and no.......I cannot be 100% self sustainable (yet) - I simply do not have the funds to do so, or the want at this time with 5 little kids......
So, with that being said........there is not one day that passes that I do not thank God for this abundant earth.
I studied environmental science in college (at that time, there were only 2 options for such a degree........Montana U, or SIU........
oh how times have changed) and most of my time was organizing clean ups - not picketing - or chaining myself to a tree and wearing hemp clothing - but learning how to help others.........listening to my peers and professors.........
My path (I thought) was going to be in geology........or some kind of big impact job for a state, or even the country..........
Little did I know at that time that I wouldn't be doing some high 'falutin' job, but rather, a humble hobby farm owner with 5 kids and some very interesting chickens and horses.
what did I take away from my studies?...........
what this earth needs is a simple slow approach to basic care.........using traditional methods and innovated techniques.........
I also minored in health and wellness........and climbing, repelling, and mountain biking my way through my college years and into my 20's certainly aided in a better awareness of our natural surroundings as well.........
I think I am pretty aware of my surroundings
and with now 5 children.........the need is even greater to do my part my way........and I certainly am not going to make or think everyone else wants or desires to be organic, or live a better lifestyle........for people to taste fresh from the garden food though - well - they certainly turn to a more natural approach to eating shortly after -
I started a certified naturally grown (equivalent to organic status, but due to my income I did not actually qualify to be 'organically certified') CSA
what's a CSA? It stands for Community Supported Agriculture
and it's a wonderful opportunity for families to get fresh from the farm food once a week! Food that is fresh! in season!! and so good for you.....some farms even offer work time, seminars, and wonderful other programs for you and your family to enjoy
please support your local farmers
(it's what grass roots are all about)
Do I have dreams of running a huge organic farm
no..........it's for my family, friends, and a few customers (think slow.........think simple......think tradition)
Do I want to keep up the CSA?
yes........but there were many different variables that are keeping my customers back this year, per MY request........last year was cold...........plants didn't grow very well..........
and so, a greenhouse is needed here at Na-Da Farm.........
plans to add one to my corn crib (aka 'chicken coop/rooster inn').........and God willing, it will happen
By first looking at someone's garden, you can't tell if it's organic or not.........
but oh how important it is to nurture your surroundings...........but really people.......don't get too hard on the farmers spraying (even though I gag and get the horses in and close all windows and doors when they do spray).......
because too many farmers I have talked to have fallen into two traps: pesticides and hybridized seeds..........and it's almost if they are 'stuck'..........
don't go picketing them........because really; they don't like it either and are really trying to work at finding another way - truly!!
And with the wildlife that lands in the fields that surround the farm, it's so easy to fall into that 'upset at the farmer' mode........the "how can they do that?"...........just do what you can.......with you and your family before thinking globally.........think locally (yeah, I know, that's slogan is already taken)
So, Anne Marie has a "motto" today:
Think slow...........think simple.........think tradition
and that's my Na-Da Farm Earth Day extravaganza......
God Bless this Earth and all it's inhabitants
is busy, the children are up in the attic making it their "fort", and I'm listening to this:
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