Self Care
Self-care is never a selfish act - it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others.
I brought a vase of flowers into the house today… to enjoy… to aid in a bit of “self-care”.
Oftentimes, we, as farmers, are always so busy caring for either animals, flowers for others, veggies, the garden, and acres of land that we forget to re-energize and recharge. So today, enjoying my bouquet of nearly spent flowers, I was frankly going to toss, and listening to an old record… yes! I said record… of J. Denver Favorites… His voice and songs… calming, serene, and just what the doctor ordered for some self-care.
What do you tend to do for self-care? Do you take the time for it?
The warm summer season is fleeting away so quickly. I can feel the season change in the air — it reminds me that life is just so short, and it seems we can let days and weeks go by so quickly — well, frankly, just busy living life and making ends meet. I feel that way often in the summer months — after all, it is the time we push ourselves to the max to keep the garden tended, animals cared for, veggies growing, weeded, harvested, washed, packed, and placed on the Farm Stand shelf and cooler.
We love every moment of it, but at times, there is not a moment to catch our breath…
This last week, all of our girls, husbands, and all 10 of our precious grandbabies were here visiting! All of the littlest of the “Littles,” as we fondly call them, wanted to help in every aspect of gardening. Harvesting strawberries was top on the list, digging potatoes next, and generally just being with us, as we worked, soaking it all in, and as only “Littles” can do, in awe of it all, in a dreamy sort of way. — Of course, there was no thought of bills, deadlines, planting schedules, making ends meet, and living during the cold winter months on summer income… all those things that are on our minds constantly, definitely not on theirs for even a moment.
Just as it should be! They came for the fun and experience, and that is what they received! We had a blast with them! It was so sad to say goodbye. Again, life is short, we never know what may transpire between now and the next time we meet. Make the most of each day! Hug your loved ones often and tell them you love them.
I will post another blog post (on the way) with some soup recipes that I am working on. Hopefully, Tomorrow or Thursday.
I will leave you with one quick recipe today, especially if you are blessed enough to have an air fryer… We made this a lot for snacks last week… so quick, easy and oh so delicious and healthy!
Air-Fryer Kale Chips
Bite-sized pieces of Kale (They will shrink a bit, so keep them on the larger size)
Salt, garlic, onion powder or honestly, whatever else you like
Avacado Oil (or Olive Oil) drizzled and tossed with the kale
Place on the rack if oven style air-fryer, even on a cookie sheet if using the oven (400 degrees)
4 min. on 450degrees on air fryer setting!
Keep your eye on them… if using the oven, maybe 15 min. You can check often. You want them crisp!
We have plenty of Kale in the cooler, and they are delicious with either the Red or the Green. Try some today! Let us know how you liked them.
Have a wonderful day! The Farmstand is stocked with lots of goodness straight from this beautiful earth, and cultivated ground… free of pesticides, harmful chemicals, and herbicides. There are very sweet, young, tender ears of corn waiting for your dinner, and the juciest, best-tasting tomatoes ever! (We hear that almost every day from some of our very faithful customers)
Enjoying good food… is truly an act of self-care
Farming for you, and loving every moment of it,
Kathy
