Fifty Acres and a Poodle A Story of Love, Livestock, and Finding Myself on a Farm

Jeanne Marie Laskas had a dream of fleeing her otherwise happy urban life for fresh air and open space a dream she would discover was about something more than that. But she never expected her fantasy to come true until a summer afternoon's drive in the country. That's when she and her boyfriend, Alex owner of Marley the poodle stumble upon the place she thought existed only in her dreams. This pretty-as-a-picture-postcard farm with an Amish barn, a chestnut grove, and breathtaking vistas is real ... and for sale. And it's where she knows her future begins. But buying a postcard fifty acres of scenery and living on it are two entirely different matters. With wit and wisdom, Laskas chronicles the heartwarming and heartbreaking stories of the colorful two- and four-legged creatures she encounters on Sweetwater Farm. Against a backdrop of brambles, a satellite dish, and sheep, she tells a tender, touching, and hilarious tale about life, love, and the unexpected complications of having your dream come true.

Jeanne Marie Laskas is a columnist for <i>The Washington Post Magazine</i>, where her “Significant Others” essays appear weekly. A contributing writer at <i>Esquire</i>, she also writes for numerous national magazines.