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 beautiful orb weaver (based on her distinctive web, built off a fencepost) has been weathering the surprising cold here by hunkering down in the concavity within the metal post. Like Charlotte, though, she may not live much longer…frost dusted the pastures this morning, and orb weavers typically only live for one season. I’ll check later to see if she’s still with us, but her time may be running out.
When seeking beauty, truth – and sadness – are often companions. While it’s a beautifully crisp fall day here, seemingly “normal”, the image of this leaf stirred feelings of deep sadness at the plight of the Earth…our Mother. She suffers, as others seek only to enrich themselves, plundering our home for their own selfish benefit. These bad actors have deliberately misled the public, pretending that the environmental nightmare known as plastic can actually be recycled, distracting people from the fact that the human-caused extinction of many animals continues and that climate change, with its many and devastating impacts, isn’t actually happening…and more. Wake up, people! Question what you’re hearing/reading/being told and seek information from many sources…our collective lives depend on it.
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”
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)”
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!