Wicked Rural Homestead
Live Simply
Tag: kindness
A World in the Weeds
I have worked in restaurants my whole life. Till the little monster was born almost two years ago, my life revolved around executing meal services. Front and back, top to bottom. I have held every position possible in the industry from dishwasher to department… Continue Reading “A World in the Weeds”
The Era of Personal Responsibility
What would you do if you were is 1930’s Germany witnessing the rise of Hitler? Would you realize that something was very wrong with the trajectory of the leadership? What would you do about it? Before the current era in politics this was a… Continue Reading “The Era of Personal Responsibility”
The Food Pyramid They Don’t Teach In School
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good (wo)men to do nothing.” -Edumnd Burke The current state of our immigration policy is something I have tried to publicly ignore but like my Planned Parenthood post I feel the discussion has… Continue Reading “The Food Pyramid They Don’t Teach In School”
Unexpected Fruit of Grief
Four years ago, we were preparing for my dad’s funeral by early morning light. I was back in my childhood home under the redwoods in my mom’s kitchen; writing a joint eulogy with my sister and pouring some good whiskey into a flask for… Continue Reading “Unexpected Fruit of Grief”
Symptoms of an Insane World
I don’t know where to start, but the beginning seems a good place to try. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t believe humanity to be insane. From the time I was first aware of the world outside my own thoughts and opinions;… Continue Reading “Symptoms of an Insane World”
On Giving and Getting
More then a decade ago, this picture was taken. I was a line cook on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf in a high-end Mexican restaurant. I would come in first thing in the morning, prep for the day, work the line at lunch and stay… Continue Reading “On Giving and Getting”
The Choice I Never Had to Make
I wrote this post some time ago now, and I did more than hesitate to post it. In fact, I almost didn’t at all. This is because my reproductive health is no one’s business! After a time, I was compelled to speak out on behalf of… Continue Reading “The Choice I Never Had to Make”
A Jolly Poke In The Ribs
Last month, marked three years since my dad passed. In my meditations of him I came across a memory. Our family’s version of a holiday story; about a time when he poked me, I hit him and we both learned an important lesson about the world… Continue Reading “A Jolly Poke In The Ribs”
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!”
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…”
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”
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”
TBW: 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; look… Continue Reading “TBW: Wisdom From The Lakota.”
Random Acts Of Kindness And Chinese Food
More than a decade ago, I was walking to my car in downtown Santa Cruz. Coming toward me from across the parking garage was a man, he was crying. His hair was matted to his head and his cloths hung off him awkwardly. He… Continue Reading “Random Acts Of Kindness And Chinese Food”
My Hands
Have never known a manicure or file. And they are bitten rather than clipped. They have been painted less times than there are fingers to paint. In many places they are more scar than skin. The fingers on the right appear to have been… Continue Reading “My Hands”
How Can I Tell?
Am I beautiful? How can I tell? I could look for the answer in the mirror to see what I need to cover up. I could give myself a number either off a scale or tag. I could look at the beautiful people that… Continue Reading “How Can I Tell?”
The Choice I Never Had to Make
I wrote this post some time ago now, and I did more than hesitate to post it. In fact, I almost didn’t at all. This is because my reproductive health is no one’s business! After a time I was compelled to speak out on behalf of… Continue Reading “The Choice I Never Had to Make”
Lessons From The Rain Today
I walk through the woods, joyous noise is all around. A symphony in the trees, here is found.
The Prettiest Fungi Of All.
I am astounded by the constant change of the forest here, in Maine. There is a time for everything and everything has its time. We have an incredible amount of fungi in the woods that surround us. Most start fruit in the middle of summer and continue… Continue Reading “The Prettiest Fungi Of All.”
TBT
The Swell Again and again I tread the same water passing it over my body and going nowhere, suspended between what is and what is to be. Then change comes as a wave out of the abyss consuming everything. Shifting your entire bodily universe… Continue Reading “TBT”
I Spoke Too Soon…
Some days are not as fun as others and some downright F*cking suck. This Tuesday was one of the latter. We were so excited about our new family members but the excitement was short lived. Tuesday morning, I went out to tend the lambs and my… Continue Reading “I Spoke Too Soon…”
Death and Facebook
Unlike Myspace; I think it is safe to say that Facebook isn’t going anywhere. The advent of this previously unprecedented way to stay in touch has made a huge impact on many parts of our society, for better or worse. When I started my… Continue Reading “Death and Facebook”
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!”
“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.””
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.”
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?”
“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.””
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?’”
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…”
“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””
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 “
Where is Dr. Doolittle When You Need Him?!
I have never subscribed to the notation that I am the “mother” of our many animals. As I have written before our animals are not our children. Though they are our familiars. (Try saying that sentence five times fast.) They know you by your intimate… Continue Reading “Where is Dr. Doolittle When You Need Him?!”
Once upon a time we lived on a boat.
A 27′ Hunter sail boat, I don’t count the bowsprit if you ask my love he will say it was a 30 footer- it. was. not. We lived in Santa Cruz harbor and life was…well, never boring (not that it is now) When he… Continue Reading “Once upon a time we lived on a boat.”
Self Indulgent Ramblings and Abstract Metaphors
I am constantly amazed with how the acceptance of my situation and a lack of expectations has lead me to the far East Coast and happiness. I get to see the boys (though it is not enough) and while I am always sad when they… Continue Reading “Self Indulgent Ramblings and Abstract Metaphors”
‘Killer’ The Chick Vs The Invading Cricket Hordes!
20 days ago we started incubation on 41 eggs from the ladies, these eggs included parings from all four roosters so this was going to be interesting right from the beginning. The first bit of excitement comes on day 3 and 6 of incubation.… Continue Reading “‘Killer’ The Chick Vs The Invading Cricket Hordes!”
Your Pets Are Not Your Children, They Are Your Grandparents.
Your animals should not be like your children. They should be your grandparents. I say this for one specific and important reason- it is unnatural to outlive your offspring. Barring some unforeseen tragic event, it will be your privilege to preside over the passing of your critters. I… Continue Reading “Your Pets Are Not Your Children, They Are Your Grandparents.”
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”
Standing isn’t as simple as you might think
I mentioned in my OCD post that I have been in the martial arts community my whole life. Due to my mother’s practice of Tai Chi I have spent many hours moving S L O W L Y or watching others move at a… Continue Reading “Standing isn’t as simple as you might think”
How a random acts of kindness resulted in a senseless act of beauty.
Just a story to bring attention to: More than a decade ago, I was walking to my car in downtown Santa Cruz. Coming toward me from across the parking garage was a man, he was crying. His hair was matted to his head and… Continue Reading “How a random acts of kindness resulted in a senseless act of beauty.”
Buck Flack Friday!
You shouldn’t hate anything but…I hate ‘black friday.’ I despise the consumerism and mania that it encourages. I find it abhorred that the nation can deftly vacillate from heartfelt appreciation for the things we have- to unabashed and rapid accumulation of new things. Things… Continue Reading “Buck Flack Friday!”
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