Hello and welcome to the Blue Barn Farm and Sanctuary. Well, we successfully navigated through the intensely close and smoky wildfires. Thanks to our community who rallied on our behalf, offered their support, and helped us to feel safe during some of the scariest moments. Although we were very fortunate that we didn’t have to evacuate, we were on the ready, and prepared in the event that the fires crept any closer than they already were.

Once the air began to clear, and the rain started falling, our temperatures here in the Pacific Northwest dropped, ushering in fall and inspiring us to heat up the oven. This recipe is one we’ve had our eye on for a while, but with the heat and the fires, we just didn’t have the gumption to make it until now. Some things in life are definitely worth waiting for! This baked jalapeño popper mac and cheeze is no exception! As always, 100% plant-based, cruelty-free, and oh so delicious! This is another favorite from one of our favorites, Noracooks.com.

It’s creamy, cheezy, luscious, and with just the right amount of zip. Of course, you can opt to leave the seeds in for more spice, or use fewer peppers for a more mild flavor. The best part is that this got more and more tasty as we devoured the leftovers. As fabulous as this was, we are going to make this again. The next time, however, there will probably be some spinach added to the mix. You can never have too many greens!

With our bellies warm and full, and our hearts overflowing with love from our family and friends, we can honestly say this was a great way to close out the past couple of incredibly stressful weeks. As I mentioned, we were very fortunate to have been clear of the path of the wildfires. Unfortunately, there were many here in Oregon, and elsewhere who are feeling the full impact of losing everything but the clothes on their backs. There are still a lot of burn animals being rescued from the areas affected as well. One account mentioned that it could be another several months before these animals stop showing up to where their house and people used to be. To everyone out there overwhelmed with grief for their losses, we feel you, and we are sending you as much love as you can handle.

During times like these, it can be comforting to know that in spite of the apparent divisions across our country, we all have the capacity to be kind. We all can share some compassion in the face of catastrophe. There is power in empathy. As tough as these lessons can be, they provide much needed opportunities for talking to each other about shifting our perspective. What would it be like to be that horse, or cow, or pig trapped in the barn as the fire roars through the property? How do the bunnies and cats feel when they realize everything is gone, and there is no food for them to eat?

We are looking forward to happier times ahead, friends. We are all in this together. We all live on the same planet, and breath the same air. From the whole crew at the Blue Barn Farm and Sanctuary, please be well, be safe, and share a bit of kindness today. It could change somebody’s entire reality.