Stop and Stare

From the country…

If you are a farmer, this time of year can be a bit tricky. Time can easily slip through those dirt caked fingers if you are not on the ball. The laundry list of chores/tasks can be discouraging, sending you out running in five different directions at once. I should be preparing the fields, getting ready for new livestock, seeding, transplanting, preparing the soil for new crops, incubating eggs, the list goes on…

It’s all about “managing your time”. These words don’t fall into my vocabulary easily, and time management will always be an ongoing battle for me. I am easily overwhelmed by the dreaded list, not to mention the costs. I am constantly spending money (feed costs, soil amendments, incubating eggs, new livestock, vegetable/herb seed) and to be honest, money isn’t as plentiful in the early spring for a farmer. So in a nutshell, spring albeit beautiful, can be a bit bewitching. There is so much to do, not enough time and not enough money.

Even though life is so hectic, I often take the time to stop and stare. Before starting any new project or chore I take a moment to process what I am about to do. I can wander through the fields, greenhouses, barn, stopping and staring along the way. I watch the chickens and turkeys going about their business, stare at the greens in the cold frames and greenhouse waiting for the right moment to harvest, and poke around to see what perennials have come back from last year. It is my way of processing and mentally preparing. I guess it could also be a bit of a time drain, all that staring but it helps to motivate and develop a keen sense of detecting problems before they arise. It is also my way of truly appreciating what I am so fortunate to have and to share with my family. A beautiful farm, full of opportunities and the brilliance of nature everywhere you turn. I can close my eyes at night and vividly picture anywhere on the farm.

It is a bit of a joke around here my staring problem but last night I looked out the window to see my Dad, standing out in the middle of the driveway, and for a few moments he stood there staring. I guess I come by it honestly.