As a Rancher, every day is Earth Day for us. We really do c.a.r.e. for the land and the earth each and every day. If we don't take care of the land, the land won't take care of our animals and our family. But really, I do see this every day.
Two weeks ago it REALLY hit me, how much I depend on the Earth and use it each day. You see, I was at the Natural Living Expo. Yeah, Yeah, I know, at a "Natural" festival there will be lots of celebrating everything natural and sustainable and good for the earth. But no, thats not how it hit me. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE all the other vendors at the Natural Living Expo and how much the sustainable community works together to help many others live more naturally on our planet.
My feet. Thats how it hit me how much I truly rely on the earth. After the expo I could barely walk for two days! You see, its calving season, so Beau was at home with the calves and kids & I took care of the booth by myself. What that means is I stood (mostly in one spot), on cement, for two days straight. Highly unusual for me in several ways! First, standing still. I'm used to walking a lot. On any given day, I usually log three to five miles, in my daily activities on the ranch.
Second, I was not on the E.A.R.T.H. I was on cement. Many people think that farmers or ranchers walk funny (when they see them in town). Why, because they're probably used to walking on dirt. I know I am!!! Especially after the Natural Living Expo. It really hit me Sunday morning as I was sitting down before the show. I really do rely on our earth for many more reasons than one. But I really do celebrate earth day in the most basic ways, starting at my feet. The earth is soft and comforting when you're walking on it. So why shouldn't we treat the earth with a soft and comforting hand. My feet were deeply blistered from standing still on concrete for 20 plus hours in one weekend. So the past two weeks I have been v.e.r.y. conscious of the soft and wonderful earth I am privledged to walk on each day.
Don't get me wrong, I really did enjoy meeting lots of new families and current customers! But I really do LOVE the work I get to do each day on the ranch!!
So in honor of Earth Month (and its that time of year) we spread lots and lots of our All natural Fertilizer on the pastures south of the house this weekend. Yes, I know the wind was out of the south and I still had all the windows open, but I don't think it stunk. Because It is real, natural, organic
I know our cows are enjoying picking through the little bits of green that are popping up right now! And this rancher will really enjoy not having to get into a tractor for months!!!!! Until then wish me positive tractor driving vibes!
So, we're fertilizing our pastures for Earth Month, What are you doing to celebrate and improve the earth this month?
Btw, I have tons (literally) of free compost that is ready for spreading on your beautiful gardens!
This is one of the reasons I LOVE spring!!!!
His Momma, a heifer (first time mom) dropped him in a mud puddle and left him. So, A.Cowgirl and I fed him a bottle, dried him off and put him in the barn with his mom. His mom decided she liked him & wanted to nurse him.
GreenRanchingMom - Mama to the Momma Cows at the ECC
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WHOOOOOOOOOT!!! yay for GREEN!! I was wondering how your feet & legs faired as I was SORE just from 4 hours....
ReplyDeleteIt was a BBAAAAD Deal! I truly couldn't walk for two days, because I had really deep blisters on the edges of both feet. I apparently was fidgeting & standing funny. I've never gotten such blisters before, but my feet usually hurt after a big trade show.
ReplyDeleteThe ladies of Northern Prairie suggested those foamy mats to stand on when at shows (or in their case the farmer's market). Made a big difference.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I love your post, Shan. You really are more connected with the earth than so many folks out there who claim to be. I think it is taken for granted how much the farming community respects the land they live on, even if in different ways. They want it to suffer less than anyone, as their livelihood comes from it in such a direct manner. Our grass is looking great out here...we just bought our last load of hay until fall. WOOOOOOOTTTTTTT!!!!!! :)