Introducing...The Meandering Muse!

Hello!  Some big news here;  after much thought it is time for a refresh of this space's name. Since the wheel of the year has cycled almost 15 times, it is time to evolve my blog as I myself have done moving from one phase of life to the next.  

Since 2009 I've been Tilting at Windmills...after almost a seven year break I have returned as The Meandering Muse.

Some may think that running a small business is enough to keep a young family busy.    In 2007 we purchased a 130 year old farmstead on six acres so that we could garden, eat seasonally, preserve food, take care of farm animals and reach for a sustainable lifestyle while bringing up our young children.We have managed all of the typical family fun stuff, teenage years, club sports, first dates; in addition we now have a deep understanding of  advocating for mental health which has become very dear to my heart. 

Today our children are both in college and spreading their wings while we begin to preen our empty nest. In the last year B and I also each lost our mothers, after short and unexpected illnesses.  We are profusley feeling the seasons of change.  It is through entering this new phase of life that my voice has found volume again.  Join me while I meander through life while trying, as always, to take a less traveled by road.

Please find me and subscribe on my Substack.  It is truly a fantastic community!!

B is for Balance #atozchallenge

Almost exactly seven years ago I opened this blog with a post titled the same.  Balance.  I was then at the beginning of a wonderful journey.  I was just starting to explore photography, what html meant, and how to put myself out there and meet other bloggers.  I was recently contacted by a grad student at USC who wanted me to participate in a study he was doing on what compels people to share of their lives online.  Though I did not engage his request, I have thought back on my original motivations.  It makes me smile to think about the wonderful community of friends that has resulted from my writing in this little space.  Some who may always be 'virtual' ones like the best of pen pals, others who I have met in 'real life'.

I have also learned a bit about balance.  It is something that we all strive for, but what I have realized over time is that balance is not a static state.  You do not just find it and freeze frame.  You have to actively engage balance.  Do your most perfect yoga tree pose, then catch whatever life throws at you, teeter and regain that center.  Balance may only happen in fleeting instances, but those treasured moments inspire movement forward.  It is ok not to be balanced all of the time, a little risk taking simply enhances the path you are on.  Sometimes for the good, other times may be somewhat less, but learning is growth and strength, two of my building blocks to finding balance.

Hibernation and Awakening

I have always loved the change of seasons, each one with its own special something that I long for.  Winter is a time for hibernation that I love.  We are unable to work outside, so it is a forced time to not only rest but re-evaluate and plan.  I love the cozy candle lit evenings with the family.  Even during this rest in farm activity, life goes on.  There is great growth and great stress, laughter and tears, anxiety and relief.  It is the ebb and flow of life.  It is natural.  It is expected and accepted.  This year, the cocooning seems to have silenced my voice.  The words simply would not flow, ideas would come but never develop.

Then today is a 55 degree day with powerful 50 mph wind gusts that all but made the snow evaporate in a matter of hours.  The grass below is saturated but with a telltale hint of green that made my heart skip a beat.  Walking the property in the wind, watching the pigs frolic in the mud and the chickens finally take a few hesitant steps outdoors again, fed my soul in a much needed way.  It felt like an awakening.

#100HappyDays :: Day 6

Each evening we take a little time to walk the property.  We survey the growth of what we have planted, check in with all of the animals, make to do lists and dream.  The picture above is the same hickory branch, a day later.  As you can see this time of year you can literally watch the growth happen around us, a happy spot in every day.  In case you were wondering, no our barn is not pink, there was some crazy light last night!

2014 in 100 Words

Growth and new experiences defined our life this year.  We sold a house, grew our business, expanded the homestead and had the best farm bag year ever!  We preserved a record amount of food while still managing to travel far and wide to visit family.  Dreams were realized as I met old friends for the first time.  Most of all, the kids grew exponentially, continuing to develop into amazingly thoughtful people full of their own ideas that never cease to amaze or entertain.  This year was a time for refining vision, experiencing things old and new, and propelling ourselves forward.