Every Tuesday afternoon since the second week in June I head to Old Plank Farm about ten minutes from my home.
It’s always a sweet break in the middle of my afternoon to drive the winding roads to the farm, with Gidget as my sidekick, to pick up my farm share of vegetables.
This was new for us this year. We decided to give it a whirl and signed up for the quarter share. I’ve learned to eat new vegetables I’ve not eaten before. Also learned how to blanch and freeze and I swear I’ll never eat a store bought green pepper again – there is nothing like the taste of a home grown green pepper!
Every time I drive down the gravel driveway to the farm this little white building catches my eye. The bright colored flowers look so happy that I can’t help but smile, as if they are smiling back at me.
Today there was a scarecrow of sorts and some pumpkins which added a festival dimension. And also made me think of summer still trying to hang on in some ways, but yet fall is moving in quickly.
Visiting the farm this summer every Tuesday has become a ritual in many ways. One I will miss once the November winds blow.
Gajettes by Geri – Photo courtesty of Gajettes on Facebook
On Saturday I ventured out with my mom to Hidden Hollow Garden Art and their Open Coop show in a town about 15 miles from me.
The wind was howling and with the sun only peeking out now and then, I was second guessing all morning if we should go.
But deciding to make it an adventure that is just what we did.
It was one of those days when you are so glad you made the effort despite the not so great weather.
One of my favorite artists, Geri Justinger was there with her one-of-a-kind Gajettes clothing created from recycled, upcycled, and repurposed materials. I own many of her beautiful skirts. Like eating M & M’s, I can’t have just one!
I was also lucky enough to win a $100 gift certificate she was giving away this summer and it came in extra handy with her super sale going on during the Open Coop event.
I also discovered a new artist of The Sunshine Collective and fell in love with her “Doodles from my Noodle” coloring books for adults. Two went home with me.
As I colored in my new coloring book early Saturday evening, listening to piano music, Gidget snuggled beside me on the sofa and a fire in the woodburning stove, I had this super good and warm feeling overcome me.
I love supporting artists! Perhaps it is because I am one myself being a writer. But I know the heart that goes into an artists work and I truly appreciate it.
I pictured Geri in my mind creating at her sewing machine, and Kim of The Sunshine Collective, sketching out new designs from her “noodle.”
That place of complete serenity when our art comes so beautifully together without effort. There is so much joy in this process.
And I understand well the times when it does not come so easily. But something beckons us to keep going – it’s in our blood – this need to create. It feeds the soul in a way that can’t be filled in any other way.
And so we create not knowing if something will sell, but honoring the calling of our soul.
And those connections that when they happen, like my love for Geri’s skirts, and now Kim’s coloring books, it is magical. To hold something that was created for the pure love of it than manufactured in a factory in the name of consumerism.
That connection of heart-to-heart in their love of creating and my love of supporting artists.
Yup, indeed – artists make the world (happier) go round!
I love getting updates from dogs that I’ve been able to help grant a wheelchair to through the Frankie Wheelchair Fund.
Yesterday I heard from sweet, little Davey. He’s been spending lots of time on the beach with his favorite new banana toy.
All that fresh air, rolling through the sand, and playing with his toy has him zonked out at the end of the day.
Life is good for Davey and this makes my heart very, very happy.
Keep on rolling Davey!
And speaking of helping dogs! Three more dachshunds are currently having their wheelchairs custom made by Eddie’s Wheels for Pets! The Frankie Wheelchair Fund, in conjunction with The Smoothe Store and their donation to the fund, is enabling us to help these wonderful little dogs. Stay tuned for photos!
