A tale of returning energy, a focus on home:
Posted on | October 5, 2011 | 4 Comments
It's still green here in Oregon, but don't let that fool you. The maples have slowly been shedding, dropping gold leaves one by one on the property. My energy has returned, for the most part, just in time for crisp autumn days and the never faltering showers that turn our yard into the remnants of woodstock. Let me tell you about just one of those days.
This evening I squeezed into my rain coat, knowing it may only fit for a few more weeks (zipped up, that is). I peruse my garden, gathering small handfuls of vegetables that have survived into October: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and of course a medley of herbs. I shake my head, knowing with true certainty my grandfathers green thumb did not pass onto me... this year, at least. There's something about growing a baby that makes tasks difficult (am I right, or no?).
Next I turn the compost with a parade of hens surrounding me chatting, begging for bits of goodness to be dropped by this woman in a much too tight coat. Being dry, I saturate the compost and leave the top open with hopes that mother nature would aid in the watering for the next few days. The ladies then follow me to their coop and with the assistance of an old butternut squash, they enter their coop. I freshen up their bedding and put new shavings in the roost. Their is a total of five eggs in the nesting box: I quietly thank them for continuing to produce well, despite the change in seasons.
I walk a perimeter of our home, cleaning up bits of dog droppings and sticks along the way. Gus follows me intently, also cleaning up droppings (the chicken variety, so tasty). I stop and marvel at our daughter's future room and the view she will have. I truly hope she falls in love at nature the way her father and I have.
I come inside and make myself a cup of tea, steeping dried chamomile that I harvested from the garden in August. There is nothing more delicious than something you've personally grown.
The evening is concluded with my lovely whipping together a salsa from my evening harvest, and for dinner a stew with local grass fed beef, willamette valley vegetables, and of course fresh garden herbs. Delicious!
...
You see, not everyday is this simple. Real life requires long work shifts and food that isn't always fresh or local, despite how hard we try. But I truly believe that any attempt at a more simplistic life should be celebrated. This is just one of those days. <3
Comments
- April
- I am a RN & natural momma in the Pacific Northwest, married to a beautiful man I adore. Nature is my niche, animals get me. I read and I write, I hike and I love photography. Welcomed our daughter Hazel Annan earthside in February 2012 after three years of infertility & our second miracle daughter Juniper Louise in April 2014.
October 6, 2011 at 4:42 AM
Yes. Real life does require long shifts and food that isn't always fresh or local. I think it makes me appreciate even more those days that are simple and the food that is home grown.
I am sure your daughter will be instilled with a love of nature.
Blessings to you.
October 9, 2011 at 9:13 PM
I love you and this post really makes me miss you
I have been so removed from blogging its not even funny. My life is a whirlwind. I need something like you just posted :)
I am getting there dear friend, slowly but surely. I now have my own place, a place to, at least for the time being, call home. I've never lived alone and it's definitely a new adventure. Maybe I will post a blog on that with pictures to share. I will try as I do not have internet - yet.
<3 kt
October 15, 2011 at 3:51 PM
Beautiful post!
November 14, 2011 at 9:59 PM
I stumbled upon your blog, and wondered whereabouts in Oregon you are dwelling? I am from McMinnville. Hopefully you have heard of it. :) Ain't Oregon the best!?