Part 1: From Vegetarian to Sheep Farmer and Everything in Between with Eliza Blue

This episode is brought to you by our partner, ChopLocal University.

About ChopLocal and ChopLocal University

Meat buyers want convenience and variety, and meat farms need a better way to market their products. That's where ChopLocal comes in.

Founded by farmers, ChopLocal features high quality products from butcher shops and meat farms near you. They are dedicated to building a more resilient supply chain for meat that benefits everyone involved, and we're certain you'll be able to taste the difference!

Want to learn more about selling on ChopLocal as a producer? Visit their website below!

• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ (Education For Producers)
• https://choplocal.com/ (Sell or Buy on ChopLocal)

In this engaging conversation, Eliza Blue shares her journey from a city dweller to a passionate sheep farmer, fiber artist, and songwriter. She discusses the profound connections between her agricultural life and her creative pursuits, emphasizing the importance of community, the lessons learned from livestock, and the evolution of her writing and music. Eliza reflects on the challenges of parenting, the ethics of farming, and the unexpected paths that have shaped her identity. Through her experiences, she highlights the beauty of embracing change and the significance of authenticity in art and life. In this conversation, Eliza Blue discusses the vibrational power of music, her creative projects, and the concept of kithship, emphasizing the importance of community and relationships. She explores the role of theater in rural areas, the significance of creative collaboration, and the value of art beyond monetization. Eliza also shares insights on parenting, the challenges of communication with children, and the lessons learned from managing livestock. The discussion highlights the intersection of art, fear, and community engagement, as well as the importance of sustainability in both art and agriculture.

This is the first episode where we are moving to two parts. Catch the first part this week and the second part in Patreon right away or wait until next week for Part 2.

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

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Takeaways

• Eliza Blue is a multifaceted artist, combining her passions for music, farming, and writing.
• She found her love for sheep farming through an unexpected journey.
• The fiber arts, including spinning and dyeing, are integral to her creative expression.
• Eliza emphasizes the importance of community and branding in her work.
• Her experiences in agriculture have deeply influenced her songwriting.
• Parenting and livestock management share similar lessons about growth and independence.
• Grief and acceptance are natural parts of life, both in farming and parenting.
• Eliza's philosophy on farming has evolved to include ecological considerations.
• She values the role of community in supporting both parenting and farming.
• Her writing career emerged unexpectedly from her experiences in rural life. Music reveals greater joy and freedom.
• Creative projects can connect communities.
• Kithship celebrates relationships with people and nature.
• Theater fosters collaboration and community engagement.
• Art should not be solely about monetization.
• Sustainability is key in agriculture and art.
• Parenting requires sturdy leadership and clear communication.
• Fear can hinder creativity and community building.
• Children need outdoor experiences for growth.
• Community support is vital for children's development.