tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-225271672024-03-07T18:46:24.627-05:00Long Ridge FarmLong Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.comBlogger532125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-2710079884159876902014-04-26T17:41:00.002-04:002014-05-03T18:46:13.927-04:00beyond the crossroads<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Directions and decisions, truth and consequences,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">hellos and goodbyes,</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia;">roads taken, not taken.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The past year, as I time warped into the 6th decade,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have less desire for the destination, more for the journey,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">like a bloom opening on a warm spring morning,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">unsure of the day ahead but moving forward, regardless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The days have symmetrical rhythm </span></div>
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some with dead ends</div>
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days of thirst for something new</div>
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ups and down</div>
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tight squeezes</div>
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and rocky times. After all, that is<br />
part of our own pilgrimage, isn't it?</div>
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There is always a way </div>
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and always there are good hearts discovered on the journey.</div>
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Join me as the blog continues.</div>
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It's traveling<u> <a href="http://longridgefarm.com/farafield/">here</a></u></div>
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Swing by if you desire. </div>
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Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-44026266595688664772013-12-01T11:38:00.000-05:002013-12-01T11:38:54.064-05:00transforming<div style="text-align: center;">
Quietly enjoying a day in my life.</div>
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One that I am eternally thankful my parents gave me.</div>
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It was before television, computers, internet, cell phones.</div>
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The telephone was wired into the wall and it was a party line.</div>
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When reading books and writing letters transported us </div>
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to ideas, friends and family.</div>
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I am grateful to have been part of that era. </div>
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Moons later....</div>
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to celebrate my day, I made sure to have something to open.</div>
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Months ago, on a clearance rack at the local thrift store, this smart cotton jacket</div>
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was begging for a second chance. An Eileen Fisher number with a nifty</div>
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off-set zipper, pockets and a double layer of fabric here and there.</div>
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The color was just wrong.</div>
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If it was to be a birthday jacket it would</div>
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be colored with November.</div>
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Bundled up it was left to wait for my day.</div>
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I am hoping Eileen approves but if not, at my age, it's just fine.</div>
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I rather like it. </div>
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Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-35900932434916517872013-09-27T20:54:00.000-04:002013-09-27T20:54:22.837-04:00on the turning away<div style="text-align: center;">
Knowing I'd travel a bittersweet trail to the Pacific Northwest, I dyed up yardage </div>
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in India Flint fashion before I left. </div>
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I knew I'd want some presents to open when I got home.</div>
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some close-ups....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInTI1vLF4LWZJFEL9DsoslZ6aJuS8u02dYoI9oyT5PTPbCS1VhZH1SLhyphenhyphenLmVfExPWu3oehip2n3vt-K9RHoCrVGOjXyWdOYaHXiqlw-gcayWpBuGta2nuaUgt9IreUJhWCavO/s1600/2013-09-27_18-15-13_519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInTI1vLF4LWZJFEL9DsoslZ6aJuS8u02dYoI9oyT5PTPbCS1VhZH1SLhyphenhyphenLmVfExPWu3oehip2n3vt-K9RHoCrVGOjXyWdOYaHXiqlw-gcayWpBuGta2nuaUgt9IreUJhWCavO/s320/2013-09-27_18-15-13_519.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eYfleHCzgn8oEhgEkX4A4MqIk-eGCe-b23uaA07YqOt4yffsNSV0iLjH2wxFiFQcdMch0MvyOnCtw-oR-Zx2sh84ODybrU9UiOiognH4683ErAGFI6B31UTr-iXleqOvheZV/s1600/2013-09-27_18-17-10_593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7eYfleHCzgn8oEhgEkX4A4MqIk-eGCe-b23uaA07YqOt4yffsNSV0iLjH2wxFiFQcdMch0MvyOnCtw-oR-Zx2sh84ODybrU9UiOiognH4683ErAGFI6B31UTr-iXleqOvheZV/s320/2013-09-27_18-17-10_593.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
In most cases time is a good thing.</div>
<div align="center">
From fabric to friendships,</div>
<div align="center">
resting, waiting, patience.</div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-66909977756104916552013-09-05T22:17:00.001-04:002013-09-05T22:38:51.700-04:00colors for Rwanda<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been running a bit under the radar since returning from Rwanda.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There was a lot to process.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvl20dCK4qzqFPussqyvxWEvEjPO41Dfg-rctS_HkjFBaardIIAm-9CvF06ZHJuFihtjPxYXi3J77i7-HpJwOz4VXaeTso7O-OZIRYATl_Kq8kinOCFkZByXNFZ-14llYbs8c/s1600/IMG_5057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvl20dCK4qzqFPussqyvxWEvEjPO41Dfg-rctS_HkjFBaardIIAm-9CvF06ZHJuFihtjPxYXi3J77i7-HpJwOz4VXaeTso7O-OZIRYATl_Kq8kinOCFkZByXNFZ-14llYbs8c/s320/IMG_5057.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I fell in love with this country.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
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Rwandans say "God might visit other countries</div>
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by day, but every night He returns to rest in Rwanda".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb18piVzICS4Vb_1DaH5L7K2j7WacHp66s_mAdunU5XhpcZAMC7sIlHnplcvT04cJq1R3LsR9fMiEz0yVisfESdrqvVrtfjh5wgtxnPx_j-ByO7QE7A_ZrirX8tx2s1c4QRE8q/s1600/IMG_5536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb18piVzICS4Vb_1DaH5L7K2j7WacHp66s_mAdunU5XhpcZAMC7sIlHnplcvT04cJq1R3LsR9fMiEz0yVisfESdrqvVrtfjh5wgtxnPx_j-ByO7QE7A_ZrirX8tx2s1c4QRE8q/s320/IMG_5536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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But now it's more than geography.</div>
<div align="center">
It's a solid commitment for me </div>
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with a group of women in a place </div>
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I can't begin to describe.</div>
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Silence beyond comprehension.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsCx_OjdO62Ri3wmeeQnpRTdckj8_Tm88yE79MD1mIb7di_KtHOZgtnAevG5rFZajMUaThx1tMu9epP4UHJdsC6EW-QgSFOTGwJ-kHvMPLe_SaPps7uIYjjZpuBd4PwpGA8Tp/s1600/IMG_5377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsCx_OjdO62Ri3wmeeQnpRTdckj8_Tm88yE79MD1mIb7di_KtHOZgtnAevG5rFZajMUaThx1tMu9epP4UHJdsC6EW-QgSFOTGwJ-kHvMPLe_SaPps7uIYjjZpuBd4PwpGA8Tp/s320/IMG_5377.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
After months in the making, </div>
<div align="center">
there is a way you can help these women.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I've met each and every one.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
They survived the genocide</div>
<div align="center">
but they are forever scarred from it.</div>
<div align="center">
Read on<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><a href="http://longridgefarm.com/rwanda/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">here</span></a> for the rest of the story.</div>
<div align="center">
This is real.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Thank you for even a moments notice.</div>
<div align="center">
It means the world to the ladies if you know they exist.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-75097327451001251292013-06-29T08:04:00.005-04:002013-06-29T08:04:57.523-04:00wrapped up <div style="text-align: center;">
Coming to work at the center on my last day</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1Xat4LHdyvKhMC-OIhuxY-2WQG3hZuGDExPnnZsfr75wxD65U_DE7igVd9aai-UJQ_NL7HzXrbJAGOqXMFBn3uHOXtXkUJXIGQ6bIifhk5soW6Qrv7ibzltbi38Sl1AQn_fn/s1600/IMG_5625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1Xat4LHdyvKhMC-OIhuxY-2WQG3hZuGDExPnnZsfr75wxD65U_DE7igVd9aai-UJQ_NL7HzXrbJAGOqXMFBn3uHOXtXkUJXIGQ6bIifhk5soW6Qrv7ibzltbi38Sl1AQn_fn/s320/IMG_5625.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
there were bundles to open.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAw5iFf9hNMSh-n1WGl8gfkk6oYBOtakTGzQAW7CVBD_dea52UeTBZzFfEPgHvJXYHGmyv2fIg-uW70kqlGBv2YuoBIFuXVlhwBSw296nSZsD-_IRW48ZOsqJU6Wejr2kFarAp/s1600/IMG_5629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAw5iFf9hNMSh-n1WGl8gfkk6oYBOtakTGzQAW7CVBD_dea52UeTBZzFfEPgHvJXYHGmyv2fIg-uW70kqlGBv2YuoBIFuXVlhwBSw296nSZsD-_IRW48ZOsqJU6Wejr2kFarAp/s320/IMG_5629.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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It is good to have presents to open before work.</div>
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The coreopsis blooms smiled at their marks on cloth.</div>
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Anna Marie had chosen to dye her scarf in cochineal the </div>
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day before but after seeing the bundles unwrapped </div>
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she decided to add leaf prints to her piece.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALbEGe1QhNcK73xUkgmbF0SSaBgcrGgvZaaAzTs94GjGrwajjlryHUj1-dMvtY2dJFoMJBGs877lBuxMbHSUhqr7wGT5UTJFyxqHtDu1JwyR7LKBgv4Hefex2bfDO9K6938kp/s1600/IMG_5641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALbEGe1QhNcK73xUkgmbF0SSaBgcrGgvZaaAzTs94GjGrwajjlryHUj1-dMvtY2dJFoMJBGs877lBuxMbHSUhqr7wGT5UTJFyxqHtDu1JwyR7LKBgv4Hefex2bfDO9K6938kp/s320/IMG_5641.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Faina is so beautiful in her cochineal dyed wrap.</div>
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Heads together and wrapped up.</div>
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Alphonsine helped me with my wrap.</div>
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Every Friday the ladies practice yoga at days end.</div>
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The room is packed. Lots of slow breathing and </div>
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'ahhs' at good back stretches.</div>
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After yoga Katie and I </div>
<div align="center">
wanted to teach the ladies a traditional American dance, the hoedown.</div>
<div align="center">
We showed them three moves, the do si do, promenade and swing.</div>
<div align="center">
Then we put the music on and everyone swung a partner. It was</div>
<div align="center">
great fun. After which, with Simon translating, I thanked the group</div>
<div align="center">
for all they gave me this week. In return, they asked I not forget them, help them find ways to</div>
<div align="center">
earn money, and come back to visit them. I promised all three.</div>
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We held hands in a circle and prayed.</div>
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The goodbyes were one by one with hugs and kinyarwanda murmers.</div>
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I will miss each and every one. </div>
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Not everyone was present here but all are in my heart. </div>
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Now I need to set the promise in motion from afar.</div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-74333118123582896612013-06-24T11:23:00.002-04:002013-06-24T11:23:15.923-04:00bundles and blue<div style="text-align: center;">
Katie and I traveled the rocky road to work with the ladies as usual.</div>
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<div align="center">
I began by teaching how to build and manage</div>
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an indigo vat. Until their seeds grow for Polygonum tinctoria and woad</div>
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they will work with Indigofera tinctoria that I will supply.</div>
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</div>
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<div align="center">
I brought silk pieces for each of the 35 ladies so they could make </div>
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head wraps from the colors we had created during the week.</div>
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We spiced up the dyepots from the day before and gave the ladies</div>
<div align="center">
a choice of dyeing a solid color, which many chose. They love bright colors and </div>
<div align="center">
the cochineal, weld and onion skins were options.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uVBonmxVjySNm26hrLXzZeYdx-yy8A28PhEhbEaK-xuGOqfB3tz6D7vYSWWOKCe-y34yKtdFTVEPZb1WmmbC7-aq2vtNnPAlwr6rMJqrpa6f1IFVll8Pz_NAkURiQcVTiL_4/s1600/IMG_5575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uVBonmxVjySNm26hrLXzZeYdx-yy8A28PhEhbEaK-xuGOqfB3tz6D7vYSWWOKCe-y34yKtdFTVEPZb1WmmbC7-aq2vtNnPAlwr6rMJqrpa6f1IFVll8Pz_NAkURiQcVTiL_4/s320/IMG_5575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
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A happy lot we are.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLqae90-UO2-vi334Cet1mfYlYTltFQ1rkiYMhyphenhyphenxmOieQ1ZBnWPjYu0R1gtVgUDCglsSoPcmi5qXjQE5HbV577H4tX2czSZ6L8pTLuFCWDTbo03MoF5pAqO-cpa39pYsufssi/s1600/IMG_5595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLqae90-UO2-vi334Cet1mfYlYTltFQ1rkiYMhyphenhyphenxmOieQ1ZBnWPjYu0R1gtVgUDCglsSoPcmi5qXjQE5HbV577H4tX2czSZ6L8pTLuFCWDTbo03MoF5pAqO-cpa39pYsufssi/s320/IMG_5595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the afternoon,</div>
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scarves emerged from the dyepots to dry on the far line</div>
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with baby Sandrine in the middle of things, enjoying the bustle.</div>
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Eucalyptus is one of the plants the center dyes with </div>
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and there is an abundance of it here.</div>
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So I gave the option of learning leaf bundling </div>
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which 8 or so ladies wanted to try. The coreopsis flowers and onion skins</div>
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were used with eucalyptus leaves. Many of the ladies wanted</div>
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to use just the flowers. </div>
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Meanwhile skeins started to emerge from the indigo vat.</div>
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We overdyed cochineal and weld skeins and plain white skeins.</div>
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The week's palette grew.</div>
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Bundles piled up which we boiled up</div>
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after the ladies left for the day.</div>
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</div>
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Today's lasting impression is how lovely</div>
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it is to work with such a large group and everyone is thankful,</div>
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loving and happy with what transpired. No one looking for</div>
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more, or is less than satisfied. Blissful dyeing.</div>
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<br />Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-12851618322373010862013-06-23T08:09:00.001-04:002013-06-23T08:09:08.975-04:00komera komera<div style="text-align: center;">
There is no doubt in my mind that I have felt more welcome being amongst Rwandans than any other country in my memory. They are respectful, reverent, generous of spirit and heart even in the midst of their dark struggles. Katie has introduced me to many of her Rwandan friends. They lived through the genocide, barely. They are still hungry, suffer from the bad water, barely have enough money to eat each day. Some are working on their college and masters degrees at the expense of eating. One of the Kinyarwanda phrases that is said over and over to each other is "komera komera" which means "be strong, be strong". There is no way to appropriately convey how strong these people are.</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is no feeling of entitlement here. There is no automation, electric tools, tractors and mowers. I have seen two tools that are used, a hoe, the other a machete. There is pride in their land. All of the grass is cut with a machete, even at 6" tall. Leaves are picked up one by one. All of the fields are hoed by hand. If a farmer has a field that needs to be planted the neighbors pitch in to get it tilled. Rwandans function collectively, individualism is unheard of. They suffer in silence yet collectively they support each other.</div>
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</div>
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Each day this week when Katie and I arrived at the center we would greet each lady. A hug with three or more 'cheek to cheeks' and a hand hold at the end. Eye to eye contact, many Kinyarwanda words said back and forth then onto the next lady. At first I thought, "oh Lord, how will I get through all 35 ladies." They patiently taught me the phrases and words, slowly pronouncing them as I would recite them over and over. By weeks end I was communicating. They would smile and hug some more. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Today I feel blessed. I have lived Rwanda. I have walked the dusty roads covered in volcanic rock that make each step difficult. I have been prayed for, prayed to, sung to, sung with and danced with these beautiful people. I will miss this place. I will return.</div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-55510411995026493032013-06-22T11:59:00.002-04:002014-03-08T18:43:54.246-05:00hope springs<div style="text-align: center;">
Day two the dyework began in earnest.
Simon interpreted my instructions for Virginia, the dyer,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so she can proceed after I leave with a full understanding.</div>
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We started by soaking the madder roots, which were already ground to make for<br />
a quicker extraction of the dye.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then we extracted the dye from the cochineal bugs. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Between the translating, which is naturally slow due to the new information</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
being absorbed, and working with the tools that we had at hand these two processes took until after lunch to get to the point we could start the actual dyeing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JDDgr1yU6rA1aQE7rcpFnw1WU1sWhTHfvNJFQYEw3EP_TDvTyunLN8PZOSeoo9o2byLgEf36VjqtYQsBij4pk-ktEUGzXSHg6yG4Ldte2euUkQwqrkAo2KIwBfTN4ySN1l3U/s1600/IMG_5382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JDDgr1yU6rA1aQE7rcpFnw1WU1sWhTHfvNJFQYEw3EP_TDvTyunLN8PZOSeoo9o2byLgEf36VjqtYQsBij4pk-ktEUGzXSHg6yG4Ldte2euUkQwqrkAo2KIwBfTN4ySN1l3U/s320/IMG_5382.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
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The rest of the ladies, some 28 of the 35 in the group, took their places</div>
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to do their daily fiber work with us as a background to watch.<br />
Many times the ladies have things outside they need to do first such as selling vegetables from their gardens, and also doctors appointments so it's rare all 35 will be present at one time</div>
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</div>
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In the afternoon, there was much curiosity as the dyeing started.</div>
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We got the madder, cochineal and onion skins finished and </div>
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then started the weld dyepot.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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We were entertained by baby Sandrine who loved to say</div>
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"bite' (beetay) which means "what's up".</div>
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Virginia was very clever and efficient.</div>
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I felt she could save the madder root to reuse again so she went and</div>
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tore banana leaves from the trees and laid the roots out on them to dry.</div>
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</div>
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Virginia hung out the skeins to dry. I suggested they</div>
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let the skeins cure for a day or so before washing as less dye will wash out. <br />
She hung these skeins and turned to me with a big smile and a thumbs up.</div>
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No language barrier here.</div>
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</div>
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My pictures aren't as rich and bright as they were in real life but left to right</div>
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cochineal, onion skins, madder, weld.</div>
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</div>
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Katie and I got back to her dear home about 5:30. It is dark here</div>
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by 6ish each day and the sun comes up about the same, year round.</div>
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</div>
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It is customary for families to have house help. There are three familes that live in this </div>
<div align="center">
compound, Katie, the landlord, and another family. Each of these families have cooks/house help.<br />
Katie does not. We cook, do dishes, wash our clothes and sweep and mop. Nothing new!</div>
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</div>
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This is the cooking house and Charlotta is preparing dinner</div>
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on the tradition imbabura which uses charcoal from eucalyptus trees or other</div>
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types of trees for the heat source. They wash all the dishes outside in tubs and of course the clothes</div>
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as well. They work hard and are lovely to be amidst. <br />
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It was a very good day.</div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-77964799749694695932013-06-18T13:19:00.001-04:002014-01-27T20:54:24.060-05:00realityIt's been a week now that I been travelling Rwanda. I've met those in utter poverty and chronic sickness, the middle class and the wealthy. Most of the time has been with the poor and it is hard to express the juxtaposition of their complete faith in God's salvation and the endless knowledge of no way out. <br />
<br />
These beautiful ladies greet me each day with a hug, lots of smiles and love. They say "yes'ashimwe" to me and I reply "ahimbazwe". "praise Jesus", "let him be praised". They believe in their heart of hearts this is the best way to give and have hope. And their lives are in a cycle of constant battle on every front. They are sick in the belly from bad water, some have HIV, most are always in a state of feeling ill. Charcoal pills take away the belly aches for awhile. The poor are fighting for their lives.<br />
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I am an Anglican and so their undying faith is not foreign to me. I feel His strength in my own life and that goodness will always come from difficulty and sorrow. <br />
<br />
As I scrubbed my clothes tonight in a tub and felt the ache in my back, it was tenfold for their ache. My stomach aches because theirs do. My heart is full because theirs is for our being together.<br />
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This is Diana, she is sick today. Her throat is swollen and she has a headache.<br />
She's on antibiotics and will improve.<br />
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Thanks for listening....be thankful.<br />
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Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-44016127540387491842013-06-18T01:50:00.002-04:002014-03-08T18:41:48.005-05:00throw down your heart<div style="text-align: center;">
A large part of my trip to Rwanda is being with these woman to help open up some new color options in their dye work.
It is a collaboration with True Vineyard Ministries, a counseling and support system that works with 35 woman who come to the center each day to process, by hand, naturally dyed yarns from their small flock of sheep and in turn they get paid to support themselves and their families. I have brought seeds for them to plant for their own garden which you can see in the background. Until the seeds grow we will dye with the raw dyestuffs such as madder root, weld, indigo and cochineal. For the dyes they can't obtain I will provide and hopefully get others involved with donations to the project. They are presently dyeing with eucalyptus, coreopsis and herb plants they also use for stomach illnesses.
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We started the day with an introduction to the week's work.</div>
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Simon, to my right who is the country director for TVM, translated for me from English to Kinyarwanda.</div>
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Faustin, to my left, is the farm manager.</div>
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The ladies all welcomed me with a singing prayer that was beautiful.</div>
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Here the ladies are looking at what cochineal bugs look like.</div>
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Their days are spent like this.</div>
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Washing the raw wool, picking the dried locks, carding into rolags to spin,</div>
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spinning the yarn and then dyeing it.</div>
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It's a peaceful place that will also burst out in prayer, song and dance.</div>
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The ladies are struggling with a number of issues; poverty and sickness always</div>
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run throughout and there are tears for the fears.</div>
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At the end of the day the ladies wanted to dance and so did I.</div>
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Virginia, the dyer, took my hands. They sang a welcome song.</div>
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A wonderful start to the week.</div>
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This morning the dyework begins.</div>
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There are lots of hugs, smiles and warmth from the ladies. </div>
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They always find the strength for that. Amazing.</div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-88544415451349990062013-06-16T07:36:00.002-04:002013-06-16T07:36:38.812-04:00heading north<div style="text-align: center;">
We had the good fortune
to be guests at a traditional Rwandan wedding.</div>
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On the street outside the host home it was a mix of guests and townspeople.</div>
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Most exciting for all.
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The fashions were elegant</div>
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I made friends with this group of young ones as we waited.</div>
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There are three parts to a Rwandan wedding; this day takes 4 hours.</div>
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It is acted out as a play with family members taking the parts to reenact</div>
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the course of events beginning with the fathers agreeing to the marriage, traditional dances, the cows owner and shepherd singing, playing flutes and dancing, right though the bartering for how many cows the grooms family shall give the bride. It was a marvelous play full of laughter and love. We were served Fanta soda as we all sat for the 3.5 hours. Then there was a feast of rices, potato dishes, roasted bananas with beans, meats in delicious sauces and more.</div>
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The beautiful bride and groom.</div>
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Katie and I left Kigal's heat and bustle and headed</div>
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north to Munsanze, Ruhengeri specific.</div>
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The taxi drive took about two hours and wound up through </div>
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the rugged terrain of central Rwanda. The land is </div>
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full of crops and farming, goats, cooler air and less congestion.</div>
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A common way to transport anything and everything.</div>
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This is dried wood that will be used for cooking sources.</div>
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This fellow is holding on to</div>
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the back of the truck to hitch a ride up the hill.</div>
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Further north </div>
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Croplands are tiered to avoid erosion. At the base you can</div>
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see brown crop squares. There are water channels that divide the squares </div>
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that are beneficial for watering the crops. </div>
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Along the way I saw a farmer standing in a trench bucketing water</div>
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onto one such plot. </div>
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Fishing</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0Nibmg-_7NzerQcd74qlAetOSb9-h_DBjC0BCTV2bX1oz4XPuiZyFogWa_JJY_pLVzza8MBFIqu6_pZo6-SAQGf_L3THtAaUIUlw3u0_DYnsPPbSK-XclhkjsR1ziQUvjWay/s1600/IMG_5262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ0Nibmg-_7NzerQcd74qlAetOSb9-h_DBjC0BCTV2bX1oz4XPuiZyFogWa_JJY_pLVzza8MBFIqu6_pZo6-SAQGf_L3THtAaUIUlw3u0_DYnsPPbSK-XclhkjsR1ziQUvjWay/s320/IMG_5262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We got settled at Katie's home, complete with a sheep who grazes the yard outside our door, a beautiful yellow lab, a hen and many food gardens. </div>
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We then walked the 20 minutes to market to get</div>
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fresh produce and necessities. With a very dark sky looming</div>
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and two most heavy shopping sacks we opted to catch rides with two motos back to the house(motocycle taxis, see them in the 1st photo above). </div>
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Great fun and the most efficient way to get around. </div>
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There is a driver and you take the place behind,</div>
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strap on the helmut (the law) and off you go. 5 minute ride, 300 francs or $0.45.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDA0D9cjm0Zm_gOi7AEgcvdNiajd9JJwvb4b77xEXMfd9ACOcDzCxqBDwHHOJn-CkNZ4fWgpMuzdcDRQSIxPy2o7o_S19vPgbHvfI-NDefCKk9YcnB9fybaGynVo0iWwk_rX-8/s1600/IMG_5280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDA0D9cjm0Zm_gOi7AEgcvdNiajd9JJwvb4b77xEXMfd9ACOcDzCxqBDwHHOJn-CkNZ4fWgpMuzdcDRQSIxPy2o7o_S19vPgbHvfI-NDefCKk9YcnB9fybaGynVo0iWwk_rX-8/s320/IMG_5280.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Life is good! The dyeing begins this week.</div>
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Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-48110244062485673242013-06-13T15:11:00.001-04:002013-06-13T15:11:14.866-04:00waking up in Rwanda<div style="text-align: center;">
My first days in Rwanda have been beyond words. It's a beautiful place full of color, heat,
warmth from the people I have met yet also incredibly jarring.
Katie and I are staying outside Kigali for a few days at one of her dear friend's farm.
Our first morning we awoke to early singing as the women sift the chaff from a crop of dried beans.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Qui_NOcXlQQfCUsvld8hr3K5rTSv2BKM9PHsJplDQsg9hStTy9YWygGZ_3Hfn3iy_WcNb1Y7I54YVE7R8Nv9lmzFmN1stUGwMHtTF33h5nYzf7z0064Kp7lETxf0NRRwqnPp/s1600/2013-06-12_12-21-06_479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Qui_NOcXlQQfCUsvld8hr3K5rTSv2BKM9PHsJplDQsg9hStTy9YWygGZ_3Hfn3iy_WcNb1Y7I54YVE7R8Nv9lmzFmN1stUGwMHtTF33h5nYzf7z0064Kp7lETxf0NRRwqnPp/s320/2013-06-12_12-21-06_479.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The great aunt, who is blind, still does the work as well.</div>
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The crops that are drying, which are common to the area,</div>
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are sorghum (shown here), beans and soy beans.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDcW1FOFxBH9qKLrIKUsAptc7RG4efcjjYZTKLUGf71Wp3Vgk1i3QkvhITBsx1zW-zZ5cjn7bph-qIAT1CHJDxMxxSXoIPjLf27VvmYC7pq4Nvx0zBDGhk2apqU_HFwRA-W3A/s1600/2013-06-12_05-06-12_806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDcW1FOFxBH9qKLrIKUsAptc7RG4efcjjYZTKLUGf71Wp3Vgk1i3QkvhITBsx1zW-zZ5cjn7bph-qIAT1CHJDxMxxSXoIPjLf27VvmYC7pq4Nvx0zBDGhk2apqU_HFwRA-W3A/s320/2013-06-12_05-06-12_806.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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Today we joined Katie's colleagues for a home visit to </div>
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a client in the hills of Kigali. International Justice Mission is partnering</div>
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with the Rwanda legal system to intervene in child sexual assualt.</div>
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This was a view along the way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-RtY5BytO1b0a6Ve4PKJcLzhp4K34iNqE43bDO3TIck08lC7edwJO6dPbWIVZpKbcvUyvferi1XB_oLeulUzPR-7BRLTmRQWGCzp76dSFbBgU-G7-QeD6VA1XG6UWbPEsbyX/s1600/IMG_5130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-RtY5BytO1b0a6Ve4PKJcLzhp4K34iNqE43bDO3TIck08lC7edwJO6dPbWIVZpKbcvUyvferi1XB_oLeulUzPR-7BRLTmRQWGCzp76dSFbBgU-G7-QeD6VA1XG6UWbPEsbyX/s320/IMG_5130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This little one greeted me when we arrived at our visit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg_eWVYosX5yEclCQg039Nm0UfU8RszCorfhJjUsdcH-JwnOn-nvgSUz3VRJMyYr_aWrT9iKucTqOgKfG7VNIqA1xwskYU5oLgNNU1dRhxFQ82nIZ7sS_mqErj5ZInpGp73Ew/s1600/IMG_5119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg_eWVYosX5yEclCQg039Nm0UfU8RszCorfhJjUsdcH-JwnOn-nvgSUz3VRJMyYr_aWrT9iKucTqOgKfG7VNIqA1xwskYU5oLgNNU1dRhxFQ82nIZ7sS_mqErj5ZInpGp73Ew/s320/IMG_5119.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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There is a goodness here....it is joyful yet incredibly heartbreaking. </div>
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This journey has just begun.</div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-60398369615792803442013-06-09T21:26:00.000-04:002013-06-09T21:26:23.771-04:00into Africa<div style="text-align: center;">
I am winging off to Africa in the morning.</div>
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Rwanda specific.</div>
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We moved the flock to a fresh pasture this morning</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL32Eon9W8cCM8ovTJhgrqX3kqUH3EJL3dxLkC0dzT16Vw1KMh_uQDaD6V0dVk2msL1rIgwnfRNYm7K9hDhiPbS7krc2tQUW2ndINk2Ers3v9olVgCwA0M37ZDxOCiwSFEtPo/s1600/2013-06-09_09-33-12_198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL32Eon9W8cCM8ovTJhgrqX3kqUH3EJL3dxLkC0dzT16Vw1KMh_uQDaD6V0dVk2msL1rIgwnfRNYm7K9hDhiPbS7krc2tQUW2ndINk2Ers3v9olVgCwA0M37ZDxOCiwSFEtPo/s320/2013-06-09_09-33-12_198.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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and dear Crystal still takes the last position</div>
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but she sure does love the trek.</div>
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She and I travel along together</div>
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ever so slow but with focus on the reward.</div>
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Fresh grass.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPy2ArRllLRxmGPUFNEnSVGer1Cz_ZkU23jLWsFYDDof5E5wpi9hTHiI_GclVlf9lTg0LikP2sW_5XcUij6IUrbAZvEQ6uF-80XXNGDGCO6acC5fPBr1i2GWjKkRmRf63odET1/s1600/2013-06-09_09-34-06_412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPy2ArRllLRxmGPUFNEnSVGer1Cz_ZkU23jLWsFYDDof5E5wpi9hTHiI_GclVlf9lTg0LikP2sW_5XcUij6IUrbAZvEQ6uF-80XXNGDGCO6acC5fPBr1i2GWjKkRmRf63odET1/s320/2013-06-09_09-34-06_412.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I will be landing in Kigali and traveling west and north with Katie.</div>
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She has been living there for almost 2 years as a </div>
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volunteer with True Vineyard Ministries, a non-profit business employing 35
widows </div>
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identified as the most vulnerable women in their communities</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K8BBDACoebhV8EKK0rK6SmdOZ0lR7Vv3J-UyB0_j1Gak7_bWbaq00QvAZWZimxvu1ky90Fc9V6hq7Hc8T9HqvCymm3AWHOlvvfgqlzebHZPFXutgQRHcr6cCGx9N3hVk4P2D/s1600/zelA12IMG_3709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K8BBDACoebhV8EKK0rK6SmdOZ0lR7Vv3J-UyB0_j1Gak7_bWbaq00QvAZWZimxvu1ky90Fc9V6hq7Hc8T9HqvCymm3AWHOlvvfgqlzebHZPFXutgQRHcr6cCGx9N3hVk4P2D/s320/zelA12IMG_3709.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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I have sent in seeds for dye plants and carry a bag full of natural dyes, fabric, string, and thread.</div>
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Options to assist this group of 35 widows of the Rwandan genocide who</div>
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are finding their way to support themselves and their families</div>
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in the aftermath. It has been almost 20 years but the pain is ever-present.</div>
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They are working to forgive in a culture of silence.</div>
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I am packed, but still incredulous and awestruck as I head east/southeast across the </div>
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pond and a very large Sahara.</div>
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Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-5388876069342706942013-06-05T20:59:00.001-04:002013-06-05T20:59:17.793-04:00symplocos in stock ~ dried leaf mordant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://longridgefarm.com/">Long Ridge Farm</a> is pleased to be a retail partner</div>
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in this most exciting project. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqSMlIoAhQSjypq5wpJJUPPP7QhatYswwPT8jb6PbwpB7cubEUD9-LZUpuyDssdnrxzwCY-h2tnWS7rZLF5Pu0FZYKKDiwdgvBiY91q-ldW6F5kZHBZ-Y15GQR_HamyWT_qxm/s1600/symplocos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqSMlIoAhQSjypq5wpJJUPPP7QhatYswwPT8jb6PbwpB7cubEUD9-LZUpuyDssdnrxzwCY-h2tnWS7rZLF5Pu0FZYKKDiwdgvBiY91q-ldW6F5kZHBZ-Y15GQR_HamyWT_qxm/s320/symplocos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Plant Mordant Project offers natural dyers a unique opportunity to avoid mordants produced by industrial processes and make reliable colors 100% from plants. Powdered leaf from Symplocos trees can replace alum in conventional natural dye recipes and produce some exciting new colors. Natural dyers already chose plant dyes over synthetic dyes because they are aligned with their values, and the Plant Mordant Project offers an opportunity to extend the expression of these values by also using a plant-sourced mordant. </div>
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At its source, the Plant Mordant Project builds partnerships for sustainability with rainforest communities and indigenous textile artists in Indonesia. Through its sourcing and sales of Indonesia’s traditional plant-sourced dye mordant, the Bebali Foundation (<a href="http://www.bebali.org/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.bebali.org</span></a>) alleviates rural poverty and empowers women, saves rainforests, and supports the traditional textile arts. The Bebali Foundation brings to this project a decade of experience in the fields of conservation, indigenous culture, and rural livelihoods, while its partnerships with the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew and the Indonesian Forestry Department, and its funding from the Ford Foundation bring world class scientific rigor and accountability.<br />
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I did a number of tests to confirm satisfaction in using symplocos</div>
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as a mordantand these silk scarves performed </div>
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with perfection at just 30% symplocos on the weight of the fabric. </div>
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The reds are dyed with madder and the yellows with weld.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bIHyl2VQT9vCYWfJqqcAr4qBJ_P3qwAjjjM6tTnQnxtq4UW_jUxxlCQieVXSy9_54XA5vCVZX6p7h2Yc9BhVroJedbjUmisu7X-jfbOldh2HSWmc8MbM2vOWtxBf3tVp6HES/s1600/scarves+mordanted+with+symplocos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bIHyl2VQT9vCYWfJqqcAr4qBJ_P3qwAjjjM6tTnQnxtq4UW_jUxxlCQieVXSy9_54XA5vCVZX6p7h2Yc9BhVroJedbjUmisu7X-jfbOldh2HSWmc8MbM2vOWtxBf3tVp6HES/s320/scarves+mordanted+with+symplocos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I did a wool test with two skeins of our CVM/Romeldale 100% wool.</div>
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Both skeins are dyed with cochineal at 3%.</div>
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The left skein is mordanted with symplocos at </div>
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100% on weight of fiber and cream of tartar at 1.5%,</div>
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the right skein at 50%, no cream of tartar.. </div>
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Vibrancy shows in both skeins </div>
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with minimal difference of saturation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LEJqsqlxiGt7sbdjJjf7eh4Y3ihtWzZOm_b_C6DdjyV3ot977htLufYo3fnKq9DafuYKnbeZjdK60029QmGRFGSiDy97DIv_i54Rjcx4fWA9YVzXecMq-_ibXfTWueGWzo-P/s1600/2013-06-04_19-02-04_444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LEJqsqlxiGt7sbdjJjf7eh4Y3ihtWzZOm_b_C6DdjyV3ot977htLufYo3fnKq9DafuYKnbeZjdK60029QmGRFGSiDy97DIv_i54Rjcx4fWA9YVzXecMq-_ibXfTWueGWzo-P/s320/2013-06-04_19-02-04_444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Symplocos gives the natural dyer a start to finish<br />
natural process. It is simple to use and I find <br />
it gives the fiber a nicer handle than mordanting with the alums.<br />
With yarns I put the symplocos powder in a nylon stocking, knot the top<br />
and proceed with the process. None of the powder leaches into the yarn<br />
and the take up is excellent.<br />
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<a href="http://longridgefarm.com/product/symplocos/">To purchase</a><br />
<a href="http://plantmordant.org/symplocos/">How to use</a></div>
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Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-69242683182903071782013-06-03T21:17:00.001-04:002013-06-03T22:03:51.354-04:00disclaimerI don't like beginning with the word "I"...ever. This life is not about me. Usually. Humor me this one day.<br />
<br />
I am not a tracker of followers or people who read my blog. Good grief...where is there time for that work? So for all I know you haven't missed my posts. I am sorry I haven't followed more closely my favorite bloggers...abject apologies to<em> each</em> of you. <br />
<br />
Paralysis set in a year ago. Being one to pour my guts out is not my style. <br />
Typically, I share the things that go on at the farm, my excursions, workshops, the sheep, farm and pups, sometimes even a personal milestone. At this time, for me to move forward and post meaningfully means dumping a bad memory. <br />
<br />
I suffered the strangest and most heart-wrenching experience in that spring season. Something<br />
I never wish to duplicate, ever again. I followed my instincts which blew up and apart as no one could imagine. I know this is fodder for "Tell me more" but suffice to say I won't, in kindness to myself and those affected. What I will say is I fell apart. My intuition and I had a falling out (briefly). I seconded guessed and imagined it was all my inner workings. The work has been incredibly slow and painful. And laughably, at 59 years old, this shouldn't still occur. Yet it does for us all.<br />
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On a walk this late spring, I stood and looked at this oak leaf in an icy puddle on my morning walk understanding it's place. Sinking, floating, frozen, yet looking to the bright sky of a new season, transforming. That is me. On dry land now. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl946Mg2kUOyAiLTsoKchEKvIoEWQXJN4FWxgxvm9z-zyvkPdFDrRheahS9jdIF0w4L5t2XH72WiQOwC-pC-aChUVGBibcksDP8xUO-UMQh866evwduXFXlCXjSLupn-6nISLV/s1600/2013-04-13_10-25-47_577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl946Mg2kUOyAiLTsoKchEKvIoEWQXJN4FWxgxvm9z-zyvkPdFDrRheahS9jdIF0w4L5t2XH72WiQOwC-pC-aChUVGBibcksDP8xUO-UMQh866evwduXFXlCXjSLupn-6nISLV/s320/2013-04-13_10-25-47_577.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-88673108654217048852013-05-05T13:26:00.000-04:002013-05-05T13:26:54.537-04:00how sweet it is<div style="text-align: center;">
This is Charlotte. Once a lamb, now 7 years old.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7EcjvkDsMzjdy3iMYFklwVYVFrWDBO1Bx9lONsTCSBHoFc2yTqnINV1R_Xj8u8TruLxbab6VOIreWYrtYt7GwOXh9ve1fdWdEzBvFE_5-ffLihZqhyphenhyphenmDT-mgIsQ1W7vD3Ij7/s1600/Charlotte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7EcjvkDsMzjdy3iMYFklwVYVFrWDBO1Bx9lONsTCSBHoFc2yTqnINV1R_Xj8u8TruLxbab6VOIreWYrtYt7GwOXh9ve1fdWdEzBvFE_5-ffLihZqhyphenhyphenmDT-mgIsQ1W7vD3Ij7/s320/Charlotte.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is Memphis, Charlotte's dam. Memphis won me a quite a few</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
fleece ribbons and Memphis' dam, Athena, took Grand Champion fleece </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at Black Sheep Gathering in Eugene, OR.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just this spring this photo of Memphis was a winner</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in a photo contest for a breed specific CVM/Romeldale.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eMHILtfEQCOIIAxlzyq0FJESqnw8KsfcvcfI8Vf4ckXu3va_I5kSCmu3oT39O1E5fGict-5seFLh_J6JgJgG3-gFaD413bBSOfLkmRk6ngcQbLsX259MwpiefXRrpdXyO3ip/s1600/memphis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eMHILtfEQCOIIAxlzyq0FJESqnw8KsfcvcfI8Vf4ckXu3va_I5kSCmu3oT39O1E5fGict-5seFLh_J6JgJgG3-gFaD413bBSOfLkmRk6ngcQbLsX259MwpiefXRrpdXyO3ip/s320/memphis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got an email this morning </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that Charlotte's fleece took 1st place in the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
breed specific CVM/Romeldale division </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at <a href="http://www.sheepandwool.org/">the Maryland show</a>. It's the largest show in the east.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b7ITkCwIJxpUlmtmpZ5L8AXG5xO3btcJw23wmkKu-6YLbVmQluu9Kli5vSXxEhXQk0XzCFb2GN8eKQF9JwniNYyKniocUiFsFQ31_Bl3_C4QVW-L8ZuxlpD2qJXGcm1H89sF/s1600/Charlotte+2013+MDSW+1st+prize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b7ITkCwIJxpUlmtmpZ5L8AXG5xO3btcJw23wmkKu-6YLbVmQluu9Kli5vSXxEhXQk0XzCFb2GN8eKQF9JwniNYyKniocUiFsFQ31_Bl3_C4QVW-L8ZuxlpD2qJXGcm1H89sF/s320/Charlotte+2013+MDSW+1st+prize.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't be more proud. Something as simple as this </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
makes me higher than a kite.</div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-63835537379974064982013-03-11T21:43:00.000-04:002013-03-11T21:43:29.299-04:00 a lady's man<div style="text-align: center;">
Neville, a most handsome CVM/Romeldale ram, lived across the river on Betsy's farm. He vacationed on our farm and spent time with our pretty ladies.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOM5kNNQ8ULDvzVMp4e6SMrYxiEkUp3oLNoshKFQa4jPWuP1Mhf_QAsdxvSGcEnZZyqvhnEbxi1jiB7LPt3_UZRaQJZ9vctdV-goPWZ54FutiN8L4eg1OnH3UrV-a8QbFioBzJ/s1600/Bea+11+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOM5kNNQ8ULDvzVMp4e6SMrYxiEkUp3oLNoshKFQa4jPWuP1Mhf_QAsdxvSGcEnZZyqvhnEbxi1jiB7LPt3_UZRaQJZ9vctdV-goPWZ54FutiN8L4eg1OnH3UrV-a8QbFioBzJ/s320/Bea+11+19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A romancer caught in early morning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_q0mVCn-BMYs78W040MpcfXYxQVO01un6_2jwKqPiAI8ar6EUOSavL_DlR4OIyPg9Mg14gkTXJcleRtFxvR1Pus-w1FKy7b_WnHscg0tg7yRiHDcu0pBGQ_YaMFz1L9mnBaPi/s1600/Bea+and+Neville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_q0mVCn-BMYs78W040MpcfXYxQVO01un6_2jwKqPiAI8ar6EUOSavL_DlR4OIyPg9Mg14gkTXJcleRtFxvR1Pus-w1FKy7b_WnHscg0tg7yRiHDcu0pBGQ_YaMFz1L9mnBaPi/s320/Bea+and+Neville.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He chose his women one by one and gave them a whole</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
day, complete with breakfast the day after.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiav5tstLf3QykOaP1RpeOogYRgsEmCli1kP6kb8HbqSe8hNx6fR9BAT6DuN3VkjUv6bEVv6Yhi8PeNQdFIQ2QkKGGYscXZFGTdbm81qKJUbz7uPruxVem2Z61xbDfeS60momN0/s1600/breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiav5tstLf3QykOaP1RpeOogYRgsEmCli1kP6kb8HbqSe8hNx6fR9BAT6DuN3VkjUv6bEVv6Yhi8PeNQdFIQ2QkKGGYscXZFGTdbm81qKJUbz7uPruxVem2Z61xbDfeS60momN0/s320/breakfast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and quiet time alone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsaxqIzbOqvrAPcWb4Ek-6bodit7x8XFAZ1zPSrlERLgJX0X4fbAj2lhcb7THsJ3X7MRXmm8gD1whGxv2TV2nP7gAadOeRSC9ObJ41IK-weF_XBooY-SM7k6BxWnD-dyy3h8S/s1600/Della+and+Neville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsaxqIzbOqvrAPcWb4Ek-6bodit7x8XFAZ1zPSrlERLgJX0X4fbAj2lhcb7THsJ3X7MRXmm8gD1whGxv2TV2nP7gAadOeRSC9ObJ41IK-weF_XBooY-SM7k6BxWnD-dyy3h8S/s320/Della+and+Neville.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pretty sweet offspring were created.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbK8uVirXZjGrDeCU4IZW866v0-8C2nQ0AjWpexJQhWAoLSAuOZWbsnXJmi_LGvZlIu2zB3suf4I-6USc-1Mjcu5SXjAAVZRgU1V6nm27WfQO8E-jm8WfGflcDgbE-x_wpmeG/s1600/Griffin+the+clown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbK8uVirXZjGrDeCU4IZW866v0-8C2nQ0AjWpexJQhWAoLSAuOZWbsnXJmi_LGvZlIu2zB3suf4I-6USc-1Mjcu5SXjAAVZRgU1V6nm27WfQO8E-jm8WfGflcDgbE-x_wpmeG/s320/Griffin+the+clown.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sadly this love bear's time had come.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was thankful to be there with Betsy when he died.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was big and sad. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He left behind a good crop of lambs on both sides of the river.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He'll be missed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GEKLFHnmwXF_OxN9pp9n5V0PmnKPmWuS9P7E2EEdhd_ocTAmLeUXoZKoQzsKUOeA7OFoh3DSVcpagv4TuBx4bjOJ7eqd_wdmX7S5_xzGj-ybxAnkNzsPph7A-szexFtN_-V2/s1600/Neville.jpg" imageanchor="1" passed="" past="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" this="" week.=""><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GEKLFHnmwXF_OxN9pp9n5V0PmnKPmWuS9P7E2EEdhd_ocTAmLeUXoZKoQzsKUOeA7OFoh3DSVcpagv4TuBx4bjOJ7eqd_wdmX7S5_xzGj-ybxAnkNzsPph7A-szexFtN_-V2/s320/Neville.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-48038857937629266452013-02-19T18:54:00.000-05:002013-02-19T18:54:09.090-05:00another go round<div style="text-align: center;">
If you love winter blooms inside,<br />
I suggest you don't discard your spent Amaryllis</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bulbs after the holidays. Christmas 2011</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a good friend gave me a lovely bulb which</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bloomed in February. I didn't have the heart to throw it out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so instead waited until late spring and<br />
planted it down in a protected area.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One day in late August the Amaryllis, once again,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
spewed forth it's beauty. Surprise!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_zoimU7_tgIDorJgrXo9f7Pl1Oh_kbm0T72d0BPSD8cdlf8WOLlRpj3uQ3bx7Nuvs6Sh-mfP4gggc8PsonoyHLqUDBLcgWY8Uf0E_BBITcN5lbT7yRbc9pgbJPuVT-gx0UXW/s1600/2nd+time+around.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_zoimU7_tgIDorJgrXo9f7Pl1Oh_kbm0T72d0BPSD8cdlf8WOLlRpj3uQ3bx7Nuvs6Sh-mfP4gggc8PsonoyHLqUDBLcgWY8Uf0E_BBITcN5lbT7yRbc9pgbJPuVT-gx0UXW/s320/2nd+time+around.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought best to read up and found that the bulb</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will continue to renew seasonally. In the late fall I dug it up,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
planted it in light soil and put it in the cellar until November.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
[dark and cool being needed ~ a closet will do] </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In December I brought it up and set it out of the sun in a cool room.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Just this week it began sending new buds. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was suggested to feed it once a week</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
during this stage. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am using a liquid 10-15-10 fertilizer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZUjfKGqhz6NBIkhlbnmonhtt3LvyS_beliln1evPlWlJw2g3Wj14H9hgUnn0C0JU5X-1PIKzut_x5Jp6SY44JbQnk-04Y6npSQHJ9Yl4HKopy5uvOz_1oem1-dw3-1vaKfuP/s1600/3rd+time+around.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZUjfKGqhz6NBIkhlbnmonhtt3LvyS_beliln1evPlWlJw2g3Wj14H9hgUnn0C0JU5X-1PIKzut_x5Jp6SY44JbQnk-04Y6npSQHJ9Yl4HKopy5uvOz_1oem1-dw3-1vaKfuP/s320/3rd+time+around.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have been doing the same with five Cyclamen for </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
many years and they just keep working their magic;<br />
same pot, same soil, year in, year out.<br />
The blooms begin in October and run through June each year.<br />
This is a north facing window.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The difference with the Cyclamen is to just "dry them off"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the June and put in the dark until September. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBfzJ5k7J1Uin4AQVY1hRAODCPV0sN9PCQhCCpGKaR3IsO_YOQ0UcVjcAiMnlUq07vuHskqBc1yA27cGfXzcA2hz67OMyQP3cf5b8nciCnbu1GCyY_lHaLzCaZHvuKLrzR5J6/s1600/2013-02-19_14-55-42_339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBfzJ5k7J1Uin4AQVY1hRAODCPV0sN9PCQhCCpGKaR3IsO_YOQ0UcVjcAiMnlUq07vuHskqBc1yA27cGfXzcA2hz67OMyQP3cf5b8nciCnbu1GCyY_lHaLzCaZHvuKLrzR5J6/s320/2013-02-19_14-55-42_339.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-89398515807273874752013-02-14T16:33:00.000-05:002013-02-14T16:36:37.661-05:00a heart for you<div style="text-align: center;">
Notice hearts as you walk the path, smile to them, give back
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPEkdqwJw4wIfetumE7428Lo45EF1vz63Si1iV5vG6EymBFU5k63hHubPgKMeb2egBVMyimNav5LU0nQPaYe1h2mOp5z4U8JaGWP0HccoQwPvS9tyKBhv0lMMdHtO87oTT6KC/s1600/DSC00433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPEkdqwJw4wIfetumE7428Lo45EF1vz63Si1iV5vG6EymBFU5k63hHubPgKMeb2egBVMyimNav5LU0nQPaYe1h2mOp5z4U8JaGWP0HccoQwPvS9tyKBhv0lMMdHtO87oTT6KC/s320/DSC00433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and put a swing in your <span style="color: #990000;"><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=oXvJ8UquYoo&vq=large">STEP</a></b></span><br />
with this fun snippet </div>
<br />Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-59538121161276816432013-02-10T15:57:00.000-05:002013-02-10T20:49:33.319-05:00cloud hidden<div style="text-align: center;">
I have taken an unintentional disappearance that is clearly needed.<br />
Once I got that clue, the rest has been easy. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hanging out on the farm, with all my <strike>animals </strike>friends <br />
has been a good prescription.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi4zH73PSFEHiewxORbOUo0OLgleDsR9nkzo1M66aZgkHUM4KqMzImz0s_IweB5Oew8u1CaXUTgNDOIBH1xswqRs2xpJIaJsdFjs1TKzgR1s25tgoUlTCgZZaDt-xl-9lBJdK/s1600/2013-02-10_09-46-03_250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi4zH73PSFEHiewxORbOUo0OLgleDsR9nkzo1M66aZgkHUM4KqMzImz0s_IweB5Oew8u1CaXUTgNDOIBH1xswqRs2xpJIaJsdFjs1TKzgR1s25tgoUlTCgZZaDt-xl-9lBJdK/s320/2013-02-10_09-46-03_250.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Google (Blogger) informed me I had used up all my picture storage and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
now I would have to pay to post. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ya, ya, I said. Perfect excuse not to.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I burrowed deeper.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-3CbvgHYgJp7GCWuYBju1Fnz33ZbNJkrngmwFCD_hZvhVWiJ1ISaN_utcqJlzWvjbYEiEUUJRFv6ovR0iwQy5cCf6AV9hQ5VL7uyhLXVv9mP0-Sp-Lt2X8i7yfMo3nX0zf5R/s1600/2013-01-01_09-49-30_784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-3CbvgHYgJp7GCWuYBju1Fnz33ZbNJkrngmwFCD_hZvhVWiJ1ISaN_utcqJlzWvjbYEiEUUJRFv6ovR0iwQy5cCf6AV9hQ5VL7uyhLXVv9mP0-Sp-Lt2X8i7yfMo3nX0zf5R/s320/2013-01-01_09-49-30_784.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I prefer focusing on the good things like a gift of firewood <br />
to a dear friend who needed some warmth. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOQ0n5zGl6tvHVfCCjJRQ1g1kAdOlGvZw9jZ8cowSg8MFtQBLbfiwwKDSOT2ZaW9ATwJNhfpTGHbCIidm7jGYGseyTDWw4AQwbqL8l5xuvZgjm7itHpVNtzfNEstAb-THTXVu/s1600/2013-01-06_14-57-51_776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOQ0n5zGl6tvHVfCCjJRQ1g1kAdOlGvZw9jZ8cowSg8MFtQBLbfiwwKDSOT2ZaW9ATwJNhfpTGHbCIidm7jGYGseyTDWw4AQwbqL8l5xuvZgjm7itHpVNtzfNEstAb-THTXVu/s320/2013-01-06_14-57-51_776.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And getting an order of yarns and roving </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shipped off to Japan from my great wooly producers.<br />
Overdue writing, updating the <a href="http://longridgefarm.com/">website</a> and<br />
<a href="http://longridgefarm.com/events/">summer workshops</a> is getting checked off.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgM-yaZBp9bE2xP8apSk75JbCzdSAM_Z_009WM_Ct1Lh61UhA8n0FMXaauhBQ_Uzefcb5aj7Mop5Hq1PE3icwBVfIFNGYO1HiXetqJmuMuAoSskzE3Q2E43AbqGrc1K1cSh1y/s1600/Nancy+with+sheep+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgM-yaZBp9bE2xP8apSk75JbCzdSAM_Z_009WM_Ct1Lh61UhA8n0FMXaauhBQ_Uzefcb5aj7Mop5Hq1PE3icwBVfIFNGYO1HiXetqJmuMuAoSskzE3Q2E43AbqGrc1K1cSh1y/s320/Nancy+with+sheep+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Long walks to clear last year's gray ghosts away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWH3WLjSsHJ-x8_r26dYd37C83dpxrGpVKQbbxQCo15Ob-cMDTrWXg71peL0II0yUsFlV34OkvhOfpJCggyC5IF0SK7j3LEOg8PFr0s1BuR0fYGnUV71BqTWpCHJGnhGFrABW/s1600/2013-01-30_10-45-53_749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWH3WLjSsHJ-x8_r26dYd37C83dpxrGpVKQbbxQCo15Ob-cMDTrWXg71peL0II0yUsFlV34OkvhOfpJCggyC5IF0SK7j3LEOg8PFr0s1BuR0fYGnUV71BqTWpCHJGnhGFrABW/s320/2013-01-30_10-45-53_749.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCK8wNXYYT_3QfFPztX8d4TR_6v25c7mZAQwBtWBbA5_GxdD01_z1e2btsqj9994SyE0V_dKT0ZeAKvfPj7xuFllrCAF4mMvX3uWm6KzFqI48PpMNtAX50p6EfEXJbvWQKXp8/s1600/2013-01-28_15-53-22_857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCK8wNXYYT_3QfFPztX8d4TR_6v25c7mZAQwBtWBbA5_GxdD01_z1e2btsqj9994SyE0V_dKT0ZeAKvfPj7xuFllrCAF4mMvX3uWm6KzFqI48PpMNtAX50p6EfEXJbvWQKXp8/s320/2013-01-28_15-53-22_857.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have new promises for each day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOGh8V8K-0Pa05rtJeZ_h3wrU4-19DMKXN48pQQfg8JmoyGf6UFlZOcLitfsSfQbw-z1QDQfejlZxEIFkCrAVr-wIjCCO8XK7zYt4cWgisQu4SF8B2XPBMK-WPvh2alfA7pV0/s1600/2013-02-08_16-38-36_643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOGh8V8K-0Pa05rtJeZ_h3wrU4-19DMKXN48pQQfg8JmoyGf6UFlZOcLitfsSfQbw-z1QDQfejlZxEIFkCrAVr-wIjCCO8XK7zYt4cWgisQu4SF8B2XPBMK-WPvh2alfA7pV0/s320/2013-02-08_16-38-36_643.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't want to miss a minute of it hunched over the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
computer pecking away, when I could be here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IRNnKAElOt_AaAvNpW4hqLqnfPcQt2mPKtrIVFPE4rvf7QSQOg-MZu48RR6SbA1M3xLaRUFBmBaGcT5O8u_1IMLTDh5F7qJ7jlZAQlaRv1-pl_0JUFkh5fsTiMmNlonkKLA4/s1600/2013-02-06_09-46-38_548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IRNnKAElOt_AaAvNpW4hqLqnfPcQt2mPKtrIVFPE4rvf7QSQOg-MZu48RR6SbA1M3xLaRUFBmBaGcT5O8u_1IMLTDh5F7qJ7jlZAQlaRv1-pl_0JUFkh5fsTiMmNlonkKLA4/s320/2013-02-06_09-46-38_548.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And here, meeting this flock of sheep.<br />
[I can't spill the whole bean pot just yet.]</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmcptGY65GdtIu6oZKJKmKgn5tAa4CJ5aHqAjk315irdRcTjNdHB28Dxp-_j4Uq5gUOcHOJRYHgkOUYxaMRW1sQrSxv9rUsUKyUmNtAX7ABSplcKByCm9eiYCrbLmrqn8hiCq/s1600/curious-sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmcptGY65GdtIu6oZKJKmKgn5tAa4CJ5aHqAjk315irdRcTjNdHB28Dxp-_j4Uq5gUOcHOJRYHgkOUYxaMRW1sQrSxv9rUsUKyUmNtAX7ABSplcKByCm9eiYCrbLmrqn8hiCq/s320/curious-sheep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Working with a group of women on growing and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dyeing their own indigo to produce products to sell</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to improve their lives. No one is famous there. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's beautifully simple. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The seeds have been shipped to be sown.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An adventure is in the works. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwjThuWVPmQSE4gHj60pZLxUorGcci605kx2Yl39JmxiYhJWHV4_7bgsrRFuRYG2lk7pmioguo4L67OUus_ol2RXNRriZ2TgZ341OUltFf5ak7rrmQgd3iSXlIPDlwsrtsZGp/s1600/why-my-heads-not-bowed1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwjThuWVPmQSE4gHj60pZLxUorGcci605kx2Yl39JmxiYhJWHV4_7bgsrRFuRYG2lk7pmioguo4L67OUus_ol2RXNRriZ2TgZ341OUltFf5ak7rrmQgd3iSXlIPDlwsrtsZGp/s320/why-my-heads-not-bowed1.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't lug my sax there but a recorder may do the trick<br />
or even some percussion.<br />
I will be dancing, giving, sharing, singing,<br />
whatever comes to the fore. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbZx7Z1Gs-3korek6p-MTYLh0Wd0B88OWLiAuTpNEhUjZEoI3quNo39vD4p9xOg_B8U1DxkhT04A6SjSgiGttWz8SvKRYNUivKQ19mxsNC0y7bU2mMb3z3ZRbsvxi2CAQn0hR/s1600/dancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbZx7Z1Gs-3korek6p-MTYLh0Wd0B88OWLiAuTpNEhUjZEoI3quNo39vD4p9xOg_B8U1DxkhT04A6SjSgiGttWz8SvKRYNUivKQ19mxsNC0y7bU2mMb3z3ZRbsvxi2CAQn0hR/s320/dancing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
For now, I am here, cloud hidden [unless the sun comes out].</div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-90063853062200117012012-12-31T19:48:00.002-05:002012-12-31T19:48:55.306-05:00with love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2e5LmzATUMo3peBriWy__j1k7t6VqprIiPfUQmhAbBXqY7tdWCUf_CorxcpswZhULaXtOre1smcv8nwy_RRsBObw8q8PP8cH-W0joUbyWTL-XxyfcVTjkXZkeJB4X7Wjd0s9A/s1600/waiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2e5LmzATUMo3peBriWy__j1k7t6VqprIiPfUQmhAbBXqY7tdWCUf_CorxcpswZhULaXtOre1smcv8nwy_RRsBObw8q8PP8cH-W0joUbyWTL-XxyfcVTjkXZkeJB4X7Wjd0s9A/s320/waiting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">As
2012 closes, I want to thank each of you for following along with me at
Long Ridge Farm. Your presence is felt and enjoyed and it makes the
travel all the lighter!<br /> I wish you good health, prosperity and a large dose of peace in the coming year, however you may seek and find it. Cheers!</span></span>Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-9531023732736431692012-12-24T14:56:00.000-05:002012-12-24T14:56:00.351-05:00awaiting<div style="text-align: center;">
The hour draws closer to the most magical night of the year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Past the solstice now, a minute more light and a bit</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
higher in the sky, the sun mellows us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Snow is coming tonight, the best of gifts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on this coming silent night. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpMKUxTw2RUjp7DFexeD4dgYUYZz0M_zVnT53kAukbGMHOnCvFXxSH5h6YXoKdCnOez5mrDVg8-5IWysmg0plDOLoTUpG5HKN0UM996jKDJpRyFwtHh_yCgi5nEHxCvFLQ7rN/s1600/2012-12-23_09-40-05_561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpMKUxTw2RUjp7DFexeD4dgYUYZz0M_zVnT53kAukbGMHOnCvFXxSH5h6YXoKdCnOez5mrDVg8-5IWysmg0plDOLoTUpG5HKN0UM996jKDJpRyFwtHh_yCgi5nEHxCvFLQ7rN/s320/2012-12-23_09-40-05_561.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our tree is trimmed simply this year as if to make </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a promise for a simpler year to come. This was not</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a year I will soon forget. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lots of loss and heart wrenching days. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is a gift in that though. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Steering my life ship</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
away from the hidden ocean ledges </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
along the shoreline, further into calmer waters, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope to sail there more often.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZz7j04qGuKtsF-ZbpY6LHIbNH3-o0rqrXVbpQgrXJmzXdqaa5TNqw6kKvy_9luNBiiiV0WTAGBUxhShJn3aglJLGzO_dduLmLr0EaCCuau3GlbYnCRFrDXmqYh-ES3VqaoSG2/s1600/IMG_4970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZz7j04qGuKtsF-ZbpY6LHIbNH3-o0rqrXVbpQgrXJmzXdqaa5TNqw6kKvy_9luNBiiiV0WTAGBUxhShJn3aglJLGzO_dduLmLr0EaCCuau3GlbYnCRFrDXmqYh-ES3VqaoSG2/s320/IMG_4970.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The ornaments are few but reminders of loved ones.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Above is one made by our dear friend, Katie,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
frames of our farm, sheep and dogs. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One special friend is truly suffering having lost her</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love. Nothing to do but ride out the storm.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christmas and the light of it's force will</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
kiss her gently. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXud6aH8EOfW8S4iyHi6OU9QW8j2hu4JU4mW63UGQyITSYnZjMHuNazmf55EdJ5p-J3XNTYaMp1O1EPS_BWWEdh8gc-9d4BlcROngOkiDJ2-y7Za4Ol2wqk2NkGsHaaO3V62qg/s1600/IMG_4974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXud6aH8EOfW8S4iyHi6OU9QW8j2hu4JU4mW63UGQyITSYnZjMHuNazmf55EdJ5p-J3XNTYaMp1O1EPS_BWWEdh8gc-9d4BlcROngOkiDJ2-y7Za4Ol2wqk2NkGsHaaO3V62qg/s320/IMG_4974.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The pups got an early chew today to work</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
off the boredom of waiting while I finished all the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
preparations.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAjiphVgbh-kHAbgptix6-iEe7zZBkZkdTwX59ThGVXa0KZgsP6OFxkm-_KhQzOT_xDUVO7Swf6-F4-nR6lFrKAGJpWhNCtv8xDjYmZMDUTQLXftVTpKjaY367YQjZHgIROsZ/s1600/IMG_4966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAjiphVgbh-kHAbgptix6-iEe7zZBkZkdTwX59ThGVXa0KZgsP6OFxkm-_KhQzOT_xDUVO7Swf6-F4-nR6lFrKAGJpWhNCtv8xDjYmZMDUTQLXftVTpKjaY367YQjZHgIROsZ/s320/IMG_4966.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF6qET7bA2hDYDbS-fIm3KfqUrW-9307ZJDBxYpu58yCiVlyMzc8ry3t0jsRA645qNUH2KPPE-YxkKaoAzARorRVXpOV9gsqR2fmoL-ytRUVSKcAq_jsciift525D3tqS0efW/s1600/IMG_4967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRF6qET7bA2hDYDbS-fIm3KfqUrW-9307ZJDBxYpu58yCiVlyMzc8ry3t0jsRA645qNUH2KPPE-YxkKaoAzARorRVXpOV9gsqR2fmoL-ytRUVSKcAq_jsciift525D3tqS0efW/s320/IMG_4967.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now we celebrate the reason for this special time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Music, conversation, friendship, wood fires, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
phone calls to those not near, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a Christmas pageant nearby in the twinkling evening.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wish each of you the gift of love. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is all we need. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas, Happy holidays! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-78957704558059752462012-11-27T21:03:00.002-05:002012-11-27T21:03:47.889-05:00this is it!<div style="text-align: center;">
There is an enormous sale this weekend at </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Long Ridge Farm<br />
116 Paine Rd, Westmoreland, NH </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
10-4PM Saturday and Sunday, December 1st & 2nd.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Come celebrate my birthday and take advantage of great savings! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWppAcTKbco8h6f4uzdoUmBWUYF3droqcDT7LU6naeSVvKFwQlaLM9UWFtSlYxgJRx8BMgWdTCzliofFbmzcW1maMAunDw_o-FEZu70D9i5tjvukYn6ae1e4L_ThW_zSq45J22/s1600/2012-10-17_12-23-18_41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWppAcTKbco8h6f4uzdoUmBWUYF3droqcDT7LU6naeSVvKFwQlaLM9UWFtSlYxgJRx8BMgWdTCzliofFbmzcW1maMAunDw_o-FEZu70D9i5tjvukYn6ae1e4L_ThW_zSq45J22/s320/2012-10-17_12-23-18_41.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Included are spinning fibers, pre-felt, raw fleece,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
closeout yarns from the farm, naturally dyed, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
sourced yarns from Rowan, Brown Sheep and more,<br />
books, project bags, fiber equipment,<br />
naturally-dyed tagua nut buttons,<br />
rug hooking, spinning and knitting notions<br />
and more.... <br />
much is new, most at 50% off.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Plus naturally dyed scarves, scrumptious leather<br />
and special yarns.... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the place to shop...<br />
for holiday gifts or self-indulgence.<br />
I am in the mood and afterall it's my<br />
birthday....swing by!</div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-51686357749021059982012-11-08T20:23:00.002-05:002012-11-08T20:42:01.468-05:00good women<div style="text-align: center;">
New Hampshire made history this election </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with full court press for women, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from governor to senators and congress women.<br />
<br />
here is pretty simple. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a wall has emerged</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in a space once occupied by sheep <br />
and even students in the summer </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZXjlhUuCYFqmWr35s3dFlOFR8fOl7QPsLwEjSBJ1yFPdG8ZNW2e7SVY5KE3k8g-Br7kJQrjOEqqi4GKCoQVJqQZXVTkKhJTDeA0DwU-KQHjsJa4krYDWVHBAm_1Dcn9tKzqG/s1600/2012-11-08_16-56-48_679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZXjlhUuCYFqmWr35s3dFlOFR8fOl7QPsLwEjSBJ1yFPdG8ZNW2e7SVY5KE3k8g-Br7kJQrjOEqqi4GKCoQVJqQZXVTkKhJTDeA0DwU-KQHjsJa4krYDWVHBAm_1Dcn9tKzqG/s320/2012-11-08_16-56-48_679.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
young feathers have joined with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a bunch of woolies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a wall between at night.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's the best of all worlds.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
women to the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the left and women to the right with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
private bathrooms.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxl33bJsF3REyk4DO7D4__tXixwBb8ID_nGv_vmyUjmJr9mh0ufldDEKaA6UGmBZPWrFSjimr7EfqRoLGV_U25_Xy-qI3fHXGePsMYQmcKvcqILcKUd2PFjI4TIihPJ45RGkYo/s1600/2012-11-08_16-59-45_929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxl33bJsF3REyk4DO7D4__tXixwBb8ID_nGv_vmyUjmJr9mh0ufldDEKaA6UGmBZPWrFSjimr7EfqRoLGV_U25_Xy-qI3fHXGePsMYQmcKvcqILcKUd2PFjI4TIihPJ45RGkYo/s320/2012-11-08_16-59-45_929.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
private windows with full sunshine come morning</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no bickering at night.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2-TlFohHpGNtH1HCQvfCB5SOA560R8RaXJxGrrLMz7afLLE6RHZQfnOeM7hx2lwRpTRmlSlOFqM2VZGRCx1OfPAM18q0Oh9ovFOp2huOxSOCStnPlDMH3-71nbaNIiJwlWwi/s1600/2012-11-08_16-59-59_133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2-TlFohHpGNtH1HCQvfCB5SOA560R8RaXJxGrrLMz7afLLE6RHZQfnOeM7hx2lwRpTRmlSlOFqM2VZGRCx1OfPAM18q0Oh9ovFOp2huOxSOCStnPlDMH3-71nbaNIiJwlWwi/s320/2012-11-08_16-59-59_133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
left side, right side congeniality.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOaytPhrQnJEi2XE4SIoJNhewC7JDG6xIiwQY8iMZX9_anCUbgIB1b9VC6rNBzln436m1OHDjBdRRg-OxPhI0x0IX9mlHoudpgGl8Wl1Net4jkyA-gY-VmUKnP6WcGn51YoZb/s1600/2012-11-08_17-00-39_898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOaytPhrQnJEi2XE4SIoJNhewC7JDG6xIiwQY8iMZX9_anCUbgIB1b9VC6rNBzln436m1OHDjBdRRg-OxPhI0x0IX9mlHoudpgGl8Wl1Net4jkyA-gY-VmUKnP6WcGn51YoZb/s320/2012-11-08_17-00-39_898.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lily loves her freedom to eat and smile as she chooses.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlHYZhTSq-2Fze4zKcPGLgky-Ilb5Y6xC-Ci3OC2pQYWk6TOGNsr4xB5ISi6xDDRRJpPUASwXkN7aCQZVHVjjOsCSidNg5D6kDF9HHv9FUUQXtmN7upV1aLZ6XtYqDM3emEk5/s1600/2012-11-08_17-00-45_860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlHYZhTSq-2Fze4zKcPGLgky-Ilb5Y6xC-Ci3OC2pQYWk6TOGNsr4xB5ISi6xDDRRJpPUASwXkN7aCQZVHVjjOsCSidNg5D6kDF9HHv9FUUQXtmN7upV1aLZ6XtYqDM3emEk5/s320/2012-11-08_17-00-45_860.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and in a small house nearby Matilda still carries forth alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
during the days she ranges about the barnyards</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and each night she returns to her private quarters.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we tried to integrate her with </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the other hens but she won't have it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I understand this woman.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfdbr6M94FBhphBNp_pQ4ahjF3_KRETjLLYbj-0A2rKByEt3T3vYsOUMwr-fJufsZWxIlqBk2HprmFrdk-Eo57a6EKM4jDCx15vm8IB0EktvOrxiEsH1LIrS7lsGA205aDHWo/s1600/2012-11-08_17-02-11_495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfdbr6M94FBhphBNp_pQ4ahjF3_KRETjLLYbj-0A2rKByEt3T3vYsOUMwr-fJufsZWxIlqBk2HprmFrdk-Eo57a6EKM4jDCx15vm8IB0EktvOrxiEsH1LIrS7lsGA205aDHWo/s320/2012-11-08_17-02-11_495.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and all the while of late</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my heart is heaving for this woman, my friend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a soldier in life's battle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Patty is losing her husband of 3+ decades.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all of a sudden.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
time is imminent.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they just learned the grim truth weeks ago. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbZt4sOXNE1-WBRVFRxVuLxRih2jAAHzDeBZKP49iz4r0KPf4lpBk3JbY9xjCLcVC0M3Wcj700T9uV61yxOpeUhS9Kep5WYS83yOv6QKDc3PRywPjM8Grtph1Sp0szoNpKVY6/s1600/Patty+and+Luna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbZt4sOXNE1-WBRVFRxVuLxRih2jAAHzDeBZKP49iz4r0KPf4lpBk3JbY9xjCLcVC0M3Wcj700T9uV61yxOpeUhS9Kep5WYS83yOv6QKDc3PRywPjM8Grtph1Sp0szoNpKVY6/s320/Patty+and+Luna.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
women friends.<br />
life is complex.</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22527167.post-67216044283782867312012-10-29T15:22:00.002-04:002012-10-29T15:26:40.134-04:00 Rhinebeck look back<div style="text-align: center;">
Hurricane Sandy is barreling in tonight and this could be the view<br />
in a few hours if driving. But rather it was the view<br />
last weekend while Faith and I drove down to the<br />
<a href="http://www.sheepandwool.com/">Rhinebeck</a> show in New York to sell my wares.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwdN-upcwl3wyqsfQAZkHIi7wqklmr008LFIPW500kUInZ442OlYAi_X-Wc8rrKfT4lmHghVVQGeG2yNacfkzYULX0CVrNmjBwgOMexiTuMeoY1lWbLAb9ga4L6LRItYyc3Yr/s1600/DSC_0512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwdN-upcwl3wyqsfQAZkHIi7wqklmr008LFIPW500kUInZ442OlYAi_X-Wc8rrKfT4lmHghVVQGeG2yNacfkzYULX0CVrNmjBwgOMexiTuMeoY1lWbLAb9ga4L6LRItYyc3Yr/s320/DSC_0512.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a miserable, rainy Friday but promised to be</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a gorgeous weekend regaling peak foliage along the Hudson River.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7394I_QWbYB6p-yx0v7Icxr2qIIMoPmYXrA1q4uNPeMpXD0oh-na1oS7sH8jNeavp7VaGiLbnTka0Xo4Vn8naDSccoXkXmihyjOuHyrJEey7MJDCprapzB3vFcU3CxNszTE0h/s1600/DSC_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7394I_QWbYB6p-yx0v7Icxr2qIIMoPmYXrA1q4uNPeMpXD0oh-na1oS7sH8jNeavp7VaGiLbnTka0Xo4Vn8naDSccoXkXmihyjOuHyrJEey7MJDCprapzB3vFcU3CxNszTE0h/s320/DSC_0513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We set up the booth Friday afternoon which is always</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a space challenge. How to get 4 times as much into a</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pint-sized booth. Faith and I work well together</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and after a few dress rehearsals we were ready for the show.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwazVcUKrsgsrerX0vPYbVPOd6AlfjPB6kZSXF4Qh4agGObcvTxxG9l3ZLb-eDzbL-oUtTjEDv4U21kpnwZx4A560GY5P-dFft4YfLckJhvBzEEkuYOW4OEbnWodcMDCFE5kTU/s1600/DSC_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwazVcUKrsgsrerX0vPYbVPOd6AlfjPB6kZSXF4Qh4agGObcvTxxG9l3ZLb-eDzbL-oUtTjEDv4U21kpnwZx4A560GY5P-dFft4YfLckJhvBzEEkuYOW4OEbnWodcMDCFE5kTU/s320/DSC_0523.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rhinebeck is a monster of a fiber show, more than</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
250 vendors and record crowds every year. This was</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the aisle by our booth Sunday morning just after opening.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Saturday was double the people. It is so busy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there isn't time to get to the bathroom with two of us working!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mind over matter wins. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJc9H2FNkBik4PYnRUfMk6hay0P5p7JKNw71FC8W7rOS9I0SoZNmz71lsL8rWIdtJh4pBSvp0F3Ol30IZ1QBbIR1mX1AXcH-kGkkhCfOuIPU1yPzRZsajZhCWBnW-XXENdkcrG/s1600/2012-10-21_13-17-39_295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJc9H2FNkBik4PYnRUfMk6hay0P5p7JKNw71FC8W7rOS9I0SoZNmz71lsL8rWIdtJh4pBSvp0F3Ol30IZ1QBbIR1mX1AXcH-kGkkhCfOuIPU1yPzRZsajZhCWBnW-XXENdkcrG/s320/2012-10-21_13-17-39_295.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is something about the maples on the fairground,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
every year they are just perfect reds, oranges and golds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrWvGBGI435Da2BbAkl7ngBeZFaWtnk8GbAvxVAiEHiyycB6WCAnf1yueykPkcXCPGljQcf_M_on9dJ2PnaGdriAvkmWwYr5wil06JPx8Rh12odxG5HegwpwslV2ecPg_U7OW/s1600/tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrWvGBGI435Da2BbAkl7ngBeZFaWtnk8GbAvxVAiEHiyycB6WCAnf1yueykPkcXCPGljQcf_M_on9dJ2PnaGdriAvkmWwYr5wil06JPx8Rh12odxG5HegwpwslV2ecPg_U7OW/s320/tree.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And there are always the cutest babies</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
donning woolen knitwear...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASZLgpE-REfTqA9K4tnbOd5rEmzolkQO38HqjGA8uOGZbdePMChWKw4vJeJ6nAtxcGbfwQYkKmBdzsN43FgtD7L_9FAnABp6yog2pIP-kaI-GyxDWnNw3jHEaVeKSX3Rfxre7/s1600/2012-10-20_12-17-51_696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASZLgpE-REfTqA9K4tnbOd5rEmzolkQO38HqjGA8uOGZbdePMChWKw4vJeJ6nAtxcGbfwQYkKmBdzsN43FgtD7L_9FAnABp6yog2pIP-kaI-GyxDWnNw3jHEaVeKSX3Rfxre7/s320/2012-10-20_12-17-51_696.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and faces to die for. This is Oliver.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMDZWLm637e2ekQAluKBNCR9HK0LZZQE6LHD_ZNgFCSoWaXBrCDtd7J3C4w7Qg7caHT-k0zk-6U7agaLjbADrb3zR6KI3j_xlPMPN1aYPS7uyNVP_MlNvhxMAf6D2TtWgN-cB/s1600/2012-10-21_13-20-55_548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMDZWLm637e2ekQAluKBNCR9HK0LZZQE6LHD_ZNgFCSoWaXBrCDtd7J3C4w7Qg7caHT-k0zk-6U7agaLjbADrb3zR6KI3j_xlPMPN1aYPS7uyNVP_MlNvhxMAf6D2TtWgN-cB/s320/2012-10-21_13-20-55_548.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Faith captured a little Chihuahua mix.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKc8lmEMULuwfpKbCQp0MaUu5NInOLxATJSLMU-4HvTipTEuq5uM8nrWAAPePSoQHGs97MLMMwTz85EeHmTliIJlAFzu7SetV4mWUNXHXNUaEBWE-MDp_WY6CZH8K1tYEXAK2G/s1600/2012-10-21_14-55-07_248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKc8lmEMULuwfpKbCQp0MaUu5NInOLxATJSLMU-4HvTipTEuq5uM8nrWAAPePSoQHGs97MLMMwTz85EeHmTliIJlAFzu7SetV4mWUNXHXNUaEBWE-MDp_WY6CZH8K1tYEXAK2G/s320/2012-10-21_14-55-07_248.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A special friend, <a href="http://owlwaysknitting.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/icicles/">Nutmeg Owl</a>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
created this beautiful shawl for me to display to showcase</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my lace weight silk yarns. You can read more in the link </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
above. She also wrote a great post about the show <a href="http://owlwaysknitting.wordpress.com/2012/10/24/rhinebeck-yarnoramama/">here</a>.<br />
Needless to say the yarns flew off the shelf!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Loved backing into our parking space Saturday night only to find</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
an easy-to-collect stash of black walnuts to take home. Perfect!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHoTNAUdLBzVlUsl68yST50MMVRxwF7HJLGrMqmm-VVIfD8_voBXvV-0LGl4LD9gbI06ds7xL9rsBRUejM-Bwe0dQ8JwAjLv7TVKolL2fkO8YGqw4JNwLeOBJOxjit8R9bmeRt/s1600/2012-10-20_18-11-19_869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHoTNAUdLBzVlUsl68yST50MMVRxwF7HJLGrMqmm-VVIfD8_voBXvV-0LGl4LD9gbI06ds7xL9rsBRUejM-Bwe0dQ8JwAjLv7TVKolL2fkO8YGqw4JNwLeOBJOxjit8R9bmeRt/s320/2012-10-20_18-11-19_869.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Saturday night dinner with Faith at Terrapin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's become a mother/daughter tradition to do the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
shows together and a treat for us both.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't get a chance to shop this show as there</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
isn't enough time to get out and about but our booth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is fortunate to be very near the book signing area</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so I swung through late Sunday afternoon.<br />
There was one lone star author sitting with her new book.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Instantly I was drawn to the story she shared and the tale of her great-great-grandfather</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"a nineteenth-century millionaire, William Skinner, a leading founder of the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
American silk industry, who lost everything in a devastating flood and his</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
improbably, inspiring comeback to the pinnacle of the business world."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp_Y2dylOUVnF8S35fDa4VkIaMNr063nCD4hyphenhyphenmb6boFh0nW6IRz9x_KMXNjpLTNnDWxXCmGgbQAQhssIsmKFBP48QHSnx68zQmSPidbgjOqWwZzDO2Zgj9amoNQq3-RqFnpn1/s1600/2012-10-29_15-02-11_129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp_Y2dylOUVnF8S35fDa4VkIaMNr063nCD4hyphenhyphenmb6boFh0nW6IRz9x_KMXNjpLTNnDWxXCmGgbQAQhssIsmKFBP48QHSnx68zQmSPidbgjOqWwZzDO2Zgj9amoNQq3-RqFnpn1/s320/2012-10-29_15-02-11_129.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From the first page this is a gripping story. Her writing style is<br />
easy and captivating and it all took place<br />
just south of here in Massachusetts in the late 1800's.<br />
Put this one on your reading list and Rhinebeck<br />
a destination next year!</div>
Long Ridge Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11538178979488308047noreply@blogger.com10