Greetings from Ephphatha Farm,
Here we are in April. Time is flying! In winter, we have a quiet inward mentality; it’s a time to reflect as our soul space rests. However, with the warming sun, the Earth is brought back into a hive of activity. The light returns, the birds begin to sing, the grass greens, and the ducks return to the farm ponds. With this, we feel renewed energy and hope — hope that the seeds we are beginning to sow will grow and produce food for our bodies, and beautiful flowers for our eyes to feast on, that they will give us energy as they surround us with their beauty.
We are excited to try different varieties of seeds this season, not only for our use but also to provide for our pollinators and our feathered friends who always warm our hearts with their beautiful songs. In the spring the symphony of nature begins and I stand quietly in the cold mornings, listening to the chorus of our returning birds. I’m in awe of the vibrancy of nature that surrounds me.
April has brought snow now and again —my Dad used to say that spring snow is the poor farmer’s fertilizer — and so very beneficial to the garden soil. However, we look forward to the sun coming out and her warmth melting any remnant of winter.
We have all weathered the winter well; everyone is healthy. This time of year also means it is time to call Dr. Bonney from the Annabessacook Vet office for all our animals to have their immunizations. Hooves are trimmed, teeth are examined, and vitamins are given if deemed necessary after their physical exams.
We did loose a few of our guinea hens in March (very sad, very unfortunate) to a hungry fox. We have now fixed the coop door so no other predators can come in!
All in all our winter went well, but the whole farmyard is now anxious for the warm sun. We are still very muddy and wet yet with the coming warmth of the sun and breezy days, the mud will dry up!
As the weather warms, our programming for our friends with health challenges will return to the Farm. We will plant seeds, enjoy a snack together and spend time with our horses, goats and chickens. We look forward to these fun days of fellowship and caring for one another and the Earth.
We also hope to enjoy new baby chicks and baby turkeys, and maybe also baby ducks from our Mallard couple who frequent our pond!
So we look forward to a new season of growth and joy, as we journey along, side-by-side, and embrace life together.
In the spirit of this reawakening, I came upon this prayer/poem attributed to Pope Francis, though it seems the verses are taken from the Vedas, the sacred Hindu text. No matter the source, the sentiment is wise and one we hope to live by here at Ephphatha:
Rivers do not drink their own water; Trees do not eat their own fruit;
The sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves
Living for others is a rule of nature.
We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…Life is good when you are happy; but much better if others are happy because of you.”
So here we go! On to another Spring with new developments and plans unfolding, dreams and hopes coming to fruition like planted seeds.
Please join us as we go forward in our Farm future. I’ll keep you all in informed of the plans to come.
In the meantime, enjoy this time of Resurrection, Renewal, and Rebirth.
Blessings,
Robin
