We watched The Biggest Little Farm documentary on the plane home from London. A super compelling real life fairy tale about a couple from our hometown of Santa Monica who decide to start a biodynamic farm.
Wonderful inspiring film.
They have been selling their eggs and produce at the Santa Monica Farmers Market. We rarely get there in time to buy eggs – those sell out fast – but usually manage to pick up some lovely produce like oranges, grapefruit, avocados. The oranges are some of the sweetest we have have ever tasted. “They kind of make you want to cry they’re so delicious,” says Bella.
Tour tickets for Apricot Lane Farms (located in Moorpark) go on sale periodically and sell out as quickly as their eggs do! I have been trying (but not succeeding) to get tickets for a couple of years now.
So when I saw 2 tickets being auctioned through Santa Monica Sustainable Works, I asked Bella’s dad to try to get them. He consistently outbid until the very last moment when the auction closed – and bingo – lucky Bella and her Daddy were off to enjoy a sunny day on this now world-renowned farm.
It was a perfect summer’s day.
Not too hot and not too windy.
The animals were out and frolicking.
The tour lasted 2 hours. They learned that most of the volunteer workers on the farm come from WWOOF: World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Volunteers commit to working 4 hours a day 5 days a week in exchange for room and board. It’s a way to travel, earn your keep and learn about sustainability. You choose a destination and fill out a request form to get the ball rolling. Incredible opportunities for cultural exchanges as well as learning best practices for organic farming!
After visiting the farm Bella watched The Biggest Little Farm for a second time so she could cross-compare what she saw in real life with what was shown in the documentary. She picked up things she had not noticed the first time.
Bella has expressed an interest in returning to the farm… So I will still be on lookout for ticket sales once more!
Stay tuned for part two…