Hi there! Let's get to know each other! Our family moved to Sugarland Forest (in Poolesville, MD) in the fall of 2019. We moved to Poolesville from Clarksburg, MD to escape the noise/congestion and to find peace in the country. It has been one of the best decisions our family has made! Since moving here, we have established a small homestead we've named Sugartree Farmette, a nod to the rich and powerful history of this area. In 2020, we began gardening and raising chickens. In 2021, we started Sugartree Farmette's Little Free Library (LFL), a place where free books for all ages are always available to the community! In the coming years, we want to continue to expand our gardens, fruit trees, and homesteading activities! Our goal is to be able to give to the community and provide fruits/vegetables/fresh eggs for donation.
About Laura: Laura grew up in Poolesville, spending much of her childhood on her family's farm at the time, Seneca Creek Farm in Dawsonville (sold to new owners ~1994). Laura spent her early years exploring the family's ~400-acre farm, swimming in creeks, running through corn fields, and raising pigs. At age 16, Laura moved to Sedona, AZ where she spent her time hiking through canyons, stargazing at the desert sky, writing poetry, and starting college. In the years ahead, Laura married and had two precious daughters, Asia and Della. In 2004, Asia (then 2 years old) was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor, childhood cancer of the kidney. Shortly after finishing a six-month regimen of chemotherapy, the cancer had returned on both of her lungs. Laura's family then moved to Memphis, TN where Asia was treated at St Jude Children's Research Hospital. In 2006, after many prayers, miracles, and the amazing work of doctors/hospital staff at St Jude, Asia was declared cancer free! Laura's family then decided to move back to her home state of MD. Once settled in MD, Laura continued her schooling and started her career in scholarly publishing at American Gastroenterological Association. In 2007, Laura and her then-husband divorced. A few years later, she met Miguel, and the couple were married in 2013. That year, their family also moved from Boyds to Clarksburg. In 2017, Laura and Miguel welcomed their rainbow baby, Caiden, to the family. Laura earned her masters in writing from Johns Hopkins University in 2018. And that leads up to 2019, when Laura and Miguel decided to take a big leap and move to the country (and back to Laura's childhood hometown)! It's funny how life can bring you back home after so many years, but Laura's sure glad it did!
About Miguel: Miguel was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico but spent his early years living in the remote town of Castañer in Lares (central mountain region of the island). In 1989, Miguel and his family moved to the small town of Yabucoa (his mom’s hometown) in Southeast PR. And in 1992, they designed/built a house on a coastal hillside on the outskirts of Yabucoa (Fun Fact: If you’re ever traveling to Puerto Rico and are looking for an amazing place to stay, Miguel’s mom hosts an Airbnb, and we promise it’s one of the most beautiful places on the entire island!). Although Miguel was not interested in gardening in his childhood/teen years, his parents both came from families that worked the land all their lives. Miguel’s grandfather raised cows, goats, and chickens, but Miguel was not really interested in farming at that time and so he didn't gain much experience. After high school, Miguel attended the University of Puerto Rico and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He then joined the US Army as a Medic where he served for seven years. During those years, Miguel was stationed in Oklahoma, Texas, and upstate New York. He also did a 15-month deployment to Iraq. After his deployment ended in 2007, he moved to Fort Detrick in Frederick, MD where he worked on base. He met Laura through a mutual Army friend, and the couple married in 2013. Miguel retired from the Army in 2012 and shortly after began working in the children’s clinic at National Institute of Health. In 2017, Miguel and Laura welcomed their son, Caiden, into their family. Miguel and Laura purchased their home in the community of Sugarland Forest (on the outskirts of Poolesville) in 2019. Shortly after settling in, the family decided to start planting fruit trees, gardening, and raising chickens. Miguel was excited to have an opportunity to experience country living hands on after not being that engaged in it during his childhood. In these past couple years, he’s found joy and passion in all his outdoor/farming activities! Miguel and Laura both look forward to honoring the land and growing Sugartree Farmette in the years to come!
Now, feel free to share a bit about yourself! Where are you from? What are your interests? We look forward to chatting!
Image is of Laura and Miguel planting their "trademark" Weeping Cherry Tree