Bedlam Farm Blog Journal by Jon Katz

5 June

Monochrome Images, All From Our Trip To Vermont. A Feeling Of Mystery And Spirit

by Jon Katz

I wanted a break from my normal routines, so I only took my Leica Monochrome, a special camera for special places. The first photo I took was of Maria (above) sketching in our AirNB. She always sketches when we are in a hotel or motel and when we are waiting in a doctor’s office. This image captures her creative spirit. See how it makes you feel.


On our way back from Northern Vermont, we stopped at a curious roadside shop. It was old, wooden, and mysterious, with hundreds of guitars hanging from the ceiling.  The owner shouted hello but was working in the back, we never saw him or spoke to him.

There were all kinds of old and imaginative, even haunting things, I took these photos and know nothing about any of them

I was tempted to bring one or two of these men home, but there is plenty of junk in my office, and in the house, we are trying to have less, not more. I love the feeling of black-and-white photography; monochrome is a soul capture. We walked all around this haunting store in an old general store. It was full of feeling and mystery.

There were hundreds of funky old things and hundreds of stringless guitars hanging from the ceiling. Perhaps the owner fixes them, strings them, and brings them back to life. We didn’t buy anything, but I hope to go back.

5 June

The Return Of Flower Art, Walking Into A Wildflower Dream. Bedlam Farm Journal, June 5, 2024

by Jon Katz

When I take these photographs, I imagine myself in a dream. Sometimes, I open and close my eyes a few times; I focus on one flower, often very small, and build the colors around it. Then, in my imagination, they become the community we all wish to have. Today, Maria brought me more wildflowers.

I love them; they touch my heart, soul, and imagination. Wildflowers seem so very real to me.

I’m just back from three days away with Maria. I’m glad to be back; I was happy to be gone. We were both tired and ready for some time off.

The wildflower touches me most deeply. If you wish, you can come along and dream with me. I am signing off tonight.

I follow the color and the light, which eventually envelops me.

I know when the sun will be on my face and directly behind the flowers.

 

I can almost hear these flowers singing.

That golden light caught my breath.

5 June

We Made It Home, Back To Manure And Wildflowers. My Computer Is In Wonderful Shape

by Jon Katz

Well, being back home means shoveling manure out of the pole barn after three days of absence. The second is passing along Sarah Harrington’s food requests for today. The third is going out and picking some wildflowers in the heat; I miss my flower pictures.

We went to Stowe, Vermont, a ski town. I didn’t like Stowe; it was crammed with wealthy people, and every ordinary person we met said they had been driven out of town by hedge funds and corporations taking over properties and pretending they were simple AirBnB’s.

Corporations in America are voracious; there is no limit to what they will devour.

We went there to bring my beautiful computer to a company called Mac Nurse. They said they would remove my hard drive and replace it with a new and more powerful one that would last a dozen years. Andrew did exactly what he said they would do in two days.

I may never have to repurchase a new computer. We ate very well and rested well, and rich people eat good food. Maria is surprisingly good at tech support. I really needed her this week, and she was right there, as always.

We really needed some days off. We stayed in an Airbnb, pretending to be a cozy Airbnb.

It’s 90 degrees here at the farm, in May, no less. The whole country is feeling the heat. I’ve got a lot to do, so I’m heading out now to take a few Flower Art photos. Maria went out to shovel manure and came in with a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers. I’m on it.

 

I am happy to be home, and so is Maria. I’ll get some Flower Art photos up and hopefully get to bed. It’s a beautiful drive through Vermont, but a long one. I’m pleased with the computer. It was a bit scary for me, but it was well worth the trip.

My computer is back in its rightful home. I owe it a lot. It is working perfectly and smoothly.

On my way out to water the sizzling gardens, I had to stop and get what I think is a baby begonia.

5 June

Sarah’s Triumph, Sarah’s Choices: Mashed Potatoes, $5.96 For 24, Rice Pilaf, $14.47, Pack Of 8

by Jon Katz

I was only gone for a few days, but Cambridge Pantry Director Sarah Harrington launched a Blitz fundraising campaign and snared a used, well-cared-for $30,000 truck in just a few days.

That’s good for her and good for the pantry. While picking up my renovated computer in Stowe, Vermont, Sarah, who never takes her eye off the ball,  messaged me and said her two choices of needed food for Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

First and foremost, I want to thank the Army of Good for their invaluable support in replenishing our Dish Cleaner and Breakfast juice supplies this week and over the weekend. Thanks to your generosity, the pantry shelves are now fully stocked with both. Your support has made a significant difference, and we are truly grateful.

Thank you all so much for your continued support.

Sarah, in her usual efficient manner, does not rest on  her laurels; she is hoping to get some help with two items she is currently out of and are needed:

The first is Betty Crocker Gluten Free, 100 % Real Potato Buds, 28 Oz, Pack of 6, $13,49.

The second is Zatarian’s Rice Pilaf, 6.3 Oz, Pack of 8. $14.47

You can donate other foods and projects on Sarah’s Amazon Cambridge Pantry Wish List here. Thanks again.

 

Your help is always vital, but it is even more critical this week than usual. Sarah was up to her neck in raising loan funds for her new truck. The truck is a great big deal for the pantry; it is the primary way food is collected and brought home. The existing truck was falling apart. We need your support now more than ever to secure the pantry’s health and future.

The truck goes a long way to help.

The odds were long, but Sarah raised the money. Good for her and good for you, Army of Good. I just got back into town, so I’m scrambling to get a lot of things done, but I had to get this up. Thanks for your help, and more later.

Please send some mashed potatoes and Rice Pilaf.

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