When I was around nine, I wanted to be a farmer.

My parents “gave” me a section of our suburban backyard to create my own little
sanctuary where I raised rabbits, pheasants, bantams and a few ducks.

I learned that the Dept. of Agriculture had phablets on just about every facet of farming. Most were free, a few in the five to ten cents range and one was twenty cents.

I had stacks, all around my bedroom. For several years I lived vicariously, pouring over the pages and absorbing the photographs.

I loved the freedom to follow my imagination. I thought of this time as preparing myself for adulthood, my own little journey.

I realized later in life that my idea of my life’s work would change. I do cherish what I learned during that time, carrying on with a large garden and a bunch of chickens.

But what I appreciate the most, are the skills I developed in educating myself.