Self-taught farmers confidently raising chickens, ducks, geese, and pigs. Our focus is on practices that are environmentally harmonious and respectful to our livestock. We appreciate the beauty around us, clean eating, fermenting, and responsibly utilizing the bounty of the land. If you like thinking for yourself, continuous learning, and connecting with the homesteader lifestyle, check us out.
This is a beautiful time of year, and Nature’s artistry is everywhere. Look for it wherever you are – it can be found in places you may not expect. Be sure to look not just at the majestic, but also at the diminutive…because sometimes the most stunning beauty can be found in the tiny. Wishing you a fall full of wonder.
Not just fun, finding awe is good for your wellbeing, too.
You may have discovered, as I have, that, often, the best gifts are surprises…and free. Nature is generous in its gift-giving, and we were recently gifted the experience of witnessing a caterpillar affix itself to our house’s siding, form a chrysalis, and – amazingly – emerge from that chrysalis! What luck to be present to see that newly-hatched butterfly working on unfurling its wings.
Continue reading “Haiku: Pre-Flight Check”
It’s a delightfully cool day here, with a playful breeze that rustles the leaves in the trees, making it sound – especially when you’re standing below – like breathy whispers. If only I could understand what they’re saying…but it’s a private conversation.
If you believe in the interconnectedness of living beings, it shouldn’t be a stretch to imagine that the trees know that their kind are burning…now on the west coast, earlier in Australia, and ongoing in the Amazon. What must they think of us?
Did you know that it’s estimated that nearly 3 billion animals were killed or displaced because of the Australian bush fires? It’s difficult to comprehend the enormity of this loss, and it will have lasting impacts – from the Reuters article, “researchers said the destruction will see some species become extinct before their existence is even recorded.” 😢
Perhaps the most beautiful and friendly mantis I’ve had the privilege of meeting to date was this one. She (just a guess, but my gut feel) made me view these amazing creatures differently, question my previous notions about them, and left me completely in awe of them. She was magical.
Continue reading “Haiku: First Contact (Mantid Series #3)”
The sun hasn’t looked normal here for the past couple of days. While the forecast is for sunny skies, it appears overcast and the sun has glowed a pinkish-orange hue – like daylight harvest moon. It’s clear that the smoke from raging wildfires in the West has drifted here, 2,000+ miles away.
Continue reading “Haiku: Drifting Smoke”
There seem to be morning glories everywhere I look: on fences, climbing up rock faces, intertwined with other greenery. They possess the kind of beauty that is both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time – if you didn’t take the time to look at the blooms and see that they’re all different, you might just dismiss them as blue vining weeds. You might not see that some contain small insects, others are dusted with pollen, and still others have been sprinkled with raindrops. Fortunately, you and I know to see what crosses our visual paths. I hope you soak in the beauty…and there are many more to yet to be discovered!