Learning to Be

And so, Summer has begun,

without fanfare, without a party, without all of the usual

traditions that have marked this transition in past years.

And yet, somehow, this year I feel more immersed in life.

With less distraction, and more time to simply "be",

I am enjoying the bountiful gifts that Mother Nature has bestowed

in this season of growth.

Days flow by like water in a gently winding stream.

And although we cannot see what lies around the bend,

the water keeps flowing...

and so, I dip my toes.

And though I would jump headlong back into family activities

and social engagements if I could,

I am at peace here on the farm... just immersing myself in this 

slow, quiet life.

My goal is to enjoy each day, no matter what it brings... or doesn't bring.

Every couple of days we head out on bike to explore all of the back

country roads in our area.  

For years we talked about exploring them by car.

Exploring them via bicycle is so much better.

(Not to mention the fact that it's better for the earth.)

The countryside is breathtaking now.

Trees have exploded with foliage, and wildflowers abound.

Each new road brings beautiful vistas,

and heartwarming scenes like this...

After what seems like years of wishing that time would 

somehow slow down, it feels as though it finally has.

I find myself being intentional and setting goals for 

activities that I normally put on the back burner... like reading books.

I added another chair to Maven Haven... a comfy one...

the perfect reading spot.

Or a place to converse with a good friend...

I continued to work on grooming the remainder of winter growth

from our horses.

Even though he has much left to shed, Red is stunning

when he is groomed.

After having spent the whole morning out in the upper pastures,

Moonie was happy to stand still and let me fuss with him.

"Ok, my turn!"

I baked a spring garden quiche yesterday,

using spring onions, asparagus, kale, eggs and morel mushrooms...

all grown here on the farm.

Purple was the color of the day -

the gardens filled with lupine...

baptisia...

and salvia? (I think)

Today with be the paradox of my idyllic yesterday.

It's pig vaccination day, horse vaccination day...

and Chloe (donkey) is having an ultrasound and maybe some surgery

to address the lump on her neck.

I'm sure I'll have much to share with you tomorrow.

(if I survive!)