Cherie and I have never been the type who enjoy nights on the town. Many years ago we began celebrating our “date nights” by renting a movie and having a quiet evening at home. But after moving here, and as farm life became more and more consuming, our date nights were more and more infrequent. Netflix made it possible to have movies delivered right to the house, but there just seemed to be no time to watch them. It still doesn’t happen much in the summer, but this time of year, when the days are short and the chickens go to bed at five, we’ve been trying to watch a movie every now and then. Nerds that we are, we mainly watch documentaries.
Sometimes the films we watch make me angry, or sad, or distressed. But often they encourage me. Very often the documentaries we watch relate to the food system and the growing movement of folks trying to make it better. I think I get some therapeutic value from watching such films. They help reinforce my hope that we’re part of something good and that ditching the urban professional life was a wise decision. “Fresh” was the last documentary we watched, and it gave me that feeling. I highly recommend it.
I’m also encouraged when folks tell us they’ve benefitted from our food or from the things we’ve advocated. It’s a great feeling to know that folks have lost lots of weight, gotten off medication, discovered what fresh food tastes like, become aware of creation care as a spiritual practice, started doing Christmas differently, etc.
For every such person there are probably ten who roll their eyes, snicker, or are just baffled at what we do and how we got to be here. But I’m convinced that the day is coming when everyone will “get it.” I like being part of it now.
When I announced my intention to move back here and transition out of my law practice one of my partners, an accomplished and very sucessful lawyer, asked me in all sincerity, “Why not just buy a Porsche?” In his mind, only a foolish mid-life crisis could cause me to walk away from that life.
But another colleague, also very sucessful and one of the hardest working lawyers I’ve ever known (though back in the day I could give him a run for his money), got it. He walked away at the peak of his career to hike the Appalachian Trail, and he never came back to the practice. When I told him what I was planning he didn’t question the move at all. His advice was, ”Don’t wait too long.”
So here we are, preparing to start our second year of full-time farming. I still have doubts. Not often, but sometimes. Movies like “Fresh” help me quiet them.
For now, whenever I feel a little unsettled–maybe too far out on the limb–I try to remember what matters. And what doesn’t.
Love Wins
my (clergy) spouse has been the high-powered one, twenty-seven years in her Senior position. We are in 17th month of retirement now – I call “Third Life”
My wife and I call this our “second half of life.” Hopefully we’re not being overly optimistic.
I like Car Talk (NPR) when one of the brothers says “We’ll be right back with the Third half of the program.”
If more people made the choice you have, the world would be a better place. Sometimes people are forced into making better decisions, but when we do it on our own it’s empowering in all the right ways. “I’m convinced that the day is coming when everyone will ‘get it.’ I like being part of it now.” That’s the key, right there.
I do feel good about being part of something that’s good, even though we do have a lot going against us.
I remember the day I pulled out of the parking lot, heading home for good. It was a feeling of liberation.
It’s nice to be reminded occasionally of why we’ve made decisions in our past. I just was reminded of some of those reasons, and I’ll head off into my quite ordinary day with a smile.
I love knowing that I’m not alone. I smiled as I went off to my “work” this morning too. I doubt going to work ever made me happy back when I was practicing law.
Congratulations on your transition over the last year. Growing food is an important job. Living a simpler life will benefit you for many years. Each and every day is one to rejoice. Sounds like you are in step with nature!
Thanks! I don’t know if I’m step or not, but we’re sure trying to be.
Corde and I loved Fresh. It’s one of our favorites. Documentaries have become a favorite in this house too. The boys especially liked the Vanishing of the Bees, which you suggested to us (and thank you for that). My kids have been interested in what you’ve been doing for some time as a result of the documentaries we’ve been watching. They hope that some day we’ll have the land to do something similar to what you’re doing, even if we only ever make enough for ourselves. It’s a part of living in a better way and being a positive example to those around us. Thank you for being such an inspiration to my whole family!
That really makes me smile. Thanks for the kind words.
I’m so happy that y’all liked Vanishing of the Bees. I think it’s great that you watch documentaries with the kids. You’re probably planting some great seeds.
I hope you have a garden soon. It’s good to startsmall.
All the best to y’all.