A New Found Patriotism

I have never in my adult life considered myself to be a patriot.  In my public-school trained mind patriotism has always meant waving flags, pledging allegiances, supporting a government regardless of what they do and so forth.  This is not me.  I discovered something new, though, just the other night while my husband read the first essay from Wendell Berry's book "Sex, Economy, Freedom and Community".  These attributes that I have always seen as patriotism are actually nothing more than nationalism.  I also discovered that I am truly patriotic to our country.

By Popular Demand!

I've been holding out on y'all.  I've talked about storage projects, and greenhouse projects and all manner of other projects, but there is one I've been saving.  I wanted to save it until it was actually finished, but a dear friend of mine can't wait that long.  She wants to see the progress NOW!  So here it is in all of its unfinished glory:

The Dodeggagon

Feeling Blessed

It seems as if all of our decisions are blessed this spring! 

We determined this past winter to make an effort to reach out to our community more.  It's not as easy as it might seem.  For the 15 years we have lived in Tennessee we have primarily lived as "tethered nomads".  (In other words, having a "base camp" home that remains a part of your life but almost living other places.)  Living this way has had its pleasures.  We have met many interesting people and had some incredible experiences, but as a result, we know very few people who live close by.