Wicked Rural Homestead
Live Simply
Category: Current conditions
Photo Challenge 2016- Rich
Drained and tired, I started the car and pointed it south. Clocked out and homeward bound. The day’s events rolled around my head, a tango of worry and stress. My music played with no-one listening to it. I had no room for the lovely sounds, only… Continue Reading “Photo Challenge 2016- Rich”
Photo Challenge 2016- Summer
When you are a student, the word summer is synonyms with freedom. At least it was for me. My last day of Kindergarten I thought, “Ok, cool. That was fun. Thank god it’s over! Back to real life.” Then came the next fall’s rude awakening; this whole ‘school… Continue Reading “Photo Challenge 2016- Summer”
Getting All Our Ducks in a Row
I mean literally. My figurative ducks are all over the place! However, I have found that actual ducks are easy to get in a row. Step 1: Put down a line of food… that pretty much does the trick. Fun fact: it works for chickens too. It is… Continue Reading “Getting All Our Ducks in a Row”
Photo Challenge 2016- Water
This summer has been a whirlwind. Work fills my days + the homestead and boys fill the days off. It has been difficult to find time to breath, never mind write anything coherent or take any pictures. With a few dozen employs and a hefty commute, it seems like I am… Continue Reading “Photo Challenge 2016- Water”
Best Present EVER!
This week is my birthday and yesterday I got the most amazing gift I have ever received. We have a tradition of handmade gifts here on the homestead. Money is always tight and gifts are usually better when thought and effort create them, rather than a factory somewhere… Continue Reading “Best Present EVER!”
The Best Laid Plans
… of ducks and women often go awry. This spring, we decided NOT to add anything to the menagerie. Then our ducks went ahead and veto that decision. Of course, it is my fault for letting them sit on the eggs but if you have ever encountered… Continue Reading “The Best Laid Plans”
TBT- Dead things in mail, Camping with Team Squeam and the Wonderful World of T’n’A
The sun warmed my face and the sandy wind stung my skin all at the same time, I tasted salt and inhaled the sea. The surf resounded inside my head like empty sea shell waiting for new purpose. The feeling of home these things… Continue Reading “TBT- Dead things in mail, Camping with Team Squeam and the Wonderful World of T’n’A”
The Scattering Part 4- Stashing Dennis At The Lane
Steamer Lane is an epic break in Santa Cruz. Home to many a surfing contest and the highlight of surf films old and new. I leaned how to surf at the next beach down (Cowells) when I was a girl. The Lane has always… Continue Reading “The Scattering Part 4- Stashing Dennis At The Lane”
A Father’s Day Flower For My Daddy
I have managed to maintain my cherub like demeanor pretty well these past couple weeks. I felt accomplished to be so at peace with beginning the LONG process of placing my dad’s ashes. His birthday was last Monday and until today I was holding up REALLY well. Two days… Continue Reading “A Father’s Day Flower For My Daddy”
The Best Dad In The World.
I have spent the last two years processing my own dad’s death. Publicly and privately. Fatherhood has been constantly on my mind. His birthday was always around (and even some years ON) Father’s Day and so the day has always seemed custom made for him. But for… Continue Reading “The Best Dad In The World.”
The Scattering Part 3-Making Mud Pie With Daddy. Literally
My sister and I were raised by a rabid surfing gang referred to by its members as Team Squeam. Our parents were the only ones in this group of free spirited hippy surfers, to have children. Since there were only the two of us; it… Continue Reading “The Scattering Part 3-Making Mud Pie With Daddy. Literally”
The Scattering Part 2- Dennis Takes a Hike
I grew up hiking EVERYWHERE. If there were no waves, there were always trails. Through fields, down cliff to the ocean or up endless mountains covered by giant Redwoods. Often past signs that read “No Trespassing,” all in search of the places where you… Continue Reading “The Scattering Part 2- Dennis Takes a Hike”
The Scattering Part 1- The Divvy
We set key to lock, and entered the underworld domaine of my father. A place of endless possibilities and combinations. Here, we would find the tools to begin my dad’s final trip. My mom got to work covering the table and preparing our workspace… Continue Reading “The Scattering Part 1- The Divvy”
Photo Challenge 2016- Layer
Spring forests in New England are amazing to behold. Bright green leaves are born of twig tips and explode to blot out the sun from the forest floor. The ground darkens and it seems like all in one week, you can no longer see the… Continue Reading “Photo Challenge 2016- Layer”
When I was a kid, I swore…
That I would eat candy all day, even the kind that would stain my tongue bright “colors not found in nature.” That I would watch daytime TV to my heart’s content. I would never do the dishes. Well ok , maybe once a week.… Continue Reading “When I was a kid, I swore…”
Wine From a Soup Cup- A Story of Addiction.
The summer I turned 15, a friend called me and asked if I would be interested in bussing with her at the Italian restaurant in town called “Silvesterie’s.” I was. The owner and Executive Chef was a Sicilian man with deeply sunken dark-rimmed eyes… Continue Reading “Wine From a Soup Cup- A Story of Addiction.”
Ent Tears
On top of the mountain behind our house; is an amazing view of Great East Lake. We have spent a lot of time hiking to this lookout over the past few years. It has been a part of our routine, it was even the first… Continue Reading “Ent Tears”
Photo Challenge 2016- Work
The photo prompt for this week is ‘work.’ Oddly enough, I find myself with time off from work. It has been amazing. Of course, I made a bunch of lofty promises to myself about how productive I was going to be with my vacation. There… Continue Reading “Photo Challenge 2016- Work”
Photo Challenge 2016- Reflection
Back to last fall with my photo, Reflection. I had gotten in kind of a reflection rut. I just couldn’t stop looking down to see the sky. It lasted through the winter. There are worse problems to have I guess. Like not knowing how… Continue Reading “Photo Challenge 2016- Reflection”
Photo Challenge 2016- Path
Growing up the martial arts community it is almost impossible for me to think of “a path” without the concept of the Tao or Dao. Contrary to the notion of a well defined boulevard or road The Way or The Path has always been explained to… Continue Reading “Photo Challenge 2016- Path”
Photo Challenge 2016- Secret
There have been others in this challenge who have already addressed the fact that if you show something to someone- it is no longer secret. Thus, I will not explain my entree. It is a secret!
Photo Challenge 2016- Friends
I have been blessed throughout my life with great friends. In my early adulthood; I was elated to find that my family and I all had/have, true and close friendships filled with love and silliness. When I widen my focus I see many life long connections with amazing… Continue Reading “Photo Challenge 2016- Friends”
Death and Snowflakes
The snow falling lightly on my window reveled itself to me one day. All the little flakes waited patiently to melt. Momentarily displaying their breathtaking detail, individual beauty and uniqueness. I was there to see it. But had there been no audience-the show would… Continue Reading “Death and Snowflakes”
Photo Challenge 2016- Spring
This challenge has once again given me a chuckle and serious pause for thought at the same time. Yesterday we got almost six inches and snow…On the second day of spring. Yah, New England weather. This resulted in my pictures for the prompt being chuck-full… Continue Reading “Photo Challenge 2016- Spring”
Photo Challenge 2016- Outline
Sheep ATTACK!!! Most days when the sheep are done munching around the yard they come to the sliding glass door and try to get in. Sometimes they just lay down and wait for someone to notice them. Other times they will knock on the glass with… Continue Reading “Photo Challenge 2016- Outline”
2016 Photo Challenge- Solid
Even the heart brake can yield a harvest. Fredrick, the last guinea fowl died Valentines day, which is rather fitting. I think he might have been a little suicidal after the death of his flock at the paws of the husky. He was… Continue Reading “2016 Photo Challenge- Solid”
Eastward Ho! Part V. New Beginnings At The End Of The Road
This April will mark five (six, oh my god!) years since we packed up the truck and headed the wrong way across the country. After half a decade of winters I can promise you that people headed west for more than the chance to strike it… Continue Reading “Eastward Ho! Part V. New Beginnings At The End Of The Road”
Eastward Ho Part IV-Yellowstone
The day after our mining adventure in Helena Montana, we headed for the North entrance of Yellowstone. We had planned our route cross country based mostly on national parks, geology and a vow to wander as much as possible. Having set out at the very brink of spring; the West entrance… Continue Reading “Eastward Ho Part IV-Yellowstone”
Eastward Ho Part III. Our Little Mine.
When we drove across the country four years ago– one of the only things we DID plan was to stop in Montana and mine for sapphires. Both of us totally dig (no pun I swear!) rocks and minerals. There are few better ways to spend… Continue Reading “Eastward Ho Part III. Our Little Mine.”
Eastward Ho! Part III (Actually Part II.) Confused Yet? Good, so am I. Onward!
Six years ago… The first day journey was relatively uneventful (except for my love shipping ALL our shoes to upstate NY.) Most aspects of the move were completely unplanned. One of the few things we DID plan (besides mine sapphires in MT) was to visit as… Continue Reading “Eastward Ho! Part III (Actually Part II.) Confused Yet? Good, so am I. Onward!”
TBT-Eastward Ho! Part I
Almost six years ago… Almost four years ago now, my partner (now husband) and I found ourselves in the unenviable position of moving to the East Coast. For us, the timing of the move was not something we had expected. In fact it… Continue Reading “TBT-Eastward Ho! Part I”
Perfect little Imperfections and Unintentionally Complete Projects
Like so many of the things we see everyday I have rediscovered two of the items in my living room. They have been hanging on my walls for almost half my life- and there are long periods of time when I cease to… Continue Reading “Perfect little Imperfections and Unintentionally Complete Projects”
Are Phoenix Ashes Impatient?
An oldie but a goodie… Almost two years later. The more things change the more that stay the same. When a Phoenix dies, do its remains know they will be reborn? This past few months I have managed to; loose my dad, quit my job, flounder… Continue Reading “Are Phoenix Ashes Impatient?”
Photo Challenge- Extra
Extra. Currently, the word evokes strong- conflicting emotions. There is a constant battle inside my head over how I perceive my reality and judge my efforts. It seems like there is never enough. Not time, money, energy or anything for that matter. Any effort that’s exerted,… Continue Reading “Photo Challenge- Extra”
That Time I Brought a Hawk Home
I’m not kidding. I don’t know if it was a good thing my husband was unsurprised and (to my dismay) rather unimpressed :/ He was actually said “that sound about right” Seriously?! What do I have to do to get a reaction around here?!… Continue Reading “That Time I Brought a Hawk Home”
TBT- Ode To Honey
Honey is somewhere around 15 years old. (Now 16!) This is a ball park estimate since her age at the time my husband adopted her was uncertain. She has been such a blessing in our lives and rather than singing her praises after she… Continue Reading “TBT- Ode To Honey”
A Daisy Story
That last photo prompt; tension, got me thinking of a story I have been meaning to put down for more than a year. I have written quite a bit about Lulu’s early life and drama but I have not said much about our other sheep,… Continue Reading “A Daisy Story”
Photo Challenge- Tension
As the land thaws and spring approaches- there are many interesting moments on the homestead. I picked the picture below for the word of the week “tension.” Thus far the two roosters have shown little aggression towards each other, but then again I have been keeping them apart.… Continue Reading “Photo Challenge- Tension”
Transitions
The thaw is on! This is not like last year, when I declared winter to be over out of exasperation. Instead, I think the ground might be here to stay. This winter was very different from the last. There is still more time for it to get gnarly… Continue Reading “Transitions”
The Swell (how life works from the perspective of a surfer’s daughter.)
My upbringing in the west taught me so much that I depend on when life gets complicated. I am grateful for the lessons learned by bearing witness to the awesome power of the Pacific. Its boundless power could give and take life with equal ease.… Continue Reading “The Swell (how life works from the perspective of a surfer’s daughter.)”
2016 Photo Challenge- Home.
I have never participated in any of the online challenges that circulate the web. This is not for any particular reason other than laziness. Until now… The Aran Artisan is one of my favorite blogs. Melissa is a native Mainer (basically from the next town… Continue Reading “2016 Photo Challenge- Home.”
It’s all fun and games till someone calls “NIYDEK!”
I wrote this well over a year ago and I am glad (?) to say it is just as true to day as it was then… I have often heard people talking about activities and situations that they “could never do with a spouse… Continue Reading “It’s all fun and games till someone calls “NIYDEK!””
Snow Person Challenge…
This last storm gave us the perfect type of snow to build snow people but we may have gotten a little carried away. It stands about ten feet tall! Now its your turn!
Time May Heal All Wounds- But It Makes Homesickness Worse
My little town has always been the core of who I am. Even now as I sit thousands of miles away-it feels close enough for me to touch. It still stings my heart that I am too far away to do so. Boulder Creek… Continue Reading “Time May Heal All Wounds- But It Makes Homesickness Worse”
Survival Sundays
I think it is safe to say that most male persons have a secret (or as in the case of my cousin, not so secret) crush on Bear Grylls. I mean the guys gets to run around the world, climbing trees, starting fires and drinking/wearing his… Continue Reading “Survival Sundays”
TBT: I’m A Fool
And that’s ok with me. In our modern age, “being a fool” carries a decidedly negative connotation. We place high value on planning, goals, specific culturally defined aspirations and conformity to the norms. In tarot, The Fool is the first card of the major arcana and represents… Continue Reading “TBT: I’m A Fool”
Coolest. Person. Ever.
My sister is the most incredible, amazing, inspirational, kick-ass person you will ever meet. Yes, I am bias but I assure you- the statement is true none the less. Allow me to justify my position. I have written about the ‘Little One’ a few times… Continue Reading “Coolest. Person. Ever.”
Stop saying you have OCD. You are just anal, I have OCD.
Growing up on a fault line meant that I have been through more than my fair share of earthquakes. This includes Loma Preita in 1989 the 6.9-7.1 magnitude quake that collapsed the bay bridge, and our fireplace. I was six at the time. Bricks… Continue Reading “Stop saying you have OCD. You are just anal, I have OCD.”