This lesson by way of milking is one of many along the journey that has helped shape my intuition, spiritual balance, and perception. Oh Holy Cow… What A Gift! Rainy days usually put us off schedule around here. This day was no exception. I usually find myself a bit scatterbrained as I try to keep up with things. Everything is wet and muddy. It always makes for a slippery mess with the cows upon entry into the milking parlor. On this particular day I opened the door
OMG- that was close! "Welp- keep it movin Kenya"- I said to myself... So now that she’s in the stand and having her snack. I gathered up my milking supplies and started moving through my routine with getting her clean and set up. Then what seemed to be about halfway into it, BAM, she was quick to deliver me a kick of the leg! Ouch! I wanted to be mad but in all sincerity, I knew that this was a reprimand that had to do with me. Life and routines have a way of becoming repetitive. I was not “being in the moment”! These are issues, my A.D.D. and lack of paying attention. My issues with showing up yet not actually being present and in tune with her. She too has needs that I’m overlooking. A kick of the leg doesn't always to mean she is being sassy. But maybe she’s requesting- “Pay attention child or be careful with that side, it’s full of milk and it hurts a bit.” (Any breastfeeding mama or a witness thereof’ knows the challenge of having to persevere through the tough times of heavy milk & nursing.) I realized then that it’s now time for me to proceed with caution! That her hands are up "saying slow down - slow down” and to watch my step! That she too is holding me accountable to be a good listener! Before turning on the pump I said to her... “Dixie Valentine - Trust in me as I trust in you! We both are here only because you are a gift from Allah”... Bismillah, and with that comes the switching on of the milking machine and the loud humming noise that it makes. I placed my forehead deep into the crevice of her hip bone. Receiving all of the energy that I could within a deep breath, aligned my hands to her spine, and began her body massage. If you think that you would like to experience
“being in the moment” during the milking of a cow, I’d like to invite you into a session. You may not know this, but we actually milk a cow during or farmers cheese class. It's a great way to experience the love, care, and sanitation that goes into our signature Raw Milk products! Click here to join our next cheese class session.
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A Courtship, Beautiful Bride, and now a New Baby! We have really “Jumped the Broom” over here... For a few weeks now I’ve been dancing with thoughts of owning this beautiful cow Marigold! What I've coined a “Juernsey” (a Jersey and Guernsey mix) She is the envy of any dairy farmers eye. Now it is all a dream come true! This herd share has experienced one crazy cow courtship! I want to thank all of our owners for the love you show to these animals and the support to keep your farm herds up and running. You owning a share is what makes life happen here! It is now official - We've said I do!  Our commitment to “bring home the bride” came with one heck of a package! She brought along with her a son Tiger, and his love heifer Rose! They are both too hot to trot! You've gotta see them. This dynamic duo, Tiger & Rose, are almost miniature in size. I am super excited for the opportunities in our small-scale meat production that will come from their breeding. Talk about life along the whey! ... To top it all off, this week came the birth of a healthy bull calf from our blessed Jersey cow Dreama. Both mom and baby are doing great, Thank God! ...This baby is just absolutely adorable! I can hardly wait to show all of them off this fall in our scheduled farm tours! Find yourself wanting more? This can be a Dream Come True for You too! The time is now and we have the perfect place. You really should come to be a part of this raw milk community. It’s a absolute fit for you to get the complete amount of nutrients that you need to heal your gut and know directly the source from where your nourishing food comes from. “Blessed Dreama is waiting "fresh" each day to share her bounty!” Click Here to sign up & learn how to access the Real Milk at SlakMarket Farm. You have the ability to be a the change that you want to see.
To get back to your roots have a real relationship with your farmer and food. Together we bring the old-fashioned traditions of sourcing real food into the modern ways of living life. Come see it for yourself... It took the whole crew to get it this far along... Take a look at the progress... My kids were so helpful!  What a hard working family farm! Here we are in the heat of July putting down the footprint for our permaculture herd share garden. For a few years now, we have been learning the basic principles of permaculture. We are working in harmony with nature to develop and grow our very own Eden right here in the backyard. At this point we are far from finishing this design, but it is from this start, that we plan to at least be up and ready for next springs planting season. So here is the start to our new gardening development at SlakMarket Farm. I for one just need a beautiful place to work hard in and be able to enjoy that space visually. Along with having the benefit from growing our food there. This is how it all went down so far... 1. Prep-work, base cardboard2. Compost mulch from our cows.3.Decorative gravel paths 4. Ain't No Stoppin Us Now!5. Lets not forget the deck space... Last year when I shared our backyard herd share garden idea many people expressed an interest in donating plants to the herd share garden. These included plants and pollinating flowers that have grown too large for their space, may no longer be desirable for the owner, mature landscape plants that are being removed to make way for new plantings, small fruiting trees or plants that were owned by friends or loved ones. Now that we have gotten off to a good start I want you to know that any plant donations to the garden are most appreciated. The donations will be transplanted to the herd share garden or repotted for the patio seating areas on the property. If you are interested in donating plants, please email or text prior to bringing them out to the farm. (Any identifying information of the plant would be most helpful.) As always I appreciate your input so If you would like to contribute knowledge or life lessons, we "Count It All Joy" and will be happy to accept your tips and noteworthy advice! Leave it right here in the comment section. It is all Greatly Appreciated! I hope you find yourself somewhat inspired by all this work we did over the past week.
We wanted to highlight this experience and show that making our garden does not have to be a box that we dread going out to tend to. Lord knows I've been there! When it comes right down to it, you will find that most of the time, "it's all in the name". This past year has brought many changes for the farm and herd share. Navigating the ship has brought me into untraveled waters. Some things have happened that I never expected or experienced before, but I am am thankful to be right here! This is especially true for our online presence. Running a website, this blog, facebook, etc. It's all so cool and engaging. Now since we are better-established with a stronger presence. I feel it is time to stop forwarding over to the old "SlakMarket" domain when you go online for your "real milk". If you haven't already noticed most, if not all, of SlakMarket Farms media and ads, are URL branded with the “Real Milk Lexington” … but have you ever wondered why? ... I have always felt that we had chosen a unique farm business name going with SlakMarket. S.L.A.K. being the initials of our children's names, it is definitely our identity... but it doesn't tell the whole story about our farm, nor should it have to. Thus we chose “Real Milk Lexington” as the right URL branding. It has the personality to tell the whole story and back it up. After all, the right farm name starts a great conversation and the perfect farm branding keeps that conversation going. That being said, moving forward, we are only using “ RealMilkLexington.com ” for our website URL. It is so easy to remember and in a few words, it tells the whole story! Real Milk Lexington explains the Who, What, and Where of our farm! Please remember to pass it around when you talk with others about the
awesome Halal Herd Share and Raw Milk Community that you are a part of!  If you wanna get this cow mooovin, then so do I !!! We are officially ready to begin the initial sign up for “Herd Share Drop Spot Delivery in Frankfort and Lexington!” Join our email listing to get the information about this new and very exciting opportunity. Be sure to fill out the form on the page that is saying Frankfort/Lexington Deliveries. Click here to get on and I will see you soon! For those of you already on my email list, then you will have a view of the agreement in your inbox! SlakMarket Farm Herd Share Is Coming To Your Town! |
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If I’m gonna $tack more Cheddar, we Butter get ready to make some raw changes. Everybody Say Cheese!
I'm running myself very thin trying to keep up with the growth around here.
It’s all so exciting - but I’m learning that there are some things I just have no time to get to.
Yall know a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.
It’s all so exciting - but I’m learning that there are some things I just have no time to get to.
Yall know a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.
I recently had an experience in the milk kitchen that made me realize that
“time” really is “money”.
Now in my case, there's not a whole lot of both just laying around.
Money comes and goes, and Time does not wait for any of us.
So we gotta keep it movin.
“time” really is “money”.
Now in my case, there's not a whole lot of both just laying around.
Money comes and goes, and Time does not wait for any of us.
So we gotta keep it movin.
On our farm, we have a superior product that is so delicious.
It's alive and by itself, with a little “TIME”, turns into something amazing!
Things like Cheese & Butter!
They are two of the favorites in our raw milk products.
Everybody loves and wants it!
It's alive and by itself, with a little “TIME”, turns into something amazing!
Things like Cheese & Butter!
They are two of the favorites in our raw milk products.
Everybody loves and wants it!
However, there is that one factor in the equation that
I just don't have to make it happen... TIME
I just don't have to make it happen... TIME
So this is it... I Quit!... But I'm “Quitting with Style!”
I personally want to invite you to our new
class sessions here in the farm store.
Join me and others in this raw milk community and learn to make delicious butter and cheese whenever you need it!
Using our Amazing Fresh Raw Cream and Raw Milk!
class sessions here in the farm store.
Join me and others in this raw milk community and learn to make delicious butter and cheese whenever you need it!
Using our Amazing Fresh Raw Cream and Raw Milk!
. Be on the lookout for our 1st class registration. It is coming very soon. I can hardly wait to hang out with you! ...And of course we will have tea! Pinkies Up!
From now on we will only offer cheese and butter on special events, classes and occasions.
From now on we will only offer cheese and butter on special events, classes and occasions.
Change is Good!
If change is actually a good thing then boy are we in the lead and win!
There are so many cool things going on here at the farm. I've hardly had a minute to write this blog post. Each new change has been a blessing and also a deep lesson. Here are a few and believe me the list goes on. Make sure you click on all the links. I have posted some pics and videos of all the cool stuff like...
If change is actually a good thing then boy are we in the lead and win!
There are so many cool things going on here at the farm. I've hardly had a minute to write this blog post. Each new change has been a blessing and also a deep lesson. Here are a few and believe me the list goes on. Make sure you click on all the links. I have posted some pics and videos of all the cool stuff like...
- New chicks have arrived,
- Got a new cow to introduce,
- Return of our good ol’ goat Lottie Dottie,
- We are at the final completion of the farm store and the milk kitchen.
I can really count my blessings now as I reflect on these days last year.
At least I’m not out in the barn 24-7 running a mickey moused
maternity ward for 48 Ewes going into labor!
Not to mention, I got sprayed by a skunk in the barn
while I was busy “riggin up” that maternity ward.
Then there was the bottle feeding in the “orphanage” of sweet baby lambs
that were, for whatever reason, not acceptable to their mothers.
Talk about sleepless nights and all the while tending to a new heifer
At least I’m not out in the barn 24-7 running a mickey moused
maternity ward for 48 Ewes going into labor!
Not to mention, I got sprayed by a skunk in the barn
while I was busy “riggin up” that maternity ward.
Then there was the bottle feeding in the “orphanage” of sweet baby lambs
that were, for whatever reason, not acceptable to their mothers.
Talk about sleepless nights and all the while tending to a new heifer
- that would be birthing her 1st calf any day as well.
EEEEK! How'd I do all that? I know right!!!
Well, I’d be tellin a lie if I said: “the raw milk gave me the energy!” Lol Heck, we didn't even have any milk at the time! All I know is that we made it through the madness that comes with March!
Growing up I remember folks use to say “March comes in like a Lion and out like a Lamb” that can have many meanings for different reasons but now it definitely does resonate with me.
I also need to tell you about our current milk issue! Due to drying off the new cow and an increase in memberships, we are currently on a strict milk rotation. So if you want to join the Herd Share and avoid the waiting list. You'd better sign up soon. Shares are becoming increasingly popular and we are almost completely full.
I hope you enjoy the links above. Don't forget to leave a comment below! I like to hear from you!
Well, I’d be tellin a lie if I said: “the raw milk gave me the energy!” Lol Heck, we didn't even have any milk at the time! All I know is that we made it through the madness that comes with March!
Growing up I remember folks use to say “March comes in like a Lion and out like a Lamb” that can have many meanings for different reasons but now it definitely does resonate with me.
I also need to tell you about our current milk issue! Due to drying off the new cow and an increase in memberships, we are currently on a strict milk rotation. So if you want to join the Herd Share and avoid the waiting list. You'd better sign up soon. Shares are becoming increasingly popular and we are almost completely full.
I hope you enjoy the links above. Don't forget to leave a comment below! I like to hear from you!
Well 1st let me say this...
It was a pleasure to meet all of the wonderful folks who came out to the
“Farm to You CSA Event” last week. I must say this city is full of great people!
I want to thank you all for your interest in our raw milk herd share and signing up for the free membership drawing.
It was a pleasure to meet all of the wonderful folks who came out to the
“Farm to You CSA Event” last week. I must say this city is full of great people!
I want to thank you all for your interest in our raw milk herd share and signing up for the free membership drawing.
I feel like when you start drinking raw milk you are already “winning”.
So I don't ever worry about a title.
However, getting FREE stuff is always great! Lol
The winner will get a free 1st year membership to join the herd share
(a $25.00 value).
We pulled 1 name from the hat this evening, '
and the winner of the drawing is….
So I don't ever worry about a title.
However, getting FREE stuff is always great! Lol
The winner will get a free 1st year membership to join the herd share
(a $25.00 value).
We pulled 1 name from the hat this evening, '
and the winner of the drawing is….
If your name wasn't the winner, It's not too late to become one!
Click Here
to get onto my email list and start your journey with Real Milk Lexington.
Click Here
to get onto my email list and start your journey with Real Milk Lexington.
The Ancient Wisdom & Nutrition in
Bone Broth
In almost every ancient culture people have made bone broth (or a form of it) as a way to harness the rich vital nutrients from the extra parts
of animals that in modern slaughter facilities we are
taught (and in some states legally made) to discard/throw away.
We have long forgotten how to use or cook with these parts
Let alone the spiritual and medicinal reasons
for using these parts for bone broth.
of animals that in modern slaughter facilities we are
taught (and in some states legally made) to discard/throw away.
We have long forgotten how to use or cook with these parts
Let alone the spiritual and medicinal reasons
for using these parts for bone broth.
I believe that part of this discourse is due to the state of man and his relationship to his food. Industrial agriculture has taken that important connection we should have with our animals and hidden it.
When you feel no connection to the life of an animals that you eat
makes it very easy to dismiss that they are living creatures with feelings.
Thus we are less likely to be concerned with its care, its emotional
and physical conditions. Or any other aspect of how it leaves the world.
When you feel no connection to the life of an animals that you eat
makes it very easy to dismiss that they are living creatures with feelings.
Thus we are less likely to be concerned with its care, its emotional
and physical conditions. Or any other aspect of how it leaves the world.
As SlakMarket Farm herd share owners, we all bear the spiritual burden of
raising these animals, LOVING them very much, and then killing and processing them for our food.
To use every part of that animal "was and still is" the most respectful thing that we can do for having taken its life for our own nourishment.
raising these animals, LOVING them very much, and then killing and processing them for our food.
To use every part of that animal "was and still is" the most respectful thing that we can do for having taken its life for our own nourishment.
Because of their nutritional content, in past times, these "extra parts" are what use to be highly valued. I'm sure you've heard how bone broth is rich in protein, collagen, gelatin, glucosamine, chondroitin and key minerals that are often missing in today's diet. Also all of the nutrition in the broth supports a wide range of health benefits and it supports a healthy immune system.
We have decided on making bone broth accessible for everyone.
This is especially for our busiest of members.
I know that you are doing your best to manage
life and most of all you are working hard each day
to make a positive impact in our world.
All that being said, It’s totally possible to add a daily bone
broth habit to your life without having to invest hours
each week on simmering and packaging it.
So if you want the benefits of bone broth,
but really don’t have the time (4-12 hrs a week) to make it yourself,
our premade broth could be the perfect solution for you.
I know that you are doing your best to manage
life and most of all you are working hard each day
to make a positive impact in our world.
All that being said, It’s totally possible to add a daily bone
broth habit to your life without having to invest hours
each week on simmering and packaging it.
So if you want the benefits of bone broth,
but really don’t have the time (4-12 hrs a week) to make it yourself,
our premade broth could be the perfect solution for you.
However, If you do want to make it yourself. I can help you get your feet wet “chicken feet” that is. Chicken feet make great bone broth and are offering them as part of our share products. The recipe to make it is right at the bottom of this post.
Either way, it is time for you to discover the ultimate low-carb, low-sugar superfood to support your gut health, metabolism, lean muscle, joints and glowing skin!
Along with making a conscious effort and step to supporting your herd share animals and knowing who’s on your dinner table.
If you haven't already done so, click here , to come along this journey with us and have...
If you haven't already done so, click here , to come along this journey with us and have...
In preparation for this post, I was humbled by
the pulling of my ancestral memory.
I thank God for my great aunt Hennie May.
She was a master of food medicine, who sat at the helm of a
huge black pot over an open fire in her yard.
Born in 1905, she lived to be 104 years old.
She is one of many of my ancestors who have held a torch for this fire
to burn in my soul and having passed this calling down to me.
Kenya Abraham
A Woman Farming
in Service to You!
Along my side stands four youngins and my husband who always has my back.
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