Rule Number 6

One of my favorite mentors passed along a book many years ago. Like most of what he passed along, the book has stuck with me since. I devoured the book the first time I read it and each time since. There are many things that resonate from this book, but one has inspired a painting.

There's a story about two prime ministers who are sitting in a room, discussing affairs of state. Suddenly a man bursts through the door, screaming and shouting. The prime minister who's hosting the meeting says to the man, "Peter, please remember Rule Number Six." Peter is immediately restored to calm. He apologizes, bows, and walks out. About 20 minutes later, a woman comes flying in. She's beside herself. The prime minister says, "Maria, please remember Rule Number Six." Maria apologizes and walks out.

The visiting prime minister can't contain his curiosity: "My dear colleague, what is this Rule Number Six?" The other prime minister says, "Very simple: Don't take yourself so goddamn seriously." The visitor replies, "That's a nice rule. What, may I ask, are the other rules?" The prime minister answers, "There aren't any."

excerpt from The Art of Possibility by Zander and Zander

Tomato crazy

Had the wonderful opportunity to attend a tomato workshop at the Native Nursery. Native Nursery is a small nursery that offers many workshops, most of which are free. This was the first workshop I attended and I was very happy I did. Not only was the workshop free, but it was very informative. In addition to discussing the various heirloom tomatoes that have proven to perform well in this area, the person leading the workshop informed the participants on how to best grow tomatoes in the ground and in containers. The information session was then followed by a demonstration of planting in a garden and in a container.

Some of the tips and things in the workshop included:

Determinate and Indeterminate. Did you know that tomato plants can produce for a long time? Indeterminate tomatoes can produce throughout spring, summer, and into the fall. During he hottest months, such as August, are too hot for the tomato plant flowers, but once the peak heat has passed, the plants will produce fruit until the temperatures get too cold. Determinate tomato plants have a shorter fruiting season and will not produce into the fall.

Planting Deep. Because tomato plants are vines, the deeper the plant is planted, the more roots will grow to support and nourish the plant. A deeper root system will also help the plant during the hot summer days, allow the plant to soak up more water from the soil.

Mushroom Compost. In addition to being a good fertilizer, mushroom compost inhibits fungal growth. A few handfuls of mushroom compost tossed in around the roots, when planting the young tomato plant was suggested, in addition to a handful of natural fertilizer.


Meet Dr. Marvel and Farmer Herman's Little Yeller, two of the heirloom varieties carried at Native Nursery. Both varieties were cultivated at Turkey Hill Farm, a local wholesale nursery. The Little Yeller is a tart, yellow, cherry tomato and the Dr. Marvel is a beefsteak tomato. Both varieties are supposed to start producing within 90-100 days and are indeterminate. Can't wait to watch them grow!

The Perfect Fit?

"Happy 1 month at the new job," my officemate remarks as the work day ended Monday. Has it been a month already?, I thought to myself. "You're right," I remarked, "it doesn't seem like I've been here a months already, yet I feel like I've been here longer." "I know," she said, "it seems like I've known you longer."

I thought about her words and how I am at that awkward position, where I feel at ease, yet have to ask where things are and who I need to speak with for... While I am still finding my way around the area I've recently relocated to, I already feel at ease. The ease is comforting.

"I'm happy with our office set up; it feels like I've know you for longer," says my officemate, who just returned from maternity leave. This is a relief, as I was concerned my addition to the office might off balance the environment. Perhaps it was the muffins I made for her 1st day back, but from her remark, I think things are going to be peachy.

This leads me to ask, "what is the perfect fit?" Generally, I have a good idea of what I want and when it came to a new job and home, I knew exactly what I wanted. Therefore, when I was trying to determine if I wanted to live in a small town, in rural Ga, without access to the things that I wanted in my life, and have at least a 30 minute commute to work each day, it was a conflicting decision. Something in me felt that I should accept the offer, but the logical aspect of myself couldn't reason out if it was the best decision. Ultimately, I went with my gut and can happily say that it was a great decision. The journey hasn't been all roses and daisies, but overall it has been a wonderful experience and I believe it is leading me in the direction I should be headed.

Was accepting the job the perfect fit? I'm not sure, but I do think it is the perfect fit at this time. I am happy to share similar feelings as my officemates and am grateful of their openness and acceptance. Openness and acceptance were things I thought were lacking within the community in NC. Since I arrived in my new home town, people have been more than simply polite. Perhaps it is partially because I am in the south again, but all I know is that I am grateful.

Is living in a small rural town and commuting 30 minutes to work each day the perfect fit for me? It looks like at this time it just might be.

Training

For the past 7 years in my career, I've been fumbling through any new task given to me... all the while wishing I could receive formal training. Whether it is how to use a new software or piece of equipment, the situation consisted of me, trying to figure out how to accomplish a task or produce a product, alone with only the internet to help me.

Therefore, when I was informed that at the new job I was taking, my supervisor was purchasing a new piece of equipment and I would be attending a training in how to use said equipment, I was ecstatic. Not only would I be getting to use a new interesting piece of equipment, but I would be thoroughly trained by knowledgeable experts in how to do it. Yes!

The gleeful, positive smile I started off the week with has slowly morphed each day into a frustrated, concerned, drained frown. It wasn't a horrible experience, but it was not one I would like to relive. This past week has included more drama than reality t.v. show. There was fighting, bickering, and use of the silent treatment. I put on multiple hats, including peace keeper, negotiator, punching bag, and placater.

At this point I am so happy it is over and can only hope my resourcefulness will aid in figuring out how to work the piece of equipment and illogical software that accompanies it. Although I do respectfully acknowledge that everyone involved did their best, in my eyes it was such a clusterf*ck. I just hope it is not foreshadowing of things to come.

Dangerous Beauty

Agave Plant

Weekend in ATL

This past weekend I went to Atlanta, Ga for an Anusara Yoga workshop lead by Anusara founder, John Friend. It was a 2-day workshop that included two 2-hour sessions each day. Not having practiced yoga much since moving, I was a little apprehensive as to how well I would be able to keep up. However, I felt comfortable with most of the asanas.

Using Airbnb, I found a place for K and me to stay. It was the woman's first time hosting and my first time staying with someone using Airbnb. She was very welcoming and had a cute small cottage that was perfect for our weekend stay. Overall, it was a positive experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed a few of the beautiful parks ATL has to offer, including Oakland Cemetery Park, Piedmont Park and Grant Park. Additionally, I enjoyed some of the local restaurants, including Holy Taco and Rita's Bluebird. Rita's Bluebird was so packed both times I stopped by that the first time I just got a latte and the second time I got my lunch to go.

There were many more restaurants and places I'd like to experience. The ATL Botanical Garden is having an Orchid Daze event that I would love to visit. Visiting Little 5 Points was on my list, but I didn't make over there. Much more to see and experience... I hope to make it back to ATL sometime soon!

Majestic Sites

Had the opportunity to paddle down the creek that runs through Ichuaway. The creek is primarily spring fed and is relatively shallow. Wading is easily performed during the summer [low flow] months. Boating access to the creek is restricted to research purposes only. I have been itching to get out on the creek since I saw it while interviewing and was thrilled to have the opportunity.

Ichuaway Creek

The upstream portion of the creek is similar to a coastal plain in that it is relatively flat with gently sloping creeksides. The lower portion of the creek has steep creeksides with large outcroppings of limestone. It is a beautiful and majestic site. Since the creek is not accessible by boat and Ichuaway is private property, paddling down it was serene. The sun was out, the air was cool, and it was an afternoon you could loose yourself in.

Hello lakes!

Growing up on the Florida east coast, I am not very familiar with fresh water systems, let alone lacustrine (lake) systems. The experience I have with fresh water consists of the few times I went out on the St. Johns River when I was little, floating down the springs in Central Florida while in undergraduate school, and the paddling I've done on the creeks and Yadkin River in NC.


Therefore, the world I have entered into in work has been a bit out of my area expertise. I have decided to take the approach of sitting back and taking it all in. A prime example of this occurred today. I had the opportunity to do some field work on Seminole Lake, in Georgia. Seminole Lake is a man-made lake, as are all the lakes in Georgia. It was created in the 50's when a dam was built below the confluence of the Flint River, Spring Creek, and Chattahoochee River.


Being out on the lake was an interesting experience. It reminded of the time I spend in Panama, though I am not quite sure why. The lake is overrun by hydrilla and there are dead tree stumps poking up out of the water. It is an osprey's nesting paradise. In addition to the ducks, there were some white pelicans and we even spotted a bald eagle!

Field work!

Today was my first day in the field. We headed out this afternoon for a recon trip looking for potential sites for a stream project. At the end of last week, I had the opportunity to make some maps for the field outing. I enjoy making maps, but what is even better is making maps that I get to use in the field. Since the majority of map making I've performed has been for presentations or for other people's field work, I am looking forward to using maps I've made... taking them for a test drive and seeing how well they perform.


And they were great! We drove, tromped, and gazed upon various potential sites along one of the creeks. It was great to get out in the field, to see, smell, and feel what the future holds. We started at the northern end of the property, where a dam was installed many years ago. The engineers designed and installed a dam in the limestone rock. Needless to say, the dam failed. As the Calcium Carbonate dissolved over time, the dam gave way. Surprisingly, the dam was never dismantled. It remains, an anthropogenic relic cluttering up the natural environment.


The site hunting made for an enjoyable afternoon. In addition to getting a better idea of the stream riffle areas, I drove from site to site familiarizing myself with the roads on property. There was mention of mapping the stream, which would include paddling the entire stretch. The stream is off limits unless research is being conducted. The chance to paddle down it is exciting as there are class 2 rapids, which look like they would be a lot of fun!

Exploring SW Ga

This past weekend was a 3-day weekend and an opportunity to get out and explore my new home. As the temperature started to increase Monday, my officemate and I headed out to explore the Kolomoki Mounds Historical Park. This state historical site has Indian mounds that were excavated. Although the excavations did not prove to be insightful to the anthropologists, according to the information plaques, the mounds allowed the anthropologists to learn or speculate about the Indian people's lives and society.


Most of the mounds were rather small and we wouldn't have even known they were there if there hadn't been an information telling us so. However one mound was large and with a steep set of stairs going up to the top. According to the information plaque that was where the tribal leader's hut was located.


After checking out the tall mound, we continued on a trail into the woods. The trails were littered w/ leaves and comprised of beautiful barren trees, sporting their winter best. I fell in love with the beech tree. The serpentine trunk reminded me of a dinosaur or large reptile with its smooth bark and strength.


There were a few deep ravines and small streams running through the park, in addition to two lakes. In the protected areas of the lakes lily pads had congregated. In other alcoves of the lake, cypress trees were present. One can rent paddle boats at the park and there was discussion to returning to explore the drowned cypress area in the future.


After visiting the park we headed to White Oak Pastures, a family farm that produces organic grain fed beef, chicken, goats, and sheep, in addition to organic free range eggs. They are focused on animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and local food.

White Oak Pastures is a multigenerational family farm that cooperates with nature to produce artisan products that are healthy, safe, nutritious and delicious. Care is given to ensure that all of our production practices are economically practical, ecologically sustainable, and that our animals are always humanely treated. We never falter in our determination to conduct our business in an honorable manner, for the sake of our animals, our land, and the people who eat our products.

We were lucky enough to receive a tour from the owner, Will Harris III, which included the on site beef and chicken processing plants, a rarity for small scale organic meat farms. He also drove us around the farm, educating us about the various environmental practices the farm utilizes, answering our myriad of questions, and describing the journey the family has taken since it was established in 1866. It was a wonderful experience and although I brought my camera with me, I did not take one picture, as I was too involved in taking in the experience!

New beginnings

It just doesn't seem like Friday. Having finished my first week of work must be why, but it just doen't feel like a whole week has passed. My first week at work has been great! It has been filled w/ various orientations and meeting people. Thankfully there is a photo directry to aid in remembering who is who. Although everyone has been very nice, I still find the mass of unknown people a bit overwhelming and tend to retreat to my office for lunch, reading papers while I eat. I have started carpooling w/ my officemate, which not only makes the 30 mintue commute so much more enjoyable, but it also cuts down on gas and wear and tear on the truck.


Sadly, I have not made out on the property much, but am looking forward to scouting out sampling sites next week. I did make it out for a midday walk the other day and lost myself in the sandy dirt roads embraced by large live oaks weaping w/ strands of moss hanging from thier branches. I felt as though I could walk the dirt roads for days.

Hunting, furniture hunting that is...

A whole week. A whole week all to myself, in the new [to me] little house, exploring, and looking for furniture. Ugh! Who would have thought it would be so hard to find used furniture? If you need to know where the used furniture stores in SW Ga or Tallahassee are, just ask me. I think I've been to every one of them in the past few days.

Some questions that have crossed my mind lately.... Why are there numerous antiwue shops in Havana, a tiny town North of Tallahassee? Who buys all these antiques? and more importantly... What is the difference b/t an antique and used furniture? Well, besides the difference in price... or is that it? Some of the places have beautiful, well kept, or restored furniture. Others are overpriced used furniture stores. I was able to find this beautiful trivet lying near a pile of chairs. After a bit of rust-off paint, it looks as good as new.

However, it has been nice driving around the area and becoming more familiar w/ my new home. There is a Publix 30 minutes south, which was wonderful to find. Apparently Publix now has a dried bulk foods section! I wandered around Publix like a deer in headlights. I think I may have even left a trail of drool as I perused the store. Let's just say I never would have thought I would have such fondness for a commercial grocery store chain.


Additionally, I was somewhat successful in furniture shopping. I bought a table and ladder back chairs. I repainted the table and have yet decided what to do w/ the chairs. I would like to strip and stain the wood, but so not think I am up for the challenge at this time. So, I think I am going to simply paint them, but cannot decide what color. Suggestions?

Relocating

After finishing up work in NC, going through almost every item I owned and deciding what to take and what goes, and packing, I headed south to start a new chapter in my life. On the morning dog walk the day I left NC, I saw the horses that live at the Rachel Carson Reserve for the first time. It felt like an omen that everything was going to be OK. Initially, I was worried about the trip down. I was worried about pulling a trailer 10+ hours on the road, about the toys tied down to the roof racks flying off, and about which route to take. The approach I decided to take: staying present and sticking w/ my gut on making decisions, the outcome: the trip down went so smoothly I've been waiting for the inevitable bad to happen to balance out the yang.


I drove half way to my destination and stayed the night in Columbia, SC. There I met up w/ a friend of a friend and got a bite to eat at Hunter and Gatherer , a local restaurant and brewery located downtown. Come to find out, it was one of the few places I had been to the one other time I had been in Columbia, to interview for a graduate student position ~7 years prior. Wow, has it been 7 years? It seems like just the other day I was in Dr. H's lab running soil samples looking into graduate programs...


I pulled in the small town in SW Georgia I would soon call home Friday evening an hour before the sun set. Mr. W met me at the little house he was renting, which I soon fell in love with. Since I moved to NC, I had been looking for a small house to call home and it seems I was just looking in the wrong place. This little house is everything I have been looking for and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to live in it.

The winds are a changing

Things are coming together, winding down, and amping up all at the same time. This is my last week of work in NC and I am excited, nervous, and trying not feel overwhelmed. Thankfully, I have plenty of time before I start the new job.

It is times like this that my perspective begins to shift and I see the town I have been living in differently. Winter dog walks on the beach, something I did not do often in the past, become a weekly occurrence. The beach in the winter was never something I particularly enjoyed. Once the water was too cold to dive into, I generally quite going to the beach. However, the weekly dog walks on the beach stir something and I feel a little sad to not have enjoyed the quiet winter beach, tourist free with open room for happy dogs to run.

This like other little things become more apparent. The restaurant that had a delicious soup and 1/2 sandwich lunch special, wine tastings at the bakery downtown, the quirky shops some of which I recently knew existed... why didn't I enjoy these things more during my time here? One thing I have noticed... things always seem more appealing when you are either leaving or visiting. Why is that?

Toys and contemplation

This blog started because of a purchase. The purchase of a digital camera.

Like a cell phone, I did not foresee myself succumbing to the technological advances of the times. I know it is practically impossible to imagine someone not wanting a cell phone, as they have infiltrated our societies, but I was reluctant. Similarly, I was reluctant to buy a digital camera. My enjoyment of photography was in the organic process that occurred in the dark room while developing the film and creating prints. Therefore, digital photography was not very appealing to me. However, without access to a dark room and the equipment necessary to carry out that which I enjoyed so much, I decided to buy a small point and shoot digital camera that had a few manual capabilities. The instant gratification of being able to see the pictures was overwhelming and soon I knew I wanted a DSLR. However, the expensive price of the newly coveted device made it inaccessible.

Now, after years of desire and saving, I am ecstatic to have just purchased a DSLR. The past few weeks have been filled with research, educating myself on the DSLR products available, seeking advice from friends, determining the best price for the products, etc. What a relief it was to finally make a decision and purchase the equipment. I felt as though I was starting to go crazy, chasing my tail in circles with all the information.

It does not surprise me that the resurgence of this blog coincides with the addition of this new toy. Somehow, I find it quite fitting. This purchase accompanies a large transition in my life and the resulting myriad of emotions, thoughts, and changes that occur internally and externally. It is during times like these that I seek refuge in posting.

Thinking back, looking forward, and being thankful

As the Thanksgiving holiday has been approaching, my thoughts return to this time a year ago. The joy that filled my life seems so tangible, yet so distant. There were many things I was thankful for; the future was wide open and I was full of optimism. Now, a year later, my life and future seem completely different. The goals and aspirations I held a year ago have wavered, yet the direction, speed, and optimism seem different... as though they are or were another's life. I am happy and joyous, though for different things, it seems. There are a few things that have remain consistent, like the joy and gratitude of wonderful friends and community. Yesterday and today I had the opportunity to share in the preparation and consumption of wonderfully scrumptious and tasty food. Although I seem to congregate with fellow foodies who take their cooking seriously with a large helping of flavorful fun, today's meal was special, just as each of the wonderful gatherings we create are. I will greatly miss these wonderful fun filled food gatherings and hope to create and partake of such events during the next chapter of my life.

On to more important things... what did we eat? Like last year, there were a few vegetarians [some more strict than others] and gluten and dairy free diet restrictions. However, none of the dietary restrictions were an issue [one of the wonderful reasons I love cooking such great people!]. Our Txgiving meal was composed of a variety of dishes, including some new recipes. The afternoon was started with a tasty glass of bourbon slush, which was kept full through most the evening. It is a wonderful treat and a Txgiving tradition I acquired from some good friends. The drink mixture is prepared at least a day in advance and frozen, then topped w/ ginger ale or the equivalent. It has become one of my favorite parts of the holiday! This year, there was an oven roasted chicken, marinated bear grilled and then basted w/ a secret special sauce, parsnip rice with carmalized butternut squash, macaroni & cheese, broccoli and cauliflower casserole, stuffed acorn squash, savory spinach salad w/ homemade balsamic vinegar dressing, gluten free cornbread, and for dessert.... chocolate sweet potato torte. Even though I am still stuffed, just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

Perceptions of projection

Recently faced w/ the daunting task of moving and leaving the place I've called home for the past 3+ years has made me see things differently. It is no surprise, yet I am surprised. The positive things appear more positive and the negative things appear more negative. It's odd how knowing that I soon will not reside somewhere does that. Guess it just demonstrates how everything is a matter of perception and how we, as human beings, create the connotation projected onto things, situations, and people. All this time everything has been exactly what it is and will be once I no longer live here.

Four more weeks of work and then.... moving, the winter holidays, and on to start a new job and a life elsewhere. However, tonight was all about good food and friendship. A tastiliscious tapas style dinner at Aqua, followed by delectable dessert at Front Street Grill, not to mention the wonderful company, made the evening! Nights like tonight are what I will miss.

Inspired

A young girl approaches. She is tall for her age, thin, w/ blonde ringlets flowing onto her shoulders. She has bright blue eyes, clear and open, unjaded by the bitterness of what is to come. She is me, many years ago, so long ago I cannot remember what it is like to be her. She approaches and asks, ‘why? why did you leave?’, and looks up at me expectantly. I look down at her, and knowing what is to come, I want to wrap my arms around her and hold her, shielding her and also wanting to be her, so young and innocent. She asks again quizzically, ‘why?’ I do not have an answer. I search my mind, an empty caverness, but nothing. I look deep into her eyes and tell her, ‘I don’t know.’ Her eyes drop in sadness and she looks down toward the ground. I bow down to meet her gaze and ask her, ‘what is like to be lifted, to be held, to be loved?’ She looks up, meeting my eyes and smiles wide. ‘It is wonderful!’, she proclaims, pulling her arms out wide and lifting her chest to the sky as she twirls around. She twirls in circles as the sun brightens and I begin to loose her shape. Then, the sun begins to dim and the landscape comes into focus. I realize I am alone again and a light wind gently kisses my skin. ‘No, I am not alone’, I tell myself. She is with me... and I see her smile everywhere.

Fun filled food laden weekend

This past weekend consisted of good company and good food! Friday, was pizza night. I think there were 6 or 7 pizzas in total made that evening, which included detriot style cheese, pear and cheese; tomato, spinach and feta; roasted vegetable, gluten free veggie; and more. There was also garlic bread, a veggie laden salad, and ice cream and popsicles for desert. With more people than chairs, it was a harmonious evening.

After finishing some work Saturday, I decided it was time to play. With the temperatures rising and the beach calling, I attempted to enjoy the sound of the surf, but the chill in the wind soon sent me home. The afternoon was pleasantly spent working on my current knitting project and getting lost in one of the many books on my current reading list.

Sunday evening I was invited to a vegan potluck. It was the first one I have been able to attend and was very excited. There were a variety of vegan dishes, including gluten free lasagna, thai chili, pasta salad, cucumber salad, and for desert.... coconut milk ice cream! The evening was pleasantly filled with meeting new people, reconnecting with others, and tastilicious food. With a full belly and a chill in the air, me and my empty salad bowl made our way home for a pleasant nights sleep.