the farm is back

It is back to the days of working past supper-time, muddy boots (little ones and big ones), muddy kitchen floors, sowing seeds, seedlings germinating in their little cells in our tiny greenhouse, and extended light in the evenings. It feels like the farm is back. Of course, this little piece of land never went anywhere during the winter, instead it was resting, recuperating, and waiting for its rebirth. And so was I. I looked at the corner of one greenhouse today and saw a few nettles popping up, peeking up from beneath the sand. It brought joy into my heart.

I can't describe the feeling(s) that come to me when I see Catalpa wandering around outside again after the long winter - in dirt, sand, clay, with sticks and leaves and left-over squash that dried during the winter, with the biggest smile on his face. It is wonderful, the process of all of us, coming out of our winter skin.

Exactly three years ago (almost) my friend spent an afternoon with Catalpa and I, he was only about two weeks old at the time. Today I was so reminiscent of that day with my first baby, being such a young and little mama, as she took snaps of Mira and I. Sometimes it seems like so much has changed around me and and within me, but there are things that remain (somewhat) constant -- The cycles and rhythms of the year express themselves differently, but the pattern remains a constant, something to savour and celebrate with each passing.

This will be an interesting year indeed -- our second year farming here, life with a three year-old, many strings pulling us from different directions. I can't wait for the long, long days spent mostly outside, the ache my muscles will feel when I come in for dinner, the wonder in the eyes of both of our children as they explore wild things in the open air, and all of the friends coming in and out -- lending a hand, sharing a meal around the table. It all sounds quite romantic, doesn't it? There are certainly hard times and difficulties, but I always return to this -- abundance. There is just so much. We are enough.

Happy growing season 2015, everyone. I am looking forward to sharing the ins and outs here.

c.