My Marriage Manifesto In Celebration of Our 7th Wedding Anniversary

I'm drawn to the word "manifesto."  The word carries weight.  According to Merriam-Webster, a manifesto is a "written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or view of its issuer."  

On my 7th wedding anniversary, I wrote and dedicated this manifesto to my husband Eric, an independent thinker whose mind refuses to be limited by convention, paradigms, traditions; a brilliant body-worker who refuses to take credit for his talents; a courageous and dedicated athlete whose body unabashedly robbed him of his physical movements but never his spirit.  My husband is a man of integrity. 

I am my husband's biggest fan.  But I'm not delusional to think that his shit doesn't stink. His shit stinks just as much as anyone else's, but that does not negate his courage, brilliance, talents, and generosity.  I am his biggest fan in spite of all his flaws.  

For our 7th anniversary, I ponder the "perfect gift."  Neither of us gives much credence to "gifting by calendar-occasions," but a present any time of the year is always welcome and appreciated.  For me, the more presents for no reasons, the better!!  

Just for shits and giggles, I looked up traditional symbols and "acceptable" gifts for the 7th anniversary: traditional gifts can be made of copper or wool, and a modern gift can be - wait for it - a desk set!!  A DESK SET.  (Insert eyes roll)  Well, how about a copper desk set wrapped in a wool blanket!?  Perhaps not.     

Eric is my life partner who also holds a more common title "husband."  Conventional paradigm would have me wish or believe that he should be the "love of my life" or "one true love" or "the most important person."  I do not believe in such definitive grandeur; not any more.  I have grown to acknowledge such a statement is not only unnecessary but perhaps superfluous.  Not only is it unnecessary to quantify and compare his position with others by ranking his importance, it is also impossible.  This has not always been my belief.  My paradigm was filled with fairy tales, perhaps under years of influence by traditional marketing and advertising of TV commercials, Disney movies, fictional stories, societal expectations, religious confinement, insecurity, and more.  

Our journey together over a decade has enabled me to develop a healthy sense of security and self-assurance.  It taught me there is absolutely no need to be ranked as "number one."  There is no meaningful value to be "the most important."  And there is no substance to be the "love of his life."  When there is no demand and expectation of such, the energy flows freely without obstruction.  Marriage is not a contest; the prize is not bragging rights.    

My journey with Eric through the years also constantly challenges me to examine the tribes with which I associate myself, and the acts of constant "detribalization," so I may learn to think for myself.  Our marriage partnership demands open discussions of tribal expectations, fears, disappointments, and desires.  Our journey together accepts no short cuts.  As a result, I benefit.  Over the years and through our marriage I greatly improve my awareness of myself and others, my communication, my emotions.  I become more deliberate, more aware.  I become vocal and purposeful.  It is more than finding my voice; it is becoming "my own."  I love the person I am becoming.  

Our marriage is not just rainbows and unicorns.  One ordinary but fateful morning eight years ago, he got robbed, figuratively speaking.  He woke up, and he couldn't move.  Hell flooded my home that morning.  If there were any gods, they robbed my husband of his physical strength, his health, the adventurous and active lifestyle that gives this man the most joy.  They robbed this world a precious, useful, beautiful gem.  I never forgave any of them gods.  Nor will I ever.  

Moving freely and gracefully is Eric's first love; it always will be.  Being his wife, witnessing his daily courage, perseverance, and diligence in finding a prognosis; watching him constantly meditate and strive for relief; making himself available to help anyone who asks him for help to relieve THEIR physical and emotional pain;  watching him to always live IN the moment.  Our journey fully rids me of any self-pity.    

I become completely intolerant of laziness, whining, entitlement, ingratitude.  My personal growth through his horrendous experience is simple yet profound:  I make no postponement for joy, however tiny, with my husband.  I take complete responsibility for the many hours I spend at work - the time I am most alert and creative - to make sure it is every bit for MY benefits and personal satisfaction.  I expect no miracles from others but I accept no excuses of incompetence.  I make extra efforts to express my gratitude openly, freely, repeatedly.  I don't sweat the small stuff.  My growth is simple, yet profound.  

Our trying journey also helped me develop an acute awareness and empathy of other's emotional and physical sufferings.  

For various reasons, we prefer to celebrate our anniversary on May 23rd, the day we went on our first date, hiking the foothill in Boise, ID.  The calendar date or year is entirely unimportant, let alone the kind of traditional or acceptable anniversary gift it brings. Never postpone joy, however tiny it may be.  

On this day, my official 7th wedding anniversary, I have picked the perfect gift for my husband:  An account of my gratitude and personal growth attributed to him, and our journey together.  

Goals: Rest Stops on an Interstate Highway

I read this passage recently from the work of a gifted writer.  I find it intriguing, unconventional, and thought-provoking.  In fact, I find it so intriguing that I read it almost daily on my bus ride to work, just to give it some dedicated pondering time. 

"Those who cannot see, strive for a goal.  We are not goal-oriented.  Rather, we are potential-oriented.  Instead of one destination, we are interested in options that may exist.  We are not interested in a single path to a single place, but the many potentials we can envision."  

My first reaction was an ounce of defensiveness, a dash of curiosity, peppered with a teaspoon of confusion.  Of COURSE I am goal-oriented.  Being goal-oriented is universally valued as a positive, mature, employable quality and I pride myself for being a poster child.  Short term goals, long term goals, measurable goals, Big Hairy Audacious Goals.  To say that I am goal-oriented because I "cannot see" is like saying I'm...stupid.  No wonder my knee-jerk reaction was defensiveness.  Being goal-oriented is how I was brought up:  Have a goal and relentless strive for it.  When I achieve the goal it is called "success."  If I don't, well, that's just a matter of time and my stick-to-itiveness.  Don't give up.  Eyes on the post.  Persevere.  

I missed the whole point of the quote by letting my ego and emotions do all the talking but my brain, none of the thinking.

I applied the conventional goal-oriented principle on almost everything I did while growing up, and on some of the things I do: My schooling, my piano competitions, my grades, my education, my jobs, my career, my retirement planning, what I want to accomplish this weekend, my archery practice, my baking projects...  "Goals are guide posts and without them, one is sure lost!"  What if I was taught differently? To be not limited by goals but to embrace the possibilities beyond goal achievement?  To not believe the absolute but to explore endlessly?  In other words, to consider the potential of options but not the single path to a single place?

I apply the notion "potential of options" here to include conventional and religious beliefs, not just ordinary achievable goals.  My intention is not to offend anyone, but to merely challenge the potential of "what if" rather than the automatic acceptance of the absolute.

For many who believe in the one true god - whichever religion associated with the belief - instead of insisting the one single place through the one single path, what if we simply allow ourselves to envision the potential of options?  What if their children are encouraged and expected to explore other religious options?  What if there is no "truth" but merely facts?   What if the "sanctity" of marriage has nothing to do with "a man and a woman?"  What if "sanctity" is really just a made-up religious term with the sole purpose of exerting control over the masses?  What if the benefits resulting from non-goal-setting far exceeds the destination of goal-achievement?  What if education around the world focuses on possibilities and potentials instead of achievements?  What if nations become collaborative and cooperative, rather than combative, and forgo the arrogant notion of "leadership?"

Goals are not the culprits; goal-setting is not the problem.  To me, goals are merely rest points along a multitude of activities in a continuum of time - like a rest stop on an interstate highway.  By themselves, goals are powerless and meaningless.The attitude behind goal-setting makes all the difference. Given attention of the human mind, goals come alive and can become all-consuming. When a mind focuses on nothing but achieving a goal, or a single path to a single place, all peripheral potentials are ignored and they become "distractions."  What if the peripheral potentials are far more interesting?  What if the potentials bring so much more possibilities?  We cannot see the potentials, if we are conditioned to always strive for the goal - if we fixate our eyes only on the post.

"Those who cannot see, strive for a goal."

We determine the amount of freedom for our mind.  We can pamper our mind to pursue and believe in the absolute goal, or we can push it to explore the uncomfortable potentials.      

Choose to Do Good

It seems as though my writing is going through a dry spell.  There just hasn't been anything interesting and inspiring enough.  Maybe that itself is worth writing: seeing the extraordinaries in the mundaneness.   

I reached my 11th anniversary with my Company a week after I returned to work.  It seemed only yesterday that I celebrated my 10th year.  I was surrounded by great people: warmth, well wishes, laughs, congratulations, and a big spread of delightful pastries. Friends spoiled me with nearly 30 pounds of unrivaled Starbucks coffee from Guatamela called Casi Cielo, which lasted me for exactly one year.  Even Oprah SKYPED in; as a gift, she gave me the State of Montana...   I dare say, not everyone gets this royal treatment.   



I love bragging about my friends at work.  They are one of many reasons I returned to work: They help me become a better human being.

Fast forward to today. Today was extraordinary. Today I found the extraordinaries in the mundaneness, and it started with a voicemail.  

My good friend Janelle and her partner had a sweet Corgi named Abby, who passed away recently.  I decided to paint a watercolor of Abby for Janelle and Pam for one simple reason - because I can.  I then baked my delightful coconut-milk buns to share with my friends.


This morning, I received the warmest voicemail from Pam.  It made an extraordinary day as I realized that my random, simple act had actually made Pam so happy, and that it had meant so much to her.  What made it extraordinary was the fact that I did exactly what I wanted to do, and I was not concerned about, or attached to, the outcome.  I didn't worry about how the painting would turn out; what Abby would look like; whether the coconut buns would be tasty.  Pam's reaction and the positive outcome was the icing on the cake.  It reminded me that I could not possibly go wrong if I do something out of love and care.  


I was once again humbled and reminded that I have the power to make choices.  I may never live to know what impact I make on another person by what I say or what I do.  So given the opportunity, choose to remark what just *may* leave a positive impact.  


Choose to do good.  

Sabbatical Epilogue: A "Slightly New" Lease on Life

To say I've gotten a new lease on life after my sabbatical is just a tad too dramatic. After all, I am simply adjusting to a few perspectives developed during this time. I want something to help me remember, appreciate, and apply the insights so they do not drown in the noise or daily doldrums.  Instead of the customary ramble, I challenge myself to succinctly capture my thoughts in just a few paragraphs.      

Or perhaps through a few quotes.   

#  #  #

I have gained a deep appreciation that my life is about being light and playful, with intermittent moments of seriousness; not the other way around.  Learning how to live lightly and playfully encourages expressions and promotes feelings - senses and skills we sorely lack nowadays.  How do two people make meaningful connections without expressing feelings?  And what kind of life would it be without meaningful human connections?   


I used to wonder - and ponder - what and how I can "contribute" to the greater good in the world.  A quote from Dr. Howard Thurman sums up perfectly:  "Don't worry about what the world needs.  Ask what makes you come alive and do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive."  Over the last six months, what repeatedly made me feel alive was sometimes an activity; sometimes a personal connection; perhaps a feeling; or a fresh idea.  Yes, I came totally alive every time I basked in my Fresh Idea. I remember now.  


A simple quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded me that "our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."  I was also poignantly reminded that no one is silent though many are not heard; work to change this. Stand up, and stand tall.  My cause depends on it, as does my backbone.  I am to continue to champion the causes that I am passionate about and believe in.  No apologies needed.      

Lastly, the genius Albert Einstein bestowed his wisdom.  "Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities.  The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence."  This continues to be a tough lesson and realization.   Aspire to become a Great Spirit and determined to break away from Mediocrity, I began to take numerous introspective looks to examine what I am and what I aspire to become.  What myths am I willing to forego; tribes from which to turn my back.  What journeys am I willing to forge forward; and paradigms to challenge.  What mediocrities am I willing to leave behind, forever.  


How long does one take to become a Great Spirit?  


Here's a paradox:  Would I remain what I am if I believe what someone says about me?  

  

Welcome to Two Thousand and Twelve!

What a fabulous year it was.  2011.  There is no need to talk about what transpired last year. All the major and noteworthy events were already recorded on this Blog.  

It is now 2012.  I am going back to work in exactly one week.  

I have been asking whether I look forward to going back to work.  I decided that I will not look forward to it, nor will I look back, lamenting it.  If I focus on either, I end up losing the most important part:  the present.  After all, the day will eventually come so there is no sense rushing it.  Since I was the one who made the conscious decision of returning to work, what is the use of grieving and lamenting the passing of my long sabbatical?  

When the leave is over, it is exactly the length of leave I needed.  No more and no less.  Comes January 8, I am to pack my brief case and my lunch bag (not necessarily in that order), set the alarm, make sure I have the correct change for the bus.  Then I start a new chapter.  

Just as the day I left for my sabbatical, my return requires no drama.  It is just another day on the calendar.  

I asked myself what kind of Year 2012 I want to create.  Then I send those same good wishes to friends and family.  I came up with a few good ideas.  

I will create my year with joy.  Joy is a state of internal happiness regardless of the events transpire.  

I will create my year with love.  The Beatles will tell you that All You Need is Love, and there's nothing you can do that can't be done.  Who am I to argue with the Beatles!?  

I will create my year with great health.  Having great health is the soundest investment I will make for myself.  Since I already have the genes on my side, I believe it's reasonable to expect some efforts on my part.   

Depending on the audience, I also wished for different lovely things for my friends, but all are the same things that I want to create for me.  

Exciting journeys that challenge paradigms.   

Gooey love with your life-partner.

A garden with bumper crops of tomatoes and carrots and peas and berries. One dear friend raises chickens.  I wished her daily fresh eggs from her hens.  I thought that was genius.

Nonstop laughters that won't bring wrinkles or crow's feet. 

A constant desire to create, to paint, to bake, to nurture, to grow, to self-develop.  

Most important of all, purpose and self-satisfaction.  

I also wish for you all these great things.  And if New Year's Resolution is your cup of tea, please consider making a Different Kind of Resolution this year. 

To quote my favorite Public Television's SIMPLY MING chef Ming Tsai: "Peace, and good eating."  

Ringing in the New Year with
Toshikoshi Kinoko Udon, a symbol for longevity.
Featured here: Organic soba, sautéed
shiitake and other wild mushrooms,
dashi broth, and garnished with
green onions and toasted nori.
Enjoyed with friend's home brew.  

Toshikoshi means "jump from one year to another".  Kinoko means mushroom in Japanese.  So this dish is roughly translated as Year End Mushroom Soba Noodles.  


(Recipe adopted from Loving Lanvin) 
Serves 4


Ingredients: 

Soba noodles for 4

For Sautéed Mushrooms:

8 Shiitake Mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
2 packages Shimeji mushrooms, ends trimmed and separated
2 packages Enoki mushrooms, ends trimmed and separated
2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste

(Feel free to substitute other kinds of mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms or crimini)

Garnish: 

1 bunch of scallions, chopped
Toasted nori, cut into thin strips
Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese Seven Spice Mix)

Dashi Soup Recipe:

6 Cups Water
1 5-6 inch piece of Kombu (dried kelp)
1 large handful (about 2 cups) Katsuobushi (Dried Shaved Bonito Flakes)
5 Tbsp Soy Sauce

5 Tbsp mirin

(You can also find Dashi soup base in powdered form in some Asian markets.  Be sure to buy the kind that does not have MSG) 

1.  Combine the Kombu and water in a pot over medium-low heat.  The water should be approaching a boil after about 20 minutes (adjust the heat if the water looks like it’s coming to a boil too soon or too slowly).  Once the water comes to a boil, immediately turn off heat and remove the Kombu.
2.  Add the dried bonito flakes all at once.  Wait until they absorb the water and sink to the bottom of the pot, about 20-30 minutes.
3. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve (You can also line a regular strainer with two layers of cheesecloth or paper towels).  Let strain for a couple of minutes, do not squeeze the excess liquid from the bonito flakes, this will make the Dashi cloudy and bitter.  Add the soy sauce and mirin to the Dashi and keep hot on the stove.

Sautéed Mushrooms:
Heat sesame oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat and quickly sauté mushrooms until soft.  Salt and pepper to taste and set aside.


Preparing the Soba:
1.  Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add the soba noodles and lower heat to a simmer.  Do not cook Soba in a rolling boil, they are very delicate and break easily.  Cook the Soba following the instructions on the package.  Strain and rinse soba really well under cold water.
2.  Transfer the soba into four bowls and pour the hot dashi soup over the noodles.  Top with the mushrooms, chopped scallions and nori.  Serve immediately with Shichimi Togarashi on the side.

Community Building 101: For the Young and the Forever-Young

Adopted from Ashland Co-housing Community 


Turn off your TV
Leave your house
Know your neighbors
Look up when you are walking
Greet people
Sit on your stoop
Plant flowers
Use your library 
Play together 
Buy from local merchants
Share what you have
Help a lost dog
Take children to the park
Garden together
Support neighborhood schools
Fix it even if you didn't break it
Have potlucks
Honor elders
Pick up litter
Read stories aloud
Dance in the street
Talk to the mail carrier
Listen to the birds
Put up a swing
Help carry something heavy
Barter for your goods
Start a tradition
Ask a question
Hire young people for odd jobs
Organize a block party
Bake extra and share
Ask for help when you need it
Open your shades
Sing together
Share your skills
Take back the night
Turn up the music
Turn down the music
Listen before you react to anger
Mediate a conflict
Seek to understand
Learn from new and uncomfortable angles
Know that no one is silent though many are not heard
Work to change this

I briefly introduced the Ashland co-housing community in a previous blog.  The concept has interested me for the last several years, so I was glad to have a brief first-hand experience at our friend Leah's place.  

Like most community-anything, co-housing community takes a lot of hard work and perseverance to maintain its mission.  Although leadership role naturally exists in a community, no one person (or persons) has authority over others. Most decisions are made by consensus.  That can be challenging; such is the reality of living in a co-housing community.  

Every household has part-ownership of the property; every household shares expenses of maintaining the common grounds through homeowner association dues; every household signs up for upkeep of the common grounds and chores.  It is a community that emphasizes shared resources and living sustainably - hence, by default, active participation of some sort is required.  It is also a community that everyone must learn to interact with each other, resolve conflicts, practice tolerance, and perhaps, believe in the good of the people.  It has its rewards, and it has its work cut out.  

The Welcome Committee at the entrance of the complex

The Common House where meals, activities,
regular meetings, and parties take place 

The Common House is a large 2-story space
with full amenities for kids and adults

Upstairs has a spacious guest room,
where guests of all residents are welcome
to stay.  Guests may make a donation
to the "general fund" if they'd like.  

Residents also enjoy a clean 
and comfortable yoga room 

The center of the Common House is a large
eating area.  Residents share optional meals several times
a week.  Chores are shared amongst all households,
including house chores, cooking, cleaning, and maintenance.
Sign up sheets are posted and organized for all. 

Optional shared meals.  What a tremendous concept and a huge relief for parents who have young(er) children.  Imagine a living community where you know everyone.  Imagine coming home and on "shared meals" day, there is a nutritious, wholesome meal already prepared for you and your children.  Enjoy in the company of others, instead of the TV. Sure, there are dietary restrictions and preferences and this and that - but those are just details to be ironed out.  The concept, the fabric of the concept, is tremendous.  

"Love people.  Cook them tasty food."   ~ author unknown

A professional, complete kitchen makes it
a joy to cook here.  All cabinets and drawers
are properly labelled.  There are no shortages of
shared appliances and gadgets:  KitchenAid, Cuisinart, 
bread and pasta machines.  You name it, they've got it.  
Most are donated by residents; additional items are 
purchased with homeowner association dues.  

The shared-chores concept obviously work here -
the place was clean and comfortable, and the
kitchen was spotless.  As a guest, I became keenly
aware that I am in someone else's house, and it is
by their grace and generosity that I get to enjoy
the amenities for free. I dare not take anyone's
 kindness for granted.  

Guests are welcome to use the
Common House kitchen as their own.  We met some friendly
and generous souls while preparing dinner. 

Play area for the kiddies. World maps, books,
games, comfy pillows.  

Everything is in a honor system - these aren't
coin-op washing machines.  

"Family room" has a huge screen for movie nights

"Bulletin Board" shares news about the community garden,
general maintenance needed, activities, meeting minutes,
sign up sheets for meals, etc. 

"Wherever you are, that is your platform.
Please take responsibility for the energy
you bring into this place."  ~Oprah

Bike barn is big enough to park bikes for all 13 households .
Eric found the bike that he gave Leah more than a decade ago! 

Residents organize work parties in the community
garden during growing season.  Everyone is welcome
to the produce, and everyone pitches in.
Pick what you need.  

An outdoor play area is located immediately 
in front of the homes.

Ashland Co-housing Community

Winter Sojourn: Week's Ranch, where City Person meets Happy Cows

I love cows.  I love eating them even more. 

It may sound "terrible", but the god-awful truth is that the breeds of cows widely recognized and available today would have never existed if it were not for domestication and meat consumption.  But enough about that.

  

Week's Ranch is an 1,000 acre cattle ranch in Santa Rosa, owned by our good friend Jack.  Besides running the ranch, Jack's other full time jobs (not in any particular order) include being an airline captain of a 747, a father, a good friend, and others.  Jack and Eric used to fly together, and remained good friends; I am the beneficiary of their good friendship.  During this trip, I realize I am the beneficiary of many good friendships between Eric and his friends, for which I am immensely grateful.  

Entrance to the habitat of Happy Cows

Jack is 5th generation on the property.
His great great grandfather homesteadded here.

A winter shot from the backyard

Orange Juice tried to sneak a bite
of my chocolate cake

I spent four days on the ranch with the cows, the horses, Axel the border collie, Orange Juice the cat (as well as Rice Crispy and Ginger).  While on the ranch, I learned how to skin a turkey with my bare hands.  We made stir fry, fed hay to animals, went for long hikes, smoked turkey jerky, watched sunrises and sunsets.  We enjoyed the great company of each other and "LOL" a lot.  I was obviously on vacation mode and felt I could live on the ranch for the rest of my natural life...  In reality, my feeble body can't even lift a corner of a bale of hay, nor has Jack invited us to live as squatters on his property.  Like new and shiny bling bling, ranch-living glamor is short lived.  

I remain, a City Person who met Happy Cows at Week's Ranch.  Here lies my documentation.  

Axel chillaxing on the tool box of "his" truck

Jack has a herd of certified Red Angus - you know you are a legit breed if you have your own magazine!  People are probably more familiar with the name Black Angus. In reality, there are no differences between the Red and Black Angus, whether in the breed or the taste of their meat, except black was arbitrarily chosen as the "proper color" over red early in the development of the Aberdeen Angus.  And the rest is history.  

Natural, grass fed, hormone and antibiotics free.
These don't eat a kernel of corn! 

I was having a silent moment with the cows
during my morning hike up the mountain. 

All cattle on the ranch are grass fed, free range, hormone and antibiotics free, and are not fed a kernel of corn or grain. You could not meet any happier and healthier cows. You may have already learned from some health-food or environmental manifesto that it takes 16 pounds of feed and some 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef.  That is true, but do you know it takes 25 acres of land to raise a grass fed cow naturally to slaughter weight?  I did not.  There is so much I do not know about ranch life, so Jack is my walking encyclopedia.  I was not afraid to ask the most basic and seemingly moronic questions.  After all, I was raised merely a City Person.  

Our sometimes entertaining conversations would go something like this...  

City Person:  What kind of grass do cows like to eat? 

Ranch Person:  The green kind.  

City Person:  Oh.  (Silence...)

Ranch Person:  (Chuckle chuckle...) 

City:  What is the difference between the yellow and red tag on the ears? 

Ranch:  One is the identifier of the breed and the other is the number of the cow.

City:  Do you know the cows by their faces, since you see them everyday? 

Ranch:  Sure!  I see the cow, look at the tag and say "here comes #164!"

City:  Oh.  (Silence...) 

Ranch:  (Chuckle chuckle...)

City:  Why do you supplement with hay in the winter? 

Ranch:  To make sure they have enough to eat this time of the year,  especially the pregnant ones and the calves.  

City:  How heavy is a bale of hay? 

Ranch:  About 50 pounds heavier than you.  

City:  I want to help you with the hay. 

Ranch:  Of course - here!  

City:  (Using proper lifting technique...but failed to lift anything off the ground)    

Ranch:  (Chuckle chuckle...)

City:  (Back to taking pictures)  May I pet the cows? 

Ranch:  Sure, but just pet the bull.  

City:  Which one is the bull? 

Ranch:  That one.  No, not that one.  The one in front of you. 

City:  This one?  Which one?  THIS one right here?  
Ranch:  Yes. 
City:  Why just the bull? 

Ranch:  Because he is pretty sure of himself and he knows he can drop kick you if he wants to.  

City:  Oh.  (Silently and gingerly scratching the bull) 

Ranch:  (Chuckle chuckle)

Raising grass fed cows is expensive.  It takes about 25 acres of grassland and 20 months to raise a cow to maturity.  Even with a thousand acres, much of the property is covered with trees, or without grass.  On a typical year, Jack's cattle roam and feed freely until 7 months.  He then picks the cream of the crop and raises them to maturity and slaughter weight; slaughters and sells the beef, whole or half, to customers.  The rest of the cattle are sold at 7-months to commercial operations such as feedlots.  These cows will finish their lives in commercial feedlots, likely CAFO, although there is no tracking of the cattle beyond the sale. They come packaged at grocery stores and become dinners in various forms.  Such is the fate of domesticated cows, strictly as a matter of fact.  


Week's Ranch has its own bulls, and breeds its own "next generation" of Red Angus. We saw plenty of calves roaming about with the moms - it looked as though they were taking turns babysitting each other's offspring.  After giving birth, the cow typically hides out with the calf at some "undisclosed location" for three days, then she brings her baby to show off to the rest of the herd.  

The calf shown in this photo was merely 4-5 days old - a docile, sweet looking calf that already weighs more than 80 pounds!  




Branding season takes place in January.  Although branding can be achieved by heat or liquid nitrogen, the state of California only recognizes heat branding.  Witnessing how cows live and graze on Jack's ranch naturally made me think about the farmers who raised the beef in my freezer.   

Meanwhile, back at the homestead, other ambitions ensue.  

City Person capturing the opportunity
to pose on a D5 

Aaron the ranch hand sawing the
two 40-year old fir trees into manageable sizes

Jack had to take down two 40-year old fir   trees a week ago - they would have crushed the house in the next big windstorm.  The beautiful trunks will be crafted into a cupboard or cabinet or some sort.  The rest was organized into stacks of firewood for the winter.   

Getting ready to haul the trunks to the saw mill

Red and orange and yellow and green
complement the blue sky beautifully

Hundreds of beautiful Hachiya persimmons 

Another persimmon tree, with much smaller fruit

Black Jack, one of four horses on the property,
works hard to round up the cows with Jack

Black Jack, left
Duke, Right

City Person learned how to skin a turkey
with her bare hands!  I have only known one
way to clean a poultry - dunk it in boiling water
then pluck the feathers.  Jack taught me a much
quicker, less messy way.  Skin it!  

Smoked turkey jerky,
Jack's famous recipe!

The "roping device"

Sunrise,
taken while I was taking a morning hike up the mountain

Going for a hike on the property

Poison oak abound, we could've used a GPS...

The ranch was paradise found. Not only because of its scenery, but because of its unpolluted characters, founded and built by the good, hardworking people of the ranch.  

I was grateful to have been a temporary, small part of the ranch for mere four days.  I was more grateful to have been a beneficiary of Jack and Eric's friendship. The friendship is real; unpretentious; open.  The conversations are genuine.  The people are warm; generous.  


I learned a lot about myself, and once again, it helped with my adjustment and my mindset for returning to work.  I have a deeper and better appreciation that life - my life - is about being playful, with intermittent moments of seriousness; not the other way around.  How others choose to live theirs is not my business.  As for me, being playful is plenty to live by.