So here we are today. Here I am today, another chapter in the hero journey, darkness to light. In our new home, in our life together. Yesterday, as some people arrived at the farm to see one another and spent some quieter time with the farm and the animals here, I kept shaking my head, wondering if this is really my life now, if it could really be so different, so rich.
There was Maria, this wonderful human being I love so dearly, in her element, poring over artworks, placing them, moving them, labeling them, calling me every five minutes to ask me if this should go here, this should go there, but never listening to what I said. Curating an art show is Maria in her glory, Maria in her life, I learned at the risk of my life to leave her alone as she made her decisions, decided where things should go, how much they ought to cost.
Our new friends and neighbors have descended like a loving cloud, in a small town you are never alone, never forgotten. They cleaned up the yard, brought extra chairs, moved firewood, helped with notecards, are coming still to help people find things, clear paths, help disabled people park. Our friend and neighbor Jack Macmillan showed up on Thursday with his weed-whacker and started his busy day trimming the weeds and bushes. Our friend Lisa Dingle stayed over, up till midnight with me stuffing notecards into envelopes. Jennifer Bowman from the Open Group arrived on the day of her publication of her first work on Amazon, her launch as a professional writer. Members of the Open Group came from all over the country to meet one another, take photos, make sketches. Jill all the way from Seattle, Kate from New Hampshire, Donna from the Jersey Shore, Deborah from her beloved Bucks County with her beautiful photos to sell in the studio, more people perhaps, than I can remember. I don’t think I know where the other Deb is from.
Today, people from all over – Canada, North Carolina, Boston, Chicago, San Diego, they are already here, at rooming houses, visiting the bookstore, there are sightings all over town. They will be at the farm soon, visiting Maria in her studio, meeting Simon, watching Red do his ancient and magical work.
My animals love the Open Houses, are a seminal part of them. Flo chose various laps to try out, she will be a happy cat today, far from her secret life in our woodshed. Simon reveled in his element, he understands what Open Houses and visitors mean – attention, carrots, photo ops. Lenore and Red fan out to greet everyone, Red is transformed in the pasture, showing off his remarkable gifts and skills. They come to the Battenkill Bookstore to meet Connie, to the Round House to meet Scott Carrino, to the Ginofor Gallery to meet George (who is coming today and tomorrow to do portraits for people.)
Look where we are today, how many riches, how much love and connection. This morning, I will meet some visitors at the Round House Cafe and try and persuade Scott to come and sing for us on Sunday. I think he will do it.
Standing by the farmhouse, watching this scene unfold, I turned to Lisa. “Did I do this?,” I asked quite sincerely. “Am I responsible for this.” Lisa could not know of those lonely years at my beautiful Bedlam Farm. No friends. No Maria, no neighbors coming by, I didn’t allow it. I was living in a moat, falling into darkness. No looking back for me today, I am living in this moment, this beautiful and miraculous place in time. This morning, I am letting Maria sleep as long as she will, I was up early, well before the sun. As the sun rose, Red and I came outside to check on the sheep, I was struck by the beauty and symmetry of the place, opening it’s arms to the world to share our good fortune.
A good life is not about money in the bank, it is about hearts that are full, connections that are made, spirits that are open. Today we will hope to make a joyful noise to the world. It has already begun.