Family time.

It was brought to my attention, thanks to my loving brother and several others...I hadn't blogged recently. Which encouraged me to reflect upon why? Eventually, i identified a tussle, in my mind...

----Today, we do live in a busy world- people are choosing to share their lives publicly. But what is private anymore, and where do we stop? Twitter, Facebook, blogging, the online virtual WORLD. The benefits are tremendous, don't get me wrong. Technology allows us to connect with people in every corner of the globe. We can share our happenings, feelings, emotions, experiences- anything our hearts desire. But really, is it our hearts desire? Or are we trying desperately to just connect, with someone, anything?
And this is my tussle...The opportunity for personal connection is lost somewhere within the computer screen, the notion that we can all delete, re-write, a thousand times over, it is not real. In real-life, when we stumble, loose our words- we reveal ourselves. I would be interested in identifying a way for technology to lead us all back to our own planet...And i wonder how technology can provide this? Just something for you to ponder...

Tussles aside... Writing is a passion of mine. I don't have a degree in it, i just love to do it. And lets be honest, technology helps the process, providing me with an effective way to communicate a lot of information to a large number of people. Now how to help give my thoughts direction and economy to then write, forever the amateur...

Let me share with you, the past few months in a WALnut shell-

The Farm has become quite the lively part of the world, just the sheer beauty alone i cannot describe. I have never witnessed such a contrast, upon arrival all seemed lifeless, to then witness the growth and bursts of colour. Naturally i have been taking many photos. Nature and its colour has wonderful effects on the old being, as does the sun.

Barbara took some time off a few weeks ago and asked i keep an eye on the farm. I loved beginning the day out in the garden. The customers enjoyed buying the fresh goodness (bärlauch mostly), sometimes they would return with home-made pesto as a gift. I was fascinated by the system for selling, it was one of trust. Customers collect their required amounts and left money in the bright blue letter box. I enjoy the trust-worthy nature and the entire process itself is complete- planted, grown, harvested, bundled and bought by the customer who consumes. ALL on the farm. Simple. Magical. Organic.

I have been in COUNT-DOWN mode for the past 2 months. My parents finally arrived four days ago. Never have they been in Europe together. I just love that football has provided them the extra incentive to venture. Thanks leather ball!!! Mum is just besotted with everything she sees...

"I just feel like crying all the time."

Classic! Mother also feels Germany has some sentimental significance, the boys were all here last year at the World Cup, she feels connected to them :) How precious. It has been wonderfully special to share what has been my home for the past 4 months with my parents. Until now, Skype has allowed for some sharing, but nothing compares to real life. Dad is having a ball, he insists he predicted the score on the weekend. As proof here is a extract from an email he'd sent to our family back home...

"The girls won 3:2 yesterday to keep the relegation demons at bay for at least another week - if Leverkusen win and yesterday's defeated team (USV Jena) lose, then Sally and Katie's hiring will have achieved its intended objective.

Trying to console Katie with the prospect of not starting yesterday's match (team policy for players returning from injury) I predicted that she would be subbed on to kick the winning goal in injury time and that Bayer 04 would win 3:2. All that happened except that Katie kicked the winning goal in the 89th minute-just call me Nostradamus!!!"

Of course they were easy to spot in the crowd. Dad with his Swannie's cap firmly strapped to his noggin'. Bless!

Yesterday we strolled around Cologne. Dad and his generosity got the better of him. Each street performer (plenty occupy Cologne)... received some coin. Literally once he popped he couldn't stop. (Yes a push pop reference). The severity of his generosity was realised when he required the loo. Breaking a 20 Euro note for the 1 Euro payment will perhaps remind him to keep some change next time. Would be wise, but probably won't. Keep on giving father...

Over the last month or so, the Walnut farm has been graced by the presence of some dear friends. Sarah Gregarious, Katie Hoyle and Alicia Ferguson. Made to sign my 'guest book' before departing...

".....it's hard not to be taken by the charm of the farm, with it's low-hanging willowy trees, mysterious garages and the inner sanctum that is Barb's workshop. Even with inappropriate footwear on the uneven ground, I would happily tour the farm again to discover more of its magic it seems to be hiding so well!" -Sarah Gregarious, New Zealand Fern

"...coming from a small farm myself in New Zealand I wasn't surprised by the warmth I received whilst present on the farm despite it being a rather cold day... a place I found very interesting and although it was short visit it was a thoroughly enjoyable one." - Katie Hoyle, New Zealand Fern

And people, thats the farm.

Thank you for reading my blog and supporting the process. Similar to the bärlauch. And the best part of the process, the opportunity to experience something so special in which i feel compelled to record and share.

Writing is a way of structuring my thoughts. Even if i chose not to share it with the world, or anyone for that matter. Sometimes it is just a nice, peaceful act to scribble down a few lines, I'm quite often surprised by what escapes my pen.

Reading through my diary or notebook will be a wonderful thing to do in the years to come, with family, friends...my children :) Memories can be recorded in to a journal, moments can be snapped up and put in an album forever.

I will however, keep in mind reflection does come at the expense of being, in turn, popping my camera away, leave my notebook at home. And adopt the sound advice provided to me by Alicia Ferguson on her last visit.

"Sal, just don't think so much." - Alicia Ferguson, ESPN commentator ;)

Thanks Eeshy. Simple.

Sal. x