Farmgirl Follies

The lesson in the plan

Posted by Farmgirl on September 2, 2010  |  2 Comments

It’s been a busy week.

I’ve been making Halloween vignettes at the store.

We’ve been learning about early peoples.

We’ve been reading about Native Americans and Christopher Columbus.

We’ve been counting … a lot.

We’ve done some experimenting …

And yes, there have been a few eruptions.

We do try to limit those to the baking soda & vinegar variety, however.

Keeping a schedule helps, as does planning our lessons.

The puzzling thing about plans, however, is that there are too many variables.

Unplanned events happen constantly. Floods … whirlwinds … tornadoes … hissy fits.

Sometimes we lose the shirts off our —wait — the pants off our legs without explanation.

Sometimes we ask questions, hear the words, “No, Mommy, I did not. No.”

Then a few seconds later a sweet, seemingly innocent child asks,

“Is ‘No’ a lie sometimes? Cuz sometimes I say no but I mean yes. Is no a lie?”

I had to stop and think about that one. Consulting my lesson plans didn’t help.

Most things never make it into our carefully crafted plan … sometimes ‘No’ is a lie.

Like when we say, “No, I’m not tired.”

Or, “No I’m not mad you flooded my basil.”

Or, “No, I’m not mad that you removed your pants and buried them in the mud under the flood, and how I’m going to revive them I have no idea.”

Yes, son, ‘No’ can be a lie. Yes, son, lesson plans are great. They’re just not all-encompassing.”

Some things can’t be planned.

Some things are just unexpected …

I have a pimple on my forehead.

I have ants in my kitchen, and they’re totally disgusting.

I was to remove my daughter’s stitches yesterday, but I’ve only pulled one because my scissors are too big to cut the other two … at some point I need to go to a store and buy sharp little sewing scissors.

We’re into soccer season. Still taking archery lessons. Piano started up again.

The farrier came yesterday and trimmed the horses’ hooves. The dang beasts had been into the cockleburs. Their manes and tails are completely matted. I assured him the next time I come upon four spare hours and a vat of baby oil, I would remove the offending appendages and brush their manes and tails until they shine.

No … you can’t plan everything.

You just have to roll with the punches.

And whether we’re ready or not, autumn is arriving. Fall is coming … maybe it’s already here.

I’m ready for that, though.

It burns, burns, burns

Posted by Farmgirl on August 29, 2010  |  No Comments

That old stump continues to stump me.

We tried burning it again yesterday, hoping the carpenter ants inside would also perish. It burned for awhile, but eventually went out. It’s hard to defeat.

As I stood staring at the heat waves and smoke rising into the air, the words of a friend came to mind. We’d been discussing the current state of affairs. Not exactly politics, but they’re integral in the not-so-grand scheme of things. My friend said to me, “When folks ask my take on things I tell ‘em to read Revelation. I used to say read the Bible, but Revelation is pretty important right now.”

Have you read Revelation?

I read it again the other night. There are verses describing the fall of twin candlesticks, the fall and defeat of Babylon. There are strange descriptions, confusing symbols and marvelous illustrations from John. Revelation describes the ending of an age … the culmination of evil intent … the mark of the beast … the final days.

I’m not saying the end of the world is coming.

I’m not prophesizing and haven’t fallen off my rocker. I’m just saying that when the end of the world or my own demise comes, I certainly don’t want to end up in a sea of fire, burning for all eternity. Fire is hot. It’s painful. It’s hard to defeat.

I don’t want to be a burning stump.

With these thoughts swimming around in my head, I decided to look up a few verses that speak of fire. There are many of course, but these ones held my interest. I can’t tell you why … can’t explain how … but they seemed important to me. So here they are — the verses that struck me as important in my blind search for a way to illustrate the crazy, mixed-up workings of my mind.

Read ‘em, think about ‘em and well … I’ll leave the rest up to you.

I have determined to do this city harm and not good, declares the LORD. It will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon, and he will destroy it with fire.  ~ Jeremiah 21:10

I will enslave you to your enemies in a land you do not know, for my anger will kindle a fire that will burn against you. ~ Jeremiah 15:14

O house of David, this is what the LORD says: ” ‘Administer justice every morning; rescue from the hand of his oppressor the one who has been robbed, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done— burn with no one to quench it. ~Jeremiah 21:12

The next two don’t speak of fire, but fire follows.

Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son. ~ I John 2:22

Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. ~II John 1:7

If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ~ John 15:6

There you have it.

I don’t normally shout fire and brimstone at complete strangers — or even people I know well, but that stump really got me thinking. I’m still stumped.

Sometimes I feel like the remains of that tree in my yard.

When someone adds accelerant, I spark to life and burn brightly, but when the offending stuff burns away, I go out. I stop burning. I stop fighting to defend what I know is right, and against what I know is wrong.

I don’t want to be a stubborn stump … in the way, useless, watching things go on around me, festering with ants that eat away at me … only flaring up when someone pokes me directly. I want to burn and flame and stay alight, smoking in my indignation and blazing against wrongdoing.

I don’t want to be a useless stump.
   

Know what happens to stumps?

A grinder chips them into oblivion.

In stitches

Posted by Farmgirl on August 28, 2010  |  5 Comments

It was a beautiful evening … the water was warm …

Siblings were playing together.

Mothers were cooking dinner.

Fathers were supervising children.

All was right with the world in the woods.

They climbed every mountain.

They forded every stream.

The would have followed every rainbow (had there been one) — to find their dreams.

There was no sound of music, but laughter and giggles were plentiful.

Who knew disaster was lurking on the riverbank.

But it was and it did and we ended up here.

You see … the thing about rivers and rocks is that they play well with little boys.

And little boys play well with others, but what they really, really love …

is throwing rocks in the river.

The problem?

Four-year-olds aren’t very accurate when throwing rocks.

Accidents happen.

Now she can say her brother had her in stitches on vacation!

It was nothing major — just a small, gaping little gash — but it required three stitches.

She was brave. And she’s fine. She even comforted her little brother who was very concerned and sorry and sad and gave her a huge hug when we returned to the woods.

This is the view from the hospital parking lot.

It felt like a walk in the clouds.

It also felt refreshing to be in — and out — of an emergency room in under an hour. I’m still in shock. In fact, the next time one of my children needs stitches, thinks they have appendicitis or needs a two-inch thorn extracted from a foot and all of the urgent care offices are closed because these things always happen at night,

I’m going to load them in the car and drive two hours to Brookville, Pa.

It would still be quicker than a trip to our local hospital. After a 40-minute drive you’re greeted by signs posted in the waiting room: Average patient wait: 4 1/2 hours.

I kid you not. Metropolitan area, you see.

Brookville Hospital? Not so much.

Of course, mothers are bound to love any place that eases their baby’s pain and makes everything better.

Speaking of making everything better …

Ice cream did the trick for the victim.

And her attacker.

Far and away

Posted by Farmgirl on August 27, 2010  |  No Comments

What is it about a campfire that brings people together?

Is it the warmth? The cheerful spark and quiet popping sound? Is it the cozy glow?

The sense of purpose and home in the midst of great black nothingness?

What is it about the woods that prompts silent reverie?

Time slows … patience grows … we notice the little things, the seemingly insignificant things.

We ponder as we wander in wild wonder.

What is it about the color red that captures our attention?

Vibrant heat … living color … burst of passionate intrigue.

I love red.

What is it about ducks on a rock that makes me pause?

They flap and dive and swim and hop up … all the while quacking and chatting with each other.

And we stood on the banks of the river and watched and giggled.

Time stopped … and there was nothing more important during those few moments.

Why are boys drawn to water and splashes and great outbursts of joy?

And why aren’t they patient enough to stop, first, and put on swim trunks?

And why do they throw rocks … not just in the river, but at siblings?

(More on that last statement, soon. It involved stitches.)

Why do fallen logs attract children … and adults?

We feel an overwhelming compulsion to walk the walk and trek across streams on the back of a fallen log. No matter if it’s slippery or rotten or wide or narrow. It’s a plain that must be conquered.

Preferably in sneakers and not flip-flops.

What is it about baseball?

Anytime … anywhere … anyone.

Gloves and balls and bats and kids and adults.

As American as … apple pie? Camping trips? Tubin’ down the river?

What is it … ?

Home away from home.

Sanctuary in the wilderness.

Oasis in the midst of a beautiful, crazy life.

Family.

Togetherness.

Fun.

Hope you find all of these … or at least most of these … this weekend.

Happy Friday!

Unexpected discoveries

Posted by Farmgirl on August 25, 2010  |  No Comments

Day Five: Still wandering around the woods.

And we made a truly unexpected discovery. While out searching for elk and wildlife and tucked-away towns, we came upon a place called Zion. It was a memorial park for soldiers from the surrounding area. This park wasn’t on a main road … in fact it was very off-the-beaten path.

It was beautiful.

The entrance to the park was paved with bricks to commemorate those who fought in all of America’s battles. The walkway began with the War of 1812. As you can see, two men from the forests nearby fought for their country.

The path’s last stones were marked War on Terror.

There were many names.

As you vacation … drive to work … share a meal with loved ones … mow your lawn … mend a fence … shop for groceries … even explore the backwoods looking for unexpected sights

remember those whose lives are sacrificed so we can do as we wish.

It took a winding dirt road and an oasis in the midst of wilderness for me to remember. But I shouldn’t need a reminder. 

I should be thankful and mindful of those folks … every day.

Wow! Wapiti

Posted by Farmgirl on August 24, 2010  |  4 Comments

If you live in the land of big game, prepare to be unimpressed.

If you live in the land of whitetails, coyotes and raccoons like me … stay tuned.

I’ve never seen a live elk. They don’t grow around these parts.

That’s why we drove to Elk County, Pa. And we found elk … in the most unlikely places.

Take this big guy for example.

We were driving down the highway and happened to glance over and see him trotting into someone’s back yard. He was intent on reaching a lone apple tree and didn’t seem to mind the traffic, the barking dog or the two guys standing in the garage watching in awe.

We watched in awe, too.

And then we headed on down the road toward Benezette, the heart of elk country. Winslow Hill rises high above the town and it’s prime elk viewing area … so they say. And I’m sure they’re right, sometimes.

The view was stunning. The country lush and appealing.

There wasn’t an elk in sight.

We meandered into the visitors center, had a chat with the ranger and told him about the elk we had seen. And we saw quite a few, just not on Winslow Hill. Instead, the elk were lazing around in yards, munching on flowers and devouring apples from every tree in sight.

Vandals … ruffians … hoodlums … !

What can I say … we were thrilled to see the elk.

And we had a great time looking for them. There’s nothing like driving down forgotten dirt roads through forest and field without a map. The kids got a little grumpy after a few hours, but thanks to frequent elk sightings, we all survived.

And when they couldn’t take it any longer, we stopped for a picnic.

Chocolate chip cookies make everybody smile.

Loving yesteryear

Posted by Farmgirl on August 24, 2010  |  3 Comments

Dirt roads yield the most amazing treasures.

Who do you think lived here?

Or here?

And who nailed his way to the top of the roof? And was he looking down the chimney? Was he watching the stars? Fixing a hole? Waiting for Santa Claus?

I wish you could have seen this view in person. A gigantic hill rising up in the middle of forest.

Sometimes the moon and stars aren’t as far away as we think.

Sometimes they’re right under our noses (or above our heads) … and all we have to do is veer off the beaten path, take a road less traveled … and open our eyes.

Happy trails!

Readin’, Ritin’ and ‘Rithmatic

Posted by Farmgirl on August 23, 2010  |  3 Comments

Back to school.

If you have children, the end of August signals major purchases: new crayons, Elmer’s glue, multicolored folders and brand-spankin’ new notebooks. My kids may not be headed to the school bus, but they are headed back to school.

Our classroom may look slightly different than the standard, however …

And you should see the battle ax of a school marm!

Just kidding … I’m not that scary. (At least I don’t think so.)

This isn’t really our classroom, though we did learn interesting things here.

We took a family vacation to celebrate the end of summer. We’re tucked away in a cabin in the woods … remember the story of The Secret House? That’s where we are.

The state park happened to be hosting a Heritage Days Celebration. The kids tried quill and ink writing. Farmboy practiced letters on a slate. Then we worked our sums.

After school, we headed to the candle-dipping demonstrations. We churned butter, washed the laundry on a scrub board and took our turn at some early children’s games. Farmguy was intrigued by a logging demonstration. The girls visited the sewing table and practiced their embroidery.

It was the perfect way to kick-off a new season of learning.

I’m not sure what today has in store for us.

Perhaps a walk through the forest with our botany books. Maybe a geometry lesson involving a rope, tall tree and a swimming hole. We could practice penmanship and language arts by writing an essay about the seven deer that grazed within a stone’s throw of our cabin.

This is vacation … there’s not really a lesson plan.

But there are many wishes, thanks to a back roads drive and the discovery of a stone well.

My wish for you and yours:

May your back-to-school season hold exciting discoveries and intriguing surprises.

And mastery of multiplication tables, long division and linking verbs.

Rest & refresh

Posted by Farmgirl on August 22, 2010  |  No Comments

By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing;
so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
                                                                                             ~ Genesis 2:2 (NIV)

I hope you find time today to stop and ponder and explore and recharge.

To notice the small things … like the glitter of sunshine on a stream, shadow on leaves and cool breezes floating above the water. I hope you find time to really look … to notice a sparkle in someone’s eyes, to feel the warmth of someone’s smile …

I hope you sparkle and smile, too.

Shoutin’ match

Posted by Farmgirl on August 15, 2010  |  2 Comments

I love this song.

Sing along if you know it … if you don’t, I hope you enjoy it!