Have you ever held a fresh egg in your hand? An egg so new it still has a fine coating of white upon its shell? An egg which is still warm from beneath the hen’s feathers?
Well, as the Wolf Brand chili commercial used to say, “It’s been too long.”
Nature’s wonders abound on a farm, even on a small acreage like mine where the only livestock are a mixed flock of beautiful chickens, including many hens and two roosters.
If we only knew how good fresh food tastes, wouldn’t we ask for it instead of the packaged stuff? Are our lives so busy we don’t have time to enjoy nature’s wonders, which for me, are the work of God?
It’s something to ponder. How did we all get so busy? Why are our kids in so many activities? Are we leading the lives we wanted?
Several of you have asked to come by, and when you visited you poured out your hearts about “going back to the land,” or “owning a few chickens.” I’ve listened to your dreams and longings, and I understand. There is something fundamental which ties us to the Earth and God’s creation.
However, for many, living out in the boonies and driving kids to school (or homeschooling for that matter) isn’t a possibility, so if you live in Oklahoma, I have an alternative.
Recently, a friend of mine, Cassidy, made me aware that Oklahoma has a large food co-operative. How did I not know this? For a yearly membership fee of $51.75, you can buy so many things, including grass-fed beef and lamb from Clear Creek Monastery, or several other local farms you might wish to support. You order the food monthly, and it is delivered to any one of many drop-offs throughout the state. You can get meat, fresh eggs, homemade bread, soap, desserts and so many other homemade or home grown items.
This is a very good way to practice what I preach. Oh, and organic products are even grouped separately. (I’ve been buying mine at various grocery stores, but as you know, it’s extremely pricey.)
Note, I didn’t see anything gluten free, but through another friend, Maria, I also know of a gluten free and fresh food co-op (with this one, at present, the produce isn’t organic).
As for my musings above, I’m just thinking we all need to take a moment and reflect on what is good in our lives. Then, if we feel something is lacking, say a little prayer and start making the change. As for today I’m thrilled I also have a new place to get the best local food; plus, I get to hold a warm egg in my hands.
How about you?
Oh your words remind me of my longing to live on a farm… not my lot in life. But I do enjoy reading of others experiences. I could alnmost feel that warm egg in my palm.
Hi Meredith, I don’t really live on a farm, just a 7.5 acre piece of land. The chickens help to think it’s a little farm though. 🙂
Happily I have my own eggs, and they are blue too. But we also belong to our local coop and can shop at local farm stands and the farmer’s market in season. I’m also happy to say the ‘season’ is longer and longer with Winter Markets, and there are more and more farms. If anyone needs any new ideas for cooking all those local vegetables, come visit and participate in my Recipes from the Root Cellar Cookbook giveaway. I’m celebrating my 3rd blogoversary.
Pat, I shared your contest on Facebook. I hope you get lots of traffic.
You are truly living the dream of many people Dee. I’ve been buying fresh eggs from my local farmer’s market and I couldn’t get over what a difference in taste & color. Growing my own veggies has been such a joy for the past few years. It’s so wonderful to go out my backdoor and pick something warmed by the sun and know it doesn’t have chemicals sprayed on it. 🙂
I often wonder as I open a packaged food product just how long ago it was grown or raised before it got into that cardboard box at the grocery store. And where did it come from? Sounds like you found a great alternative. I should look for an alternative where I live! Thanks for another great post.
Carol, I do the same thing. Last year, there was a 100 mile challenge show, and as I watched it, I thought, wow, I wouldn’t have tea, sugar or rice. I would be in serious trouble.
Dee, I have a wonderful memory of holding a warm egg in my hand this summer at your place! I so enjoyed this post and its timely reminder to appreciate and honor what we have and seek changes where we need to…
gail
Gail, your visit is one of my most cherished memories.
Dee, this is a good post to read and remember periodically. We all get so caught up in “life” we don’t end up living the life we are meant to live. You put it very succinctly…think, pray, make the change!
Leslie, I think you actually put it better in your comment.
Very nice post. I agree with you that there is something very deep in our DNA and souls that longs to get our hands in the dirt. I’ve got a few backyard chickens myself and can sit and watch them for hours. There is something very calming about them. I have a theory that people have lived with chickens for so long, that those of us who now live in cities and suburbs actually miss them, we just don’t realize it until we get around them.
Thank you Andrew. I believe we miss all the animals and the rhythms of our rural past. We miss the change in seasons and the land. We do.
Loved the article Dee. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy all over! 🙂
AND I need to contact that co-op! Sounds very interesting. I love supporting “locals”.
Dana darling, I’m so glad you liked it. I think local is as Frances said, the new black.
For some life has become a rat race, with too many pressures from too many directions. I feel the answer is to simplify wherever possible. Eat local, it’s the new black, as they say in Asheville. I’m a believer. 🙂
Frances fair, It can definitely be a rat race here too, but I try very hard to keep things within the rhythm of my soul.
Touching post Dee! I am thankful for the bright sky and to be able to see fluffy clouds racing by. It must have felt good to hold a warm egg fresh from the nest. I love my co-op and feel so excited that we are reclaiming our food from the corporate food industry. ;>)
Thank you so much Carol. I love what you wrote. Yes, to see the sky is a wonderful thing.
A nice post Dee. I plan to turn my patch of dirt into unusual items and look into a co-op. It just seems like a win-win all around.
Thank you Helen. I think any dream you have is a beautiful thing when it comes to fruition.
Thanks for the information! I did find Gluten Free Food listed on there check the products category!! Glad you posted this on FB. I don’t think to check blogs otherwise!!
LaDonna, thanks. I must have missed that section. That’s even better. Gluten free local food. You can’t beat it.
Thank you for a thoughtful and thought-provoking essay!
Thanks Cindy. You understand my heart.