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I see some of the most striking images when simply doing the morning farm chores. The day has just dawned, and the land feels like it’s just awakening – all I have to do is keep my eyes open and beauty manifests. On this particular day, I decided to visit a volunteer sunflower for a quick sampling of the fragrance and something caught my eye.
Continue reading “Haiku: Sunflower’s Secret”
It’s a mercifully cool (relatively speaking) Friday here, and for that I am thankful. I’m also deeply thankful for the support and fellowship of a very special person, my friend S. When I saw this dewy, unfurling sunflower glowing in the early morning sunlight, I thought of you.
S is one of those inspirational people who subtly, unconsciously, reminds you – through their actions – that you can do better. That you can be kinder, more trusting, more patient, more understanding, without being a victim. S has the patience of a saint, something that I struggle with, and I marvel at her ability to accept things that would, inanely, irritate me to no end. That’s really just wasted energy, isn’t it?
S reminds me that, sometimes, people simply need words of encouragement, a joke that makes them laugh, a shared experience or perspective that reminds them of our common humanity and makes them feel like someone (who is not a relative) cares. And this isn’t just obligatory caring.
My wish for each of you who see this post is that you have the privilege of knowing someone like S, who sees and appreciates beauty, including the beauty in you. Unicorns do exist. Keep growing, learning, and sparkling!
As someone who currently lives in a humid subtropical region, I expect some heat and humidity in the summer. I do. But what I don’t expect is days-long stretches of heat and humidity that reach 110F with the heat index and nighttime temperatures in the 80s – heat waves that necessitate “excessive heat warnings” from the weather service that basically advise rational people to stay indoors. How, exactly, does a farmer do that?
Continue reading “Reality Check: The Melted Farmer”
The largest sunflower, a volunteer that defiantly sprouted from a seed that the chickens either missed or couldn’t reach because it bounced outside their run, has reached the point where it’s ready for harvest. While I’m always delighted to find these kinds of volunteers, I also discovered a surprise growing amidst the other sunflowers that I had intentionally planted. What kind of surprise? Read on to find out.
Continue reading “Around The Farm: A Small Harvest…And A Surprise”
The Autumnal Equinox occurs today in the Northern Hemisphere. And it’s raining. It’s been raining for the past couple of days, and I’m not going to even pretend that it’s not a bit…dreary. The oppressive gray clouds, thick and unrelenting, filter the sunlight so that it’s unusually dark, even during the day. In spite of the inclement conditions though, beauty is just waiting to be found.
Continue reading “Around The Farm: First Day Of Fall”
Anyone else need a dose of sunflowers this Monday morning? I know I do.
Continue reading “Haiku: Monday Muster”