For this momentous post, I decided that I would focus on a creature that is often maligned (mostly by gardeners), but that I find immensely fascinating. It’s an animal that reminds me of two important things: that (1) there is an absolutely amazing world of tiny plants, animals, and other matter that is overlooked by people and (2) sometimes, we need to slow down and enjoy the wonders of the world around us – or even our own inner world – at a snail’s pace.
Continue reading “Musings: The Wisdom of Wild Snails (Post #1,000!)”Tag: Resilience
Farming In Winter: Deadly Cold (Long Read)
Unless you’ve been living underground, you’re probably aware of the disastrous consequences the holiday storm wreaked (yes, wreaked, not wrecked!) on many areas of the country. People have died because of the bitterly cold temperatures, though there are stories of everyday heroism worth celebrating (juxtaposed with stories of shocking callousness). While small farmers may not make the news, I’m sure that many animals – including wild animals – also lost their lives or suffered injury during the brutal cold because this was a cold that had to be experienced to be believed.
Continue reading “Farming In Winter: Deadly Cold (Long Read)”Short Read: A Snail’s Search, Part VIII
It was the kind of day that snails celebrate: not too hot, and steamy with humidity. As the very small snails gathered at the White, two were talking excitedly. A snail with a spiral shell was aflutter, repeatedly asking about the Legend. Another tiny snail was waving her antennae nonstop, proclaiming that she had heard that someone had been told that the Legend had been sighted. Sophie took the chatter in with a bemused smile, then said, “little snails, gather around – we have news about Gaston!”
Continue reading “Short Read: A Snail’s Search, Part VIII”Haiku: Silent Strength
One day, while in the laundry room (where I mix up the fermented feed), I moved a dechlorinating bucket of water and something caught my eye. It looked strange, so I took a closer look…and was awed.
Continue reading “Haiku: Silent Strength”Haiku: Peeking Petals
Even though today is an unseasonably warm one, we’ve had several cold snaps lately that have caused temperatures to plummet below freezing. The plants have reacted accordingly: many simply dying on the vine, others becoming dormant. The colorful flowers of summer have all but disappeared…almost.
Continue reading “Haiku: Peeking Petals”Haiku: Foretelling Fall
As I walked through pasture, still wet with morning dew, a leaf floated down, spiraling as it went, right in front of me. It was as if the big silver maple, so stoic and steadfast, was telling me something…and I am listening.
Continue reading “Haiku: Foretelling Fall”