The Hermits' Rest

Book Report: Braiding Sweetgrass

People who know me well may find it odd that I only just finished reading Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer (2015). After all, as I mentioned a couple of days ago, it’s a Suna kind of book.

Certainly, Kimmerer and I are kindred spirits, both of us seeing the natural world as a part of us, and humans as ones who should learn from nature. She has some real advantages over me in that she actually got to become a botanist and she was born into a Native American tradition. She gets to learn firsthand about things I can only read or hear stories about. I’m so glad she has shared her insights with other humans!

This is one of those books you read slowly, so you can let the ideas and images sink in and process the poetry, science, and memories within each chapter. The ideas of a giving society, generosity, and shared resources that she shares ease my worries and make it harder to believe that the Ayn Rand adherents of the world are going to prevail. There ARE ways to live that aren’t all me me me.

I’m very strongly drawn to the ideas of the various indigenous traditions Kimmerer shares, but I’m also very aware that they aren’t my traditions to assimilate and take over. She gently points out that she’s sharing examples, but it is up to people like me to make ourselves a part of the land we now steward, to make our own traditions, and to tell our own stories.

I noticed today that the Cedar Elms are putting out flower buds. Is this late? What is the tree telling me?It turns out they are late bloomers, but sometimes late summer rains can inspire a second bloom. I observed this before looking up the answer.

I’m up for this. I think people who feel attached to the life and land around them can show their gratitude to their adopted homes, enjoy the gifts they are given, and return the favors by caring for their neighbors.

Have you read this book? How has it affected you? I was already fairly entrenched in the mindset Braiding Sweetgrass promotes, but now I have more of a framework to go forward in. Your ideas are appreciated!

Stay Tuned

I just finished reading the wonderful book, Braiding Sweetgrass, which somehow I hadn’t managed to read yet. No doubt there was a good reason I didn’t read it when I bought it, but of course I loved it, since it’s a Suna kind of book. I’ll write more about it later.

I wonder if there’s any Native American use for this? I don’t think so. Poor Santa Maria Feverfew is basically noxious and invasive, though native here.

I haven’t been feeling well today, just digestive issues, which are boring to anyone not living in my current household, where such things are favorite conversation topics. THIS is how I know we are no longer young, I think.

I tried to avoid noxious weeds today. But this aggressive vine does have pretty flowers and seed pods (balloon vine).

Much of the day was spent reading Robert Reich’s new memoir, which also doesn’t help my stomach (too many details on why the US is going to hell in a hand basket), though I do like him as a person. I also napped, listened to bluebirds, and watched a little college football. I favor no team, so I just watch young men run around and I then enjoy insurance commercials.

Another sport I enjoy is flower diving, which many bumblebees did this morning.

I did take a good walk and did a lot with Apache, who kept me on my toes. He loves to act like he doesn’t want to be caught so I have to practice my catching methods, but eventually he just stands there and puts his head in the halter. Maybe he thinks I need more exercise, not him. Hmph.

He did get a lot of exercise, including lots of muscle-building cantering, then we rode out to the round pen. I was proud of him for not having an issue walking by an unfamiliar truck and people messing with the garbage dumpster on his way to the round pen.

I was less proud trying to go on our trail when the truck started up and made a weird noise. He really wanted to make a run for the barn, throw me off, or otherwise embarrass us both in front of someone who doesn’t think much of our horsemanship. But, by golly, I let him cool off once I could get him to stop, and we were able to go on the paths and walk calmly.

I was even able to spot our first aster blossoms of the year, proof autumn is coming.

I was proud of me, then, because other than a brief moment of worry, I took the incident as a chance to practice all my Apache calming techniques. So much to learn, but we have come far enough that I’m satisfied.

Even though days are growing shorter, we still have swallows. Dozens of Cave Swallows today.

Let’s see if the rain avoids us again tomorrow for lessons…

I Did It

What did I do? I survived an overwhelming work week without losing my temper at anyone. I’m sure glad this week was only four work days!

Flying away like these cattle egrets was very tempting!

The minute I stopped answering questions along with my equally frazzled colleague, I went to dinner with Lee and our neighbor, which got me out of the house and laughing at least a bit! It reminded me of how much I miss Sara, up there farming her heart out in Wisconsin. Her husband is about done emptying their house here out. Sniff.

This ground cherry blossom brings some cheer! They’re always turned down, so it’s fun to turn them over.

I’m impressed with my dedication to my equine pursuits, because when I got home, I went straight to horse world, fed everyone and got all Apache’s prescribed cantering and other ground work done before it was dark. Bonus: it was a little cooler by 7:30 pm.

I attempted to water my sad geranium but when it moved I realized I was watering the porch toad (Penney’s friend). It’s a Gulf Coast toad.

So, I did it. Got all my training and documentation revision done, was social, enjoyed horses, and even made my daily exercise goals. Woo-ee. I deserved the blissful hour I spent finishing August on my temperature blanket and watching the Captain Picard show.

Maybe tomorrow I’ll be more interesting!

Regressing to Childhood?

Maybe. I was a bit too tired to do much after I finally finished a long work day, plus it was suddenly 100° outside after a break in the weather.

So I sat in my chair this evening and colored in my coloring book. It took me a few evenings to do this one, because I only do it when my hands get tired of crocheting.

Design, colored in markers and gel pens.

The design is from a book in a series a friend of mine writes, where she re-draws art to color, but also includes information on the source of the designs.

This is the book. Note the tasteful version of the image I did.

I have a couple of other books in Sugar’s series, too. She is a very fun jewelry designer and often teaches classes. I met her in the waiting room when each of our husbands was having oral surgery. Check out the series if you like adult coloring books.

I also find the bleed-through on the back fun to look at. The book contains blank pages to blot up excess ink.

I also got a coloring book by another friend’s daughter, which has lovely Art Deco and Art Nouveaux images, with lots of space. I may try different techniques on those. Once I get the motorhome opened up again, I’ll have access to my pencils and crayons.

I’m glad to have this throwback activity to ease my mind. I loved coloring when I was little. It’s one of the things that kept me quiet (along with reading, but I read too fast and often ran out of books). I often colored outside in my treehouse. I’m pretty much the exact same person I used to be, only less anxious.

Another Lee photo. He likes to crop them this way.

Time to conk out. Thanks for enjoying my activity.

Tonight I Chose Better

Better what? Better evening beverage. I grabbed one of Kathleen’s special drinks last night and enjoyed it. But it turns out to have secretly been an “energy drink.” Thus I got less sleep last night than I’d have preferred.

And because of my schedule, I was up with the sun.

And today was two long trainings plus other deep discussions. By the end of the day I was zonked, so I was sure to choose water this evening. Now I’m nice and sleepy.

I do want to share that early this morning while listening to birds I heard some kind of bellow in the trees, like a cough, sort of. I thought I imagined it, but it repeated, loudly. That’s when I noticed movement. It was a group of deer. That made sense, once I realized what it was. Mr Deer was alarmed at something! Not me. I was quiet and still.

During my zonked period late this afternoon, I was rewarded by getting to watch Mockingbirds feeding, mostly just hanging out with me. behind them, the rabbits threw caution to the wind and were merrily hopping over each other.

They were joined by some melodically chirping cardinals and flocks of Eastern Bluebirds overhead making their haunting cries. One flew over my head, but no poop happened.

I felt much more relaxed after that! And one final nature note: the Rio Grande rain lilies are blooming again. That’s the third time this summer. Yay for Saturday’s rain!

Do I Have the Blues?

It looks like I do. I made a drink from one of Kathleen’s little flavor packets and ended up with the blues: blue drink, nails, hair, and glasses. I will point out that I had a brown shirt (with a blue Roadrunner on it).

Good thing the light washed out my hair.

On a more serious note, I shared this story on Facebook this morning:

What a morning at my birding platform. First, I was just sitting here, watching Baltimore Orioles flying around, when I heard a Green Heron. Then I saw it, flying toward me, aiming directly over my head. I thought how pretty it was, but wondered what would happen if it pooped. Then a big white glob came down! Thankfully it landed just inches off my concrete pad. My blue hair is safe!

Then, after measuring yesterday’s .02” of rain, I gazed over at the fence. Oh my gosh, something was hanging from one of the chrysalises I’d been watching! It was a fresh, new Gulf Fritillary. It’s our most common large butterfly, since we have lots of sorrel vines that they love. This is the first time I’ve ever seen a butterfly emerging in the wild. What a privilege!

The humor and beauty carried me through an intense work day just fine! A meeting ended early, too, so I had time to give Vicki some slightly old frozen meat to make into dog food and exercise the horses. Neither horse was into it. I think I should have let them rest.

They were peaceful on our evening stroll, though. It’s hard to get them all in one photo.

Just a little relaxation with the animals prevents the psychological blues from coming over me, though. Watching the dogs play in the long grass at sunset was a great way for me and Lee to wind down. They don’t get out much, but for once they stayed with us and didn’t run off to roll in poop.

I’m thinking about so many of you all, dealing with what comes your way as best you can. We are in this together. As my friend Kathy just reminded me, we’re all under the same moon!

Noisy Times in Rural Texas

What? You don’t know why it’s noisy here right now? Get out your Texas Parks and Wildlife hunting regulations booklet! Right there!

You see, it’s always a little blam-blammy on the first day of any season, but dove season is extra loud because they just keep shooting. There are lots of doves: Mourning, Inca, Eurasian Collared, White-winged, and Ground Doves are here in Milam County.

No doves are harmed on our acreage, so we won’t run out any time soon. The harvests keep the numbers in check.

After the early morning festival of shooting sports, Vicki and I took the horses for the lesson that was postponed from yesterday. The weather was pretty nice, and only Apache got overly sweaty.

Here’s why he got sweaty. Tarrin made him canter under saddle after much previous canter work.

Apache’s just doing great, even improving on his leg yields. He now has to do three circles in canter on the ground, too. The good news is he’s happy to do it.

This is cut off because it’s supposed to be a photo of how nicely he stopped.

Suna has also improved! I was able to get him to canter off my aids instead of only doing it after a jump. I appear to be getting more comfortable going fast.

Trying to catch my breath after my triumph.

Drew is also showing good progress. He had his best lesson with Vicki so far, and she had him trotting so beautifully! They are moving forward in getting used to each other. I’m proud of them both.

Vicki may start him back on his pain medication now that he’s working harder. I should have thought of that!

With the new month comes new color fun for me. My hair became smoky sapphire today. It should fade nicely.

Nails will be dark blue this month. I like the sparkles I put over a Greek blue. The extra layer helps my one broken nail grow out.

This was taken by the blue pool, while bluebirds were singing. Very thematic.

Hey, everyone gets to have a frivolous hobby if they want to! And it cheers me up! Back to a busy work week tomorrow. I’ll be all blue!

A Meteorological Respite

Ah. Today we got beautiful rain, over 2” but I won’t measure until the morning. It was another great day to read on the porch!

I was sorry to miss my horse lesson but we’ve rescheduled for tomorrow. Let’s hope tomorrow’s rain is not between 10-1 or at least not heavy. I can ride in light rain. The horses spent the day blissfully cool. Once it wasn’t raining hard, they were out enjoying the “low” temperatures.

I didn’t take horse pictures, so here’s another porch view.

I, too, appreciated having a day without drips of sweat in my eyes and sopping wet bras. I did try not wearing a bra, but the sweat running down to my wisdom belly was also unpleasant. I’m not gonna sit inside all day like a delicate creature, though. Knowing it will be more pleasant in a few weeks gives me hope.

The other thing I liked about this respite from blazing hot sun is that sunsets are so pretty with clouds in the sky. I enjoyed today’s sunset by the pool while I watched nighthawks eliminating excess insects.

I guess the best part about staying inside most of the day was that I got a lot of comforting reading done (Braiding Sweetgrass), got my August birds added up, crocheted almost all of the August section of the temperature blanket, and got my journal ready for September. What that really means is that I played with all my toys: books, colorful pens, paper, washi stickers, and oh yes, yarn! My indoor toys sometimes get neglected when I’m outside all the time.

Looking north at sunset. The bright light is just a reflection of the sun.

Three Thoughts I Had

Are they all true truisms? You can decide.

One. The best time to go to Costco on the weekend in a college town is during a home football game. Everyone but nerds, Goths, old hippies (us), and people with toddlers whose piercing screams can damage hearing are at the game or watching it with friends. Perhaps the screaming toddler is optional.

Very empty Costco parking lot as the sun was going down.

Two. If you happen to get overheated (say the only time you had during the day to exercise your horse is around noon in high humidity), go inside and cool down while hydrating before jumping into a shower, even if you need to leave to go have fun. If you shower while your body temperature is still elevated, you will commence sweating after you “dry off,” and if you have whatever syndrome has caused me to sweat rivers, you will be dripping and soaking your clean clothing. Thus, you’ll stay overheated longer and negate the shower. The fun can wait.

Three. All those influencers should STFU about the pressing need for all older women to “do something” about their “belly fat” or “fat apron.” First, since nearly every older woman I know develops this at a certain age, it seems to be normal and nothing to feel shame over. Second, what if that fat is where all our wisdom that can’t fit in our brains lives? I keep reading how important the gut is to mental functioning. Maybe it is doing something important down there.

I’m going to call it my wisdom belly, pat it, and thank it for doing its job, whatever it actually is.

Those are my thoughts. Now for an observation that surprised me. We went to the Barnes and Noble in College Station today, because I miss good bookstores. The only ones I get to these days are the little one in Rockdale that’s full of fantasy and romance books and the BookPeople branch in the Austin airport (a mere shadow of the real magnificent store).

Both Lee and I enjoyed ourselves very much. I had a nice time looking at the other patrons, their ages, their clothing, their mannerisms. I caught myself thinking, “Wow, these people look so normal.” You see, it was those same Goths, nerds, old (very) hippies, gamers, and professorial types I’d later see in Costco. Apparently that’s my idea of normal?

Upon reflection I realized that other than the past five or so years, I’ve lived in cities with universities and lots of engineers (Gainesville, Urbana-Champaign, and Austin). My jobs have been with writers and software developers. Yep. That’s what I see as “normal,” not ranchers, farmers, cowboys, small-town business people, and rural poor folks.

I wonder how long it will take for my brain to feel as at home in Cameron or Temple (more of a military area) as I do in college towns? I don’t feel bad about discovering this about myself. I’m sure everyone feels more comfortable in familiar surroundings. But I’ve been out here a good while, know lots of people, have great friends…so I’m a little disappointed that I haven’t assimilated very well. I’m still from another culture. Hmm.

Hey, I do have a yard full of tractors and other such conveyances.

Well Dang

Trying to stay on an even keel these days is a challenge, isn’t it? No need to name all the reasons why, because you know the ones that affect us all, and we each have our own personal stresses, grief, and challenges.

Today was one of those days when the dam burst and I felt all the feelings. I needed to feel them so I could regroup. The Buddha reminds us that life is suffering, but he also shared ways to cope, grow, learn, and move on.

That’s what I’m reminding myself of today, as I processed warmongers, school shootings, friends’ loss of parents, and frightening political climate.

Trite but true: all things must pass.