Farming Is Like a Disney Movie
Farming is a metaphor for life. Everything that happens on a farm – birth, growth, harvest, successes, failures, and eventually death – happens in real life as well.
In most jobs, we expect to have things go well. And when they don’t – we have a bad day. We’re disappointed and hope the next day goes better. The same thing happens on a farm, but in more of a Man vs. Nature format. When things go bad on the farm – let’s face it – they can go really bad.
Mother Nature is the friend and the enemy of the Farmer. She’s like the little Girl with the Curl. When she is good, she is very, very good (Think adorable baby alpacas who come up to you for butterfly kisses). And when she is bad she is horrid (Think Hurricane Katrina).
I am the kind of girl who would rather be at a spa than a camp ground. I actually wish farming weren’t dirty. Yet I am inexorably drawn to the constant in-your-face struggle with nature. We usually win. Life on the farm is peaceful, beautiful, and serene. The joys and rewards that come with farming have no equal in my eyes. Yet there is the darker side. It’s a rollercoaster we must ride. In order to have the highs, we must endure the lows. Do you remember in the Ron Howard movie, Parenthood, when Granny tells them that she likes the rollercoaster?
Me too, Granny. Me too.
This morning, after a 2 hour nap rather than a full nights sleep, I sat, bleary-eyed, feeding our new premature cria, Pippi. Exhausted to the core, I looked outside the barn to see the alpaca herd grazing. Occasionally a cria would jump or run. A light fog was lifting. The grass was so green it jarred my sleep-filled eyes. The sounds of alpacas gently munching on the grass was a song in my heart.
I looked down at the tiny being in my arms, depending on me for everything – her very life. The thought she might not make it brought a tear to my eye. But that is okay. It is who I am. Farmer. Nurturer.
Walt Disney once said that for every laugh there should be a tear.
He would have been a good farmer.
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:54 am
Very well said. I have been following the story and pictures of “our” newborn. I have never had an alpaca in my life before. I am hooked. I know she will get stronger and some day we will see her first knitted Pippi “Longstocking”.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:02 am
Katie, this is your best writing yet and it expresses so very well what I have been feeling about farming lately during our roller-coaster year! Mother Nature CAN be a real bitch, but she is the giver and maker of all things good as well- we just need to slow down enough to see that sometimes.
alpacalindy´s last blog ..
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:19 am
What I find most amazing is that even while exhausted and emotionally spent, you can put into words the essence of it all. Great post and best of luck to both you and Pippi.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:20 am
My thoughts and hopes for a classic Disney “happily ever after” result are with you. (Hang in there, Pippi!)
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:11 am
Absolutley beautiful! Makes me want to come live on a farm… or maybe just not 2 minutes from Target.
Hillary @ The Other Mama´s last blog ..The Other Mama’s Birthday Bash- Day 3- Design Chicky Giveaway
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:28 am
I’ve been watching your story unfold on Twitter and most of the time it’s been more of a suspense movie than a Disney. I am so glad that the outcome is so much better than it could be, and that little Pippi is improving.
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:28 am
Amazingly, Hillary, I have a new Super Walmart about a mile from me! We still feel like we’re in the country for the most part, but have lots of conveniences. Alpacas only require one acre for 6-7 of them, making farming in “suburbia” a possibility for some. Thanks for your comment.
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Katy, I am sorry that Pippi didn’t pull through. When I read your last twitter I just wanted to give you a big hug so…sending you a big ol’ Disney Hug from Michigan.
Wonder Why Gal´s last blog ..Through the Eyes of a Child
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I am so sorry Pippi didn’t make it. We are all grieving with you.
When you fight for a cria because you wanted its survival more than sleep or food or anything you can think of you do gain even if it doesn’t survive. You are not a cog in a process that results in a budget or someone who turns a screw in building a machine. Farm life is not repetition. It all matters.
You cannot experience highs without lows, sometimes you do your best and you just can’t save everyone. The serenity and joy of watching frolicking alpacas soars when you realize that without you and your efforts some out there pronking and playing wouldn’t exist. Remember, Bambi’s mother (and Simba’s father)died and taught us that life is a circle and not everyone lives forever. When we love, life is too brief.
Farm life is a lot like a Disney movie, the best, most heart-warming movie. Unlike that movie, you get to experience real life, the pain and the joy and wonder every day and it’s you playing a starring role.
Pippi is in heaven (I believe) humming and smiling (as alpacas can do) and remembering you with love. Be sad, then after a bit smile again, she knows you did your best.
September 2nd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
How precious!
I’m trying to get ready to eventually live on a ranch. At the moment, though, living in the West Texas suburbs is enough for me. After all, there’s heat and bugs and poky plants out there!
TexasRed´s last blog ..Nearly Finished Piecing Project Linus
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Beautiful post. I’m so sorry about Pippi. I follow you because you are living my dream life… I just hope to be so lucky someday. Keep at it! I agree with Kathleen, it all matters; you matter. Wishing you more butterfly kisses, baby alpacas, flowers and the good side of Mother Nature and less of her mean side.
-Dominique
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:27 am
Update: For those who haven’t heard, Pippi did pass away. She had a brief life. Less than 72 hours, but she sure did make a difference! Loved that spunky little gal, and I miss her.
Thanks for all of your wonderful comments and hugs. I feel every one of them. You are the best!
September 5th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
I love that I was able to grow up on a farm. It’s too bad more kids can’t have that kind of life.
Kathy´s last blog ..Vern – USD $178.75
July 13th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Interesting! I love it.