Bedlam Farm Blog Journal by Jon Katz

15 May

Chapter Two, “Sweet Dreams” Quilt, A Creative Tale. “It Was Just Not Right.” It Is Now. Come And Listen

by Jon Katz

Living with an artist can be a roller coaster at times, a soap opera at others, or a wonderful insight into how creativity really works, the part that most art lovers never get to see but which is an integral and fascinating part of my life.

This beautiful quilt has already lived several lifetimes, and the drama seems to be over, with a very happy ending. Along the way…well, that’s for another time. This is a wonderful peek into the creative mind and a little movie about why I love Maria so much. She is honest about everything, especially her art.

Something is always happening around her; the yellow studio is always swaying in the wind or jumping up and down, and it is always a treat to see it close up. Come along.

For Chapter One of the Quilt story, go here.

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The Mansion

15 May

Sharon Thanks You, So Do I!

by Jon Katz

Sharon thanks you, and so do I. A poet and resident at the Mansion, she will soon be living in a different facility where they can deal with the severe illnesses confronting her. I’m still determining where she is going or where, and because of Hippa, I won’t be told anything either. But I brought Sharon her new Android tablet to replace the one that broke down a few days ago.

Sharon says she spends 90 percent of her life on her tablets, researching her illness and talking to her family. Her poetry has been published in a dozen or more magazines, and I hope she has the opportunity to continue writing. Last Friday, I asked for help in getting enough money for a first-rate tablet, and I got enough and more. The overage goes to Sharon and into the Mansion Fund, which could use the money.

Your generosity overcame her, and I am, too. Thank you, this one got deep into my heart. Bless the Army of Good, now and forever. It is so much better to do good. Godspeed Sharon, thanks for our friendship.

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The Cambridge Food Pantry

15 May

Sarah’s Pantry Choices For Tuesday: Products, Not Food: Diapers ($8.98) and Tide Detergent ($6.99)! Help If You Can.

by Jon Katz

I put some tulips on top because the day here is cloudy and gloomy. The tulips brightened me up.

Today, Sarah is eager to receive two notoriously hard-to-find products: Tide liquid detergent and Purae Size 6 Eco-Friendly diapers. Both are important.

Number one: Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent, Hygienic Clean Heavy Duty, Original Scent, 21 Loads, 34 fl.oz., $6.99.

Number Two: Pura Size 6 Eco-Friendly Diapers (29+ lbs), Chlorine-Free, soft Organic Cotton, Sustainable up to 12 Hours of Leak Protection, Allergy UK, 1 Pack of 18 diapers, $8.98.

(Above, Pantry Director Sarah Harrington, in a cold room.)

I’ll never forget the look on one of the pantry mothers’ faces when she saw some Tide sitting on a shelf. “That’s what I always used, ” she said, ” and I miss it.” Hopefully, she’ll have it again in a few days as we respond to Sarah’s request. And thanks again and again.

You can browse Cambridge Pantry’s new Amazon Wish List, updated daily at any time.

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Bedlam Farm Journal

15 May

Bedlam Farm Journal, Wednesday Morning, May 15, 2024. Chess Game, Zip Waiting, Grazing, Swimming, Etc.

by Jon Katz

It’s a rainy, cloudy day. I’m going to the Mansion shortly to bring Sharon her computer tablet, and thanks again for your donations.

There was an overage of $400, and I’ll spend most of it on helping her get the things she needs in her new home. Any money left will go to the Mansion fund. I hope to take a picture of her with the new Android tablet so you can see what you did.

I’m blessed to have the Army Of Good right here alongside me.

The Cambridge Food Pantry’s list has disappeared, and Tide detergent is on the list, which is always in great demand and short supply. I’ll post about that shortly. I spent some time outside with my Monochrome camera; it felt like a black-and-white morning, starting with Zip and ending with a dining room still life.

One of the lovely new things in my life is my friendship with Ian McRae, whom I met as our shearer but who is not one of my closest and most welcome friends.

Ian is not only an accomplished poet but also a warm, intelligent, and kind friend. We play chess once a week (on Saturday, he’s coming to shear our sheep). Last night, we called a draw on two games; I lost the third and won the fourth. It’s great fun; we love playing chess and calling one another a loser. (men, of course.)

Zinnia begins every day with a swim. It’s never too cold for her.

The animals were grazing in the rain.

Still life, tulips, and our still-hanging Christmas angel.

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Flower Art

14 May

Tonight’s Show, Orchid Sun And Wildflower Beauty. Hurry Up For The Best Seats. Admission Free.

by Jon Katz

We were out much of the day on errands and helping friends. Sharon’s computer tablet arrived early today, and I’ll bring it to her tomorrow. I have a meeting at the Mansion tomorrow; there is a request for the residents to paint and wear T-shirts during the July Fourth Festival. They need help getting the T-shirts. We’re going to talk about it.

The economy has changed in the past few years, and affordable things are now expensive. The money at hand has shrunk, quite understandably. I want to ensure I can help the people in greatest need.

So I’ve asked for a meeting at the Mansion to see how we can affordably make the T-shirt request without spending a lot of money and leaving someone in serious trouble without help. Walmart comes to mind. That’s where I went last year.

But more and more, I have to make choices. I’m up to that.

The Army of Good is doing everything it can ask for. I have no complaints, and I won’t ask for money beyond emergency clothing, etc., or a crisis like Sharon’s and the excellent work for the Cambridge Food Pantry.

I and hundreds of excellent and hungry people are grateful for that.

The world changes, and I will change with it, not pretend it’s all the same. The Army of Good has been steadfast, always there when needed. I am nothing but grateful for their support.