from, towards and to

I plant the seed,
You make it grow.
You send the rain,
I work the hoe.
(Author unknown)


Seems about time, me being a farmer and all...that I write about my practices. Sustainable agriculture, (or as I like to point out)- is basically farming like our great grandparents did- within the healthy boundaries of budget,environment,productivity, common good and common sense. Rarely did my own kin use anything other than manure to fertilize, rain to moisturize, hand labor, and pretty much just down to earth (for the earth) common sense. They realized, I do believe- that their efforts conveyed a simple acceptance of life and the job at hand. The food they raised upon the earth they so dearly loved was healthy and always a blessing. They took nothing for granted. They worked hard. They rarely complained. They prayed...alot! They shared the fruits of their labor with family, neighbors- pretty much anyone who asked for a sharing of a meal, the breaking of the bread...I remember I remember with great joy- butchering days-hogs and hens and many a rooster, these tasks were done with a spirit of gratitude. Always we helped when Dad would get us there, even though we were kids, my brothers and I-we had a job to do. And after the great and wonderful chores were done, we would always go home with fresh pork, bacon, sausage-the best your tummy could count on. I remember Uncle Hank handing over the craw of the chicken, it would be filled with grain and pebbles-nothing was ever wasted on the farm, we'd gleefully toss it over the fence to the other chickens. Life goes on and on and on...this may seem crude, gross by today's standards-but folks, honestly that food you're eating was once a living member of this society, and someone or some thing way down the line from your own local/corporate grocery line-produced it. These days- so many products on your grocer's shelf have seldom been touched by human hands.Call me a hayseed, but where is the connection there, the one we all flow from, towards and to? In my thinking...( maybe-that's why blogging was created, so we inadvertent writers aren't alcoholics or worse...and we get to say what we think, what we feel, how we process...great gig!)I miss the connection, I do not feel anything for a machine, I cannot.(Except for a certain old gangegreen Ford pickup...& computers- connective devices...)
Is this where we've all lost touch with one another? Could this be the industrial strength bond that has broken our society? Do we not need to feel anymore-the connections? Wake up and smell the horse shit-the roses, the herbs, the freshness, renewable ever resourcing connections-man oh man, it could be this simple...it is this simple for this simple mind. Who grew it? I am grateful for your labor of love. Who built it? Again, much thanks. Almost everything I buy is connected through a relationship with the one or those who produced it. (And not because I think I have all the answers...hell, I don't even understand the questions much of the time- but for some reason beyond me, I have been "touched" with an elevated purpose for common good.)Machines, corporations do not appreciate this gratitude, they do not care for connections. Oh, they advertise sure and lead us to believe that our best interests are at their hearts, but truly I wonder- if our best interests were indeed the common goal-wouldn't they just come out and state this is how this was made, this is where this came from, this may or may not be healthy for the environment, for you, for your family...would they not at the very least supply a label of origin? Or back up what they stand for by standing up for us, their customer? And while I'm at it...who the hell will take my phone call, listen to my concerns? (Don't have to tell you that, now do I.) If, again-there's was an interest of common good. Nothing to hide? Then why is it hidden?
Just my thoughts, my opinions, my write-about-what-you-do, and stay-on-task-here...but, me being a truewonder and all- I work amongst the roots. If the roots are no good, the plant cannot be productive, part of the scheme, the connection...
Just my two cents, not much change really-but even a little change, a little bit of thinking outside the box-stores might do all of us a bit of good.
And one more thing, because I feel the need to say this- Just when did making money over and above what is decent- become ethical? There are too many folks these days who would have us believe that making money by any fashion is ethical.???? Again, smell the horse shit?! It sure does stink.
Climbing down upon the ground... thanks for hanging and hoping with me...take care-
(No spell check net today, technology may be breaking up with me I'm afraid...)

Binge thinking

Long time no key...(s)...some idiot spilled a glass of water on the keyboard a few days back(me)and I was left to my thoughts. Binge thinking, hung over as hell! My head is pounding, eyes bloodshot- to many shots of clear insight.
Already so deep in here, I'll have to wear Muck boots, hope you have yours on too. And about this here new keyboard, well-may I say, compared to the last one, this one performs like a Jaguar. It took a few days to install as well, teens could stand it no more for I was not about to hook it up- see, I can install just about anything that doesn't require directions... or pertain to electronics, plumbing, fuel injections, or harming the environment. Yep, Jill of all trades- mistress of none. (But just give me an exploded view and wallah! I'll piece anything together...)
So, back to the keyboard...the teens look up to their mother, oh yes! They think I should do it all...not can do it all, just should. In looking up to me with their big, pitiful eyes like little baby birds waiting for that fat morsel of a worm...(keyboard installation)-they sat around the old nest here waiting to be fed. Nope, mama didn't budge- tossed the box their way and said "dear children, install it or your computerized party of a life will end." They thought I was bluffing. (But when these dear precious angels really give long pause and think about their mother hen, they know I rarely bluff- unless we're playing cards.) Oh they still used the computer, but could only listen- no reciprocating, no talking....oh the agony! So finally, the boy, the big 6' 3" saxophone playing maniac...took on the chore. It's a wireless keyboard, shouldn't have to install anything at all...except maybe batteries. The boy is a chip off the old block, he don't need no darn directions either! How he cussed(like teens do in front of their moms, no real authentic cuss words, kind of like the kid in Christmas story...futzerjam, mufinmanw,perlitzern,frickk...you get the picture.)fun really, to watch him do over and over again the same function, expecting different results, but the keyboard would not comply. Finally- a cloud of thought arose over his head, and a light bulb appeared, like a dream- the bulb clicked on. "We need batteries, dermiegonnit!" Oh I had to laugh, even I- a directionless winch of a woman- knew a bit about power sources...must have fuel, spark, electricity, solar or...a battery. Did I mention the boy is a minor giant, built like a line backer? He was not amused. Nope, not at all. The light bulb that burned above his head snapped off and horns, actual horns sprouted on his head. The look from those cold eyes told me to produce a frown, an "I'm sorry, tee hee hee..." and some double A's real soon.
So, that's kind of the story in the story of why I have not written, have been on a binge...key less no more. And the boy, the big big boy...stood up to his mother, how dare he! Yep, how dare he... made me proud, that boy sure did grow a bit the other day. Ferknmoleeshiz!
Take care-

contrary moments, certainly

"Isn't it the moment of most profound doubt that gives birth to new certainties? Perhaps hopelessness is the very soil that nourishes human hope; perhaps one could never find sense in life without first experiencing its absurdity..."

Good morning,


Rooster crowing out back, moon glowing-sun trying to overcome the horizon. Moon yields eventually to sun's new day...

..."As for the moon- too early she rises
in a golden way hypnotizing me, early yawns follow-
triumphantly she glows

When sun and moon together compress the day between horizons of awe and wonder-
daylight beaten, I surrender..."

And this wonderful occurence happens every day, whether we are aware or not- up she comes and down he goes, or vice versa. I need to be more aware, more minute by minute-my mind sometimes runs in circles, getting my back up...silly, really. Absurdities of life making me listen when all I want to do is turn the music up...louder. To drown out blunders and thunderous blah from legal folks-too many twists for this simple mind, and the language spoken by such tongues...huh? If I could have but one wish granted today, a selfish one I suppose...say what you mean, what the hell are you trying to say? Speaka da english, not the jargin that costs hundreds of dollars an hour...geez! (Ol'true is getting a little fed up these days with politicians, attorneys, insurance companies and liars.) Still...my simple mind translates what my heart will not bear- stack up all the absurdities against that sunrise, the very one coming up at this moment...is this not a brand new beautiful day? And my heart says, "OH Yes!"
Experiencing absurdity does not mean one has to keep it, roll with it, or even carry it all that far. So- I'll leave it to the moon, down she goes...bet she turns it into a fabulous show again this evening. Hopelessness into hope-sun and moon together and everything in between. Yep. Yes.

Go Ahead, Make My Day
(...though do pray if you please, that true here does not lose her temper, lose her composure, because my friends, I am due...and those who tempt me with more absurdity might just get more than they bargained for from a generally kind, nice lady who is getting filled up to the gills with it.)
Thanks. Be kind, take care-

inclined to shine

"...a lustre of midnight to objects below."

Looking out my window this early morning, I can certainly fathom lustre...the moon's full glow casting shadows, "...I welcome night's noon for it's given cause, a kinder light to shine on the harshness of life's flaws..."

It is beautiful out there, and just sitting here thinking about how... it is this beautiful, similar-right outside your own window, where ever that may be. The moon does shine everywhere.
And, yes- I do feel like howling. When I'm done with these thoughts this morning, before the moon makes room for the sun in the sky...I will probably step out the back door, or hell! Boldly prance out front and howl-'cause it feels so darn good to do such things. No shame in howling-"...you're inclined to shine
and I, devout, to heed..."

..."Bathe my soul mid night with celestial beams..." OWWWHHHOOOOOO!!!!!

Aw, go on-Howl!! You know you want to, sometimes being adult, respectable-is just so confining. Liberate your soul, the moon never minds...might even see a smile on her grand face...
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...)