About Us
Finding Inspiration at the Farm
It had been seven years since the passing of my Grandmother Ada and no one was visiting the Upson Downs – the name my Grandparents dubbed their 130 acre farm in Athens, Ohio. It had been the name of every farm they owned since leaving the coal camps of West Virginia to begin homesteading in the great state of Ohio. Life would be difficult for them but the name “Upson Downs” would be a constant reminder that one could always get the “ups” “on” the “downs” in life with the proper attitude.
With Grandma and Grandpa gone, the Bradley family farm went dormant, locking in memories of times past, and the hope of legacy in limbo. On the rare occasion I would visit the farm with one of my children. They knew that if disaster struck in California, and we were somehow separated, we were to meet at the farm. The Upson Downs was our mental and physical "safe place." A piece of land where we could always call home. Until it wasn't.
It was time to sell the farm.
Painfully, I found myself rummaging through items left behind by my grandparents, honoring their wishes to make sure their personal belongings were parted with in a respectful and honorable way. It was decided that we would have an auction and allow others to find new purpose for what we no longer needed. It's the cycle of life, right?
I found slips of paper tucked away in jars, boxes, photo frames, and trinkets giving instructions and perspective on why this or that item was important. No wonder Grandma and Grandpa saved everything. It all seemed to be important and was very difficult to decide what went to auction, and what must be kept!
Every remnant of their lives brought vibrant color to the frozen world I was exploring. Although I had built a completely separate life in California with color of its own, the harmony of my past and present worlds inspired warmth and gentle confidence in the understanding that life is worth the effort when building a legacy to leave behind.
It was hard not to compare where my life was at that point to what it had been when my grandparents were alive. My personal family tree had splintered and now I was a middle-aged single mother of three grown children facing an identity crisis. After so many life experiences, roles and titles, who was I really?
Alone in a quiet safe place, I listened and prayed. I reflected on the struggles and triumphs that were apparent in the faces of the ancestral photos hanging on the wall. Four generations of Bradley’s past were staring me in the face as if to ask what I would be doing to honor the blood sweat and tears they had given to build our family literally from the ground up.
Through the respectful closure of my grandparents' life, I would find a personal new beginning and inspiration to continue the legacy for my children and the generations to follow.
After the auction, I bought the farm!
Here at the Upson Downs, I am finding my voice and living in a revival of colors. Thanks to the vision of my grandparents, I am able to experience the “medicine” from God’s world around me that brings healing, joy and return of purpose to my life once more.
Walks in the fields and by streams and visits from animals, have all grounded my theory that truth is in nature’s sanctuary and this piece of land is a safe place to call home.
Living at the farm, I have come to acknowledge this world as a beautiful kaleidoscope of color that is reflected in my mind’s eye, revealing new possibilities every day. Through this lens, I can review my experiences and innermost desires with fresh perspective.
Why was I making life so complicated and dramatic when in truth it is so simple?
It is my desire to share this sanctuary with others and I welcome everyone who is looking for a similar renewal of spirit to reach out to learn the date of our next retreat where together we can look through nature’s kaleidoscopic filter and see truth in “who” we are at this moment and find inspiration to explore what's next.
Visit Bradley's Upson Downs Farm to discover your personal "ups" on "downs" and a sweet renewal of living.
Building Community
What has helped you recover after loss? Where do you find healing and inspiration to move forward? How did you handle holidays, birthdays and special occasions? Consider joining the Upson Downs community and share your story. Stories of "Ups" on "Downs" are welcome and with your permission, may be published in our monthly newsletter to inspire others!
Need to Retreat?
The Upson Downs Farm provides a respite from the everyday stresses that can deplete our energy and sense of well-being. Whether you want to be alone, or explore rural life with a friend, you will feel at home. Formal and informal retreats are available. Just ask!