"What is not but could be if
what could appear in the morning mist
with all associated risk
what is not but could be if,
What was not but could have been
was my obsession way back when
now I just remember this
what is not but could be if,
what is not but could be if
we could be crossing
this abridged abyss into beginning,
and failure's got you in its grasp
and you're reaching for your very last
It's just beginning."
--David Berman
It is human nature to make ritual out of the cycles of life, both natural and man-made. Our lives are in many ways dictated entirely by these cycles. We wake, eat, work, drive, read, write, talk, sleep based on the time of day. We play, go, see, grow, skate, float, swing, spring based on the time of year. Each year brings something new. Surprises. Hope.
For a produce farmer, cycles are not only too numerous to count, but also a challenge to organize. From the time seed and plant orders are placed in January until the last garlic clove is in the ground in November, farming is a constant juggling act, with priorities in one hand, responsibilities in the other, and a bushel of ripe fruit floating in mid-air, waiting to be grasped, cleaned, counted, packed, and delivered before the sun goes down.
Some photos of the past month or so on the farm.
We finally got the new high tunnel done, complete with a water collection system!
This time of year is filled with so much hope and promise. New life has been springing up all month.
Cornish chicks
Garlic and Blueberries
Lettuce
Kale
Or will be in the next few weeks.
Peas
Onion sets
And baby lettuce
Then barely time to sleep, before another turn.