Discovering Home, Happiness, and Alpacas: The Inspiring Journey of Jane Lee Rankin

Jane Lee Rankin is the visionary founder of Apple Hill Farm, an award-winning, first-generation farm nestled in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. Her journey from solo mom to a leading advocate for agritourism and the farming community is as inspiring as it is unique. Through her work at Apple Hill Farm and her involvement in the North Carolina Agritourism Networking Association, Rankin has become a prominent voice in the agricultural community, sharing her expertise on farm tourism and the importance of diversifying farm operations at both local and national conferences. The Birth of Apple Hill Farm Apple Hill Farm wasn’t born out of a grand plan but rather a deep-seated passion and a desire for a fresh start. Jane Lee Rankin, a solo mom looking for a new beginning, found herself drawn to the serene beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. It was here that she decided to put down roots and create something truly special. The farm started small, with Rankin’s vision and determination driving its growth. Over the years, Apple Hill Farm has blossomed into an award-winning establishment known for its unique blend of farming and agritourism. Watch the whole video and shop on Amazon Live here. Advocacy and Leadership in Agritourism Rankin’s passion for farming extends beyond the boundaries of Apple Hill Farm. As an active member of the North Carolina Agritourism Networking Association, she has dedicated herself to advocating for the benefits of agritourism and supporting fellow farmers in diversifying their farm operations. Agritourism, which…

Continue reading

Unlocking Your Inner Wisdom with Avadhi Dhruv’s “Inner Genius Outer Guru”

“The inner genius may inspire, but it is the outer guru that truly nourishes our souls"

During a recent Amazon Live session, Jamie and I had the pleasure of discussing celebrated Indian writer Avadhi Dhruv’s latest book “Inner Genius Outer Guru.” This thoughtful work promises to be a guide for tapping into your own innate sources of creativity, intuition and self-knowledge. Though Avadhi is renowned for her award-winning poetry collections, “Inner Genius Outer Guru” takes readers on a different kind of inward journey. Drawing from her own experiences and philosophical reflections, Avadhi gently encourages us to go quiet to the external voices and instead attune to the guru or wise guide residing within each of us. Viewers can email team@avadhi.guru and request their FREE copy of the digital companion workbook (valued at $15) when they purchase a copy of the book – Inner Genius Outer Guru. (Amazon Affiliate Link). Put “FREE workbook” in the subject of the email. The book is structured around a series of thematic meditations that examine the societal conditioning, doubts and mental obstacles that can obstruct our authentic expression. With Avadhi’s lyrical yet down-to-earth prose, she beckons us back to a state of presence, trust in ourselves, and childlike wonder about the world around us. “We are born as bundles of genius and curiosity,” Avadhi Dhruv writes. “Somewhere along the way, we learn to douse that inner light and mute our most intuitive selves to conform to others’ expectations and beliefs.” Throughout the chapters, she shares insights and practices for reclaiming that inner luminosity. Avadhi draws from a rich well of traditions—from…

Continue reading

Nothing’s Off the Table Podcast

Welcome to “Nothing’s Off the Table,” where we delve into the dynamic world of sales and communication with a touch of humor and a deep dive into the neuroscience behind successful sales strategies. In this week’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Amy Honey, a seasoned Sales and Communication Specialist, as our esteemed guest. But it’s not all serious business; we’ll also explore the lighter side of sales, finding the humor in the daily grind of pitches, negotiations, and client interactions. Discover how laughter can be a powerful tool in building rapport, diffusing tension, and ultimately closing deals. And of course, we won’t forget to delve into the fascinating world of neuroscience and its impact on sales. Explore the psychology behind consumer behavior, decision-making processes, and the subtle cues that can make or break a sale. Gain valuable insights into how understanding the brain can give you a competitive edge in the world of sales. In this week’s Veterans Helping Veterans segment, we shine a spotlight on the Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy (WWUA), a remarkable organization dedicated to empowering wounded warriors through sports officiating training. Learn more about their inspiring mission and how they’re making a difference in the lives of veterans at www.woundedwarriorua.org. Join us for an engaging and enlightening conversation that promises to leave you with a fresh perspective on sales, plenty of laughs, and a newfound appreciation for the neuroscience behind successful communication. Tune in to “Nothing’s Off the Table” on YouTube and prepare to expand your sales…

Continue reading

The Do’s And Don’ts of Parenting Adult Children Book Review

Parenting is a lifelong journey, and even as your child grows older, your role as a parent remains significant. Nurturing your relationship with your adult child, despite no longer sharing the same roof, is crucial. The challenges you face may differ from those of their younger years, but with the right approach, your bond can grow stronger and more meaningful. In this guide, we will explore how to navigate this new chapter of your parent-child relationship. Discover the changes in your role as a parent and how they can benefit your connection. Learn to provide genuine help to your adult child without inadvertently causing harm. Embracing the need to let go and allowing your grown child to soar independently is essential. Establishing boundaries becomes even more crucial when dealing with adult children. Explore effective strategies for maintaining boundaries in tricky situations. Bridge the generation gap by finding common ground and appreciating the positives in your differences. Transitioning from a parent-child dynamic to a mentorship and friendship-based relationship can bring new levels of understanding and closeness. If you find yourself estranged from your adult child, this guide offers a three-step system for repairing your relationship. Discover what not to do when reaching out and how to approach the situation with care and sensitivity. Remember, letting go of the authority you once held can be challenging. However, your child has grown into their own person, and that is a testament to your efforts as a parent. Embrace this new stage of your…

Continue reading

A Big Mooncake for Little Star – Banned Book

This is the most adorable story about a mother and daughter who make mooncakes, and the daughter sneaks a little bit each night, until its gone and they make another one. It disappears just like the phases of the moon. This is so sweet, and I really do not understand the ban on this particular book. Written by author Grace Lin. You can purchase it on Amazon. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn on qualified purchases. I had the opportunity to watch an interview with Grace Lin, and she was so well spoken, and one of the sweetest individuals. Her gentleness really came through in that interview. This is such a beautiful innocent story. The only reason I can

Continue reading

Build Your Nest Egg with Happy Nest Real Estate Investing

Real Estate Investor Goddess

HOW TO INVEST IN SYNDICATIONS Have you ever heard of syndications in Real Estate Investing? This is usually for accredited investors only, however, there are services out there that can get you started for as little as $10. Ninety percent of the worlds millionaires, got there through Real Estate Investing. Happy Nest works like a ‘crowd funded’ syndication. Many times these investments can be double digit returns. Join Happy Nest Here! Real estate investing is one of the best ways to make money. The only problem is that many people think it’s only for men. That’s not true. In fact, there are plenty of women who have made great fortunes in real estate investing. Like my friend, mentor, and client, Monick Halm. If you want to know how to start your own real estate investing business, then read on. There are several things you need to know before you get started. This article will help you get started. First, you need to decide what kind of real estate investment you want to do. You can buy single family homes, multi-family buildings, land, and even commercial property. You can also buy houses and apartments as rentals. You also need to set up your LLC. Our best recommendation for funding is make sure you don’t have ‘real estate’, ‘investments’, or ‘capital’ in your LLC name. That’s a bit of a red flag for funders, and may hinder your ability to get funds for your real estate investments. However, if you don’t want…

Continue reading

Please Vote To Honor Those That Fought For Your Right to Vote

I have a huge confession to make.   I never voted until I turned 39 years old.   I didn’t really understand our history, I had no idea women weren’t allowed to own a credit card until the laws changed in 1974.  Only married women could own a credit card.    And I had no idea that women weren’t allowed to apply for their own business loan UNTIL 1988!!!     I had no idea womens rights were that far behind. After all, I had been raised by a very misogynistic society.   So, misogyny just felt normal.    Until my adult daughter began pointing it out to me, I have to admit, I was naive.    I was also taught that if you were a woman that fought for the rights of other women, then you were a feminist.   And feminists were bad.   They are gay, and they hate men.    Of course, I don’t believe that, but, the misogynists in my family really REALLY wanted me to believe that.   I’m pretty sure I’m making them cringe with this very post right now.   ‘Okay, here she goes.’ And as far as voting…… who had time to learn about who all these people were?   I just felt unqualified.    So, voting wasn’t for me.  My parents never really explained, and I was just told that polite girls never talk about politics or religion.  Now I’m pretty sure my dad just knew I would vote opposite…

Continue reading

Three Things You Should Do Before You Speak

I believe it was Socrates that initially said this.   The Three Things You Should Do Before You Speak, is you should run it through these three filters, or ask yourself these 3 questions. Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? This is a great rule to live by!  This can ensure you never put your own foot in your mouth.   LOL!   But, seriously, could you imagine the kind of world we could all live in if we all did this?    It would be pretty cool, huh?  

Continue reading