A FARM PASSAGE...

I am sorry to report tonight that Luther, the blue farm beta fish, has passed on to the great fish bowl in the sky. Luther has been a part of the farm for 5 or 6 years, a long life for a beta fish. I think the thought of another winter of chilly water was too much for him to bear, and when he sensed it coming these last couple of days, he just decided to check out.

Luther is the 4th in a long line of farm betas. Bob, beta #1, overcame a near death experience as Hendrix knocked his bowl on the floor where he flopped around until Eliza walked in the room and rescued him. He lived to be the subject of Eliza's 4th grade proficiency test essay, "Bob's Near Death Experience." Bob was followed by Hank, whom Eliza accidently dropped down the drain when she was cleaning his bowl. She did manage to grasp his tail as he was swirling away, but alas, it came off in her hand, and Hank got sucked down the bathroom sink pipe. (I assured her that the drain ran directly into the pond and that Hank would be just fine. That thought soothed her heart until she realized the pond freezes over in winter and Hank was a tropical fish.) Then there was Dean who met an untimely death when Loonis knocked over his temporary tank and made him her dinner. Shortly thereafter, Luther came to live with us.

Luther loved to flirt with me when I stood in front of his bowl to feed him. (Great example of behavior modification...) And, I will credit Luther with being a rather smart fish-- he learned at an early age to swim to the bottom of the tank and lie really still when a cat perched beside it to watch him.

Tomorrow, I'll bury Luther in my flower garden so that as he returns to the earth, he can fertilize the small space of ground where he lies. And then, I'll probably go buy another beta fish.

May you rest in peace, Luther....I'll miss my daily "Good morning, Luther!" before I dropped in your BetaBites.
You were a good fish!

WHAT DO YOU DO IF....

Question: What do you do when you're a farm Corgi named Molly, and for some reason, you decide to stick your head through two posts on the back deck and get stuck?

Answer: You wait patiently until Tanya comes home and finds you in this predicament when she comes out on the deck to feed the cats. (Note how pleased Molly is to have her "adventure" captured on camera.)

Question: What does Tanya do when she realizes Molly's stuck and can't get unstuck?

Answer: She takes off Molly's collar and tries to help Molly turn her head to the side so she can get unstuck. When that doesn't work, she tries to nudge Molly's head through the posts at a different angle. When that doesn't work, she decides to drench Molly's head and the two posts between which Molly is stuck with olive oil so that Molly can just slide her head back through. When that doesn't work, she thinks that will saw one of the posts off but decides to call Tom Jackson first.

Question: What happens when Tom arrives?

Answer: He tries to position Molly's head so that he can help her back out and get free. When that doesn't work, he suggests that we knock one of the posts out, freeing Molly.

Question: What happens when Tom is banging away at the banister with his HUGE hammer?

Answer: Molly panics and pulls her head out.

End of story.

FALL FARM UPDATE....
Autumn Equinox / 12:03 AM / 9/23/06

Fall is here, along with changing leaves, a couple of chilly mornings, brisk breezes, and for all you allergy sufferers, air laden with ragweed pollen...AACCHHOOO!

As I look out the window at this moment, I see lots of goldenrod across the way, tinges of yellow and red on the leaves on the maple tree, and zinnias that fell in last night's rain. There's a smell of fall in the air, and I sense that consistently cooler weather is on the way. The drizzle, grey skies, and quietness of the morning almost convinced me to roll over and take another hour or so of morning snoozies.

All the farm family has settled into post-summer routine now. Samuel is four weeks into his junior year at Appalachian State. After a summer in Boone and Thistle Mountain Winery. it's back to communication, economics, and philosophy classes that translate into lots of reading and papers. He's picked up a part-time job at The Gap and works up to 20 hours a week in his "spare" time. He and his mountain bike take off on some pretty adventuresome rides around the hills, and it's my thought that it's then that he relaxes and takes some time for himself to re-group. I can hardly believe Samuel will turn 21 in December...What an amazing man he's become!!....Eliza's progress reports indicate that she's in good standing academic-wise despite a social life that would appear to be her first priority. She devotes every weekend (and afternoons) to band activities and a portion of every evening to her "telephone time." I'll just be blatant in my bragging--she is so incredibly beautiful and graceful on the field with her flag that I overflow with pride and joy. High school has been quite a transition, and there have been a couple of awkward moments, but this girl is evolving into a very solid and wise young woman....Bobbi and Isabella report that things are good in Philly. Isabella started 1st grade! Her sweet voice on the phone melts my heart! Bobbi's life is full with her teaching and massage clients. Rumor has it that she might be looking into buying a house....Joe and Elissa have begun their 3rd and final year in graduate school at OU. Suffice to say that they're busy to the max. Elissa worked in a successful show in Columbus this summer... I think the two of them took time to travel a bit and camp..With 3rd year work and shows coming in the not too distant future, they're pretty much in the studio 24/7.... Brett made the move to California after hiking in Corsica for part of the summer. He's there with Betsy, and he's a happy camper. Starting a new job at a new school with all new classes and material means that it's like being a first year teacher again, so he's swamped with work and extra responsibilities, but he loves where he is and what he's doing. Hopefully the two of them will be at The Farm for New Year's Eve....Meera began grad school in August at Berkeley. She jotted off a three-liner to me the other day, basically saying that being back in school has her body and mind hopping. Knowing Meera, she's at the top of her class, challenging her profs and peers with her insight and intellect. I think of her every day as I contemplate the many conversations we've had over the years. Just yesterday, I had a vision of being in Cuba, teaching at a school she and I had put together. (Part of the vision entailed sitting on the beach with a good cold beer in hand while planning our next strategy!).... Lori, more beautiful than ever, was home for a couple of weeks in August. Life on Maui has to be like life in heaven! Although she found out while here that her current nannying job had come to an end, she had another potentially quite nice gig set up before she left! She's writing, getting ready to publish her first book, and loving her life. When she and Eliza were outside spinning flags together, I realized again that the two of them really are twin sisters...I am so grateful for Lori in all of our lives. She brings laughter and love in every moment to all who know her. Tom J. and I are working together on the arts and humanities series at work. In a week or so, he'll be able to let go of his night job, get back to a regular schedule, and have weekends to himself. His relationship with Renato is growing and becoming more solid with each day. Last night he and I drew some cards here at the house--the word for him equals change...good change...greater wisdom...growth. It was powerful and so befitting for him at the moment...I've seen Norm, Diane, and Andrew a couple of times recently. Andrew's back at Wooster for his sophomore year, living in a house with several friends who have a Big Brother/Big Sister service learning project going for the year....Dana and James returned to Nebraska after a visit at The Farm in July. Like Meera, Joe, and Elissa, they're back in school. This year the two of them will finish the course work for their doctoral work and begin the next stage of the Ph.D process. James's blog keeps me abreast of their goings-on. We all know how busy they must be!

I've about adjusted to being back at work. My students seem good and interested in learning, and that's always a tremendous blessing. They provide a very welcome balance to all the outside-of-class things I'm responsible for. I've stuck to my commitment to get to the Y as much as possible, and I'm feeling stronger and more alive in my body than in the last year or so. Having Tom and Mary Ann in my office is a great joy. We laugh, we work, we get things done...It's such a blessing to be around those two! I'm using this year to take a look at those things that occupy my time and delay my work on things that I really, really, want to do (i.e., more work on Cuba, making some paper, reading, etc.). This time next year, I'll be 55, and I see that as a banner year to move into more Tanya-oriented things with less work-related stuff. (Wishful thinking? Depends upon the choices I make, I guess.) Regardless, my life is good and full of many blessings. What more could one ask for??

My Llewellyn's Witches' Calendar for September speaks of the Autumnal Equinox as a time to make a scarecrow and "enchant" it for protection and abundance during this season. I'm a little late on getting one down by the garden, but I think I'll put together something today to place in the yard. (Actually a photo of my "bed-head" this morning would serve appropriately!) In doing so, I'll have all of you in mind as I place my intentions for abundance in every aspect of our lives, for protection for us all, and as I contemplate gratitude for all we share.

Off to go see Eliza in a band competition and come home to do some farm cleaning!

Love, infinite love, to all....

Namasté...

T.

(Art credit: Jennifer Hewiston, October--Llewellyn's Witches Calendar, 2006)

MY BIRTHDAY WEEK...

I'm sitting here at the computer, waiting for a phone call from the farm 14-yr. old to let me know it's time to drive out to the high school and pick her up after the band gets back from tonight's football game.

I left work at noon today to have lunch with a couple of friends, headed to the Y from there to exercise on a full tummy, and then came straight home for a wonderful afternoon here at the farm...Man, did it ever feel good to get outside, breathe in the afternoon, and just chill out with the cats and dogs. Quietness, beginning-of-fall warm sun, flowers lushly blooming after a several days of soaking rain....a walk around the farm. What peace!

Tuesday, of course, was my birthday. Several folks at work brought some really sweet gifts by the office, and lots of people wished me happy birthday. Mary Ann gave me the gift of the day.... a bona fide vintage towel from "Mabel's Whorehouse --where they give double green stamps on Tuesday!" (I'll post a picture of it later) I love it! It's a nice addition to our office along with the switch plate of David that another colleague gifted Mary Ann...and until the dean returns from vacation next week, it will hang right at the entrance to our office. While the cat's away, the mice in A&S 237 play!! Over the course of the my birthday day, I taught 5 classes, had each class sing "Happy Birthday to me (in Spanish, of course...how self-celebrating is that??), shared wonderful conversation with Eliza over dinner, ate a half of a piece of six-layer chocolate cake, and got a birthday call from Samuel and my childhood friend (more like brother), Richard Randall. ... And like a kid, I got really excited when I went to the mail box and found a card from my parents, sister, and dear Japanese friend, Yuki Sento, in the mailbox. Yuki always makes her cards and NEVER misses any of our birthdays....

I send out a big thanks to everyone for making my 54th birthday a very special one. My wish for the world would be that everyone could know the level of love in their lives that I feel in mine. My gratitude and awe can't be captured in words.....I am greatly humbled by my many, many blessings.

In other news this week, students returned to class on Monday-- quite a relief for me since I greatly prefer to be in the classroom over being parked all day in meetings. My initial feeling is that I've got a good group this quarter...only a couple students seem a little intimidated by the openess of Spanish class, but I think I even got them to laugh with me today. My yoga class seems really good...Wednesday, we bounced on the exercise balls and got real silly as their bodies began to open up (unbeknownst to them)...My arts & humanities committee folks seem a bit overwhelmed and shocked to be back at work, so I have a little bit of nurturing to do to get their energy back....Meanwhile, Mary Ann and I looked forward all week to having our pictures taken together at what we thought was going to be one of those photo booths like we used to cram 10 people in and make silly faces. Turns out, a guy had a digital camera and took only one photo that he printed out and made into magnets for us. It was fun anyway, and we now have matching photos of ourselves over our desks.....

At some point soon I'll get to the Fall Farm update....there's lots to share...

Until then, love to all....

Namasté....T.

SEPTEMBER FARM FLOWERS - 9/09/2006

Purple Datura....I had to post another shot of the most recent bloom.

Sedum..These flowers have turned from a very light green to a salmon pink this week.

Reyna's Dahlia: This is one of my favorite dahlias.

Stay tuned this weekend for my next post: The Fall Farm Update, bringing you news and updates about the many of those who call "The Farm" home.

HAPPY 29TH BIRTHDAY, MARY ANN!

Today, my beloved, amazing, creative, kind, passionate, highly inspiring, funny, loving, wonderful fellow mom, teacher, office mate, Virgo and dear friend turns 29! No doubt about it....this girl'll make history!

Sooooooooooo, will all who read my blog join me in a joyful round of .....

Happy birthday to you....Happy birthday to you.....Happy birthday, Mary Ann.....Happy birthday to you...

And many more.........

EERGGH !!!!

The hour has arrived, and I have to set my clock to get up in the morning for the first time since mid-June. I can no longer deny it....I have to go to work tomorrow. For those of you who are colleagues and are so kind to take the time to read my blog, I really am working on an attitude adjustment. I promise to be nice and positive tomorrow, but for now, Bah Humbug sums it up. :0)

PURPLE DATURA IN BLOOM !!!!

The blossom to the left slowly but surely began to unfold during this past week, and day before yesterday, it opened up into perhaps the most gorgeous blossom I've ever had here at the farm.

Photo #2 really doesn't do the beautiful and delicate curvature of the blossom justice. The flower is about 5" - 6" wide and is layered with a deep purple exterior that houses a snowy white, gently ruffled interior layer. And, the white center layer has another deep purple layer ruffle within it. I've seen very few things seen as breathtaking as this flower. (Unfortunately, a freaky and random rain/wind storm came up yesterday afternoon, breaking the flower off the stem. There are several more buds on the stalk, however.)










I brought the flower inside. Much to my surprise, it stayed open over night. Wild Datura blooms only last one day. This side shot gives an idea of the majesty of the flower. Needless to say, I'm watching the other buds like a hawk. I estimate it will be another week before the next one opens. I, of course, will be hovering over it with camera in hand!


Enjoy....Namasté....Tanya

LAMENT--I Have to Go Back to Work :0(

OK...Get ready...This is an offical blog whine.

Tomorrow is my last day of summer vacation because Monday morning I have to get up with the rest of the working world, put on something other than my farm clothes, retrieve my professional smile from the recesses of my inner self, and go to work. Once there, I'll have to sit in meetings for the next two weeks, pretend I'm listening, and hear the same "Welcome back...It's going to be a great year...So much has happened over the summer...We have a lot to accomplish this year...Let's be one happy family and bond" sort of stuff that I've listened to now for 30 years. (Yes, indeed, Monday marks the beginning of my 30th year as an educator!)

On a higher thought, I will be glad to see some of my colleagues...Mary Ann, my cool, creative, wonderful office mate, and I will get to hang out a bit every day...Dr. Tom will be just down the hall....Dr. Deb, the psych prof lives just down the hall and around the corner....And in a couple of weeks, students will be there, and I can settle in to teach, which is what I really enjoy.

I suppose once the routine sets in and I am more adjusted to being away from home during the day, I'll mellow out. But right now, my greatest wish is for summer to continue forever and for me to be able to enjoy my home, the farm, and my life without the interruption of work.

Too bad my last name isn't Hilton or Gates, huh?

End of whine.

NAKED LADIES...

I've never heard these lilies referred to as "Naked Ladies" until this year. I've always called them Surprise Lilies, simply because they send up shoots in a moment's notice, and they're often up and in bloom in a day's time. The other revelation I've had about them this summer is that they have a very light but intoxicating scent - -a somewhat sweetly fermented essence to my olfactory perception. This morning, they were beautiful in the sunlight coming over the hill, and since they won't be around for many days, I tried to capture their blossoms with my camera. These flowers also carry the spirit of my late mother-in-law, Sara Williams Wilder. They came from her garden years ago. In their pastel pinks, I see Sara's beautiful face and smile. She carried many secrets in her silence into the world of spirit...I'd like to be able to talk with her now.

On a couple of entirely different notes, since my heart rate took the plunge to 14 on a couple of occasions during my recent colonoscopy, the surgeon insisted that I see my family doctor to get her take on the tape from the procedure. My MD, who is the bestest I have ever, ever had, is out of the office for a while, so I saw a new person, and he didn't seem to think there was any sort of heart related issues involved. I could have told him that, but I will confess to being relieved at his assessment. He didn't even feel a stress test was called for, thank goodness. However, since I am no longer a "spring chicken, " I am publically committing myself to regular aerobic activity and attention to what I ingest. Enough said... :0)

And finally, there is another blossom about to open on a new flower I'm growing this year. It's a purple datura, and if it opens as beautifully as the wild datura I have all over the farm, then it's going to be a spectacular bloom. It should be appearing in a blog photo in the next couple of days. (I don't know what I'll do when the summer ends, frost arrives, and there will be no photos of flowers to share. Perhaps I'll go to colorful leaves!!) :0)

So, stay tuned. Sending all love from here at the farm on this beautiful August day.

Namasté...T.

IT FINALLY BLOOMED....

This Texas Star Hibiscus plant came to me from my friend, Sue, last year, and I've nursed it along now through two growing seasons. Last summer, it was just a baby, so I pampered it carefully, not anticipating any blossoms. About six weeks ago, I noticed the beginnings of some buds on the tips of the stalks, and I've patiently watched them grow. For about the last week or so, the huge buds seemingly stopped growing, but they showed no signs of bursting open. I even called Sue to get her take on what I thought was a problem.

So, when I took my morning stroll around the farm a few minutes ago, I saw this burst of red (the photo really doesn't do it justice) off in the distance and ran to get my camera. Sure enough, the first bud opened, and this wonderful star flower was facing into the sun in the east. Needless to say, it was like the arrival of kittens or puppies for me, and I feel like the proud mother of my blooming plant. I also noticed that several other of the huge buds looked like they are ready to pop!

YEAH...Now I want to have these plants all over the farm!!!! If anyone wants some seeds to start next spring, just let me know...

CLEANING...

As Grandma Ruth would say, I've been "june-ing" around today inside the house rather than outside in the hot sun. Inspired by 1) fuzz balls all over the floor, 2) dead insects in the windowsills, 3) an unreliable cleaning helper (not Eliza, by the way), 4) dusty furniture I could write "clean me, please" on, 5) a really dirty kitchen floor, and 6) Mary Ann, who is always taking on similar projects, this morning I bit the bullet, so to speak, and pulled out everything from stain remover and furniture polish to the Swiffer duster and vacum cleaner.

No, I don't have on my little apron and bandana, and no, I'm not scurrying around with a feather duster and big smile on my face. Yes, I do have on some really dirty clothes (to match the really dirty surfaces I'm cleaning) and my attractive white socks (since I'm trying to work on the dirt that's seemingly dyed my feet sort of a mud-puddle brown).

An aside: Last night after I showered, I spent over 30 minutes working on my "farm feet" before I slathered them down with 5 applications of Burt's Bees Foot Treatment. Perhaps I should just remember to wear shoes around the farm.

Anyway, I don't think I'll finish today, and I don't think I can stay inside two days in a row, so there's no telling when I'll get to the kitchen, my room, and the upstairs--the three most untidy, aka, disgusting places in the house. Anyone who would like to come to my assistance is welcome to do so, but be prepared to sneeze a lot or get grossed out, especially if the refrigerator's the chore at hand.

That's about it for today, folks...

THE END...

IT'S THE TIME OF YEAR FOR THE BUTTERFLIES...!!


Mid to late August brings the summer flowers to their peak, and their color entices the butterflies to their blossoms. It's been a banner year for these delicate and beautiful creatures around the farm, and yesterday, I followed these two around over the course of the afternoon in an attempt to get a couple of good photos. I'm not sure of the correct names for this particular one; as a child we always referred to these as Tiger Swallowtails. Monarchs and deep blue irridescent Swallowtails abound as well, but I haven't been able to get the perfect shot of one of them yet.

According to my animal cards book, the butterfly is a creature of air energy, and it reminds us to tap into our mental powers, those of insight and intuition, with regularity and faith in our sense of "knowing." It also symbolizes transformation since its life cycle completes itself from larvae to maturity rapidly. Butterflies remind us to take a look at where we are in the cycle of our own transformation and call upon our mental powers to foresee the direction in which we are going. If change is called for, we can work to bring that about and design and craft our own transformation gracefully.

I love these exquisite insects. Their fragile beauty fascinates me. They inspire me to have all sorts of flowers around the farm to call them in droves so I can sit for hours, suspended in thought and mesmerized by their colors.

I'M A WINNER!!!

In the past two days, I've received notices from Botswana, Ireland, the UK (three times, no less!), Germany, Spain, and Malaysia that I, Tanya Wilder, am the grand-prize winner in their country's biggest lottery ever!! Whooppee!!! When I total up the sums (if my math and conversion tables are correct), I calculate that I've won almost 300 million dollars!! And, the only thing I have to do is submit my e-mail address to begin receiving payments from the several off-shore banks that will be handling my winnings from the respective countries.

And, if winning in multi-national lotteries weren't enough, several folks from across the globe have notified me that a wealthy family member of theirs has passed on to the "great cash flow land in the sky" and left me mega-sums of money as well. Again, it's a simple matter of a "click" and voilá, the money's mine. Isn't that special??? How could I be so lucky???

Once I have the cash I've won or inherited in hand, I'll notify all of you who are kind enough to read my blog, and we'll have one fantastic party on my personal yacht as we sail off into the sunset toward some tropical island I plan on purchasing.

Until then....Cheerio...!!

ALONE????

People ask me how I entertain myself when I'm alone here at the farm. Just today, I saw a friend at the Y, and he asked me how I had kept myself occupied at the farm this summer. I had to chuckle at his seeming concern, especially since I had just decided that other than going in to exercise, I would avoid town and the office totally this week. (Other than dinner tonight here at the farm with Dr. Tom, I haven't seen anyone since Eliza left on Monday.)

I have to chuckle a bit because I never feel alone here. Yes, I do carry on conversations with the cats and dogs, and I even flirt with Luther, the beta fish, before I feed him. (I love the way he swims to the front of the tank and spreads his gills to say hello.) And, I do enjoy some rather in-depth dialogue with myself, the flowers, and the trees. :0)

Actually, I stay quite busy. This week, I've weeded the garden, cut out some plants in the flower beds, planted some late seedlings, mowed, spread some mulch,made pesto, moved quite a bit of stuff to the compost pile, taken some great walks around the field with Annie and Molly, stopped to watch the butterflies and dragonflies, translated some articles about human rights violations in Cuba, talked to Cuban friends in Miami, exercised, watched a couple of good movies, played some internet Scrabble, cooked some healthy meals (the kale from the garden is GREAT!), and taken a few photos here and there. In addition, I've listened to some really good music and enjoyed the sounds of nature and sunsets on the deck in the late afternoon / evening.

What more could anyone ask for? Peace, solitude, beauty, and tranquility. I recommend it for all!

THIS WEEKEND AT THE FARM....

This weekend, I am especially grateful to my friend, Tom Steckel, aka Dr. Tom, for his assistance in rebuilding the fire circle down by the barn. Yesterday, he moved a number of huge sandstone blocks back into place around the area where the old fire circle was. It was hot outside, and the job was not an easy one, but Dr. Tom, with some assistance from me, stuck it out. Fortunately, we finished the task without straining our backs or having a heart attack.

Tom is becoming a farm regular. Usually he, Tom J. (aka: Will) and I cook, walk the farm, and hang out together. Dr. Tom is famous for making some of the best brownies ever! What is also very special about him is that he regularly brings gifts to folks; he's a thrift store / Goodwill / Salvation Army / Rink's junkie with a keen eye for everything from scarves for prayer flags to beautiful glass objects. The farm has been the recipient of many sweet gifts from Dr. Tom. His presence is seen and felt in the amber glass inside the house and outside in the paperweights he has placed around the farm to catch the sun. And, as I am mowing, pulling weeds, or just walking the driveway, I'll find coins or glass beads he's dropped around randomly in honor of the Earth. A Ph. D in chemistry, Dr. Tom also is the farm scientist who can explain matters of carbon bonding, elements in glass that change color in the light, and other scientific things in terms that I can understand them--at least for the moment he's explaining. He also builds a great fire in the fireplace in the winter!

An Eagle Scout, Tom loves art, so the two of us frequently check out the art openings at a local gallery. He's a vital source of energy and input into the Evergreen Arts & Humanities Series on campus, and he has a real talent for creating beautiful settings for events and receptions. Vintage tablecloths and pieces of his glassware collection always grace the table along with the flower arrangements he artistically creates.

Thank you, Tom, for all you are and do for so many! A hug is headed your way!

MOVIE RECOMMENDATION: TSOTSI

Last evening I watched Tsotsi and found it to be a movie that is worth the watch. The film won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, a well-deserved honor. I would also recommend watching the commentaries that accompany the DVD. Gavin Hood and crew have artfully made a very touching film. It's one that I will eventually add to my collection.

THE SITUATION IN CUBA

Heretofore, I have written about Cuba on my blog only one time, but with the unexpected announement of Fidel Castro's delegation of power to his brother, Raúl, as a result of a major surgery for intestinal bleeding, those of us who work on behalf of Cuban political prisoners and the Cuban people know that this event truly signals the very real beginning of the end of a totalitarian regime that has been in power for 50 years. That end, however, could come at great cost for those who have participated in protests of human rights violations on the island and have called for a transition to a democratic state. Political prisoners, their families, and the dissident community suffer continuous, unimaginable inhumane treatment in Cuba; in fact, Cuba ranks as one of the worst violators of human rights in the world today. As a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Cuba has been in repeated (documented) violation of each of the 30 articles of the document since Castro came to power.

I have been in close contact with my friend, Laida Carro, as well as other Cuban friends across the country. Although there is a lot of speculation about Castro's well-being, there has been little reported about the situation of those on the island, particularly the political prisoners and their families. Unless one is directly involved in work on their behalf and has first-hand knowledge of what these people endure, the unbelievable suffering and harassment the political prisoners / dissidents on the island face on a daily basis is basically overlooked and/or not reported outside of human rights agencies and similar organizations across the globe. When stories about them do make the news, many times the reports are inaccurate and / or not placed as priority items on the news wires. Since the announcement of Fidel's delegation of power to Raúl, the opposition has been under even closer scrutiny and harassment.

Here are a few things that we have learned since the announcement of Castro's surgery. (I will refrain from citing sources on my blog in honor of those who have shared this information at great risk, but I can attest to its accuracy.)

• From a source on the island: "The people of Cuba are living under great tension as a result of the uncertainty of not knowing exactly what is happening. The Cuban people are very afraid to speak out or rise up because State Security, the Committee in Defense of the Revolution and pro-Castro mobs keep constant vigil on all Cuban citizen. "
• From another source: "Not only does State Security keep an eye on individuals' home, but they also watch our every step. The measures State Security is taking also are applied to our places of work as well."
• A third source states,"There is an underlying terror that has the people paralyzed, mortified. Only those who support Castro can take to the streets. The Committees of the Revolution, civilian members as well as those from the military, have been instructed by State Secutiry to squelch any type of expression that could possibly incite the populace to jubilation or rebellion."
• Information received via telephone: Political prisoners who are incarcerated have been informed by prison guards that if there is any display of opposition to the Castro regime by dissident groups, they (the prisoners) will be executed.
• Phone service to dissidents' houses has been interrupted, making it impossible for news from them to leave the island.
• One dissident has reported being closely followed and harassed by mobs of pro-Castro supporters.
• "This is a very critical moment," stated a person who was clearly reluctant to speak. "I'm afraid... you don't know who's listening to you."
• Some Cubans with relatives in the security forces said military and other uniformed personnel had been mobilized in barracks and police stations as a precaution.

The list could go on and on...Tonight as people once again take to the streets in Little Havana, Laida and other members of The Coalition of Cuban-American Women are there, handing out literature about the political prisoners and their families. (Unfortunately, many Cubans in this country are poorly informed about those who are struggling on behalf of human rights on the island.) From my computer here in Ohio, I am trying to organize a vigil on behalf of the prisoners that will be held in Miami early next week, and I'm disseminating as much information as I can to individuals, organizations, and governments.

If anyone who reads this is interested in further information, give me a call. The best reported info I've seen compiled on the Cuban situation at present can be found by checking out the Yahoo home page. Any article there will link to others from the Associated Press, Reuters, BBC, etc. Keep in mind, however, that many reporters don't get the full picture.

And, if anyone would like to discuss issues regarding Castro as a "benevolent dictator" and/or the successes of the Cuban educational and health care systems, I have wealth of information to share to the contrary.

My prayer is for peace in Cuba, for a peaceful transition, for the safety of those I know there, for the liberation of those who are unjustly incarcerated, for those in exile who have suffered ex-patriation for so long and whose pain and suffering run deep--people whom I have known for years and deeply love--and for the beautiful island that has been left in ruins for five decades.

May peace and freedom prevail. So may it be.

Namasté...

(Additional note: If you haven't read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is very well-worth the time. I encourage all to do so.)

AUGUST HEAT...

It's truly difficult to fathom that the 8th month of the year has arrived...and arrived with intensity unlike we've experienced prior to the end of July. Officially, the temps have been hovering around 93-97 degrees; however, the thermometer on the deck registered 102 yesterday afternoon...Made me want to go stand under the hose for a while, so I did!

As I write this, a rainstorm has moved in from the northwest, and I can sense cooler breezes bringing it along. I, along with all the wilting plants and the panting four-leggeds and winged ones, welcome the rain and the cooler feel to the evening.

The garden has suffered a bit in the heat, but the tomatoes are beginning to turn, the kale is as healthy as ever, and the onions are big and flavorful. Flowers which are well-mulched flourish; those that aren't have an exhausted look to them. Annie and Molly have been content to stay in the house and sleep although they took a long walk with me today. The felines stay pretty much hidden in their territorial spaces around the farm, only surfacing to eat in the late afternoon. Even the hummingbirds aren't downing the nectar I put out for them as feverishly as they were before.

According to the info from my Witches' Calendar, August is the time to acknowledge the bounty of the Earth and to honor those whose hard work went into producing the fresh veggies and fruits that we so enjoy. It is a time of "thanksgiving and remembrance, maintaining our happiness by by recognizing that which comes as the result of hard work." Additional thoughts from the calendar: " Often times it is those who work the hardest who go without thanks...Our lives will never be without joy, as long as we pause to than those who have aided us" And it continues, stating "Give thanks for the blessings of those who surround you, and you can be sure that you will receive that blessing three-fold in return."

Tonight I am grateful for my family and friends, my home, my critters, the rain, the rainbow in the sky behind the house, my health, and all the Earth provides. I'm also thankful for the first tomatoes off the vines in the garden. Today's tomato sandwich was THE BEST!!!! (And no, I didn't use fat-free mayonaise.) :0) :0)

(Art credit: Jennifer Hewiston / Llewelyn's Witches' Calendar-August)

(PS: The photo posting problem seems to have rectified itself. I have no idea what the problem was! Mary Ann, you were most likely correct in thinking it was just a blog problem.)

HELP !!!!

For some unknown reason, my computer will no longer allow me to post pictures on my blog. I don't know why this has mysteriously happened. I've checked HELP from blogger.com, but I can't figure this dilemma out. Apparently there is a block somewhere on my computer that's making it impossible to post photos, but I have no idea about how to to go about unblocking the block. Any ideas from those of you who read Namasté???? Suggestions, detailed troubleshooting directions, and any other specific ideas about what I need to do would be greatly appreciated.

¡¡Muchísimas gracias!!

NO LONGER A COLONOSCOPY VIRGEN

After arriving home from Boone yesterday afternoon, my final trip of the summer (YEAH!!! I'll be home for a while!), I began the dreaded preparation for the colonoscopy procedure that I passed with flying colors this morning. (no puns intended)

Yes, it's true--the preparation is far worse than the procedure. Even the frequent trips to the potty were much more bearable than having to drink that god-awful solution that sets the trips in motion. I chose orange for my GoLytely (a mis-nomer, I'm here to attest!) flavor, thinking it would add some sort of tolerable taste to the somewhat salty and nauseating concoction. That was wishful thinking!!! By the end of the third and 1/2 liter of the stuff, I was done! I could NOT bring myself to complete the entire gallon. In fact, the sight of the jug itself was in and of itself enough to bring about close calls of the barfing kind. (Never disclosed before fact about drinking the purgartive solution: My MD said this morning that drinking only half the solution is quite OK. Too bad I didn't know that earlier!!)

Anyway, it's all over, and I'm no worse for the wear....I do have to have a follow-up stress test since my heart rate dropped significantly during the anesthesia. I could have told them it would...it always does, but I'll do the stress test for good measure...Anyway, I am thankful that my innards are polyp-free....Must be all the good eating I do!!

The trip to Boone was good. I read my 2nd and 3rd Miss Julia books, hung out with Samuel and Eliza, went to Mom's family reunion (it was bearable), and saw my beloved Grandma Ruth--the real highlight of my trip. She has been failing a bit, but she recognized me right off when she saw me, talked with me, and smiled when I told her how much I love her. Her dozens (literally) of hummingbirds whirled around the feeders outside, and the site of the mountains from her yard was breathtaking. I vote for Pigeon Roost as my favorite place on earth!

Now that I'm home and the heat's over 90 degrees, I'm inclined to take a couple of days to rest before the last push to get things done before classes start. That's a thought that I'll avoid for a couple more weeks. Until then, it's back to the outdoors with the flowers, the critters, and the land...the things I like best!

HOME FROM PHILLY...

I'm waking up this morning to the sound of a gentle and much needed rain outside. I've decided to take a lazy morning since the trip home from Philadelphia was a bit longer than expected...about three hours longer, to be exact. (See the official blog vent that follows.)

The state of Pennsylvania gets the award for worst exit markings off interstates, particularly the PA Turnpike, in the nation. In addition, if one misses an exit, there is NO, let me repeat, NO way to turn around until the next exit, which might be 65 miles down the road. Therefore, when I missed the exit to Bedford, MD, Eliza and I ended up in Somerset, PA and had to take a winding back road through the PA /MD mountains that eventually got us to the road we needed to get back on our route.

Thankfully, the "scenic route" did indeed prove to be a truly scenic one. Along the way, we saw a series of HUGE windmills across the mountaintops in the distance, beautiful farms nestled back in the valleys, and sweet little villages with homes that looked like they were built in the 1800's. Eliza reminded me to breathe in the moment and enjoy the hiatus from interstate traffic, and so we did....

The time in Philadelphia was great...we simply hung out with Bobbi and Isabella and loved every minute of it...did some yoga and pilates..shopped a bit...went to the pool to escape the heat...took a couple of good walks with my camera...laughed and laughed and laughed...

It's good to be at home....hope to get to the Y to exercise later this afternoon....then to buy some groceries....After that, we might have an afternoon of movie after movie since it's too wet to mow....

Off to get the day going....The world's in such a mess that it seems like a good day to meditate on peace, so I send it everyone's way....

T.

PD: Photo from a dry cleaners window in Philly...I related to the glazed eye look after nine hours of driving...

A VISIT WITH DANA & JAMES

I absolutely love it when the farm family comes home. Dana and James just left this morning after spending two wonderful days here at The Farm with Eliza and me. And what a wonderful time together we had! - - - Thai food (prepared by James and Eliza)...good, long chats...a trip to the movies..time sharing photos...walks around the garden (when it wasn't "pourin' down the rain")...Most of all, time together!

Both Dana and James are immersed in the rigors of doctoral programs at The University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Despite the tremendous amount of time, work, dedication, and discipline that process requires, these two maintain a balance in their lives that includes having their hands in the Earth and maintaining a healthy, loving relationship. Keeping it together while both partners are in grad school is not an easy task, but Dana and James pull it off gracefully and thoughtfully of one another..Way to go, you two! My love and admiration for you both is HUGE!

When Dana and James are around, we talk a lot about teaching. I would absolutely LOVE to be a student in their classes. The teaching profession needs educators like Dana and James...highly intelligent, creative, dedicated, provocative, sincere, and caring instructors. Listening to them talk about their approach to teaching and their love of the process inspires me beyond words.

I'll have these two on my mind all day as I putz around the rain-soaked farm in the heat and humidity. It's too wet to mow, so perhaps I'll tackle a few weeds, mulch around the plants Dana and I set out, and read James's blog over and over again.....

Namasté......T.

HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN, JIGGEDY JOG...

(What Papa always said when we got back home from somewhere.)

I'm back from Ohio..Loved being in Boone...Loved the travel time in the car... Essence of the trip: Hanging out with Papa and Petie...Breakfast and coffee with Samuel...An afternoon at the winery....Observing Papa in his frailty....Kissing his head in the morning...

Going to Lowe's with Petie to pick out zinnias for her flowerbed...

Reading bits and pieces of our respective Miss Julia books to each other...

Laughing at Mom getting tickled as she read out loud...

Surrounded with rhododendrons everywhere.... Spent a lot of time looking at them closely...

Farmer's Market....Saturday morning and lunch with cousin, Bobby....

To see a performance of Pilobolus on the ASU campus Saturday night...AMAZING !!!

By chance, ran into my friend, Geraldine Plato....soooo good to see her and reconnect....

Time with Papa and Petie.....

The photos pretty much speak to the essence of the trip.....

Details to come as I get there in my mind....

Love to all.....

NOTHING COULD BE FINER....
than to be in Carolina....

Just a quick post from the Watauga County Library in Boone, NC. I arrived last evening after a 5 1/2 hour drive down I-77 in torrential rain. I actually enjoyed the drive; I just took my time and listened to some great music that I brought along.

Woke up this morning with Samuel hopping on my bed. It is SOOOOO good to see him. Those of you who haven't seen him in a while would be really surprised to see how slender and "buff" he is now. This summer, he's spent a good amount of time on his boss's mountain bike, riding in the mountains around the winery where he works. This morning I went with him to pick up a bike that he has had his eye on, and he's already off on an afternoon ride with his friend, Kirk. He has spent the summer biking and reading, and he seems like a happy camper (who is ready to get back into town and start a new job at a local high-end restaurant.)

The mountains are glorious in their full summertime greenery. I hope to get out to do some walking on a couple of familiar trails I've walked all my life. I also hope to get over to see Grandma Ruth. The report is that she's having a hard time sleeping and stays rather confused. I just want to hold her hand in mine. I can't get enough of her love!

The Smithsonian Institute also holds its summer art programs on the ASU campus. The Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit is in place, and there is a Pilobolus Dance Troupe performance Saturday night that I plan on attending. The area is ALIVE with art and creative things....makes me think I'd like to be here in the summer in the future. Hmmmm....

Time's running out on my library computer. I hope to get some photos of the mountains to post once I get back to the Farm. Looking forward to a visit from Dana and James next week. Joe Davis and I had a short visit Tuesday evening...So good to see him....I love it when the farm family comes home!

Bye from Boone!

JULY 2006

It's a warm, breezy Sunday morning, and all signs would point to a scorcher of a day. There's a strong feeling of thunderstorms in the heat and breeze, so I wouldn't be surprised to hear some drummers in the sky later on today. When Samuel and Eliza were small and a little intimidated by the thunder, I'd tell them it was just the sky people pulling out their drums. Sometimes we'd pull out our drums and answer the thunder. What a sweet memory....

This month's Llewellyn Witches' Calendar notes speaks of how the vibration of the natural world is full of "sparkling, combustible power." Around the farm, the energy of dive-bombing hummingbirds, lazing dogs and cats, glorious flowers, a flourishing garden, and hay-covered fields is full and fertile. On a pesty note, the Japanese beetles made their first appearance this past week. Funny how they time their arrival when the plants are most luscious.I always notice them in pairs, enjoying a piggy-back ride...Hmmmmm...Wonder what they're doing??? Two beetle bags now hang from trees in the yard, just in case my suspicion is right on and the population begins to increase quantomly. Those suckers can munch through the grapevines in a matter of a few hours!

I welcomed in the new month by going down to the historic Blennerhasset Hotel and dancing to the music of the Swinging Orangutangs. It felt great to move my body and to be surrounded by many folks dancing. I LOVE being in the middle of a dancing crowd...makes my heart light and brings big smiles to my face!

I hope all who read this are thriving and at peace....off to the outdoors..

Namasté...

T.

(July calendar art: Jennifer Hewiston)

MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS

1. I had a nice dinner and wonderful visit with Beth Nash and Sherm Koons last evening out at their place. Their gardens are such an inspiration. Now I've got the bug to put in a new bed down by the barn and rework the garden plot below the barn. Sherm has always been my best teacher in terms of mulching and more mulching.

2. The rug I cleaned is still hanging on the back porch. Is there a thing as rug rot? Maybe this afternoon's sun will be strong enough to dry it out so I can get it in the house.

3. Movie recommendation: "Everything is Illuminated"...Starring Elijah Wood. Funny, poignant, artistically done. The grandfather in the movie who insists he's blind has a dog named Sammy Davis Jr. Jr. and drives an old beat up blue car. Well worth the watch!

4. Eliza's in Hawaii with her dad, and I'm a little envious....Not that I want to be in Hawaii with her dad, but I would like to be there with her. She'll get to see Lori and hang out a bit.

5. Dahlias, sunflowers, lilies, roses, nasturiums are in full bloom. The zinnias are about to open.

6. I have to go mow again....Peace.

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY
Tanya at the farm wants to play...

and besides she has the two rugs she washed on Saturday hanging out and waiting to dry on the deck rails. It would be nice if the sun would return soon! Really bad timing on my part! Obviously, I didn't catch the weather report.

So, on this "curl up and read a good book" day, I've played a game of internet Scrabble (and won!), taken a bath (much to the delight of the critters here at the farm), and contemplated what to do with the rest of the afternoon. As I was reading Mary Ann's blog, I saw where she had tagged me with a "wiki meme" (whatever that is), and I took the bait.

Soooo, here is the result of my investigation concerning events that occurred on my birthday, September 12th:

Three events that happened on the same day (not necessarily the same year) I incarnated on the planet:

1. 1846 - Elizabeth Barrett eloped with Robert Browning. (¡Qué escándalo!)

2. 1940 - Cave paintings discovered in Lascaux, France. (I hope to see them someday if they're still open to the public.)

3. 1953 - John F. Kennedy marries Jackie Bouvier. (The beginning of Camelot...on my birthday, no less.)

Two important birthdays on September 12:

1. 1913 - Jesse Owens, American athlete (d. 1980) (He's always been one of my heroes.)

2. 1944 - Leonard Peltier, Native American activist (I relate to a good activist!)

One notable soul who left the planet on September 12:

2003 - Johnny Cash, American singer and guitarist (b. 1932) (May he rest in peace.)

Holiday on September 12:

RC Saints - Holy Name of Mary (My goodness, my birthday is Holy Mary, Mother of God day! I didn't know that, but I did purchase a very primitive Virgin of Guadalupe santo in San Antonio; unfortunately, she lost a piece of her right side in the shipping process.)

So now I tag Tom and anyone else who has a few minutes to spare to join in the fun! Here are the instructions:

1. Go to Wikipedia.
2. In the Search box, type your birth month and day (but not year).
3. List three events that happened on your birthday.
4. List two important birthdays and one interesting death.
5. One holiday or observance (if any)

OK, enough time spent here. Thanks, Mary Ann, for sending me something that added to my storehouse of trivia. Like you, I enjoy learning even if it comes in small bites. :0)

Off to fill the hummingbird feeders, take a look at my closet so I can begin to contemplate cleaning it (later, of course), and alphabetize my CD's.....Might even start some paper pulp, but that's WET as well.

MY PHILADELPHIA GIRLS


Bobbi...didn't come through my body but definitely came through my heart. I remember sitting alone in the top of the old apple tree at my first childhood home looking out across the connecting yards and fantasizing about what my life would be like when I was older. Part of those imaginary moments included naming my future kids....I can remember knowing that I'd have a son and two daughters....I think somewhere in my childhood diary I have the names I invented for them written down, but specifically I remember that I was going to have a Robert Joseph...Robert Joseph turned out to be Roberta Josephine, aka, Bobbi...She's been a part of my life since I came to Marietta from New Orleans....There's no one in the world like her for me...If one subscribes to soul mates from past lives who connect again during this incarnation, then you've got Bobbi and me...mother / daughter.....best friends...each other's greatest teacher in so many ways....I learn so much from her! We've journeyed together as closely as I have with anyone for the past 26 years, and we laugh and love stronger and better every day. Bobbi exudes beauty, grace, power, love, and happiness. She is a living example of one who walks her talk, and I so admire her for that.

Isabella Rose Tighe....
Six years old now! I listened to her birth over the phone, and I remember that Samuel was so excited that he cried with joy at her arrival...She has eyes that see the future....a smile that radiates love...an imagination that takes her to amazing places...She's a princess....an Indigo child....She's funny....artistic....musical....precocious...funny....energetic...loving, so loving....delicate....feminine....spunky....strong-willed..... so much like her amazing mother!

I delight in the joy and love these two girls bring into my life!

HAPPY SUMMER SOLSTICE !! (written the day after) & SUMMER FARM UPDATE

After an extended trip home from San Antonio, I'm finally back at the farm...Arrived yesterday and found the farm in wonderful shape, thanks to Tom J. and his love for this place...Had a nice evening visit with Tom J. and Tom S...Along with Cathy, another friend, we made sweet bundles for Solstice, walked to the back field and into the spiral in honor of the Goddess, and then as darkness approached, lit the Solstice fire. It was huge and beautiful, a reminder of the light and the fertility of the many blessings that fill my life.

Let's see...Since the last official farm update, several folks have stopped in. Dana and James came by for a brief visit while they were in town for Dana's mom's graduation. Both D. and J. are in really good spaces, having completed the course work for their doctoral degrees. It was sooo good to have them here, catch up on their lives, and hear about their adventures. They'll be back in July, and I'll post some photos of that visit. ~Meera has been home a couple of times. The last time she was here, she and Eliza spent some time twirling flags in the driveway. Her parents have moved from Marietta, so the Farm will be here for her Marietta home now. In the fall, she'll start at Berkeley in grad school. Uganda and her village there continues to vibrate in her heart, and in her last e-mail, she mentioned being in contact with a Ugandan woman who was doing some potentially exciting work in Uganda that was of interest to Meera. Can't wait to hear more! ~Brett's last visit was brief. It might be August before he's back. His move to California is just around the corner, but as I write this, he's hiking in Corsica before returning home for other exciting adventures for the rest of the summer. He and Betsy will be attending a conference together on the East Coast as well, I think. My heart just bubbles over with happiness when I think of those two! ~Eliza's headed to Hawaii for a couple of weeks with her father. My hope is that she'll be able to connect with Lori while there. Since she's at her dad's for this month, I talk with her daily on the phone. She's doing daily practices with the Warren High School color guard and becoming more and more graceful and adept at doing the flag routines and dancing.~ Samuel's in the last three weeks of his internship at the winery. I don't think the work there has been as exotic as he had expected, but he's learned a heck of a lot about winemaking,bottling and corking, the marketing process, wine tasting, and mountain biking (his new passion). More than ever, I've had the "empty nest syndrome" with Samuel gone for the summer. Can't wait to get to Boone to see him! ~Bobbi and Isabella were home for Memorial Day. Bobbi's more beautiful than ever in every way, and little Isabella is a child whose eyes reflect wisdom and keen insight. Eliza and I will see them in a few weeks when we go to Philadelphia for a visit. ~ Joe came to the Farm while Bobbi was here. We got an extended visit because he got really sick while he was here. I was glad I could make his tea and fix him some soup because the lack of sleep, work, and stress of the last quarter at OU had really exhausted him. The good news is that he's back in good shape, enjoying the summer wtih Elissa (who just sent photos of her amazing art work), and coming to Marietta from time to time to go out on the boat with his dad. ~Lori's still on Maui, nannying and living the aloha life. No more needs to be said there since I flush green with envy (totally positive envy) when I close my eyes and see her having her morning fresh fruit out on the beach.~ Tom J. and I got the tiller from the shop yesterday, and we're finally ready to get to the garden. It will definitely be a late garden, but the fresh broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, onions, and kale we're enjoying at the moment is more than enough inspiration to get it together. I'll try to chronicle some of our "Will and Grace" episodes as we begin the garden adventure.

Other than acclimating back to life in the Mid-Ohio Valley and still thinking completely in Spanish, I'm getting ready to settle into a very relaxed and mellow summer space. There are many farm chores that await, but I actually look forward to getting more things done around here. Think of me as I continue to battle the weeds, work in my flowers, and get ready to make some paper. I'm at total peace when I'm here at the farm just putzing around.

My love to all is HUGE...May the energy of the Solstice embrace you each with good health, happiness, love, and an abundance of all things good in your lives.

Namasté....T.

~IMAGES OF SAN ANTONIO~
(taken in El Mercadito)
I love the colors, the images, the faces, the folklore, the smells, the sounds, and the beauty of the market.
~Painting by a
Mexican artist whose name I cannot remember and family of skeletons in honor of Day of the Dead...


~Strings of reed beads...
Below, an alebrije by a renowned Oaxacan folk artist who uses natural materials to make his paints.

SAN ANTONIO - POST #2

After spending the entire day with voices jabbering in my ears, I'm a little burned out on conversation and chatter, so while my colleagues are off attending a lecture that has little interest for me, I find myself enjoying the silence of the computer room again.

Last night was really neat! I had the opportunity to meet Liliana Valenzuela, a woman who translates novels into Spanish for authors like Julia Alvarez, Sandra Cisneros, and Denise Chávez. I was mesmerized by her love of language and culture, and I learned a heck of a lot from her as she talked about how she works. She definitely whetted my appetite in terms of doing some serious translations. Now I can't wait to purchase Caramelo in both languages and compare the two. Once I get home, I hope to spend a couple hours a day translating Manuel Vázquez Portal's memoirs from prison!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that once I get it finished, a publisher will pick it up! (I think it has great potential!--much more so that Eduardo's novel that I spent hours on a couple of years ago.)

I've also been contemplating what I want to put out to the Universe for Solstice, and I think I've got it together. I'm not going to divulge what I want to manifest to anyone but the solstice fire, however. Again, I'm spending some serious time in thought because I have learned ( a couple of times in the hard way) to be careful what I conjure. I do think, however, I've got this idea bound pretty tight in terms of what I want the Universe to assist me with.

Another revelation I've had here is that not all my Cuban friends are very informed about the reality of life in Cuba. In fact, I'm somewhat surprised that even though these highly intelligent exiles all express a great desire to return to the island, very few of them have any real sense of what life is like there. Oh, they read things, and they all have their opinions, but few have contact with people who have just arrived from Cuba or ones who suffer daily under Castro's regime. I realize that I'm not an expert, but when I listen to their great ideas about what life will be like post-Castro, I know these Cuban-Americans are WAY off base. I don't say too much as I listen, but let's just say that they're in for a HUGE reality check once Fidel kicks the bucket...I just want to go help those I know there in any way I can...And if I can hang out on the beautiful Cuban beaches from time to time, then I'll be very, very happy.

Off to the dorm to hit the sack. Love to all who read this......

SALUDOS DE SAN ANTONIO...
I've had a busy week here with 850 other folks who are working their culitos off grading Advanced Placements exams in Spanish...Other than 8 - 9 hours of work a day, I've managed to go downtown to the market, find my favorite little store that sells santos, venture through some interesting places with my camera, eat some really good food, have a few margaritas and cold glasses of Shiner Bock, hang out with some amazing people, and walk around the campus a lot in search of empty computers. I'm hoping to get downtown one more time to stroll along the Riverwalk and find the favorite local hangout, Rosarios, where the music is authentic, the food is fantastic, and the prices are reasonable.

In four more days, I'll head back to the Mid-Ohio Valley and begin to enjoy summer vacation. For now, San Antonio is a great place to be.

Chao! T.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2006

I've spent the day alone here at the farm, raking the grass that I've mowed for the past few days into big piles, loading it into the tractor cart, and mulching it in on the vegetable beds to stave off the inevitable weeds that will appear while I'm away in San Antonio. The drone of the tractor and the silence of the afternoon have given me ample time to make my mental list of a few more things I want to get done before I take off. Actually, with the exception of one or two minor things, I'm pretty well prepared.

This past week was one which brought up some pain and anger associated with my divorce, and I think my disgust with myself is that I still get caught up in those emotions five years after my ex-husband moved away. In the most acute moments, I must confess that I don't readily access forgiveness or compassion for the man I knew and was married to for over 25 years, but when I am able to define what the anger and pains masks, I know it is simply sadness that the two of us just couldn't find common ground upon which to rebuild a relationship that in its best days was very, very good (at least, I think so)... sadness that we have no connection or communication whatsoever (again, the pain for me is huge)... sadness for two amazing children whose memories of our days as a foursome are fading... ....most of all, sadness that a love that was once strong and beautiful got totally lost along the way. I own my part in the saga of our inability to work things out; I also know there were many things beyond my control that contributed to its ending. I console myself with my steadfast belief that there are no accidents in the Universe, and that the Universe always looks after me; consequently, I know life has unfolded and continues to do so in my highest best interest. As I constantly remind myself of that notion, I feel less vulnerable and fragile, stronger and accepting. Who knows what goodness / adventures the future holds?? :0)

On a happier and more spirited note, Tom J. and Tom S. came out for dinner tonight, and we created a gourmet delight --broiled portabella mushrooms covered with veggies and then topped with a salmon / rice / garlic / cucumber paté-type thing with melted cheese on the top. And, for the third time this week, we had fresh steamed broccoli straight from the garden. I do believe it was the best meal in town this evening.

Also, I leave for San Antonio tomorrow and will be gone over a week. It'll be good to "get out of Dodge" and hang out with my latino friends while we grade tens of thousands of AP exams. ... no English spoken for a week, really good food, trips to the mercado, a stroll down the Riverwalk, and some good authentic margaritas.

Summer solstice is 11 days away....I'm percolating what it is that I will want to conjure up that day!

Chao and Namasté

PS: Mary Ann, I've been thinking about your getaway a LOT! Hope it was GRREEATTT !!

JUNE IS HERE !!!...
and that means the quarter is over, graduation is at hand, no more classes until August / September, more time at home, papermaking, flowers, gardening, visiting friends, road trips, no one's schedule by my own. Although educators are miserably underpaid (even though 98% of the nation thinks we get an extended vacation with pay...quite a misconception, I'd like to clarify here), having time in the summer to regroup and get away from the office is definitely a perk.

The first week of this sacred solstice month has been quite a busy one. Beautiful Eliza, (see photo w/Myra, my sister)valedictorian of the 8th grade class at Warren Elementary, was officially promoted to high school in a sweet ceremony on Thursday evening, June 1st. In an insightful address to her classmates, delivered with poise and grace, she challenged them to put aside petty differences and live their lives in gratitude and adventure. Despite what she considered to be a bad hair evening (Plan A, her plan, failed, so she had to go to Plan B, aka, mom with the curlers and comb in hand), I believe she and her friend, Katie, who also chose a simply elegant look, were the two most stunning young women of the evening. (Somehow, 8th grade girls with piles of "hairsprayed to death fake curls" on the tops of their heads look quite artificially groomed through the eyes of this mom who greatly prefers natural beauty.) Tom Jackson, my sister, Myra, Sharon Johnson, and I represented her farm family, and as Grandma Ruth would say, "We were proud as punch of that girl!" Following the promotion ceremony, all the 8th grade class got together for one last dance at their school. I understand tears flowed.

Over the weekend, Eliza, Myra, and I hung out---the Shook Girls had a great weekend of play and shopping. Friends came over Saturday and Sunday evenings, and we all celebrated the end of the school year in good fashion. Eliza and her best friend, Desiree, hung out Sunday afternoon, as well..It's a great sisterhood connection those two have--friends since they were one year old.

In gardening news, Applachian Will and Grace, aka, Tom and Tanya, took the tiller to the shop to get it fixed after a couple of unsuccessful attempts to get it started. If we get the plot below the barn tilled and planted by July, we'll be doing quite well. BUT the kale, lettuce, and onions in the upper garden have been providing us with good salads and onion breath. The squash and tomatoes are thriving as well, and the volunteer dill will be great for pickles if we ever get some cukes planted. Tonight, I'm fixing fresh, organic broccoli from the garden, and I can't wait.

My Witches' Calendar reminds me that June is "make a wand" month and time to focus on creating the magic I want to manifest in my life. Summer Solstice is fast approaching! I'll get started on the wand, and I'll start thinking about the magic part. Life experience has taught me time and time again to be quite specific in the requests I send out to the Universe, but I'm up for some good magic in my life---just got to decide what kind of good magic! I love making wands as well. Maybe I'll make several and get them out over the farm to bring in someone to cut the fields or bequeath me a huge tractor so I can cut them. Better still, maybe I'll whip up some magic for winning the lottery. If I do hit the big one, I promise to share with my friends...

(Art: Jennifer Hewitson from Llewellyn's Witches' Calendar - June)

CAUGHT MY EYE....My camera and I took a little walk around the yard today, and these are the things that caught my eye.........

A happy Buddha.....His message: smile.. do no harm...stay close to the Source.....keep your hands in the dirt...contemplate the beauty of compost! :0)

Japanese irises...I love the purple.....

Rhododendron.....reminds me of the mountains in North Carolina.....

Colors and curves in my lettuce patch......

The first rose cut and brought in the house.......

Off to clean.....Happy Saturday to all!

SIGHTINGS AROUND THE FARM ~ The third week of May, 2006

~wild daisies and asters in bloom
~lots of yukky, repulsive ticks on dogs and cats (sorry, I know that's gross..)
~lots of cute, adorable baby bunnies
~roses about to bloom
~sunflowers and zinnias sprouting from the seeds I planted
~gladiolas and dahlias from bulbs I planted
~pansies that are still beautiful
~pale lilac irises in bloom
~a pink flaming azalea and a beautiful white rhododendron in bloom
~orchids in bloom in the house
~kale, onions, and lettuce that are ready to eat
~a Texas Star hibuscus popping through the ground
~mockingbirds, red-wing blackbirds, hummingbirds, brown thrashers, phoebes, and yellow warblers
~incredible sunsets
~beautiful Eliza twirling her flag

It's quiet here...it's beautiful here....it's peaceful here...and I love being at HOME!

MOTHERS' DAY, 2008

Today, I'd like to honor all those women who have made and continue to make an incredible impact in my life. The list would be long, for in some way, every woman I have known has expanded my understanding of myself as a woman / mother / daughter / sister / friend. So, I'll keep it short, well, sort of.....

I am especially fortunate that my paternal grandmother, Dulcie Ruth Michael Shook, who turned 104 in January, 2006, still lives in her small house back in the mountains in Pigeon Roost, NC. Grandma Shook had 10 children, nine of whom are still living. Although she drifts in and out of reality from time to time, on a clear mental day "Miss Ruth" can still tell a good story and remember days when she and her sister, Ada, used to climb trees and play tricks on the pigs. Moon pies and mayonnaise sandwiches rank right up there as her favorite snacks, and her advice on living a long, fruitful live is to "tell the truth, and don't trust doctors." She's been known to take her medicine out of her mouth when no one is looking and stash the pills and tablets underneath the cushion of her chair. When her youngest son was killed in a car accident involving a drunk driver, Grandma insisted upon going to the trial of the man who was responsible to let him know that despite her sorrow, she believed the higher thought was forgiveness. In her forgiveness, deeply rooted in "ole' time" mountain faith, she found her healing.

About three years ago, I went to visit her, and Grandma told me of a vision she had in which Jesus appeared to her. She said she woke up one night to a very bright light and was getting up to get her gun because she "knowed it was one of those no count Rupperts from down the road" trying to get in her house. When she sat up on the side of the bed, the entire room filled with the light, and as she looked toward her bedroom door, she saw Jesus standing there. I asked her what he looked like, and she replied, "Well, he looked like that picture that's a hangin' right over the sofa in the other room." Then she proceeded to tell me that Jesus told her that she would live longer than Ada and that he had other plans for her. (Aunt Ada died about three months later at the age of 98, I think) In fact, despite her insistence that she was ready to "go to the promised land," Jesus told her to get used to the idea that she would live to be 105. And indeed, Grandma is still with us today.

When I walk in through the front door of her house and see her across the room, sitting in her overstuffed chair like a little Buddha of the "holler," I feel totally safe, totally loved, totally embraced. If I could beam myself to any place in the world today on Mothers' Day, I'd be sitting on the old green stool at a corner place around her table, listening to her say grace, and settling in for a home-cooked mountain meal There'd be some good greens, and chicken and gravy, for sure. Uncles, aunts, and cousins would wander in and out of the house all afternoon, and Grandma would smile and love each one of them, whether or not she understood who they were.

I always tell Grandma Shook that she's the most beautiful woman in the world, and for me (along with my mom), she truly is. Often times I close my eyes and feel her hand in mine, and I feel strong and loved very deeply.

And then there's my mom, Petie, as her my children call her. Mom's life has been one of giving to others, and in doing so, she finds her satisfaction and greatest joys. Mom's the solid foundation of our family; she's a woman who has spent the last thirty years of her life patiently caring for my father through the progression of his Parkinson's Disease. Petie is loved by many, but her #1 fans are her grandchildren, for they adore her as much as she adores them.

The 7th of nine children, Mom, who's real name is Mary Macintosh Stevenson Shook, is also known as "Shook," "Nurse Shook," "Steve," and "Mary Mac." At a time when many women never considered a career, Mom decided to become a nurse, travelled away from home to attend nursing school, and subsequently, graduate school. She was the first person to give a shot of penicillin in the hospital where she worked, and she established the Student Health Service at Appalachian State University. As the only nurse on campus for many years, she attended to everything from homesickness to childbirth. Within the community, Mom was always the person called when folks got sick. Our kitchen served as her clinic, from which she dispersed her advice and gave allergy and B12 shots. She did private duty with many, many people while working full-time, simply because she was the person people trusted in times of great need. I can't begin to recall all the people for whom she cared in their final moments; it was as if Mom's presence with them during their final breaths allowed them to make their transition into the world of spirit without fear and peacefully.

My mom is beautiful. As she advances in years (she's now 87), her beauty increases. I love to look at the light reflect off of her snow white hair, and I love to hear her laugh when she gets really tickled. After we talk every afternoon as I am on my way home from work, I feel complete and safe. And on Mother's Day, today, the little girl in me would love to be with her mom. I love her so!

And then there are my girls, Bobbi and her daughter, Isabella, and Eliza Caroline. Bob's off in Philadelphia, so we connected by

phone a couple of times today. She's a great mom to sweet, bright, energetic Isabella. Bobbi didn't come through my body, but she certainly came through my heart. Bobbi is one of the strongest, most passionate, most beautiful, most loving women I know. There may be no other two on earth who enjoy life like we do when we're together (and apart, so far as that goes.) Forget anything traditional or conventional in our presence; we don't fit those molds! Our beloved Joe Davis says the energy on the planet takes a huge shift when the two of us are together!

Eliza Caroline and I spent the Mother's Day together. My baby's now 14!- - - she's my best buddy! For a mom and daughter, we get along more like best friends. We both have an "Inspecteur Clousseau" sense of humor and love to watch movies together all snuggled up in my bed. As I witness her transformation into a young woman, I watch her grace and beauty unfold, and my heart bubbles over with happiness and delight. She's bright, witty, kind, loving - - the farm's social butterfly. Watching her from across the table this evening, I could see the woman she'll become, and it was a incredibly amazing vision. The self-proclaimed beauty / princess / most intelligent person at the farm, Eliza delights in life and those of us who live with her delight with her along the way. How could I be so lucky!

Today I also think of Myra, Miss Hal, my aunts Joyce, Linda, Mildred, and Audrey, Nina Martin Baker, Peg, Aunt Lera, Aunt Lib, Betsy, Gladys Greene, Aunt Kate, Mami Alonso, Elena,Anita Eppley, Diane, Caroline, LoriBeth, Dana, Meera, Laida, María Luisa, Liana, Hermana Marta, Hermana Nora, Mary Ann, Deb, Gail, Charlotte, Sharon......

Happy Mothers' Day to all women - -to all mothers, to all daughters, to all sisters, to all girlfriends!

That pretty much covers it all...

GOODNESS PERSONIFIED...

He calls to say, "Soup's on. Come on over."
He laughs with me over really silly things that others don't get.
He likes to garden and can.
He's a great cook.
He likes killed lettuce, beans, "taters," and some good cornbread.
He understands the need to season things with bacon grease. :0)
He understands mountain talk, and he knows mountain ways.

He takes the time to go watch Eliza's softball games on days I can't make it.
He loves the farm animals, and they love him.
He takes care of the farm when I'm away.
He surprises me with flowers and cards.
He listens to me blubber on the phone when life gets crazy.
He gives sound, good, loving advice.
He always says, "Love ya!" whenever we are about to hang up on the phone or head in different directions.

He's the brother I never had.

He's one of my very best and closest friends.

He's one of the few people in whom I place total trust and confidence.

He is a genuine, real, good, loving person in every way....He's goodness personified.

I love him..

He's Tom Jackson, a.k.a. "Will" of the Appalachian Will and Grace duo, and ...

it's my priviledge to be " Grace...."

MAY DAY 2006

I remember this day from my childhood as being almost as special as Christmas or Halloween or Easter. Every May 1st, students at the college where my parents worked put up beautifully decorated May Poles around campus, adorned them with colorful ribbons, and danced around them from early evening into the darkness of the night. The May Queen and her court got as much coverage in the college yearbook as the Homecoming Queen and her entourage; the college symphony held an outdoor concert and played waltzes while students wove their ribbons under and over one another as they circled around the pole. Flowers were placed all over the campus in honor of this rite of spring, and folks from all around the region came onto campus to celebrate as well. As a young girl, I journeyed to faraway places in my mind on this special occasion. One year, the May Queen placed a garland of white and pink flowers on my head; in my imagination, I became her princess. It was magical!

I now know and celebrate the day as Beltane--an acknowledgement of the union of the masculine and feminine within us all--a day to honor of all that is coming alive in Nature as we move into greater light, a day to witness the maternal care with which the Earth nurtures what we sow, literally and figuratively.

Today at the farm, Eliza and I confirmed that the hummingbirds have returned as they dive-bombed by us while we were eating our dinner outside. Later, on my walk, I listened to the conversations of the red-winged blackbirds, yellow warblers, brown thrashers, phoebes, and wrens in the field and woods. The trillium, mayapples, wild geraniums, wild mustard, and jack-in-the pulpits are in full bloom, and we've had our first spotting of one of our resident (huge!) blacksnakes in the back woods.

While the busy-ness of life in my daily routine diverts my attention on more occasions than I might want to admit, the Earth remains my constant, and the natural world unfolds to embrace me tenderly with its beauty and grace.

So tonight, on May Day, 2006, I again connect with feeling like a princess and give thanks for the serenade of the peepers in the distance while I compose at the computer.

Today, I am grateful for the sweet smell of the Russian olives, the beautiful green color of the back field, my bright yellow pansies, the pink bleeding hearts, and weather that is warm enough for me to go barefoot on my walk.

Namasté.....

(Above: Art credit to Jennifer Hewiston / May, 2006 / Llewellyn's Witches Calendar 2006
Photo: Mayapple blossom-taken by yours truly)