Farm Fresh News - February 2016

Hi Friends,
In contrast to the scene above of winter on The Farm, I send out this month's newsletter from the jungles of Costa Rica, where my wife Deborah and I have had the good fortune to do some traveling this winter. I always encourage all my American friends to get out of the country as often as possible, and gain a new perspective on life. It works every time.
 
From the Garden: It is the time of year when food from the garden is stored in the basement: white potatoes, sweet potatoes and winter squash. The care and storage of garden crops can present its own set of challenges, the other half of the gardening equation. More about storing white potatoes below.
 
We all need time to recharge, to reset, and prepare ourselves for what comes ahead. Read all the way to the end for an uplifting message that came my way through the universe of the unexpected and the light of a full moon.
 
Join me on The Farm in March! It will be an experience to remember!


Peace,
Douglas
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From the Garden: Storing White Potatoes

When trying to live more sustainably and supply your family’s food through your garden, one thing many people don't realize is that growing the food only gets you half way there. Preservation and storage require planning, time, space and even maintenance.


I find it requires relatively little garden space or work to grow all the white potatoes to feed our family all year and have seed leftover for next year. The challenge is storage. Potatoes take up space. Potatoes like it to be cool but not too cool. I find the temperature in my basement to be just right for sweet potatoes but too warm for perfect storage of white potatoes and there is a lot of competition for space from all of the tools and other stuff I need to store down there.

Here are a few guidelines on storing white potatoes:
  • Curing your potatoes: You must prepare the potatoes for long term storage, by "curing" which toughens the skins, trapping moisture and making them resistant to nicks and scrapes which can allow bacteria to come in.

    Before storing, place your potatoes in a confined area for 10 days at 65 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity up to 95 percent.


  • Store your white potatoes at 45-50 degrees, such as in a cool corner of a basement or garage. Storing below 40 degrees, such as in a refrigerator, can convert the starches to sugars, making the potatoes taste too sweet and turn an unsightly grey when cooked.


  • Protect your potatoes from the light: Cover with a medium weight cloth that blocks light but still allows air to blow through. Light produces Solanine which turns the skin green, producing a bitter taste.


  • Every two weeks sort your potatoes, removing any that are spoiling and pulling off any sprouts (see photo) that will draw away nutrients. I move all of my potatoes from one container to another as I sort, separating out those that I need to consume right away.
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Year of the Fire Monkey

A howler monkey climbs nimbly through the trees.
 
I arrived in Costa Rica on January 21, and shortly after came across a page in a local guidebook about the Chinese New Year beginning on January 22nd. It seemed a little out of place, an article about the Chinese calendar in a Central American tourist guide, but after co-existing with a troupe of 25 howler monkeys for many days, I was intrigued to read on. The positive message was uplifting and inspired me to share it with you.
 
In the Chinese Calendar, the animal sign for the period ahead is the Monkey, coupled with the element sign of Fire, making it the year of the Fire Monkey.
 
The influence of the monkey represents openness, tolerance and inventiveness. The year ahead is seen as a time of potential and progress, with endless possibility and the opportunity to fulfill your needs and follow your dreams. Love is able to blossom and you are empowered to find your soul mate, strengthen your marriage, or emerge from your shell to find companionship.
 
The energy surrounding work and career can be expected to flourish with abundance. Move forward with courage. Express your creativity. Take advantage of this time to fully embrace happy moments large and small, and be in the present.
 
As I spent each day of our travels immersed in gratitude and captivated by the mystery of life that had led me to this time and has opened my heart, I put forth the hope echoed in the words above.
 
I hope every one of you are able to make this a good year to remember!
 
Peace,
Douglas
 

 
In this Moment
 
And in this moment, the moon is full, travelling her slow persistent arch across the blue black sky,
the effervescent light bouncing off the belly of the clouds beyond, cascading on the white sand beach, a shimmering glow where we lay alone, together.

And in this moment there are two breathing deep the cool wind coming off the waves that fill all sound, rushing past our faces.

And in this moment we move slightly closer, touching skin to skin to raise our warmth and balance out the breeze, holding space. We are swaddled in the bosom of the mother underneath her pure sky as stars peep through gaps between the layers and I am in balance and I am grateful and all is perfect in this moment.

And in this moment I am in love. I am nurtured and I am open and I am fulfilled by the completeness that has overtaken me and I am present to comprehend that every second of my life has led me to this moment. And it is filled with love.

This moment I share with you.
Douglas Stevenson

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I hope you'll make the effort to take a first hand look at The Farm during one of my GreenLife Retreat Weekends, and that it will inspire you to pursue your dreams and find your chosen path!

Thanks again for your time and attention.
Douglas
 Spread the word. Spread the dream! 
Out to Change the World and The Farm Then and Now

Out to Change the World
The Farm Then and Now

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Farm Experience / GreenLife Retreats and Workshops  2016 Calendar

 

March 25-27 Farm Experience Weekend 
The Joys of Spring: One of the of the most beautiful times of year to visit The Farm. Looking forward to endless potential and possibilities.
April 15-17 Experience the Land
In addition to our regular Farm Experience Weekend activities and tours, on Saturday afternoon we'll hike to a waterfall in the 1475 acre Big Swan Headwaters Preserve. The Saturday night dinner and entertainment will be a fundraiser for Swan Conservation Trust.
May 4-8 The Organic Gardening Intensive
5 Days of hands-on gardening and immersion in permaculture, as well as garden tours on and off-The Farm to visit permaculture homesteads, a bamboo nursery, the nearby Amish community, and more.
May 27-29 The Conference on Community and Sustainability
Co-sponsored by the Fellowship of Intentional Communities (FIC), this weekend is an immersion in all things community and achieving a lifestyle in line with the values of sustainability. One of our most popular events that promises to be even greater this year!
June 15-19 The Organic Gardening Intensive 
A different segment in the gardening season. 5 Days of hands-on gardening and immersion in permaculture, as well as garden tours on and off-The Farm to visit permaculture homesteads, a bamboo nursery, the nearby Amish community, and more.


July13-16 The Summer Retreat 
Like a Farm Experience but with more time to go swimming, hiking, plus kid activities, workshops and always GREAT FOOD! Fun for the entire family. Watch the video.

August: Taking a break

September 16-18 Farm Experience Weekend
Celebrate the Equinox: The best overview of life in community, exploring green building and solar technology, organic gardening, midwifery, alternative education, starting a small business, and so much more. Watch the video / Farm Experience in photos/ 
Oct 16-18 Farm Experience Weekend
Fall Colors and a Fire Circle: Always a jam packed weekend. A time of reflection and introspection.

Now it's up to you. Register today! 

Midwifery Workshops: www.midwiferyworkshops.org/

Swan Trust Activities & Hikes   Contact: foreverwild@swantrust.org

Permaculture Apprenticeships: Learn straw, cob, earthbag, turf roofs, bamboo, thatch, clay plaster, adobe, alis, and food self-reliance at the Farm community.

Spiral Ridge Permaculture - Workshops and Classes

 Meet your host: Douglas Stevenson

Green Life Retreats
A division of Village Media Services
PO Box 259Summertown, TN 38483
931-964-2590 - office 931-626-4035 cell
Douglas@villagemedia.com
www.villagemedia.com
www.greenliferetreats.com
www.douglasstevenson.com 
Douglas@thefarmcommunity.com

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