It is early morning and the birds who inhabit the willows that now, in the height of summer, envelop my little cabin, are beginning to chirp and sing. For the last hour I’ve watched the sky brighten, waking up — or trying to — to the creakiness of my body, the multitude of thoughts and feelings of this morning.

Now, midway through the growing season and my time here at Oz, I feel like I am farming, living in this community; securely enmeshed in the workings of this place, and it is as challenging for me as it is beautiful. Newness is challenging, and so much of my work and daily life here is new to me! I am realizing and accepting, though, that the interconnectedness of this community of people to each other, to the broader ecosystem of the farm and wilder lands surrounding it, consists of a balance of challenges — of navigating relationships, continually putting forth physical and emotional effort — and of ease — of friendship, abundance of harvest, and joy of learning.

I've been trying to really savor my time here, especially the sweet, enjoyable experiences/moments/tasks. Most of these pop up on your average day at Oz, during the workday as well as not, which is so special. I want to share a few with you:

Digging potatoes. Smooth and round treasure right beneath the soil surface. Nails chock full of dirt.

The farm kitchen front porch. A congregation spot. Any number of projects filling up the space, people sitting, standing and leaning, talking. Stopping by or hanging for hours. It shakes when the washer’s running.

Cooking and eating all the beautiful veggies we grow as well as meat and dairy and mushrooms and berries grown by our wonderful friends and farmer’s market community. It’s a huge privilege and joy to have access to this food, and to prepare it with so many people who grow it and care for it together.

I’m super excited for the remainder of this season, and I hope you are too! Thanks so much for the support and all the love,

Helen, Apprentice