Landreth Seed Company

  There is a wealth of knowledge available on the internet about Heirloom Seeds.  Until recently, Heirlooms were the norm.  Over the past half century, as we have learned the ways of modifying genetics and our food production is left more to industry and less to the individual, the way of heirlooms has diminished.  Many of the fruits and vegetables that once graced the American table have been lost.  Organizations such as Seed Savers Exchange and others, had the foresight to recognize this trend and began grass roots efforts to save these cultivars. 

  There is a developing resurgence of popularity for Heirloom gardening, and many of the small companies that offered these varieties for years are finally seeing increases in sales and an awareness of the benefits of their product line.  But during our economical times, is this new interest enough? 

  Last night I stumbled on Landreth Seed Company's Facebook site.  Apparently the company is experiencing financial difficulties.  The way they are using social media to rouse their supporters and bring attention is absolutely amazing (I plan on placing an order this evening).  The company began in the late 1700's and carries over 900 varieties of heirloom seed.  Thankfully, with the internet, there are many sources for heirloom seed, however Landreth also offers educational advice and solid history to go with the gardening supplies.  It would be more than a shame for Landreth to close.  I hope my contribution helps and they continue to supply the nation with their rare offering for years to come.

  Cheers to you!  Off to my other life of making signs and being a mommy! Rochelle

Changing Seasons

The last few mornings have brought brisk awakenings.  Yesterday, I took the dog out at 6:00 am and the stars were still out.  After a brutal summer with record heat and drought, autumn is knocking at the door.  I hope September brings with her much needed rain.

I am a couple of weeks late for fall sowing.  Although cooler, it is still very dry.   I am going to sow some faster growing varieties and frost hardy greens today.  Hopefully, it will flourish and we will have kale and chard on the table in no time.

Awakenings and the New Dream

  I don't think it is unusual for an individual to reach a stage in life where they begin to question purpose, the paths they have taken and the place they are at in life.  For me, this began to happen a few years ago.  Being a "go with the flow" type of person, I have just kind of floated where life has taken me.  It has been a good river float and I don't have any complaints.  But, I know now there is more to it.  The last few years have found my eyes opening from a long sleep.  I look around and I have started to see the problems.  Ever convenience is taking it's toll.  A toll on our resources, our collective health, our youth, our fundamentals, and more.  I have started to see it, and I know we as a species has moved from our purpose.  To quote Dante;

Midway upon the journey of our life
  I found myself within a forest dark
  for the straightforward path had been lost.

  Maybe it is social and global medias that are bringing to attention all of the problems that were already there.  But I don't think it is the case.  It was never perfect, it probably never will be.  But for every gain and step forward we make as a race, on another front, we are moving a step back.  Mainstream media barely touches on what we are losing and only the occasional activist on social networks will voice opinions on the matter.  We rush, we race.  We trod on the earth and piss away it's gifts and never even see them in the process.  We don't eat "food" anymore, but rather fill our bellies with engineered mush and chemicals that are prepackaged because we don't have time to think about personally attending to one of our most basic needs.  We ignore our children and our families.  We are selfish and need to attain, never thinking of the true cost of that gadget that really doesn't matter anyway.  And once we are in the trap of the lifestyle, we find ourselves locked in the prison of our vehicle, traveling every morning, asleep and ignorant.  Trapped in a modern society that has no substance.

  It has been a slow awakening.  And although easy to recognize some habits, it's harder yet to break them.  How easy it is to forget the reusable shopping bags, only to arrive at the check out counter and say "darn".  How easy it is to want to veg-out at the computer instead of packing a lunch is a reusable container.  How easy it is to come home tired at the end of a work day and not feel like starting a little vegetable bed...  How easy it is to be afraid of not being able to make a mortgage payment, so we take the safe route and stay in a career that has no joy, no purpose and only contributes to the wheel of consumerism and the path of our decline.

  As I awake, I begin to dream again.  I want to tell myself it is silly, I know so many people around me would scoff.  But, it wasn't so long ago that what I want for myself and my family was the norm and not modern hippie-ism.  Thankfully, more people are pursuing sustainable living and are experiencing the same awakening.  I am not exploring a new frontier in itself, just a new frontier for myself.

  My goal is to take our little 5 acres and turn it into a sustainable micro farm.  I have a dream of not driving into an office in the morning.  Instead, I will tend our vegatable plots and orchard.  Instead, I will help nourish the land that nourishes us.  Instead of poisoning the earth with another footprint, maybe I can on and with my little 5 acres, the way humanity was meant to coexist with our land.  Instead of growing only for us, I dream that I will grow enough to sell locally grown, organic produce.  In the evenings, instead of being worn from rushing and racing, I will do what I have always loved to do; create and make art.  Maybe between these two endeavors, I will replace my income in enough of a manner that makes it sound financially and makes that infamous mortgage payment. 

  That is the new dream and this blog will be a witness of the journey.