We had been on our farm but two years and there was little to report as profit. The book work was long and full of tiny details and big expenses. Each category of expense had many breakdowns with in it. Barn supply, milkroom supply, medical expenses, bedding, feed for cows, calves (what kind of feed,…
The chair lift stopped mid way up the mountain. Dick and I were at Stratton Mountain, Vermont. It was 21 below zero, but we had so looked forward to skiing on our anniversary we were out there anyway. The wind picked up rocking the chairs back and forth. We sat high in the frigid air…
The turkey vultures flew above me circling and magnificent in the blue sky…. How could such gorgeous creatures accomplish such a seemingly disgusting job? I have always thought all creatures have an important contribution to the earth and to all other creatures, although we may not like looking at what they do. Imagine if no…
This summer I have developed a new respect for the little creatures. It all began with reading Jon Katz new book “Talking to Animals” and coming to realize the tremendous power of intention in relating to animals and of course to many other life aspects as well. When the carpenter bees got into full swing…
The silk painting on the scarves is a very different process than batik. As with batik the fabric, the silk is washed well before I begin the dyeing and painting. I dye the scarf first in sections and sometimes use shibori techniques as part of the early process. I have fun experimenting outdoors with my…
I have had the luck of having many of my customers being very talented in making things with my batik art fabric. I am including some of the totes made by them. The design work of these women is excellent. Some have shops on Etsy, and others do it for themselves and as gifts for…
It was 20 years ago when I started taking Tai Chi from Mark Tolstrup, who at the time was in Glens Falls, teaching Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and seasonal meditation going back to the ancient Taoist teachings. I was on our jersey cow farm and becoming more scattered and distracted each day, something I still suffer…
I looked down into the well-bedded stall of hay and saw the bright colors of gold, white and black. A tiny little kitten, a calico. I always think of calicos as a jewel of cats. It was my kitty Singer when she was born, and it was 15 years ago in August that it happened….
I was eager to get Jon Katz’ new book, Talking to Animals, and after reading it, I became very inspired to try to send some of the mental images that he spoke of in his book to create an effect or manifest a change in an animal around me. After speaking with Joan Reid, I…
My Inner goddess has become quite shrouded as the years pass. I find myself wearing greys, greens, and brown a lot. Some of that has to do with being a farmer for much of my life. The poop keeps me humble. My batik do not share that state and ring with bright colors and images…