Taking Heart in Tough Times

With the moon visible over the farm even in the daylight hours, we can hardly believe that the end of January is upon us. This past weekend, Bill and I attended a workshop with Joanna and Fran Macy. The title, "Taking Heart in Tough Times," alludes to the workshop's usefulness for those of us involved in the creation of a sustainable world as an alternative to today's mainstream western culture. Focusing on the time of The Great Turning, Joanna and Fran challenged us to reconnect to our humanity and our interrelation with all life forms, something that is sadly often overlooked. By filling the heart/mind/soul with gratitude, Joanna proposes, we leave little room for frustration, for anger, for fear. Coming into 2008, the year of Gardening for Health, Cultivating Wellness, it seems appropriate to re-evaluate our perspectives and priorities and decide how we can best move forward to promote wellbeing for ourselves, our communities, and all our relations. We are indeed in a time of political chaos and global instability, a time of corporate domination and natural resource exploitation. But, there is hope in each of us who hold a vision for a brighter future- local food, healthcare for everyone in our communities, global peace. It is possible, and it starts right here at home: on our farm in Dorchester, on the coastlines, the mountains, the cities...where we create peace in our world, we are creating the sustainable future.

That being said, Mercury is retrograde (appearing from earth to move backwards through it's solar orbit- envision how it feels to be on a slowly moving train- when a faster moving train passes yours, it looks like you are going backwards) as of January 28. Mercury will remain retrograde until February 18th; until then, be aware that communication may be difficult (let's have patience with each other!) and technological glitches are common (think computers, automobiles, etc. on the fritz). It is not a good time to make substantial decisions about future commitments nor to undertake new projects- it's a good time to re-assess the old, unfinished business we have waiting around for us.

in peace~

lauren

KING WILLIE

Willie has not been the only one getting catnaps in after a good hot lunch, but the warmer temps allowed this NC boy a liitle more room to move outside to move and I do mean the slipping all over the ice. Not sure how many times I fell down or any of the other Dacres crew, but I am sure glad I can still laugh about it. There is know more saying what were going to be doing next year. Here it is in the middle of January and I know April will be here in a month. We are making plans to accommodate our busy schedules. Yes over to the right will be a Kiosk, Dacres is going to have their own informative welcome center. The warmer temps earlier last week made a great day outdoors to construct the roof. I am sure every one riding by the property over the last 2 months was wondering what these 3 huge trees stuck in the ground with crazy bracing all over is for.

Dacres has a intern on board that I know I am learning alot from. Andy has been baking for the Lebanon market and for the farmers potluck. He has jumped right in and has taken over some of the construction of the kiosk. Untill next time everyone. Thanks LD

the days lengthen...

2007 was a glorious year on the D Acres farm. growth and experience built on our efforts. The cycles of the season mimic our lives. The lesson of giving without expecting to receive instills a spirit of truth and direction. Our uncertainties about the global future
are stated fact and accepted, feeling confident that despite the clouds our compass is set in a positive direction....Ten years on the farm has been quite a gift. Thanks to all who have participated.

So i guess there will be a winter after all...after successive seasons without a definitive winter this year is it...we have burned more wood, plowed and shoveled more than all last season by the first of the year. the season of snow and reflection is at hand, it is time to correspond and be responsive to our collective and individual paths For the staff we have been busy concocting a plan for the coming calendar year. The theme for this year is Gardening for Health: Cultivatng Wellness.

We are planning monthly workshops, events and films on this theme. There will also be a weekend conference on sept 13&14th with regional speakers and practicioners teaching classes on topics such as herbal medicine, whole foods & nutrition, yoga, ecology, and peace studies. We also plan to offer guided nature and garden walks, massage, Reiki, and meditation sessions during the weekend.

Should be a fabulous event. Contact us for registration details.

Also in 2008 we would like to organize presentations by author philosopher Derrick Jensen in the region. His provocative examinations of western culture give insight into the systemic exploitation of human and natural resources in our current society. We are optimistic a regional coalition can develop to support controversial and anti-establishment change oriented speakers and musicians.

Hmmm personally i would like to be in Argentina following a presentation at NH Farm & Forest in early feb. At least 4-6 weeks in sur america would help reestablish opportunities for cultural & work exchange. content here, feel increasingly guilty about the fossil fuel use of such travel

summer 2008 i intend to be involved with BreadnPuppet in Glover VT...need to express the feelings formed to the public, opportunity to shout and learn techniques to amplify the message

well shout out to the universe and listen for the echo

enjoy this opportunity

peas and lettuce do good

hasta la proxima adventura,

josh t