“A line is a dot that went for a walk.” ~Paul Klee Swiss Artist 1879-1940 I first saw this quote on a magnet in the gift shop at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. last October. I really liked the quote–enough to buy a magnet that I knew probably wouldn’t get any use. But, I wanted to […]
I hadn’t planned to write a post today as I’m feeling sad and a little mopey about Maud. While I’m happy she’s not suffering anymore, I miss her. I keep thinking I need to take her for a little walk, give her medicine, or look in on her. I miss Maud’s presence. I’ve spent a lot of time with Dash over the course of the day, figuring he may be somewhat confused by Maud’s absence. Plus, I needed to be around him more as well. It’s been a sunny, beautiful day on Green Hill Farm, and Dash and I have taken full advantage of it by going on two, long walks. On our jaunt around the pastures, I noticed both the sheep and chickens basking in the warmth, enjoying the spring weather. A sight that offered solace. This afternoon, I was running a tiny bit late feeding the barn cats and collecting eggs–just feeling a little off, I guess. Anyway, I walked into the barn, and “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is A Season)” by The Byrds was playing on the radio. I don’t know if you’re familiar with the song, but the lyrics, except for the title which is repeated throughout the song, and the final verse of the song, are adapted almost word-for-word from Chapter 3 of the Book of Ecclesiastes, set to music and recorded in 1962. “To everything (turn, turn, turn) There is a […]
A little over a year ago, my dear friend and talented artist, Donna Tuten graciously invited me to paint at her art studio at 202 Market Square in Downtown Roanoke, Virginia. She suggested that I bring a photograph of a painting I admired, and she’d give me a mini art lesson. We would also have lunch and visit. It sounded […]
“Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” ~Benjamin Franklin
“In the end, only kindness matters.” ~Jewel Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! With love from all of us at Green Hill Farm, Scott, Tonya, Maud, Dash, Clementine, Finn, Olive, Churchill, and all of the sheep and chickens ********************** Thanks so much for following Fourth Generation Farmgirl!
It’s been a month since Maud’s last update, and I’m happy to share that she’s progressing very well. Maud has had three visits with the vet for follow-up testing over the past month, and she’s gotten good reports each time. We’ve decreased her prednisone dosage, and thankfully, her platelet and red blood cell counts have climbed. We’re hearing A LOT more howling, […]
Hope Is The Thing With Feathers ~Emily Dickinson Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all, And sweetest in the gale is heard; And sore must be the storm That could abash the little bird That kept so many warm. I’ve heard it in the […]
Life isn’t perfect. It’s not supposed to be. It’s supposed to be REAL: a messy “learning lab” of experiences, mistakes, and practicing our ability to reflect on all of it—hopefully cultivating a positive outlook. An outlook that creates a meaningful, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind life. A life we can share by loving and uplifting others…..and, ultimately, ourselves. So, here’s the thing: […]
I haven’t heard a howl in over a week now, and I miss it. I wouldn’t have thought I’d say it, but I do. Most of the time, I’m busy saying, “TOO LOUD, Maud–SSHHH!” Maud is our 10-year-old, bluetick hound dog. She is quite a character: comical, loving, determined, sweet, uncouth, whimsical, loyal, charming….. and LOUD. Maud is a hound, […]
“Live on The Good Side, The Bright Side, The True Side Of Everything!” ~Christian D. Larson This sunflower is a volunteer in our garden. It sprang up right under the bird feeder which is filled with sunflower seeds. I’ve actually tried numerous times to grow sunflowers in my garden to no avail, but there was no stopping this little upstart. […]
My name is Tonya, and I grew up on a 300-acre farm in rural Virginia that has been in my family for over 100 years. After graduating from college, receiving my master’s degree in speech and language pathology, and living and working in a small city for six years, I decided to return to the place of my childhood. Here, in this rural area, on this patch of green, where for four generations my family has farmed, gardened, and lived, I, too wanted to be a part of this continuity. As a fourth generation farmgirl, I have many interests that not only include, but also go beyond the basics of farming, gardening, sheep and chicken-keeping. It is all of this and more that I plan on sharing in this blog.
fourth generation farmgirl 