We used to call Nikelene Norman our Barn Fairy Princess, she seemed to swirl through the barn and around the animals like an enchanted princess. An she had a sparkling gown and crown and wand.
But she is a princess no longer, she is a woman now, strong and beautiful and caring. Her love of animals is profound, and I am grateful for every hug she deigns to bestow on me.
I hope she thinks of Bedlam Farm as another home for her, and comes here often. She says she wants to come bye once in awhile to remind Chloe that she must sometimes do what she doesn’t want to do. If anyone can do it, Nikilene can.
Ken Norman and his wife Eli came to the Open House to trim the hooves of the donkeys and the pony Chloe. The donkeys took one look at him and bolted, they wanted no part of it. Maria and I were tired and distracted, we didn’t get the donkeys into the pole barn before Ken came, so we went ahead and shoed Chloe, Ken will come back for the donkeys in a couple of weeks. Ken’s new knees are strong and flexible, he looked strong and very healthy.
We talked about the willfulness of ponies, it was Ken and Eli who gave us Chloe. She is a great addition to the farm. I think we succeeded in calling attention to the art of rural life – farriers, shearers, gifted artists, creative farmers and poets. They were all here.
Joshua Rockwood and his family came to the Open House Sunday, he got a warm ovation when I introduced him, he talked briefly about his arrest on charges of animal cruelty in the winter of 2014. It was great to see Joshua, he is putting his life back together after an awful arrest that I believe was utterly unjust.
It was an arrest that should never have happened, and it nearly ruined Joshua’s life, he is young and ethical and conscientious farmer caught in the coldest winter in modern history. Farmers and animal lovers and people who care about justice raised more than $70,000 to pay for Joshua’s legal expenses, strengthen his farm infrastructure and keep his business – selling nutritious food – intact.
His was a landmark case, one of the few times on record a farmer fought back successfully against an animal rights movement that often seems to care little or nothing for people or truth.
Joshua is special, and he is principled. He could have settled the case early on, but he resolved not to plead guilty to a single thing that he had not done. A few months ago, every one of the 13 charges against him were dropped, his record expunged.
It was pure joy to see his smiling face and family, all of whom suffered greatly during his ordeal. He has put his life back together. He has kept his business intact and growing. He has kept his balance, values and dignity. I was proud to see him at the farm.
We have known Nikilene for much of her life, she is the daughter of Eli-Anita and Ken Norman, our farrier and friend. Nikilene was christened the Bedlam Farm Barn Fairy Princess, and she is getting old to be called that I think, but not too old to capture our hearts and imagination.
Today, she came to the Open House with her friend Daniella, the two are close, when they come to the farm they scour the pasture for discarded treasures and haul off bags of stuff.
Nikilene came with a bridle, threw it on Chloe and rode her bareback. Chloe balked and reared, but Nikilene had no trouble getting her under control and making her ride. When I went to take her photo, she called Daniella into the photograph, and the three of them made a magical photo, they were the spirit of the Open House, I think.
