4 Sleeps Past the Wedding

We are 4 sleeps past the wedding. It has taken the better part of the days since to sort dishes/silver/pots/pans/servingware, do wash (which has been continuous), retrieve items that migrated outside the house, tidy up. And we have had helping hands (including Dave, the kids, and his Mom before they left; Julia, Mike, and Beth yesterday). 

We surely have covered a lot of ground. Tent and 25 empty/unused 5 gallon bottles of water have been picked up by the businesses which brought them. Returns to the larger community have begun. The list of who was involved is now at 3 pages and is by no means complete (83). Thank you's have begun. This stage is not done by any means and may forever be incomplete. We shall send "thank you's" out into the ethers. Significant progress has been made. 

We are beginning to do normal farm things. The Farm and House look pretty normal except they are super clean and tidy (for us).  Naps are good. Looking around, it is pretty easy to ask the question: "Did the wedding really happen?" And we smile. The place and all the beings here seem to glow.

An Abundance of Volunteers

We are putting together a list of all those who helped with the wedding festivities this weeken. To be honest, there is no way we could list them all. So far we are at 74. People were just volunteering out of the woodwork. It was so amazingly cool.

Flower Shack

One stall of the garage was converted into the "Flower Shack": Flowers for the wedding were those in season and from the land here. The Bride and her Mother (who was asked to oversee the flowers) wanted no store bought flowers.  Many contributed. 

A few days before the wedding, Jackie S. sent out the call for flowers to Master Gardeners in the area and to gardeners at First Presbyterian Church. Eva picked them up at Jackie's house the morning of the wedding. By the time she arrived about 10 at the Farm, her van was full. In addition, Kristina sent buckets of flowers via Allison (who found it a real adventure to find Kristina's house). Sarah Saltmarsh brought her own lovely potted plants. Julia brought flowers too. I am sure I am missing someone. 

By 10 am, the flower arrangers were gathered in the garage making bouquets for the bride, for Isabel, for the tables (big and small). Plus we were making boutonnieres and corsages too, with Eva's experience and loving attention guiding the way. 

Flower arrangers were:  Eva, Allison, Brockell, Isabel, Jan, Julia, me.  (Did I forget someone?)  When we had to skee-dattle to eat lunch, change into wedding clothes, onto other chores, Marcia came in to gather flower petals for Etta's basket.  Etta was the flower girl.   

At one point, the groom came to check out the doin's.  We surely created a traffic jam of parked cars outside the garage and blocking the drive.  Patrick and Phoenix volunteered to offer valet parking to move the cars onto the lane.  

We had so much fun. It was cold and rainy which was perfect for the flowers.  I admit, I kept adding clothes and then changing clothes because I was wet from the trips through the rain.  I kept asking Richard to gather buckets and specific flowers as needed from our yard. And off he would go out in the rain (sometimes accompanied by lightning, yikes). What an amazing time.

Cake Was Superb

And I surely have to post an entry on the cake. Teri and Brian did a simply fantastic job on the cake. This is the last blog entry that Teri has made on the cake. 

I have to share some kind of funny stories related to the cake. We had a lot of left over food, which we gave away with abandon to so many who had lovingly helped with the festivities. (We did not give away cake because it was largely gone to just some crumbs.  Yes, there were other reasons we didn't give those crumbs away too.) 

The food for the feast became "seeds" for several sweet functions. When 3 year old Shivani was here with her Mom, we were offering up food for her Grandpa's 77th birthday celebration which they were hosting. "What do you need?" While her Mom was reluctant at first, we were thrilled to share. After a bit of time, Shivani said in her very quiet voice: "I would take some cake." I also noted that 5 children/adolescents made a special and exuberant trip into the house seeking the cake as festivities were closing. There were adults who sought out the cake too. 

I just am stunned at all the work that Brian and Teri put into this. This was a very big commitment and adventure into the unknown. Thank you Teri and Brian!

Teri's Blog

Our Own Version of an Amish Barn Raising

We are simply stunned by all the people who just jumped into roles to support the wedding festivities. Melanie had a vision for the wedding. We all did. It surely was met and achieved. One part that was so amazing was that the festivities and the bridal couple were launched by the community. In some ways, it was like an Amish Barn Raising, where countless individuals (some even unknown to us) came together to meet a common goal. To be honest, I have never seen anything like it. We are in awe. We are held in a lap of love. We are deeply grateful. Thank you one and all...

Feast and Migration

Melanie wanted the feast after the wedding to be served with real napkins (most of which she made), on real plates, with real silverware and with real glasses (canning jars). She also wanted the guests to wash what they used so a washing line was set up. Three meals (rehearsal dinner, breakfast and lunch on wedding day) were made and served in the house with many people coming to assist. The feast after the wedding was made by a restaurant in the Greentop area (Sebrees) which specializes in local food. The food was fantastic. Everything was so awesome. 

It was pretty funny, because with the volume of people going through the house, a considerable number of items in the kitchen moved onto other places. We know they are still here somewhere. We can almost hear them murmuring to come back to their regular places. We hadn't realized how much we loved so many of the items. Over half of the stainless steel knives/forks/spoons have migrated elsewhere and are surely intermingled with service for 180. Richard couldn't find his trusty mug. One by one we are finding the "lost" and you should hear our exuberance as we are reunited. It is pretty funny really. The old me would have been a stress cadet. The new me goes with the flow and trusts that we will soon be reunited. Every reunion is another loving memory of such a beautiful time.

Wedding Day

May 27:

Already the wedding was 2 days ago. How can that be? The day was just absolutely fantastic. We had cold and pouring down rain in the morning. And it did not dampen our spirits one bit. We live on a Water Planet, right? I do know some prayers were said out there. 

Just before the wedding, the rain stopped. Decision was made by Amanda Packard and Beth Campbell (who picked up the reins of the wedding festivities just 2 days before) to go ahead with the outdoor wedding as planned. Chairs were put up as the loving guests arrived. It was so awesome. Melanie, Julia Jack-Scott and I watched the doin's from the Bride's Chamber which was 1 story above and largely out of sight to those below. 

Would you believe that when the ceremony began under the arbor, the sun began to shine? The rest of the day was lush and gorgeous. The whole wedding went without a hitch. It had all the serenity of the beginning of a sacred union and it was also so much fun. I cannot believe all the people who were involved. It reached a stage where so many people just fell into the roles that were needed. Dave Greene and Melanie and their families and community were surrounded with love. What a launching of their commitment! 

Thanks to all who came, who lovingly sent wishes from afar, and to all those who helped in large and small ways. We are in the "after glow" time. And it feels so very good. Pictures will follow.

Creating Memories

One of the things I like best about working with all these wonderful people who are joining us at this precious time is that I am getting to know them better. It is so very sweet. I guess we are "creating new memories". Gotta go. Time to eat...

Lap of Love

And did I mention rain? Looks like we have rain today, altho all the laptops are lined up and checking favorite weather forecasts. We have found one we like best today. Fortunately the tent is covered. Walls just got pulled down. You know, when you come out of a life threatening illness, most things are just pretty small. Plus, the focus is on the union of these 2 beautiful people and their families. Everything else is just part of the backdrop. 

We are experiencing the lusciousness of laying in the lap of love and that's what it really is all about. I need to go out and pick some flowers in between the rain showers. Brockell Briddle  just arrived with quiche (including grass fed beef), juice and granola. Amanda Packard got us started with quiche warmed up from the rehearsal dinner. She was walking around asking if she could bring us tea. Then she disappeared to bring down the walls of the tent. 

Life is good. Really good. This will be a day we long remember on more dimensions than we can know. Much magic and wonder unfolding...

Weather Fabulous for May 24

May 25:

Yesterday was fabulous. Beautiful weather. Great gathering. Rehearsal at 4. Dinner at 5. And then out of towners gathered for a reception at 6. It was just so awesome. I do believe that all that loving energy is so focused on Melanie andDave Greene now and the families that support them. We can feel it. It is so beautiful.

Not Writing Much

May 24:

Forgive me if I don't write much today. That doesn't necessarily mean that nothing is going on. Melanie and Dave Greene's wedding is tomorrow.

Realization

I just realized today is May 24. Yikes.

1 More Sleep

May 24:

1 more sleep until the wedding. (I am really enjoying thinking about "the sleeps" until the wedding. Somehow, it focuses for me more on the sleep rather than the limited time.)

2 More Sleeps

May 23: 

Two more sleeps until the wedding. Things are coming along so beautifully. Tent went up today. Water (25-5 gallon containers) arrived. Work party came to clean glasses, tidy up the gardens and make signs. It is going to be so beautiful. Maybe a little wet, but we will just go with the flow of whatever Nature provides. Amanda Packard and Beth Campbell are going to manage the flow of the wedding days. They are giving us so much support (everyone is) for this festive occasion. Melanie and I picked up Dave Greene's Mom at the train station. And Dave and the kids just arrived. Gotta go.

3 More Sleeps

May 22:

3 more sleeps until the wedding. It sure is busy around here. "Love is in the air". The birds are surely courting too. Life is good.

Outhouse Adventures

May 21: 

Melanie's fiance' and soon to be husband, Dave Greene, has been putting the final touches on the outhouse he built with some support from Melanie (design-wise, she wanted it "cute"), Beth Campbell (who seems to specialize in cuteness-raising along with her many other talents) and Richard D. Crawford. It along with the 2 portapotties will be ready for the outhouse's maiden voyage this weekend. Only problem was that Dave dropped a tool into the hole for the seat. This provoked some additions to the "to do" list. He had to drain the water that had been collected (outhouse is as yet "un-used"), remove the seat, step into the hole he had dug (which originally was up to his shoulders but now is not quite so deep). He discovered that mud had sloughed off into the hole with the recent rains. Getting in was not a problem. Getting out of the sticky Missouri clay with his boots on was. Here is a photo of his boots, which rather look like priomordial beings intent on conversation. It sure isn't dull around here.

Work Party Day

May 23: 

Thursday afternoon is shaping up to be a big "work party day" here at the Farm for the final push before the wedding on Saturday. The place will be a bee-hive of activity. It will be our version of an Amish barn-raising, but rather we are raising a wedding and launching a new family into the world. If you would like to join us for some tasks which have not yet been completed, please do. Tasks yet to be completed: final weeding/mulching of garden beds, house cleaning, ironing. Time scheduled: 1-5pm, Thursday. (Love and prayers from wherever you are will be graciously accepted too.) "It takes a community..."

Mouths Water

If you have been following these little writings, you know we are closing in on the wedding. "Two more sleeps."

Teri and Brian are the cake-bakers.  This is her latest note to me via email:  "Hope preparations are going smoothly over there! If you would like to make your blog readers' mouths water."

http://homesteadhoney.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/making-a-wedding-cake-part-three-baking/

Latest Cake Adventures from Teri and Brian

http://homesteadhoney.wordpress.com/

Outhouse Adventures

Melanie's fiance' and soon to be husband, Dave Greene, has been putting the final touches on the outhouse he built with some support from Melanie (design-wise, she wanted it "cute"), Beth (who seems to specialize in cuteness-raising along with her many other talents) and Richard. It along with the 2 portapotties will be ready for the outhouse's maiden voyage this weekend. 

Only problem was that Dave dropped a tool into the hole for the seat. This provoked some additions to the "to do" list. He had to drain the water that had been collected (outhouse is as yet "un-used"), remove the seat, step into the hole he had dug (which originally was up to his shoulders but now is not quite so deep). He discovered that mud had sloughed off into the hole with the recent rains. Getting in was not a problem. Getting out of the sticky Missouri clay with his boots on was. Here is a photo of his boots, which rather look like priomordial beings intent on conversation. 

It sure isn't dull around here.  Seems like just when we are getting maybe a little serious, Creator throws in a little humor.

Help Needed

Thursday afternoon is shaping up to be a big "work party day" here at the Farm for the final push before the wedding on Saturday. The place will be a bee-hive of activity. It will be our version of an Amish barn-raising, but rather we are raising a wedding and launching a new family into the world. 

If you would like to join us for some tasks which have not yet been completed, please do. Tasks yet to be completed: final weeding/mulching of garden beds, house cleaning, ironing. Time scheduled: 1-5pm, Thursday. (Love and prayers from wherever you are will be graciously accepted too.) "It takes a community..."

4 More Sleeps

Four more sleeps until the wedding...

Self Care

My ayurvedic physician suggested that I should do some elemental things of self care to give my self good healing energy at a time that has some pretty significant energy demands.  She noted going to bed by 8:30am and a 20 minute rest after lunch.  I added regular meals at regular times (8am, noon, and 5:30pm).  I am not always the best with this.  I do try and I am close.  And I do see the results.  Furthermore, I suggested this was a good guideline for each of us.  And the heads nodded.

Gotta go...

Morning Fog

Early morning fog, May 18.  All of Nature lies expectant around us.

Notes for Those Attending...

We keep carefully watching the spot where the ceremony will take place.  This is an arbor that Richard built early in our move here at my request.  Dave and Richard have added pieces for a "dome effect"  or more expansive effect.  The previous "ceiling" would have meant Dave could not stand at the full expression of his height.  Now that wouldn't work.

We especially have been noting the shade pattern at about the time of the wedding.  Bear in mind that it is an outdoor wedding and most guests will be seated without cover.  There will be space for folks who have sensitivities to sun or heat, but that is however limited.

Melanie and I brainstormed some things for guests to consider.  Do consider what you may need for sun protection:  hats, umbrellas, lotion.  And carpool if you can (that means everyone is closer and we produce less CO2).  Parking will be along the lane in front of the house.  Come early and be prepared to walk up to a half mile to get to the site of the wedding.  Wedding is scheduled to start at 2pm.  If walking is an issue, just pull down the drive.  The day may also inspire some folks to consider bringing a blanket to sit on the ground.

We are also watching intently the weather. Thunderstorms are predicted at a 40% chance but for the morning.   http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/hdfForecast?query=63501 As we get closer, we will know more.  If there is rain, we will be heading for the tent.  By a week from today, we will know exactly what happened.  Tee hee hee.

And There Will Be Cake...

Teri and Brian, who are establishing a homestead here, are really running with the Wedding Cake.  Melanie says: "The Cake is promising to be pretty darn good."  You can tell by the deepening tone of her voice and her careful spacing of words that that is no understatement.  Teri is a writer and is posting updates on her blog.  Check it out:  homesteadhoney.wordpress.com

Community

Melanie and Dave's wedding celebrates and builds on the efforts of community.  Melanie says she is "stunned, humbled and speechless".  So many people are supporting this.  "It blows my mind how much everyone is doing.  People have been asking if they can do something.  They are not waiting for me to ask them.  And, everyone we have asked has said 'yes'."  They are just running with it.  It is so exciting.

In many ways, this is the way weddings were a long time ago and still are in traditional communities.  Yes, they were done in community.  Yes, it's a lot of work, but maybe its time for this style of wedding to return.

Thank you each and everyone...

Meltdown

Yesterday, I had my own little meltdown of sorts. This Mother of the Bride, who is also on a remarkable healing journey, was just worn out. So, for the weekend, I mostly just set aside the "to do list", because I had to take care of me. 

I look at the to do list and I wonder how all of this will get done. We are surrounded by many many helpers and I do know more help is coming. There are still some things that need some attention.  But it is all coming together just beautifully.

If any of the wedding travelers is up for a little help during the time you are here, just let me/us know (earthmagc@yahoo.com).  A little task may be just awaiting you.  If not, that is perfectly okay.  We love you all so very very much.

And after almost 2 days of rest, I am feeling so much better.  

Pies and More

Today we made 7 pies for the wedding:  Cherry, Apple and Blueberry.  Melanie and I got our well developed system going.  It's hard to believe that soon, she will be living a little farther away and these junkets may be fewer and farther between.  That made this time really precious.

I am now gluten free, so it has been a while since I have made pies.  Richard joined us for the Apple Pies.  He is a fast peeler and slicer.  Plus, he is just simply great on clean-up.  I tend to make messes as I go.  What a team.

All pies are safely tucked into the freezer.  Kristina will bake them for us.  She's making pies too.  I think that Deleta is going to bring pies too.  Oh, and there will be cake.  I understand that Brian and Terry (who will make the cake) did a test lately.

Work Party

Thursday, May 16:

Wedding plans have shifted into action. The wedding is 8 days out. Earlier today, I was wondering:  can we really do this?  It was looking overwhelming.  

Then we are graced by lovely friends who surrounded us with love, support, and much needed "elbow grease". Shared times at such "markers" of life are so very special. Fifteen people came to help. We tackled: washing dishes (yep, we are going to eat on real plates), tidying up front gardens, cleaning entrance to walk out basement, cleaning/organizing shed, painting exterior doors. These little tasks or areas are key players in the wedding festivities. I suppose we could have skipped the doors, yet doors are a part of the welcome.

Mačka, the cat, was largely invisible throughout the day.  Her usual hiding place is in the shed.  With all the racket  going on in there, I wonder where she hid.  She did appear later on in the day and seemed to survey the day's work.   

As we complete one set of tasks, we see more clearly what next needs to be done.  I feel like we are "walking in beauty" with so many beside us as we negotiate this precious space.

Outhouse Developments

Wedding plans are coming right along.  In fact, the big date is 2 weeks from today.

In this photo, Dave and Melanie are working on the "outhouse".  They decided that an outhouse would be perfect for the occasion.  (We are also getting 2 porta-potties.)  While Dave is concerned about structure, Melanie has an eye for "cute".  Here Dave is putting the sliver of moon on the door.  It is hard to imagine an outhouse door without a moon.

We are doing our best to "keep things simple".  The big focus is on the wedding ceremony and the vows.  While it is easy to get carried away with a lot of things that would be "nice"  to have done, we are trying to boil things down into what is special (and essential) to do.

And the clock keeps ticking.  Every step is just beautiful.