I turned off the long winding road through Berwick and eventually ended up on a dirt drive through dense trees and dappled sunlight. I passed a pond and a grassy plateau held back by a well placed retaining wall of patio bricks. The trees gathered around the log cabin that sat on the small hill as if to keep it safe, protected from the world and all its familiar trappings. I was met by lovely guinea hens roaming freely just off to the side, birds chirped loudly and filled all the space between myself and the front porch adorned with typical things I've seen out west, way out west.I knocked on the door and was invited in. I immediately felt as though I had stepped into another world and time, somewhat familiar yet oddly intriguing. The home was spotless, and I felt as though I was in a far away place, a set in a favorite movie, or somewhere I've never been. There were nods to the past with a lovely china cabinet filled with vintage red and white transferware. A large fieldstone fireplace anchored the living area and multiple seating areas begged any cowboy to pony up and stay awhile. I was in the past, present, and future all at the same time and it left me feeling oddly curious and amazed.
This story could surely be about a young family starting a ranch from scratch in Southern Maine with almost no experience or heritage to do so. This story could be about buying a beloved feed and grain store when you've never owned your own business before, but it's not. This story told so lovingly by Morgan is a story of life knocking the wind out of you when you're pushing towards a dream and allowing loved ones to help pick you up and get you back on track. Morgan grew up in Rhode Island, her husband in Agamenticus Estates in South Berwick. They met at USM in Portland. Morgan graduated with a business degree, her husband, Rob, with one in nursing. They married and bought their first home in North Berwick and were struck by cupid's arrow after acquiring their first animals, chickens. Morgan smiled as she shared she knew Pandora's box had been opened and animals would be a forever in their lives together. She found the log cabin by happenstance and texted it to her husband. She received a call from the realtor about an appointment that had been scheduled to see the home before she had even thought about making one. They were on the same track and ran together towards the cabin in the woods with more than enough land to start their dream ranch.
Loss is perhaps one of the greatest catalysts for change and Morgan and her young family has experienced more than their fair share. At such a young age, they are living and learning through the cycle of life and being tested in their resilience to carry on. I listened as she shared how at times the ranch pulled them all through their loss, and drew their family together tighter as they welcomed parents and friends who could help them meet the challenges of taking care of livestock and running an established business newly acquired. I giggled when she told me that on top of everything else they private labeled a coffee to sell at the feed and grain store as a loss leader, something to pull people in at a small price point. I know that choice well, one to create more when life makes you feel less. I looked out the window towards the back of their home and asked where the cattle were kept. She pointed towards the side wall and then towards the direction of the horse, donkeys, and goats. She stood and I followed her. I miss the feeling of the farm, when your property is teeming with life and overflowing with sounds of nature and smells that call you to the barn each day. I followed her to the front of the house and just steps from the front porch, I was in sight of the most magnificent cows. My eyes landed on the black and white spotted girl then fell next on a surprising long horn just past where she stood looking back at me. And then as if I had travelled to Scotland, my gaze was met by a wonderful creature from the highlands.
I was amazed at Morgan's composure and her sense of self at such a young age. Her soul seems timeless and tireless as she captured the most important facets of being a working mom, wife, rancher, and business owner. I could feel the collaboration between her and her husband making their life possible and the way in which they leaned on family for everything in between made it seem as though they had taken cues from long ago to make life work for them and not working to sustain life. Yet in all the old traditions exuding from their ranch, I realized they were also creating a wonderful future, a new way of working hard, racing towards dreams, and finding joy in the subtle things life has to offer. They have embraced family and keeping generations close where they can. In so many ways, Morgan understands what it has taken me decades to grasp. I could sense their willingness to let go of things that no longer serve them and embrace the facets of life that bring families together and create meaning and memories. I could have spent the entire day with Morgan at their ranch. Their cat Whiskey was enough to draw me in for an hour or two but time is precious these days for everyone and life keeps us busy in our own ways. We made our way back inside so I could take copious notes of Morgan's bits of wisdom to offer up to each of us.
Here are the lessons she's learned in becoming a wife, mother, rancher, and business owner. Enjoy.
1. you have to be resilient.
2. you have to follow your heart.
3. you have to be willing to work harder than anyone else in the room.
4. yet also work smarter, than harder.
5. small businesses don't feel very small.
6. you have to love ranching, it takes and it gives everything at the same time.
7. know that you can do hard things!
8. you just have to start!
9. don't give up on your dream.
10. be willing to surprise yourself.
11. you only get one shot at being you.
12. live your dream.
If you'd like to learn more about Dirigo Ranch and the Feed & Grain Store visit: www.dirigoranch.com you'll find their blog, and information about the store and how to contact them. You can also find Dirigo Ranch of Facebook and Instagram. Look for @drfeedseed, @dirigoranchwife, and @rancher.rob
Morgan & Rob Harper
Dirigo Ranch and Dirigo Ranch Feed & Seed
Berwick, Maine
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