of the fire

Today is the first day of the rest of my life, and my full time vocation begins once again on the farm. I slept in a little today, and when I finally did get up, I found myself very thoughtful...reflective. Yesterday was my last full day at the restaurant until mid September, we weren't terribly busy...which made the day seem to drag on. Some of my favorite customers made the trip in this week to bid me good luck in the farm marketing venture, I was really touched. I've grown to know and love some folks that I would not have encountered had I not strapped the apron on and served them. I found myself becoming especially fond of the older folks, the wise ones, the experiences they shared with me were like lessons on life that I could not have found in a book. So many older couples, holding hands, looking out for one another- steadying the walker of their mate so they could maneuver through the mismatched tables and old chairs in the dining rooms. I loved to serve them pie...one plate and two forks. And the happiest of the lot always looked to the other soul across the table and asked, "What sounds good to you dear?" And almost always, the other would answer, "Well, cherry pie is your favorite, let's try that!" I would often ask what it took to sustain such a long and loving relationship. Often the answer from the male was, "I just do what she tells me!" And then the lady would offer a laugh, answering back, "That's right mister!" Loved to see their hands on top of one another, touching, gesturing with fingers- affirmations, secret signals of devotion to one another's happiness. I will miss my old folks, these sights for sore eyes and spirit...yep.
I had the honor to meet two old gentleman yesterday, brothers-the eldest, 94, the younger one-90. Oh the stories these two could tell- brothers raised on a farm just West of Elkhart, one stayed on- farming, the other off to the great world, teaching. They reminisced about the World's Fair in Chicago-1933. The younger brother recalled taking the train up with his father, to deliver cattle and take in a bit of this great happening. I knew a bit about this particular fair because my own grandmother's father had gone and brought her back a doll...one which I still have. I learned from watching a documentary on PBS, how the entire world had become involved by building exhibits akin to their own countries, little towns or great monuments that said so much about their nations. Great exhibits were erected, and then torn down after the fair. How this old man's memory came alive in the telling of what his eyes saw...but mostly he tenderly treasured the memory of his dad's time with him. The other older brother recalled going to the same fair on a field trip from his university...his group had much more leisure time to spend. Two older gentleman, two different memories...still so active in their minds. I was so interested in what they were saying, I almost pulled up a chair, I don't know how long I stood there- enthralled in listening as they were in their telling. And then the both became silent as the younger one spoke of how their father tragically had died, years later. The older brother taking up where the younger one could no longer go in the telling...a fire had taken their dad, and their lives were never the same. They both spoke of the fire to follow...finding their own way, struggling to live beyond the tragedy. I was privileged to be there, to listen, to be allowed to share in this remembrance...to silently still, grieve with them. And just as suddenly as they had started in on their tale of The World's Fair, the time of the times- abruptly the older one changed the subject. He said, "Young lady, the key to a long and fruitful life- is to work hard, good physical labor never hurt anyone, keeps your bones strong. And remember, we all must go through the burn of living...all will be consumed at one time or another. The fire gets us all. It is up to us to go through, find our way." Whoa. I was floored. In his eyes, was that very important message just for me? I don't know. Only, I sure took away more than dirty dishes from that chance meeting.
On to the farm time now folks, more or less writing to come...depends on the day and the occurrences. Thought you all might enjoy the story there, as much as I did. Take care...

Essentially, a story....

"You've got to dance like there's nobody watching, and love like it is never gonna hurt."

A friend sent me the pic above...just like him to share such things... that matter. I think I'll declare this the official Quote Blog today. Some favorites of mine, perhaps mixed in with some you all comment with. Totally interactive today- Hey! We might even learn something or two, and turn around and share it with the folks around us. Except the teens- they don't listen, I usually copy things and leave it in the bathroom- if I want them to absorb a wisdom- best place I know to get their attention. It works...rarely. There is a sign in the bathroom: NOTICE: Changing the toilet paper roll WILL NOT cause brain damage!
That sign only reaffirms their belief that they must rebel- they now leave a toilet paper roll right above the sign. Precious angels.

The acid of bitterness eats the container that holds it.

Long enough have you timidly waded, holding a plank by the shore,
Now I will you to be a bold swimmer...from song of myself-Walt Whitman

"Look with the eyes of your soul and engage the essential," teaching of the Q'ero

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. Dr. seuss

“Sometimes you put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down."

"...Child of our time -haven't you found the right shell for your soul?" Edith Sodergran

"Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, 'This is the real me,' and when you have found that attitude, follow it." -- James Truslow Adams

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts." -- Rachel Louise Carson

"I do believe love is blind....sometimes I think it has to be." truewonder

There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
Edith Wharton

"Some tension is necessary for the soul to grow, and we can put that tension to good use. We can look for every opportunity to give and receive love, to appreciate nature, to heal our wounds and the wounds of others, to forgive, and to serve." -- Joan Borysenko

Truth is a deep kindness that teaches us to be content in our everyday life and share with the people the same happiness. Kahlil Gibran

"...And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should..." Desiderata Max Ehrrman

"Remember, thou canst be brought into no condition, be it ever so severe, where Love has not been before thee and where its tender lesson is not awaiting thee." Mary Baker Eddy

“I’m really advertising to the public how easy it is to be good without an attitude; it’s just as easy to show decency as it is to hate today.”The Pigeon Man, Mr. Zeman

Essentially, a story expresses how and why life changes. --Robert McKee

Harvey and I sit in the bars... have a drink or two... play the juke box. And soon the faces of all the other people they turn toward mine and they smile. And they're saying, "We don't know your name, mister, but you're a very nice fella." Harvey and I warm ourselves in all these golden moments. We've entered as strangers - soon we have friends. And they come over... and they sit with us... and they drink with us... and they talk to us. They tell about the big terrible things they've done and the big wonderful things they'll do. Their hopes, and their regrets, and their loves, and their hates. All very large, because nobody ever brings anything small into a bar. And then I introduce them to Harvey... and he's bigger and grander than anything they offer me. And when they leave, they leave impressed. The same people seldom come back; but that's envy, my dear. There's a little bit of envy in the best of us.

and also...
"Years ago my mother used to say to me, she'd say, "In this world, Elwood, you must be" - she always called me Elwood - "In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant." Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me." Elwood P. Dowd/Jimmy Stewart in Harvey

"Love many trust few and always paddle your own canoe." Not sure who said this, but it sure speaks well to me.

Thanks for sticking around-hope you will enlighten too...with some of your own favorite quotes. Take care-

(Oh my favorite...can't leave it out, wear it around my wrist..from beyond...)
...If you give up the time, your soul will play the song..."
Beau G. Robbins-USMC-Corporal-Wonderous son-(found in his journal, after...)

divvy up that pie

Good starry Morning-

Went to a showing of the documentary KING CORN last night. Pretty interesting, well done film. These two young guys buy an acre in Iowa and proceed to plant and grow corn and follow it into the food system. Sharply written, cinematography was simply beautiful. The points hit upon were done with a great deal of respect, educational in a way that did not shove anything down the viewers throat-left wide open enough for thought, forming one's own opinions. And the humor, chuckle, chuckle, smile big! Pretty cool. I think my teens, if I could have convinced them to go- would have even appreciated it.
I also appreciated the different subjects in the film's views- local yocals with more going on inside than first impressions, their quotes-the way they live their lives and how open they were to those fellow's queries was a pleasant surprise. Even some of the policy makers opened their hearts before their tongues got in the way. Impressive. I especially liked their treatment of Earl Butts, as they visited him later on in his life, dressed in suits and ties. Mr. Butts was wise beyond their years, and they yielded respectfully to his hindsights. The subsidies argument, beginning back in the 70's- made more sense to me in how it was implemented. To put the farmers back in business, it was urged "Grow your operation!" So the new philosophy "The more you grow-the more your dough" was conceived and like all good things- the honest farmer did his best for his country and his family-to make it work, but then the pie looming large for the greedy guys- they took more pieces, gobbled them up and wanted more more more... so the good thing that began the movement became a not so good thing for everyone, and though it has not come to a certain end-it sure could use some revamping, and is in need of a fair overhaul. But I guess that is why God made politicians, you know-to divvy up that pie fairly....
One fellow, perhaps a policy maker(I was taking these notes in the dark) stated, "we subsidize Happy Meals-But we don't subsidize the healthy ones." Had to be thankful for that, an honest answer. I don't know, I guess if I had wings to fly and a microphone in front of my face and got to stand there back in the 70's and ask the policy makers just one question, mine would have been-"Gentlemen, is this policy for a common good or for a $olemn one?" Just my thoughts as I watched the film.
Well done film makers, truly. Take care-