Bedlam Farm Blog Journal by Jon Katz

11 June

True Maria Story. The Artist And The Crow And The Tree

by Jon Katz

The story of Maria and her new Crow Fabric Painting (not named yet) is compelling. It is about an artist struggling with an original idea.

Most of Maria’s work has no precedents; she has to create it all by herself and with her incredible imagination. Maria loves all trees, especially the vast and dying maple in the backyard across from her studio. She chats with them often out in the woods and reads Thomas Merton’s essays about them.

For a long time, she’d seen crows crowing way up at the top. She honored the tree with a piece of art and included the crow right from the beginning. The crow was very important.

She did it and redid it a dozen times and was deliriously happy when she finally got the crow she loved – it took a while.

As her partner, I was captivated by Maria’s creation and encouraged her to share its story. So we did a video together this afternoon. Art is not a hobby for her; it’s her identity. She is an artist all the time.

The video is a testament to this. The artwork still needs to be fully completed.

She has a few small things to add and still needs to put the backing in.

Every piece of art has a story; it’s important to tell it.

After the usual fussing about the price, she decided on $400. The measurement is 25 by 45. If you have any questions about the piece, or wish to buy it, you can e-mail her at [email protected].

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Zip

11 June

Zip Gets A Check Up And Shots. He Got A Straight A Plus, And Yes, He Was Pissed Off. We Made Up

by Jon Katz

Zip did not appreciate being lured into a cat container and hauled to the vet. But I did. It was a routine visit—worm pills and a rabies shot—and I asked a whole bunch of questions about taking care of a cat, knowing what to look for, and understanding some of their behaviors.

Bud’s got an A plus.

He weighs ten pounds, has a complete set of teeth, and looks great (he might have had a gum swollen a bit in one of his assaults). His coat was great. She said he was very well cared for.

The diagnosis was, “He looks just great.” keep on doing what you are doing.”

The vet said Zip had a wonderful disposition, appeared exceptionally intelligent, and had all the traits and marks of a great barn cat.

The vets in the country know about barn cats and do not believe it is cruel to let them sleep in barns or heated cat houses and feast on rodents and moles.

She shook her head. “He’s a barn cat,” she said.

The vets ask that the barn cats be vaccinated and checked once or twice a year or whenever they can be caught. We have been tossing treats into the cat carrier for weeks, and Zip runs in without hesitation.

He was not happy when we closed the little gate.

Zip wanted nothing to do with me for an hour or so, but he showed up at the regularly scheduled time of our daily meeting. All was forgiven. We hugged like soldiers home from the wars.

I told the vet that I wanted to make sure that some of the dumb diagnoses I received in my mail were BS and that I was doing right by Zip. No, she said, you didn’t miss anything. Zip is a healthy cat and is obviously very well cared for.

There is absolutely no problem, she said, that I can see.

I told her that Zip was the first cat I was this attached to this much, and I wanted to do it right.

“Nice,” she said, “You are doing it right.” Good to hear.

When we got into the examing room, Zip hid in a corner. It did no good.

I need the correct spelling for our clinic’s lovely and competent new vet. Once I can spell it right, I’ll put it up. Zip’s attitude is shown on the scale. His heart is strong.

All is forgiven; Zip arrived on time for our daily 4 p.m. meeting outside. There are no hard feelings. I took another selfie. He was tired, so he curled up and went to sleep. Vaccination shots also make dogs sleepy.

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Maria

11 June

A Jon And Maria Selfie

by Jon Katz

I’ve taken a whole bunch of Zip and Jon selfies, so it was past time to take one with the human being I love most in the world. She was up for it. I love Maria’s smile. I rarely smile, I am told, and I think that’s true. But she brought out one of me; it’s impossible not to smile around her. She took the selfie.

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The Cambridge Food Pantry

11 June

Sarah’s Cambridge Pantry Plea, Monday, June 11: Friendly Diapers ($8.98), Roast Ground Coffee ($17.55). See What You Sent Last Week

by Jon Katz

Our decision to support the Cambridge Pantry is crucial for the Army Of Good. It directly impacts the lives of hundreds of children and their families, ensuring they can eat nourishingly and healthily. This initiative sheds light on the alarming hunger problem in America, the wealthiest country in the world.

It also provides an opportunity for people across the nation to make a difference and experience the joy of giving in a time of adversity and harshness. That is something that unites, not divides. All kinds of people with all sorts of opinions are contributing. Bless them all.

Our statement is not just a statement; it’s a testament to the American tradition of compassion and empathy for the poor and people in need. Your support for this idea has been instrumental in its success, exceeding all expectations. America is all about this, and we are grateful to be a part of it.

For me, doing good is not just a selfless act; it’s a selfish one. Knowing that I’ve positively impacted someone’s life is a source of immense personal satisfaction.

I love the idea that just a few dollars —$8.98—can provide health and comfort 20 times to a baby, and $17.55 can give coffee to struggling parents and older people for weeks every morning. This is one of those items that disappears immediately. The pantry is out of it. Down below, a partial parade of the things that came to them from you.

Today, I received this new request from the Cambridge Pantry Director, Sarah Harrington. Coffee is a necessary way for many people to start the day. And diapers are not an optional thing. Mothers and fathers need them.

Sarah’s first request is for Pura Size 5 Eco-Friendly Diapers, Hypoallergenic, Soft Organic Cotton, Sustainable Comfort, 12 Hours Leak Protection, Allergy UK, one pack of 20 diapers,$8.98.

The second is one of the most popular items on the Mansion shelves. The pantry is out of it.

It is Seattle’s Best Coffee Post Alley Blend Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 12 Oz Pags (Pack of 3), $17.55.

Both of these items and others you might choose to purchase can be found here.

Last week, the Army of Good saved the day on a number of essential items: Dish Detergent, above…

Beef Ravioli, which the Pantry ran out of quickly.

Prego Parmesan and Romano cheese and tomato sauce. People were pleased to see them back on the shelves. Thanks once more, Army of Good.

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My Life

11 June

Photo Journal, Tuesday, June 11, 2024: From Bedlam Farm. We Have The Right To Be Happy. So Do You.

by Jon Katz

“So many beautiful things to see in Maria’s videos. I love how Fate watches Maria closely, waiting for “Get the sheep!” The sheep and donkeys seem to love the routine; it’s soothing to watch them head for the pasture, Zinnia and her happy self running around, and Zip and his happy self watching all that’s going on. It’s a beautiful life!” – Karla, Blog Reader.

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Karla’s appreciation for Maria’s Monday video is not just a pleasant viewing experience, it’s a deep connection. It’s a reflection of our own lives, with all its imperfections and joys. We acknowledge the challenges we face, but we also recognize the privilege of being in our own little paradise.

We believe we have the right to be happy and hope to inspire others to find their own happiness. That is the point of Maria’s work and, hopefully, mine. It’s not just about watching, it’s about feeling and living the experiences.

(Photo above, Zinnia in the stream, a happy girl.)

Karla’s words beautifully capture the essence, promise, and aspiration of bedlamfarm.com.

Zip resting on my knee. He makes me happy.

While I have not always consistently upheld its purpose, I am very much on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Karla’s insight encapsulates the very soul of the farm — of Maria, me, the donkeys, the dogs, and the farm itself.

Despite the tension, chaos, and division surrounding us and others, we stand firm in our pursuit of happiness and our insistence on doing good rather than fighting, arguing, and hating.

We hope our story can inspire anyone reading this to find their own happiness amidst their challenges, and their compassion for others.

Being happy does not mean being oblivious. We know where we are and what is happening around us, and we will both be gone from here one way or another, one day or another. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find happiness and share it now. That is what Maria’s video, the farm, and the blog are about at the core.

Thanks, Karla, for feeling that and sharing that idea of happiness.

This morning was gray yet beautiful. I took Zinnia and Fate for a walk back to the woods. I saw a lot of happiness, peace, and beauty this morning, and I wanted to share it with you. Come along if you can.

Today, I’m going to the food pantry to take pictures of the new truck unloading produce and food from the pantry distribution center. Pictures give me and hopefully you a special feeling for this special place.

Maria volunteers to help get food on the shelves. Then I’m back home to take Zip to the vet for a routine check. I’ll share the results.