A large part of planning next year is looking back at the year past. For me, I am looking at December because December exemplified 2023. We had large events cancelled due to rain decreasing income, we had expenses which are still lingering causing the kind of stress every small business knows, and then we had our second Sip and Shop at the farm which was the essence of our vibe at The Cheesiest Happy Hour and a wonderful night.

The intent of the Sip and Shop was twofold. We wanted to help small local business with their sales after a year of rain and many disappointments but we also wanted to offer our happy hour folks a curated shopping experience with local artisans and producers that we knew had high quality products and an array of items so that everyone could find something they liked.

The night of the Sip & Shop was a beautiful night. Cold, but beautiful all the same. It was the peak night of the Geminids meteor shower, which added a different level of excitement, and it was the epitome of what we strive for on our best nights at the farm. With a warm satisfaction the Miller’s, all the artisans that were present, and myself included were able to experience people enjoying what we work so tirelessly to produce, and stand out in all weather to sell.

We had Dan Frantz at the guitar, who played until the cold air depleted the batteries in his electronics. You could purchase soaps or embroidered jean jackets for children made in Glenmoore, honey and chocolate from Phoenixville, candles, wine, cheese, and textiles from Chester Springs, or purchase a gift certificate for a massage. Many of these were women owned small businesses.

Once everyone was packed up and had pulled out of the driveway, Sue and I took an opportunity to have a glass of wine together. This is something we rarely do anymore because the next morning comes early and we both have to jump into the madness again.

The night, like the month of December, much like the entire 2023 came and went leaving me in awe of the ability that not only I have but the artisans and producers with whom I often share space have, to overcome the ups and downs of producing and selling small to earn a living.

I did manage to see one shooting star that night. It was toward the end of the evening, I was standing at the bus with my friends Michele and Jeff, which is always comforting to me. When I looked from the bus passed all the tents lined up with their beautiful displays lit up, it caught my eye.

It was a small fast streak of light, but not disappointing. Greenish blue in color it went sideways just above the tree line on the other side of Davis Lane, but high enough in the sky and far enough in the distance that I knew immediately it was a meteor and that jolt of excitement made me shout, “I saw one!”.

It was a great way to end a great evening and give hope for more great evenings to come.

Sharon