Late Autumn

The secret of life is to "die before you die" -- and find that there is no death. Eckhart Tolle

I am always amazed at the blaze of color in autumn, especially in New England. The garden is now put to rest. Malia has been busy raking leaves to define the pathways between beds and to gently cover the carrots as we await our first snow.

I have turned to baking and spinning wool near the pellet stove. We're cutting down trees. A group from our UU church helped stack wood for the farmhouse wood stoves so there will be warmth this winter.

And even as we prepare for winter, we talk about the next season, the next crop, spring's promise of tulips and crocuses.

Each autumn teaches us Tolle's lesson. As autumn passes and plants die, we have time for the quiet, reflective season of winter, and know that nature will again bring us spring.

I love winter. I spin, knit, read, and enjoy watching the snow fall.

And for today my heart is full with all of the blessings this life offers.

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Johnny

On dogs: "I am joy in a wooly coat, come to dance in your life, to make you laugh." Julie Church

Johnny is our joy, our little mascot in the garden, almost always happy, and he often dances for a treat. Johnny is a rescue cream-colored toy poodle from Indianapolis Poodle Rescue. He is named after Johnny Cash because he was a stray in Tennessee, a little guy who had received a few hard knocks. He is eleven pounds of love and sheer delight, inviting us to be in the moment with him and enjoying all that life offers.

And as far as laughter goes, I dare anyone to try not to laugh when Johnny attempts to herd the shetlands, all eleven pounds trying to make those five sheep go where he wants them to go. First they run, but after a while they realize this little pup is not a border collie and quit taking him seriously. One would think that would be a blow to his little ego, but I've watched him immediately give up the chase and plop himself in the meadow, with a wide open smile.

For Johnny the whole world is his playground.

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Summer Garden Photos

Late Summer in the Garden

"This was one of those perfect New England days in late summer where the spirit of autumn takes a first
stealing flight, like a spy, through the ripening country-side, and, with feigned sympathy for those who
droop with August heat, puts her cool cloak of bracing air about leaf and flower and human shoulders."
- Sarah Orne Jewett, The Courting of Sister Wisby, 1887

The red tomatoes are begging to be canned. We have many green ones also. Patricia is in the kitchen now putting up pesto to delight our senses in the winter months to come. October is the season, but the temperature is that of a late summer day. I'll bake bread in the coolness of the morning now and dream in the evening of wool to spin and knit into warm fuzzy things.

Here are some photos of summer in our garden. Malia is there now putting it to bed and preparing it for the winter months to come.

Yesterday Paul, Patricia, and Malia planted fall garlic. Wednesday Patricia planted tulip bulbs. We have life to look forward to when winter comes.

Denise

The Community of Friends

P
Paul, Patricia, and friends of Sunpoint Sanctuary












Friendship, like the immortality of the soul, is too good to be believed.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sunpoint Sanctuary is located in Derry, NH, on Old Chester Rd. The farm is at 33 Old Chester Rd, and was once the Grey Rock Farm. The Doolittle family has owned and lovingly cared for the farm for generations. Edith and Albert Doolittle cared for the land, for the village of Derry, and for all the souls of this earth in such a way that their spirit of love and gentleness is legend.

Last year they left this earth, Albert first, then Edith, after living to their 90's. Their hope was that the farm would become a sanctuary, a place where the earth and all its beings would be revered.

In that spirit, the sons of Edith and Albert, Paul, David, and Bob, hope that the land will pass on to those who wish to see their hope become reality.

Malia, Paul, Patricia, and I decided in 2007 to purchase a home together just up the road from the farm. We have become a community of friends.

And what a gift that has been. As we struggle in these difficult economic times to find funding for the Sanctuary, we also struggle to develop and foster our own and one another's spiritual growth and to lessen our footprint on the planet.

Currently we continue to meet each morning at 7 a.m. before we go off to our daily chores. We're working our way through A NEW EARTH by Eckhart Tolle, as I have mentioned before.

The beauty of the relationships we have formed has truly been beyond belief.

Denise

September

"In the garden, Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year, bringing us the fruition of months of thought and care and toil.
And at no season, safe perhaps in Daffodil time, do we get such superb colour effects as from August to November."
- Rose G. Kingsley, The Autumn Garden, 1905

Conversation around the kitchen table today centered around the garden: hopes for more ripe tomatoes, why the carrots taste so woody, what to do with so much corn.

The garden is ripe with produce and promise. And on our back deck the morning glories are bursting with color. Flowers seem to be reaching for the last rays of warmth and light, and so, are magnificent just before the end of their season in the sun.

Paul said, "They've got a deadline." And our garden is glorious in its attempt to reach it.

Life, today, is truly a miracle.

Denise

How easy

Many of the Sunpoint community of friends and neighbors continue to read and reflect on Tolle's writings.

After today's reading I reflected on how easy it is for me to focus on someone else's issues instead of my own. And do I ever have habits and behaviors to change.

Today, I am making the attempt to stay in the present and embrace the changes I know I need to make.

Denise

The Earth Charter

We are fortunate at Sunpoint Farm to be close to Boston, the ocean, and the mountains. We're about an hour away from each location. This photo is of Malia standing on the coastal beach of Maine in May.

When I stand at the beach and stare at the ocean, I often sense the interconnectedness of all the countries of the world.

In that vein I am posting a link to The Earth Charter. Just click on the link and go to the upper right of the home page to click on their link to the actual charter. Then spend some time reading about how it is being put into action across the world.

Denise

Pesto and tomatoes

Although most of our tomatoes are still green, we did get one magnificent red one. There's hope of more to come. These are heirloom tomatoes, and we hope to harvest the seeds to save over for future plantings.

Meanwhile, we have to clean out last season's food from the freezer to make room for this year's harvest.

Today was the day for veggie soup. Our yellow summer squash is overwhelmingly abundant. We had tomato juice in the freezer. And in the fridge was some of Patricia's magnificent pesto made from our enormous basil plants.

PESTO VEGETABLE SOUP

1 quart vegetable broth
1 quart tomato juice
4 medium leeks
4 large potatoes
3 small crookneck squash
1/2 pint pesto
2 stalks celery
3 carrots
salt and pepper to taste

Put broth , tomato juice, and pesto in pot.
Add chopped veggies, salt & pepper.
Cook until veggies are tender

Serve with garlic bread.

We gathered carrots, squash, leeks, and potatoes directly from the garden.

Of course, you can add any veggie that might be ripe from the garden. It's that fantastic pesto that makes the soup so flavorful.

Today we processed three quarts of peaches from the trees on the farm.

So, while we wait for more ripe tomatoes, we've got lots to fill our tummies.

Denise

Shedding Layers

like the tree I can lose myself
layer after layer
all the way down to infinity
and that's when the world has eyes and sees.
The whole world
loves the unlayered human.

Linda Hogan
"Rounding the Human Corners"

As I shed the layers of destructive thoughts and habits, I become close to the wisdom of nature.

Denise

Soggy Gardens

Are we in the midst of the effects of climate change? This summer we have experienced the effects of daily rains and thunderstorms. The neighboring commercial farm, J & F Farms, has been harvesting corn while slogging through mud. Sunnycrest owners have lost some of their fruit harvest because of too much rain.

On the other hand, the weeds in our strawberry patch seem to be thriving.

I hope that a few of our tomatoes turn red before the autumn freeze takes them.

I am reminded of the Carly Simon song from the 70's "Anticipation." Yes, that is where my mind is when it comes to red tomatoes.

I'm not sure what Ekhart Tolle would say about that. However, staying in the present, I'm still collecting green tomato recipes. If anyone has any, feel free to post!

Denise

A big thank you

Bob Conlon, who has an amazing way of turning the farm into something magical when seen through his lens, deserves a big thank you for taking most of the photos you see in this blog.

Thank you.

Denise

The ocean current and a strong paddler

A few months ago Malia and I went to Georgetown Islands and stayed at the Coveside B&B.

We decided to take the B&B's canoe for a trip to the cove next to the Inn. However, we had to pass through an area with a strong current. The innkeeper and two guests convinced us that it was only 100 yards or so and that we could make it through by just paddling hard. Afterwards we would be rewarded with a placid cove to explore.

Sure enough, we did have to paddle very hard to get through the narrow passage, but, as predicted we came upon a lovely cove with lobster boats and fishermen actively retrieving the morning catch.

Not long after entering the cove, however, the wind picked up, and we realized a storm was heading our way. We paddled as fast as we could, and by the time we returned to the narrows, the current was extremely strong. It was then that I realized that our situation might be quite dangerous because, even with the life jackets, the temperature of the water and then lack of a good place to go to shore meant that if we capsized, we might not make it.

Malia climbs mountains weekly and maintains a consistent exercise regimen. She was paddling and steering in the back of the canoe. Due mostly to her effort, as well as me giving it all I had, we arrived safely back into our home cove.

The unexpected will happen. That is a given. At that time it is important to remember to discern what is the situation and what we can do to get through it. It would have been dangerous for us, as we were paddling through the narrows, to have complained about the size of the waves or the coming storm. It would not have served us well to dwell on our own mistaken judgment about the safety of the situation. We had to deal with the situation immediately in order to reach safe ground.

Other difficulties in life may not be so easily understood. But determining what we can do with what life hands us seems to be a good idea.

And one more thing. When life throws us a curve, it sure helps to have a strong support in the back to help us paddle through the difficult times.

Thank you, Malia, for your consistent strength.

Denise

Sheep

I mentioned the sheep in my last post. We have shetlands, and although they are small, they produce a lot of fleece for their size. Here is a photo of two of them before they were sheared.

I understand now why the metaphor of shepherd and flock is often used, especially in the Bible ("The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalms 23).

Paul and Tom have attempted to be good shepherds, but despite an electric fence and good shelter, the coyotes still decimated our herd about a year ago.

They're pasturing closer to people and buildings now; so far these two are still alive..

Denise

Rain, Zucchinis, and Sheep

Unexpectedly a neighbor dropped off 3 more shetlands. That brings the herd to five. Whew! We're going to have a lot of fleece.

The zucchinis that were producing so well feel prey to some invasive insect. At any rate, we are now zucchini-less. However, the yellow summer squash are starting to produce, so we won't go without squash.

And our tomatoes are still green. The cloudy, rainy days seem to take their toll on the ripening progress. I hope September is warm & sunny. Otherwise, I'll be looking up green tomato recipes.

Nature is a constant reminder that change happens daily, and we have to adjust to it. When I am sitting in my office at work, I don't notice the changing weather patterns. When I am in the garden, I am aware that the best laid plans do not always produce the expected results. Therefore I'm grateful for the produce the garden provides at the time.

It's a good lesson about living in the moment and adjusting to the changes.

Denise

Berries and stewards

This year we have been blessed with a bountiful harvest of berries. The farm has raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry bushes (although the blueberry bushes are still small). In addition, we have rows of strawberries.

Sometimes the role of steward to these many varieties of plants is a huge responsibility. And sometimes knowing our own limitations is part of that responsibility. The daily knowings that come from opening myself to what the garden teaches are profound.

I rely upon the wisdom of Paul, Patricia, and Malia while in the garden. I also try to remember what I was taught by my father and mother, who were farmers when the garden provided the only food available.

I am humbled today by what I do not know and grateful to be guided by the soil, plants, and those who have wisdom about gardens.

Denise

view our website: www.sunpointsanctuary.org

Thunderstorm and corn

This past week New Hampshire experienced serious thunderstorms with high winds. Our corn did not stand up well to the huge gusts. Paul and crew found that most stalks were lying on the ground. So, they caringly and painstakingly worked together to gently right each stalk. Paul said he could hear the sound of roots snapping, even with the gentlest touch. We'll have to see if the plants are stunted. At least they are still alive. We can plan and work as hard as we know how, but we can never control the outcome. Something unexpected may well come along and change our expectations, whether it is fresh corn-on-the cob, or personal hopes and dreams. Here's a photo of our corn, just starting to grow, around early June.

Visit our website: www.sunpointsanctuary.org

Denise

Life

"Don't be too squeamish and timid about your life. All life is an experiment." Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Certainly Sunpoint Sanctuary is an experiment, and one that is a concern for me, given the overwhelming task of raising funds and trying to be part of the group that is trying to help the project find its wings.

However, on a personal note, there are old habits that no longer work for me that I must change. Sometimes I am even more squeamish about those.

So, today I am going to remember Emerson, and try to be bold about change and about the tasks at hand.

Denise

Eco & Ego

As part of our daily practice at the sanctuary, we try to focus on goals related to what we term "eco" and "ego." My interpretation of these terms are: "eco" focuses on my relationship with my environment; "ego" relates to my relationship to the spiritual core of me. Most mornings at 7 a.m. we join together to read &/or discuss or practice something related to "ego." I find it amazing how my outlook on the day is enhanced by the 20 minutes I share with those I love in this consistent spiritual practice. Currently we are sharing small readings from Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth." I am learning more about my ego than I ever imagined, and I am also learning humility. That, at least, is what I walked away with after we started Chapter 4.

If you are also reading this amazing book, please feel free to post your reflections and comments.

Denise

Welcome !

Welcome to the first posting of the Sunpoint Sanctuary blog. At this moment our dear friend Rick is sitting at our dining room table creating the first page for the Sunpoint Sanctuary website. I decided to link this blog to it to give folks a peek into life at Sunpoint Sanctuary.

This morning Malia and I picked blueberries at Sunnycrest Farm . Our Sunpoint blueberries are not quite ripe, and the bushes are very small, although the johnny jump ups in the blueberry patch make an attractive site in the garden.

I just finished making zucchini soup, blueberry cobbler, salad greens, and cornbread for lunch. I played around with a few tried & true recipes. Please try them out and let me know what you think.

Zucchini, Sour Cream & Cheddar Soup
3 medium size or 2 large zucchinis (we always have those overgrown ones around)
1 quart chicken broth
1 onion
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
2 tbsp. cornstarch diluted in 1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sour cream (or french onion dip with a sour cream base)
1/2 tsp dill
1/2 tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
salt & black pepper to taste (or you might try a dash or two of tobasco)

Chop up zucchini and onion into 1-inch size pieces and cook in broth until tender. Add diluted cornstarch and stir until thickened.
Add sour cream (or dip) and cheddar cheese and stir until well mixed. Add herbs and seasonings. Serve.

Blueberry cobbler (an updated version of my grandmother's recipe)

1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp cloves
2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1/4 cup sugar
a splash of white wine (I used riesling)
butter for greasing pan

Put blueberries and 1/4 cup sugar with a small amount of water in a saucepan to boil. Add a splash of wine and turn off heat. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter an 8 x 8 baking dish. Mix in medium size mixing bowl baking powder, flour, sugar, salt, and spices. Add milk & canola oil and mix well. Pour into greased baking dish. Pour hot fruit on top. Cook on top of baking sheet (to catch drips) for 30-35 minutes. Batter will rise through fruit and absorb all those flavorful juices. Serve with whipped cream or (my favorite) French vanilla ice cream.

Mescalen Summer Salad

2 to 3 cups fresh salad greens
snipped fresh cilantro or dill (both are about ready to overrun the greens in our garden)
1/3 cup crumbled Feta or Bleu cheese
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup grated carrots
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Toss all ingredients. Serve with your favorite vinagrette.

Denise