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...