Bedlam Farm Blog Journal by Jon Katz

7 November

Flower Art, Thursday, November 7. Got My Hands On Some Callas Today, My Favorite Flowers: They’ll Be Living Inside The Farmhouse. Several Cameras Went To Town On Them. Come And See

by Jon Katz

Calla Lilies are my favorite flowers to photograph. I bought two indoor kits with four plants that like light inside. They had already seduced me; I was in love. I took out all the photo guns today: the Leica mirrorless SLR, the Iphone Pro Max 16 camera, the 100 mmm macro lens, and the 205 macro lens. One of them will have to leave by the end of the month.

You might recall the war of the Calla spelling. My Dyslexia read it differently, and I kept writing Carra and not noticing the difference. This upset many people on Facebook, where minding other people’s business is a world sport, correcting people which is puffing up small people. I disclosed my Dyslexia (again), and the word police fled.

I never thought of doing this myself, but it is great fun. I was sensitive about my Dyslexia because most of my teachers in elementary school thought I was dumb and said so repeatedly. I’m out now, and it’s pretty liberating.

The Calla battles were distressing to me. I never liked being called stupid. Nobody had heard of Dyslexia back then. Sometimes, I get letters mixed up. I don’t always see them the way others do. Some new software has helped me with the problem.

I’m grateful to my Callas.

The spelling issue combined two of social media’s worst traits: minding other people’s business and cruelty. I finally learned to delete the stuff, and they went off to mind someone else’s business. This was a landmark event; my blog became a safer, more excellent place, and I became a safer, likable human. I have come to love the flowers.

I confessed that I didn’t care about the spelling; I was interested in the flower. At heart, I’m a photographer and writer, not a gardener. Reading a book on Georgia O’Keeffe, she said she always told people like that to get lost, and they did. So I did, and they did. I’m thrilled to have the Carra lilies back in front of my camera and spend the winter in the care of the Windowsill Gallery right in the morning sun. I will take good care of them and plant them in the bed in Spring. I have a wonderful gardener living with me, and I’ll keep a close eye on them. There are four.

I look forward to seeing you in the morning; I’m home all day.

Beautiful shapes and forms.

My favorite photos to photograph.

Zip is always there to sit with me when I take photos outside.

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Sue Silverstein's Art Class

7 November

Sue Silverstein Is Out Of The Hospital, Her Students Are Happy, She’ll Be At Work Next Week, If I Know Her

by Jon Katz

“Note: Sue was released from the hospital last night (Thursday) and is home and well, and plans to be back at school soon; she is hard to keep down, and tough as nails. Her kids sent me this get-well card, and she would welcome your thoughts and comments, as well as some acrylic paint and inexpensive canvases, which are easy to get on Amazon. I’ll send some along; it might make a nice greeting for her and any discarded objects (see below) for her students. She also loves to get e-mail – see below. You can send get-well cards or objects (or paint or canvases) to Sue Silverstein, 2600 Albany Street, Schenectady, N.Y., 12304. Sue is famous for taking care of other people but not herself. Let’s show her how much she means to all of us. Paint and art supplies are always what she wants. Her students have (see above.) Sue is the best human being I know. Get well, my friend; you are missed and loved. – Jon Katz.”

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—News from the Art Room – Special Blessings

Fall has been interesting. (That’s a super great big fat understatement.) In my personal life, I wrote a little bit last week about my car, which has been handled beautifully by my insurance agents. They really are like good neighbors (hint) and have been there every step of the process. SOOOOO, my car got hit while visiting someone who was ill, and then I got sick. One week later, I ended up with emergency abdominal surgery and am still sitting in the hospital.

The hospital staff have been amazing. They fixed me in time to avoid significant issues that were about to take over. God has a plan. The students from NDGB have been sending notes and cards all week. The other teachers and staff have been sending nonstop messages of support via text, email and phone.

My family has been here nonstop. I am blessed. I would, however, like to be done, for a little bit anyway, with emergencies. Then I feel guilty because this is nothing compared to some. We have spent a lot of time talking about the goodness of people. No matter what happens in the world there is a core fire of love that cannot be extinguished. Of this I am certain. People, old people, young people, rich and poor people, only want to help others. They do so every day and will not stop doing so.

I am hoping to return to school next Tuesday to get right back into the projects we have going, especially the holiday things in progress. Just remember, even the Grinch could not steal joy.

If you have extra stuffing for pillows around the house, it goes fast during gift-making seasons! We always seek donations for anything you feel could be made into something new! Rolled gauze, wire, glassware, canvas, art supplies, heavy foil, pinecones, glue sticks, seashells, sea glass, bottle corks, sandpaper, and wood.

I love hearing from you. My email is Sue_Silverstein@nd-bg.org

Have a blessed day!

Sue

ND-BG

2600 Albany Street

Schenectady, New York 12304

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The Cambridge Food Pantry

7 November

To The Army Of Good. You Are True Heroes This Week And I Need To Shout That Out To The World: THANK YOU!

by Jon Katz

This week, I presented unexpected challenges to the Cambridge Pantry. The usual crowd size was surpassed, and the shelves, including the women’s shelf and the regional food pantry’s delivery, were left bare.

The women’s shelves – tampons, pads, etc. – were empty, and the regional food pantry’s delivery was surprisingly small. It’s clear that our backpack kids might need breakfast cereal, and even the most popular and easy-to-make dinners like Ramen were gone. This underscores the urgent need for your support and involvement.

Sarah Harrington doesn’t rattle easily, but I could tell by the look on her face that she was a war race.

Later, she texted me: “Your people are amazing,” and said, “Please thank them for us.”

The pantry staff was worried about the Presidential election, as it understandably seemed to have taken up all the energy and attention in the country.

We understood that the public might be preoccupied with the Presidential election, potentially leading to distractions from other pressing issues.

We feared that the people who depend on us for food and other products would have nowhere to turn for some of the things they needed.

But the Army Of Good, true heroes, came through on every count.

The women have tampons and pads; the kids have healthy crackers, cereal, and many Ramen Noodles. People even send them lots of Tide Detergent.

The boxes came every single day. How lucky we are to have you.

Day after day, the Amazon truck pulled up—even on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Army of Good came through. Everyone who goes to the Pansion gets everything they need, a minor, maybe significant miracle.

I can’t thank you enough. I know you don’t seek or work for praise or recognition, but you deserve all those things. You got food and essential personal items in the pantry.

Just to let you know, you’ll stick with us for the long haul. “Your people are just amazing,” one volunteer opened those Amazon boxes.

Yep, Compassion lives right here on my blog and in those sacred packages. You brought a thousand smiles to people who don’t get to smile very often.

When people need help, you are there, and I am proud to be associated with you and grateful for all the good you have done. The 10 Refugee children in college right now because of your donations, the elderly citizens who have shoes, socks, and art tools because of you, and the members of the Food Pantry are so grateful for what you do.

You define the very idea of good.

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The Cambridge Food Pantry

7 November

Child Welfare: Cleanliness Day At The Food Pantry. Shapoo ($23.88 For Six) And Hand Soap, $7.74 (Pack Of Six)

by Jon Katz

Cleanliness is a perennial challenge for food-deprived parents who have to choose between shampoo and soap or food and dressings. Today’s choices are for health and cleanliness, good health, and the well-being of children.

We see people making those choices all the time.

(Above, volunteer Kyle. The volunteers at the Pantry keep it functioning, clean, and well organized.)

Parents often share with me the heartbreaking reality that if their children don’t appear clean and healthy at school, they can become targets for ridicule. Imagine the impact on a child’s confidence and self-esteem.

When we provide items like shampoo and hand soap, we’re not just offering hygiene but a sense of relief. This means parents can use their limited resources to buy fresh produce and desserts, a luxury they often have to forego. Cleanliness is one of those things the parents don’t ever let go of.

Please help if you can.

Softsoap Liquid Hand Soap, Fresh Breeze – 7.5 Oz (Pack of 6), $7.74.

Suave Kids 3-in-1) Body Wash, Shampoo and Conditioners, Dermatologist Tested, Watermelon Wonder, 18 oz, Pack of 6, $23.99.

Alberto VO5 Extra Body Voluminizing Shampoo, 15 Ox, $1.01.

(Voluminizing shampoos help hair appear thicker and fuller, especially for middle-aged and older people.)

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Just a reminder, you can browse and survey the Cambridge Pantry Amazon Food List any day of the week, day or night. Click one of the links here or use the green button at the bottom of every blog post.

I have learned that many people browse the site and make their own choices about what to send, which makes a huge difference.

What arrived yesterday from the Army Of Good.

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Beautiful Morning

7 November

Clouds And Wind, Even Some Sun. Thursday, November 7 Was A Beautiful Morning. I’m Planning On A Very Good Day.

by Jon Katz

It’s Thursday, and the world has not yet ended. I’m planning a hopeful, busy, and meaningful day. Today’s call from the food pantry is about shampoo and hand soap. Some people like to get a jump on it. Both are on the Wish List. Above, Zip insists on being first.