June 27, 2008 – Nina writes eloquently that she was at first disturbed by the photo of an injured Winston, then she thought about it and realized that life is a blend. Well said. My life sure is, and as much as I prefer good times over bad, how barren and pointless life would be it were only peaceful and loving. It is wondrous to see Lenore and Brutus and it brings smiles to me every day (I get in huge trouble if I don’t post a photo of them daily).
 But the most meaningful parts of my life, the learning experiences, the love, growth and purpose almost all come in some way out of fear and pain and loss. Each of those things, with which I am familiar, along with everyone else, has brought me something, taught me something, given me the opportunity to improve and grow as a human.
  This is my purpose, my challenge, to live my life, to learn and grow every single day, to do good, find love, be loving and to learn that life is, in fact, a blend, that there is no love without pain, no meaning without fear, no change without loss.
  Winston’s bloody face makes Lenore’s big heart all the more beautiful, and all the more meaningful. This, I know, is why people love it so much. Life on this farm is a blend, a nice idea.