Sunday Stroll - Bramble Walk

Today, when I take a walk, I will head out through the deep woods to the clearing where the wild blackberries grow.  Yesterday, I spent a couple of hours picking, got wet from toe to hip because of heavy rain recently, and only got two cups of deep crimson blackberries.  They taste like a hint of heaven and their harvest is just beginning.  We will have to pick berries daily for the next week or two in order to keep ahead of the birds.  Having said that, there are plenty to go around.  The berry bramble flourishes here, with little interference on our part.

We will be planting a few blueberry bushes on the farm today.  We bought five plants from a roadside stand the other day.  The "blueberry guy" who sold them to us was country folk, pure and simple, and for over an hour regaled us with stories of growing organic produce and roses.  His description of how to plant the blueberry bushes was detailed and exacting.  I am going to attempt to follow his instructions to the letter.  He sounded as if he knew what he was talking about.  There is a special wisdom in people who work with the earth and growing things that I can't ignore.

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you contentment and joy.

The Slow Down

Summer is flying.  I want it to slow down.  I begin teaching summer school next Monday, and suddenly I am realizing that this beautiful season will soon be gone.  I will love and embrace autumn when it arrives, but until then, I want to be gloriously and completely saturated by summer.

Let the deep rich joy of being in the garden permeate my soul.  Let the fresh air move through my spirit and brush away the cobwebs.  Let the colors and light lift me out of dull routines and sloppy habits.

Let me bloom and grow...

            hair down,

                 feet bare,

                       heart wide open.

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you fresh air and an open heart.

My Sanctuary

My sanctuary has thousands of birch leaves rustling softly,
Bird chatter,
And wind song.
My sanctuary has ancient apple trees,
Extending arms full of tiny green apples.
There are dappled pools of sunlight,
Flecked with black-eyed Susan, field daisies,
And tall grasses whose seed heads dance.

I do not need to pray in my sanctuary;
My sanctuary is a prayer,
of gratitude,
and wholeness,
and belonging.


Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you sanctuary and belonging.

Observations

So much of my life on the farm involves being observant.

I must notice when it rains, and when it has been too long so that I know when to water.

I observe the health and activity of my hens and their rooster.  Has one hen gone broody?  Has she been sitting those eggs too long?  

Will it get cold again tonight?  Are there any plants that I need to cover?  I know the sweet potatoes will not respond well to these 45 degree nights.

This morning, I took my usual walk to the chicken coop.  The rooster "assaulted" me several times.     Apparently, he woke up on the wrong side of the roost!  I also stopped to watch the new bee hive. It makes me very nervous that I observed nothing at the hive.   It may be that it is so cold they have crowded up inside the hive.  I will be keeping my eye on them today, watching for that bright flurry of comings and goings that I usually see as the bees hurry off to the field full of daisies, buttercups, goats beard, clover, and sweet delicate blue flax.

I have an all day event to attend today.  I will enjoy my time with friends, but I have to admit that I am wishing I would be at home on the farm, tending to gardens and livestock and cooking something with fresh, just-picked, ingredients.  

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you joy in the small things.

Photo of the grapeyard looking southeast down the long field, taken earlier this week.

Rainy Sunday

It rained all night and is raining still.  On this cool rainy day, I will stay indoors and catch up on some housework that has piled up on brighter days.  The garden is flourishing, but I hope some brilliant sunshine follows the several days of rain that we have had recently.

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you contentment.

Sunday Stroll

"Anyone's life truly lived consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit."

Lillie Langtry 

Today will be a gardening day here, rather than a walking day... although I hope for a ramble in the woods after the work is done.  I will not be able to post photos even if I walk; still experiencing trouble with the tablet that serves as my camera.  However, I will check back for other strollers and add links if any one strolls.

So... if  you stroll and post about it, please leave a link here and I will make a list so others can find you and share your stroll.  

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you a happy contended spirit.

Mother's Day

Day off from the stroll... 

Cold and windy here and family coming to visit. 

Where ever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you a beautiful day.