No Words.

Menemsha Sunset, that is all.

 

Be well, and enjoy your day!

Jess

 

Away

I love the sea, I love a rural landscape. I love quaint village charm.

Welcomes

Martha’s Vineyard is sprinkled lavishly with the irresistable allure of its seafaring past, interwoven with farmsteads, artists, and unpretentious beauty.

pickets and roses

This island is not trying to be anything more than it is; leaving aside the germane need tourists may have for t-shirts, arcades, and the stipulation to be regaled, this, this island is honest.

The roads (other than the main highways) are  dirt, rutted, and furrowed.

tidal

The fishermen have this north-east island life hardships etched into their face, divulging her secret struggles, with the weather, with time, and changing earth.

Vinyard Haven Harbor

Verdant farms dot the mid-island landscape. Farmer stands, and markets offer a seasonal supply of freshness. Sustainability and a natural approach to life and farming are central.

Lake Tashmoo

Days are slow, they are meant to be. Savor the fresh salty air, the warm ocean breeze. Take a moment, simply feel the suns gentle rays.

I think they’re done.

Stand on her cliffs and wonder.

Gay Head Cliffs

Imagine winter’s lonely nights as light keeper.

Edgartown Light

Be stirred by the wonder of spring’s arrival.

Hydrangea

Contemplate memories of childhood, of sandcastles, starfish, and shells.

Oak Bluffs

It is a place bursting with sustenance for the soul.

J & J

But, home,well home is where I thrive, the hills, the green fields, pastoral scenes, the barns, and the people.

All it takes to appreciate what you have is to be without it for awhile.

Hope you are well,

Jess

‘Merica

Some words can be carry their meaning across hundreds of years and thousands of tears. These are such words. We need to find our pride and resolve. Come together as one. Stop fighting each other. Build on our strength and God given resources, treat all peoples with equality without saying so. Love all not some. What constitutes an American? Not color nor race nor religion. Not the pedigree of his family nor the place of his birth. Not the coincidence of his citizenship. Not his social status nor his bank account. Not his trade nor his profession. An American is one who loves justice and believes in the dignity of man. An American is one who will fight for his freedom and that of his neighbor. An American is one who will sacrifice property, ease and security in order that he and his children may retain the rights of free men. An American is one in whose heart is engraved the immortal second sentence of the Declaration of Independence..

“They tell us, sir, that weareweak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.”
― Patrick Henry

A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be the ready to surrender their liberties to the first internal or external invader” –

Samuel Adams

“May our land be a land of liberty, the seat of virtue, the asylum of the oppressed a name an d a praise in the whole earth, until the last shock of time shall bury the empires of the whole world in one common undistinguished ruin!”

Joseph Warren

“The American flag doesn’t give her glory on a peaceful, calm day. It’s when the winds pick up and become boisterous, do we see her strength. When she unfolds her hand, and shows her frayed fingers, where we see the stretch of red-blood lines of man that fought for this land. The purity of white stripes that strips our sins, and the stars of Abraham’s covenant, broad in a midnight blue sky. The rights our forefathers established. As it waves high in the currents of freedom, where the Torch of Liberty shines over the sea, does she give meaning to unity. When we strive as one nation, or when it drops half-mast, to a fallen soldier.” Anthony Liccione.

Enjoy America’s Day of Independence.

They warn us to not align ourselves with a patriot view on social media, so as not to bring the attention of evil doers. How can this be? Bravery in the face of adversary is what our country was built on; how can we cower now?

Brave is when you have to do something because you know it is right, but at the same time, you are afraid to do it. Do it anyway.

Best,

Jess

My Blues Have Gone.

My blues have gone.

 

 

But, now there are Yellows!

 

Never entirely ~ Wordless Wednesday.

“Dare to be naive.”
– Buckminster Fuller

Be well,

Jess

Freedom to Love. When Freedom isn’t Free.

A day to remember those who protect our nation and our freedom.

A day to connect, or reconnect with family as summer casts it’s golden spell on our country.

A day to remember what all of this means ~

A day to enjoy company of friends and neighbors at the Village Parade. This weekend, as my husband dresses in his Fire Fighter’s Uniform, dressed in their best, they ready to march in our town’s parade in honor of those who gave so much for our freedom . Across the country, children and their parents gather for their Town’s Memorial Day Parade ~ little ones will sit on the sidewalks and wave their flags as the band goes by, some will cower under Dad’s arm because the fire truck sirens are wailing too loudly. Gramma has her lawn chair settle near the curb, her eyes in her family and remembering the loss, the sacrifice other family members have made; but, her grand-children are free. These children are blessed.

Later, maybe, they’ll have a BBQ or a picnic at the lake or beach. And that’s good, because today is a day to be with the family and to remember.

”It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Abraham Lincoln,16th President of the United States ~ Gettysburg Address
Thank you all, who have given so much to preserve our Freedom and the Freedom’s of others.
God Bless America!
Pray for God’s blessing on America. Ask for God’s protection over all branches of our military.

If you can’t be with all of your loved ones…remember them as you enjoy your freedom.

Remembering, connecting, and enjoying all that these day have to offer ~ here on lil’ farm.

Be well,

Jess

Between Rain and Setting

Life is balance.

We strive for balance yet  balance is all around us.

We struggle between effort and rest, between night and day, between yes and no.

What will work and what won’t.

Do we need to have more quiet, more noise, more movement, more stillness?

Do you find balance with travel?

Do you remain grounded?

What keeps you happy and healthy?

Me? A Sunday night drive in the country. 

Be well,

Jess

Rainbows

Indian Lore, Celebrate Earth Day a day late.

There was an old lady, from the Cree tribe, named Eyes of Fire, who prophesied that one day, because of the (man’s) Yo-ne-gis’ greed, there would come a time, when the fish would die in the streams, the birds would fall from the air, the waters would be blackened, and the trees would no longer be.

There would come a time when the “keepers of the legend, stories, culture rituals, and myths, and all the ancient customs” would be needed to restore us to health. They would be mankinds’ key to survival, they were the “Warriors of the Rainbow”.

All the peoples would form a new world of justice, peace, freedom and recognition. The Warriors of the Rainbow would teach them how to live the “Way of the Great Spirit”.

They would tell them why our earth is sick, they would show the peoples that this (the Great Spirit), is full of love and understanding, and teach them how to make the Earth or “Elohi” beautiful again. They would teach of Harmony among people in all four corners of the Earth.

Once again, they would be able to feel joy in solitude and in councils. They would be free of petty jealousies and love all mankind as their brothers, regardless of color, race or religion. They would feel happiness enter their hearts, and become as one with the entire human race. Their hearts would be pure and radiate warmth, understanding and respect for all mankind, Nature, and the Great Spirit.

They would once again fill their minds, hearts, souls, and deeds with the purest of thoughts. They would seek the beauty of the Master of Life — the Great Spirit! They would find strength and beauty and the solitudes of life. Their children would once again be able to run free and enjoy the treasures of nature.

The rivers would again run clear, the forests be abundant and beautiful, the animals and birds would be replenished. The powers of the plants and animals would again be respected and conservation of all that is beautiful would become a way of life.

The poor, sick and needy would be cared for by their brothers and sisters of the Earth. These practices would again become a part of their daily lives. The leaders of the people would be chosen in the old way ~ by those whose actions spoke the loudest. Those who demonstrated their love, wisdom, and courage and those who showed that they could and did work for the good of all, would be chosen as the leaders or Chiefs.

They would be chosen by their “quality” and not the amount of money they had obtained. Like the thoughtful and devoted “Ancient Chiefs”, they would understand the people with love, and see that their young were educated with the love and wisdom of their surroundings.

They would show them that miracles can be accomplished to heal this world of its ills, and restore it to health and beauty. The tasks of these “Warriors of the Rainbow” are many and great.

There will be terrifying mountains of ignorance to conquer and they shall find prejudice and hatred. They must be dedicated, unwavering in their strength, and strong of heart. They will find willing hearts and minds that will follow them on this road of returning earth to beauty.

It will be with this knowledge that we shall find our “Key to our Survival”.

Be well,

Jess

Still waters…

Have you ever noticed, it can appear some are floating on life’s river.

Ogunquit sails

Yet, upon a closer look they are only appear still…

Is it so bad to be still?

Is it so bad not to be actively chasing?

Chasing careers, chasing financial success, chasing recognition, chasing bigger, chasing better; only to catch it to find it not enough.

Can a successful life be one with out notoriety or fame?

Can we still quietly achieve, not announcing every achievement  to the world?

Maybe this holds my smoldering distain for social media, where every undertaking is announced, every exploit a plea for approval.

It is ok to be.

Can you know you matter.

Recognition is a basic human need, I know this.

But is this need now on steroids? Has this need become more demanding?

My thoughts offer more questions than answers.

Can success be contentment?

It is okay to stop paddling so hard; it is okay to savor what you have achieved.

To listen. To feel. To enjoy. To savor.

Attend to where l your heart takes you next.

There may be contentment in still waters.

Be well,

Jess

A day much like any other.

Sweet and simple.

..through the windshield                                                   

We all get that feeling of restlessness from time to time, don’t we? I usually share photos of my pastures and gardens.

…Buskirk Bridge

Today I was bored with those (photos). I mean, I spend every day here and feel like I have exhausted my favorites, and its a bit brown yet.

…last summer

It is a beautiful area, so let’s venture over the west hills. Awe, com’on it’ll be fun. It’s not far, minutes really.

…summer fields – ’14

The scenery there is pastoral and inspiring ~ natural.

…waiting hay

Whether the sky, the hills, or the fields this farmland always make my heart flutter.

…Pittstown

Whenever I experience something whilst driving, or maybe just during my everyday errands, I must  capture it; the words will come later. That’s how it works with me, image – then words. I strive to improve both.

…llama and goat dinner

Sometimes I capture memories, sometimes, I simply capture the way I see the world. Sweet and simple.

…Hey, Shelby, how did you get in here?

Be well,
Jess

Counting Sheep…

As per the norm, it is 3 am; I lie awake in a silent house. Well, nearly silent; my dogs are snoring and the rain is falling gently on the roof. As soothing as that sounds (ahem), I can not fall asleep.

I finish a few gardening articles on web, then cruise on over to check on the weather; perhaps I can do bit more out of doors tomorrow. Tornado warnings flashing across my screen, instantly questioning my choice of reading material. Like a driver gawking at an accident, I delve in…from Texas to Thunder Bay. Now that I’m actively worrying about half of the US what will a few more words and pictures hurt, I ask myself.

Oh, silly girl. You should have counted sheep.

I should check in on Cecelia, she is near Chicago, you know.  I’ll go to her Facebook page. Because of course during a Tornado, she will head straight to Facebook – ‘cuz that’s what you do to prepare for the sort of thing ?!

This is just the sort of thing a brain does in the early hours of the morning ~ construe nonsense.

Then I see storms in Texas, Shannon and her beautiful family…

All the away up to Michigan, is Karen ok, and her llamas?

Yeah, I feel ready to sleep now!

The rain continues to fall.

Maybe I will just just count sheep.

Howie’s alarm is about to go off, good night.

Be well,
Jess