Lazy W Marie

Carpeing all the diems in semi-rural Oklahoma...xoxo

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friday 5 at the farm: random updates

Hello, and happy November! We are on the verge of the first weekend of a brand new month. How are you spending it? Around here we have been waist deep in another round of farm improvements ranging from interior paint and clutter management to relocated fences and garden editing. The to-do list seems to regenerate overnight, growing longer and more urgent all the time, but so do the rewards. The fruits of our two-person labor are more luscious and nourishing all the time. The Lazy W feels more and more like ours every season.  

moody-sky-novemebr-2016

How about a quick and random update before the sun comes up?

  1. Shoulder Chicken is growing her feathers again. I am so happy about this, because she has a beautiful soul and deserves to have the outer beauty to match. Also, one day this week she bolted out of the chicken coop to sit calmly next to Klaus, who (much to my absolute shock) sat calmly next to her. They both just looked at me, him giant and hulking, terrified of gazing downward, and her microscopic next to that big dog, yet afraid of nothing. I scolded her gently, to which she cocked her pretty head and scampered back inside the coop yard. Silly chicken. Klaus was visibly relieved to have the temptation removed and also overly proud of himself for not accidentally murdering anyone in that moment.
  2. We are due for a winter stock up of hay for the horses, and they are letting me know. Last night Chanta nibbled my ponytail until he fell asleep on the back of my neck. Should I take this as a comment on the abundance of my split ends?
    chanta-ponytail-bites
  3. Moody interiors are my favorite lately. I have been organizing books and rearranging artwork downstairs and kind of groove the interim feel of everything propped against the walls or stacked in cozy piles on the couch. The vibe is definitely “mysterious elegant French Quarter book store.” It begs you to brew some dark coffee, sit among the pillows, and write. 
  4. The gardens are cleaned up and ready for fall plants, but it just does not feel like fall yet. So I have waited not just all of September but also all of October and not added so much as a single pansy to our dirt. What remains is still fluffy and colorful (all hail lantana!!); but I do crave some autumnal details. One of my tasks today is to buy some little treasures to go with my one container of ornamental cabbages, a hostess gift from our friend Ashley. 
  5. The Apartment is once again serving well as the sewing room! I have my sewing and embroidery machines dusted off and humming, and a pile of fabric is washed and pressed and ready to be transformed into fun new garments or aprons. If you try hard enough you can find a “shop” page here on this blog, but it’s vacant so far. As I finish more products not spoken for I will work on making that easier to navigate and let you know. These textiles make really nice gifts!
    apron

Lots more is happening, including plenty of interesting stuff at the Commish and in the beekeeping world, also I might have strep throat?? but those things deserve their own posts. And anyway the sun is up now, time to get going. I wish you the most beautiful Friday and a happy, productive, or restful first weekend of the new month… Whatever you most need it to be!

“It’s time to start living the life you’ve imagined.”
~Henry James
XOXOXO

 

 

how to remember the why of all this work

The moon is waning now, reduced to a perfect gleaming quarter this morning. During Hot Tub Summit just before daybreak it reflected on the hot wiggling surface of the water as thick and brilliant as one of my Grandma’s diamond stud earrings. Bird chorus grew insistent, as it always does, the geese marched uphill from the pond toward the watermelon graveyard, and we started filling the day with laughter and good intentions. 

Mornings here are dewy, lush, and colorful. They are an entrancing time, just like evenings. With a small effort I can forget all the work that needs doing. The pinks and purples of these transition hours seduce me into that old belief that farm life is idyllic and easy. 

volunteer sunflowers between the barn and the front field
volunteer sunflowers between the barn and the front field

But soon the dawn surrenders to early morning which burns off the dew. The animals are hungry and each one believes he or she is the only needful thing here. Our late August sun grows suddenly harsh, pointing less to the velvety lawn and more to the sticker patches out front. My fiesta-confetti zinnias are growing weary, mildewed and crisp, but still begging for one more week in the garden. I think towards the abundant heaps of spicy basil and smile inwardly, pressing hope hard against the spider mites that have ravaged my tomatoes.

Don’t forget to collect those ripe eggplants today. And work on the compost heap before things get out of control. The horses really need their hooves done. Check on the bees. Fill the chicken waters. Add mulch to the shade garden.

I keep to-do lists like a crazy person, intermingled with my calendar and loosely scribbled diary. Sometimes it all helps; other times the lists only remind me how terribly short I fall. 

So I also keep pleasure lists. Sensory Inventories to soak up all the spiritual profit of this unusual and beautiful life. Whether I am doing it right or not, who knows. I often wish I had a full-spectrum mentor here to lead me. But at least along the way I am taking stock of the why of all this work.

The chickens eat the kitchen scraps and return to us fresh, heavy, pastel eggs. The horses and geese love watermelon as much as I do, and that greedy crunch-slurp gives me the same feeling I once enjoyed just watching my children play. Here, we get to exercise old lessons from our grandparents, trying things they tried, understanding suddenly the craving for clean floors and unbothered cows. Siestas in the hot months are both luxurious and absolutely necessary. The sun and the moon rise and fall in the most beautiful arcs, dragging along clouds and stars in quiet patterns that I had never noticed before. The music of rain on the metal barn roof. Bonfire perfume. The hum of bees and the exciting flight patterns of bats and dragonflies. Turtles sunning themselves at the pond and fat toads hiding in the dusty shadows of the garden shed. Venomous snakes beneath the pine needles, plus the stunning effectiveness of a baby llama to ward off wild boars. Deer who visit from the forest, lifting themselves effortlessly over the fence, white tails upturned and liquid black eyes surveying it all. That deep burst of optimism when seeds sprout easily or chicks hatch without our help. Loved ones who visit us and say they can breathe deeply here, peacefully, strangers who become friends on these nine acres. Romance that is sparked over and over again in ever-changing ways. Brokenness and healing, depleting labor and unexpected satisfaction, mentally and physically. 

If I ever lose my memories or if someone ever stumbles on these coffee-stained pleasure lists, the reason for all of our work should be clear: Even when we fail, it is all so amazing.

XOXOXOXO

friday 5 at the farm: things I heard this week

It’s been quite a week here at the dirt-and-hooves W. Handsome has been nursing an injury and doing his Commish work from home. I have been trying to stay caught up on things while not neglecting him. The gardens are changing seasons. And the animals are really enjoying the glorious weather. For Friday 5 at the Farm, how about a handful of things I have heard this week?

potting bench

  1. Llama Sneeze: On Tuesday while distributing protein pellets to the buff (on top of his free-choice hay) I leaned in for some face snuggles with Meh and caught, instead, a tiny, squeaky little sneeze. Right in the general direction of my forehead. Have you ever heard a baby llama sneeze? It’s not awful. Plus, he has lately been instigating spitting fights with his far beefier pasture mate. More on that soon.
  2. Parrot Playing Babysitter: Klaus is an enthusiastic romper of all farm-ily members, including Bobby Pacino the macaw, and sometimes our feathered boy has had just about enough, even from the safety of his outdoor cage. I was working in the nearby flower bed one morning and heard Pacino say firmly, definitely mimicking my own Mama voice, “No No! That’s a No No, okay?” The best part of this story is that the puppy obeyed the parrot. He sat demurely on the sidewalk and twisted his head and waited for further instruction. I went back to my garden tasks and left the parenting to the bird.
  3. V-8 with Glass-packs: We are selling the Jeep (aka Shakira) and have bought a little mid-century beauty for me to drive. She has a nice, strong, smooth engine that growls a little. Also not awful.
  4. Running Team W Expands: Around the time of my recent half marathon in Lawton, Handsome secretly ordered himself a pair of running shoes. This week they arrived in the mail. Then he got the green light from his doctor and told me he is ready to start running!! So hearing that fun news is just cool. Cool cool cool. So exciting! Now I am researching what races might offer discounts to married couples or people who practice anthropomorphism to a scary degree. Ideas?
  5. Sirens but no Alarm: Oklahoma is hot and dry this week, unseasonably so for October, and we have been seeing lots of grass fires. So we hear lots of fire truck sirens. Not good. Thankfully, none of them have been driving to our farm. This is a big deal emotionally because it was during this season seven years ago that we had that really scary house fire. In years since our area has been scourged with wildfires, too. So stuff like this triggers me. I’m sorry for those folks dealing with damage and simultaneously very grateful it’s not us this time.
He is getting so big. All the animals are cautious of him now. He still romps like a baby though...xoxo
He is getting so big. All the animals are cautious of him now. He still romps like a baby though…xoxo
louise buffing
Handsome showed me the ropes of car sanding and buffing before he laid a clear coat on my cute little treasure.

Okay, there you have it. Five things I have heard that made this week special. What have you heard?

Carpe Diem!
XOXOXOXO

 

wedding vibrations on saturday morning

Friends, the wedding was so magical. I’ll write more about it later, but for now… You know how I love to wake up the morning after we’ve hosted a special event and feel how the farm has absorbed all that energy? Soak up the residual loving vibrations? Well, no surprise, a wedding leaves an exceptional loving vibration that I was very happy to soak up this morning.

Handsome and I woke up a bit sore and weary, but in the happiest way, you know? A truly pleasant exhaustion, the kind that can only come from having swam for a few days solid in a deep ocean of love and laughter. We slept until an unheard of 7:36 a.m. and looked outside to see lots of wedding and reception details still gracing the farm. I thought I’d share some photos form my walkabout and let you enjoy the echo with me.

In the dining room I found this basket filled with serving supplies and a bouquet of extra flowers someone gathered late last night.
In the dining room I found this basket filled with random but scrupulously cleaned serving supplies and a bouquet of extra flowers someone gathered late last night.
I love how the front yard looked and felt with this trio of white wedding tents. Filtered light, a focused place to gather, all super inviting.
I love how the front yard looked and felt with this trio of white wedding tents. Filtered light, a focused place to gather, all super inviting.

Taking the tents down this morning was much easier than putting them up yesterday. I am sure the gusting winds Friday brought had something to do with that, ha!
Taking the tents down this morning was much easier than putting them up yesterday. I am sure the gusting winds Friday brought had something to do with that, ha!

This big, beautiful pile of laundry is my collection of different white lace tablecloths. Each one is from someone different or from a special event. None of them match, but they worked great for the reception. And this iron bench, an anniversary gift from Handsome recently, happens to be where the bride and groom sat under the stars to open their gifts...xoxo
This big, beautiful pile of laundry is my collection of different white lace tablecloths. Each one is from someone different or from a special event. None of them match, but they worked great for the reception. And this iron bench, an anniversary gift from Handsome recently, happens to be where the bride and groom sat under the stars to open their gifts…xoxo
 

More colorful flowers! Last in the evening, someone gathered these all together with some coiled up extension cords, and I think they look great with my weird little turquoise utility cart and vintage rocker.
More colorful flowers! Late last night, someone gathered these all together with some coiled up extension cords, and I think they look great with my weird little turquoise utility cart and vintage rocker. I groove it.
This scrappy little hippified hula-hoop chandy was dancing gently in the morning sun. Still feeling the wedding music vibes.
This scrappy little hippified hula-hoop chandy was dancing gently in the morning sun. Still feeling the wedding music vibes.
Zeke kept cheerful vigil over the geese and chickens, who were not invited to the wedding because they poop too much and sometimes attack people. You can see, Zeke loves all the crepe paper as much as I do. Which is more than how much my husband does.
Zeke kept cheerful vigil over the geese and chickens, who were not invited to the wedding because they poop too much and sometimes attack people. You can see clearly that Zeke loves all the crepe paper streamers as much as I do. Which is more than how much my husband does.
The bridal swing and doilies tree turned out pretty fun. This morning the bachelors were all investigating it. But what really set it all off was a hanging lantern craft that Kate did herself. So pretty at night! I hope those photos turn out. And yes, I am leaving this all up exactly as it is.
The bridal swing and doilies tree turned out pretty fun. This morning the bachelors were all investigating it. But what really set it all off was a hanging lantern craft that Kate did herself. So pretty at night! I hope those photos turn out. And yes, I am leaving this all up exactly as it is.
The bride designed some white cotton swags with twinkle lights to dress up the barn. It was the intended pass-through for guests to make their way downhill to the ceremony. It turned out gorgeous! And although it's all dismantled now, I am already planning to put it back up soon. Really, really pretty, especially toward sunset.
The bride also designed some white cotton swags with twinkle lights to dress up the barn. It was the intended pass-through for guests to make their way downhill to the ceremony. It turned out gorgeous! And although it’s all dismantled now, I am already planning to put it back up soon. Really, really pretty, especially toward sunset.
"Wedding Meadow" was outstanding last night. Wildflowers, a decent amount of shade and breeze, deep green forest, and all the special personal touches the bride and groom put on everything. Just beautiful. Overnight, of course, the aisle paper curled up in the wind, but you can still see the archway and rose petals left behind. I can't wait to tell you more about the actual ceremony.
“Wedding Meadow” was outstanding last night. Wildflowers, a decent amount of shade and breeze, deep green forest, and all the special personal touches the bride and groom put on everything. Just beautiful. Overnight, of course, the aisle paper curled up in the wind, but you can still see the archway and rose petals left behind. I can’t wait to tell you more about the actual ceremony. Hint: Led Zeppelin and the Beatles.
Their unity sand table. The words of a ritual like this get me so hard. The request for all the parents to join together to support the new couple, to bind their energies and love as a new family. Just, wow. It got me last night hard...xoxo
Their unity sand table. The words of a ritual like this get me so hard. The request for all the parents to join together to support the new couple, to bind their energies and love as a new family. Just, wow. It got me last night so hard…xoxo
Most everything is packed up now, ready to head out and become part of the huge bank of happy memories we've all made.
Most everything is packed up now, ready to head out and become part of the huge bank of happy memories we’ve all made.

I cannot overstate how sweet and appreciative, how hard working and loving the bride and groom were throughout this process. And Handsome and I made a thousand fun memories with the parents, too! My husband and the bride’s Dad, Steve, are distant cousins but grew up together, so this was much more like a brothers-and-niece situation. I loved it. I loved every single minute, and I cannot believe it’s suddenly over.

More soon. Now, some rest.

Happy Labor Day weekend friends!
xoxoxoxo

 

 

 

 

friday 5 at the farm: short stories

#1. Around lunchtime on Thursday Klaus followed me to the front field, using his sharp puppy teeth to help carry the garden hose, which was already running cold and strong with crystalline well water. We were on a mission to rinse and refill the water trough there, but Chunk-Hi looked so baking hot and dry that our mission quickly changed. I called our sweet buff over to where we stood in the shade, and he mosied then posed for his hose down. His summertime bath. One of his favorite things in the world next to Oreo cookies and having his wooly fur peeled off his rib cage. Klaus watched with great curiosity, or maybe envy, because the pup too loves to be hosed down. As I sprayed first Chunk’s thick black mane and terrible, chipped horns, then his massive neck and shoulders, then his tall, serious backbone, his bath ran down in shiny rivulets looking more like Yoohoo chocolate drink than water. Red clay rinsed off his body and he shook, shook, shook, just like a puppy, until only silver beads remained caught in those dense front locks. I rinsed his split hooves and he turned so I could get his other broad side. He lifted his skinny tail and I sprayed him everywhere he asked me to. Meanwhile Klaus was belly down, long legs splayed out in all four directions of the map, surrendered to the cool dirt beneath that oak tree, our Talking Tree. Roosters chased hens somewhere behind us. A horse snuffled contentedly. And I was so happy to be home.

 

#2. These cookies make me unreasonably happy. They have so much strong bite for munchy, snack-craving teeth and they taste sweet and cinnamony, like apple pie, but they are pretty healthy. Made with largely wholesome ingredients and super filling. Okay, commercial is over. Go make them for yourself!

whole wheat-apple-oatmeal breakfast cookie
whole wheat-apple-oatmeal breakfast cookie

 

#3. Katelyn, Dillon, and I walked downhill toward Wedding Meadow. We were scouting a clearer vision for their ceremony. First our feet swished through the green clover of the middle field, then they crunched through the prairie grass out back. Clouds veiled the morning’s brutal sun and a very welcome cool breeze sliced across our path. The bride and groom chatted happily and measured one thing after another, their easy conversation bringing the natural landscape to life in my mind. Every tree shimmered green and lively into a mirage of white satin and floral drapes, twinkle lights and loving vows. Their date is just two months away, and we are so excited.

Wedding Meadows at sunset...xoxo
Wedding Meadow at sunset…xoxo

 

#4. Miss Red Dot has abandoned her maternal duties wholesale. A few days ago I placed her in the freshly cleaned Hatching Highrise with about two dozen uncollected eggs plus all the materials she would need to make a lovely little home for herself and her foster chicks (hay, grass, and fresh herbs). The first day she did fine. I found evidence of nesting and saw that she was eating scratch and drinking cold water normally. Then the next morning when I opened the front hatch to replace her water and add more grain, she flew out at me violently, in a big storm of wide-eyed panic. I looked at the eggs, scattered now, no longer in their grassy bowl of protection, and also saw that Red Dot had been busy peeling away the double-layer chicken wire we had stapled over one window. In addition to trying to remove it, she had also been trying to evacuate herself through one of those hexagon shapes, stretching and bending it, a feathered prisoner escaping from a tiny Alcatraz. A few of those hexagons were quite baggy already. That’s how you know a hen is unhappy: She risks strangulation trying to escape. Also? I had never before seen a hen successfully remove stapled-in wire mesh. She may not have natural brooding instincts, but she’s also no dummy.

 

#5. Friday morning. We tried to sleep late but Klaus thought that idea was silly. So before 5:30 a.m. on his day off, Handsome leads our little trio outside for Hot Tub Summit. Beach towels and perfect coffee in hand, last night’s moon still glowing blurry and mischievous through the last traces of storm clouds, we creep across the dewy south lawn and welcome the holiday weekend. Our feet leave pearly, lustrous tracks in the green carpet, and the sky is already changing from moody bruised colors to clearer ideas about pink and blue, more summertime cotton candy promises. That little elbow of woodsy garden near the hot tub is our own small Emerald Forest. Deep and dark, dramatic and cool almost any time of day, it boasts bigger leaves and stranger nuances of green than anywhere else on the farm. We brainstorm together about how to spend our day, and the birdsong as we chat is thrilling. Enthusiastic, already turned up to a high volume so that surely no one is sleeping late on this beautiful morning. I soak and smile and press into my heart the gratitude of the moment and also the gratitude of how many prayers have been answered lately. From family needs and relationship healing to professional and financial success, despite big obstacles, we are a very blessed couple and we know it. And the wonder of so much freedom and pleasure is a gift for which I am constantly thankful. We decide we are finished soaking, heated now down to the marrow of our bones, and my husband mock-scolds Klaus for relocating our flip-flops. The foot path home is still visible in the fluffy green, lit now by slanting light from the east. The roosters are awake. The day is ready for us. And we are ready for the day.

 

Happy Independence Day Weekend, friends!
Redeem your freedoms.
XOXOXOXO