The energetic plateau around Summer Solstice is a special moment. Much of our labor has been in preparation for this point when sun reaches its solar maximum. Long season crops are planted and steadily growing, catching the many hours of daylight and transforming that sunshine into future calories. Substantial portions of the work is done.
The light feels like a beacon. From this vantage point we see the past, and the future. From humble beginnings in the nursery back in March, our first plantings, the first impressive invasion of weeds, and finally planting out our summer crops lessons are gleaned from the solar peak.
Tones of celebration have com through this solstice. Just as important as working hard and maintaining discipline we require fruition in our lives. Covid has strained our ability to gather and celebrate with one another. I feel it stronger than ever having been sick with the virus for a week. A sadness lingers knowing that the solstice gatherings I missed are only a minuscule part of what many people have lost the past few years.
Celebration, at least for me, refills my tanks and gives my soul energy. Getting together with those I love, sharing food and drink, helps to reaffirm why we work so hard. As we crest this solar wave I am setting deeper intentions for celebration. I look back on all the planting, weeding, markets and feel just how incredible it is to be alive. How lucky we are to share space with one another, even if just briefly.
There is still plenty to do, but won’t there always be? What is the point of endless doing? Folks Farm coalesced to bring people together through food and that remains our core tenant. It is incredible to me that 4 years down the line people are still supporting our mission. I feel grateful for the work and appreciative of my team that makes it happen. As I write this they are out there farming. Growing food for us to enjoy together.
As the solstice drops into the depths of summer we have so much to look forward to, more than ever before.