Sunday, July 5, 2009

Leaving the farm

Ed and I are coming up on our one year anniversary. Time for reflection. It is bemusing to think that we are newlyweds, with all we have been through. Our marriage has aged here. It has been the best and the worst of times. I’ve aged here; I’ve lost some of my happy-go-lucky spirit. I hope I regain it, for I liked that part of me. I’ve learned a lot about myself and I’ve thought a lot about the world around me.
So it didn’t work, Ed and I becoming farmers. The Beverly Hills to Hillbillies experiment failed. But it is in failing that one learns. That’s how scientists continue to narrow their focus and reform their hypothesis. As my archaeology teacher would say, we learn just as much by what we don’t find.
Let’s first look at what we found. We have found a deep appreciation for farmers, for those people that love the land and produce the food that sustain us all. As well as those who work on a local and environmentally friendly level. We don’t need to destroy the land to live off of it. We don’t need to be patenting organic life, claming ownership over a certain vegetable strain, thereby obligating others to be dependent on one source to produce that vegetable. That seeds are created to commit genetic suicide is wrong. For the very basis of life is that it is able to reproduce itself. I have become aware that there are greedy corporate forces that try to manipulate the food supply for their own benefit. To this end, I will work where and how I can to counter these forces. Support your local farmer. Support your local community.
We have found a love of small time gardening. It is amazing that a tiny seed, just with sun and water, will turn itself into a wondrous plant that bears fruit that we eat for strength and sustenance. I watch as the apples and tomatoes get bigger everyday. When I visit the local grocery store and wander through the produce section; oranges, kiwis, avocados, they just grow, naturally. From now on, we will always grow some of our own food. I think it is important that humans experience that connection with their earth.
The farm gave us a perfect location to get a Jack Russell. We are endlessly grateful that we have had these months of bonding with Jackie.
I would like to thank all my dear readers. Ed and I were talking about how crazy the brief media frenzy was. I’m glad it happened. The writing process and the blog forum have been wonderfully therapeutic for me. I like writing, and I like my writing. Although some times I stare at my keyboard, wanting to throw it out the window. I’ll always be writing.
Ed’s daughter is flying in tomorrow. We haven’t seen her since April. We get to keep her for a month, and we’ll be driving around the northwest for a while. Then, Ed and I are heading south. We are children of the sun and feel that it is a good direction to go.
So this is the end, and once you’ve said that there’s nothing left to say.

12 comments:

  1. well I hope you will continue to write about your adventures. Best Wishes on your travels,
    Shannon in Cali

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  3. Are you going to keep blogging? I hope so. Even if you don't add any more, you should definitely keep this blog up, even if it's just for archival reasons. I like it!

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  4. I really enjoyed reading your story. You are a talented and sometime humorous writer. You and Ed are very lucky to have been able to experience farming and to have the opportunity to live in such a beautiful location. The pics were just amazing. Please keep blogging! wherever you guys end up is sure to be another adventure that we can all enjoy... if you so desire to share. Good luck in your next life experience!

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  5. I have loved reading your blog. I love your writing. I hope you continue no matter where the sun may take you. As they say in Texas poker. It's good to know when to fold them. So good luck on your journey and I hope you get to discover Texas.
    Susan In Dallas

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  6. As you said, "This is the end". Kind of hard to say those 4 words sometimes but you tried the life and didn't like it. Time to try something else.
    For children of the sun south seems like a good direction to head.I hope you find your spot.
    Good luck Leah.

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  7. You will look back on this as a nodel event in your lives and have a rich perspective. Keep writing, since I already have it bookmarked to read first thing in the mornings.

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  8. I also hope that you continue writing about your travel adventures. Be sure to let us know if you make it to South Carolina and we can grab some coffee. :) I don't recommend it at the moment though... it is hot and sticky. :p

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  9. Leah, Ed & Jackie,

    Best wishes for a prosperous, happy life. I have enjoyed reading your blog & I think you both are very courageous for taking chances and making the best of the situation. Leah, keep writing-in any form you chose, you have a gift.
    Peace & Joy

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  10. Hi Leah and ED, and your/my little Jackie, I
    am sorry I haven't returned your call, but I promise I will, I have been so tied up taking
    care of my husband and work, hopefully you won't
    be changeing your phone #? Let me know how Jackie's training is going, I hope he makes you
    two as happy as mine do me. I too hope you keep
    up your blog
    Take Care and let me know where you end up
    Linda R

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  11. I guess this is done, it's been well over a month since the last post.
    I hope you find what passes for happiness for you and I really hope you enjoyed your 15 min of fame.
    It's sad to see a blog like this end.
    Good bye.

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