The first thing you see of course, is the Model Magic bin full of lettuce. I'm an art teacher; I was a consultant for Crayola for several years, and I NEVER throw away things that might be useful. That lettuce pot is actually two nested Model Magic containers (thoroughly washed), with holes punched in the inner one, creating a mini-reservoir for the plants. I have several more growing in the sunroom upstairs, though less developed.
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The vegetables in the middle are a combination of home-grown broccoli raab, basil and par-cel, with Pure Sprouts kale and sweet potatoes. I know I called them yams. "Self Portrait with Sweet Potatoes" just sounds silly. The strainer to the left holds a pile of sprouts: mung beans, alfalfa and radish. Sprouts are the easiest thing ever to do on your own. I've been "sprouting" since the 70's. If anyone is interested, I'll do a tutorial. Let me know.
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Do you see that little green bowl to the right? That's the remains of my woods walk the other day. In it are chickweed, wild garlic, turkey-tail fungus and some pretty green that I found under the snow (and I need to identify). I saw a herd of deer that evening, right near me. Their fluffy tails were the only hint I had of them running away, as they were absolutely silent. It was breathtaking.
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If the goats are kidding, the deer should be too. They're so closely related. A friend once said (during hunting season) "If I was a deer right now, I'd find a herd of goats and try to fit in." Absolutely. Deer are like the ballerinas of the goat world. Graceful, light, high-jumping; otherwise, pretty similar. But I digress.
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Back to the self-portrait...you can see the objects around the vegetables; Mexican canisters from a yard sale in Easton, goat chachkas, retro measuring cups and linens, herbs, oil, funnels, knives; the paper towel dispenser is empty (I'm trying to wean us of that habit; I made a pile of towels and napkins from scraps of cloth). I got the gas range for $40 from Craig's List. I think that covers it.
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It's not all I am, but it's a big part of me now. The farm and its animals, organic food, a history in art and a sensitivity for cultural heritage; culinary and medicinal herbs and a locavore sensibility. The funnels are used for making cheese and making soup; the soup goes to The Caring Place, a wonderful local support center for inner city kids. I do these things every week. It's interesting to me; there's a dance between the cycle of the seasons and the cycle of our daily lives. It's synchronized; things revolve around each other, but not necessarily in sympathetic time. As I get older,I can see the pattern of these things, and it's beautiful to me. Now...I need to make dinner! If it turns out well, I'll post that "after" picture.
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