Beatrix
June 29, 2012 § 2 Comments
It occurs to me that Beatrix Potter is a hero of mine.
We were watching the film Ms. Potter with my grandparents a few months ago, which surely embellishes as movies are apt to do. Still, in my (many years of) college studies I learned that in addition to creating her lovely children’s stories, Ms. Potter took on the cause of the small farmer. This determined, independent woman fought for the British countryside and published the most remarkable, beloved tales. Nature and community mattered to her. I can’t help but love her for it. And aim to do as much.
More on fog
March 25, 2012 § Leave a comment
My Midwest has been making me supremely happy with these dewy, foggy mornings. I step outside and breathe in the air with a feeling akin to relief. We had these rarely in Colorado, and I am sure they were not quite the same. Not the same cool thickness, not the same soaked grasses.
Today I moved to Wisconsin; more on that later. But one of my last days in Iowa started with such a gray-white, England-like morning and I had to slide on shoes – even while still in my pajamas – to catch it.
Is it possible magic things can happen in nature’s fog? Does magic dwell there somehow?
Tiptoeing around outside, I swear I felt it seeping into my skin. I stopped. Hushed. Held out my hands in welcome.
BBC’s A Farm for the Future
January 26, 2012 § 3 Comments
I’ve found something just right to watch while knitting! This documentary follows a woman’s return to her family farm, and her assessment of how the farm might belong, change, and contribute to the modern world and its complicated food system. It might be a bit dated, as it was produced in 2009, but I’m interested to see where it goes, nevertheless.
And I just want to stare at all the scenes of the British countryside.
I confess that I often wax pastoral. I can’t help it, even though I’m familiar with the sore muscles and sunburns and sweat that come with farming. But pastoralism can be dangerous if too rose-tinged. Rebecca Hosking, narrator/filmmaker/farmer prepares viewers early on for the reality that this farm business involves hard work, even “drudgery” – without a very big paycheck.
She says, “Dad often describes farmers as glorified lavatory attendents.” Smile. Sigh. This seems extreme. But I suppose I did muck a wheelbarrow’s worth of manure today.
Still. Something made her come back.
Here is Segment 1, thanks to YouTube:
You can watch the full documentary for free, here.
Kinds of Honey 