Potent

Today it feels as if winter is here for certain. Then, a friend mentioned that next week we're predicted to have several days in the 40s ... who's to know?

It is white everywhere and, with temps in the 20s, there's a definite chill--and frozen feeling--in the air. I spent the morning editing, then cooking, then cleaning, then cooking some more as guests arrived for a potluck and feature presentation of The Real Dirt on Farmer John, a biographical documentary about the life of John Peterson.

Peterson wrote and narrated this story of his life. It begins with his early years as the son of a small town farmer, then moves to his transition to full-time farming as a young adult (after his father's death), then details his loss of most of the farm acreage, and then, finally--like a phoenix rising out of its ashes--reveals his recreation/reinvention as a CSA farmer (Community Supported Agriculture). It's a sad, joyous, and compelling tale (thank you, Anna).

I practiced T'ai Chi Chih before our guests arrived for a potluck dinner and then returned to my practice after they departed. During the first practice I looked out the windows into winter white and during the second, I stared into the burgeoning flames of a rebuilt fire. Both practices were brief, relaxing, and invigorating.

Now, I'm up writing this blog long past my bedtime. (Yes, I believe this late-night energy is due in part to the TCC practice and also to the invigorating conversation and film discussion that ensued during this evening's social gathering.) We're building community--just like Farmer John--and it's a powerful experience.