And The Beat Goes On

Pops and I had great discussions last night.  Really touching base for the first time in weeks.  We have had guests almost solid for three weeks.  It has been really great to have spent the time with all that came by but a rest is in store for sure.

One topic of discussion was our anniversary.  Next Tuesday.  30.  Did I just say 30?  I gag when I try to put my name in the same sentence with doing anything for thirty years.   I haven’t even turned thirty yet.

It’s a long, long road.

Most years we take time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we want to go.  I had someone tell me once that doing that is a bunch of ” crap” as they put it.    For us, it is a necessary step to ensure growth.  It is  our intention to live with purpose and thought.   How can we do that if there is no reflection?  Simply existing or wingin’ it is not an option.  There HAS to be more to it than that, right?  I mean, we only get one shot at this, I’m thinkin’.

Marriage is really really REALLY  hard.  To me,  it is hands down the greatest test of perseverance. What in the world can we even compare it to?  When I really think about it it seems really bizarre.  To spend the majority of your life with one person,  fighting all the battles that are laid out before us.   Goodness gracious.  Thank you, God,  for giving me  Pops to be on my team.  I need people on my team.  Don’t you?  Now,  I have wanted to kick him off my team on numerous occasions and I know he has wanted to do the same to me.   But with  work, and I mean WORK, we have come a long way.  We are not above whatever it takes to keep this machine running.

Bridal Compassion, 2003

For me, the most precious thing about marriage is the history that is weaved through time between two people.   My  husband has known my business for the better part of my life.  His eyes have seen the same thing my eyes have seen for thirty years for goodness sakes.  Isn’t that insane?

So, what does this have to do with farming??   Well, it certainly is a part of where we have chosen to go.  Making this decision has added a richness and complexity to our marriage that I would not have imagined.   Challenges and learning new things is a part of our daily life because of this farm and we are not in a stagnant place.  That puts us in an environment that  encourages growth.

What do I want to do or accomplish this next thirty years?

Of course, love him more.  He always wants more, more, more.

1. Figure out a way to get 6 more hours in my day.

2. Sleep.  Sleep a lot.

3. Learn how to give a vaccination to a baby goat without it going limp in a near death state.

4. Learn to like or tolerate male chickens, male goats, or male any animal for that matter.  ugh.

5.  Get my dogs to poop where I want them to.

6. Turn this global warming thing around.  I am close to solving it.  I will let you know when my scientific research is complete.

7. Save all the glorious trees in the world.  Probably should stop building things then, huh?

8. Get my self organized by putting things back where they belong.  huh?  Really?  Did I just say that?

9. Stop cleaning my house as often as I do.  Once a month is too often, people.

10.  Finally, accept myself for who I am.  Sometimes I can’t quite get the hang of living with myself.  I still don’t understand who it is living inside here with me.

I do feel confident that if I set  just one goal for the next thirty years, everything will fall gently into place.  That one goal for me is to grow more holy. Unfortunate things will continue to fall upon us, but with His Grace, the love will persevere.  That,  I am positive.

I want the flowers I grow to be pretty some day. Like these.

God bless,

Karen

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