fields of dreams

In this month’s Cape Cod View there is a wonderful article written by Susan Harrison Wolffis about the heritage of farming on Cape Cod which I was so thoughtfully asked to be a part of.  It means a lot to me as I admire everyone else featured in the article, especially my favorite lady farmer, Ms. Jean Iversen.  I hope you enjoy!

To read:  If you click on the image it will open it in a new window where you can click on the image again to make it larger.  Anyone who would like it emailed to them let me know. It’s also available on newsstands now.

The Agrarian Renaissance

Meet Farmstead Meatsmith…

(click on the video so you can watch it in full size)

“We are your local butcher.  We hold history and tradition in the highest reverence.  We believe in methods, that are infinitely replicable, by generations of practice.  We process animals with our hands and offer our gratitude to the sacrifice of their lives.  We believe that slaughter is a gift of plenty to be celebrated and shared.  We believe that food cookery is inseparable from sound slaughter practices and that every part of an animal is delicious.  We believe in the power of aesthetics, that beauty is the most potent tool in the lexicon of inspiration.   And we believe in the powers of camaraderie, community, and solidarity.”

Keep it up friends.  You are making the kind of difference that inspires many generations.  It certainly gets me pumped about my tiny little contribution to the agrarian renaissance happening and I’m proud to be a part of it.  It’s that kind of reminder the feeds every part of us.  So, thank you again for doing what you do (and doing it really well).

Check out and get inspired by what they’re up to at, farmsteadmeatsmith.com & their media counterpart, farmrun.com. 

Some Insights about Farming..

the cutest hot pepper

Carrot Peppers with their cute little hats on…

Helping Hands

Hello Friends!

Greetings from Portland!  I can’t believe I’m about to finish up my first week here at the farm.   My how time does fly.  I’ve been taking a lot of photographs but I wanted to share a few of these lovely images that were taken by the infamous Farmer Brian of Working Hands Farm.

Week of 10.4.11

"For me there is only the traveling on paths that have heart, on any
path that may have heart. There I travel, and the only worthwhile
challenge is to traverse its full length. And there I travel, looking,
looking, breathlessly." - don Juan

Hello my friends,

It’s the start of a new month and I am so excited to reflect on the past 4 months when the Powers Flowers farm stand first began.  We’ve come a long way since the first days of June and I couldn’t be more happy or proud of all that we’ve accomplished this season.  My goals were simple when I first returned home in April, to start up this endeavor this Spring alongside my dad with the tireless support of Rory, and the loving support of my mom and sister, to grow and provide fresh, local produce for our community, connect with our neighbors and to stimulate the heart of local culture.  And now, at the end of the season, I have to say that I’m more satisfied and inspired than I ever could have believed.

Red Canna Lilies are the epitome of loveliness...

The path of heart is one worth traversing every time a decision must be made, even though you never know what might come up in the mean time.  Perhaps that’s what makes it worthwhile in the first place.  Like I’ve said before, being back home has connected me with this community more than ever before and I feel so blessed for all the love, encouragement and support I have gained through the new relationships I have made with all of you.  You did more than support our efforts and hard work, you have treated yourself to the best possible nourishment for your body and mind and have educated yourself to lead happier and healthier lives.  My deepest hope is that you keep on your own paths of heart, for if you do, you will always be happy.

Time to take a moment to savor.
Mom's flowers are more beautiful than ever.

For now, my path leads me westward ho’ with a very strong force pulling me there.  I’m not sure what it will bring but I welcome it with open arms because in my heart I feel it is where I need to be.  In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you all this week as we wrap up our glorious farm season.

I realize most of you will be interested in continuing with stocking your fridge with delicious & fresh goodies.  So, Rory has graciously offered to take orders for the rest of the month.   We’ll send out a weekly email and if there’s anything listed that you would like to pick up please send your order to us by 6pm on Wednesday (the 12th, 19th & 26th).  You can pick up your order at my family’s house on Thursday (13th, 20th & 27th) from 2 – 6.  Contact us at powers.flowers.produce@gmail.com for any questions.

These lovely perennial sunflowers are perfect in the autumn months..

At the farm stand this week:  Leeks, Eastham Turnips, Broccoli, Mesclun Mix, Lettuce, Kale, Collards, Rainbow Chard, Herbs (parsley, basil, cilantro), Carrots, Summer Squash, Zucchini, Beets, Potatoes (French Fingerlings & Red Pontiacs), Eggplant (Asian & Italian varieties), Sweet & Hot Peppers, Winter Squash and of course, flowers & fresh eggs!

And WORMS!  To start your very own worm composting bin.  One of our very lovely regulars, Kathy, will have some of her worms, fed with the pulp of her organic veggies, for sale.  It’s a great time of the year to start your own indoor worm farm,  or take some home to add to your garden as you put it to bed for the winter.  They will be $2 for a cup of soil with worms. If you would like more information about their worm farm project, you can contact, Kathy and Dave at beachrose.design@gmail.com or http://www.facebook.com/beachrose.design. They will also be speaking at the Cape Cod Organic Gardeners Meeting on October 20th at 7pm and will have worms for sale there as well.

These boots have some stories to tell...

HOURS

TUES  11 – 4
WED   2 – 6
FRI  11 – 4

I will keep my blog updated with my travels, plans, inspirations etc.  So, feel free to pop back every once in a while and check in.  Perhaps our paths will again cross here on the Cape.  You never know..

Happy trails to you, until we meet again.

Jess

The sun beginning to set over the cranberry bogs in the Mills...

Fall Farmstand Goodies

Week of 9.26.11

Gettin' lost (or found) in the Berkshires...

Hello Friends,

Well, we’re getting down to it folks.  I can’t believe it but it’s the last week of September.  Onto a new month, perhaps one of my favorites of the whole year, October.  I happily spent a few days in the early part of last week up in the Berkshires visiting a dear friend.  It had been the first time I’ve ventured off the bridge since arriving back here in April.  It’s also the first time that I’ve taken multiple days off in a row since this past winter.  And it felt really great!

It’s been a lot wetter out west than it has on the Cape but those leaves are starting to turn yellow and boy was it pretty.  There was an aliveness amongst the trees and the air was fresh and clear.  It brought about some really lovely thoughts and peace of mind in the midst of change and transition of the season.  I’m definitely ready for fall but I can’t help but be excited to see what next season brings.  As many of you may already know we won’t have access to the second field down the street at our family friend’s property anymore.  It has lead me to pursue other opportunities out there for farming on Cape Cod but for most of the spaces I’ve come across, it would be a real stretch for next year.  So, what’s a gal to do?

So, I’m looking forward a bit.  I’ll be venturing back out to the Pacific Northwest in the middle of October to explore the opportunity of working on a small CSA farm.  The change in the weather makes me excited for the endless possibilities that life holds and I look forward to exploring them one day at a time.

But we’re still doing this amazing thing here in Marstons Mills and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  We have so many lovely vegetables for your body & soul to enjoy, it’s a blessing.  So, please try and make it down this week and next as I believe we are coming close to the end of this beautiful ride for this season.

At the farm stand this week:  Leeks, White Egg Turnips, Broccoli, Mesclun Mix, Lettuce, Kale, Collards, Rainbow Chard, Herbs (parsley, basil), Carrots, Cucumbers, Summer Squash, Zucchini, Beets, Green Beans, Potatoes (French Fingerlings, Red Thumbs & Red Pontiacs), Eggplant (Asian & Italian varieties), Sweet & Hot Peppers, Heirloom Tomatoes, Carnival & Kabocha Squash.  And of course, flowers & fresh eggs!

Also, we have a SPECIAL DEAL going on for our delicious French Fingerlings!  Which are now only $3.50/lb from $5.00/lb!!  Be sure to stock up for the winter time blues!

I  have some homemade salsa fresca as well so let me know if you’re interested!

HOURS:

Mon: 11 – 4

Tues: 11 – 3

Wed: 2 – 6

Thurs: OFF

Fri: 11 – 4

Sat: 10 – 2

Sun: OFF

Of Note:  This coming Friday, September 30th, in preparation for the Millions Against Monsanto campaign coming up in October, the Unitarian Church of Barnstable will be screening a powerful film, The World According to Monsanto.  There will be a potluck dinner at 6pm followed by the film at 7pm and a discussion afterwards.  Please feel free to invite your friends and join the community for this eye-opening film and discussion.  RSVP to Sheila Place at sbplace583@comcast.net.

Be happy & well.  And thanks again for all your support.

Jess

The Berkshires.. where rolling hills and farm land are a plenty..

The Collard Fairy is quite the mischievous one...

If you believe.. clap your hands.

It isn’t too late in the season to receive a visit from the Collard Fairy… just sayin’…

Week of 9.19.11

The amazing view from Long Pasture Audubon Sanctuary...

Hello Everyone,

I hope this newsletter greets you with the happiness of a new week beginning.   We are about to officially embark on a change, as the first day of Fall is this Friday, but if you’ve been outside in the last week you would say that it’s already here.  Bright blue & sunny skies, dry & windy air and shorter days.  Change is here whether we want it or not and it leaves me feeling hopeful. It inspires me to get crackin’ on my winter nesting list of things I want to do, learn, feel and be.

There’s just something so romantic about the change of seasons, bundling up and exploring the feeling of cool air upon the skin.  Our very own natural reset.

I had a very inspiring conversation, through a meeting about farming on the Cape, with Ian Ives of the Long Pasture Audubon off Rt. 6A in Cummquid (on Bone Hill Road on the way to Harbor Point).  It’s amazing how electric a connection can be when you are on the same page as someone else.  I am completely behind what Mass Audubon is achieving and specifically what Long Pasture is trying to create here on the Cape.  I honestly believe it is an amazing destination on the Cape that more people need to utilize.  In fact, the day after I visited with Ian I was helping Ms. Jean Iverson around her field in the late afternoon and found myself returning to ocean’s edge just off the sanctuary.  The view there is incredible and makes you appreciate the beauty that’s all around us.

Lookin' out.. there's no where else I'd rather be.

The boardwalk from the sanctuary leads you out to the waters edge and overlooks Sandy Neck.  The sunset was absolutely incredible and the walking paths were silent with wonder.  I kept thinking, how have I not been here before now?.  So, I felt inclined to take a moment here and share with you the beauty that lies at the bottom of Bone Hill Road and it is free for your taking.  Go down and explore all 110 acres of Long Pasture, say hello to Ian and support what they’re doing down there.  They have kayak trips, workshops, gatherings etc that take place throughout the winter so be sure to check it out (to get out of your nest and stretch your winter wings ever once in a while).  We need more of these places in the community and it’s up to us to support, create & nourish it to keep it around.

That being said, we’re still out there doing what we do best (or are trying to do, to the best of our ability) and here’s what we’ve got for you this week!

Tendersweet carrots make the best Carrot Cake Cupcakes.. just sayin'..

At the farm stand this week:  Leeks, White Egg Turnips, Broccoli, Mesclun Mix, Lettuce, Kale, Collards, Rainbow Chard, Herbs (parsley, basil), Carrots, Cucumbers, Summer Squash, Zucchini, Beets, Green Beans, Potatoes (French Fingerlings, Red Thumbs & Red Pontiacs), Walla Walla Onions, Eggplant (Asian & Italian varieties), Sweet & Hot Peppers, and Heirloom Tomatoes.  And of course, flowers & fresh eggs!

*We will either have winter squash later on in the week or the beginning of next week!  I will keep you all posted.

Also, I will have some homemade salsa fresca later in the week as well so let me know if you’re interested!

A glorious raspberry harvest for jams! 
Visit the Kelly Farm in Cummaquid for some of your very own!

HOURS:

Tues: 11 – 4

Wed: 2 – 6

Thurs: OFF

Fri: 11 – 4

Sat: 10 – 2

Sun: OFF

I have to say that It’s been a pleasure connecting with you all this season and I look forward to the next 3-4 weeks as the season starts to wrap itself up.  It’s a blessing to be able to grow food here and it means even more to have the people in my community be nourished by it as well.  I’ll see you all out there friends!

Happy trails,

Jess

Last week's gorgeous harvest moon over the field...