January-Turn Up the Volume

Looking out over the great unknown of 2025, I can't remember a year during which I have felt more compelled to live loudly. So long as my motivations are born from the deep well of love within, not the dark cavern of fear, it's a year "to sing loud for all to hear". To open my heart to the hardened world and to offer forth that which I have to give: the work of my hands, the food from this ground, the nurturing of a mother who sees the great potential of two young souls; and that which I endeavor to find within myself: compassion enough to see the humanity in people who challenge my love, hope that humankind will start to take care of each other and work toward the same cause, the capacity to exude love in the face of hatred or ill will or hurt.

In spite of the suffering in our world, there is undeniable and untouchable beauty, the greatest pleasure: love, the completeness of connection, the mystery of what is left to come, what is possible. How do these notions not give us much to live for? As small of a speck as I am on this short ride, I feel important in my role as a mother and a farmer and a human who has the agency to make a small scratch of a difference. But let mine be a bit of salve, not a scratch.

I'll start here, in our fox hole. In my relationships with my Rich :) and my kids. To support two bright, burgeoning little minds in May and Jack. If given what they need, they're capable of infusing much goodness and authenticity into this world. And in my relationship to these 27 acres under our care, which provide so much for us and which we owe. May they grow healthier and wilder, and closer to their true nature after decades of being manipulated.

And in service of the greater good, I'll treat people like fellow humans, no matter our differences...Humans who came from and are returning to the same place as me in fact. In that way, we aren't so different. And when we treat each other like something disconnected from ourselves, we put up walls, engage fears, and dehumanize each other. That embarassing Uncle of yours that you just saw over the holidays (;)), and you are both earthlings, dependent upon this planet and the wellbeing of our society.

In the days and months to come, a new leaf is turning over. There is that within our control and that beyond it. My plan is to keep my mind centered on what is within it and to channel my energies into productivity...plenty of dirt under the nails, sun on the skin, exposure to uplifting people (my other source of energy), and new things and experiences. There will always be enough energy for spontaneity and for "seeing where an afternoon takes us". I'll avoid giving energy to things beyond my control in an effort to keep my brain from rotting and my heart from being tormented. There simply isn't time for that.

And I'll keep writing, because it feeds something in me, and because it connects me to you :).

Happy New Year to you. I'm glad we are together.

Updates from the Farm:

-Time Off: This month we have a few building projects, including a cooler and a new seed starting/microgreens house. We also have to rest and play. We will likely have a week in the middle of January when salad is ready to harvest and we have an abundance of eggs to sell (etc). If you are signed up for our "Order Reminder" email list, you'll be notified when that week comes. Otherwise, we we will be closed for weekly ordering this month:).

-CSA Sign Ups: Another year is here. We will be sending out an email next week with information about our CSA program. Nothing has changed with how it functions, but we will be growing more quantity and varieties this year. The email-to-come will give you all the exciting details and you can sign up anytime on our website by purchasing a share which never expires:

Thank you for reading.

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