May 1, 2009 – It seems almost incomprehensible that 2009 is nearly half over. Good news for some people. The farm continues to require attention. Time to buy hay, clear brush, seed pastures, prepare for lambing, move firewood, clean wood stoves, prepare for winter. My editor likes my novel, wants more work on it, as is appropriate. Good interest in my children’s book ideas. Good things happening with my photos. Getting ready to speak out; in Katonah, N.Y. at the Public Library this Sunday at 2 p.m. At the Saratoga Springs Public Library on May 12 (7 p.m.). At the West Pawlet Public Library on May 22.
  If governments can’t support libraries, we can do our bit. Life is full, life is busy, life is good. It is odd being in love at this point, it is quite wonderful. It is, in many ways, everything.
  I have some good friends talking and debating about the importance of being positive, thinking positively, avoiding the addictions of fear, anxiety and gloom. it’s an interesting line.
  The world is sometimes a difficult and frightening place, and I don’t want to ignore that. But attitude is critical, and you can write your own story to some extent.
  My daughter warns about being pollyannish. Not, I think, my nature.
  I wonder if this kind of determined positive thinking is really possible. Maybe.  Some days I can do it, some days not. I guess that is sort of the point. You never completely get there. Went to John Clark’s farm yesterday and had a sweet time taking some photos.
  I’ve only know the place for a couple of weeks, I will miss it dearly. I love taking photos there. Beauty the farm dog is shy of the camera, and avoids me.
  The challenge, I think, is to break up your life: keep the creative, loving, beautiful part, accept the rest of it in another place.