Effort

Today I made effort.

I'm not sure what was accomplished exactly, but I was busy. Busy with efforts in the dispensary, on the computer, in the garden, planning, plotting, doing. And still somehow there are messes everywhere I gaze. I did make my way to Simsbury to meet old corporate friends for a nice dinner. I have a day full of tasks and errands tomorrow before taking off again. This time to spend a few days with my mom. 

I look forward to the time and space that turns from May to June, for then I will be able to sink my roots into my own little acre again ... into my own garden ... to focus on the expression of Nature ... to make art and craft and love in the garden again.

Ashe. Ashe.

Home Fires ...

... keep 'em Burnin'!

You won't see much of me over the coming days. I am disconnecting myself from my eWorld for a while as I tend to other arenas of my charmed life. I'll see you on the flip side!

Peace.

An Early Rise

In less than a week, the Forest Folk Festival kicks off, bringing together folks from all over New England, down the eastern seaboard, New York, Wisconsin and then some. These folks come together in the spirit of Unity to celebrate all that we share in common and to learn about our perceived differences (only to discover that they're really not so different!). These folks come together to benefit the HOPEful works of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. These folks come together to offer non-perishables and personal items to the Connecticut Food Bank. These folks come together to enjoy a spirited weekend in the woods, filled with workshops, entertainment, food, FIRE, drumming, dancing, hiking, expressing, sharing, growing, loving ... Community.

This morning, before the cock crowed, I updated our coordinators' gate-duty schedule and feeding schedule and our weekend one-sheet schedule. I updated one of my volunteers with helpful information. Now I prepare to pull together my camping, food, libation and event lists to update and consolidate them in order to make the gathering of Things Needed a simple a task as I am able.

And remember, even if you can't make it to the Forest Folk Festival you can contribute to the effort by making a donation to St. Jude or by purchasing one of my "Pure & Simple" Spirit Cords at my ArtFire Studio.

That's what I made so far today ... perhaps there'll be more to share later ...

The Most of a Cloudy Day

Today was mostly cloudy and rain is on the way so I made time for more transplanting in the gardens. I continued my crazy pea trellis and will finish it tomorrow or the next day, as weather, time and motivation allow. Tomorrow is a full day complete with a Forest Folk Fest meeting in the evening and a continuation of assorted garden tasks.

a Day of Delights

The day started with a delightful garden harvest. 

Chicken soup rich with fresh herbs and garden kale ... escarole, spinach salad with garlic chives and sweet cicely ... savory herb whole sheat biscuits ... hot tea of earl grey with pink roses and lavender ... these were the components of a delightful reunion today ... a visit from a friend not seen in the past year ... a delightful afternoon filled with catching up and much love.

The beans that were set to ferment the other day were rinsed and simmered. Black beans were rinsed and set to soak and ferment, and will be cooked in a few days time.

Some of the white and red beans found their way into dinner, along with rice and - yep - more herbs. I am delighted that we have reached that phase in the growing season where I can harvest healthy handfuls from the garden at least once a day. Absolutely delighted!

Time, Soup & A Proposal

Today I made time with a friend. You know, the kind of time shared that lasts forever and passes in a flash! I made headway on a number of projects too and ... I made escarole soup with carrots, celery and potatoes.

Kitchen Love

I harvested, planted and transplanted ...

I enjoyed nettles, minus the sting - yummmm ...

I started beans for their pre-cook fermentation ...

I baked two more loaves of bread, this time whole wheat cranberry bread for my Forest Folk week ... 

I roasted a chicken with potatoes to serve with those cooked greens (above), simmered carrots and a nice escarole salad.

That's what I made today.