Friday, December 30, 2016

Ode To A Wwoofer A Photographic Account - Part Two


Since I've been practicing gratitude, all sorts of good things have come my way. The frog key ring and cat playing bookmark for example!

I have to recommend the wwoof system. If you're growing crops, vegetables or fruit organically or producing organic products there is a whole world wide website that connects travelers who want to come and help and learn. I have hosted quite a few wwoofers over the last 4 years. I must say I have loved every one. (That is apart from one who I loved at the time, from Reunion Island, but afterwards realized that she wasn't actually sound but no harm done).
Such a major mission, emptying the compost bin, flattening the ground and moving it and the leaf mould crate into situ. That was before debrambling the whole growing area perimeter



I learnt from my most recent visitors, Jordi and Ester, that there are only 7 vegan wwoof hosts in Ireland. They said they would only volunteer for a vegan operation. This was already like me and my Christmas shopping. I only want to buy things that are made ethically. I realized that I have never spent any length of time with really likeminded people before...making this 6 weeks perhaps the happiest I've ever spent at Harmony Hall.

I really loved their presence and it saved the day at times.  Jordi literally sorted out everything. It was funny to consider that at my place, he was the strong man but at the community garden, I am the strong one, called upon to dig, carry or cut carpet (don't ask!) Still, between us, I realized that everything really is possible and everything was solvable. That energy has been left around the house as a major legacy.




Having eaten the best apples ever we walked a few of the dogs at PAWS shelter. Other animal advocacy involved attending an Empy The Pounds parade, to promote adopting. We also translated a powerful and brilliant short story he wrote, that I am allowed to share and will do in another post of its own.   


The wwoofers also understood the extent of problems for animals, from strays to laboratories to farms and beyond. This was handy as I was already facing into the 2016 dog shelter tender problems. But perhaps I'll write in a separate blog about what's happening there. Suffice to say, public money in Ireland is not reaching the organizations that are accountable, skilled or interested in the task in hand.
The money goes to private companies who can prove they can extort further money from the contract, via exploiting the socially challenged group of people or animals they're enlisted to take care of.

To win the dog shelter tender, the applicant has to show that they already have two similar financial contracts. To try and attract that sort of money, the first idea we had was to do videos of the pigs, like Ester the Wonder Pig has done and raised hundreds of thousands towards a sanctuary. 

This was our first! 
Funny Pig Interview Video

In practical terms, Jordi achieved more in a few weeks than I could have imagined. Possibly a low point, although he didn't show it, was fitting a new catflap twice in 2 weeks (this is what happens if pigs come to the door and feel they should be able to come in too.


Front door with 6th catflap broken off by pesky pigs and gale force breeze blowing through


Low wall extension made from the exact amount of blocks I had around, with special door way for cats and dogs - modeled here by Gizmo


This was designed and built within a couple of days of their departure. One day it will be plastered in the ivory K-rend like the house and maybe some perspex on top or pallet planters as a sheltered growing space.

But it's already lovely with a little love heart door stop, set in concrete and two lots of hooks to deter persistent snouts

So many sunny autumn days to spend time with the menagerie


What a labour of love. One statement was 'To do that willow you need 3kg of passions' which was an entertaining angle from where I eventually realized he had said 'patience'

There was always time to say hello to the animals tucked into the hedge for sheltered sunbathing


The whole 250m or so fully woven, including arches!



I never dreamed I'd get the windows sanded, undercoated, glossed and cleaned inside and out this year!


I took several pictures as the whole house was tinged pink with the sunset. This also has the horse box in, in Magic's paddock. This was another incredible dream come true. I pictured a bale of hay in there for Magic to nibble away on ad lib. But the bale was 10 inches too big. Then we pulled and sawed off 10 inches only to have it expand another 10 inches. Three whole hours at least at sub zero temperatures and after nightfall. Surely above and beyond the call of duty!

I can't get past the geometry and vibration of this place on evenings like that


Empty The Pounds Parade

Just before the temperatures dropped, the infrared heat lamp and all the other outdoor bulbs were installed!


Risking life and limb to paint the whole height of the stairwell. There had been two giant knobs that could be distinctly made out over the stairs and over the office - where the new stove's back boiler had over flowed. I felt there was a definite symbollocks to them as I had so many problems getting the stove installed and now the place is pristine and warm and Stanley functioning perfectly! Closer and closer we get to self sufficiency. What a Godsend Jordi was.
And I'm not joking when I say that he was sent by God! He actually found God when he was here and forgave us all our sins. Does it get anymore Christmassy than that?!

I have forgotten to mention loads of daily help and laughs and great meals but all I can say is, if you're trying to do something positive and environmental, join the wwoof website as a host. It is the way forward!



Saturday, December 24, 2016

Ode to A Wwoofer - A Photographic Account. Part One!

Ester and Jordi came to Harmony Hall for November and a bit of December of 2016. They made such a brilliant contribution that I thought I had better blog about what happened in that time. So much happened that I will start with Ester's input and do a whole separate one about Jordi. Suffice to say, life is so much fun when you're surrounded by like-minded people. We were all vegan, animal advocates and activists and that made the time a comfort zone and totally creative for all of us.

Following advice for a cosier arrangement for the sitting room!






Beautifully weeded drive - a labour of love!

A whole bedroom painted gold with one pot of paint - the feeding of the five thousand!


Leaves collected and composted from all over the place.




Sophie's confidence gained - something that not many achieve!

Left with me the habit of photographing meals - Christmas garlic mushrooms and sprouts

Sprouted chickpeas in vinaegrette and organic, mashed potato

Rocket salad and avocado - Locally grown ...a new Christmas Miracle

Baked Potato with sprouted chick pea hummus

Leeks, salad and raw hummus with spirulina (a handy addition if it's too lemony at first)




She also left me with the idea of comparing quality and brands of vegan products. I am not very discerning though, yet...all these are really good and I can't remember how much any of them cost. The right hand Suvervalu ones probably cost more than the Aldi ones on the left. But then you'd be more inclined to support a brand called 'Strong Roots' though, wouldn't you!

I learnt that nothing is ever fully broken. B&B guests smashed my sculpture into 8 pieces. But now it is back together and much improved with new outfits for the boat people and best of all...FACES!


So good at the faces that I asked her to give my angel a face too!


Endless entertainment from mixing our metaphors. Jordi early on described the government as "bees in wolves' clothing" This is Ester's interpretation of the scene. Think he might have meant 'wolves in sheep's clothing'!!

With Charlise Theron as a role model, a room was turned from bleak blue to Barley Gold. Thank God for Bryan as well, visiting a Woodies in Dublin to buy the last few testers in the great colour as it was end of line, out of stock and we still had a metre squared to do!

Advice taken on the arrangement of paintings in my bedroom. Always a good head for aesthetics!

I learnt that there is always time to stop and give an animal some love, a brush and take a photo

Cupid modeling unconditional love and sadness at their departure!

Thanks for everything and I know I haven't mentioned all the amazing things you got done here like the cleaning of all the internal doors - completely changes the place. The folding of all the linen and towels that make them look like new. The painting of the stairwell - the all-important feng shui 'health area' of the house - and all the willow work as well. In gratitude and friendship, Happy Christmas to all wwoofers out there!

If you don't know what a wwoofer is? Willing workers on organic farms, or world wide opportunities on organic farms... or something like that! Amazing system, can find out more on www.wwoof.ie
I have only ever had brilliant people come but this little 6 week, 2016 interlude was exceptional!

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

What IS the Answer to Health and Longevity

Is it love in your heart?

 

Is it gratitude?

 

 

Is it having enough? Feeling you are enough?


 

 

Is it eating well?

Taking exercise?

Purifying your water?

 

Eliminating chemicals?

 
Raw to retain minerals and vitamins. Organic to avoid chemicals





Shield yourself from the chem trailing?



Clearing your karma?

Is it peace of heart?

 

Is it a relaxed attitude?

Is it a praying/meditation practice


Making adjustments?


Attaining balance?


Breathing properly?


Avoiding high EMF




Hanging out with  high vibration people

 


Dancing Daily



Singing daily




Noticing Drama and refraining from joining in


Reflecting dispassionately



Knowing yourself

 

Holding on to your soul


Going with nature's flow



Or maybe faith and trust in something 

I think gratitude and love in your heart are the ones to cultivate on a moment to moment basis!

 Oh yes, beliefs in angels and giant orchids and lilies are important

So are your B vitamins, you Flower Remedies and Creativity...always have some clay around