We are learning to grow here as well, Elizabeth. Last year, the chipmunk I named the Strawberry King ate more berries than the whole human presence on the land combined. Somehow, it felt like justice. I almost began rooting for the cheeky monarch. Easy to say 'cause like you we aren't dependent on this business yet. And there were other crops less accessible to the Others that were of good cheer. It seems like learning to be in relation to the other eaters might actually be the best foundation to really "producing" food anyway.
Yet I like this new way of thinking: Fearlessly garden, seed into the wind and in the times when the glory of it all lacks, embrace the belittling of efficiency . I could be good at that last part.
Yes, we are growing trust here.... love the piece. This moving away from worrying about the outcome. And realising this is the time to start learning again, and that includes what society calls failure. Can i share a poem on seed sovereignty? https://youtube.com/watch?v=KGKL3m-Fdzk
This makes me think about walking through life with open hands--showing generosity, welcome, ease and the possibility of connection. What a delicious essay, Elizabeth!
the **whole last paragraph** - wildly ringing truth
Indeed, an experimental mindset is, for me, a way to liberate creativity. I live my life like randomised double blind placebo control trial! ;)
We are learning to grow here as well, Elizabeth. Last year, the chipmunk I named the Strawberry King ate more berries than the whole human presence on the land combined. Somehow, it felt like justice. I almost began rooting for the cheeky monarch. Easy to say 'cause like you we aren't dependent on this business yet. And there were other crops less accessible to the Others that were of good cheer. It seems like learning to be in relation to the other eaters might actually be the best foundation to really "producing" food anyway.
Yet I like this new way of thinking: Fearlessly garden, seed into the wind and in the times when the glory of it all lacks, embrace the belittling of efficiency . I could be good at that last part.
I love this. Thank you. The Chipmunk Monarch. Where are you?
Maine. Foothills of the White mountains in a little town called Hiram.
Yes, we are growing trust here.... love the piece. This moving away from worrying about the outcome. And realising this is the time to start learning again, and that includes what society calls failure. Can i share a poem on seed sovereignty? https://youtube.com/watch?v=KGKL3m-Fdzk
I’m stepping into growth too, Elizabeth, gardens, writing, cordage, finding community in unexpected places. So thank you for your words.
I offer you Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower. I’m sure you know this dark but beautiful novel, but in case you don’t ...
I don’t! Thank you
Read this alongside today's essay from my friend Huw and felt your pieces calling backwards and forwards to each other... https://huw.substack.com/p/an-anxiety-is-a-negative-hope?utm_medium=reader2
Oh gosh yes
This makes me think about walking through life with open hands--showing generosity, welcome, ease and the possibility of connection. What a delicious essay, Elizabeth!
😊😊 & 🙏 🙏 for your garden.