Bedlam Farm Blog Journal by Jon Katz

22 May

Blog Support. Camera Support, Computer Support, Life Support, Good Deeds Support

by Jon Katz

Today, I’m asking for support for myself, the blog, and payment for my work.

A few years ago, I realized that my great and risky blog adventure would only succeed if I had the financial support of those who find value in my work and are willing to voluntarily support it. There would be no more royalty checks or fat contracts. I was out on my own.

So far, so good. But times change, and many people are under pressure.

I’m one of them.

The blog is essential to many people, and I am eager to keep it going and improve it with your help. It’s free to you, but not to me.

I don’t charge for or watermark photos, posts, or the blog; all contributions are voluntary. However, I need some help to afford the cost of taking these photos and maintaining the blog, the farm, and our good deeds.

Support for the Mansion, the Food Pantry, and the refugee children are potent examples of the good we can do. I want to do that and more.

I’m asking for help as I enter a complex and expensive period.

My blog, cameras,  and computer are central to everything I do. I need to make sure they are powerful and versatile enough to carry the weight I put on them.

 

 

My computer is getting a new hard drive early next month. It will cost eight hundred to nine hundred dollars, but it will spare me having to buy a new computer for at least a decade if I live that long. I’ll be offline for three days.

I have two valuable cameras whose warranty has expired and that I need to insure. That will cost at least a few hundred dollars, perhaps more,  but will ensure that if the cameras are lost, broken, or stolen, I can replace them—otherwise, no more flower photos, at least no more like the ones I am publishing.

I have also paid over $2,000 to update the blog and make it accessible to people who want it mailed. I  also disconnected from a costly credit card option that cost more in fees than I was earning.

If you value the blog in any way—thought-provoking, amusing, stimulating, entertaining, uplifting—please consider supporting my work. I believe in being paid for it, even though I won’t ever charge for it. But I do need to be paid somehow for the work I do.

I cherish the work of the Army of Good, but it is essential that the blog and my computer function reliably and well into the future. For this work to happen, I need help. I’m good at raising money for good causes, but I need to be good at raising money for myself.

You can follow the different ways to make voluntary payments here and others listed below.

I depend on your support if you appreciate what I do and find it helpful or useful.

It’s an essential time for me, and I need to invest in the blog and provide the level of thought, images, contemplations, and animal life I’ve been producing so far. The blog is living up to its potential—a creative, welcoming, and safe place to think, learn, and grow.

I’m sure you know that beyond this, the blog is the story of a life, a marriage,  of aging and growing and learning to be authentic. It’s a radical new kind of virtual memoir.

You can support the blog in many ways. One is to pay a weekly, monthly, or annual donation.  One-time donations are welcome in any amount. You can learn about that here.

Another option is to donate once or monthly via Paypal, [email protected], or by Venmo, Jon-Katz@Jon-Katz-13 (one-time only.)

Additionally, you can donate by check, Jon Katz, Blog Support, P.O. Box 205, Cambridge, N.Y., 12816.

Thanks so much for listening.

22 May

Sarah’s Choice For Cambridge Pantry Kids Today: Toothpaste For Hygiene, And Nutritious Black Beans For $1 A Can

by Jon Katz

Pantry Director Sarah Harrington focused on hygiene and tooth health today. The pantry is running out of toothpaste for children and customers. She always searched for the best food at the lowest price to help us get food they couldn’t order or afford. She’s done it again.

(Above, Sue Preece, an invaluable volunteer who diligently stocked shelves and played a crucial role in pantry operations.)

Today’s choice is Colgate Max Fresh Whitening Toothpaste with Mini Strips, Clean Mint Toothpaste for Bad Breath, Helps Fight Cavities, Whitens Teeth, and Freshens Breath, 6.3 Ounce (Pack of 4,$13.70)

I’m sure anyone reading this grasps the importance of toothpaste; they don’t need a speech from me. This is one of the very important requests.

 

Yesterday, Sarah found one of Amazon’s most significant deals, Happy Belly Black Beans, 15 Ounce (Pack of 1), for $1.

According to the Mayo Clinic, black beans are one of the healthiest foods for babies and young children. We can still take advantage of this price: one dollar for one can of black beans.

To buy these foods or any others, you can go to the Amazon Cambridge Food Pantry and see the items on their wish list, which is updated daily.

22 May

Bedlam Morning. Heat Wave, Issachar Wants Some Attention, Blocking Out The Sun, Windowsill Beauty, Green Spring

by Jon Katz

It was hot this morning, and the bugs were out in full force. Maria hung fabrics over the windows to lock the sun. Issachar loves Maria and comes to her for some comfort.

 

Windowsill gallery, blocking the sun, 90 degrees at 10 a.m.

Beautiful Spring, South pasture, below, the greenest Spring

 

22 May

Zip As The Joker. It’s Possible

by Jon Katz

I got up early and went outside with my camera this morning. I saw Zip stirring in the wicker chair, so I snapped a photo, thinking it might be a cute morning shot of him waking up. It wasn’t until I looked at the computer that I saw the expression on his face.

I don’t know, really, what it suggests. It might have been the end of a yawn or the face of his devilish nature, but  I couldn’t help but think it evoked the Joker in the Batman movies. You are welcome to offer your interpretations. Zip is capable of just about anything.

Email SignupFree Email Signup