We need to find meaning. We need to be useful. We need to know that who we are matters. I give, you give, we all give.
absoutely fabulous photo. We never have fields of sunflowers here in Lancaster County PA, like you do out west.
Winnie Nielsen says: We used to live where the people who owned the farmland planted acres of sunflowers one year for commercial production. It was a glorious site when then all bloomed!
Cindi Johnson says: Gorgeous 🙂 My sunflowers just might look like that next summer once those cute little birds finish sowing. Twice a day since the seeds came ripe, flocks of delightful tiny birds have visited. This year’s crop quadrupled over last year because of these helpful little farmers. Such a joy to watch!
A simple, little Buddha statue seems to be spreading a big message of peace in an Oakland, California, neighborhood.
Photo by Hartwig HKD via Flickr
One resident, who’s not a Buddhist or even affiliated with any other religion, placed a small, stone Buddha at an Ace Hardware store in an Oakland residential area that was plagued by crime, drug-dealing, prostitution, and littering. He was merely hoping that the calm, benevolent presence of the statue would somehow bring a glimmer of peace to the neighborhood. Before long, offerings of flowers, food, and candles appeared at the site. Then, Vietnamese women from the neighborhood began to meet there for morning prayers. “And the neighborhood changed. People stopped dumping garbage. They stopped vandalizing walls with graffiti. And the drug dealers stopped using that area to deal. The prostitutes went away,” says the San Francisco Chronicle. Police crime statistics for the area actually show an 82 percent drop in crime since the women began their morning prayers.
Whether you call it the power of prayer, the power of positive thinking, or the power of peace, this one little statue and this one little gesture has made a big difference in one little neighborhood.
Read the whole story here.
Winnie Nielsen says: This is an incredible story. It makes sense that as soon as people began to “own” this tiny space, it would flourish under their care. As I understand it, Buddhism is not considered a religion in the typical sense of the word, but more of a philosophy of living. Filled with respect, non-violence, simplicity, honoring the earth and others, it must have filled a deep yearning of the neighborhood. People don’t want to live in fear of violence but sometimes their economics prevent moving anywhere better. Once someone had the presence to bring about one small change, the floodgates opened encouraging others to participate. Peace built more peace. This happening, juxtaposed against what is going on in the Middle East, makes it seem like a miracle. I doubt, however, that the radical religious Islamists would settle for anything as open and simple as what happened here. It does speak to the reality that despite our fragmented politics, somethings like what happened are still possible in America. For that, I feel a big sigh of relief and hope we still “get it” here.
What a wonderful uplifting story, thanks MaryJane for sharing this. It’s not the religion -it’s the peace that the Buddha statue exudes. It has brought a whole neighborhood together and made it a better place indeed.
Ron and Elaine Silverman says: 🙂
Winnie Nielsen says: Ohhh, these grapes make the best ever jelly!!
Karlyne says: Elderberries! We make “rum punch” out of them for keeping off the winter colds/flu! (I was pretty excited to find a bush on our property)
Yesterday morning I enjoyed a leisurely morning with three of my grandgirls in the heart of our town in what is called Friendship Square—overflowing on Saturdays with the hustle and bustle of our Farmers’ Market.
There’s a water fountain in the middle where people make wishes and toss pennies. My daughter handed a penny to each of the girls but when she handed one to me, I was caught off guard. As I tried to think of a meaningful wish, I said, “You know, I think all my wishes have come true.” That’s when I remembered about my post earlier this week, so I wished for more peace in the world and tossed my penny into the water.
Denise Ross says: Praying for peace on earth, and true lasting peace and joy in all of man kinds souls
Winnie Nielsen says: When I read this post and think about all those moms and their children caught in the cross fires of daily war and violence, it brings a feeling of deep sadness and helplessness which is the cost to innocent people when peace and human rights are denied. Just like the end of WWII, we all thought that that peace must be put in place so that future generations would never suffer such ravages again. 65 years later, it is like those hard lessons have been lost and once again, peace seems very fragile or non-existent in a large part of the world. Are there enough pennies and prayers to change things this go around?
As a traveller to many war torn countries over the years, I know first hand what Peace is and isn’t. As a teacher in Kashmir India, in the Himalayan Mountains, I lived in a beautiful, peaceful valley that was believed to be the original “Shangri La” . Not anymore, it has been totally destroyed by warring factions and is unsafe to even visit. When I lived in Sri lanka, a more peaceful gentle place couldn’t be imagined. alas no longer peaceful or safe there either. And so I could go through a litany of places I visited or lived and ,almost without exception, they are are in the midst of war or political upheaval. Light candles for peace and try to donate to organizations that do relief work.
When we received an e-mail and photo from Kirk Jackson of Team Rubicon, a veteran-focused disaster relief organization, we were humbled and pleased that our just-add-water organic meals found their way to the Philippines after the devastating typhoon in 2013. (Read that original post here.)
We also knew we wanted to help this great organization carry on their inspiring and important work.
So we teamed up with the Team: For every 3-lb mylar package of emergency food you buy from us (15 to 25 servings, depending on entrée), we donate two single-serve pouches of food to Team Rubicon to help feed them when they travel to help those in need. Each box of emergency food contains one 3-lb bulk oxygen-free mylar bag of our just-add-water organic meals for emergency preparedness long-term storage. Shelf life: 15+ years.
If you haven’t tried our delicious packaged food yet, take a look and team up with the Team, too. It’s a win-win!
Winnie Nielsen says: This is a wonderful testimony to your hard work to provide high quality and delicious dehydrated food for anyone being off the grid. Being someone who loves to eat hot oatmeal every morning, I have often wondered what your Outback Oatmeal tasted like. Looks like now might be the best time to find out and help emergency relief at the same time!
Ron and Elaine Silverman says: We have just recently purchased a variety of all the Mary Jane packaged foods. It is so nice to be able to travel and know I can eat clean toxic free organic food. Not to mention it tastes better than my home made and pretty handy at home too! :). Ron
Mary says: WOW
Veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan face a difficult transition to civilian life. They need a place to de-escalate from the impact of combat. They’re service-driven people who need a new mission.
At the same time, half of American farmers have reached retirement age, and the USDA is calling for one million new farmers and ranchers in the next 10 years to fill the gap.
Ground Operations: Battlefields to Farmfields is a documentary film and social action campaign that champions the growing network of combat veterans who are transitioning into careers as sustainable farmers, ranchers, and artisan food producers. The film follows an ensemble of young men and women who tell us why they joined the military; how the war changed them; how they’ve struggled to return home; and ultimately, how they found organic farming and ranching to be the answer to a dream. In a world full of problems, Ground Operations is a story about solutions.
“Teach these guys how to farm, and they can have sustainable lives with sustainable agriculture,” says Adam Burke, who started the Veterans Farm in Jacksonville, Florida, growing organic blueberries.
You can support Ground Operations by sharing the 2-minute video below or by buying the 40-minute film on DVD for $20. You’ll be rooting for returning veterans all the way to your local farmers’ market.
… And find out how we’re doing our part to support returning veterans in my post that’s coming up on Saturday.
Winnie Nielsen says: This is just awesome! And I am so proud that Florida has been able to lead the way. We are currently watching the PBS Special on The Roosevelts and part of what Franklin did in the 1930s was to start the Civilian Conservation Corps to put unemployed men to work. They were responsible for many important projects like clearing and working in places like out national parks to make them more accessible for people to visit and enjoy the spaces. Just like the huge unemployment of the 1929 crash and returning veterans from WWI, using the skills that people had from the war could be harnessed into important work for our nation. Clearly, we have veterans who are finding themselves in the same predicament. What could be more important than securing our national food production in new and sustainable practices?
I also read in one of my bee books for the badge that they are teaching bee keeping to prisoners who are in transition to release so that they can have the skills needed to work for themselves and earn a living for their futures. With many convicts carrying the burden of a labeled felon, employment is almost impossible on the outside. Self employment like bee keeping, however, offers a pathway to a sustainable further and prevent recidivism.
I love how this new agriculture training program and Bee Keeping programs are gaining traction and offering young people a bright and honorable future where the gentle bees and the good earth heal the wounds of violence and abuse.
Been reading alot about this movement and it’s such a brilliant idea. Those major skills are so wasted when the troops come home , especially if they suffer from PSTS. The peacefulness of farming plus the many ways that those military skills are needed ( farm equipment needing to be repaired, running huge complicated machinery like combines, milking equipment, etc ) makes for a potent combination. Like the ex soldier in the preview says , finding that sense of peace and not destruction – A rebuilding not a tearing down.
If the placid face of a milk cow doesn’t calm someone down, what will? This is such a win-win idea.
Karlyne says: About the time that I start wondering if this insane world will last out the year, along comes an actual plan for making people’s lives not only better but good. Kisses and hugs and sprinkles of fairy dust to the people who start these kinds of programs!
Winnie Nielsen says: The last of the Summer’s work is happening in your area.
Next Sunday, September 21, is the International Day of Peace (Peace Day). In 1981, the United Nations General Assembly declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. Twenty years later, in 2001, the General Assembly declared that the day would be an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. According to the official website, “Anyone, anywhere can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, sitting in silent meditation, or doing a good deed for someone you don’t know. Or it can involve getting your co-workers, organization, community or government engaged in a large event. You can also share thoughts, messages, and pictures to commemorate Peace Day on social media.”
“Hand of Peace” sculpture by Rose Garrard. Photo by Kudpung via Wikimedia Commons
Search the website’s extensive database of peace-related events to find out what’s happening in your area. You’ll be joining with millions of people around the world to promote peace with activities, events, concerts, and festivals. This year’s theme is “Rights of Peoples to Peace.”
Here are some ideas on how YOU can participate from InternationalDayOfPeace.org:
Winnie Nielsen says: I am glad to know about this national commemoration day next Sunday. Thank-you for all the links and I am going to see what might be happening here in my own community. There is such a need to work for global peace right now. It feels like the world is coming apart at the seams with so much violence and civil unrest on every major continent.
MaryJane says: Our town has a Peace Band. They march in our parades and perform at special events and play at the Farmers’ Market on occasion. Our very own Carol Hill is a member of Moscow, Idaho’s Peace Band.
Winnie Nielsen says: How cool is that! What instrument does Carol play in the band?
MaryJane says: Well, she PLAYS the ukulele with friends, etc. and even occasionally in public but when she marches in the Peace Band, she plays a drum.
Thank you MaryJane for reminding us all of what is truly important! Thanks for all the information so that we can all participate. As a person who has travelled to many war torn countries ( sometimes even while they are at war ) the thought of worldwide peace is evermost in my mind. Will look into some of the suggestions given. Pax, that is the blessing to give to all.
Pingback: Today Is International Day of Peace | Raising Jane Journal
Debra says: As I clicked to continue reading this post, I noticed an ad to the right for concealed carry holsters. Not to open a debate about guns–but how ironic to have such an ad next to a post about world peace…makes me realize how incredibly complicated our world is.
Winnie Nielsen says: Do farmers still use milk cans like these? I am thinking they all use these big holding tanks that are attached to their milking machines?
Actually some small organic operations still do , at least here in Amishland. but they need a special license to do so.
Buy props used in MaryJane’s books and magazine!
5% of profits will benefit www.firstbook.org, a non-profit that provides new books to children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s how:
MaryJane will post a photo and a description of a prop and its cost along with a few details as to its condition here: https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/MaryJanesCurations. It’s a playful way to be the new owner of a little bit of farm herstory.
This reminds me of the barn at my grandparents home, that I spent hours playing in as a child!
I am so in love with all of the old barn photos you have been sharing!!
Red Barn Girl????????
I like that name!! Sitting on plane loading up and Boston bound. Apple orchard tomorrow afternoon with John Bunker!! Think he will let me try out the standard apple pickers bag and climb up his hand made apple ladder? If so, I’ll send a photo!!
Photos PLEASE!!!! Have a fun trip my friend. You’re awesome.
Looks a bit like my grandparents’ old barn. Loved playing in it when I was young!