tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27947943551780550922024-03-14T05:20:16.684-07:00Soul Flower FarmSoul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-71766728211016391782017-05-31T22:08:00.000-07:002017-05-31T22:08:10.396-07:00New Moon Harvest<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spiders crawl about on white sage going nowhere in plenty of time....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhh1Xy7t2QRzvYfcO9LrTkhLDyfefuvjLyjoJ3IzB-LEl6kAvG8u8l9_eNqUnYCi48Cg5sD_1qSRSYamYdeb1r8kdZ9QRy2_IL7PNHRx_oKpIND6nA6Bz37LUHdo01rcmXb-uYGO3dBg74/s1600/sage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhh1Xy7t2QRzvYfcO9LrTkhLDyfefuvjLyjoJ3IzB-LEl6kAvG8u8l9_eNqUnYCi48Cg5sD_1qSRSYamYdeb1r8kdZ9QRy2_IL7PNHRx_oKpIND6nA6Bz37LUHdo01rcmXb-uYGO3dBg74/s400/sage+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtP2kZA0OoqTiCOC5idimKDlreClUaeCK1JwoTNEd_fJ3cy0nTqtgln1s0ssBXNEZKzH4JNmLTXLOGATonXRcZH7lRh0H4zSkF1VvBA6WxZiq5wgq434kX2H-0E_uvt90i3GfUyhUKjpqO/s1600/harvest+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtP2kZA0OoqTiCOC5idimKDlreClUaeCK1JwoTNEd_fJ3cy0nTqtgln1s0ssBXNEZKzH4JNmLTXLOGATonXRcZH7lRh0H4zSkF1VvBA6WxZiq5wgq434kX2H-0E_uvt90i3GfUyhUKjpqO/s640/harvest+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIDCFFTZh4uZ92JdEVSOlFtUWF_PmCUqyQeGHB0AmOi6IYMW5xJz8MqkgE5YgYT9erZIDoJH_in41eP6ezlNpB1lW-qQ_zWc2x1gz86iNhxX9d7l4eRs_oSFJtjjcYG0H9Ux-5YWEwwMJ/s1600/harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIDCFFTZh4uZ92JdEVSOlFtUWF_PmCUqyQeGHB0AmOi6IYMW5xJz8MqkgE5YgYT9erZIDoJH_in41eP6ezlNpB1lW-qQ_zWc2x1gz86iNhxX9d7l4eRs_oSFJtjjcYG0H9Ux-5YWEwwMJ/s640/harvest.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_HBb-85zBvXqW7WUfqYnL86SwUOOdNusTuB2pHpOJyj4deWS-lLM45Ydb9eg18Y80vZ-OA7kbrdxPWwkuwE4kJAa7ozTZSx78r0MOSps8bJxZK-jjEyl-_8QRiIkVlrMGkfOtbH7nCVQ/s1600/lavender+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_HBb-85zBvXqW7WUfqYnL86SwUOOdNusTuB2pHpOJyj4deWS-lLM45Ydb9eg18Y80vZ-OA7kbrdxPWwkuwE4kJAa7ozTZSx78r0MOSps8bJxZK-jjEyl-_8QRiIkVlrMGkfOtbH7nCVQ/s640/lavender+1.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssfJMoFAi6SAndUnUnuwCRh3O6p-GL5GupP5-FfYga89JEpUH_F8A3ZRTLVn0zKYXeJIazJiMDKbk0zscXNAy68tn6iUQOZF-V8fHafH_hSOjV10CZDxUbjAJVu-N5VU6B6WXcWmGoIII/s1600/harvest+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssfJMoFAi6SAndUnUnuwCRh3O6p-GL5GupP5-FfYga89JEpUH_F8A3ZRTLVn0zKYXeJIazJiMDKbk0zscXNAy68tn6iUQOZF-V8fHafH_hSOjV10CZDxUbjAJVu-N5VU6B6WXcWmGoIII/s640/harvest+3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIRcSjSNmj-WvzKBDBS5Vo5nrUsWh4pJ0eAbrF97WWG0BNv_slzGHPP0PwTpMI7bWZ0WSI86kxXDNrus96bmw9WAZbjX7alJ_ZcZ5reOdZLcIDvpWIkh5wOMVuXGSrCXnNesDEnAINYtA/s1600/eucalyptus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIRcSjSNmj-WvzKBDBS5Vo5nrUsWh4pJ0eAbrF97WWG0BNv_slzGHPP0PwTpMI7bWZ0WSI86kxXDNrus96bmw9WAZbjX7alJ_ZcZ5reOdZLcIDvpWIkh5wOMVuXGSrCXnNesDEnAINYtA/s640/eucalyptus.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9Q7HWu8iCluMtO7IprxsiIR0fvgfR57B0UVdCMfOJOhfewUt1CAYIn1Vfj6_HkqDpELISnY8u-YsiO-0XI1tfPwi_mEcvDhve-CACzNalnev4Y9XbUijkDoNtuunMso9Vj1FOzOenDpn/s1600/harvest+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9Q7HWu8iCluMtO7IprxsiIR0fvgfR57B0UVdCMfOJOhfewUt1CAYIn1Vfj6_HkqDpELISnY8u-YsiO-0XI1tfPwi_mEcvDhve-CACzNalnev4Y9XbUijkDoNtuunMso9Vj1FOzOenDpn/s640/harvest+4.jpg" width="480" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">White sage protection, rosemary for remembrance, lucid dreaming with Mexican marigold, mentha to gain mental strength, lavendula raising our vibrations, eucalyptus purification, comfrey healing wounds so deep and traumatic they affect a soul's journey. We acknowledge the inner most, as well as the exterior aspects of our plant allies and we give thanks for the amazing healing gifts they share with us. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Ramadan Moon :)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*pics and poem by Chloe Bee</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-46000123622702940462017-05-23T21:55:00.001-07:002017-05-23T21:57:54.133-07:00Wise Wombmen's Healing Retreat <div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"The womb is not a place to store fear and pain; </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the womb is to create and to give birth to life."</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSfZn1oYm8lNONAk-qoRploqq21XeBlmFPGdWdUVl8Zd730bnT__EFeMytP6XXAK_17WiKVGmRPBKblXahN_EfmUIXMrW7N6LiBd1WwEzGks2MWYVU8c-F1EW7iT28LjlaG-x17OlvWsi/s1600/retreat+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSfZn1oYm8lNONAk-qoRploqq21XeBlmFPGdWdUVl8Zd730bnT__EFeMytP6XXAK_17WiKVGmRPBKblXahN_EfmUIXMrW7N6LiBd1WwEzGks2MWYVU8c-F1EW7iT28LjlaG-x17OlvWsi/s400/retreat+5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This past weekend we hosted our first Wise Wombmen's Healing Retreat. Our weekend of replenishment and rejuvenation included a Sistar to Sistar clothing exchange, early morning yoga, vendors, camping and farm fresh vegetarian meals. Participants had the opportunity to sit in on three workshops including Women's Wellness from a homeopathic and anthroposophical perspective and Crystal Contraception: a course in herbal and natural contraceptive methods for effective and pleasant alternatives to westernized birth control. We discussed the history and scientific findings of herbal supplements and contraceptive methods, emmenagogues, tracking methods and more, to discover a reliable system our ancestors have been aware of for ages. The women also engaged in a Wild Medicine plant walk where they learned about several green allies for spring cleansing to incorporate into their everyday lives. Our focus was on nourishing our liver and kidneys and how we can use all the fresh edible spring greens as food. In the evening we had an amazing Healing our Wombs ceremony, a two hour ceremony and ritual offering a sacred space for women to let go of the suffering they carry in their bellies. Between the bonding and intimacy created, wisdom shared, diverse group of women who gathered and the beautiful natural environment, the weekend was a success! Thank you to all who participated and made this such a special weekend. We are excited to offer another healing retreat in the future. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaIxPBMLkjeTd8m48OzoyNhZn7iBBUs4RS2YEGC9ZAwaCLeo0nE1gGydU72aKXrcXpfSHl9xhvIOJZH9tIcnU4BpCr3ig3h06JcRBcKk0a1Yjih8Z3C01nxBBRtGaEIoPbLHlPjz7ONUN/s1600/retreat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaIxPBMLkjeTd8m48OzoyNhZn7iBBUs4RS2YEGC9ZAwaCLeo0nE1gGydU72aKXrcXpfSHl9xhvIOJZH9tIcnU4BpCr3ig3h06JcRBcKk0a1Yjih8Z3C01nxBBRtGaEIoPbLHlPjz7ONUN/s400/retreat+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQi23_0TmjsQt4CJmrb1lZJh9O6PvWHdg6rcmdgxIwyn3DNCjeQe89x7hhR8_qlr4osN21D-4sbukppyOThr8mcsZ17tHqDdrye-HYfF4nuV2jH7FE9ESySf06B65_Cpmg6L9DFr_olVgh/s1600/retreat+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQi23_0TmjsQt4CJmrb1lZJh9O6PvWHdg6rcmdgxIwyn3DNCjeQe89x7hhR8_qlr4osN21D-4sbukppyOThr8mcsZ17tHqDdrye-HYfF4nuV2jH7FE9ESySf06B65_Cpmg6L9DFr_olVgh/s400/retreat+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNW3iEx-vYA5glr_4te_w9GreKNyQtEcK9uHUiOTn-mVupTOtN_0-KRbqwL-u0aHT8AqNGuhidVcxBPjqXFbOGxZXVhjxm8FyM8OR_OJhXIDdIi9_3uV_P4ntB6mYf7QO02t68wkU7AEuJ/s1600/retreat+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNW3iEx-vYA5glr_4te_w9GreKNyQtEcK9uHUiOTn-mVupTOtN_0-KRbqwL-u0aHT8AqNGuhidVcxBPjqXFbOGxZXVhjxm8FyM8OR_OJhXIDdIi9_3uV_P4ntB6mYf7QO02t68wkU7AEuJ/s400/retreat+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-t4MSVoForo3nTo-_S2ptOe_dyhy63ctZ8fvR3iV2DSjDYIE3L_pIIpo1LtP4zpGoM58ioOcoFUZP_J4BdVKyc1zpIamCGe9wfgXl9NgveirOCIxA3tMaCxq4N5NSDOvOWjFJgb00Qnc/s1600/retreat+6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-t4MSVoForo3nTo-_S2ptOe_dyhy63ctZ8fvR3iV2DSjDYIE3L_pIIpo1LtP4zpGoM58ioOcoFUZP_J4BdVKyc1zpIamCGe9wfgXl9NgveirOCIxA3tMaCxq4N5NSDOvOWjFJgb00Qnc/s320/retreat+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6q9Wo5gP9LO1ob3djqxS8Tdt0pZmRaVB4YONKs__DF6o85xJD4jcR4Rd6bIJseAMmit3deRXz0rZHR1xFF7E-yPLRgwqKXWEBNAKfVsGaW_YZI6CEc8dV_8VAb0G3BqHYKMBPrS8Z6I_m/s1600/retreat+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6q9Wo5gP9LO1ob3djqxS8Tdt0pZmRaVB4YONKs__DF6o85xJD4jcR4Rd6bIJseAMmit3deRXz0rZHR1xFF7E-yPLRgwqKXWEBNAKfVsGaW_YZI6CEc8dV_8VAb0G3BqHYKMBPrS8Z6I_m/s640/retreat+7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHSvi9atFuetwzA4eko4k6cVaOwdLhRCaTHklNGDY4OonQbBT8AdzuTzLy9htGmgN6OtJnRIKJgjAG0dBJ8-aGHmHI2bPtkes9exH6RFhOmXZCbesZVDeeW2Ldur-8RX7eqdO6Ma8x9Tz/s1600/retreat+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHSvi9atFuetwzA4eko4k6cVaOwdLhRCaTHklNGDY4OonQbBT8AdzuTzLy9htGmgN6OtJnRIKJgjAG0dBJ8-aGHmHI2bPtkes9exH6RFhOmXZCbesZVDeeW2Ldur-8RX7eqdO6Ma8x9Tz/s400/retreat+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh995ZUFYcvzOfyqcDkSnPezTgVcw-qAIZ4t_oDtkO730WeI71sjVlr2_zQAg1gPGiGnLn3SxjyZAfwdYr6aHtbd2vxLvlkyMTd10vgykMPWqqyOC8G4pzHEtPva_GzFWfi8QaJnQVsrPJr/s1600/retreat+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh995ZUFYcvzOfyqcDkSnPezTgVcw-qAIZ4t_oDtkO730WeI71sjVlr2_zQAg1gPGiGnLn3SxjyZAfwdYr6aHtbd2vxLvlkyMTd10vgykMPWqqyOC8G4pzHEtPva_GzFWfi8QaJnQVsrPJr/s400/retreat+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNriaF1KGZloVin47QtqLDCXC1ahlxw5A94KZjQHeMjNid2uq83-yi7StEyE3w818clCE4aU01CpULj-pYGb1dDPgWOMo4PWf9lDpyOiGyBFHdWFhO-LT_KKp_J7KRJ22JpRo0Qt659V_z/s1600/retreat+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNriaF1KGZloVin47QtqLDCXC1ahlxw5A94KZjQHeMjNid2uq83-yi7StEyE3w818clCE4aU01CpULj-pYGb1dDPgWOMo4PWf9lDpyOiGyBFHdWFhO-LT_KKp_J7KRJ22JpRo0Qt659V_z/s400/retreat+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many Womb Blessings!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-923402471506862112017-01-05T22:39:00.000-08:002017-01-05T22:39:38.706-08:00Soul Flower Farm School of Earth Medicine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The happiness of the drop is to die in the river. -Al Ghazali</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/t8otJrzxHi4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t8otJrzxHi4?rel=0&showinfo=0 feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Peace and blessings. Happy New Year! We are so excited to share our dreams and vision with you. The website and 2017 class schedule for our new school is up. We are blessed to work with an amazing faculty of beautiful healers. Please check out our offerings at <a href="http://www.soulflowerfarm.com/">www.soulflowerfarm.com</a> and join the mailing list. Help us spread love and manifest healing across the planet!</span></div>
Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-14251648474864959902016-07-27T21:35:00.000-07:002016-07-27T21:35:28.012-07:00Ah...the Herbal Goodness<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As dreams are the healing songs</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">from the wilderness of our unconsciousness- </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So wild animals, wild plants, wild landscapes </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">are </span></em><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">the healing dreams </span></em><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">from the deep </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">singing mind of the Earth. -Pendell</span></em></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QWwxalOyOUU8K0aZwwTEEGMOSzj4Ihdwc1mPjRKkgxGifkl9F3sAFdN07i_vXOmXRzM_z030HnFW8-ZJEZj2vSo1v47Y1PmC1bv3UClhOOvuTFho3MXP-6uE-I-caizM96X0TfUo4nAN/s1600/290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4QWwxalOyOUU8K0aZwwTEEGMOSzj4Ihdwc1mPjRKkgxGifkl9F3sAFdN07i_vXOmXRzM_z030HnFW8-ZJEZj2vSo1v47Y1PmC1bv3UClhOOvuTFho3MXP-6uE-I-caizM96X0TfUo4nAN/s400/290.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In preparation for our School of Earth Medicine, we have been creating an herb garden for education and use. It has been a healing and amazing gift to work with these plants; to watch them grow, to come out at night and lie flat backed with them under the stars, to harvest them with respect and hang them to dry with reverence - anticipating the powerful and potent tinctures, salves, oils, and teas they will become. With all the craziness going on outside in the world of humans, I find comfort and solace in the plant realm. Sitting and being present with a single green friend or in a garden community you begin to feel time slow and eventually come to know the reality - that time does not exist. I marvel at the myriads of life forms on our planet, the differing ways of being, of breathing, of communicating and reproducing. There is so much to be learned and never a dull moment!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5RVhsu3X8o0e0rmoMl0d-f-iU-PoGLE8PfTp65QCPci3VlFCqYlLFeH5X7ilR8wcpntfNDn0x93rgv5_XX32pRifDapbxuniToI1tOVHbSOS0cFu3AQC3nXR5yIY_i_C4J8zT1OMNwQn/s1600/292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5RVhsu3X8o0e0rmoMl0d-f-iU-PoGLE8PfTp65QCPci3VlFCqYlLFeH5X7ilR8wcpntfNDn0x93rgv5_XX32pRifDapbxuniToI1tOVHbSOS0cFu3AQC3nXR5yIY_i_C4J8zT1OMNwQn/s400/292.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are a number of species I am growing this year for the first time. Some are subtle and quiet like ashwaghanda, providing green bushy foliage for her neighbors, while others like Lion's tail (leonotis or wild dagga) take all the attention with brilliant showy orange flowers. And perhaps my favorite newbie is evening primrose, who blooms her majestic yellow flowers at night under the moonlight. One night I disappeared down in the garden until quite late and when I came back to the house, my husband called me a night pollinator because apparently I had yellow evening primrose pollen all over my face- I couldn't help it, the flowers smell so divine! Sigh, so many plants to learn so little time...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4o4hboZDADnlxApKhDfV1v4xQfJ8tpPIo0SwTDzceafHBR0pfGcG3CcKZLKWLWtCRMeIyACC5547PjYl5dD1juOHUp9vavQk1kSV0-n9NpdZ6NHKbBMdOBvR2pjrdg8h_4bd7m2UuSgh8/s1600/309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4o4hboZDADnlxApKhDfV1v4xQfJ8tpPIo0SwTDzceafHBR0pfGcG3CcKZLKWLWtCRMeIyACC5547PjYl5dD1juOHUp9vavQk1kSV0-n9NpdZ6NHKbBMdOBvR2pjrdg8h_4bd7m2UuSgh8/s640/309.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJY6_I3pCQIeYm18k6aByxukkSn-UfHhXqvL2UO0DhxJoyYoP5YINieA7FHtAIH9rosjoMlJjoLhpQlRQI0NHhT1x7ew9QrBoj8KPkWIMNw6yqbM3-mPEswZHGba2f6CoQr2dtL-bn0Rl/s1600/312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJY6_I3pCQIeYm18k6aByxukkSn-UfHhXqvL2UO0DhxJoyYoP5YINieA7FHtAIH9rosjoMlJjoLhpQlRQI0NHhT1x7ew9QrBoj8KPkWIMNw6yqbM3-mPEswZHGba2f6CoQr2dtL-bn0Rl/s640/312.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We built an herb shed/farm stand out of recycled materials a few months back and now it has been filled to the brim with medicine, hanging to dry. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBx8J7v-oQKaJdliNgL4RmpyGv_At8ZAB-86WRh7OoIDCJIHAxzHEJNYpo2PoQWrmZKOEDQSdM6e9qJGlcC9892NGF3MEfgU1zxR_AESH3aePd5Whn9VUTxwsiAdGQ9utUdY714i-_fE3/s1600/300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBx8J7v-oQKaJdliNgL4RmpyGv_At8ZAB-86WRh7OoIDCJIHAxzHEJNYpo2PoQWrmZKOEDQSdM6e9qJGlcC9892NGF3MEfgU1zxR_AESH3aePd5Whn9VUTxwsiAdGQ9utUdY714i-_fE3/s640/300.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Mullein, mints, feverfew, wormwood, lavender, sages, tulsi, rosemary, oregano, lemon thyme, Leonotis, yarrow, and many others. Harvesting all the herbal goodness to store and create an apothecary for fall and winter. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaqtl5q_X1ztL4J63Y7F2Oj47HbQL4huRWUv1wpMldF6ZTA0KB9ZNlpX_x-3c6DLY1XepHSLSAqY-w1-4imHOcOm2jDVA6j0kTKFinLLp85aLE1quSyt7TJMd7s_A7G-iNswD3XaCom22/s1600/304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaqtl5q_X1ztL4J63Y7F2Oj47HbQL4huRWUv1wpMldF6ZTA0KB9ZNlpX_x-3c6DLY1XepHSLSAqY-w1-4imHOcOm2jDVA6j0kTKFinLLp85aLE1quSyt7TJMd7s_A7G-iNswD3XaCom22/s400/304.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Bless and give thanks for Abundance, Health and Strength. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Spread Love!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVIatmFDPlU0JFlcaNbwmFtE-79E7VD5xxasIWdcSYbZAisupIMsPgbkS4iUR6Kpd9bu3mFLc7-bexsPO8S6bhYehT0JYXa5fCctS-OgW4l9BKKYvXZIY5kc5T32fIBEx86uI9vJvKofN/s1600/315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVIatmFDPlU0JFlcaNbwmFtE-79E7VD5xxasIWdcSYbZAisupIMsPgbkS4iUR6Kpd9bu3mFLc7-bexsPO8S6bhYehT0JYXa5fCctS-OgW4l9BKKYvXZIY5kc5T32fIBEx86uI9vJvKofN/s640/315.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em></em></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em></em></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>Tell your people they must learn to wake up their feelings. </em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>Their heart must arise from it's sleep. </em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>It must rise and STAND up. </em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>That is how you find the track to God.</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>-The Elders of the Kalahari Bushmen</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-78974080532871965312016-06-09T15:46:00.001-07:002016-06-09T15:46:36.701-07:00Coming Spring 2017!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-dE00S8vKIG09tcOYBv7t_bMu3igJa1yMdVxkSKIZegz-vu8Cv6M_XFrp4_4nYnzp557B8i8OcsXQ751DpCHIroqn5O_6qRtWIjLUfL1FTqxr0hoQIm8etAHzSwMwgMpgktUr0KRjdUl/s1600/flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-dE00S8vKIG09tcOYBv7t_bMu3igJa1yMdVxkSKIZegz-vu8Cv6M_XFrp4_4nYnzp557B8i8OcsXQ751DpCHIroqn5O_6qRtWIjLUfL1FTqxr0hoQIm8etAHzSwMwgMpgktUr0KRjdUl/s400/flyer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Calling all plant people, green wanderers, organic gardeners, land stewards, permie enthusiasts, lovers of all things natural and this beautiful electric globe we live on.....Coming <strong><span style="color: orange;">Spring 2017</span></strong> the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>Soul Flower Farm School of Earth Medicine.</strong></span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sign up at </span><a href="http://www.soulflowerfarm.com/"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>www.soulflowerfarm.com</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> to join the mailing list and for updates. Please spread the word! Let's Reclaim, Remember, Awaken, Elevate and change the world together! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Love and Light!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times;"></span> </div>
Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-67735620761765786772016-03-09T11:31:00.000-08:002016-03-09T11:32:21.831-08:00Epic Travel #2...Kenya Adventures<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. </em></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>Those who don't believe in magic will never find it. </em></span><em><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Roald Dahl</span></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSWTajB7yXtFwooOpA_gnusf_9oiw5fRZfl6BmGg7uH_TSF_z52ZdI6o9yRpX19OoonIaDsvjo4hyZuWX95yyxk2sP_yBLhfCMiiL1WPc8LzFtfN9PVJEBtk9RbIYiMVaaFN7w-AyvMsn/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvwWaSxA46AlKDyEsM5QEdH_FcwzNaqzXzm2Y1c84juDfk33D_klx1iy0cnQLPZZD8-KUBaFb2ZATCCP6tK36VpSujAOn5vZNjdoZ2b4iOPW1MXbuYPJqG2FrqiRQ3MXWg0zlzJEghAhp/s1600/DSCN1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvwWaSxA46AlKDyEsM5QEdH_FcwzNaqzXzm2Y1c84juDfk33D_klx1iy0cnQLPZZD8-KUBaFb2ZATCCP6tK36VpSujAOn5vZNjdoZ2b4iOPW1MXbuYPJqG2FrqiRQ3MXWg0zlzJEghAhp/s400/DSCN1468.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Epic travel adventure numero dos....Africa! Miraculously I was invited to participate in a biodiversity conference in Thika Kenya, an hour outside of Nairobi. My travel companions were four women, all affiliated with MESA (Multi National Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture). The conference was attended by about thirty participants from around the globe; policy makers, researchers, educators, farmers, and NGO representatives. The goal was to brainstorm solutions for increasing biodiversity in food systems and to discuss problems and challenges that small land holders face around the world especially in third world countries. We spent much of the time broken into small groups talking about issues like drought, seed saving, fund raising and how to market products, as well as listening to presentations by members of the Agricultural Biodiversity Community. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamOCp_jVEpZAx9ogutm9f1jDRZirndHqk3m2njTtR3cule2CqXTau8FrUffJI4X9ZFH1WTzWp1WUwMmP2YveG1mOUnOPMJKDfCR7Jjh2gJ9gv_9Z8sTmLFv9s3GrdwNJIXm-iwg-HSRaB/s1600/IMG_7264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamOCp_jVEpZAx9ogutm9f1jDRZirndHqk3m2njTtR3cule2CqXTau8FrUffJI4X9ZFH1WTzWp1WUwMmP2YveG1mOUnOPMJKDfCR7Jjh2gJ9gv_9Z8sTmLFv9s3GrdwNJIXm-iwg-HSRaB/s400/IMG_7264.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hosted by PELUM KENYA, the conference center was beautiful, located on what felt like a mini farm with lush gardens, ponds and even hutches of rabbits. It was such a privilege to participate in conversation with this rich, knowledgeable and diverse group of people. Some of the organizations represented at the conference were PELUM, ILEIA, MESA, Muliru Farmer's Group, African Biodiversity Network, South Indian Federation of Fishermen Society, Earth Net Foundation, Dhan Foundation India, WESA and South Alliance for Indigenous Resources. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1FdteAf3qRE8g5DA291to2N6Uk3C_qK57GnuzTy1vWXGapKi1oNy5IPT24QOVU4A4YC-B0FYHncB4xLxTEQwLW9gSmPSIL-MZFTIUOjsQCY45dGnAq6wopJwwMpO5wnnpg5KYrnSzL5i/s1600/DSC_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1FdteAf3qRE8g5DA291to2N6Uk3C_qK57GnuzTy1vWXGapKi1oNy5IPT24QOVU4A4YC-B0FYHncB4xLxTEQwLW9gSmPSIL-MZFTIUOjsQCY45dGnAq6wopJwwMpO5wnnpg5KYrnSzL5i/s400/DSC_0217.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As part of the conference we went on two field trips to local farming projects. The first was to the Thoma Wa Mukamba Community Cultural Learning Center. This group focuses on traditional seed saving specifically ten native food crops. They are reviving indigenous seeds and cultural foods made with these traditional crops. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe9_JgAhOZ-U5PrWWAoEha_LsQjur72o8UntoJ1AGEG8eGQR08Vn0jgNh9Nxan7JoTLo0w7hSX516QLYncUwO34hPt5GhTkhyArVTfN67OfWdTA6yR7k23vn2ktvfeipyZ5Xi_sO5loZx/s1600/23663361032_dcdeced208_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iSLnu3ntnbM6SYgomkcpOHl0-nAaXoFy87Px9RNcw494gberyE_6In5Enc4Wj4-2RFti2W63pMU78s2NUCyQakSie2GKpazawkFcKjTDMgD8jRPCHYcaSVuEznADwMLiYrQMZTtUkapY/s1600/IMG_2116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iSLnu3ntnbM6SYgomkcpOHl0-nAaXoFy87Px9RNcw494gberyE_6In5Enc4Wj4-2RFti2W63pMU78s2NUCyQakSie2GKpazawkFcKjTDMgD8jRPCHYcaSVuEznADwMLiYrQMZTtUkapY/s400/IMG_2116.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The highlight was visiting </span><a href="http://shirikiorganization.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">H.I.M. Negus Shiriki Community</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, a Rastafarian community of artists and youth from Nairobi. This is hands down the most magical farm I have ever seen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(click the link to learn more about this inspiring group and our visit)</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszomNlBXAdieXDQI1DUzdDWUvoK5zKzy3_dG9pa1k6pwStstfUoWsjgMZj6CBtqRZQH2S8evfw7Xl_OUOnM2JaWwpeWqT_9FXwZAVuGTBHokEXgYzjUqsdaVjqd0z819MwL8-VUsaCFPP/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszomNlBXAdieXDQI1DUzdDWUvoK5zKzy3_dG9pa1k6pwStstfUoWsjgMZj6CBtqRZQH2S8evfw7Xl_OUOnM2JaWwpeWqT_9FXwZAVuGTBHokEXgYzjUqsdaVjqd0z819MwL8-VUsaCFPP/s400/IMG_0275.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These brothers and sisters are incredible artists who create mosaic murals and make clothing and sandals with an ancient style of Kemetic weaving. They are stewarding land in the Maragua district of Kenya. I have never seen a farm so amazing. The diversity of vegetation grown there for food and medicine is astounding as well as the abundance and health of the plants. I can't describe how much I felt at home there, I didn't want to leave! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzUKGK6rxhxaFbMnuq4vInb4AAEaFgQ8ju06weivVzexNmrF020UFSe-CqJlJDSKsmuaATigK7KdobQEsNx5_4sHU3Gdk_d8NdPXRWPyMedGReWVTyHgLoNoRw2b_wU3pNk56rYqSSQiQ/s1600/23476196410_9c7146e58e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFg8VwN7POxTEhR3nHnHgj0_r7aPP83NITD1KROeTfTUDgy0dlKtLUd_MjSj4CT1xu_qjzQnOffBHu8UrTf_DE5u9fMulCOouNUMp4AdnSMBKZpdI3UDuPL7T0y_gjpzAtQ-kqzIKTJ1m/s1600/KenyaRastafarianFamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFg8VwN7POxTEhR3nHnHgj0_r7aPP83NITD1KROeTfTUDgy0dlKtLUd_MjSj4CT1xu_qjzQnOffBHu8UrTf_DE5u9fMulCOouNUMp4AdnSMBKZpdI3UDuPL7T0y_gjpzAtQ-kqzIKTJ1m/s400/KenyaRastafarianFamily.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFg8VwN7POxTEhR3nHnHgj0_r7aPP83NITD1KROeTfTUDgy0dlKtLUd_MjSj4CT1xu_qjzQnOffBHu8UrTf_DE5u9fMulCOouNUMp4AdnSMBKZpdI3UDuPL7T0y_gjpzAtQ-kqzIKTJ1m/s1600/KenyaRastafarianFamily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We received a tour of the gardens from Brother herbalist and medicine man Ras Abasa and little four year old Sista Menen (who knows all the plants and can tell you their medicinal uses!) We also helped plant fruit trees. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzUKGK6rxhxaFbMnuq4vInb4AAEaFgQ8ju06weivVzexNmrF020UFSe-CqJlJDSKsmuaATigK7KdobQEsNx5_4sHU3Gdk_d8NdPXRWPyMedGReWVTyHgLoNoRw2b_wU3pNk56rYqSSQiQ/s1600/23476196410_9c7146e58e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzUKGK6rxhxaFbMnuq4vInb4AAEaFgQ8ju06weivVzexNmrF020UFSe-CqJlJDSKsmuaATigK7KdobQEsNx5_4sHU3Gdk_d8NdPXRWPyMedGReWVTyHgLoNoRw2b_wU3pNk56rYqSSQiQ/s400/23476196410_9c7146e58e_o.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAk8B34iOSz7eMZ_nIC6IQww5_RUcZ58Gxqun0StHUi-F5yxqbK5Gb1nOHcvCG_xFg7BXyeteoPQk8nleqHs1CwZllVdAxmHFu5DHLIEW1UEI-_FLoLKmGszGL66-47KbmtRUBPDb09MDa/s1600/23143620124_f0ed4bbba7_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAk8B34iOSz7eMZ_nIC6IQww5_RUcZ58Gxqun0StHUi-F5yxqbK5Gb1nOHcvCG_xFg7BXyeteoPQk8nleqHs1CwZllVdAxmHFu5DHLIEW1UEI-_FLoLKmGszGL66-47KbmtRUBPDb09MDa/s400/23143620124_f0ed4bbba7_o.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpM8ICxaxnoi62zXhnPs4fZAJ3UdDoYNNGlTEAKhDmuE_tfXeRU3wd3rqyTn3w5aBXSOs9Mi5THgcJ5Ot74xDhc7UghAGt4lNWyenRAAeasCQHzdYCjZganum5-uwi0U6M4PEtDsmRo4EN/s1600/WithrastafarianfarmersKenya.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpM8ICxaxnoi62zXhnPs4fZAJ3UdDoYNNGlTEAKhDmuE_tfXeRU3wd3rqyTn3w5aBXSOs9Mi5THgcJ5Ot74xDhc7UghAGt4lNWyenRAAeasCQHzdYCjZganum5-uwi0U6M4PEtDsmRo4EN/s400/WithrastafarianfarmersKenya.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We had the opportunity to see some of the craftsmanship handmade by Sista Njoki, beautiful sandals and many types of jewelry. We also got to meet her two month old twins sons, Jahwise and Jahsent.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWiJnzSWkR806jdpj5XmXyoxMu40Wf8iNLcF_Ty720_dH7n-JQRG4JKUSh1rUaflgQAfqV6vLZ4npKEgyPf9M1KRlAUWu21vrSazILIz0cohM-TWllPbYCGJB4t2S6fvuvaA9nsLNDO43/s1600/DSCN0878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWiJnzSWkR806jdpj5XmXyoxMu40Wf8iNLcF_Ty720_dH7n-JQRG4JKUSh1rUaflgQAfqV6vLZ4npKEgyPf9M1KRlAUWu21vrSazILIz0cohM-TWllPbYCGJB4t2S6fvuvaA9nsLNDO43/s400/DSCN0878.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRP9pv_Gup6un5Oa3lJfZjTXZB98vp9rhzNQ2aH_KFjMmleXGDR3w9gUCQ0HpCjBNa1Vd_WpzVqcp-wCu4ccXopYog_27CqP65_12xnrKRMBpwKlZVcR373UV54V9RrcG1uu7_Haza1QVa/s1600/DSCN1086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRP9pv_Gup6un5Oa3lJfZjTXZB98vp9rhzNQ2aH_KFjMmleXGDR3w9gUCQ0HpCjBNa1Vd_WpzVqcp-wCu4ccXopYog_27CqP65_12xnrKRMBpwKlZVcR373UV54V9RrcG1uu7_Haza1QVa/s400/DSCN1086.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The biggest blessing of the visit was the nourishing, homegrown ital meal and tea made </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">with lemongrass, ginger root and coconut milk. Heaven! A piece of my soul will forever reside with the Shiriki Community. Peace and Blessings be upon them and may their natural way of life be preserved!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qvP3ksMVKyYyATOGdjQKzwMMcG8tIxnYgVqh7pxyM451ti6etl1d-g3XtP3iLdN2Uog8HV3sckdU_VxM2Q9wUlYB5xug3wBkfVtvyFFfpAcZGjEnV0lURJ8fF56Dr98RUwC-fOHnpeLU/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qvP3ksMVKyYyATOGdjQKzwMMcG8tIxnYgVqh7pxyM451ti6etl1d-g3XtP3iLdN2Uog8HV3sckdU_VxM2Q9wUlYB5xug3wBkfVtvyFFfpAcZGjEnV0lURJ8fF56Dr98RUwC-fOHnpeLU/s400/DSC_0100.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSWTajB7yXtFwooOpA_gnusf_9oiw5fRZfl6BmGg7uH_TSF_z52ZdI6o9yRpX19OoonIaDsvjo4hyZuWX95yyxk2sP_yBLhfCMiiL1WPc8LzFtfN9PVJEBtk9RbIYiMVaaFN7w-AyvMsn/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSWTajB7yXtFwooOpA_gnusf_9oiw5fRZfl6BmGg7uH_TSF_z52ZdI6o9yRpX19OoonIaDsvjo4hyZuWX95yyxk2sP_yBLhfCMiiL1WPc8LzFtfN9PVJEBtk9RbIYiMVaaFN7w-AyvMsn/s640/IMG_0317.JPG" width="360" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITHs_LspdUlt1is5qQFyZiB2_o_eRptGowMOZnX9FXquwQWyWD4g6aaA0CAzwrbdgHrq9-082GkCN8nypF888D_annNaXtg_7zqM-N11QgJsiDTxHHzQT5O8y9DHIDNIGw6tk3dkTqLCD/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITHs_LspdUlt1is5qQFyZiB2_o_eRptGowMOZnX9FXquwQWyWD4g6aaA0CAzwrbdgHrq9-082GkCN8nypF888D_annNaXtg_7zqM-N11QgJsiDTxHHzQT5O8y9DHIDNIGw6tk3dkTqLCD/s400/IMG_0319.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After the conference we spent another week in Kenya and stayed with some MESA friends at the GBIAK farm. GBIAK stands for Grow Bio intensive Agriculture Kenya. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCMNZZ3SABwHoHvGnJMJq53clrcegnBDnEnqoDbkUSDkQ-X-VJNKBs7EmMJPILStMd54cCsTTbB15Kh7ZtLRLa9-GPfiyQj4jpljK4aStpX4UJQVjECpKTj5ZuA4QIMkoEXIIL5epPrYe/s1600/IMG_2193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCMNZZ3SABwHoHvGnJMJq53clrcegnBDnEnqoDbkUSDkQ-X-VJNKBs7EmMJPILStMd54cCsTTbB15Kh7ZtLRLa9-GPfiyQj4jpljK4aStpX4UJQVjECpKTj5ZuA4QIMkoEXIIL5epPrYe/s400/IMG_2193.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFIUl1R2pHdTze5X_1709XQyas8NlouJDuM3S1P908SEBDurzYdKvFLNW06iF-wuCnBQv25F_svUJ1BtgFQYfNEw9J37tIbK41_WsV4nILlWeOPzSPJkzvEks-5ZnvXOvnlHJqoyZ0IFP/s1600/GbiakEntranceKenya.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRFIUl1R2pHdTze5X_1709XQyas8NlouJDuM3S1P908SEBDurzYdKvFLNW06iF-wuCnBQv25F_svUJ1BtgFQYfNEw9J37tIbK41_WsV4nILlWeOPzSPJkzvEks-5ZnvXOvnlHJqoyZ0IFP/s400/GbiakEntranceKenya.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">GBIAK is run by two incredible farmers who have a mission to teach bio intensive and sustainable agriculture to all those who come to learn. The first day we arrived they were holding a workshop for indigenous farmers from the northern region who had been using synthetic fertilizers and had depleted their soils. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6buJqpQdEp0yd55ofK7v1fSFI6231ypswCoIcSgQSvntNoPKZYVCzU84nNXjtjWOaYtwZz7wf2onsKCB2GMSj62Vkgaj0_tx1n6iUe1Gh7qL2YUZi75Iihb16fBtpDr5yKYG4PPmjcdMt/s1600/IMG_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6buJqpQdEp0yd55ofK7v1fSFI6231ypswCoIcSgQSvntNoPKZYVCzU84nNXjtjWOaYtwZz7wf2onsKCB2GMSj62Vkgaj0_tx1n6iUe1Gh7qL2YUZi75Iihb16fBtpDr5yKYG4PPmjcdMt/s400/IMG_0224.JPG" width="400" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLg1oIuTAv-GXeLnunJcRH1XAcnRkB3eohLsMvkTa4XRP_8HHZyJE4A3TZuaw5UiOfYYEqX1bHpUzTO-cp1CBKVlq0IBHncf6FG1wEWbo1HVQ-byQznNtlZAjTMVgsQszg3hNxSBvOJCY/s1600/IMG_7761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLg1oIuTAv-GXeLnunJcRH1XAcnRkB3eohLsMvkTa4XRP_8HHZyJE4A3TZuaw5UiOfYYEqX1bHpUzTO-cp1CBKVlq0IBHncf6FG1wEWbo1HVQ-byQznNtlZAjTMVgsQszg3hNxSBvOJCY/s400/IMG_7761.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Corn, sorghum, papaya, mangoes, jute, amaranth, sun hemp, nightshade, squash, okra, melons, greens, sweet potatoes, and bamboo are just a few of the crops grown here. GBIAK uses the farming methods of John Jeavons. They are a perfect model of bio intensive agriculture, a prolific amount of food grown on a few acres. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eARQookSSMsMMm2Q_Z-Rq-8VzcY7FvHihjuBhHW63_7IYLOnaeuCT3JgXFqGCX9ysl19WLka75og8D2yN2XrfnFXE0V5XuFIikRHElBCAMZFKp9iDC0VDLYxhm8ja_MPTpUxRk6knfmX/s1600/BiointensiveGardenKenya1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eARQookSSMsMMm2Q_Z-Rq-8VzcY7FvHihjuBhHW63_7IYLOnaeuCT3JgXFqGCX9ysl19WLka75og8D2yN2XrfnFXE0V5XuFIikRHElBCAMZFKp9iDC0VDLYxhm8ja_MPTpUxRk6knfmX/s400/BiointensiveGardenKenya1.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYewU8DS8ZMPtwG48pmOqrcwsjhMIzIrR-xI8omL4XlHpRresk5S1vlV_hg2vpK1kp323vr5FeOvqLsMOwAYSI9dZvT2yMJ-Djrq-um6ZSmUp96RzWJy901_74WhF3ffdO-7qve7ewgze/s1600/IMG_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYewU8DS8ZMPtwG48pmOqrcwsjhMIzIrR-xI8omL4XlHpRresk5S1vlV_hg2vpK1kp323vr5FeOvqLsMOwAYSI9dZvT2yMJ-Djrq-um6ZSmUp96RzWJy901_74WhF3ffdO-7qve7ewgze/s400/IMG_0198.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgal0Xb_TZg0IiWby8ttMn-5XdRVap6rKJ-_kOPA7IwxWRGyAUrY6p1ij7QNrSsqngdUgec6C32cqniL0C8clRlRuEmdRA-8O0dpM0lPEveFn4a1o-Vdl_GY74L8i3avl04kawl7rIgfnQt/s1600/IMG_7459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgal0Xb_TZg0IiWby8ttMn-5XdRVap6rKJ-_kOPA7IwxWRGyAUrY6p1ij7QNrSsqngdUgec6C32cqniL0C8clRlRuEmdRA-8O0dpM0lPEveFn4a1o-Vdl_GY74L8i3avl04kawl7rIgfnQt/s400/IMG_7459.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The most inspiring part of visiting GBIAK was their seed bank. I fell in love with this idea and immediately wanted to build one back home. Farmers come from all around to purchase organic seeds from this bank at one dollar per spoonful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RnSOjfK3gf6kxdOl30mqWVezePxhootRBzlT4v1q5YUIlO_Jeh8rJV1XekPDQnOmMFfXRbxkzw0DmCo_oVcdJM__hGyXn5FzUlmvjik4Z5A4VbmP6Gg6bi4fxoavaudwM8WsQ4Qn2bEH/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RnSOjfK3gf6kxdOl30mqWVezePxhootRBzlT4v1q5YUIlO_Jeh8rJV1XekPDQnOmMFfXRbxkzw0DmCo_oVcdJM__hGyXn5FzUlmvjik4Z5A4VbmP6Gg6bi4fxoavaudwM8WsQ4Qn2bEH/s640/IMG_0127.JPG" width="360" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I bought many varieties I am excited to try; drought resistant corn, sun hemp, jute, moringa, black amaranth, and others. I managed to successfully smuggle them all home in my dirty pairs of socks!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1YOo5WwkAczZY-9cOZqMeLBv7GeIC7vEjrhU1cb9kr0gHLMqENH-CbS4_auwm17Qtb7a0epJeXHByhuvnGPEAcLHK1XUHD0-kpn38NS6mYu2w8Hzzc_DiPL-1kFl6sJdGxI8mg30Y-qf/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1YOo5WwkAczZY-9cOZqMeLBv7GeIC7vEjrhU1cb9kr0gHLMqENH-CbS4_auwm17Qtb7a0epJeXHByhuvnGPEAcLHK1XUHD0-kpn38NS6mYu2w8Hzzc_DiPL-1kFl6sJdGxI8mg30Y-qf/s400/IMG_0150.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">During the rest of our trip we stayed in Nairobi and explored the city. Of course we had to spend a full day at the Masai market. So many amazing handmade goods and colors! It was a bit of an overwhelming experience until I learned I had to bargain!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFO9BqZ9l8Dsnh0Fs39ZPViptvFMo9W4dOfzYnw2yjQtrNSMve-l-YW7Sk0ifsULa68MCQ3-BVGGIMy4zc_QckO4OKMe9kB3F3OUlrnmO9Tb0fWv9NO3BAU3qo6pyztiQd-xNWeJ3FNCI/s1600/23663316512_f9a8328bbd_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFO9BqZ9l8Dsnh0Fs39ZPViptvFMo9W4dOfzYnw2yjQtrNSMve-l-YW7Sk0ifsULa68MCQ3-BVGGIMy4zc_QckO4OKMe9kB3F3OUlrnmO9Tb0fWv9NO3BAU3qo6pyztiQd-xNWeJ3FNCI/s400/23663316512_f9a8328bbd_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGowQZTKjVzX08lhJo7-gCBWwNVQMYxmPqrPdlpTbx6TYr17ydKctWMJy9Xqtph6KuH-GusG9FxFYUXjY-Z-gZqaAuzM9lvZKwTdAS6C79yFEoXeRZv3I6BTQdDxfDgF77QAthpzcFDQy/s1600/23145020613_231ab164ff_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGowQZTKjVzX08lhJo7-gCBWwNVQMYxmPqrPdlpTbx6TYr17ydKctWMJy9Xqtph6KuH-GusG9FxFYUXjY-Z-gZqaAuzM9lvZKwTdAS6C79yFEoXeRZv3I6BTQdDxfDgF77QAthpzcFDQy/s400/23145020613_231ab164ff_o.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">More adventures included visits to the elephant orphanage, lots of babies ages ranging from a few months to three years old. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFXfizBewJecZHUtXUc3qPELMlf9bTfx9C_6euNyoM2kbb4gVcBb8QrVtLiVLE8m-WNu0MGD7GLUHTMJ8lLb-aRtARmHQxQXwpmd6otvKa3e0e98DZ4LTxXYNzq6EPLcPpoRoIboxbv1C/s1600/DSCN1556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFXfizBewJecZHUtXUc3qPELMlf9bTfx9C_6euNyoM2kbb4gVcBb8QrVtLiVLE8m-WNu0MGD7GLUHTMJ8lLb-aRtARmHQxQXwpmd6otvKa3e0e98DZ4LTxXYNzq6EPLcPpoRoIboxbv1C/s400/DSCN1556.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ylI8qwHG1Ryc8_8Mhj_KT3l7BzbTRliczoE6dO2jaAFr_ko9MNHPAWPHTAywDtEz_nPPJmjrGBmn0TeDl8gz6bj5QRf6oBQ3BIEAC8fVkHThZdOQdcHbUo8UO2AdHatD6kGsrC8N4kFe/s1600/DSCN1577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ylI8qwHG1Ryc8_8Mhj_KT3l7BzbTRliczoE6dO2jaAFr_ko9MNHPAWPHTAywDtEz_nPPJmjrGBmn0TeDl8gz6bj5QRf6oBQ3BIEAC8fVkHThZdOQdcHbUo8UO2AdHatD6kGsrC8N4kFe/s400/DSCN1577.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXVzS0PoRMSTWim_AzVuc4xZlqkP2jjvOOcoWDw62KmFlMD8BwQw1wHAoyNRoyEmnjhsOug4g3tNtJYbA9swvSqQtU-VZVzUH8FL1CF4Zy4pyTO0KDPCz9BZ3MgPgoaEL4iA5TuMedRKT/s1600/IMG_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXVzS0PoRMSTWim_AzVuc4xZlqkP2jjvOOcoWDw62KmFlMD8BwQw1wHAoyNRoyEmnjhsOug4g3tNtJYbA9swvSqQtU-VZVzUH8FL1CF4Zy4pyTO0KDPCz9BZ3MgPgoaEL4iA5TuMedRKT/s400/IMG_0349.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My friend got lots of muddy elephant love. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTaeKaj4_I_8G2LAVc6CvEuDyfzO2fJuVEv31AxHKoyJEQIKbyhJTzwQtvCCFJrn51yxxiB6JwTFoT6LFcxPmDBWcx_R80QaNBOXRzoLIGgqsarqaXHasJPPvB5TZU3qHJZiCIlH-cs1Z/s1600/DSCN1583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTaeKaj4_I_8G2LAVc6CvEuDyfzO2fJuVEv31AxHKoyJEQIKbyhJTzwQtvCCFJrn51yxxiB6JwTFoT6LFcxPmDBWcx_R80QaNBOXRzoLIGgqsarqaXHasJPPvB5TZU3qHJZiCIlH-cs1Z/s400/DSCN1583.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is Ed who I met at the Giraffe sanctuary. He was surprisingly affectionate with his long neck hugs. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Toward the end of our trip we went on safari and saw all the incredible animals living in the park. The day ended with a pride of seven lions about twenty yards from us. So majestic! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LIC-nKQ97YLRSrS7WCnDa9OUjAUUYBwK-6yrYjnVAYRrL_v0gryuPKTaebbexFYwRh0CoDTkNi9smaAA_xNYY5-4venU-yASHdWnQ9aKh144_W61RjLomendgNA1huEVucuKZFYAbkP2/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LIC-nKQ97YLRSrS7WCnDa9OUjAUUYBwK-6yrYjnVAYRrL_v0gryuPKTaebbexFYwRh0CoDTkNi9smaAA_xNYY5-4venU-yASHdWnQ9aKh144_W61RjLomendgNA1huEVucuKZFYAbkP2/s400/IMG_0405.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We ended up spending a day and a half in Ethiopia on our way home, also beautiful to tour Addis Ababa on foot. Traveling to Africa was an opportunity of a lifetime. There is so much more I could say about my adventures. I left out a lot of the magical experiences. The inspiration and expansion I experienced cannot be put into words. In a nutshell this trip was a healing gift...life changing. Thank you and gratitude to my supportive family and to PELUM Kenya for making it possible for me to have this experience! I am so grateful for the new friendships I have made and we are already implementing many of the ideas I learned about here on our farm. Give thanks for continuous growth and learning!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">AMANI NA UPENDO</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Peace and Love!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcBAAuWZ-9pfSGLE-Jb7h2V0kPFzLJUK7_DTObWMpB3LO6JfALIsszFisqTJvFnxy59Vt7lBNJBPSftbg9Ju5g5t0h0jVH9jAyhEvXqOM__TYUGfIHELaOcDCQfex-Z7dTBKWK4WNuANB/s1600/WithrastafarianfarmersKenya.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span> </div>
Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-26974664139240830422016-02-27T08:04:00.000-08:002016-02-27T08:04:01.720-08:00Epic Travel #1...England Adventures<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>"Go to the edge
of the cliff and jump off. <br />
Build your wings on the way down."</em></span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><em>-Ray Bradbury</em></span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwwsHKVvXRj79Kbih4UHWhWrWzCO-XEGJXHqZfZczyDvB5T9TU6qi1XlpsaE-ocxop3Fns0Fa3WX_Cyz-ICAvHgjbwVX-xOXbsy6IAhcppGmSBPv4NeNMqP_z6LzKJ7cKkKi0QfzQNlil/s1600/149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwwsHKVvXRj79Kbih4UHWhWrWzCO-XEGJXHqZfZczyDvB5T9TU6qi1XlpsaE-ocxop3Fns0Fa3WX_Cyz-ICAvHgjbwVX-xOXbsy6IAhcppGmSBPv4NeNMqP_z6LzKJ7cKkKi0QfzQNlil/s640/149.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Almost six months later I am finally writing about some of my recent adventures... In September I was blessed to receive a scholarship through the </span><a href="http://blackpermaculturenetwork.org/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Black Permaculture Network</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> to embark on an adventure to England to attend the International Permaculture Convergence 2015. It was a truly awesome experience to have a break from my routine, embark on my first solo mission across the world, and visit a place I had never been. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Xr26KYpLZOZXbqAyosyqDJjRiD3U7uUuLDpQHKapKCUzIC5BXykZiPfWqMOwtwSn1kMWbOrgQdoLP7PNu3p6UM-RbyRPs50hsuW0lNSHXC0OMrsau2b7A0uWTBOsy-UUMvMONIfpK8wV/s1600/152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Xr26KYpLZOZXbqAyosyqDJjRiD3U7uUuLDpQHKapKCUzIC5BXykZiPfWqMOwtwSn1kMWbOrgQdoLP7PNu3p6UM-RbyRPs50hsuW0lNSHXC0OMrsau2b7A0uWTBOsy-UUMvMONIfpK8wV/s400/152.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKamd4HArKXADzIiRMcVn8N0Troe4VopE7wCkWXEzSvfHEKgALCzDlDlBCBg28NIooR6Jfl63K6XbHfX3azMM2GCWZbA3aYzPSh2HctdBAzMao8AT3LqO1RKbkiKH7e7Uk2vGKZOgUzKt2/s1600/138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKamd4HArKXADzIiRMcVn8N0Troe4VopE7wCkWXEzSvfHEKgALCzDlDlBCBg28NIooR6Jfl63K6XbHfX3azMM2GCWZbA3aYzPSh2HctdBAzMao8AT3LqO1RKbkiKH7e7Uk2vGKZOgUzKt2/s400/138.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The convergence took place in Gilwell Park, Essex outside of London. The location backed up to the ancient Epping forest. I cannot describe how beautiful, lush and green this place is. I had never seen anything like it, a truly WILD food forest.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div align="center">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vgjnIRFMBOxP37mS5AnMO3TtlvChvLuhl2C6oD25y9uhn_YpmkFoxiBo6yqmUBXQJS2eJ5skePXQ-Vj09bWyVXp20tc17q_TAgnnVHj5RSAhBxQFjSh1NT2mcpmzPUtYLCJRa4X92wx_/s1600/201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7vgjnIRFMBOxP37mS5AnMO3TtlvChvLuhl2C6oD25y9uhn_YpmkFoxiBo6yqmUBXQJS2eJ5skePXQ-Vj09bWyVXp20tc17q_TAgnnVHj5RSAhBxQFjSh1NT2mcpmzPUtYLCJRa4X92wx_/s640/201.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ancient tree in Epping forest</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyIFTrAxfaR_JElIjy9Z4KJmpqEmgzR_1mCNUlovVtN-I4VD1dZkHw8WvN9Du2KmG6A3A2rkpBxBkxLLIZjdgETnHwKPPhSNcuNo6-JXo9e-SkszleWqacg0wANlQRyPsGsBaL8FYqObT/s1600/183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyIFTrAxfaR_JElIjy9Z4KJmpqEmgzR_1mCNUlovVtN-I4VD1dZkHw8WvN9Du2KmG6A3A2rkpBxBkxLLIZjdgETnHwKPPhSNcuNo6-JXo9e-SkszleWqacg0wANlQRyPsGsBaL8FYqObT/s320/183.jpg" width="180" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRuPtU73RV7f43mwO1FqzAnrc0uuhavtQtg3qcRSly6JrXkvsMYxg83Q3PB0vHrXCv2mAyKo6lv6h3A74JZBT6UVtb3vQ9hJZDSfyoNH8h5leNKX41BmzOHNQKgYYKyl9UrCkIhEf5WxT/s1600/194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRuPtU73RV7f43mwO1FqzAnrc0uuhavtQtg3qcRSly6JrXkvsMYxg83Q3PB0vHrXCv2mAyKo6lv6h3A74JZBT6UVtb3vQ9hJZDSfyoNH8h5leNKX41BmzOHNQKgYYKyl9UrCkIhEf5WxT/s320/194.jpg" width="180" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Almost every other tree was laden with fruit; blackberries, many varieties of crab apples, sloes, and brilliant red hawthorn berries. We were fortunate to have a proper tour through the forest by a local naturalist. </span></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCQO_1JKMXuZ189KHN0CXa5AAlSLE56cHQywnshD1SQ8fJWtr0SkzTTZb-S8S-xh3I5MGbR5CyEJiSaEj0EGY4KdEkIw6ynhIyrrGsQ0s_8QafY734WtX_eUMoirBibvjOJtZmlVROras/s1600/198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCQO_1JKMXuZ189KHN0CXa5AAlSLE56cHQywnshD1SQ8fJWtr0SkzTTZb-S8S-xh3I5MGbR5CyEJiSaEj0EGY4KdEkIw6ynhIyrrGsQ0s_8QafY734WtX_eUMoirBibvjOJtZmlVROras/s640/198.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">abundance of sloes everywhere, a type of fruit used primarily for jam and whisky making</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLRABqcL_-vNv1FvJeHKyqQdcU0uVMLI1RpWb939NqVEXGeJ3-G0QQDV0-QU-Ek4Wsz6ZJQiSQXq3Pe0Usi7mbFVl91XcudXHjDAsE8iRkQlEQm7HY6K38LXsSSXC2OWYlMWzMyENhPYN/s400/155.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">pop up cafe</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"></span> </div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Outside our dorm we had a cool little pop up café serving drinks with ingredients and spices from around the world. My first night I ordered a hot drink with hazelnut butter, umboshi plum and miso all whisked up and frothy, like a savory latte. Really unique and sooo good.</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some highlights of the permaculture convergence, and topics I gained knowledge about...</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Drought proofing</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Lots of perennial food forest ideas</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-More about</span><a href="http://holisticmanagement.org/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Holistic Management</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> and planned grazing</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Amazing permaculture project in Palestine (</span><a href="http://mardafarm.com/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Marda Farms</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> in the west bank)</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-SUPER cool biochar demo with </span><a href="http://www.soil-carbon-regeneration.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ed Revill- soil carbon regeneration</span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> (I had no idea biochar has so many uses!</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> -Dry land small farming ideas</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Small farm market gardening with the Bookman's, </span><a href="http://www.foodforest.com.au/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Food Forest Farm in Australia</span></a></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsTXgBKzhNnL0oDwheRCo-6-htUGm8gmeSpGe0mNF8_y3FEx3Rgjw3u6_3zD_w_vAVBM4pTU-_PB_DO6d9Xheynf-NLyqU7rbDtQhatiWh0V4cvbGs22j7Y-D6RdswmpHkMbjPvHOKGF8/s1600/172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsTXgBKzhNnL0oDwheRCo-6-htUGm8gmeSpGe0mNF8_y3FEx3Rgjw3u6_3zD_w_vAVBM4pTU-_PB_DO6d9Xheynf-NLyqU7rbDtQhatiWh0V4cvbGs22j7Y-D6RdswmpHkMbjPvHOKGF8/s400/172.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">making biochar</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Unfortunately my experience was not all enjoyable. I was pretty shocked, disappointed and pained to see that at an INTERNATIONAL permaculture convergence with over 600 people attending, there were very few people of color attending or speaking. Mind you, permaculture is supposed to be about diversity since Diversity = Resilience! I definitely had some old traumas come up and got very triggered around the lack of diversity piece. (Ok yes I was in England but still...) The positive element that came out of it for me was that I was able to use my voice and speak up about my feelings and articulate the need for diversity and why. </span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lessons I learned through my observations and interactions at the convergence...</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Beware of ego! (Yes, some permies have huge egos!)</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Don't talk-Listen</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Humble yourself there is something to learn in every situation</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Change has to start from within, set your right intentions</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Be clear and focused, work hard and don't give up-Don't slack!</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Step up and move out of your comfort zone- Be yourself- Who You Truly Are</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-There is NO place in life for fear</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Understand the microcosm (the self) in order to know the macrocosm (the universe)</span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-As we heal ourselves the earth will heal. </span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfiJECtjFjIPbQN5hak71w_6XiKoudtN9oxuMVeSCaFb_k4S1PMBKh9Oiu6oLNbclUMTL6xus4JWhSVtAbn9Etg3IS6bgjWYGZfDzt1ksCUkafobpZIidgR_B7GQm0DHkdUtT1SJEggvP/s1600/230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfiJECtjFjIPbQN5hak71w_6XiKoudtN9oxuMVeSCaFb_k4S1PMBKh9Oiu6oLNbclUMTL6xus4JWhSVtAbn9Etg3IS6bgjWYGZfDzt1ksCUkafobpZIidgR_B7GQm0DHkdUtT1SJEggvP/s400/230.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIM25zH8cZEpr3FiKPmTwCN7AxclgZHXm2xi-qtKmtYSUiXdorMq-aK4D_mycUYITwdMv_-qbLqGETOyRK1X9FyIHJ-xmY1jhvAbKIHAftFNHyYWzfytv2eZcg0Ip-Z6f8lLQ40_godaE/s1600/229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIM25zH8cZEpr3FiKPmTwCN7AxclgZHXm2xi-qtKmtYSUiXdorMq-aK4D_mycUYITwdMv_-qbLqGETOyRK1X9FyIHJ-xmY1jhvAbKIHAftFNHyYWzfytv2eZcg0Ip-Z6f8lLQ40_godaE/s640/229.jpg" width="360" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeCcsGbRe9nzujwc-s6pASt4klaR4cPLdfpIHw1jA87ad5vKIr1S0HFXv4eieYAscGqxzcE96_9HmtYIycSE-IZ-ZMla3IdOkOvmHxx9MmMj-OsQNgQZ3Bff85NZUhU4DUVI7PsZLcUpQ/s1600/237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeCcsGbRe9nzujwc-s6pASt4klaR4cPLdfpIHw1jA87ad5vKIr1S0HFXv4eieYAscGqxzcE96_9HmtYIycSE-IZ-ZMla3IdOkOvmHxx9MmMj-OsQNgQZ3Bff85NZUhU4DUVI7PsZLcUpQ/s640/237.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The second week of my visit I traveled to see friends in Cornwall (southwest, aka the English Riviera). We visited traditional gardens, the sea side and did very British things like drink elderflower bubbly. We also spent a couple of days walking around London, site seeing and shopping (at a great Buddhist thrift store called Lama's Pyjamas, LOL!). </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9ipLvlelfgBATJ2NVwr6Ev-Nt7GBG3Dp6d1l17qH5_sGZn6DfbWpRcT5kvDB1-bsgf5zC8qKhM6lQM6RDEudwuDITO-TtZCjKNR3WIWFAcruNF0-yi8Dek_p_3PxCWjGUG-yqcA4LOsh/s1600/262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9ipLvlelfgBATJ2NVwr6Ev-Nt7GBG3Dp6d1l17qH5_sGZn6DfbWpRcT5kvDB1-bsgf5zC8qKhM6lQM6RDEudwuDITO-TtZCjKNR3WIWFAcruNF0-yi8Dek_p_3PxCWjGUG-yqcA4LOsh/s640/262.jpg" width="360" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIy6YebNRl2kxn2GiNsdngyaNlF2uH9l0bWt7FwZEL6n6OdE_ECTItnQBiLKOwAMyho9CehKrGvqkN5Bn-LaS29gQMcLAz5HpMk4bZ4biTsFDSF8B4EesCzxezKig_Oy-YHVLM79wZUsT/s1600/265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrIy6YebNRl2kxn2GiNsdngyaNlF2uH9l0bWt7FwZEL6n6OdE_ECTItnQBiLKOwAMyho9CehKrGvqkN5Bn-LaS29gQMcLAz5HpMk4bZ4biTsFDSF8B4EesCzxezKig_Oy-YHVLM79wZUsT/s640/265.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZONqhopRnm1Caqi4Bb8QPwNqPP1y9KyAbgNlaW2t27AoH-GciqUU7O5R2JyYNybf-cnc-HgjgwRlRdh-X3KExC3Ce1sc8ecR_4NGYilsNHflsxZnScwYbtCQPiSCP5OBKXzd10ehA5DG/s1600/263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZONqhopRnm1Caqi4Bb8QPwNqPP1y9KyAbgNlaW2t27AoH-GciqUU7O5R2JyYNybf-cnc-HgjgwRlRdh-X3KExC3Ce1sc8ecR_4NGYilsNHflsxZnScwYbtCQPiSCP5OBKXzd10ehA5DG/s400/263.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BmLtCgFIWSYQOiihJiEKRbtuqXt4FACtcdv8JPgrc4bpP5HvwP9EVjnHenqgjRAWXaloXuOFVpUGM6AlPzbqwU87CDPrK9RcRHsz20AT8h6q1Cg4h-D0U6vLMYIQdJ2bhyphenhyphengz5v7G6rb1/s1600/248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BmLtCgFIWSYQOiihJiEKRbtuqXt4FACtcdv8JPgrc4bpP5HvwP9EVjnHenqgjRAWXaloXuOFVpUGM6AlPzbqwU87CDPrK9RcRHsz20AT8h6q1Cg4h-D0U6vLMYIQdJ2bhyphenhyphengz5v7G6rb1/s400/248.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All in all I had an enlightening trip. Travel is always eye opening and so good at being a catalyst for expansion and growth. Stay tuned for the next epic adventure. In gratitude and until next time, Many Blessings...</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GdrBAjHRxNcO-S0y9z3KwJXTaHuWatw1GTsUgoy9CU8LV_eP_meehyphenhyphenxzvx55MaMjI0aDSxKeJTUcffT5hDj24ukNq-r3niUxUcIp50rqsWtrNCqANluN_ic9ePX9iHGwpTpYZ5t21ccp/s1600/247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-69349984217802583082016-02-24T13:11:00.000-08:002016-02-24T13:11:19.366-08:00Grounding Back In...The Spiral<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>We are a circle within a circle with no beginning and never ending...</em></span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG036gJ90oZMz4iY2JzimLb3tfinB9DCamsJGCZkN5khIpl4XFrDLu-Fq9wtKx1wzDNpxfdD_BjhQlvaEv5-TeVqlfK9Bk3vxEQmowJzrVIsQ-vxctf56eVRLhfrb35eYbw1Snj2wm5JrE/s1600/5jVeMSCjRfMyXdryHa0buNTwPwg0eFdwDr5e71OvhHw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG036gJ90oZMz4iY2JzimLb3tfinB9DCamsJGCZkN5khIpl4XFrDLu-Fq9wtKx1wzDNpxfdD_BjhQlvaEv5-TeVqlfK9Bk3vxEQmowJzrVIsQ-vxctf56eVRLhfrb35eYbw1Snj2wm5JrE/s400/5jVeMSCjRfMyXdryHa0buNTwPwg0eFdwDr5e71OvhHw.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rooftop photo of the spiral garden at Grow Bio-intensive Agriculture Kenya</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Greetings of Peace and Love! It has been many months since I've written, so much has happened. I have had the profound opportunity and gift to go on several life changing adventures, travel around the world, visit some AMAZING farming projects, meet many inspiring people, make life long friends, start a new business and learn a whole lot about myself and the creation. I am excited to share so much information I have picked up along the way, much more than can be shared in a single blog post. So the next few posts will be full of pictures, ideas, and inspiration from my journey. I pray that you enjoy. And that there is something new and inspiring for everyone who reads. As always, we are sending and channeling love and healing light to you all, above and below like mycelium running through the veins of Mother Earth! Many Blessings..</span></div>
Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-41273546143275573782015-10-31T20:57:00.001-07:002015-10-31T20:57:18.757-07:00Forging Farmers: Celebrating Women Transforming the Food System<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUM_2dQDb5lzPPinWyE2uPH5hXnKBu_JZK6upf_YbF5-w4U1svgbfHgbSvifV1y4Vw62XbgG-UY9cP1Ki-t6EXjA7Rvnlg8RfUMUsT0INUEDPtAP4NlmVhSN2NP3esrusf0510qCjkRQf/s1600/mesa.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUM_2dQDb5lzPPinWyE2uPH5hXnKBu_JZK6upf_YbF5-w4U1svgbfHgbSvifV1y4Vw62XbgG-UY9cP1Ki-t6EXjA7Rvnlg8RfUMUsT0INUEDPtAP4NlmVhSN2NP3esrusf0510qCjkRQf/s640/mesa.png" width="484" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last week I had the pleasure of participating in this wonderful event hosted by MESA, the Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture. What a privilege to be part of a panel of such amazing women working diligently to build more resilient food systems around the world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The panelists were all so different and accomplished including the fiery Joelci Dannacene, a militant organizer with The Landless Rural Workers Movement of Brazil and Myriam Kaplan-Pasternak, owner of Devil's Gulch Ranch in Marin, founder and director of HaitiCoffee.com, Inc and a USAID Farmer to Farmer volunteer in Haiti and El Salvador with Partners of the Americas, Winrock International and HaitiCoffee. The panel also included Clara Nicholls, a lecturer in the Latin American Studies Program at UC Berkeley, teaching "Perspectives for Sustainable Rural Development in Latin America" and president of the Latin American Scientific Society of Agroecology, as well as, Shu-Chen Cheng, a beginning small-scale farmer from Taiwan who hopes to educate farmers in sustainable methods, and share with her community the importance of supporting local farmers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not only was the conversation inspiring and stimulating, the homemade Puerto Rican tapas were off the hook! Thank you MESA for including me in this uplifting evening, I am honored and excited to collaborate further in the future!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-41968268022077515812015-02-26T20:46:00.000-08:002015-02-26T21:18:11.454-08:00All About Nettles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span id="goog_1887099487"></span><span id="goog_1887099488"></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupR5tx3VSpF8F_TOCPuzi9mRixEc69EtnDQo_bmdjhFo2THDG6psRiFR8HVueJGXzoKRMtrngFAS1BvjLwrhTtrxbeWvS0D4FvoJbKByCvJFFoW4I1VxbMVOA3kqxK6ReDw3-w_zepWXx/s1600/IMG_20150222_174305.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdz5Pvts8hD7ptDltq92x4DHUwtc_NLh7iZOBCUCadlep_LrHsHn4ObQ8kQASTnyMkT0y8tEDP4eIylwD01ifvd1aqmqiwq2VhJATPjbsYULV63uXBRVqBnSFSU2n3JuZspKoJY1wUT0GV/s1600/IMG_20150222_174305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0FK3fCjaJjABDZBTfwm0pu7F9Dpp18eW7ms5sdimIQyJGglg7sMbjv0-iRJ9PKRRuHBrJzC8h145rS6jXm7ZBEC6WW-SfpDkkfbmRHktxCiQO3wbd6ShrzylpYekV6oPsFvucmhkUpBF/s1600/IMG_20150222_124416.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last weekend we ventured out to Marin for our All About Nettles class. The weather was amazing, a perfect day to experience Lady Nettle in all her glory. We hiked out to our favorite foraging spot and sat in a circle to discuss identification, how and when to harvest, nutrients, medicinal uses, energetic influences, preserving, recipes, companion plants and cultivation. Then we visited the many different nettle communities to pay our respects and harvest this nourishing plant ally. Along the way students also gathered young fiddle head ferns to sauté for their evening meal and fresh cleavers to juice as a tonic for allergies and eczema. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGRIfq_-jv12iafRj0_5qtqPQDb40Q3RUSX1CWQjIKg-Nl8mTJZVGf_sbf1_e6MGJWNto3UN-3dxTICyNzngau3cRK7J7gk1cavMmXVAUjQ1-RZKSMSYMwb3V-uhTcLWEJs-TqsLl6yt6/s1600/IMG_20150222_120947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGRIfq_-jv12iafRj0_5qtqPQDb40Q3RUSX1CWQjIKg-Nl8mTJZVGf_sbf1_e6MGJWNto3UN-3dxTICyNzngau3cRK7J7gk1cavMmXVAUjQ1-RZKSMSYMwb3V-uhTcLWEJs-TqsLl6yt6/s1600/IMG_20150222_120947.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbkHE1VbpwWsUCiBgQkjYgtHHMAGHUKjaDlCoq37DFMnBEwcB2hs5CvEi2FkqPSiyDaF2ix4W1_91Xh2Y7DjwvuPXkWf7mIz1xnNxnvfyOgKxKzUIX6kzrzt18s8XwP77e3oMVr5RMROf/s1600/IMG_20150222_121948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbkHE1VbpwWsUCiBgQkjYgtHHMAGHUKjaDlCoq37DFMnBEwcB2hs5CvEi2FkqPSiyDaF2ix4W1_91Xh2Y7DjwvuPXkWf7mIz1xnNxnvfyOgKxKzUIX6kzrzt18s8XwP77e3oMVr5RMROf/s1600/IMG_20150222_121948.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsi2U5YCDdDob6ljZudj9CB3Q0k0KMzhSQtGPb8pfCO5FzIPOHUO1T6Za24aWPpTH_3tSEhzHV5DareVzajPWkXLHWjpalDMp57PrIfMozZhrRgrjSppYuu8ujwiLp2xYk2qiTQJDNFgi/s1600/IMG_20150222_143732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsi2U5YCDdDob6ljZudj9CB3Q0k0KMzhSQtGPb8pfCO5FzIPOHUO1T6Za24aWPpTH_3tSEhzHV5DareVzajPWkXLHWjpalDMp57PrIfMozZhrRgrjSppYuu8ujwiLp2xYk2qiTQJDNFgi/s1600/IMG_20150222_143732.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28gt-4TLJcUtrUaGQYTuI6clL2OdPT8TRWYuEK4YwlwgausJ1rInYjsFn4-udQh16n9-bRGMXhlcY1dpISMf5zbrvbuMUIRK-iyn16F44Qk0OneDlyxZ5RnOnY-utTY5J0HjnY3yZyV1K/s1600/IMG_20150224_085955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28gt-4TLJcUtrUaGQYTuI6clL2OdPT8TRWYuEK4YwlwgausJ1rInYjsFn4-udQh16n9-bRGMXhlcY1dpISMf5zbrvbuMUIRK-iyn16F44Qk0OneDlyxZ5RnOnY-utTY5J0HjnY3yZyV1K/s1600/IMG_20150224_085955.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKRhBGCA7Q-uJpdnZyYMaZarVNzrXWOjNhW2WeS_90oElkL36cNG56Q_KDadR-AANBHofoStzLewEKKZqhK7IkErjkMRErLi90KrvSFNMy-24vkM8e9oPGgRj8A-ZQrh9TpRaKUel0qc0/s1600/IMG_20150224_161302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKRhBGCA7Q-uJpdnZyYMaZarVNzrXWOjNhW2WeS_90oElkL36cNG56Q_KDadR-AANBHofoStzLewEKKZqhK7IkErjkMRErLi90KrvSFNMy-24vkM8e9oPGgRj8A-ZQrh9TpRaKUel0qc0/s1600/IMG_20150224_161302.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The week of a nettle harvest is always special, filled with fresh sparkling juiced nettles, delicious nettle soup, nettle quiche or frittata, green smoothies, then bundles and bundles of nettle leaves hanging in the kitchen to dry. This year our preservation method of choice is to dry and powder as many of the leaves as possible and freeze them in small bags to use through out the year as our own local, deep green super food (in place of spirulina and chlorella). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqHgwdtIaEjROCVvduJGLqkulGukBFmEGqpZAC9aZZQb7g3ugyyOAuzU_p3hVx1KR-NFIR1tDoSJSRs2g9j8J-vjaSs_Nz25DAsl7uyzBq2QAGDEgfmD8qiIEIXlP8PhY6drV8lhkXdaU/s1600/IMG_20150224_132319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqHgwdtIaEjROCVvduJGLqkulGukBFmEGqpZAC9aZZQb7g3ugyyOAuzU_p3hVx1KR-NFIR1tDoSJSRs2g9j8J-vjaSs_Nz25DAsl7uyzBq2QAGDEgfmD8qiIEIXlP8PhY6drV8lhkXdaU/s1600/IMG_20150224_132319.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdz5Pvts8hD7ptDltq92x4DHUwtc_NLh7iZOBCUCadlep_LrHsHn4ObQ8kQASTnyMkT0y8tEDP4eIylwD01ifvd1aqmqiwq2VhJATPjbsYULV63uXBRVqBnSFSU2n3JuZspKoJY1wUT0GV/s1600/IMG_20150222_174305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Herbalist Michael Moore says in his book Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West…"Nettle powder is something<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that you can gather yourself in places that you trust, and you can add it to smoothies and salad dressings, put it in your bread, add it to tea, home beer, and so forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is green food your body recognizes, and can help build blood, tissue, and self-empowerment.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Definitely our number one go to herb for extra nutrition and nourishment when we are stressed or depleted, an easily absorbable form of iron, vegetable protein, spring cleansing and so much more. Thank you lovely nettles!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">*pictures taken by Amelia Avila</span></div>
Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-1485786037518763422015-02-20T20:14:00.000-08:002015-02-20T20:14:47.807-08:00Fermenting Addiction and Best Ginger Beer Ever!<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD_9eg96rgtoif8s3f8VX9RmZxeYrJL-olPsujAzRzREvAjQKRCIQOpaoWUMZCOPt35vuET6eHAslqlxuJWRYjsw3pgllvSdYod09vc3NULPJQUyYx9Z9dTB2rIfz5imL_VWMjWb4FTvx/s1600/2015-01-23_10-36-44_932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD_9eg96rgtoif8s3f8VX9RmZxeYrJL-olPsujAzRzREvAjQKRCIQOpaoWUMZCOPt35vuET6eHAslqlxuJWRYjsw3pgllvSdYod09vc3NULPJQUyYx9Z9dTB2rIfz5imL_VWMjWb4FTvx/s1600/2015-01-23_10-36-44_932.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99qgBvcGu2Q6OYxUPDcUc9DWkUKXDd1dVlofMTQ_S2-sOEI3pc6ANrdSMgrTfGkkx8oc3w-Xr9fQYZSX30ag9ZmuICqsobTh-bwIv6oKeZbXWp9WpNwKuAjlVs6kktscYpqLgkSWe-NCE/s1600/2015-02-02_17-29-49_433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99qgBvcGu2Q6OYxUPDcUc9DWkUKXDd1dVlofMTQ_S2-sOEI3pc6ANrdSMgrTfGkkx8oc3w-Xr9fQYZSX30ag9ZmuICqsobTh-bwIv6oKeZbXWp9WpNwKuAjlVs6kktscYpqLgkSWe-NCE/s1600/2015-02-02_17-29-49_433.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsG6OeP20hIR8QCK4BMCWMlQs5GzWDO5lUWAClRnjah6c0NUmxR6M5zbwh3N-LnBJLbdBNSAELMSCzD56e5LCsUT7gXuNt04EGqMJisXtW6pwRNUihFkAIyB3H8AmMGne2YJhe0IOWnw1o/s1600/20150118_125952_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsG6OeP20hIR8QCK4BMCWMlQs5GzWDO5lUWAClRnjah6c0NUmxR6M5zbwh3N-LnBJLbdBNSAELMSCzD56e5LCsUT7gXuNt04EGqMJisXtW6pwRNUihFkAIyB3H8AmMGne2YJhe0IOWnw1o/s1600/20150118_125952_resized.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeACpoY20Gq6Wy7VrQ9M7OHiXnmq-Gu4il8IKVJeTDIymSGEIuttZTw8CtZm8ZKWQJbc4B-D2QYZWaPeAFVh2C8Dli-bm4suVxfs3aXS5CFkhsUvsAAqmHAOWd4U_z9Y1jqKMYtW_VU1G/s1600/20150118_140914_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeACpoY20Gq6Wy7VrQ9M7OHiXnmq-Gu4il8IKVJeTDIymSGEIuttZTw8CtZm8ZKWQJbc4B-D2QYZWaPeAFVh2C8Dli-bm4suVxfs3aXS5CFkhsUvsAAqmHAOWd4U_z9Y1jqKMYtW_VU1G/s1600/20150118_140914_resized.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5OqVDrxzPpthhC1JxGm7onV17sz6MZBOrSsEHyvpVxG0Z9T4rs2jDj3F5zJlWg8VzHTC975XKWhjuRvhn-VmmFzOTxGD2r5xbn_ct7P0p7x_qE6_1x0KFI8QzFC6UkkXjNTmBFUgwVnu/s1600/20150118_142258_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5OqVDrxzPpthhC1JxGm7onV17sz6MZBOrSsEHyvpVxG0Z9T4rs2jDj3F5zJlWg8VzHTC975XKWhjuRvhn-VmmFzOTxGD2r5xbn_ct7P0p7x_qE6_1x0KFI8QzFC6UkkXjNTmBFUgwVnu/s1600/20150118_142258_resized.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrckGb0nz4aiYUimCVfu1EsARDuIvm3PONvWENjRnfQ187FWZz6I8MpqDBg7mlp8uteI1RgZtwN0VIgk3kl6pn26p6LaCmshhuqlfW4oYyoEkzONitCn6lYyfHxrXSqZw5Qe_vaZ8-0KLs/s1600/20150118_145713_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrckGb0nz4aiYUimCVfu1EsARDuIvm3PONvWENjRnfQ187FWZz6I8MpqDBg7mlp8uteI1RgZtwN0VIgk3kl6pn26p6LaCmshhuqlfW4oYyoEkzONitCn6lYyfHxrXSqZw5Qe_vaZ8-0KLs/s1600/20150118_145713_resized.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFm4OISFTO8VJiIC5zdZ6FvGMqkI-zuCR3ZReTNI_b1khoJdPpn998FdsT_iPBiwVm31PnBq-ICNuJUyJF31HfS98BaaPzjavVl7SPp-LEJ5TYezVLqCMLzuwzEnMS7C1UPYa8SlPqSWw/s1600/20150118_142426_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFm4OISFTO8VJiIC5zdZ6FvGMqkI-zuCR3ZReTNI_b1khoJdPpn998FdsT_iPBiwVm31PnBq-ICNuJUyJF31HfS98BaaPzjavVl7SPp-LEJ5TYezVLqCMLzuwzEnMS7C1UPYa8SlPqSWw/s1600/20150118_142426_resized.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBuershCKTtGnUq1Y-zH8P9tltXraV5rcAKm0qwtru3RzIp46WjimraVDgYTFeGBf51ZIH1sYmjM3nBJALfIfOq-eKxrudN-g7EjfTDE4-HkKfJVXTMCh4MreTx6jMV53pyxOD37f19K-/s1600/20150118_145949_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBuershCKTtGnUq1Y-zH8P9tltXraV5rcAKm0qwtru3RzIp46WjimraVDgYTFeGBf51ZIH1sYmjM3nBJALfIfOq-eKxrudN-g7EjfTDE4-HkKfJVXTMCh4MreTx6jMV53pyxOD37f19K-/s1600/20150118_145949_resized.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our latest fermenting class, Crazy About Kraut, was a success. And now I am hearing from students who are addicted to kraut, beet kvass and fermenting in general. It really is so easy and rewarding to make your own homemade ferments. Our favorite sauerkraut recipe includes green cabbage, fresh burdock root, ginger root, fresh turmeric root, and daikon radish- yum and super good for you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In our home we have recently been making loads of ginger beer which is a wild fermentation. Our most current batch is turmeric root beer (an idea I borrowed from a student- thanks Amy!). The end product turns out a hundred times better than any store bought ginger beer and you can experiment with any roots or herbs you might want to add. Tweaking the recipe each time is the fun part. I am interested in trying elderberry/ginger beer- for immunity, hawthorn/ginger beer- as a heart tonic, astragalus/schizandra/ginger beer- for adaptogen benefits...the possibilities are as broad as your imagination. </span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></u><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Basic Ginger Beer</span></strong><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ingredients:</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fresh organic ginger root</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Organic sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Raw honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Filtered h2o</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(we also add a bit of sarsaparilla root for that root beer taste) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">-Per liter: 1/3c organic cane sugar and 1/3c raw local honey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">-Boil grated ginger (2-3" root per liter) with the water and sugar for about 15 minutes or until it has reached desired spiciness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">-Let cool, add the honey and strain into bottles or mason jars and add about 1/4-1/2c of the previous batch as a starter. If this is your first batch, go <a href="http://wellnessmama.com/8942/ginger-bug/">here</a> to learn how to make your own ginger bug. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">-Leave them at room temp for 2-3 days until they are very carbonated (check after 24 hours) and then put into smaller bottles and refrigerate. Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">*Make sure to check the bottles or jars each day, you may need to open the lids to let out a bit of pressure or you can use an <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/207664807/fermenting-lid-airlock-kit-for-wide?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_housewares-kitchen-jar-low&ione_adtype=pla&ione_creative=54864639275&ione_product_id=207664807&ione_product_partition_id=89247636995&ione_store_code=&ione_device=c&ione_product_channel=online&ione_merchant_id=101681467&ione_product_country=US&ione_product_language=en&gclid=CjwKEAiA05unBRCymrGilanF9SwSJACqDFRmtuYCPsgyIqMksQ3V5_BQvqXoxvl17K2YtNI1VA5P8xoCRrHw_wcB">airlock lid</a>. If you are worried about the bottles exploding (which should not happen if you are checking them!) you can put them aside in a Rubbermaid bin with a lid.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Happy fermenting!</span>Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-82952462884497368732015-02-15T21:07:00.000-08:002015-02-15T21:07:20.600-08:00Sweet and Steady<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> changes</em><em> it has gone through to achieve that beauty."</em></span></div>
<div align="center">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-Maya Angelou</span></em></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gQcCaloVg_eMBFS79VUwCbKEMpxdVwJr-eaYRPIABYP8pTbc79fwW_s-Px8DTy1SQY-zECUHRNAQmb2QZGBaynlz0nc9losrNLrPMyswomPE3qws7S9VTGxN379tTgBJLBGEr3iaRBHf/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gQcCaloVg_eMBFS79VUwCbKEMpxdVwJr-eaYRPIABYP8pTbc79fwW_s-Px8DTy1SQY-zECUHRNAQmb2QZGBaynlz0nc9losrNLrPMyswomPE3qws7S9VTGxN379tTgBJLBGEr3iaRBHf/s1600/095.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IfkvYUKtVaNTwachAfcbyHrbjZAZ-L0hrpDg9UVz7N4FH8-57IisGOJjaWhROOpQSu8yjz3kOMO1sEJKNI0HqWiQhoRN5UZsGByH2CKI8iaglQUcK3Anl64raxXF_Ig2dXqahJDPBP7y/s1600/089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IfkvYUKtVaNTwachAfcbyHrbjZAZ-L0hrpDg9UVz7N4FH8-57IisGOJjaWhROOpQSu8yjz3kOMO1sEJKNI0HqWiQhoRN5UZsGByH2CKI8iaglQUcK3Anl64raxXF_Ig2dXqahJDPBP7y/s1600/089.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's been awhile since I've written, almost six months actually. Life has been both cruel and kind in it's lessons. As an open hearted participant I can truly say I am always learning and growing, give thanks for evolution! Much has transpired here on the farm since the last post in August. The turkeys matured and went to their new abode in the freezer (weighing in between a whopping 30-40lbs each!). Our Wild Feast Thanksgiving was amazing. We successfully cooked our first enormous home grown turkey in the cob oven with an abundance of sage and rosemary. The bird fed almost thirty people and the chef received many happy compliments. (Thank you beautiful birds for nourishing our family!) We will definitely be raising turkeys again this year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8I8dfrUvIA4IlYq2WgqEI45panXdX1aIJkhZAzyPs0n6O0esM2s9TfzMlUZyNJNukiUYhC9HzZuwYrWqSC8bKCBT_uUXHfToJsKQoP2dkTuNPPbnUud6D5G087m_k39Riw07nweku2vD/s1600/WP_001781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8I8dfrUvIA4IlYq2WgqEI45panXdX1aIJkhZAzyPs0n6O0esM2s9TfzMlUZyNJNukiUYhC9HzZuwYrWqSC8bKCBT_uUXHfToJsKQoP2dkTuNPPbnUud6D5G087m_k39Riw07nweku2vD/s1600/WP_001781.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span id="goog_819715895" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlb3z-t1Z2P5eM5j_VjKVe7hvszBKTZEgAZCzWK5vFelEp-hk_3UYdparUBe3ogROKV0FxO570d9VEbwUZU86vMiSDFhclafNCdhiwhaZJh9_FMutPMqAguspPMtuMFJLaMiJsklcZgaVA/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlb3z-t1Z2P5eM5j_VjKVe7hvszBKTZEgAZCzWK5vFelEp-hk_3UYdparUBe3ogROKV0FxO570d9VEbwUZU86vMiSDFhclafNCdhiwhaZJh9_FMutPMqAguspPMtuMFJLaMiJsklcZgaVA/s1600/061.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There is also a fairly new addition to the family. Cinnamon (aka 2G) is our new jersey cow who we bought last August from an organic dairy up north. We recently did pregnancy tests on both Cinnamon and Ginger and it's looking like both girls are pregnant and due in late spring. Pretty exciting for us! The milk has been slowing down as we get ready to dry them off for a break before calving. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYroawQTZEfSuDiLmk2qBJREBGnezdhWnzgvMv5rX32cnnyaM99SW1FQqYKw2UwozkHb31RafR-ixIxyqrUipp6Z5AnitFMPDWwakmQPBbufRmjMmuBEeQ5swh27pu394ULHS_psQ9gZSJ/s1600/2015-02-14_14-13-46_979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYroawQTZEfSuDiLmk2qBJREBGnezdhWnzgvMv5rX32cnnyaM99SW1FQqYKw2UwozkHb31RafR-ixIxyqrUipp6Z5AnitFMPDWwakmQPBbufRmjMmuBEeQ5swh27pu394ULHS_psQ9gZSJ/s1600/2015-02-14_14-13-46_979.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As the weather warms up, the bees are active and buzzing everywhere while the hillside has become lush and green. The garden is getting more productive with peas, favas, cover crops and perennial kale, collards, chard, lettuce, garlic, onions and artichokes bursting. Time to plant potatoes and start the summer squash and tomatoes in the greenhouse. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9KAB6h6HRZVSbK4I7Fb9lYnT6-EvSoraLSMLa9CSa2kobKW1u4X8C7o96m6R5PVThDEvb0SPkGaJBsNt0hVrufuzFH8mBCYhIkDhGfYSxlu7n_om2Ut0G-Ja27ctR_WO4GL09-_Pnn6S/s1600/2015-01-31_11-40-09_641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9KAB6h6HRZVSbK4I7Fb9lYnT6-EvSoraLSMLa9CSa2kobKW1u4X8C7o96m6R5PVThDEvb0SPkGaJBsNt0hVrufuzFH8mBCYhIkDhGfYSxlu7n_om2Ut0G-Ja27ctR_WO4GL09-_Pnn6S/s1600/2015-01-31_11-40-09_641.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We have a ton of chayote starts this year and are excited to line all the fences with these versatile squash. I've also ordered more perennials bushes for the food forest...aronia, seaberry, gooseberry, along with more fruit trees including mulberry, hawthorn, and Asian pear. This time of year it is hard to contain myself from ordering everything, it's like having planting fever.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJWureaJQBYw6RyiPy9H5xc5wt_Be22zraCxc2Eu6orlYqJVrpWJvyzdsgah7rWdlzJ7ZgehVIYI7_NhetGvdnFLGHl3Hy35pcMznz9RrunBzgameCnbTBhbGf77JHgFVOTzYTVorJ1Oo/s1600/WP_000149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJWureaJQBYw6RyiPy9H5xc5wt_Be22zraCxc2Eu6orlYqJVrpWJvyzdsgah7rWdlzJ7ZgehVIYI7_NhetGvdnFLGHl3Hy35pcMznz9RrunBzgameCnbTBhbGf77JHgFVOTzYTVorJ1Oo/s1600/WP_000149.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Classes and tours have also been going extremely well. We have been blessed with so many wonderful students and great interest in what we are creating here. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlWzcdoycCVZ-DMKAcSc7ozoP28wMfjdGaTLhMJ_daaHXiFrQHUpH6Lp5-VKOnJq9y0J0OJ7z2Iw9gbiDpDfXwufU_LiRnwezcBmtFkH-KSwf0sUmQwSpw-KBfl1ZsndjWUQ8vyqIVbvh/s1600/2015-01-31_12-11-12_27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwlWzcdoycCVZ-DMKAcSc7ozoP28wMfjdGaTLhMJ_daaHXiFrQHUpH6Lp5-VKOnJq9y0J0OJ7z2Iw9gbiDpDfXwufU_LiRnwezcBmtFkH-KSwf0sUmQwSpw-KBfl1ZsndjWUQ8vyqIVbvh/s1600/2015-01-31_12-11-12_27.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And so as we continually work on externally developing this land we are stewarding and internally developing our character, we experience the sweet and steady; the effort and the rewards. We look forward in 2015 to implementing many new ideas, creativity, fun, travel, friendship, health and balance. Many Blessings!</span>Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-1935873242415226812014-08-26T22:13:00.000-07:002014-08-26T22:13:42.330-07:00Sharing Knowledge Among Women<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Don't ever take more from a plant than what you need,</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">they enjoy having life as much as we do."</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Gypsy Wisdom</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvyaf-tTq6YiX7pDE-duqSJH1hTsnwQWXZpyDRmF0kfUOVosex9AU7ZQ_f-pPNuOED-HL9CtMvP_xeb0urnLmTr4WrbEEJ7pKVXlpww9QhMFdrdIu_51yXl_OIPHrafOQiH1qHcRfQHdI/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvyaf-tTq6YiX7pDE-duqSJH1hTsnwQWXZpyDRmF0kfUOVosex9AU7ZQ_f-pPNuOED-HL9CtMvP_xeb0urnLmTr4WrbEEJ7pKVXlpww9QhMFdrdIu_51yXl_OIPHrafOQiH1qHcRfQHdI/s1600/019.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday we spent our afternoon in class creating the beginnings of an herbal apothecary. The class was full and we celebrated many useful medicinal plants for boosting immunity and supporting the respiratory system. Fresh locally wildcrafted elderberries stole the show with their juicy blue lusciousness. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qPBcXb3JgiJqtHN6eQULqkgeVlD1xie8ODlBC8q9sKwtRMeiyWOC-iX6nPVMS4P2xnRIhd6Obn1GWBs576tK7AMILWzmwU1QqU3J5dU1VTn3s9_A8j5PPgCz40sGS5sS0V09ds98EE24/s1600/elderberries+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qPBcXb3JgiJqtHN6eQULqkgeVlD1xie8ODlBC8q9sKwtRMeiyWOC-iX6nPVMS4P2xnRIhd6Obn1GWBs576tK7AMILWzmwU1QqU3J5dU1VTn3s9_A8j5PPgCz40sGS5sS0V09ds98EE24/s1600/elderberries+1.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">'Tis a special and important thing to have time for women to gather, share age old knowledge, and create holistic remedies for ourselves and our loved ones. From generation to generation it has always been the women who held this task. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfz6PK4kRcg0vkLWBIHX1yjESWHO31MI_a5skRPwjrr6CqhTgCM7SBKJhLbQZ8krNh4ZGl19uHvtIdSHI6fud9w0ihmqZCxFEb_sDz4Aa9apVxSLOKLVN2D6ZGL4mqIVde3HiZ6EahIJB/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfz6PK4kRcg0vkLWBIHX1yjESWHO31MI_a5skRPwjrr6CqhTgCM7SBKJhLbQZ8krNh4ZGl19uHvtIdSHI6fud9w0ihmqZCxFEb_sDz4Aa9apVxSLOKLVN2D6ZGL4mqIVde3HiZ6EahIJB/s1600/016.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Together we offer information, support, and community. Our baskets at the end of class were full of immunity adaptogen tincture, mullein thyme lung tea, elderberry glycerite, herbal vapor rub, and our famous fire cider. A wonderful collection of remedies to strengthen and encourage fall and winter health. Definitely a day well spent. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blessings!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCPQqKeh1Rdx1XC9ZpnYSPh4GnlYfNzB1cYME67SekfYQ9dY6emTjIGQgzMy7pg_L1YKMVUPGjIEao0_GyZtMuuaP-gyZVqPzjbHqZfwRCbxUtlssvX9Tw2gjCP-cHy7vG0Qeh-G6df51/s1600/medicine+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCPQqKeh1Rdx1XC9ZpnYSPh4GnlYfNzB1cYME67SekfYQ9dY6emTjIGQgzMy7pg_L1YKMVUPGjIEao0_GyZtMuuaP-gyZVqPzjbHqZfwRCbxUtlssvX9Tw2gjCP-cHy7vG0Qeh-G6df51/s1600/medicine+class.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-36409097276701513042014-08-03T22:40:00.001-07:002014-08-03T22:44:49.456-07:00Inspiration<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkbSB6vdF-tpIZ_LOf4wwJNMnl-wgdnoKvk0crWrJVIb5qv029mLas4C1eAxfgcJ6016fHKg2jztPAdH9jJLSOx4QSEuO749itMdJ9fnnTOR71ip90Yn4hK2OmkABVZ2L9fwAQ5jwvFfa/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkbSB6vdF-tpIZ_LOf4wwJNMnl-wgdnoKvk0crWrJVIb5qv029mLas4C1eAxfgcJ6016fHKg2jztPAdH9jJLSOx4QSEuO749itMdJ9fnnTOR71ip90Yn4hK2OmkABVZ2L9fwAQ5jwvFfa/s1600/069.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE2p15N9RIa83ogeVGLKjrvKG-oQtSzSixkonQUY9sxaGmTJU29HQHdx3NWq5pwXG_buS9mDAH7CbVpMgO1uhvLd3_m94RDnE6_TqSBuuD1uZsORGNahT2BvN4QWKXTUIh5m-wkESgo8Z/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE2p15N9RIa83ogeVGLKjrvKG-oQtSzSixkonQUY9sxaGmTJU29HQHdx3NWq5pwXG_buS9mDAH7CbVpMgO1uhvLd3_m94RDnE6_TqSBuuD1uZsORGNahT2BvN4QWKXTUIh5m-wkESgo8Z/s1600/049.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODIDAkyBlD6VvUd1HurxC6P0qHJJd62SSwKUpco6CtslElxRrXZD7qGER5HLb4tqDZRBz_zyQrynli1IV70BwH0O2OIKwGBZyW3Xar0tRhOTEQN8ags089QK0NA-uCz_P7NKAPrEMaSXF/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODIDAkyBlD6VvUd1HurxC6P0qHJJd62SSwKUpco6CtslElxRrXZD7qGER5HLb4tqDZRBz_zyQrynli1IV70BwH0O2OIKwGBZyW3Xar0tRhOTEQN8ags089QK0NA-uCz_P7NKAPrEMaSXF/s1600/070.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPrNOdcWuupZQcAggH5D2RF6L1GmFTNz9JOr8z_uc-OI6fg3-8VgfiwlzijAptFKwR0K8IQU9pBK12Iq9KoWYgvpFGXMWEeS82umbftpr4PvpBMiX_KDGd1KjIuhGgmkmojyb1q4fOofD/s1600/045.JPG" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPrNOdcWuupZQcAggH5D2RF6L1GmFTNz9JOr8z_uc-OI6fg3-8VgfiwlzijAptFKwR0K8IQU9pBK12Iq9KoWYgvpFGXMWEeS82umbftpr4PvpBMiX_KDGd1KjIuhGgmkmojyb1q4fOofD/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYnCdIEO8mcXDSlTq2QBqnveykKc_YxtjDxirfnJ_2PpelQArRlM9y8CtiUkPmKs4JPzQX52FNkITmz2DEnB78FBgRvsWwdwN5CrXaXHjrdNQpLuxi_RV_KMA5FBfx0WFtbHvhyxdjBLP/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTYnCdIEO8mcXDSlTq2QBqnveykKc_YxtjDxirfnJ_2PpelQArRlM9y8CtiUkPmKs4JPzQX52FNkITmz2DEnB78FBgRvsWwdwN5CrXaXHjrdNQpLuxi_RV_KMA5FBfx0WFtbHvhyxdjBLP/s1600/050.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzSmaD_0mzJlOm-WS1Jv4-9-FI8DuwkpEqJ6u_wDdHiZuG0AwJojZR_aL2sMZWtyJWFWMVtBjWbNsr0doraBscjyxM7hZkzA4wO38NG7y06VhunRkmIk_HYmgL00HMTuxUM0ptV1CMfs0/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzSmaD_0mzJlOm-WS1Jv4-9-FI8DuwkpEqJ6u_wDdHiZuG0AwJojZR_aL2sMZWtyJWFWMVtBjWbNsr0doraBscjyxM7hZkzA4wO38NG7y06VhunRkmIk_HYmgL00HMTuxUM0ptV1CMfs0/s1600/065.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-cMD2TwfdIOTPInvgC15KiAHAvlCDNCNn-CKne036sk8o35qf_TIIkAwTcVuSHRNjKVtbWHOLMKBJYskAZxUI07NTTmKD03QquLo49H90Wz_pOpCgSw00Ln7yd_AaT8RV1DtusXgjLXS/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-cMD2TwfdIOTPInvgC15KiAHAvlCDNCNn-CKne036sk8o35qf_TIIkAwTcVuSHRNjKVtbWHOLMKBJYskAZxUI07NTTmKD03QquLo49H90Wz_pOpCgSw00Ln7yd_AaT8RV1DtusXgjLXS/s1600/067.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br />Sometimes when life becomes more work than play and the balance is out of whack, we need to escape somewhere beautiful for inspiration. My recent destination of choice was the Regenerative Design Institute in Bolinas.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpalwyQp80miMyBpN5STxcrE3TWMAbQUK6u-zODacArXTzaZfNzdyaSWr2CMZceRaoCFESKa_eDwrHJ3DKhJ0lBAq3ibXcO_qyW3NdJNOIpQsCvDZ9p1DvuKbCSys57Y4bf0yPrpCPznpa/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpalwyQp80miMyBpN5STxcrE3TWMAbQUK6u-zODacArXTzaZfNzdyaSWr2CMZceRaoCFESKa_eDwrHJ3DKhJ0lBAq3ibXcO_qyW3NdJNOIpQsCvDZ9p1DvuKbCSys57Y4bf0yPrpCPznpa/s1600/072.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br />A day trip up the coast to visit this 17 acre permaculture farm was a perfect afternoon getaway. <span style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I participated in a three hour tour of the grounds and gardens. From orchards to medicinal food forest there was much to see. My overall impression - quiet, peaceful, wild, weedy and everywhere I turned I saw an overwhelming abundance of food growing and thriving.</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhula0ud1fRdnTUDbf89WObLlQzV7yY_vNvOabNIBSkwR-Og4lkZsI9O-0JUS2ITpZGFaC0eTslycweF3GHHzI9U8s_fkGgwvi-MkLtvo_PQJ2nRJ96QzfPultcbpoK0DTFZzOAFFfAFoHl/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhula0ud1fRdnTUDbf89WObLlQzV7yY_vNvOabNIBSkwR-Og4lkZsI9O-0JUS2ITpZGFaC0eTslycweF3GHHzI9U8s_fkGgwvi-MkLtvo_PQJ2nRJ96QzfPultcbpoK0DTFZzOAFFfAFoHl/s1600/077.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /><span style="text-align: center;">A cottage house tucked away in the garden, artful signs waiting to be hung, comfrey growing EVERYWHERE! There was the largest comfrey plant I have ever seen-</span><span style="text-align: center;">probably eight feet tall. A s</span><span style="text-align: center;">traw bale house, an i</span><span style="text-align: center;">nteresting chicken coop set-up, and a b</span><span style="text-align: center;">eautiful herd of dairy goats roaming the hillside.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxolWIsosdEyDcUrNqdrVVvG56jXReXY_uTDWwQzhLpVHTBb8qWMzRKTxtU9zzcgdUw_wPgUG8auqFldMFsyxmbg6SZOFBbaQxXeWMnGTW4x3auAVEVbCK76HmepAhBcgfPSEukicf-TqW/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxolWIsosdEyDcUrNqdrVVvG56jXReXY_uTDWwQzhLpVHTBb8qWMzRKTxtU9zzcgdUw_wPgUG8auqFldMFsyxmbg6SZOFBbaQxXeWMnGTW4x3auAVEVbCK76HmepAhBcgfPSEukicf-TqW/s1600/051.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: center;">I sat on a warm cob bench in the sun by this tranquil pond after the tour to do some journaling a</span><span style="text-align: center;">nd a thoughtful host brought this beautiful cup of tea with fresh borage leaves and lemon. A </span><span style="text-align: center;">perfect ending to a lovely afternoon. Gratitude and blessings abound. </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBXnxs6xE3nwekBFczmIlbZ275wLPmitwEnEOcxiA2wEkfl4M8ZjIWkFeSKUAsM5hUldq_Qo1xcJToZwellfsLNFf2bNgXwt8Opvk84rIobeBkmVDCCK4pI6EztxfL4mHqFSV9HGE20Ml/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBXnxs6xE3nwekBFczmIlbZ275wLPmitwEnEOcxiA2wEkfl4M8ZjIWkFeSKUAsM5hUldq_Qo1xcJToZwellfsLNFf2bNgXwt8Opvk84rIobeBkmVDCCK4pI6EztxfL4mHqFSV9HGE20Ml/s1600/075.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What we see and what we don't see</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What we know and what we can't know</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The mighty and the small, The Father and the Mother</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The creatures that prowl the forests</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and the growing things in the fields</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The young ones that tread the ground</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and the old ones that sleep under it</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The birthing and the dying</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The laughing and the crying and the bearing up</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All creation breathes with one breath.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Johnathon Odell, The Healing</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-55433075293719576022014-07-28T23:06:00.000-07:002014-07-28T23:06:02.945-07:00Aquaponics: Take One!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXxv_aJgDb8IhnTcMxrQbJmuQmMFmPhLZOGiuLFmDXXBHgm7De-bMYL3ssVHqmFQ9upvkrtUwG8OPEhyJ21QtNe_MRDLKjkUkuhJncnXP03fIZY05Yw7w4HYouoq0-Ystl-Xs_WLCKj-0/s1600/2614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXxv_aJgDb8IhnTcMxrQbJmuQmMFmPhLZOGiuLFmDXXBHgm7De-bMYL3ssVHqmFQ9upvkrtUwG8OPEhyJ21QtNe_MRDLKjkUkuhJncnXP03fIZY05Yw7w4HYouoq0-Ystl-Xs_WLCKj-0/s1600/2614.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our plans for fish farming have been in the works for a very long time now. We've been dreaming, studying and gathering information for a couple of years. We are really excited to be finally taking steps to bring our visions of this project into action. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_89-HiAXJDA4xvBisuRI00H1cz6l4WOvFa7QPKUl3ypWF8SnAfCK87qDcp0XdjNY1lxJk-42DTCr_uy6QNnVOuJGV5vEW1CPpby_l2VJpifQm4dP_ni6Abyf4-Wxu4jRLmxt0ytoQdmp/s1600/2616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_89-HiAXJDA4xvBisuRI00H1cz6l4WOvFa7QPKUl3ypWF8SnAfCK87qDcp0XdjNY1lxJk-42DTCr_uy6QNnVOuJGV5vEW1CPpby_l2VJpifQm4dP_ni6Abyf4-Wxu4jRLmxt0ytoQdmp/s1600/2616.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the four years we have been working this land we have dabbled in all sorts of endeavors; natural beekeeping, goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits, varieties of perennials, drought tolerant edibles, the standard fruit and vegis, and our family cow. With a little bit of experience behind us, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">we are refining our efforts to grow specifically what WE love to eat, which happens to include a good amount of fish!</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3QYRJ4tAV8E21MtZvw5ugoW_6ibzRwDLjP7-00ccBNoiUaVB4eKni1Frg71sCay5-BRYiUR_PuPmvvCcJHg9sgZtf3XZEs_SAUw48ezTdKrCI9eAwtLcUNsK_4T-LMVfnix5n8CRXaVX/s1600/2621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3QYRJ4tAV8E21MtZvw5ugoW_6ibzRwDLjP7-00ccBNoiUaVB4eKni1Frg71sCay5-BRYiUR_PuPmvvCcJHg9sgZtf3XZEs_SAUw48ezTdKrCI9eAwtLcUNsK_4T-LMVfnix5n8CRXaVX/s1600/2621.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In this set-up we used standard food grade IBC containers which had been functioning on the farm as containers for </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">rainwater catchment. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are also using a large sump tank on the bottom as a water reservoir. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is a ton to be said </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">about researching aquaponics set-ups. In a nutshell, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">our main source for a "how to" guide was </span><span itemprop="name" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><em>Murray Hallam's Aquaponics Made Easy</em>. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpOPVzaBx40sWm262n8UFysV2l-q1hsjBEIgM00tks9Zbk_yd7qjb67kgXx508krbizwY_KTfu0SfRfmLQ1SAzqMkLjA-YemBB8Bv901pYqeLtPKZQ-HSzvVWFabJf24sR9wztfgioXZI/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpOPVzaBx40sWm262n8UFysV2l-q1hsjBEIgM00tks9Zbk_yd7qjb67kgXx508krbizwY_KTfu0SfRfmLQ1SAzqMkLjA-YemBB8Bv901pYqeLtPKZQ-HSzvVWFabJf24sR9wztfgioXZI/s1600/042.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span itemprop="name">As of this week t</span>he system we've been working on is ready. We </span><span style="text-align: start;">just added about fifty fish, some babies and some breeders. The fish are being fed a combination of what we have on hand; spent grain, garden vegis, insects and mosquito</span><span style="text-align: start;"> larvae. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: start;">T</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: start;">ilapia are our fish of choice. They are warm water fish which grow to a large size quickly and they are adaptable and tasty. The babies, called fry, take anywhere from six months to a year to mature. The breeders are sexually mature and if all goes as planned, should mate and produce more fry keeping the system functioning in a closed loop.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSTEgIsyV82_HQpaOPyLiCimNl4M8US7iNj8w5sGDsD_9nHheO4css-g4SVxCMf9VG0SYucKzfpW7u4YjyKJNM1tyKx4sQmGDTRz8Dsq4vLMyZCIxu1ExYV8akiNzLkxsC7Cf8AHXPvXJ_/s1600/2618.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Adding our own fresh fish to equation feels like it might just make our homegrown diet complete. Exciting and lots of potential! We will be reporting back to you all with the results including successes and failures, so stay tuned for more about this project.</span></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-8PDB53zIVOc%2FU78vMgaJuqI%2FAAAAAAAAEwY%2FEBjMN-Gi51U%2Fs1600%2F2621.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3QYRJ4tAV8E21MtZvw5ugoW_6ibzRwDLjP7-00ccBNoiUaVB4eKni1Frg71sCay5-BRYiUR_PuPmvvCcJHg9sgZtf3XZEs_SAUw48ezTdKrCI9eAwtLcUNsK_4T-LMVfnix5n8CRXaVX/s1600/2621.JPG" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-7ELoabP786Y%2FU78xPPu4mxI%2FAAAAAAAAEw4%2FHX16snOKnjs%2Fs1600%2F2616.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_89-HiAXJDA4xvBisuRI00H1cz6l4WOvFa7QPKUl3ypWF8SnAfCK87qDcp0XdjNY1lxJk-42DTCr_uy6QNnVOuJGV5vEW1CPpby_l2VJpifQm4dP_ni6Abyf4-Wxu4jRLmxt0ytoQdmp/s1600/2616.JPG" -->Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-75835990003661121542014-07-20T00:25:00.000-07:002014-07-20T00:26:30.152-07:00Year Four: Reflection and Readiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXpSnml5H16UgKmZ_-eYLFAW1fssG12eTHOBZbHh2RSilU3FRKVWEjhBoOJwq0w8jVVin4sSbLpnLbYP50fOdAvOU7FNMxzU0j7YujQv9earRkQKI1LVzeOIDQkwm_DawCtiYkxrrMPew/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXpSnml5H16UgKmZ_-eYLFAW1fssG12eTHOBZbHh2RSilU3FRKVWEjhBoOJwq0w8jVVin4sSbLpnLbYP50fOdAvOU7FNMxzU0j7YujQv9earRkQKI1LVzeOIDQkwm_DawCtiYkxrrMPew/s1600/022.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">July marks four years of our lives spent creating Soul Flower Farm. We have gone through many changes learning so much in a short amount of time. On good days there is no where we would rather be. We are certainly blessed to be surrounded by overwhelming serenity, beauty and an amazing view. Most of the time the sun is shining and the weather is sweet! Of course we have our fair share of challenging days where we are questioning what the heck*#*!!, this is really hard work! But as in any aspect of life, hardship and ease come hand in hand. We wouldn't be strong (or alive for that matter) if it were any different. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So now that we know we can grow our own food, raise some livestock, put up stores for winter, and all the good stuff that comes with this lifestyle, it seems only logical the next step would be expansion. With reflection on these last four years of exertion, production and growth, we stand with complete openness and readiness. Readiness to give back, to be of service in a way that really matters, in a way that is tangible. We don't know yet what it will look like but our intentions and the dreams in our hearts are waiting for the opportunity to manifest. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"The best way to find yourself is to loose yourself in the service of others."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Mahatma Ghandi</i></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-65605773085702848992014-07-11T17:57:00.001-07:002014-07-11T17:57:44.044-07:00Summer Babies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCeB5ZSe4S7gDHKTpwszBlzv-j9FQu3cpM24MO27kwmBhrKtpU_UgfqCERLcRdWnpQptpmNgftXnCxmjsPwa7_8hZ0hRe_Oo4xo0faDKseJzckqN3Xhb-ULs86hfFSnmf9FWpRsLm2UEI/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCeB5ZSe4S7gDHKTpwszBlzv-j9FQu3cpM24MO27kwmBhrKtpU_UgfqCERLcRdWnpQptpmNgftXnCxmjsPwa7_8hZ0hRe_Oo4xo0faDKseJzckqN3Xhb-ULs86hfFSnmf9FWpRsLm2UEI/s1600/009.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, I'm finally getting around to posting these pics. The summer kids arrived a few weeks ago. All three are adorable as can be and that mischievous goat spirit runs through them all as we watch them run, jump, twist, play, and investigate this new world of theirs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ8v3YqihC8FKDoZ_zwDLv6nHa-UV6ne7MNcGMZqxkawTkCfHi9bkfU84BViuWxQy4oswkFeu9iHbU0hBH395bMdkavT_oJ9bnbVwFq98EIsvCM-YhdvfrC3_l6Z4-AeADV9lWKntAVNT/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ8v3YqihC8FKDoZ_zwDLv6nHa-UV6ne7MNcGMZqxkawTkCfHi9bkfU84BViuWxQy4oswkFeu9iHbU0hBH395bMdkavT_oJ9bnbVwFq98EIsvCM-YhdvfrC3_l6Z4-AeADV9lWKntAVNT/s1600/005.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVReFbp1Nka4Y2F68nXQRiTBxMcRwYekyCKvp25Jkiyb_smzot-Ys8aYKFfeCUMzXepzKEuj960SJ1CJ7x0wAwPxKYt66xAGnBIyr5NNCGLMVkZ5CxF1-efmEujy3oFAQ_LzR4OXRmO0cT/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVReFbp1Nka4Y2F68nXQRiTBxMcRwYekyCKvp25Jkiyb_smzot-Ys8aYKFfeCUMzXepzKEuj960SJ1CJ7x0wAwPxKYt66xAGnBIyr5NNCGLMVkZ5CxF1-efmEujy3oFAQ_LzR4OXRmO0cT/s1600/004.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Maydaisy, our old timer, has had three sets of triplets in the past and this year gave birth to one enormous girl who we named Violet. Willow, Maydaisy's daughter from last year, had twins Hemlock (boy) and Rue (girl). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLu6LkWxSYVWAZ9p1sya55vRMvU2OVbgQmyo0kzl_T-q9J6Nst3YXSmwgjQI1zmZu2JNo7Bn_EHohZdbwl1TOowL8aak2uHlGtWzRxMWGUIfT0Ggn_jvt-W2a0AdcqSSB6ciEHX1QzFaQ4/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLu6LkWxSYVWAZ9p1sya55vRMvU2OVbgQmyo0kzl_T-q9J6Nst3YXSmwgjQI1zmZu2JNo7Bn_EHohZdbwl1TOowL8aak2uHlGtWzRxMWGUIfT0Ggn_jvt-W2a0AdcqSSB6ciEHX1QzFaQ4/s1600/013.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My do they hey grow up fast! They are already nibbling alfalfa and vegis along the Mamas. The kids have had a great start getting 100% access to their Momma's milk for the first few weeks. It's time to start the regular nightly separation and morning goat milking routine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiiDk08fzNbDZPUVO43w-CDblEeCqjQqfu3eQwyfQLKxg1yarsLZWtoWkMG7rpTlwGSAbfRbHZpv2dE_kCJKUGh76VXS8YgDAtB7caCXVsMainBwxh1zQ3RxIPcxOzM2endcQ52kKTIiO/s1600/2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiiDk08fzNbDZPUVO43w-CDblEeCqjQqfu3eQwyfQLKxg1yarsLZWtoWkMG7rpTlwGSAbfRbHZpv2dE_kCJKUGh76VXS8YgDAtB7caCXVsMainBwxh1zQ3RxIPcxOzM2endcQ52kKTIiO/s1600/2605.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Babies always add a special feeling of warmth to the farm. It's great to have them back again!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JSGKNR9d6AjFmb8cJovRS3Pp5q_KAE0ESw7LuQAebkmwwQIRWwIE8JdOk5r6teOHEGXMWzQegW7WU723jHBNKUV4imNE-WlG1QVfWeNtceF27XFFGWJmPflgvgcCxr9oSs88WNHpYlEv/s1600/2604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JSGKNR9d6AjFmb8cJovRS3Pp5q_KAE0ESw7LuQAebkmwwQIRWwIE8JdOk5r6teOHEGXMWzQegW7WU723jHBNKUV4imNE-WlG1QVfWeNtceF27XFFGWJmPflgvgcCxr9oSs88WNHpYlEv/s1600/2604.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<br />Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-77817740820267022822014-06-20T19:39:00.000-07:002014-06-20T19:44:17.476-07:00Preserving With Instant Gratification<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHpgHODNt5V3ITReZvgAIjY8phJ5J7r3i1kbMgQ08pbYBytpYnmjlsftaRxkb04YCk5yemJnYUH4hgPLNDQJVbb2EZXQ6rG3VsE4g3JEh2qoLDrZkBo3Rv2XoF44tyfo2jH6mk1GF7VHj/s1600/PLUOTS~~element147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHpgHODNt5V3ITReZvgAIjY8phJ5J7r3i1kbMgQ08pbYBytpYnmjlsftaRxkb04YCk5yemJnYUH4hgPLNDQJVbb2EZXQ6rG3VsE4g3JEh2qoLDrZkBo3Rv2XoF44tyfo2jH6mk1GF7VHj/s1600/PLUOTS~~element147.jpg" height="369" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As we're moving into the summer season, the fruit is ripening and our preserving marathon begins. However this year, I recognize we don't really have whole days to commit to canning so I am starting out with small batches here and there. It feels more sustainable this way and also more enjoyable. Last weekend we stripped our apricot tree and canned the delicious sun ripened fruit (leaving the firmer fruit to ripen indoors saving it from the deer!). My favorite method of canning is the raw pack method; so simple and fast. My neighbor brought over a beautiful bag of pluots from her tree last night. Here's how I canned them using the raw pack method. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6TyD_V_52zVi7tpXeLAaYBk_CAMhbNjyiuiyAROCuaySLATbUCCkekxFX3pZ9E497E4oQTgdHaaKisqdeOYcHC0hLnrHHHaISPjBq58jMO3eNK8rQwyKjWbOv2JKFtR6bJZ-ukFtZSOG/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6TyD_V_52zVi7tpXeLAaYBk_CAMhbNjyiuiyAROCuaySLATbUCCkekxFX3pZ9E497E4oQTgdHaaKisqdeOYcHC0hLnrHHHaISPjBq58jMO3eNK8rQwyKjWbOv2JKFtR6bJZ-ukFtZSOG/s1600/026.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Set a large canning pot 3/4 full of water on the stove to boil. Wash and sterilize jars, I use quart jars and sterilize them in the oven at 250 degrees for 10 minutes. Wash fruit and cut the flesh off the pit. Pack jars tightly with fruit. You can add 1/2 tsp. of vitamin C powder or add a squeeze of lemon to prevent fruit from browning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfWHMa8rXwuPSu2hQoeY6-EIOvkFUTtXeFaC2Iiw8jHbLBz-9yYE3yHPP6pX5CAr2_URAPeAZJdKA2GB7yq3jh1W62b2Q9Z9FjDoX_d30qP-mdJs0Jh1ag-zd8mmJKgHYe8hxdU39Irak/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfWHMa8rXwuPSu2hQoeY6-EIOvkFUTtXeFaC2Iiw8jHbLBz-9yYE3yHPP6pX5CAr2_URAPeAZJdKA2GB7yq3jh1W62b2Q9Z9FjDoX_d30qP-mdJs0Jh1ag-zd8mmJKgHYe8hxdU39Irak/s1600/028.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pour boiling water over fruit leaving 1/2 inch head space. Some people like to use a sugar or honey syrup but I prefer plain fruit. Screw on canning lids and place into hot water bath making sure water level is an inch above jars. There are different canning times depending on the type of fruit. I can pluots for 20 minutes and in general I like to refer to the fruit canning chart in The Encyclopedia of Country Living. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-nu1Yiv8iACvL_9ijEnJPvVF2XpvTmY3jLsx4w_O44UYfwR2NeXvnxdly5atjsbIpGGhOQbgbhXxg7OkjjG5AKR7vcYqC6rEtucYABeK4dZGZFhS9C9QR9ftUByRA6SLjL4fg3qkvyuQ/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-nu1Yiv8iACvL_9ijEnJPvVF2XpvTmY3jLsx4w_O44UYfwR2NeXvnxdly5atjsbIpGGhOQbgbhXxg7OkjjG5AKR7vcYqC6rEtucYABeK4dZGZFhS9C9QR9ftUByRA6SLjL4fg3qkvyuQ/s1600/034.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love using this method because we are able to preserve alot of fruit in a short time. There is no added sweetener yet the fruit becomes almost caramelized during the canning process leaving it sweeter than in it's raw state. It's wonderfully convenient to pull out a quart of home grown plums. apricots, apples or peaches and whip up a pie, crisp, or galette by simply spooning out the fruit into a pie shell or making a quick crumb topping. This is also amazing over waffles and pancakes, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream- Haagan Daz of course! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have fun preserving and happy summer!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Top picture from tinysorganic.com</i></span>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-zvSsnyDjUsc%2FU6TmG9xqXXI%2FAAAAAAAAEuU%2F_beQbF04j6Y%2Fs1600%2F026.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6TyD_V_52zVi7tpXeLAaYBk_CAMhbNjyiuiyAROCuaySLATbUCCkekxFX3pZ9E497E4oQTgdHaaKisqdeOYcHC0hLnrHHHaISPjBq58jMO3eNK8rQwyKjWbOv2JKFtR6bJZ-ukFtZSOG/s1600/026.JPG" -->Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-54353087227884049352014-05-13T21:51:00.000-07:002014-05-13T21:51:03.341-07:00Around The Farm: May<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFI0oBmfl3jaqu-weMKFyI0fOOT-fYW39otIuNDn7cYPW-AJGE0q0ZeS4cvaU0is7hP_Z7OEZcRjZmdElhqX4Y6etBYkbaBkwm358slsV-rPqi9e67A4fSW6J9s02PTlk6jWlygcy2hA9_/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFI0oBmfl3jaqu-weMKFyI0fOOT-fYW39otIuNDn7cYPW-AJGE0q0ZeS4cvaU0is7hP_Z7OEZcRjZmdElhqX4Y6etBYkbaBkwm358slsV-rPqi9e67A4fSW6J9s02PTlk6jWlygcy2hA9_/s1600/022.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Broccoli harvested from the garden in our son's handmade basket</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPu3f7kqP9uHRIYYzwcRyPEEvdnACuKezrHadBEtRDaI3TnvypdO-vqBD3cPHs3qcRXgi3u1bUs_IbvAZElilE3nZNK15HWnRIyKLxCeTg3fzetQcKrWMIlQRCw8CJWpZEZ2ZgRzzGFVT/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPu3f7kqP9uHRIYYzwcRyPEEvdnACuKezrHadBEtRDaI3TnvypdO-vqBD3cPHs3qcRXgi3u1bUs_IbvAZElilE3nZNK15HWnRIyKLxCeTg3fzetQcKrWMIlQRCw8CJWpZEZ2ZgRzzGFVT/s1600/033.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Many beds still bursting with different varieties of kale</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5WQt1r3VFjptJQGmNmvUCNTvLtUxFRtkaG4iKRC-g9RjCtQEK02I_lU_ng1nGExrQ2x4gHhJh-DPJJLAA2-GK_yy8axWoY1w__owGr1GuwX4_1A_ufQaCQ-mn_LgCn5KboeSVPDwuR1C/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5WQt1r3VFjptJQGmNmvUCNTvLtUxFRtkaG4iKRC-g9RjCtQEK02I_lU_ng1nGExrQ2x4gHhJh-DPJJLAA2-GK_yy8axWoY1w__owGr1GuwX4_1A_ufQaCQ-mn_LgCn5KboeSVPDwuR1C/s1600/042.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Snap peas make perfect garden nibbles</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGqiZm52vJcpbWq1xmQxQmXvOD1Zm5iyfaXQX5Bw6wk2uCxpCep_H_nM0mF-nE1jmQEPTvqewaNPXyIn7TZiY_xBsK1kSeA1cGtJvOOQf67D6yn4muLGYi-4rlzxxeHNWEuZV8hOk0IJd/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGqiZm52vJcpbWq1xmQxQmXvOD1Zm5iyfaXQX5Bw6wk2uCxpCep_H_nM0mF-nE1jmQEPTvqewaNPXyIn7TZiY_xBsK1kSeA1cGtJvOOQf67D6yn4muLGYi-4rlzxxeHNWEuZV8hOk0IJd/s1600/038.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Food Forest beginnings: Artichokes, kale, chard, sunflowers, banana, and a young hawthorn tree</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-hL4hNIpRNXg_mFgSNoOjTGgvkpH-7cEowImU5SpVxPZtWRGw1G5Dghherxt4b4zRXIt7c8s2e2f_TYfzX_Hc456va1vVq9lS9c5_imFb1eZTbmmfFKImN7JgA5Gg78bpRKDcIjFAf4p/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-hL4hNIpRNXg_mFgSNoOjTGgvkpH-7cEowImU5SpVxPZtWRGw1G5Dghherxt4b4zRXIt7c8s2e2f_TYfzX_Hc456va1vVq9lS9c5_imFb1eZTbmmfFKImN7JgA5Gg78bpRKDcIjFAf4p/s1600/023.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cylindra beets</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2eBkBiMaXHmMNZ-AFDh9FLzEAWNjwqdTCqOGo9vXt66lnq5iw-hBVWJQ63pYuzQW2P4U9p6-IGol-FMbw98IJv64Mbffo42HXyxe1C9n9k7pXQzLS_uSWPKgpZGGYIIkVN47JiDtDiXT/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2eBkBiMaXHmMNZ-AFDh9FLzEAWNjwqdTCqOGo9vXt66lnq5iw-hBVWJQ63pYuzQW2P4U9p6-IGol-FMbw98IJv64Mbffo42HXyxe1C9n9k7pXQzLS_uSWPKgpZGGYIIkVN47JiDtDiXT/s1600/017.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dehydrated beet chips</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseFO2hn4ADVXf94v4TQXbyj8xNoz9-OqFbY5bSVmGjHfMMYGWpw0o3-duBFvZlPQrukUjt1RU5q5PwYAfrM3liFj8q_K2eAlJEDKPssKWNu70lwC89wEa5WPn2h0E8TmNWcaXD03om3Tx/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgseFO2hn4ADVXf94v4TQXbyj8xNoz9-OqFbY5bSVmGjHfMMYGWpw0o3-duBFvZlPQrukUjt1RU5q5PwYAfrM3liFj8q_K2eAlJEDKPssKWNu70lwC89wEa5WPn2h0E8TmNWcaXD03om3Tx/s1600/050.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Strawberry beet fruit leather- try it it's amazing!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC74Q3Y7VXD1LY7ShFg1hhioHXYJy5KfZ_8dPEJs84nKp_OJdaaSv-5zOcgXpkuHDgtIZj5E30VomRbxwh7LrFfnojC_iMXwAkmh9qpT3rWeqFkp5vju1QpeftC4VNFyFR2fyfokiG7Ewd/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC74Q3Y7VXD1LY7ShFg1hhioHXYJy5KfZ_8dPEJs84nKp_OJdaaSv-5zOcgXpkuHDgtIZj5E30VomRbxwh7LrFfnojC_iMXwAkmh9qpT3rWeqFkp5vju1QpeftC4VNFyFR2fyfokiG7Ewd/s1600/048.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lots of fresh cheese</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYFDshNKO3aEjmW-P4N158Qq5TiTYuRntNfGoZ-iLGKDaAnWL0qNDxViai-pgC6bV4mtuIP-0BWumn602TShwefvgert3ORphHVzBmL5y7L1me1lPLinty1Bbcx2FQLZxXeDdgdqU1rrD/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbYFDshNKO3aEjmW-P4N158Qq5TiTYuRntNfGoZ-iLGKDaAnWL0qNDxViai-pgC6bV4mtuIP-0BWumn602TShwefvgert3ORphHVzBmL5y7L1me1lPLinty1Bbcx2FQLZxXeDdgdqU1rrD/s1600/053.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ginger!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TPJ8xaUEZu0_UueGp0qVg2oNLWCrYq5dktahtWCVNzqqfpd2PDNwVwVEZaiZnwRNUb4OtXhmW6OmYoTZIKiLIZ8hgf0yFktcC7ui7HfcjqRvATP75xYfv8gWgreB9AbjEwwQ_aAnythl/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TPJ8xaUEZu0_UueGp0qVg2oNLWCrYq5dktahtWCVNzqqfpd2PDNwVwVEZaiZnwRNUb4OtXhmW6OmYoTZIKiLIZ8hgf0yFktcC7ui7HfcjqRvATP75xYfv8gWgreB9AbjEwwQ_aAnythl/s1600/031.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Turkeys poults are growing up</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAwOiXEiyvdP2O8_MuK4l95ZXnp2M1GdyM-Uz25zGAozX6rh4EBsT5SzSqAr5y1nzQ4KDf-WuTEawEQcfJUp-PFqSCOImEodgT2_xSBm3Bpzj-E0Ud7tp03IYH44ZBGsrjhR0pZw228_7/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAwOiXEiyvdP2O8_MuK4l95ZXnp2M1GdyM-Uz25zGAozX6rh4EBsT5SzSqAr5y1nzQ4KDf-WuTEawEQcfJUp-PFqSCOImEodgT2_xSBm3Bpzj-E0Ud7tp03IYH44ZBGsrjhR0pZw228_7/s1600/030.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gfHxt_ImzoMTzc9sPS0SOJKtaD5YV7xofzkql6Niu4TugSX5oJPzdzkA6UGKjZt3eHX8gHejcGSd4D-Gr4IJrSfMEJ3melxbkjDbtb4gvDCeNPnc48jq0lX9vo7a3EhWgR-TEK8jFP2b/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gfHxt_ImzoMTzc9sPS0SOJKtaD5YV7xofzkql6Niu4TugSX5oJPzdzkA6UGKjZt3eHX8gHejcGSd4D-Gr4IJrSfMEJ3melxbkjDbtb4gvDCeNPnc48jq0lX9vo7a3EhWgR-TEK8jFP2b/s1600/010.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Young hands jarring up honey- a sweet chore!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uKTeG_cZG5Ocp_93txvPehC6-eRld3dzlFuAI-iK0fYqcfklGrp0SJMYAaNeTzSbaXvyAuP_e4baM-xZKUndwbPZM_fhFkqYEq1c_G-YDV_RBpVDA31-eO3qEE3DdxyK4Ydtv-5SHvYC/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uKTeG_cZG5Ocp_93txvPehC6-eRld3dzlFuAI-iK0fYqcfklGrp0SJMYAaNeTzSbaXvyAuP_e4baM-xZKUndwbPZM_fhFkqYEq1c_G-YDV_RBpVDA31-eO3qEE3DdxyK4Ydtv-5SHvYC/s1600/012.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjTNHlDiUCJgD9gOYTus_sVftLbhOM9Dfs1kuXl46kX-ftI8tOWuftilOhK8wTSkUJm5XxISCR7qsi6hpBhT8qmdR0LXJZLO0QoX5IwscD15IhfaU97rwE_4ItXSC7S0FwqLCBGHVSDKs/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjTNHlDiUCJgD9gOYTus_sVftLbhOM9Dfs1kuXl46kX-ftI8tOWuftilOhK8wTSkUJm5XxISCR7qsi6hpBhT8qmdR0LXJZLO0QoX5IwscD15IhfaU97rwE_4ItXSC7S0FwqLCBGHVSDKs/s1600/057.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Drying the garlic harvest before braiding</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3DZQMb1oeVRv3BPDueQRxJGr_eqzLUZEhTM872GN2Qy8-h3sE6_Ztmyy8I34e0CbX3KUPV6PzqG75zzjnpctOeL_owlbg8tcAbq8wIVMoK1ZQ7GQ6mrg_WxZV-Oyi-_7hEdwpciFrttC/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3DZQMb1oeVRv3BPDueQRxJGr_eqzLUZEhTM872GN2Qy8-h3sE6_Ztmyy8I34e0CbX3KUPV6PzqG75zzjnpctOeL_owlbg8tcAbq8wIVMoK1ZQ7GQ6mrg_WxZV-Oyi-_7hEdwpciFrttC/s1600/059.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So much to fit into these long, hot days. Spring is feeling more like summer as we put extra mulch on the beds and get all the tomatoes, corn, squash, peppers and eggplant into the ground. I've been feeling way behind as there are a ton of vegis to harvest and process with very little time and only a few hands keeping up all the work. Our trio of goats are fat and due to kid in less than a month. The stalls need to be cleaned out and bedded with thick fresh straw in anticipation of the babies we so adore. The chickens are steadily laying away and the turkeys are growing large before our eyes. I think those seven funny poults may have imprinted on me because they follow me everywhere squawking, "Mammma!" in turkey language. I have become quite attached to them which is going to be problematic come Thanksgiving. We harvested a good portion of garlic yesterday. I'm excited to experiment with braiding both the soft and hard neck varieties later this week. We harvested it still a bit green so the stems will be flexible instead of brittle. We've been eating mostly out of the garden these days and can't wait for the fruit in the orchard to ripen: citrus and apricots first, then plums, apples, pears, grapes, persimmons and more...We are really praying and planning for a big harvest this year so we can put up the summer goodness for winter. Much depends on the drought/water supply and how much our grey water can keep the soil moist. For now, we're feeling optimistic and always filled with gratitude!</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDW_9KI6mNsPVSYE4k3iLLT-nvrsxE9EB5IT6-8onPS94yHbwDFRem4dHj0U5xNj-PQO-p44FOD-XiBOyZHjIFCDIbht8yehyphenhyphenvjOzMh3IqBGTd_JIOFRQohuyuakcZfwzA0P8i3dh0aRr/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDW_9KI6mNsPVSYE4k3iLLT-nvrsxE9EB5IT6-8onPS94yHbwDFRem4dHj0U5xNj-PQO-p44FOD-XiBOyZHjIFCDIbht8yehyphenhyphenvjOzMh3IqBGTd_JIOFRQohuyuakcZfwzA0P8i3dh0aRr/s1600/037.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<i style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God never sends us more than we can handle. -Mother Theresa</span></i>Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-35244084441377731452014-05-06T13:34:00.000-07:002014-05-06T13:34:33.737-07:00A Day At The Green Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7ftvoWKfXxfdZQ8qja9T0-CPYH22Kmo2ycOd2fvDKhPp9Q04bvW2DujPlCvcGC1cCAd13o03BK5451HPOy0dE18J4xNWlF4T-8dondbemwDqkb3QrmBwQMT0YznbACQOIEK_vElzXNun/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7ftvoWKfXxfdZQ8qja9T0-CPYH22Kmo2ycOd2fvDKhPp9Q04bvW2DujPlCvcGC1cCAd13o03BK5451HPOy0dE18J4xNWlF4T-8dondbemwDqkb3QrmBwQMT0YznbACQOIEK_vElzXNun/s1600/052.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last weekend we spent our Sunday at the Albany Arts and Green Festival. Blessed with beautiful weather and a large crowd, we sold almost all our local organic honey, as well as many of the products from our Handcrafted Herbalim CSA. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSG-NwRchK1ApwXozsDMMt6fWseG8GXTNazso6geGiSkcqHEetT2tbl_gEHmMKvTSpmU_dy1x8ILHio7GBgFVW6k_QSh_52Lq0gBZg_N27_-uQkm614UGm196LjVyCTMfYSAq75ziiWK6/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSG-NwRchK1ApwXozsDMMt6fWseG8GXTNazso6geGiSkcqHEetT2tbl_gEHmMKvTSpmU_dy1x8ILHio7GBgFVW6k_QSh_52Lq0gBZg_N27_-uQkm614UGm196LjVyCTMfYSAq75ziiWK6/s1600/057.JPG" height="400" width="357" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was a diverse grouping of booths at the festival; everything from solar/renewable energy to The Sierra club to The Alameda County Beekeepers Association. We spent some time promoting our classes, discussing our farm with interesting people, and benefiting from all the giveaways (fruit trees, environmental books, compost and organic vegi starts). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuLoQFO4IojWavJphuZaNdkmZi-sx4x4ATmhhaO46lwbdOAoUOttx_dAG2BD1Qepgh6Ixqtu0A7ZCjHBwlEegg2inaqVMcAJL4zfoX8FSx9lCl31vn6n5vVwhzjEDp_8s7aqn7Pxvnm7g/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuLoQFO4IojWavJphuZaNdkmZi-sx4x4ATmhhaO46lwbdOAoUOttx_dAG2BD1Qepgh6Ixqtu0A7ZCjHBwlEegg2inaqVMcAJL4zfoX8FSx9lCl31vn6n5vVwhzjEDp_8s7aqn7Pxvnm7g/s1600/059.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88GLNk6hYmZVdHDrFoQyVXoZzY9ATgodrh51rB_RjyUJI4z_jYWb8l90yoDfUOKJtrJDnAboDyhgbG1B3IjGv5SHnoCKs0wWilz7_Wr_Y17jOg-fUy9MpQhvsnfEvfYZ5A7uUKfMj3IyI/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88GLNk6hYmZVdHDrFoQyVXoZzY9ATgodrh51rB_RjyUJI4z_jYWb8l90yoDfUOKJtrJDnAboDyhgbG1B3IjGv5SHnoCKs0wWilz7_Wr_Y17jOg-fUy9MpQhvsnfEvfYZ5A7uUKfMj3IyI/s1600/053.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fire Cider, Herbal Body Cream, Gardener's Salve, <br />Eucalyptus Lavender Salt scrub for sale</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK9qfP3SxF3eAZYEXomgWT6MGlEGkRX9p4r7VqXAroMHcLu2Aou9G3BmMbxI5Wxp4JdLr2cPJS0vV-Gtr8wR6WxUrWcXfAaoxaIPCmF7bz66IjQQMlZ3Qk9YvgQa3hIfFRNgfSRFg0dvQ/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK9qfP3SxF3eAZYEXomgWT6MGlEGkRX9p4r7VqXAroMHcLu2Aou9G3BmMbxI5Wxp4JdLr2cPJS0vV-Gtr8wR6WxUrWcXfAaoxaIPCmF7bz66IjQQMlZ3Qk9YvgQa3hIfFRNgfSRFg0dvQ/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK9qfP3SxF3eAZYEXomgWT6MGlEGkRX9p4r7VqXAroMHcLu2Aou9G3BmMbxI5Wxp4JdLr2cPJS0vV-Gtr8wR6WxUrWcXfAaoxaIPCmF7bz66IjQQMlZ3Qk9YvgQa3hIfFRNgfSRFg0dvQ/s1600/056.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Both our honey and the model Warre hive we set up drew plenty of attention. It was a blast talking about bees with other beekeepers and hearing about many of the local apiaries in the area. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The best part of the festival was networking with so many interesting, like minded people. Of course taking home peach, apricot, and cherry trees, comfrey, globe artichokes, mugwort, and a few more starts for the garden was pretty great too. Hurrah for the Green Festival!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayuADtbgpoV05nLgUwGu_Wx8NkaaEJj76MeZvMelX8igyLiwkcAFU8JVyrtEGT4pKcjNc_AMHOBjW-9Fn-7uZxLKbD5QovNGo2s46XiX2-16W8O3H29X9QAna8oDcpQY_HmOs-Ni9MlT3/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayuADtbgpoV05nLgUwGu_Wx8NkaaEJj76MeZvMelX8igyLiwkcAFU8JVyrtEGT4pKcjNc_AMHOBjW-9Fn-7uZxLKbD5QovNGo2s46XiX2-16W8O3H29X9QAna8oDcpQY_HmOs-Ni9MlT3/s1600/060.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsg6-D9qCQgCbIHARCuqSbxYOfpW2h_4dtrqU1mEEWEg_cO95f_swRI_SZcRo-ErheZlTcEifUmYWFGcSDAWi74bphPiM81JKeV-HZiXYAnt4lZ7-4E2nVg39tL8nrKuIo2Vzzc7RYOYDu/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsg6-D9qCQgCbIHARCuqSbxYOfpW2h_4dtrqU1mEEWEg_cO95f_swRI_SZcRo-ErheZlTcEifUmYWFGcSDAWi74bphPiM81JKeV-HZiXYAnt4lZ7-4E2nVg39tL8nrKuIo2Vzzc7RYOYDu/s1600/055.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-22165745457778979452014-04-13T22:02:00.002-07:002014-04-13T22:02:25.637-07:00Ramping Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBW29VQLrnnIGEfg7nFJnmwamcMyUVxr7bsh4IzWGookOykVerK3e2bQPJJytuoRmk2rq2b-3rrhhgN5-Ll3kW1_29dkMNMs2ce-CrFsQgKN3MHwSUFM77kFLKYhJ8PpMnFb4yNPQoDznG/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBW29VQLrnnIGEfg7nFJnmwamcMyUVxr7bsh4IzWGookOykVerK3e2bQPJJytuoRmk2rq2b-3rrhhgN5-Ll3kW1_29dkMNMs2ce-CrFsQgKN3MHwSUFM77kFLKYhJ8PpMnFb4yNPQoDznG/s1600/061.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We've been busy bees lately. On top of the explosion of spring planting, milking 2x a day, catching several swarms, classes and chores, we have expanded our hen operation. Two rounds of chicks we recently raised are mature and beginning to lay. We also adopted a large group of Brown Isos from an animal rescue. These ladies are between 7-11 months old, prime production brown egg layers. Their dwellings are three mobile chicken tractors built from scrap materials we had here on the farm. As we are moving them across the hillside, they will eat all the bugs and grass while preparing and fertilizing new beds for us to plant. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYHkHqdWOs1A8S_8iUiiWujFtvUCm-GGprY1kTkLVAJTMWNEYbG6CX4VwvXcGkr07xpzlqDKt074ECH2n55jNiZ4wDLHvi2ya79iFeMzKkiquRy5T9GaR4Q2xMAXFASfi8NzWDSP4sG9t/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYHkHqdWOs1A8S_8iUiiWujFtvUCm-GGprY1kTkLVAJTMWNEYbG6CX4VwvXcGkr07xpzlqDKt074ECH2n55jNiZ4wDLHvi2ya79iFeMzKkiquRy5T9GaR4Q2xMAXFASfi8NzWDSP4sG9t/s1600/071.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Using the chicken tractor is nothing new to us. About half of our beds were initially prepared by our <a href="http://soulflowerfarm.blogspot.com/search/label/chicken%20tractor">original lightweight tractor</a> made from PVC pipe. What's different about this set up is that these structures are sturdier and predator proof. The other big difference is that we are feeding the hens compost, or at least mostly. Each day we dump into the tractors a load of manure, greens, straw and spent brewer's grain. The hens eat, scratch, peck and break down the goods into a most lovely and fertile end product for us to plant right into. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iR1qig4kBP2a6A6m7mNlH3PPT2PUmW9bwc8fEjxY8Yu9InkXR_co_g3pjQxhdTDA0b5jPZWc3fjiewhDwb8q53GNZj8UkEXdwjyS1Jps890e1xhtQQK9Te92V6Mw_zOK2tn12zJAkhqy/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9iR1qig4kBP2a6A6m7mNlH3PPT2PUmW9bwc8fEjxY8Yu9InkXR_co_g3pjQxhdTDA0b5jPZWc3fjiewhDwb8q53GNZj8UkEXdwjyS1Jps890e1xhtQQK9Te92V6Mw_zOK2tn12zJAkhqy/s1600/068.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were totally inspired by Geoff Lawton's Chicken Tractor on Steroids video and decided to try out the concept but wanted to tweak it to make it easier for us. (We are leaving the hens on the beds for 2-3 weeks. Instead of turning compost, we let them do the work for us). </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvlqYAdPrBmuQiQpBkVUx6CkHik1cYEYdgLkIIHpcZKQwW_VbGI-WIubn7HxEYBhas0MUjurK36hUd8BULfPcI-dLUSdqEIFds-kWNmlskw1HgTVLU5RbDZps_1fRkOTXQmds-iqyc6do/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvlqYAdPrBmuQiQpBkVUx6CkHik1cYEYdgLkIIHpcZKQwW_VbGI-WIubn7HxEYBhas0MUjurK36hUd8BULfPcI-dLUSdqEIFds-kWNmlskw1HgTVLU5RbDZps_1fRkOTXQmds-iqyc6do/s1600/019.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So far, a month into the experiment, we reached down under the straw bedding to test out the soil and it is loose, moist and full of worms! Just what we are aiming for. The true test will be seeing how our tomatoes do in the first bed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymiLOV9s_yrATl_rH7nshzKWBqPdCjWo6mDr_i8F_EE-ajZuX1IHMVz_wX7Ah21ZytfG8V0CbU3_NPe1M-jdi1dLtnBmHJOJxDWigZwbVA6jawOw7R4i4qmdRIbjcy5pH47nzbMwova1P/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymiLOV9s_yrATl_rH7nshzKWBqPdCjWo6mDr_i8F_EE-ajZuX1IHMVz_wX7Ah21ZytfG8V0CbU3_NPe1M-jdi1dLtnBmHJOJxDWigZwbVA6jawOw7R4i4qmdRIbjcy5pH47nzbMwova1P/s1600/023.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The hens have taken well to their new environment. They have had a big adjustment to make as we have changed their diet drastically from layer pellet to compost. We are trying to boost their immune systems with a splash of apple cider vinegar in their drinking H2O and giving them fermented milk with all the beneficial probiotic bacteria. Plus the spent grain they are getting contains hops which has bitter acids know to be potent anti-microbials. These anti-microbials control the pathogenic bacteria Clostridium in the hens' intestines. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5ZfJ1BosW3CeRedD_JtLq-C1XerXpxFRz3SeDP8_rF3QyNGyw0T9ScQZWeHvOD1XaUUorxsMVGNYE2DOkMp2P26psacydcd95kB6DxvibXtldFHd74S2JxQS583BIvSA6VdAz6g0R88-/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5ZfJ1BosW3CeRedD_JtLq-C1XerXpxFRz3SeDP8_rF3QyNGyw0T9ScQZWeHvOD1XaUUorxsMVGNYE2DOkMp2P26psacydcd95kB6DxvibXtldFHd74S2JxQS583BIvSA6VdAz6g0R88-/s1600/024.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So all in all, these ladies are having to work a bit harder but they are looking healthy. This coming week we will set up the electric fencing to give them a little wiggle room and allow them to forage through the tall grass a bit too. They will be some pretty happy pastured chickens!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Check out this clip on the ramped up chicken tractor, well worth watching his whole video...Many spring blessings!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/emgCIB7aL9Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-27946473397486733422014-03-25T23:19:00.000-07:002014-03-25T23:19:09.707-07:00Colors of Spring<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"When the soul lies down in that grass, </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the world is too full to talk about."- Rumi</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eYnsqfucQNkXsgowmfzK3369j3NR_pM9S3VMlj4uHfqgRGF1odsEdzNFIznSIUSki55GPTQ8F9GnkMdlugmBPcJu-t9rFdhzbcLW0KcSb7JrVkiCf0n9mSE4Zo04tjiNWOqnkw_QhpNc/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eYnsqfucQNkXsgowmfzK3369j3NR_pM9S3VMlj4uHfqgRGF1odsEdzNFIznSIUSki55GPTQ8F9GnkMdlugmBPcJu-t9rFdhzbcLW0KcSb7JrVkiCf0n9mSE4Zo04tjiNWOqnkw_QhpNc/s1600/057.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU3flEa0TXuPZ9NJQ4_Yxmxba2Eu_d4U_gJm2qE6IXaJcruKCCz41-8Jvnjs5tdy4pOvSmnXBEP3M9IJhrA5XWGpZpgqO3ju7yn25yfIdhvSKA6FFDO225cP-jrTvvmbSCHNyqfNCUCA3/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU3flEa0TXuPZ9NJQ4_Yxmxba2Eu_d4U_gJm2qE6IXaJcruKCCz41-8Jvnjs5tdy4pOvSmnXBEP3M9IJhrA5XWGpZpgqO3ju7yn25yfIdhvSKA6FFDO225cP-jrTvvmbSCHNyqfNCUCA3/s1600/002.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3X6oBPJpoMT3ZJcikf-4oac5oiyu2yM1x-BPkwM_v1GKXcI5mU_7BAxpyoKByoMg9mT3EZ2A2uK6O9pqIwTY9iw4kqyhCD9k8jT6fQjN8_zgiBjQawSwHcegmM8Qct9W9OsdwhP2rMhA/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3X6oBPJpoMT3ZJcikf-4oac5oiyu2yM1x-BPkwM_v1GKXcI5mU_7BAxpyoKByoMg9mT3EZ2A2uK6O9pqIwTY9iw4kqyhCD9k8jT6fQjN8_zgiBjQawSwHcegmM8Qct9W9OsdwhP2rMhA/s1600/072.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3Zhx5ZcdMnjwYvArgK4jFB6nRkq5y1MpICto7Cq67yROYd2s_UdfQ7xxL7MqC3Sj5hDjRjI7-b9_Ih7lHwC0wo_TyNyKffo45Mw6_UOI3k90MgD4dsCl1MO6acXGsVZ7wUWHoNJj1hch/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3Zhx5ZcdMnjwYvArgK4jFB6nRkq5y1MpICto7Cq67yROYd2s_UdfQ7xxL7MqC3Sj5hDjRjI7-b9_Ih7lHwC0wo_TyNyKffo45Mw6_UOI3k90MgD4dsCl1MO6acXGsVZ7wUWHoNJj1hch/s1600/005.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAn53uykOCG8T2h0v7PegxRhUAY0N21esvdUlQ4iVzy8tsWzpYYhvhxBOZ-abYoDVVs0JVO7JEg9_eq_yPd4ylZXduK5MVKLSp74g3fClWm1LVTbDCCb6k7G9uct4x1kfcyMgt6L-3aBs/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAn53uykOCG8T2h0v7PegxRhUAY0N21esvdUlQ4iVzy8tsWzpYYhvhxBOZ-abYoDVVs0JVO7JEg9_eq_yPd4ylZXduK5MVKLSp74g3fClWm1LVTbDCCb6k7G9uct4x1kfcyMgt6L-3aBs/s1600/060.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLquF7CsMoctRtHuyPrRorLOAfO7-ZDA-hwg054HrxcjYamKHivFGq6qhA2fKBZVE7ruLH7QzIQgytStvl0lzgNjWO5hgHH1vOtB8ronwWhEZE88-vFVYwbYNYADVsdvEhoau2PN6Uak1/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLquF7CsMoctRtHuyPrRorLOAfO7-ZDA-hwg054HrxcjYamKHivFGq6qhA2fKBZVE7ruLH7QzIQgytStvl0lzgNjWO5hgHH1vOtB8ronwWhEZE88-vFVYwbYNYADVsdvEhoau2PN6Uak1/s1600/009.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwctJ1bBliQjE2Gp-yEfo-7Zfmn_ofXppYWF0YQ7KpoG2xcdGPN2SXiyEE1IauEqgLZ8tQW1diTTgSXNE907jffgpqpdiNswC5nTI0DhdgZ9eivEMgH4_ftWF29v65Rs6NR0hPrZCU_VV7/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwctJ1bBliQjE2Gp-yEfo-7Zfmn_ofXppYWF0YQ7KpoG2xcdGPN2SXiyEE1IauEqgLZ8tQW1diTTgSXNE907jffgpqpdiNswC5nTI0DhdgZ9eivEMgH4_ftWF29v65Rs6NR0hPrZCU_VV7/s1600/076.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNQ1FE3xLnA16053dpB6Woj-paumjwH0MrDLGMya7PRKSr6VI5RVjxg7ri07oxtKBUlS2Erfi2PRPmpdtHTFBymSO_T6XJui-oCrBPaMyMCtFKLaZzQWEZ8s1yrv_uBgqb_IWmFZv9mfY/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNQ1FE3xLnA16053dpB6Woj-paumjwH0MrDLGMya7PRKSr6VI5RVjxg7ri07oxtKBUlS2Erfi2PRPmpdtHTFBymSO_T6XJui-oCrBPaMyMCtFKLaZzQWEZ8s1yrv_uBgqb_IWmFZv9mfY/s1600/053.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Onions blooming, artichokes reaching and stretching out their long leaves, technicolor poppies scattered over the hillside, a splash of chartreuse chalkboard paint on the milk fridge, kale-collards-mustard greens-broccoli-potatoes, grapes leaves unfurling, bees buzzing to and fro over the borage flowers, and a green grassy hillside that calms the mind and soul. Spring has sprung, beauty hangs on every dew drop. All around us life is anew. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cRXRRh_sIZTV21xwpAXkl5Es-tITVZLV14QPeVEBdz6q0KdQeft6blmvUHM-KwyaCLcicgJRPJyBpOMagFGPB4DgA9Jo37HAX4aKzKMYx_HncYcde6acdD0xuNKf1YQAh9NefRsQCbff/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cRXRRh_sIZTV21xwpAXkl5Es-tITVZLV14QPeVEBdz6q0KdQeft6blmvUHM-KwyaCLcicgJRPJyBpOMagFGPB4DgA9Jo37HAX4aKzKMYx_HncYcde6acdD0xuNKf1YQAh9NefRsQCbff/s1600/025.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTmYIuGk9xEHqpe4-jgpE52Bo3iTBzHopbs1MPtXTqWcpryEfyW6mUnK0C9KQ_e4sP7vIOGFBnFrUj3cB-Ef6xmJZ2upgA_AS8PaUcb1Wv7CySSte1gz3qxVb-ob33QfgwlRjONzt7VUK/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTmYIuGk9xEHqpe4-jgpE52Bo3iTBzHopbs1MPtXTqWcpryEfyW6mUnK0C9KQ_e4sP7vIOGFBnFrUj3cB-Ef6xmJZ2upgA_AS8PaUcb1Wv7CySSte1gz3qxVb-ob33QfgwlRjONzt7VUK/s1600/026.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5S0gv8L7N5jzRj_PhsMs9LsuSAGnIMMTLaW4LCI7OMjdqtiNEsJQ62Q0BIp_lDCgILVZuzwOqTFw4gUBzZvKkXLaI1MhCANCKTAAxjlI5sXYGy0eDllmFiTlDjApCh5owKoxecbMS2vf/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5S0gv8L7N5jzRj_PhsMs9LsuSAGnIMMTLaW4LCI7OMjdqtiNEsJQ62Q0BIp_lDCgILVZuzwOqTFw4gUBzZvKkXLaI1MhCANCKTAAxjlI5sXYGy0eDllmFiTlDjApCh5owKoxecbMS2vf/s1600/028.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eight little bronze turkey poults entertain us while our chicks in the brooder get bigger by the minute. Spring planting, lots of new laying hens, lazy pregnant goats and milk coming out of our ears. The farm is bustling with activity keeping us sore, tired and so busy we can barely take a breath. But somehow it's all worth it! These times are unforgettable...the best times of our lives!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwk7FsfbJ5gQ8agZeTnQX9z4Gz7RMDFHyR-uMEo1AgwBS0Cm2JPn4ysrxDfsCG5YLubazAy3xrVrt-pMaVylMO-CoHmE95RuqRnxhiAL-hZxUBXFS2XSQ78REuI5YpJlrWYYfrv5xqFi0Y/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwk7FsfbJ5gQ8agZeTnQX9z4Gz7RMDFHyR-uMEo1AgwBS0Cm2JPn4ysrxDfsCG5YLubazAy3xrVrt-pMaVylMO-CoHmE95RuqRnxhiAL-hZxUBXFS2XSQ78REuI5YpJlrWYYfrv5xqFi0Y/s1600/037.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSnAcnOu2myGuC4zKZrE28zCBqNgB_8vmWHA6QXMzRxulh7ge-NovlS8LOtChvFSdfi2Z7VANPCYONvEtGwxhyLzU4RGAMaSOhU_VeUlo167Y4x0IxBHjk4ArleD_jiwDayD9sUsBQTsD/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSnAcnOu2myGuC4zKZrE28zCBqNgB_8vmWHA6QXMzRxulh7ge-NovlS8LOtChvFSdfi2Z7VANPCYONvEtGwxhyLzU4RGAMaSOhU_VeUlo167Y4x0IxBHjk4ArleD_jiwDayD9sUsBQTsD/s1600/036.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Spring!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-45686614843987699922014-02-20T17:29:00.000-08:002014-02-20T17:29:12.308-08:00Start to Finish<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you Cocoa!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzKASQkhPDFwTgihI7JlICgTwFGALtB9B5d1MVc68keDxP54dYBhS8trhjU6e982xW6M_wW8hJvAkj5vO4dJr99dr83jXPjfWuZTpiRStHtMr66Yrsfk7HE_SGujJwIosshCTdsOVjCSL/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzKASQkhPDFwTgihI7JlICgTwFGALtB9B5d1MVc68keDxP54dYBhS8trhjU6e982xW6M_wW8hJvAkj5vO4dJr99dr83jXPjfWuZTpiRStHtMr66Yrsfk7HE_SGujJwIosshCTdsOVjCSL/s1600/038.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From May 2013 to February 2014, a cycle is complete. Ginger's first calf, little Cocoa, was born here and lived an easy life. He was able to grow fat on his mom's milk for six months then enjoy any array of alfalfa, vegis, pumpkins, and grain. He was able to run and jump, sniff and investigate like any calf should. He slept most of the day like babies do and enjoyed many a scratch behind the ears. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-1XHGPfay23DLjIVw0ieR_POyft-cJEgw4jVWscnwSZ0UuTkw2TtVBIO0a4fxzcFtKrsCBDbsqrOrXL3djzodMbcikq_Tn6M2O0MlUGTHb1XlgX4Ge80dYwEWtq1BVuno-2IysG8EcIu/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-1XHGPfay23DLjIVw0ieR_POyft-cJEgw4jVWscnwSZ0UuTkw2TtVBIO0a4fxzcFtKrsCBDbsqrOrXL3djzodMbcikq_Tn6M2O0MlUGTHb1XlgX4Ge80dYwEWtq1BVuno-2IysG8EcIu/s1600/048.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then when he started to grow up he was even able to express some of his manhood and bully us around a bit. (The poor goats got bullied around alot!) And at a certain point when he was eating the same amount as his mom and when he was getting just too big to handle safely (with those horns of his), it was time for him to go.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQSNb8jss3zNCus1AyO9nvYrPi9GqJmo0yOpDiLftmUjTS3Gc9k6ivSlOOZaFE9Nmdn4D_16AODY48-hE71u-CvBMwsMJ19WXUfyRz1PEG3g3r9BwDRDWFEoQ_O6iFrEhYJ95wRGJ_PlZ/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQSNb8jss3zNCus1AyO9nvYrPi9GqJmo0yOpDiLftmUjTS3Gc9k6ivSlOOZaFE9Nmdn4D_16AODY48-hE71u-CvBMwsMJ19WXUfyRz1PEG3g3r9BwDRDWFEoQ_O6iFrEhYJ95wRGJ_PlZ/s1600/003.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We knew from the start that Cocoa's destiny would be to fill the freezer. Since we don't eat meat it would not be ours. And when all was said and done the whole scenario could not have worked out better. A friend purchased him, picked him up in her trailer, brought him to the slaughter house and then the butcher.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKaCvPgBrX0pAn-xkbXu0XbLSMe4L4dS8mlxWzjfJNxo_CSTdRUwbwP1XFBSs2VDvmxr8FpclAoxi6JCP3iyfxY9SaUueJbDWkPKlxF-qXejGw_hWO2fjyWAQQfWJ3i7aol5RtocGhOTH/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKaCvPgBrX0pAn-xkbXu0XbLSMe4L4dS8mlxWzjfJNxo_CSTdRUwbwP1XFBSs2VDvmxr8FpclAoxi6JCP3iyfxY9SaUueJbDWkPKlxF-qXejGw_hWO2fjyWAQQfWJ3i7aol5RtocGhOTH/s1600/003.JPG" height="400" width="371" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This friend of ours happens to be extremely particular about where her meat comes from and feels it's important to face the animals she will eat. So she sat with Cocoa to the end and watched the complete process to make sure it was as humane a possible. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She was even kind enough to bring us back some of the innards for our compost pile so a part of Cocoa could be incorporated into the soil where he was born.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsYe-D_5f2PArGGw7FA5wUDXF7EEPNtpFHOsLS0VyTscbgFZ7bX2ze5SPFdOk11NsoqRFQwG91qq6zaq_m0vDHgzOH-gw0B0u1eJXRIFroTCZvyZVzqBzdRfevsco63A0HoSWgm7OsgnP/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsYe-D_5f2PArGGw7FA5wUDXF7EEPNtpFHOsLS0VyTscbgFZ7bX2ze5SPFdOk11NsoqRFQwG91qq6zaq_m0vDHgzOH-gw0B0u1eJXRIFroTCZvyZVzqBzdRfevsco63A0HoSWgm7OsgnP/s1600/011.JPG" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We saved Cocoa's beautiful hide for salting and preserving as well. We say farewell to Cocoa who gave us our first amazing experiences with calf rearing. He was sweet, gentle and of course very stubborn. We are all grateful for the gifts he has given us.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwR8DZ07UbQXaC1t-5CWLkAC1hmfFb4NoN02reZFUr8rkdr-LD2SioYnBmORm4kgYJbFsisAseId4XIgRG05JK0y2ZsjROiXQ49uqzbPFKqNMtidWDXWbgxBXsczKAq9w43e3GYZCvcu5/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwR8DZ07UbQXaC1t-5CWLkAC1hmfFb4NoN02reZFUr8rkdr-LD2SioYnBmORm4kgYJbFsisAseId4XIgRG05JK0y2ZsjROiXQ49uqzbPFKqNMtidWDXWbgxBXsczKAq9w43e3GYZCvcu5/s1600/003.JPG" height="400" width="370" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Every part of Cocoa was used. He was split between four families, meaning he will feed and nourish fifteen people. Just in case any of you are considering buying a whole animal for meat to share or just for your own family, here is a cost comparison analysis of the beef purchase from the buyer, I thought it was interesting to see the breakdown. Cocoa was eight months old and approximately 700 lbs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 561px;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;"><td colspan="2" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><u>Compared to a 6 month subscription from Marin Sun Farms</u></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><u> (adjusted for weight differences)</u><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>more steak--102%</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>less roasts--32%</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>less hamburger--15%</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>more bones--100%</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>more offal--100%</i></span></div>
</td><td style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</td><td style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;"><td colspan="2" style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>cost savings of meat per pound (excluding offal and bones)--36%<br />total cost savings--33%<br />final cost per pound of meat (excluding offal and bones)--$5.20</i></span></td><td style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"></td><td style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>pounds of meat each + 1/4 of the bones and various cuts of offal--46.26</i></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And now, all is quiet here on the farm. Are you are curious about Ginger?? We have been watching her closely. She seems to have had her few days of wondering and most likely mourning but with all the green grass coming up it's business as usual. </span><br />
<br /></div>
Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-45112935351682601772014-02-17T18:40:00.001-08:002014-05-16T22:12:51.480-07:00THE CSA: WINTER<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The coldness and darkness of winter urges us to slow down. This is the time of year to reflect on our health, replenish our energy, and conserve our strength. Eating warm hearty soups, whole grains, and roasted nuts helps warm the body's core and keep us nourished...</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2hX7gm4ppYJdck9grzMu_K4abzZfYTl_NBDgpC0sRz3LgzHxoPwtuW313PDA-9FQjWDb37tVMTPn-wFHFnyNKW1212IZB1awJ-gfHxHgZjJG19pJZ6LLZtkdD-uaHgGlp5pm1hkWZB3J/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2hX7gm4ppYJdck9grzMu_K4abzZfYTl_NBDgpC0sRz3LgzHxoPwtuW313PDA-9FQjWDb37tVMTPn-wFHFnyNKW1212IZB1awJ-gfHxHgZjJG19pJZ6LLZtkdD-uaHgGlp5pm1hkWZB3J/s1600/023.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF2izyVUH_AkvxkV4dj4mMPrXkcSZuJ99cv0eeHLL3Dhf4-dI-t9mi_m235_PmtHPBc2nGhIa7FEHpNWOL-3Z3A9TjX-k8_kMtJq6_3BbGpXkubAVQHZbW946F_MCN0W6Fep5pkDPQ6ER/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF2izyVUH_AkvxkV4dj4mMPrXkcSZuJ99cv0eeHLL3Dhf4-dI-t9mi_m235_PmtHPBc2nGhIa7FEHpNWOL-3Z3A9TjX-k8_kMtJq6_3BbGpXkubAVQHZbW946F_MCN0W6Fep5pkDPQ6ER/s1600/011.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzxhcv5aR5ALHiVkwy9tHK5D9IIGh6jyISDx2MBdiRjQoV-OahtFoYht0WNA2gqhyLSGd0wsVJjkaL2BTkiYyx4dbnbx4tdjXYehA-XUDPTokM0Dn9t9zxJtkrc6zc4e3jMinhQIH9t6M/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzxhcv5aR5ALHiVkwy9tHK5D9IIGh6jyISDx2MBdiRjQoV-OahtFoYht0WNA2gqhyLSGd0wsVJjkaL2BTkiYyx4dbnbx4tdjXYehA-XUDPTokM0Dn9t9zxJtkrc6zc4e3jMinhQIH9t6M/s1600/014.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvKoJIqPR_63xmKtdocKmm-x3rrbBUhN2noBHCu4OG1qvjf1u6bzRo7wSqGGXZUFGzOiIiCosg_ND68XPlfrRhL7Q3FLXHYPfthNxuRpwSh_2P2zgGhn8lKROdnxBLKfGaZFNOhkjf4_u/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvKoJIqPR_63xmKtdocKmm-x3rrbBUhN2noBHCu4OG1qvjf1u6bzRo7wSqGGXZUFGzOiIiCosg_ND68XPlfrRhL7Q3FLXHYPfthNxuRpwSh_2P2zgGhn8lKROdnxBLKfGaZFNOhkjf4_u/s1600/012.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first seasonal CSA baskets have been delivered. Our winter share includes a green forest salt soak and scrub, herbal vapor rub, fire cider, adaptogen elixir, redwood chai, and a potent osha-black seed honey. The focus for winter is boosting immunity, with six medicinal creations that offer prophylactic defense, as well as promoting healthy circulation and warming the system. Advice for winter wellness; sleep early, rest well, stay warm, expend a minimum quantity of energy. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We had so much fun making all these goodies! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spring shares are available for order now. Check out more info <a href="http://soulflowerfarm.blogspot.com/p/community-supported-herbalism.html">here</a>. Many winter blessings and praying for more rain!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriJSZqmYxE5_cRtYba33cOIOZxg68Ozco4Z9T-Ivp00NrzR92DanXFMznVum9eQ_-uBDJfMOxxIyV-KRO-NP8GCHLZjCRGPRKfED48_CQfTWxX-RqIc8siJ_OZMG-ZLV3dltU1QA3BVLf/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriJSZqmYxE5_cRtYba33cOIOZxg68Ozco4Z9T-Ivp00NrzR92DanXFMznVum9eQ_-uBDJfMOxxIyV-KRO-NP8GCHLZjCRGPRKfED48_CQfTWxX-RqIc8siJ_OZMG-ZLV3dltU1QA3BVLf/s1600/025.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794794355178055092.post-75446800003492699182014-02-07T21:06:00.002-08:002014-02-08T09:18:03.701-08:00Growing the Staples<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-jZQb0bdwGGU6KuYQYwwVgEJ7KUgzdw4OVCTQlOPW-4SLF8U_4_nRoqm6XdMFqbthTn6Y35QWdwpVngl-dH-8J570bd4JTYLsjKk6QDnPC8q-3_CIRCyDJNpI7HvyTuQ9pg-IiB3rRxq/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-jZQb0bdwGGU6KuYQYwwVgEJ7KUgzdw4OVCTQlOPW-4SLF8U_4_nRoqm6XdMFqbthTn6Y35QWdwpVngl-dH-8J570bd4JTYLsjKk6QDnPC8q-3_CIRCyDJNpI7HvyTuQ9pg-IiB3rRxq/s320/011.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that we are finally receiving the long awaited rain (hurray!!), the race is on to get winter chores done. We've been amending beds with manure, heavily mulching, building compost piles everywhere, and transplanting lots of starts from the green houses to the beds. After going at this small farming business for almost four years now, we are honing in and getting organized. Our seed list has narrowed as we have learned a thing or two about what we like to eat and preserve, what types of plants grow well here, and what we can plant that will give us a large yield with little energy input/water. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlP0_y6FPaKXFgqklzigiEgTk6QDQHXpBW4jyF10ie-bss1tNwiPCtaNfSwANScSzZ8Xc__qnGo3vSKRsy0H9QhlRWHNRObVTEmIGoe8bPlb9X4Xw1aKMh38T0emDknUbbtvpEQ2M1T8g/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlP0_y6FPaKXFgqklzigiEgTk6QDQHXpBW4jyF10ie-bss1tNwiPCtaNfSwANScSzZ8Xc__qnGo3vSKRsy0H9QhlRWHNRObVTEmIGoe8bPlb9X4Xw1aKMh38T0emDknUbbtvpEQ2M1T8g/s320/013.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The changing climate and weather patterns are forcing us to rethink everything. For us that means starting to establish our food forests and for annuals, keeping it simple. Growing the staples (beans, potatoes, squash, brassicas, and eggs) can keep us well fed all year long. Of course we'll plant some of our other favorites, but the bulk will be these five. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHolJFDCtM4RA1aS9nY1nLoShnbyMP5AER8BfB46OX2cT0DTU_sI4HJmhUp9JSSL50EW9HhV00bBYDIkOWRn3oWOLYok3BxKV4hiaygS964fI_jgFWtMcZxZNhAKNqbrvxm3a-sHuHu81h/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHolJFDCtM4RA1aS9nY1nLoShnbyMP5AER8BfB46OX2cT0DTU_sI4HJmhUp9JSSL50EW9HhV00bBYDIkOWRn3oWOLYok3BxKV4hiaygS964fI_jgFWtMcZxZNhAKNqbrvxm3a-sHuHu81h/s1600/006.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since runners beans are hardy, produce a large harvest that can be eaten fresh or dried, and can become perennials, there are big hopes to plant them all over the garden this year. Scarlet runners, painted ladies and many more varieties to climb the fences. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFzVcTkaRRiUHe50vdJx5BuEN4DL3-zv3dJH9vQaY6jf_Biq8WJYPH0MGCf9XCml6z-3l1pSeC0jcPTIA9u0e3VsrsstWetnK28d3bNzOTWiD5bHMTBUUZ7isio5IWIEPU1GKglJSFDub/s1600/potato+harvest.jpg" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yukon Gold is our preferred variety</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFzVcTkaRRiUHe50vdJx5BuEN4DL3-zv3dJH9vQaY6jf_Biq8WJYPH0MGCf9XCml6z-3l1pSeC0jcPTIA9u0e3VsrsstWetnK28d3bNzOTWiD5bHMTBUUZ7isio5IWIEPU1GKglJSFDub/s1600/potato+harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Potatoes are probably the biggest crop we want to grow. Our family consumes masses of them and with growing boys it's always good to have some around as a base for a meal, especially when we are trying to cut back on wheat. Plus they thrive here, our big dilemma is that the gophers love them as much as we do. We're still searching for a solution to that problem. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hwEyygkd8MzITvaJZkbBLlHHAm3xLqF79NG5hyccSZ4XfFPpryo5Fw_3qRwWw6OZAysoTae0GLu5HByeBNd67-npLqCAOEvbSiLnustmjJ10RAt5xQ0ILs112TLlzIEwAHSjRtBH5wsz/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hwEyygkd8MzITvaJZkbBLlHHAm3xLqF79NG5hyccSZ4XfFPpryo5Fw_3qRwWw6OZAysoTae0GLu5HByeBNd67-npLqCAOEvbSiLnustmjJ10RAt5xQ0ILs112TLlzIEwAHSjRtBH5wsz/s1600/007.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eggs are versatile, reliable, don't need refrigeration, and can be grown off the compost, extra vegis and waste products from our farm. They are our main source of protein given half of us don't eat meat. Every breakfast around here includes eggs with a variation of avocado and toast, porridge, or potatoes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQUPDu5B5oESPc-RxyhIsIcIoHAVtjWzHAAcO5dOweRh4JjKReEtNECxVETfZgcOv5W1aqbAtUo0B8Fmme0A6rq1lY0ReZrbOuxq19vWfHltP2FOhewD5vl947Ghgr3X7QpfoN2d3YZc3/s1600/002.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">winter squash grows exceptionally well in our garden</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQUPDu5B5oESPc-RxyhIsIcIoHAVtjWzHAAcO5dOweRh4JjKReEtNECxVETfZgcOv5W1aqbAtUo0B8Fmme0A6rq1lY0ReZrbOuxq19vWfHltP2FOhewD5vl947Ghgr3X7QpfoN2d3YZc3/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A list of other crops that are easy and grow well for us in our soil and climate are zucchini, tomatoes, pumpkins, winter squash (Oregon Sweet Meat is our favorite), red and yellow onions, garlic, quinoa, amaranth, and artichokes. Planting vegis that need more hydration near the grey water is key and we'll be dry farming tomatoes again this year. These rainy days are perfect for planning and dreaming of the garden to come....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Soul Flower Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018709656679830543noreply@blogger.com0