Balance

Throughout my life, I have been told:  "Be careful what you ask for."  You just might get it. 

A friend noted that he had asked for drought in the spring.  He felt really bad.  Really bad.  Scared even.  And his co-workers were giving him a bit of grief:  "Have you had enough drought yet?" 

Over the years, I had heard that indigenous peoples believe that the consciousness of the Earth and the consciousness of Humans are closely intertwined.  Humans can actually call on change and it just might happen.  While I don't completely get this yet also believe something I don't completely understand, it has given me pause to be careful for what I ask for.

I used to ask for rain when it was dry.  And I used to ask for dry when it was all soupy out there.  Sometimes I would even get quite exuberant about it.  "We really really need rain."  I don't do that any longer.  Instead, I pray that the climate will return to a balance that is needed in these parts. 

Unusual Sound

As we get ready for bed on this night, we hear rain drops pattering on the windows.  That is such an unusual sound. 

Sorghum Molasses Making Soon

Reports have it that Hollis' cane is ready for harvest.  It looks like the first batch may be Saturday, September 8.  Cane is shorter this year.  It is coming along.  I wonder how much juice will be in those stalks?  Once again, Nature reminds us we are not in charge.

Gathering

Last night, we had a lovely gathering of women here at the Farm marking the Full Moon.  Such markings are traditional among women across time.  And for this auspicious occasion, one of Mother's roses was offering up this lovely fragrant bloom, the only bloom in recent weeks and months with the drought.  Deep in those petals was stored a reserve of hope.

Wedding Down South

August 19:

The last 2 days (and before) have been really busy in these parts. You see the Folks at the Farm down South were hosting a wedding. Since we know both the Bride (Melanie G., not our Melanie C.) and the Groom (Anthony) who are now living elsewhere and are part of this community of homesteaders, we were part of the community who supported this beautiful sacred event.

Melanie and Sarah were responsible for the cake. And talk about a cake. I did not see the final production and am hopeful that pictures were taken. The carrot cake was adorned with cream cheese frosting and embellished with English walnuts and flowers from our garden.

Melanie G., her sister Nicole, and Ariel from down South wanted flowers, lots of flowers. Trouble was that with this heat and drought, flowers have been in short supply. I was at the Farmer's Market yesterday and Zinnias were 3 for $1. Yikes. Usually we have lots of flowers. That is my signature and at this season they are not usually in short supply. Until this year.

So I volunteered to gather flowers from the Garden and the Wild. Four bucketfuls were awaiting Nicole when she picked them up Friday about noon. We talked about the Bride's bouquet. It was obvious that everyone down South was really busy, with family and friends coming in and details that needed attending. So I decided to make a Bride's bouquet. You could call it my little gift. Of course it was up to the Bride to use it. And she did. I suppose it is one of those classic examples of people just falling into place, doing what needs to be done, out here in farming country.

Melanie and Dave took the bouquet down in the early afternoon before the wedding. To my delight, Melanie G. carried it.

The flowers include a mix of those from the Garden and the Wild. Seems a proper gift from the land on this most auspicious day of commitment and celebration.

Replenishing Rain

We are having much needed, replenishing rain from Hurricane Isaac.  So far it has been gentle and slow.  While it will take a very long time to replenish the losses from the drought, we can almost feel the plants, animals, Earth (and surely the humans too) relax at long last.  Maybe, just maybe, the weather is taking a turn away from the drought.  You could call this little entry a prayer. 

Nourishing Rain

We had some rain in the late afternoon and we just may have more.  I cannot put into words the relief those raindrops have brought.  It's like the inner soul can relax just a bit.  The smell of rain and the sound of those raindrops touches the depths of the human soul on this drought stricken land. 

On my evening walk, I was delighted with the aromas all around too.  I hadn't really thought about it, but it seems there have been fewer scents in these dry times.  Some rain got added to the mix and there they were.

We surely know that we need a lot of rain to replenish the losses these last months. But we rejoice with every drop.  Praises be.