Author Archives: shantara

About shantara

I am a crafter with a passion for soaping and small-time, sustainable farming. I've managed to merge my love of herbs, essential oils, beautiful colors, and fragrances into my own goats milk soap business. I'm inspired by nature, animals, crisp fall days, clean surroundings and most of all, you, the wonderful people who buy my creations.

May Showers Bring….HAY!

I’ve heard that April showers bring May flowers, but since it’s may now and central Virginia is getting hammered with “showers” aka…torrential rain, I’m sure that can only mean one thing…that the hay season will be GREAT this year…if the … Continue reading

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It’s APRIL!

First baby goats born on Easter.

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2012 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog. Here’s an excerpt: 600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 5,300 views in 2012. If every person who reached the … Continue reading

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Animals and Children…go great together.

These are some pictures my daughter took of me and her son (my grandson) Ryland this week.  It’s amazing to me how children just naturally gravitate toward animals that are so much larger than they are.  Animals who can be … Continue reading

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Our Dog Chloe, All Grown Up…Almost

This is Chloe.  Back in the spring of this year my daughter and I were driving to an early morning farmers market to sell soap, about 2 weeks after having to put our labrador, Onyx down, when we saw two … Continue reading

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The Three Little Bitties…whose mother sleeps in a tree at night

These are the three little chickies that must be gathered up every night as the sun goes down because their mama flies up into a tree, leaving them prey to the foxes and opossums that have begun to prowl the … Continue reading

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Atticus Says “Hi”

This is Atticus, our 6 year old registered American Alpine Buck.  Atticus would like to find a new farm to live on where he can have more girl friends than he is allowed here.  He is closely related to most … Continue reading

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There Is A Possum In The Hen House!

Last night I was outside feeding the critters just a little after 6pm, which, at this time of year, means I’m feeding in the dark.  I don’t mind feeding in the dark, or even milking then either.  I wear a … Continue reading

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Felted Soap!

For some strange reason, I have recently developed a fascination for all things woolen.  Maybe it’s because of these absolutely wonderful wool socks I’m wearing right now, or the pair that I’ve had for years that are all stretched out … Continue reading

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Washing Machine Complaint

I just realized this morning that I have not complained about my new washing machine in quite some time.  And this machine sooooo deserves ample complaint.  I’ve really slacked.  Today, we do not need MORE goods and appliances, we need … Continue reading

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