The first cucumber in Maria’s Three Sisters Garden emerged this morning, growing on the outside of the pasture fence (hope the pony doesn’t see it), it is a beautiful and exciting thing to see. Some of the corn is over my head and there are two pumpkins growing rapidly. We snack on the stringbeans almost every morning. There is something magical about growing your own food, this is a first for me.
On a rainy day, black and white photos seem to be the right thing, and I loved the sight this morning of the sheep gathering together for a stare-down with Red, who was blocking their access to the pasture while Maria and I opened the gates. If the sheep are not held back, they can charge in mass and knock somebody over or break somebody’s leg. So Red’s job is to hold them until we are ready for them.
They have learned to respect this, although they will mutiny every now and then. But not for long. They were considering the situation carefully, and I am realizing that sheep are perfect for black-and-white photography.
I have to admit I was quite surprised and delighted to see the design of a new potholder series from Maria called “Chloe’s Kiss,” I am not the only one who has been kissed by Chloe, Maria started it, but I do get a morning kiss every day, and I am glad to begin my day in that way. Chloe’s kisses are special, especially with her big warm rubbery nose.
Maria is making a series of potholders in this design – each one is individually made and signed, this is the prototype – Chloe puckering up with a heart. Perfect, although I am biased.
I want one of those hanging in my office, (birthday hint, my birthday is Aug. 8) ) there is something about Chloe’s kiss that definitely touches the soul and lifts the spirit, as anyone with a horse or donkey knows.
Chloe, like her human, is loving and independent and strong. She doesn’t give it away. A kiss from a strong woman is special, I can testify to that. Maria just got the idea this morning, and I snatched this one out of her hand and pinned it to the barn, I was eager to photograph it.
And here’s a interesting touch, Maria is making these potholders out of a pair of my white linen pants which have been commandeered by the School House Studio, along with various shirts, jeans and even undershirts. The potholders are $25 apiece plus shipping and will go on sale today or tomorrow. I don’t know how many she is making, probably as many as she feels like making. I will get my hands on one of them. Details here.
Fate was in a reflective mood this morning, she seemed to be channeling Red, who is always poised and steady in the pasture. Fate circled around the sheep, then came and lay down like a serious herding dog. She sat and watched the sheep with Red for a half hour or so, it was meaningful to me to see the two of them sitting on the slight hill, doing their work.
