“Grace is courage under pressure” - Ernest Hemingway
The last few years have changed the landscape for everyone.
The majority of farms are now shut down and in their absence is a loss of community and support. Morale and motivation are low. Business and personal relationships have broken down. Stress is high and finances are strained.
It's heavy in the air like fog. It brings out the true nature of every person and that's often the most difficult part to acknowledge.
As difficult as it is for me to navigate through this without direction, I haven't had the heart to bring myself to let my gardens go. Even when I'm feeling exhausted as the workload increases.
Aside from being really tough and adaptable in any situation, that's not what keeps me coming back. I continue with my head up high because I was given a gift with cultivation that doesn't require a lot of thought on my part.
I make magic out of dumpster fires. I move effortlessly through my plants, making it look easier than it actually is. It's difficult for me to teach at times as I have to think backwards to explain how and why I do what I do. I don't follow any books or rules. It's all instinct.
It's the only place in the world where I'm completely myself and confident in everything I'm doing. I don't second guess anything I do.
Over and over again, my gardens rise to the challenge and often exceed my expectations. New genetics blowing up in color and smell time and time again. Regardless of what the industry might be doing or how much pain I might be experiencing in the process of change, my plants keep pushing through.
I believe that's what courage looks like. Graceful beauty even under extreme pressure.
