elderberries

hours of preparation have gone into this fall's batches of elderberry wine which will hopefully combat the cold and flu of the coming spring.

“The [berry berry bloody] wine stopped my friend Brian's sniffles for two days. Unfortunately, when the sniffles came back the medication was long gone.”

-Andru Bemis – October 30, 2008

endless apples

Once again we were blessed with the best baking apples, a plentiful harvest. Thanks goes out to Minor St.
O

U.P. carrot

summer pickin'

fingers greened by sticky tomato goo,
sun gold, grape, pear, julian, green zebra, cherokee purple,
purple potatoes, purple kohlrabi,
patty pan, summer and zucchini squashes,
curly kale, lacinato, collards and chard.

blueberries

Our first year of blueberry harvest has been plenty plentiful. May I be so bold as to claim that 80 lbs have been gleaned from our 17 bushes in the past month and a half? Thank you mother. Thank you sun, rain and gentle breeze.

sugar beet vs. cane juice crystal

Do I buy local Michigan sugar beet sugar or cane juice crystals from Louisiana?

Source: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station
http://www.maes.msu.edu/news/news_December2007.htm#sugar

Research May Help Sugar Beet Growers Reap Sweeter Future

The percentage of genetically modified crops grown in Michigan is on the rise, and that includes sugar beets. Michigan growers will begin planting Roundup Ready sugar beets, which can be sprayed with a non-selective herbicide without injury, in 2008.
Christy Sprague, MAES crop and soil scientist, is researching growing sugar beets in narrow rows as a way to manage weeds and increase yield. Her findings will give Roundup Ready sugar beet growers recommendations for timing herbicide applications, effective weed control and maximum yield.

Weed control in sugar beets is critical, Sprague pointed out. In MSU trials, lack of weed control reduced sugar beet yields by 30 to 100 percent.

"Using herbicide in combination with the Roundup Ready crops will provide good control over weeds," Sprague said. "We want to come up with effective weed management options that all sugar beet growers can use."

....Growers will be able to learn more about Sprague's research findings and how they can implement the resulting recommendations in the 2008 crop at Extension grower meetings this winter. Sprague also plans to incorporate the information into future MSU weed control guides.

Source: Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station
Full article can be found here:
http://www.maes.msu.edu/news/news_December2007.htm#sugar

Misty morning on Lake Superior

moon worshiping

I love my moon cup.

I want to tell the whole world! When using my moon cup I may see, smell and touch my own blood before it spills into the unknown world of septic, sewer or garden system. And I love it. Indeed, my blood is really fascinating. It has texture and life. I find a whole spectrum of reds and browns in my moon cup. My blood is beautiful.

Results of the omega fatty acids experiment:
...4+ months eating omega fatty acids (sardines or other fish) 1-3 days before menses = no pain
...this month I didn't eat omega fatty acids = substantially painful cramping
Try it!

Info about menstrual cups:
http://www.keeper.com/
http://www.divacup.com/

sun worshiping

the foundation of our fears is religion.

http://zeitgeistmovie.com/main.htm

summer

Cooney for Congress

Don Cooney
running for Congress on the
Democratic ticket in the 6th District

http://cooneyforcongress.com/

earth

rhhhhubarb, aaaasparagas, bluooooberries, earth squishing up between my toes. I love you Kalamazoo.

Obama - a question

I recently listened to Barak Obama's speech on race and racism in America. I was once again captivated and inspired... yet there is one line in there that urked me. In the first third of his speech, Obama was commenting on the controversial statements made by his former paster...

"But the remarks that have caused this recent firestorm weren't simply controversial. They weren't simply a religious leader's effort to speak out against perceived injustice. Instead, they expressed a profoundly distorted view of this country - a view that sees white racism as endemic, and that elevates what is wrong with America above all that we know is right with America; a view that sees the conflicts in the Middle East as rooted primarily in the actions of stalwart allies like Israel, instead of emanating from the perverse and hateful ideologies of radical Islam."

My acquisition of historical knowledge and current political climates is admittedly limited to that a U.S. citizen, small-town-country-girl, who rarely watches TV news, or reads a newspaper. Even so I do have strong opinion on this issue, and I tend to blame Israel (and its allies) for a good portion of current conflicts in the Middle East. I am attempting to decipher Obama's stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict/occupation. From what I hear and read he has recently been a quite outspoken in his support of Israel...

So, as bright and aware people of the world, what is our opinion on Obama's climbing into bed with AIPAC? Does his worldliness and charisma make up for it? Is he so great that one can just overlook this great flaw? As long as we have health care and peaceful race relations at home... it won't matter that we continue to monetarily and militarily support genocide and apartheid in the Promised Land?

Making Histroy

Last night I found myself in Minneapolis, Minnesota as Obama and his supporters rallied together to celebrate his victory in the Democratic primaries. So, my hosts and I crossed the river to St. Paul, found the Excel arena, and followed the line for a half hour until we finally found the our place. The doors were opened at 7:00 pm, but we did not budge an inch until at least 7:30 and then slowly started to make our way through the line, returning to the arena. Two hours and 20 blocks later we reached the main entrance and they closed the doors right behind us. We were some of the last of the 17 thousand people who attended the rally. According to the fire-marshal, another 15 thousand waited and watched from outside.

* Change means using "not just firepower, but the power of diplomacy"

* Things you won't see used in this campaign are "religion used as a wedge and patriotism as a bludgeon."

Watch Barak Obama's speech from St. Paul, MN.

I was honored to be witness and participate in such a historic victory. But more than anything else I was in awe of Barak Obama's oratory skills. I appreciate his choice and/or use of words, and his enthusiasm. I was surprisingly moved and inspired.

cambio de planes

aquí todo sigue maravilloso.

tengo muy buenas noticias y noticias bastante tristes.

el bueno es que ahora (mañana) voy a subir el tren para ir de aventuras. tengo una entrevista con una escuela de mis sueños. hace unas semanas les mandé mi resume y una carta de presentacion. ahora tengo entrevista para un trabajo de tiempo completo como maestra de español. es un poco retirado. bastante lejos de donde vivo ahora, pero les cayo bastante bien y van a pagar el pasaje. (me crees?) estoy tan emocionada que casi no me contengo.

el malo es que ya decidí que hablar con la gente del proyecto verano en puebla a decirles que ya no me iba. ya no voy a aceptar la posicion. y por eso... ya no pienso en regresar a mx. tan en seguido, tan rapido. sino con despacio. al rato.

como me duele decirsela, pero ya.
un abrazote

playing with pescado

My first fish filleted, and I have won the fish filleting competition of the evening! This little black knife was my best investment ever.

una buena noticia y una pregunta grave

Muy buena noticia! Me seleccionaron como guía/facilitadora para el Proyecto Verano del American Friends Service Committee en Puebla, México! El Proyecto Verano es un especie de intercambio inter-cultural y proyecto de servicio. Estoy muy emocionada pero todavía pensando en mi decisión final. Tengo una semana para entregar mi firma y mi contracto con ellos! La verdad, después de terminar este trabajo el 6 de Junio, no sé que hacer. Bueno, pues, la vida siga ofreciéndome las oportunidades mas preciosas que puedo imaginar.

...

Pues, estoy pensando en que hacer con mi vida. Es un asunto grave que me cuesta mucho trabajo. La pregunta del siglo, ¿no? So, I am constantly asking myself is if teaching is enough... I love working with youth. I love speaking Spanish. Why not combine the passions? But, am I just taking the easy way out by succumbing to a broken and disfigured educational system within a broken and disfigured nation? I feel like it is my best choice, but I also don't know what other choices I have... I feel like I should be challenging some status quo, or organizing against some vile and nasty fumigation project in Colombia, fighting for the rights of the oppressed, or exposing the destructive forces of some corporate giant... But I am tired of fighting, I want to create and inspire and encourage. Can I stay here and still make a difference in the world? Can I live simply and thoughtfully and not be accused of selling out or giving in?

shocking and shocked

Teaching Spanish to these moody, excitable, and skeptical high school youth rocks my world! We make a good match, these 15-somethings and I. They are equally shocking to me and shocked by me.

Lately a couple students have been lingering around my classroom after school is over... Occasionally they tell me I had assigned them after school detention. Occasionally they talk about their father's job, co-ed wresting tournaments, or their librarian. Occasionally they are not even my students. Either way, they are pleasant company while I grade quizzes and prepare for the day to come.

Today I was delightfully surprised by an unexpected high-five! Y'all know me, right? I am an avid fan and advocate of high-fiving. As I raised my hand to wave goodbye to my last class of the day, a hand reached up and made smacking contact with mine! That positive affirmation was the proper conclusion to a robust and rewarding week.

Another perk of this low paying job is the unlimited and magical copy machine. Yesterday I copied the entirety of my new favorite library book Ki Kiri Ki, a collection of bilingual children's stories(!!!).

spring...

fuzzy furry oaks

delton, mi
spring 2008

hibiscus ginger honey elixir

It has been over 5 months since I tasted my last batch of hibiscus ginger honey elixir brewed and consumed in Santa Ana de Yahuitlalpan, Puebla, México. Finally another batch is brewing in the cupboard under my kitchen counter. Además he escuchado noticia de la preparación de este mismo elixir en las cuatro esquinas del mundo: de Grinnel, Iowa hasta Kalamazoo, Michinga hasta San Critobal de las Casas, Chiapas, México

Viva la revolución de fermentación!

I welcome any success stories, tips, challenges, new ingredients, or alternate recipes! Please share.

Hydrogen

After our weekly folk music jam last Sunday my neighbor, this terrific fiddle playing, clogging 60-ish fella invited us out to see his "brown's gas" contraption. From what I understand he has basically hitched up a hydrogen cell to his regular gas guzzling RV an is expecting to get better gas mileage out of it. Monday was the test run, and I haven't yet heard the results.

raised bed gardens

Today I used a chainsaw for the first time and constructed, with help, these raised bed gardens. We still have quite a ways to go before the planting begins.

Polka Madre

I invite you to see/hear/experience a sweet mexican polka band called POLKA MADRE if they ever cross the lands where you a camped. I saw them in Ypsi on April 9th.

Polka Madre was phenomenal with a squatly little tour bus jam packed with musicians rehearsing, cursing, laughing and smirking. We exchanged memories of our 3:30 am morning search for tlalludas (oversized Oaxacan tostadas) and the scheming for swimming. I danced my feet off and saw lots of unexpected friends. All quite lovely.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=51111559

Teaching through music

Since May 10th of this year I have been teaching Spanish in a rural Michigan high school. The job is fascinating, enjoyable and extremely challenging. I teach one intermediate class and three beginner classes. My goal has been to utilize music as much as possible to enhance my lesson plans. So far the students love the idea and seem to be picking up on the new rhythms and lyrics. This focus on music was inspired by conversations with my Mexican friends who claim that the majority of the English the learned was from popular songs and movies. And it was further inspired by visiting a Waldorf school in Louisville, KY where the Spanish teacher conducted a third of the lesson in songs.

I would be happy to share my lessons and more than thrilled to see how others have used music in their language lessons. Thus far I have used songs by the Buena Vista Social Club, Julieta Venegas, and Maná. Plans in the making include Café Tacuba and Manu Chau.

family fermentation

my mom and I are sharing our second batch of kim chee, a fabulous fermented food, made mostly of cabbage, root veggies, jalepeños, and handfuls of garlic. shredded, salted, seasoned, and shared with smiles in our quiet kitchen. every step is equally fulfilling.

bald eagles

aint no lie. we've go bald eagles in Muir, Michigan. no kidding. down along the maple river lies the best kept secret of Ionia County. these majestic birds who bask in the glory and honor of our symbol of national identity have been blessed by more prayers and iconic replicas than any other critter on this continent. and in turn, we've been blessed by the sight of 'em.

my initial skepticism was squelched by the awesome sight of no less than 25 eagles, nearly 15 perched high in the stately branches of a proud and leafless tree, while another 15 or so bickered and bawked around on the snow covered ground.

weeks later as we drove up to the same site two mighty wings stretched out in flight before us. she soared no more than 30 ft above the hood of our truck. "that one's a young'ne," he smiled. "you see how the wings are still moulty, but the head is white? that means she's a two year, about to be a three year." he slowed the truck as a second winged beauty soared over us and he continued, "the first year's heads are greyish, while the second years are getting whiter, by the third year their colors are nearly matured and thier heads are bright white. she's a beauty isn't she?"

nothing like a bird of prey to spark a little romance.

letters

If I am not writing a letter than what am I doing? I learn the most about myself, express myself clearly, and write with such free abandon when I am writing letters. I've been a pen pal my whole life you see... my loved ones have always been far off. I don't quite know how to tell you I love you when you are near me, but I sure as hell know how to describe a frozen moonlit night when you are millions of miles away. So, I will keep writing letters until I run out of words.

Latest letter:
***I hope the prior receiver of this letter upon reading this don't feel less special that I have shared it with others... you see, when I write some letters, I just seem to spell out exactly how I feel, then I want to save the words... that's all. ***

I am not in Kalamazoo, but I would head in that direction if it meant playing music with you for an hour or two. I am living an hour north of there in a small Michigan farming town called Lake Odessa. I have a warm place to sleep, a very affectionate cat (not mine), a weekly old time music jam just six or so blocks away, and a job teaching Spanish to high school kids. truth be told, I am pretty content. I may be in love. and I may be full of shit. I saw 30 bald eagles a few weeks ago and just about lost my mind. grrrl, this cold, white, icy, and supposedly barren landscape may have a secret or two in hold for us.

truth be told, I would be as pleased as a pickle to sit down and make sweet, sweet music with you. how about a deal? you tell me a thing or two about what you are playing these days and I'll tell you a thing or two and maybe someday if we are in the same room we might be able to play a few things together. Sound good? Well, if this is the deal, (I guess I should wait for your approval) but just in case you approve of this deal I will go ahead and tell you what I got on my plate.... and that be... Shenandoah, Arkansas Traveler, Maple Sugar, Thali Wren Waltz (daisy may), well, and of course things like Angeline the Baker, Goodnight Irene, and Amazing Grace.

p.s. tell me your favorite old time tune cuz I want to learn the best of'em.

Why Waldorf?

Everyday I am realizing more and more that Waldorf Education is where my passion lies. My whole life has been preparing me to be a Waldorf Teacher. During the last six months I need only mention the word Waldorf or the name Rudolf Steiner, and personal connections come tumbling at me from all directions.

My first remembrances of Waldorf Education is when my younger brother, Adrian, was attending a Waldorf school up in Cedar Springs, Michigan. I didn't think about it much until years later when I spoke extensively with a family friend, Audrey, about her experiences as a Waldorf trained teacher. For hours I sat and listened, absorbed in her passion for Waldorf Education and delighting in the twinkle in her eyes as she described the role Rudolf Steiner's philosophy in her life thus far. This set my creative juices flowing. I read what ever I could get my fingers on both promoting and bashing this ever growing educational fad.

Shortly after this conversation I embarked on an exploratory adventure traveling through México. I was paying between 10-15 pesos per hour for these precious moments connected to the world wide web, but I continued my pursuit as diligently as ever. I found that Waldorf Education is a truly international phenomenon found in more than 80 countries across the world, including México. I eagerly contacted the nearest school. Goethe Elementary School is located in México, D.F. (Mexico City) and I was lucky enough to tour the premises and enjoy a delightful conversation with the woodworking teacher. He shared with me his own story as well as the history and direction of the Goethe school. I was enchanted by the soothing pastel washed walls, the aura of nature emanating from the woodwork, and the sound of the full school chorus drifting up through the patio as we sat in the faculty library. This was my first (purposeful) Waldorf experience, found right in the heart of the biggest, craziest, supposedly-most-dangerous city in the world, and it only left me with more questions and a deeper yearning to learn more.

Heading north, I contacted the Colegio Yeccan Waldorf in Guanajuato, México. There I found an even more welcoming staff, allowing me two classroom observations, tour of the premises, and even a lunch date with the English teacher. When I first arrived, there was a great commotion in the lobby where twenty or so children were practicing what I later learned to call eurythmy. They were constantly in motion, simultaneously exercising their mind, body, and heart. I sat in on the fifth grade class, where an engaging and experienced teacher led the empowered and excited children in dance, song, and main-lesson geography activities. The next day I returned and was pleased to observe the fourth grade main-lesson as well. I could feel the positive energy like the warmth of a mother's hug wrapping around me.

With each step in my path I continue to be greeted with confirmation and encouragement. With each step I feel closer to home.

When I mentioned my interest in this alternative form of education, my aunt Susan immediately handed me a book. Seven lectures from the 1920's that Rudolf Steiner gave to a room full of teachers who were planning to open a school based on his theories of anthroposophy. My godmother tells me she based her homeschooling heavily on Waldorf principles and she can't wait to talk with me more about my plans. My step-mom studied it. Another friend of the family, Pam's, bachelors thesis was a study on Waldorf Education. My uncle Ron said that he studied Waldorf Education back in the day, but wound up as a chiropractor. My aunt Kea told me she spent some time at the Detroit Waldorf School and has a stack of books I should read. My friends are interested in it, and my family supportive.

It is time for me to take a dive.




Waldorf history:
http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/02_W_Education/history.asp
Considering being a teacher?
http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/08_TeacherPrep/index.asp

fiddlin' findin'

In searching for a nearby fiddle instructor I stumbled across the ThunderFoot Cloggers, a local gang of Appalachian style cloggers who also host a weekly folk jam. Right here in the quiet little village of Lake Odessa, the ThunderFoot Cloggers and I are raisin' the roof an' tearin' up the floor! Just 7 blocks out the door and across the railroad tracks I get my weekly fix of old-time American music. And these folks are old-timers. Not a soul in the room under 60, but they're as lively as spring chicks with some impressive fast tappin' toes.

My fiddle is still screeching a bit, but the Arkansas Traveler has got me inspired...
... oh, once upon a time in Arkansas
an old man sat in his little cabin door
and he fiddled out a tune that he liked to hear
a jolly old tune that he played by ear
it was raining hard but the fiddler didn't care
he sawed away at the popular air
though his roof tree leaked like a waterfall
that didn't seem to bother the man at all. (!!!)

palestinian poppies

Maestra Me

Today I toured Belding High School. My future place of employment. Sra. Rivers made it real easy on me, basically she said I can do WHAT EVER I want. Not and ounce of presure from her! She recommended I cover chapters 1, 2 & 3. Mexico City, Pre-Colombian History, and FOOD! I couldn't ask for more appropriate subjects!

a letter to all my buddies

I am glowing with happiness! Why? Today I received a call from Belding High School. I was offered a full time position teaching Spanish (!!!) while their regular teacher is on maternity leave. I am psyched! From March until school lets out y'all can call me Maestra Moore! This will be a great challenge, a new experience, and wonderfully fulfilling.

What have I been up to? From July thru December 2007 I was blessed with five delightful months touring Central and Southern México, fully immersed in the Spanish language and Méxican culture(s). I enjoyed working on an organic farm in Puebla, sharing political artwork with old friends and new, falling in love with el D.F. (Mexico City), visiting friends/family(adopted) in Querétaro, exploring the hills of San Juan Quihije, and much more.

In January I returned home to refine my carpentry, painting, and plumbing skills, helping my mom fix up her place here in mid-Michigan. Out of pure curiosity I browsed the local schools' websites to see what kinds of teaching positions were open. That is when I stumbled upon this amazing opportunity in Belding, just a hop-skip-and-a-jump-away from here. I hit it off immediately with the Principal and current Spanish teacher. And today they called and offered me the job!

Besides plumbing and applying for jobs... I have been devoting my spare time to playing the fiddle (old-time American folk style) and researching an intriguing alternative to our broken educational system: Waldorf Schools. If you have any ideas for me regarding these two topics, I would be all ears.

I am ever indebted to all of you, my friends, family, teachers, students, roommates and buddies. Thanks for the indelible mark y'all have left on my life. I send you all the warmest of wishes and bright shining energy of love.

I'm your #1 Plumber

We discovered a leak under the kitchen sink. It had gotten so damn cold in this house the pipes must have froze up. So, we shut off the problem at its source, turned the red knob at the bottom of the basement stairs, and washed dishes with icy water for a week. With near frostbitten fingers I decided it was time I take a look. Lying on my back, with a styrofoam pillow, and a pipe wrench in my hand I discovered a dank new world of pipes, nozzles, warped tack paper, and mildew stained particle board. I felt like a spelunker, like an archaeologist. I felt like that woman from Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues who has just seen her vag for the first time and is stunned speechless in amazement. I felt empowered.

I twisted, turned, knocked, banged and sighed. The lack of wiggle room frustrated the hell out of me, but after an hour of turning the nut a millimeter at a time, I was satisfied with the adjustment. My rewarded was a pile of dirty dishes begging to be washed with steaming hot suds. And, oh, it was good.

Some notable adventures I have embarked on...

You may read read about my peregrinations in Mexico July-Dec. 2007 and Jan.-June 2005.

http://mexico-mio.livejournal.com/