Please help this animal sanctuary grow & thrive!

The dream outlined below may never happen. I have a hearing via Zoom with the court to determine foreclosure on our current property. If they decide to go forward with foreclosure, the dream will never happen, and the animals currently being cared for may have to be re-homed. Any, and all help, especially your prayers, are a godsend.

"A home for misfit animals and books, and makers of herbal, apian, and natural fiber products."

Sanctuary - Focuses primarily on small livestock and pets that are being relinquished due to zoning regulation issues, foreclosure, or eviction.

Tomestead - A different sort of "rescue" or sanctuary, one that keeps used books out of the landfills. The bulk of the books will be from donations. Patrons will have the option of in-store credit (20% off purchase) or a check for 20% of estimated resale price. Campus will consist of re-purposed sheds, RVs, trailers and/or mobile concession booths. Each upcycled building will host a different genre, or subject(s) and be themed accordingly. Additional outbuildings will host various natural fiber, herbal and apian products produced on-site and throughout the local community. topography will include a 9000 square foot heirloom herb garden where walks and talks will be hosted; a petting zoo featuring some of the rescued animals at the sanctuary, and a cafe featuring menu items that would have been popular in the 19th century. Proceeds from sales will be re-invested into the business, as well as providing for the care of the animals.

The Herbal Hare - Farm side of the campus will host various fiber-producing animals, in addition to rescues, such as sheep, goats, alpacas, and rabbits. Spinning, weaving and dyeing demonstrations, herbal workshops, and "bee" school are future offerings. Fibers will eventually expand to include basket weaving, chair caning, and straw hat making, and sericulture (silkworms). Herb store will eventually be expanded to include a couple of greenhouses for growing heat-loving spices, such as cardamom and turmeric; mushrooms; microgreens, and sprouts. 

   Planned fiber products - primarily yarns and some woven products to start. Straw hats, baskets, silks and linen in future.

   Planned apian products - honey, beeswax, candles

   Herbal products - seeds; dried and fresh herbs; young plants; skin care products; scent mixes and tea blends

All facilities will be zero-waste. Reusable bags, boxes, upcycled Mason jars will be available for patrons. We will also seek out compostable wraps, containers and utensils for our envisioned cafe. Compost will be re-purposed in the herb garden and future greenhouses.

Where is this wonderful place? For now, it's on the drawing board awaiting either an angel investor (or two) to help with start-ups, or a great, big pot of luck!  

What expertise do I bring to this endeavor? Besides being a writer, I am a certified herbalist who worked in living history, both as a volunteer and as paid staff, for many years where I learned spinning, weaving and caring for natural fibers, and straw braiding for the making of hats. I am also a Master Gardener with the University of Connecticut, and a librarian. I have been rescuing and giving sanctuary to unwanted animals for much of my adult life--over 35 years!