Wicked Rural Homestead
Live Simply
Tag: family
I Am 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… Continue Reading “I Am A Fool…”
Ode To Honey.
After a family trip to the vet, I was overwhelmed by two polarizing emotions. The first was payment shock at the almost five hundred dollar bill. This outrage was tempered by the knowledge that it was all the shots our four domestics should need… Continue Reading “Ode To Honey.”
Life’s A Trip, Enjoy The Fall.
This April will mark five (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… Continue Reading “Life’s A Trip, Enjoy The Fall.”
Snow Anyone?
This should give you some clue about the amount of snow we have. The husky can almost climb the drift to the roof…
Wisdom From The Lakota.
My sister and I were raised by a pack of rabid surfers and hippies. When we were very young our Godfather, Todd discovered the world of Ishi-The Last Yahi. Todd was already one of the most accomplished outdoorsman you will every meet. For instance;… Continue Reading “Wisdom From The Lakota.”
Snowed-in Cauliflower
Over the past few weeks our area has received over 70 inches of the white stuff, with more on the way next week. Consequently we have spent A LOT of time indoors, unable to leave the house. We have taken turns doing the shopping- depending… Continue Reading “Snowed-in Cauliflower”
The Mysterious Case Of The Squirrel Bunny
Fresh snow is a wonderful opportunity to see what is going on in the woods that surround us. We all love to go walking around the woods; following animal trails and trying to figure out where they were going and what they were doing.… Continue Reading “The Mysterious Case Of The Squirrel Bunny”
Petroglyphs and Pyramids and Aliens?! Oh My!
Last winter we got really into Antiques Roadshow. We have been doing better this winter at not driving ourselves crazy with marathons of random Netflix shows, until now. After four hours of the show Ancient Aliens; I lost it and started yelling at the idiot… Continue Reading “Petroglyphs and Pyramids and Aliens?! Oh My!”
It’s A SAK!
I was broken, empty and unable to do anything about it. My dad was dead and I was 3000 miles away. I couldn’t fly home immediately, because bereavement fairs no longer exist and we could not afford a ticket that costs twice what it would… Continue Reading “It’s A SAK!”
Candy Boards And Frostbite. Ah, January In Maine.
Since the bees had such a hard time storing honey this summer and given the collapse of last year’s supper strong hive in February I think it is safe to say that I am dubious about these new hives making it to spring. We had to… Continue Reading “Candy Boards And Frostbite. Ah, January In Maine.”
“I Only Know Enough To Know I Don’t Know Much.”
Because the beginning of next year starts with the end of this one I thought the end of last year was a good place to start the next. Confused yet? Don’t be. The changes this year held for us have been immense. We have done… Continue Reading ““I Only Know Enough To Know I Don’t Know Much.””
Snow, Rain, Sleet, Repeat.
The weather here the past week has been a bit indecisive. It seems as soon as we get some decent powder we get ice on top of it. The lakes and ponds have frozen, thawed. and frozen again. Most mornings we have woken up… Continue Reading “Snow, Rain, Sleet, Repeat.”
Parenting With Eggs and Snow Forts.
I don’t claim any kind of special parenting proficiency but every once in a while I make a point that sticks. Hey, even a blind squirl occasionally finds a nut. “Sorry” is a concept that we all try to teach our kids from a… Continue Reading “Parenting With Eggs and Snow Forts.”
Glazed Maine
Some people start their morning with glazed donuts. Here in Maine, some mornings everything wakes up glazed. The only difference is how you drive.
Pyramids- The Snowman’s Angular Cousins.
Last week’s pre-Thansgiving snow storm left us with over a foot of frozen clouds in our yard. I thought to myself- “self, I bet we could make a snow pyramid. WAIT!!! I bet I could get the boys to help me make the whole… Continue Reading “Pyramids- The Snowman’s Angular Cousins.”
The Eye, The Mountain and The Tree.
Sometimes (well ok- most of the time) I wish I could just go around life’s hard patches. Alas, I find again and again these phases are not only inevitable, but vital if I am to come out the other side any wiser. Many times I go through adversity only to vow… Continue Reading “The Eye, The Mountain and The Tree.”
“Looks Cold…”
We had our first real snow of this year. It’s really amazing that silently over night the yard can go from- to- I think the lettuce is finally done. The back garden is also out of commission till next year, season over. The chickens stayed… Continue Reading ““Looks Cold…””
Throwback Wednesday (Yes, I am THAT impatient!)
I wrote this two years ago after our trip back home for our West Coast wedding blessing ceremony. It was the first time we got to show the boys where they were born and the last time they saw my dad, their “Grandpa Wise-man”… Continue Reading “Throwback Wednesday (Yes, I am THAT impatient!)”
What IS Homesteading Anyway?
When we tell people that we live on a homestead we get a verity of reactions. They range from “oh, you live on a farm” to “so, you are like one of those doomsday preppers.” While both reactions are not wrong they do miss the mark- for… Continue Reading “What IS Homesteading Anyway?”
And Now, A Word From My Husband- “Giving In To Realizing Your Abilities.” (Written By Ryan)
I am not a person who needs attention. I actually enjoy anonymity. I don’t like to toot my own horn or say “I am the best!” But I feel like I have achieved something and am proud to have done so. I also don’t like putting myself out there- especially… Continue Reading “And Now, A Word From My Husband- “Giving In To Realizing Your Abilities.” (Written By Ryan)”
A Chickie story
When I was young, my dad used to tuck me in at night and tell me a “Chickie Story.” He would make these stories up on the spot with me as “Chickie.” Most of the time these stories consisted of him rehashing what I had… Continue Reading “A Chickie story”
The Cotton Anniversary?!
Apparently cotton is the traditional second year anniversary gift, I thought it was cardboard. It is supposed to represent durability and the ability to adapt, I like that. In a few days my husband and I will celebrate our second wedding anniversary. When you… Continue Reading “The Cotton Anniversary?!”
Pancake Rorschach Test- Take at Your Own Risk.
While looking through iPhoto found some of the pancake shapes the boys have requested for breakfast over the past year. Can you tell what they are? . . . . . .The answers: . . Sonic the Hedge Hog, Sponge Bob with bacon seaweed and… Continue Reading “Pancake Rorschach Test- Take at Your Own Risk.”
“All Things Are Difficult Before They Are Easy.”
8/20/09 Boys, It is just so very hard- hard to see you both smiling in pictures knowing that it’s not for me, that you don’t even remember me anymore. It is hard to know that I am not wanted in your lives, hard to know… Continue Reading ““All Things Are Difficult Before They Are Easy.””
Now And Then.
Now.. And then. The pumpkin/melon patch started in the green house. But it could not contain the awesomeness!
Letting Go of Giving Everything Up.
I feel now that so much of what I am looking for, the patience, the peace, the calm can only be found though my ability to let go. I have realized that when I try to change things I have no influence over, I find my greatest unhappiness. The concept… Continue Reading “Letting Go of Giving Everything Up.”
“Know When To Hold ‘Em. Know When To Fold ‘Em.” Know When To Rip Them All Out And Start Over.
Once uopn a time my husband and I went to the store. When we left our corn was tall and happy: While we were gone there was a pocket thunderstorm and when we returned to the homestead, we found this had happened: My husband had… Continue Reading ““Know When To Hold ‘Em. Know When To Fold ‘Em.” Know When To Rip Them All Out And Start Over.”
Our Little Slice Of Mushroom Covered Heaven.
I was preparing a post on how much I hate money but I scrapped it. Writing it did not make me happy. Life is too short for that, so I stopped. We went for a walk instead. There is so much life in… Continue Reading “Our Little Slice Of Mushroom Covered Heaven.”
The Loose Ends…
Devoid of purpose, I wandered. Making my way down the worn path to that old familiar place of fire and metal. The overgrown jungle of iron and found “treasures” from years of my dad’s ramblings. It was as he left it- when he left us. The spiders… Continue Reading “The Loose Ends…”
Is There Such A Thing As ‘Gardener’s Anonymous?’
What felt like the shortest week ever in California looks like it was the longest seven days back in Maine. We knew it would be fun to see how much our garden had grown while we were away but neither of us was ready… Continue Reading “Is There Such A Thing As ‘Gardener’s Anonymous?’”
A Week On the Fog-line.
This trip has left me with such an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness it is hard to articulate. Unfortunately, that is not going to stop me from trying. Here goes- I got to share the place I love, with those I love most. It that was one of… Continue Reading “A Week On the Fog-line.”
A Marmot’s Tale.
My sister requested I make her a rice crispy treat mountain for her wedding. Preferable, this confectionary mountain would have marmots fighting dragons on it. Fine. My little sister wants a breakfast cereal mountain adorned with rodents fighting mythical beings- whatever. This request resulted in… Continue Reading “A Marmot’s Tale.”
My Two Cents on Marriage. For My Favorite/Only Little Sister.
My little sister got married this past Saturday and it was EPIC! She was THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BRIDE EVER! The day was filled with new born goats, a rice crispy treat mountain covered in dragons fighting evil marmots, a trebuchet, family and love. “Who could ask… Continue Reading “My Two Cents on Marriage. For My Favorite/Only Little Sister.”
Wait, I Have to leave My Home to go House?! Ouch, My Head Hurts…
In the next few days we will head West for my sister’s wedding. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Where the theme will be fighting Marmots (weird runs all over this family.) It is the oddest feeling in the world to have to travel thousands of miles from home- to go home,… Continue Reading “Wait, I Have to leave My Home to go House?! Ouch, My Head Hurts…”
Spiders, and Luna, and Chairs Oh My!
The past decade and a half I spent most summer days inside. In the service industry when people are out at the beach, or enjoying vacations and taking day trips they will inevitable want you to cook them dinner. Hence, I have missed more glorious summer days… Continue Reading “Spiders, and Luna, and Chairs Oh My!”
“Random Acts Of Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty”
Growing up my parents only had one bumper sticker. It said: “Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” There are many things in our childhoods that we habituate to, never really noticing what a great an effect they have on our lives. In my… Continue Reading ““Random Acts Of Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty””
A Honey of a different type (Warning: contains some graphic material)
Honey, Honey Bee, Bear, Bearington, Hon. She answers to to all of them. Our dog Honey, came to us in the month after the boy’s unexpected move cross country. I guess technically this makes her my step-dog. I came to be her owner when… Continue Reading “A Honey of a different type (Warning: contains some graphic material)”
The garden today.
When we moved in, we became the proud owners of a beautiful lawn. A lawn we had no interest in maintaing. It surrounded the house. Far from being a blank canvas- this was canvas with someone else’s painting on it. I have mentioned before that I don’t… Continue Reading “The garden today.”
The best dad in the world.
I have spent the last few days and the last half year processing my own dad’s death. Publicly and privately. Since November fatherhood has been constantly on my mind. His birthday was always around (and even some years ON) Father’s Day and so the… Continue Reading “The best dad in the world.”
The places I found you.
I went for a dive today, hoping to find you along the way. I took the back roads and chose the path. Hoping to find you somewhere, maybe on some mountain’s pass. What I discovered was exactly as I had feared. That you were no longer here,… Continue Reading “The places I found you.”
AMEN.
There is a clip of Jim Carrey making a commencement speech has been making the rounds and struck such a cord with me and our current state. I was inspired by my dad’s death to take a chance and try to make a living doing… Continue Reading “AMEN.”
What does it become?
What does a birthday become after a person’s life is done? Does it transform into a day to mourn the last? I don’t know what to do- where to begin the task. The only direction I have to look now is back.
Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?
Answer: Because, I was chasing it. Wait. I’m staring this story in the middle. Let’s rewind to last month. Apparently, every year the day after Mother’s Day my husband goes ‘chicken crazy’ and cannot rest until we have acquired MORE chickens. We have been… Continue Reading “Why Did The Chicken Cross The Road?”
Weekend Mommy
Life now only matters two days a week. The remainder pass with anticipation and preparation like a dream. Sleep is hard to come by so full of thoughts of you both. Waiting, wishing, hoping, missing. Then your here smiling and laughing. Both so open… Continue Reading “Weekend Mommy “
When I Die I Want To Come Back As One Of My Dogs. Then I Might Get A Spot On The Couch.
Our dogs have been through a lot with us. Pele was raised on a boat. Honey has had over a hundred stitches in the past 5 years (from one big injury and one recent surgery.) Isis is a big fluffy-pain-in-the-butt. Our two oldest traveled across… Continue Reading “When I Die I Want To Come Back As One Of My Dogs. Then I Might Get A Spot On The Couch.”
Soup! Made easy.
We have a few patches of wild asparagus that grow in our yard. Yesterday was so cold and dreary I decided it was time for some soup. I haven’t written much about cooking on this blog and for those who know me, this might seem a… Continue Reading “Soup! Made easy.”
Home Again, Home Again.
Five years ago, back in California- I would have said that a 50 degree day with rain was the worst possible weather for an outdoor market. Now I know better. There are things like sleet and snow that could make the day way worse. Yes,… Continue Reading “Home Again, Home Again.”
“I Got My Lunch All Packed, I Got My Shoes Tied Tight.”
The Greenland Farmers Market is happening in just a few hours. I am completely beside myself. I have been going to farmers markets as long as I can remember. I can’t tell you how much I miss the ones back home. I have never… Continue Reading ““I Got My Lunch All Packed, I Got My Shoes Tied Tight.””
Down By The River…
In our wandering around Maine we have seen some beautiful things. Peaceful rivers full of tumbled stones and some VERY cold water. Meanwhile down stream this lazy river joins with others and turned into a torrent. It even comes with multiple warnings. What siren?!… Continue Reading “Down By The River…”