Daniel has been very thoughtful of us lately, spending more time with us when truly he should be studying. He has been spectacular at juggling our need to engage with him, and his ability to get in enough reading and absorption to fully learn and do well when meeting the demands of his education. I don't think I could do the same. Such focus and determination. It is admirable. Although, I highly recommend going to school before having children. It is tough, really tough, but it will be rewarding in the end. Next Sunday, he will have 5 months to go...Sounds so short, but feels so looong. :)
So, this last week we decided to plant pumpkins, more squash, carrots, radishes, chard, sugar snap peas, Oregon sugar pods, and sunflowers. I figured I better get these in the ground before it is totally too late, though it might still be too late. I also planted rosemary, oregano, dill, and basil in several pots. The beans I had in the ground already are doing quite well, as are the beets. My hotbed seems to work extremely well, too! Everything is up and rockin' hard. The cucumbers and melons are fabulous and just about ready to be transplanted to their new homes in the garden. The various tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are following close behind. I wish I would have started many of these earlier in the season, but we will see how these all turn out. I made a cloche for the strawberries because that morning we saw another beautiful strawberry almost ready for picking and a couple hours later, it was half eaten by a bird, I assume. Oh well, live and learn.
I have picked up my guitar several times this last week, which is rejuvinating and lovely as a background for the boys while they play. Sometimes, I don't want to create something permanent, like a quilt or a toy for the boys. I want to create art in an impermanent fashion...the flowing of melodic sound that comes and goes within the moment. It is so good for the soul to play live music and to be in the presence of live music. I love it!!!
Additionally, I have noticed that I have hardly paid any attention to anything going on in the world with as close an eye as I once did. We used to keep up with several causes, write letters to Congress, spread the word, make donations to various organizations...., but this recession and being frighteningly on the edge financially has made us redirect our focus back onto mainly us. I really should do more reading, even though we cannot financially help others anymore. If anyone is interested in supporting a cause, check out this small handful:
NRDC,
There are several more, but these ones are a great start. Despite my farm dream, I want to physically help in the world somewhere, somehow.... Though taking care of a farm is more than a full-time job, depending upon how extensive and how self-sustaining, I still would like to carve out a period of time when the children are far older to help in a third world country or at a natural disaster, or something along those lines. You know, volunteer for several months to perhaps a year on a global scale. It is so far off, but truly, when my family and I are in good health and living comfortably and happy from day to day, it is only fair and right to give to others who are far less fortunate than us. How is it fair that my life is good and there are so many others in the world enduring such suffering? I just have to give back....when I can.
Well, I guess that concludes this week's reflection. I am so tired and my brain is like scrambled eggs...I can no longer think straight. Off to bed...
Have a great week and enjoy your Summer's beginning (and Winter for many of you....by the way, enjoy the cool for me).
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