I had a dream awhile back that I'd found the manual for "life" (like 25 years ago when it would have been useful). It indeed was the instructions for this crazy thing called "life" and I was so excited... excited that I'd finally have written instructions on how to get it right! Wouldn't you know the darn thing was in a foreign language I couldn't read. DOH!
I may as well have been a goat trying to use a screw gun! Since I didn't succeed in actually finding the instruction manual, I've been working on life the way everyone else is... one day at a time.
The day usually starts with coffee and these days a fire. I'm certain this ritual was in the instruction manual and if it wasn't it should be.
I used to complain about how much work there was to do and how far from "done" we were. I'd fret that our Eden was so far away. A friend stopped by last year and patiently listened to my complaints about how it feels like we are never "there" and he simply replied, "I think you are there!" For some reason those words were exactly what I needed to hear.
We are "there"! No, not everything is done, it won't ever be done, that's not what its all about.
It's not about finding Eden, it's about being Eden. It's not a place so to speak but a journey. A journey of a place that thrives, a place that is beautiful, a place that is healthy and harmonious, a place that is sustainable, a sanctuary.
Having a helper makes the journey so much more fun, even if the chore is still confusing. And sometimes we find ourselves re-doing things to be more efficient or functional or simply because it was a good idea but unnecessary (like giant ladybug watering system). That's ok!
I spend a lot of time consulting the world wide web and local peers for help and ideas... you know, just in case they've already invented the wheel. Turns out THEY HAVE! However, our idea of Eden looks slightly different through our eyes, so of course we adapt. One of the more important adaptations for us is allowing a day off.
Yesterday was my day off. Around here when you have a day off you get to do whatever you want. No fixing emergencies, no list of things to do, no time limit or any expectations what-so-ever. So, I started with as much coffee as I wanted and then decided I'd card some more of Stella's wool from last fall... with my helper of course!
Then I decided to make some herbal vitamins for the human farm animals. We make our own as its much cheaper, we can supply herbal vitamins for all the breathing critters (including us) for $40 a month.
I decided to take a random walk through the woods with my friends. How can this not be Eden... cute goats, pretty woods, nice day...?
Since it was my day off there's no pressure and I had my wits about me and grabbed the basket and clippers to collect some nice treats for my other friends, the bunnies.
Be careful when you are setting up for a photo shoot... Banjo will take advantage!
These particular cuties love native growing plants waking up from winter. So far, colony life is a success and the buns are loving it.
We're making some changes to Goat World, adding a new paddock, and my favorite thing to do is stare at the progress. Yes, you simply stand there and look at it... not doing a darn thing but day dreaming.
Staring at progress is very invigorating and inspiring. I love seeing change and growth and anticipating the next chapter of Eden.
At the end of the day, it's good to be there.
