The Fabulous Beekman Boys

I just finished reading the book The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentleman Farmers, and I'm hooked on the Beekman boys! I have to confess, I haven't watched their series "The Fabulous Beekman Boys" on Planet Green but I can't wait to catch-up on season one.

It's a charming story about how two city boys stumbled upon an old mansion in upstate New York. They fell for the house and in turn ended up reinventing themselves, their careers and their life. Haven't you always wanted to make a situation for yourself that truly changes your life?

Kilmer-Purcell worked in advertising and his partner, Dr. Brent Ridge, a Martha Stewart Omni Media VP, became weekend farmers after purchasing the 19th-century Beekman Mansion near Sharon Springs, N.Y. The book takes you through the challenges of trying to live two lives (one city and one country) in the pre-2008 crash. What started as a weekend and holiday home quickly turned in to a personal and emotional drain for the couple in the months following the economic fallout and while weighing their options, carried on trying to make lemons out of lemonade -- or rather, soap out of a barn full of goats.

For me, I think the book hit particularly close to home since like so many people, 2008 was when I let go of the safety net and embraced my passions full-time. While reading Kilmer-Purcell's book I was reminded of the life lessons that accompany following your easy and familiar path or taking the leap of faith to follow your passion. I'm sure a lot of us can relate to this subject matter on all levels because everyone has their "farm dream" -- starting your own business, moving, marrying, divorcing, etc.; All of life's changes and the winding road to happiness. For the Beekman Boys, it looks a little like this:

The house was built in 1802 - 1804.

A glimpse of the 60 acres on the farm.

The boys' Master Bedroom

The Living room with one of the two original fireplaces in the house. The house now boosts 7 fireplaces.

The arch separating the music room/library from the living room.

The kitchen where all the cooking and canning magic happens.

And of course, the wonderful soap that came to their rescue and is now famous.

I'll continue to keep my eye on the Fabulous Beekman Boys. In my opinion, everyone can use a little pick-me-up in the form of Josh and Brent and a reminder of what can happen when you take a risk and work hard at it.