the small coin in his hand; what was this for? I asked. 

"This is my contribution. Come to Willamina."

I grinned at his frankness and jokingly told him that I didn't think a quarter would *quite* cover the monthly rent fee for the house and land.

"Perhaps not", he said, "But it's a start."

I accepted his contribution and tucked the quarter in my pocket. The man was right about one thing at least: It's a start. Very rarely does anyone start out big and grand with anything. We start out in the trenches; scrimping, saving, making do... You start small and work your way up through blood, sweat, and tears. So for me, I am starting small.

I have a quarter.