A Season in Reflection
This year I found myself. No, wait, not like that. I already found myself, I love being outside, I love lists, I love making food from the most 'scratch' that I can. I might never grow wheat and winnow the crop, grind it into flour and then make pasta with my own chickens eggs. No, I've already 'found myself', I know how I research and learn, how I communicate love and affection, what I love to do with my time, how I want to live my life in this world. I already 'found myself' in my harsh communication style, in the way I practice more cheer leading and focus less on feedback (criticism?) and knowing and practicing on my short patience. Miniature Donkeys really help shorten the learning curve of developing a more prolonged patience.
This year I learned that I may lean towards the workaholic side of the scale. That I have frequently in the past and this year especially over extended myself. Self improvement is a lifetime goal achieved in little chunks every January and February before the new years resolution is forgotten in favor of the comfort of familiarity. When my farm partner and co-founder wasn't able to show up to the farm I found myself alone, angry, confused and most of all exhausted. They were the dreamer, fantasy maker, they embodied the wild and confidant notion that we could do this. They were the push when I needed a shove. Of course I wasn't expecting a shove into the deep end of a freezing rushing river. Regardless I have my co-founder Nev to thank for the dream turned into reality that is 50Fifty Farm. Thank you, and good luck in your future endeavors. May you draw on lessons learned on the farm, that those lessons may help you better exceed and grow through out your future.
So, I found myself, alone, exhausted, over committed and double booked all summer long. We made it! The CSA was a success, folx were fed, nourished, introduced to new foods and explored a season of local fresh produce! I am so full of gratitude. Thankful that you see this vision and support it. That all the CSA members and the many additional volunteers and family who pitched in watering and feeding supported this vision of fresh produce, both old standbys and the new to us but old to this land native edibles, it's overwhelming! We are doing this! The farm infrastructure is near functional and tolerable and the bigger, more expensive projects are behind us. Meaning the future can only get better, run more smoothly and be more productive! I am so excited to focus only on the farm in the coming season.
This winter I am enrolled in the Mery Corps Small Business incubator program! Two classes in and I am already so stoked and narrowing in our farms mission! I'm volunteering every other week at Full Plate Farm learning about winter farming in the PNW. Additionally I am exploring my heritages spirituality and language through a class with Portland Underground Grad School; reading Braiding Sweet Grass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmer as well as a CSA Members gift a book titled Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources by M. Kat Anderson. Thank you Nikki!
Keep an eye on this blog and for newsletters coming out Monthly for when CSA registration opens back up and for upcoming volunteer opportunities.
Never stop learning!
- Farmer Michelle
