Bedlam Farm Blog Journal by Jon Katz

Flower Art
19 February

Flower Art, Wednesday, February 20, 2025. A Pledge To Myself: Don’t Be A Battlefield. The Softness Of Flowers

by Jon Katz

“Every challenge we face is sent by the universe for only one reason: For us to become the best version of ourselves.“- The Spiritual Principles Of The Kabbalah.

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While meditating in front of the birds late last week, I heard my voice saying, “Don’t be a battlefield.” I don’t know where it came from, but I am learning to listen to me.

The world is not just about good fighting against evil. Both sides belong to all of us. Evil can easily be transformed into good and good into evil. I want to live life, not a ferocious and bloody struggle between the two. Every time I slide into judgment, I pull myself to a different place. The worst battlefield of my life was inside of me. I promised myself I would not become another one.  I want something else for myself, something more. Two things define me, I thought: my patience when I have nothing and my attitude when I have everything.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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My Life
19 February

Andy’s Gang, And Froggy the Gremlin, 1955. My Lead Muse.

by Jon Katz

Andy’s Gang with Froggy The Magic Gremlin was my favorite TV show, which aired soon after I could walk around and watch TV in the 1950s. I loved Host Andy Devine and his film segments of Gunga Ram, an Indian boy, and his best friend Rama.

Starring in the series was a devilish and irreverent frog named Froggy, who poked fun at everyone from police officers to mayors. This has always been my favorite TV show, and I can’t imagine an eight-year-old watching it now.

I am thankful to Froggy for my first exposure to challenging authority smartly.

If you wish, you can see a recording someone sent me that is on YouTube. 

My story about Froggy doesn’t end here. I wandered into a local antique and oddity store just a few miles away. I saw this enormous statue of Frogie, and the owner had no idea who Froggy was, so he sold it to me. I was a couple of hundred pounds and was hand-pointed.

I fell in love with it, bought it, and made it my primary muse. I write about it once a year in memory of this very bright spot in a complex life.

Froggy sits a few feet away from me by the window, and I smile whenever I look at him and remember his taunt to the famous and influential  – “Plunk your Magic Twanger, Froggy,” his then famous jeer.

Kids and the world have changed, but I’ll never forget Froggy, and I am grateful to have him in my writing place. I take my museses seriously. Stories were more straightforward then, but Andy and Guna Ram know how to win children’s imagination.

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19 February

Today’s Pantry Request: Beef And Pork Ramen Noodles, Urgent: Wet Wipes For Babies

by Jon Katz

Sarah continues her program to stock the pantry shelves with warm, simple food to make dinners. The temperature is -1, but it’s not snowing or raining, which is good. Some relief is expected next week. Food prices continue to rise.

Today’s requests are for two kinds of Ramen, which is a favorite meal because it is so easy to cook. The urgent items are wet baby wipes; the pantry is out of them.

 

Thanks for your messages to the panty volunteers; they are much appreciated. The Amazon message forms are on the checkout page.

Sarah’s requested Items for today, Wednesday:

Nisson Top Ramen Noodle Soup, Beef, 3 Ounce (Pack of 24), $9.99.

Maruchan Ramen Port, Instant Ramen Noodles, Ready to Eat Meals, 24 Count.

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Urgent Request For Today:

Huggies Clean Unscented Baby Diaper Wipes, 11 Flip-Top Packs (704 Wipes Total)$16.97.

The new kitchen utilities shelf is full and popular for this week. Thanks.

You can access the Amazon Food Pantry Wish List anytime by clicking on an item here or using the green button at the bottom of every blog post. Thanks; you are making a profound difference.

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Flower Art
18 February

Flower Art. Roses And Calli Lillies. (And Roses) Cold And Icy. Flowers And The Kingdom Of God

by Jon Katz

For me, the Kingdom of God is not a simple or even religious notion. My idea is very real, but it doesn’t require the presence of a God. He is welcome if he wishes to come and is real. It is a reality, a precious place within me that can be touched at any time, whether at homework, in meditation, with a good book or a walk, a loving companion, or a trusted friend.

It feels safe, warm, and full of compassion. I go there when I take photos of my flowers. In the Kingdom, I leave the ugly parts of the world behind; it is a place of peacefulness and hope. I don’t need a temple, priest, prayer book, or choir to go there; the door is always open for me or you. I have everything I need.

If I know where to look and am willing to do the work, not only with my mind, body, or feet, I can feel it deep inside. You can walk into the Kingdom of God anytime with one authentic and meaningful step. There is no usher, no key, no lock.  Just leave fear, hate, and anger at the door.  It doesn’t work in the Kingdom of God. It is not free of worry or sadness; it is full of meaning and an open heart. There, the flowers make sense and bear their souls.

 

 

 

 

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