The arts council I belong to hosts craft workshops to raise funds. The latest one was a cardinal barn quilt wall hanging. All participants had beautiful wall hangings to take home. I couldn’t resist the leftover paint on a participant’s palette. I grabbed a board and smeared the palette on it to create my own piece of art. I believe my impulsive action was a small act of defiance to all of the restrictions and rules we have lived with in the past year.
March 2, 2021
I sometimes help at a nearby farm. I help a fellow who had hoped to lease and farm full time, selling his wares at a farmers market and to upscale restaurants. Because of the economy he had to get a “real” job teaching so he wasn’t as dependent on the weather, and the fickleness of consumer spending to support his family. This year he did not even try any produce because of time restrictions he knew he was going to need for figuring out how to teach in this new world, so it’s just a handful of beef cows. They are pretty independent so it’s often just a head count, checking gates are closed, and water is available. I miss watching the tomatoes and or corn crops growing. The corn field went to pasture, and the hot house remains empty. There’s been limits put on every aspect of my life, and while I can stay home and isolate, With the cows I still get some interaction, some close contact with something living. This picture is Daisy, the one cow that allows touches. I know they all eventually end up at the “burger barn” but they have been my go to source of socialization during Covid. I’m hoping the owner can hold onto the land so I don’t lose this outlet as well as the many other activities that were part of my “normal” life.
October 12, 2020