A friend of mine sent me this link, which pretty much changed my entire morning outlook today. You need to read these. Really, you do. You know how how I am about sap and feel good links, so go over there now.
I thought I’d include my favorite sign from the bunch, the one that really resonated with me.
This quote ties into something I’ve been thinking about: how to answer Leslie’s question about my grandparents’ farm and its influence on my life/blog/outlook. (You’ll see the connection – I promise). I’ve been writing about days on the farm more frequently for a number of reasons, but I think it’s because I’ve carried a number of philosophies and ideas from that time period into my current life. In recent months, I’ve been more self-examining and thus, I can notice certain traits in myself.
Let’s start with food.
My grandparents taught me the importance of not wasting food, and that’s how this meal (or rather, “invention”) was prepared last night. Old ingredients (still fresh enough) and the usual spices, and I have a belly hug indeed.
We didn’t waste, and we always ate leftovers. That’s how it was. In addition -my grandmother also bakes constantly. Every day (even now, at age 92) you can find a fresh batch of cookies or bread or gobs on her counter.
And if she burned them, it would never get her down – because that’s what she created with her own hands.
I could share a million stories about the farm, but suffice it to say this: we were left to our own devices. We were forced to create, to think creatively. We didn’t watch TV. We built slip and slides out of old tarps and dishwashing soup. We built tree houses out of “Corn for Sale” signs. We were inventors.
So how did the farm influence me as a person/writer/blogger?
1. I appreciate well-made food and natural ingredients. I understand the time it takes to cultivate. I know not every dish will be perfect, but it may still be enjoyed. I am free to experiment in the kitchen.
2. I am a hard worker. I know things don’t come easy. They are not there “for the plucking.” Everything in my life is an invention, an extension of me.
3. I reinvent stories. I retell stories based off real life. I create fictional stories based on things I feel. I want to share the human experience through language.
This is a long-winded answer, but I hope it resonates.


























































