There is really nothing separating Maria’s artistic life from her other lives – a wife, animal and farm worker. She is usually the first one in the barn to grab some hay after she visits with the equines and grooms them. She is wearing her imported French plastic boots – $8 in a local consignment shop – her favorite green hoodie and the various gypsy and layered dresses she finds in various thrift shops. Quite often, she wears her wedding dress out to the barn.

In the barn, she is always working on her fabulous Fiber Chair, an evolving work of art. When we met, I figured out the hay portions and carried them outside, now she is more apt to do that while I fumble around, taking photos and shoveling manure. The barn is, in so many ways, an artist’s chapel, it is so full of colors and shapes and smells and sizes. Maria knows every inch of it, it is a kind of studio for her.

Minnie is usually up at the top of the hay pile, and they chat with one another, there is often a chicken or two laying an egg on a pile of hay or pecking for food in the rear. I love the way the light makes it’s way into the barn. I love seeing how Maria always keeps herself in the present, her life and soul as an artist, no matter what she is doing. I joke often to her that she doesn’t quite fit the farm wife bill. Even though she can handle just about any chore or repair or animal crisis that pops up. Yesterday, the donkeys and pony got into the back yard, where the dogs are usually kept.

I kept trying to get them out, waving my arms and shouting orders as men are taught to do. Maria went into the house, got a carrot and said “let’s go, equines,” and all four of them marched happily out of the yard. I am losing my touch. She is getting hers.

She looks like an artist in a barn.

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This Weekend

The Vermont Knitting Mill called to say the wool from our sheep has been converted into yarn and roving. We are going to get it this weekend, Maria will sell it before Christmas.

Tonight

Tonight, we’re going to see the town Christmas parade, then going to the Round House Cafe for pizza and music.