Today Nathan and I started work on our new composting project… HUMANURE! Yes that is correct we are going to compost our own poop. I know it may sound weird but it has been a dream of mine ever since I heard of the concept.
I can’t imagine wanting to waste perfectly good water on crap. I think civilized society has got waste disposal all wrong and sewer and septic systems are just wrong. How can we day after day not only flush an average of 7 gallons of water down the toilet every time push the lever but also our fecal matter?!? That stuff should not be going into a water source. It should be recycled!
We spent the greater part of the day cleaning out the old outhouse where we will be making our deposits. The structure is pretty old, but it won’t be hard to fix up and get back into working order. Sunday I plan on building our compost bin and getting it ready for all the waste it will be holding. I’m thinking of making two. One for weeds, hay, and leaves for cover material and the other for all the s@#t.
I am really excited about this new step in my life. I feel like I’m really giving back to the earth.
Life on a farm is great. At least it is on this one. I feel at home here. Honest work and a positive community are probably the best parts. I feed chickens (and chase them when they escape), plant and transplant hundreds of vegetables, and then sell all that we produce at the various markets.
The days here are long and the free time I have is less than I’ve ever had. I find myself at 8 or 9 in the evening tired tying up the loose ends so tomorrow will run smoothly. Despite the lack of free time and the exhausting work I am happier than ever.
I have found that it is the work and the community that makes me happy. I am a part of something greater than myself. Everything I do to contribute is effortless when viewed from this greater perspective. I am so appreciative of this invaluable opportunity to learn and work; To live and love.
There is never a moments rest. I am never sitting relaxing until about a half hour before bed and I’m sure that within a few weeks I will fill up that time with reading or meditation. Every moment is a chance to create something more beautiful than what already exists. I feel this place giving me new life and I love it.
On a side note I have been accepted to a yoga teacher training in India. I will be leaving on at the start of next year. I have also been accepted the Vipassana meditation course in late november. I am looking forward to these amazing experiences.
Living and working on a farm is by far one of the greatest gifts. I was not expecting such a warm and kind-hearted community of people. I never expected to find friends and family all in one place. I am at awe here by the sheer simplicity of it all.
Tomorrow I start my first farmers market. I will be going to P-town!!! It will probably be my last time there, but for a first time market, I am wicked excited!!! I’ll try and take some pictures to show you all the stand.
After driving 20 hours (about 17 of them Nathan) we made it back to Dartmouth. I must say it’s nice to be home despite the amazing time we had while we were in Georgia. The Hostel in the Forest was by far my favorite part of GA.
The three days spent there were magical. I felt such a positive energy while I was there and I felt completely at peace. I will be making a trip back there some day. It will be different because that place is always changing staff and the guests come and go frequently. To all of those who keep the Hostel alive and renewed, peace and love.
The rest of our trip was in Atlanta where Nathan and I stayed with Lisa and her two bosses Lisa and Lynn. They have two beautiful children Jake and Mia. I was very thankful for their hospitality and trusting us with there kids.
I am definitely sad I had to leave Lisa once again especially without knowing when she and I will cross paths again. I know we will see each other soon…
Here are some pictures of the trip and a video of Fort Pulaski.
Today Nathan and I say goodbye to Savannah. It is by far the most beautiful city I’ve ever been too. Everything about this city is relaxing and it will be missed. We will especially miss the long strech of beaches on Tybee Island; A sight to see if you are ever in the area.
If you ever are in the area check out the Sentient Bean on the south side of Forsyth Park where you can get a good smoothie and some vegan grub. Also check out the Mello Mushroom on the west end of Liberty St has the best pizza I’ve had besides my own. If you’re into Mexican food you must go to Juares and have something… anything will bring a smile to you face!
There are still many more days left in GA and today we leave for the Hosetel in the Forest. I have heard a lot about this place andI look forward to the way of life there. The next three nights may be post free due to a lack of internet. I will repost when I get to Atlanta!
Yesterday was a whirlwind morning. At 2:30am Nathan and I both got up and quickly packed up his car for our first road trip together. We headed south… yup you guessed it… to Georgia.
Our first stop on this amazing adventure is Savannah. We arrived at 8pm and found our way around the historic part of the city. At first glance this is by far the prettiest place in GA I’ve ever seen.
Our plans today are to meet up with Bonnie’s brother and just go sight seeing. I’m so excited to see all the history, but more especially the yummy biscuits!!!
We’ve got two more days here before leaving for “The Hostel in the Forest” and later for Atlanta. Life is good and the weather is even nicer. Look out GA here we come…
I never thought I would ever be living and working on a farm. I also didn’t think I would be spending three 8 hour days planting onions… over 7300 of them.
I have a new found respect for farmers and other people who work in labor intensive jobs. To tell you the truth I have it easy compared to some.
I spent the entire days sticking a screwdriver into the ground and then carefully planting an onion in the same hole… one by one… over 7300 times. It was quite a mind game too.
I thought I was losing my mind at some points. Joy seemed to fade fast from within me. I felt drained doing the same thing over and over… especially when your back is in more pain than you’ve experienced in life prior to that moment.
The overall experience was great. I learned a lot about my limitations and the power of positive thinking. Once my mind started to spiral downward there was no turning back. Even today in the rain I had to force myself not to think about how cold and wet I was. I had to constantly look at Nathan for a reassuring smile. It was a mind game that I had to play and I couldn’t take a break!
I really like living here on the farm. I feel like I’m contributing to a good cause. The 4 of us planted about 30,000 onions in 3 days. Thats pretty insane if you ask me. Thank god Nathan was there, because his attitude, positive outlook, and support made all the difference. I would have given up if it were not for him.
