Wicked Rural Homestead
Live Simply
Tag: love
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.”
No Candy, No Cards, No Diamonds; No Problem.
For Valentine’s Day we got- another blizzard. Shocking, I know but great for snow forts! I have already posted my feelings about today’s holiday and they have not changed one bit. In fact, I am ever more convinced with each passing year that romance is overrated. It… Continue Reading “No Candy, No Cards, No Diamonds; No Problem.”
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”
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.””
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.”
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.”
Time is never on sale. Get It While You Can!
One year ago, I drove across town with the boys in blissful ignorance of what the day would bring. We were on a mission to find post-Thanksgiving donuts to round out our holiday gluttony. As we passed the lake; I saw that it was on… Continue Reading “Time is never on sale. Get It While You Can!”
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?”
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.”
“Ch-Ch-Ch- Changes.”
Here in Maine the feeling of change is tangible, like someone flipped a switch overnight and summer on its way out. There is a new crispness to the air at the beginning and end of the day. You can see it clearly in the trees,… Continue Reading ““Ch-Ch-Ch- Changes.””
“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.”
It’s All In The Cards.
I have been reading tarot cards since I was small. It was just one of the many skills my mom taught both her daughters at an early age. Though it is not something that any of us often openly talk about. I have no doubt… Continue Reading “It’s All In The Cards.”
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…”
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…”
“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 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.
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 “
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.”
We Went To Mexico- No One Spoke Spanish And We Saw A Moose!
That is because we went to Mexico, Maine. We have been meaning to go gold panning since we moved. Yesterday we got our butts in-gear and headed north. We saw lots of nothingness; punctuated by small towns and tons of lakes and ponds. Some… Continue Reading “We Went To Mexico- No One Spoke Spanish And We Saw A Moose!”
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?!”
Home
I have spent a lot of time writing about what we left behind in Ca: Family Friends My hometown The redwoods Our lives as we knew them I feel it is time to move on and give thanks today for where I woke up… Continue Reading “Home”
To Be Grown.
Like many (or all) I became a true grown up by accident, or should I say misstep. The perpetration of something that I never intended to do. Could truthfully never have anticipated doing. In all my time till this point, I could I assured you without… Continue Reading “To Be Grown. “
BASEBALL! GLORIOUS BASEBALL!
I was raised by a recovering Catholic and a Frisbetairan (my dad believed that when you die your soul goes up on the roof and no one can get it down. And if you bad you get chewed on by the Big Dog.) We… Continue Reading “BASEBALL! GLORIOUS BASEBALL!”
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”
Oh the Bee-manity!
Well… The bees did not make it through the winter. I am not really surprised and neither are my bee mentors who have lost a few hive themselves this year. A bee can only preform cleansing flights when the outside temp is above 50 or… Continue Reading “Oh the Bee-manity!”
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.”
A Rant. My First. Probably Not My Last.
For almost three years now we have not had cable TV. This started because we could not afford the $160+ a month bill. In the end it has been AMAZING! The only thing we both had to give up is live sports and we… Continue Reading “A Rant. My First. Probably Not My Last.”
‘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!”
“Officially unemployed, homeless and in debt. Time to start all over again, here we go…”
I posted that Facebook status four years go yesterday. My how things change. Well- not the debt part. And right now I am unemployed, so I guess the “more things change the more they stay the same”? OWW my head hurts… All I know… Continue Reading ““Officially unemployed, homeless and in debt. Time to start all over again, here we go…””
The Most Beautiful Thing I have Ever Seen!
There are many things in this life that make all the other crappy parts worth living through. Love, beauty, kindness and friendship top the list. There few people who embody all these things. One of them is my childhood best friend. We met… Continue Reading “The Most Beautiful Thing I have Ever Seen!”
Eastward Ho! Part III (Actually Part II.) Confused Yet? Good, so am I. Onward!
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 many national parks… Continue Reading “Eastward Ho! Part III (Actually Part II.) Confused Yet? Good, so am I. Onward!”
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.”
Spring time in Maine (Shut Up Ca! I Can Hear You From Here.)
To celebrate the fist day of spring, I went to the beach the other day… (Click for gallery.) I think I have said all I needed to.
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”