As most of you know, Susan is in New York studying for the priesthood. Below is her last News & Notes entry explaining all the changes in her life & at the Farm!

FALL/WINTER 2005 NEWS & NOTES

Dear Friends,
Happy Autumn! Instead of the class schedule going out with this rather lengthy "news and notes", copies of the fall/winter classes will be available at the shop on November 11th. We will also have a listing online on that day on our website, so you can check classes out there as well. It has been a busy, hectic summer and fall for me, and rather than delay the start of classes any longer, this is the fastest way to get moving in that direction. There will also be employee news and other fall semester news on the web site, as well.

The Christmas Open House will be our regular hours on November 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th and I hope you will join us for refreshments, the sale table, raffles and, of course, the new Christmas merchandise that is arriving daily. This will be my 17th open house!

It is a bittersweet anniversary for me because, dear friends, it will be the last one. I have loved maintaining the shop, teaching classes, lecturing to groups and putting on lunches and tea parties for all of you, but I know it is not where I feel called to be any longer.  After some intense experiences in France at the monastic community of Taize last year, I came home and entered the discernment process of the Episcopal Diocese here in Rhode Island last September.

It has been an amazing, unsettling, topsy-turvy year for both Brian and me as we came to the realization that I was being called to something outside of the realm of any of my wildest thoughts on what could possibly be next for us. Last week, I received a letter from Bishop Wolf conferring on me the status of "Postulant for Holy Orders." Next September, I will be going to seminary to study for the priesthood.

I considered not sharing this with you until spring and slipping away quietly. But it occurred to me that I have never had an unexpressed thought that I haven't shared with all of you – why start now?! Now that the Commission on Ministry and bishop have agreed that it is official that they clearly see this course of action for me, I felt it would be dishonest of me (not to mention cowardly!) not to share this news with you. I'm sure excitement will set in for me at some point – right now I have a deer-in-the-headlights thing going! Academic life after 20 years of being away from it – yikes!

What does this all mean for Cherry Valley Herb Farm? Well, it will be business as usual until April. Classes will run November to January; we will be closed as we customarily are for the month of February. We will re-open on March 1st with a class schedule for March and April. The plan is to close the shop in May of 2005. We will have a shop full of merchandise through the holiday season; and I hope you will take this opportunity to shop one last time for those special people on your gift list.

There are so many things to consider! I have anticipated some of your questions…

Web Site
Will operate until October 2005.

Scituate Art Festival
I will continue to be at the Festival with my enameled jewelry and possibly some herbs next year – stay tuned! (and come visit me)

When I started the business all those years ago, it was with an eye toward staying home with Scott and Peter, being at this farm that I love so dearly and sharing my knowledge of herbs with all of you. Brian has always been so incredibly supportive – he knew how excited I was to try this out, and has always indulged my decisions. Herbs nourish the body and soul, and teaching other people what I knew about them has been such joy. I never envisioned ending this wonderful journey. I really did think I would keel over walking outside among the herbs at age 98!

However, God has other plans for me and I believe life really does go along in a smoother manner when you listen! I sincerely hope you can celebrate all that Cherry Valley has been for you and refrain from getting maudlin and sentimental - at least near me! This is going to be hard for all of us.

This venture never would have been as successful as it has been without the hard work and flair of Donna, Jodie, Connie, Maryann, Karen, Deirdre, Tilly, Christina and Bethany all along the way. They are each amazingly capable, strong, loving women who brought their unique gifts, talents and insights into work. I will always be connected to them deeply, but will miss the day to day ordinary time with them dreadfully. And basically, folks, we had a LOT of fun every day! (I think you always sensed that about us!!)

I have also had such support from my family and friends, as well as guest teachers and craftspeople who supplied wondrous items for the shop. Paula and Amanda were always there for the preparation for herb festivals. And, of course, what would an herb festival be without Auntie Dot at the gate & Cassie with her plate of treats!!

So – come and CELEBRATE one last Christmas season with us and enjoy a cup of hot tea in those cold winter moments when you need a little stress reduction in your life. Know that I consider all of you, the members of my herbal family, with great affection and you have been the reason that this worked so blissfully for so long. I have developed deep friendships that will sustain me during this next chapter in my life.

I thank you for all of your support over the years. And pay attention! Even if you are 50, God might have some astonishing surprises in mind for your life!

Love,