End.

I was going to post this whole blog about things I learned and what new interns should expect, but I've arrived back in Wisconsin and things are crazy. So, maybe if I get my act together later on down the road I will revisit this blog. For now I'm headed back over to DirtPoorAndDayDreaming. Feel free to follow me there!

Over a Month Later....

Flash forward over a month now and I've got less than a week left here. It's a bittersweet thing to think about. While I'm certainly ready to move on, I'm really going to miss my friends, both human and non human. I have been terrible at blogging this last month, but I don't even feel bad about it. To be honest there was a lot I couldn't really write down. But now that we are on that subject I might as well try for a cryptic explanation. We lost a couple animals last month and it hit me harder than I would have liked it to. It made me realize exactly how difficult a care taker position would be. The employees here are some of the strongest people I've ever met. Because, when an animal dies, life goes on. It has to. Especially here. There isn't time, until you get home that is, to really morn the loss of your friends. I was really amazed to watch this process in the different caretakers. They taught me more than they will ever know. Enough of that. I just wanted to say that before this process started I really didn't consider the emotional strength that it takes to do this job day in and day out. Hats off to the Farm Sanctuary California shelter care takers. This place would be lost without you and your genuine love for each and every animal here, your courageous speaking out and standing up for the best care and quality of life of these animals, and your abilities to plow through the rough times (with several mugs of hot cocoa and a handful of cookies of course!) I'm going to miss you guys.

Other things I'm going to miss? I made a list, in no particular order:

My NASA mug that I adopted from Vegan House...I might steal it.
Snagging my shirts on wire fencing (it always made me feel like I was working hard when I had holes in my shirts)
Neal and Chrissie's grumpy faces
Melvin's swagger...duh
Sitting in the sun with Geraldine
The cattle using the mule as a scratching post
All my turkey girls and their ferociously epic personalities
Olive's strut
Vegan house discussions
Vegan house cinema
Calvin's tongue
Giving Rusty belly rubs
Making silly videos
Running for dear life as Romeo tries to eat my leg
All the farm cats (Tara, I'm going to miss our chats. Matisse you are the loudest most amazing cat ever. Handsome handsome Mishka. Scully, I wish just once I could have pet you....you know you want it. Walter, my good luck closing charm. Also, to Maggie Jett, you had a short time here at the farm but I'm glad you have  a new home...hope you are being nice! And of course Mr. Blaise....life will not be the same without you.)
Walking to the lake
Hank, you will always hold a special place in my heart. Such a gorgeous and gentle steer.
Feeding the chickens produce
Treats on the office table
Nibbles from Madeline
Turkey boy warm heads
Bon Bon and Way Way...Waylon's donkey lips
Oliver and Elliot being cute at anything they do
Doing photo shoots with Hombre...we are models if you didn't already know.
My baby Ramona
Being stalked by Elton
Hugging Lida
Peeking Chinese food
Getting excited to go to Chico
MaMuse
All my Vegan House Roomies!!!
The slapping game
The Vegan House closet...seriously, best place to shop EVER

Man there are a million more things I'm going to miss but that list is a good start. I will probably be making a couple more posts either before I leave or right after. The hoe down is in a couple days so I definitely want to show those shenanigans!

Also here's a short video I made last night that pretty much expresses how awesome this place was and how much I enjoyed every moment I was here...yes, all that in 26 seconds.

 

Olive

Since I promised some pictures of the turkey girl who is fighting for Melvin's spot in my heart (no worries, I have plenty of room in there for ALL the animals) here is Olive:

And a video of this beautiful lady coming to say hello:

"My Inner Purpose", and other treats

I've been meaning to update for quite sometime but I've been finding it difficult to recreate my days in words lately. I often find myself experiencing something wonderful on the farm and then trying to hold onto that feeling, taking in every bit of that moment and tucking it away so I can feel it later too. Kind of like I'm trying to create a happy feeling memory...if that makes any sense. This never works by the way. I can never get as much joy out of an experience that I've already experienced and am no longer experiencing...but that hasn't stopped me from trying. But really, I think that's the whole point of experiences. Being in the now, not obsessing over every detail so you can remember and feel it later. Just feel it NOW and appreciate it NOW. I'm currently reading "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle (seriously, this book is changing my life....read it. It's beautiful) and this is the central theme. Living in the now. Being fully conscious and awakened to life and how we are all interconnected. I definitely want to read his other book "The Power of Now"

Anyways, you came here for cute animal stories and pictures yes? Well, that I can deliver.

My Inner Purpose
Speaking of that book I was reading, I went to go spend a little time with my sheep and goat friends who have been moved to the rescue barn which is right behind the vegan house. I thought it would be relaxing to read in the pasture with them. It turned out to be more entertaining. Molly was the first goat to come greet me and she was very interested to see if I had any treats for her. When she found I came with only a book of paper in my hands she wiped her nose all over the pages and walked away. Love you too Molly. Then came Buddy. Cute old Buddy. He stood over me for awhile as I mulled over and digested the current chapter title "Your Inner Purpose". Buddy literally digested the chapter when he decided I was paying far too much attention to words on a page than to scratching his shoulder. This is what it now looks like:

My book then got finished off by Melvin who came and licked several pages. Yes, my copy of "A New Earth" is looking a little ragged. But it was well worth it. I love those guys. I feel I'm getting daily lessons on "living in the moment" from all the animals here. What great teachers they are :)

For the Love of Olive:

I went to go cut grass buckets to be fed out a couple days ago. This involves sitting in a field with shears and buckets, soaking up the sun and clipping away. One of the designated areas for cutting grass is the turkey ladies yard. So, I toted my four buckets up to the barn and opened the gate, looking for a nice spot to sit for the next little while. As I chose a thick grass patch Olive turkey spotted me. I really hadn't had much experience with the turkey ladies, as most of my turkey time was spent with the girls for my little video project. As I watched Olive hobble over, I wondered if she had come to give me "love" pecks that turn to "love" bruises like her sweet turkey girl friends. Instead she cocked her head sideways when she saw the bucket, continued walking towards me and then positioned herself right along my side, snuggled in as close as she possibly could without being on top of me, and sat down. I gave her cute turkey head a little rub, she closed her eyes and took in the suns rays. That moment, is one I will never forget. All the magic of this place seemed to be sitting with me and Olive in the yard that day. Olive is a beautiful soul and I wish everyone could meet her. Today, I went to cut grass again and it was so tall that I couldn't see her. I called out "Olive!" and out of the yard popped her little head. I sat down and again she came to cuddle. What a day. Tomorrow I have the day off and will be getting a picture of this lovely lady.

Here are some random photos from the past couple weeks:

 Buddy being silly. He stuck his horn in the ground and was lying with his head facing the sun.

 Whittaker and Harrison playing. To watch a 41 second video of this love fest click here

 Me and Colvin.

Perfect Day Off

That's how I spent my morning. Reclining back in the arms of a lovely tree outstretched over the lake. It was beautiful. I woke up at seven this morning. It seems I just can't sleep in too well here on the farm which is okay. I catch a lot of amazing sights when I'm up this early. The morning started with a bowl of oatmeal and dates (6 days sugar free, thank you very much!) and I hiked my way up to the butte across the street. The scenery once you get to the lake here is unbelievable. I took a different path this time so I was hiking underneath the butte where all the trees are. It was extremely mystical feeling. I half expected Kahlan Amnell to appear in her white confessor dress from "Legend of the Seeker" (I should start that show up again). I spent a good three hours outside this morning, moving from rocks to trees just reading. What a great start to the day.

When I got back I headed to the farm to hang out with the goats and pigs a bit. Some highlights from that adventure:

Six little piggies sleeping on a hill...and Rusty.

Kanbar and her ears.

Charles Suave (I'm giving him that last name because he just is...suave) What a handsome guy!

So that was my lovely day around the farm and beyond. When I got back I did some laundry and hung it out to dry. Seriously, who doesn't want to do laundry when you've got these little babes watching?

Since they trotted up to the fence line the second they saw me hanging laundry, I went and got an apple and carrot for these guys. I mean they left the comfort of the shaded tree to come say hello! <3 Oliver and Elliot. 

Sugar bad, Cows good.

I love how Cinnamon rolls bring people together. Kerrie, had her 39 1/2 birthday today and celebrated by bringing everyone a Cinnaholic Cinnamon roll. Word traveled through the farm phone tree pretty fast and we were down at the shelter in minutes ready to chow down. It was delicious and it couldn't have come at a more perfect time. Monday is the official "I'm never eating sugar again day". Seriously. I'm pretty sure that with all the exercise I get out here weight gain SHOULD NOT be an issue. I'm blaming our late night baking parties and lack of self control. Stephanie is joining me in the sugar fast! I will post updates on how it's going.

After work today Shubah, Stephanie and I hit up the pastures with our cameras. The cows were moved to the pond pasture this weekend and it was absolutely gorgeous up there! I'll let the photos speak for themselves:

 Whitaker and Edwin

 Loretta grooming Suzie Moo

 El Nino surveying his pasture

 Melanie checking out the pond

Our awesomely dorky camera timer shot

Couple quick photos

Not a whole lot to report tonight, just wanted to post a couple photos from my walk back to vegan house after close.
 

 

Secret cow love at dusk

Tomorrow I help with santa cruz health care and then head to San Francisco for a couple days!

Pondering in Pastures

The sun came back to the farm today and it was lovely! I had a pretty easy day. I opened, and then barn cleaned, fed out produce, raked, and did waters. After coming back from feeding out the produce I found a little dove near the shelter office that had some sort of injury, we couldn't quite figure out exactly what happened, but we called the wildlife rescue place and he/she will be all fixed up there.

After work Stephanie and I went to spend a little time with the cattle. Everyone looked so relaxed and happy. Made my heart smile :) Here are a few pics from the afternoon:

 

Susie Moo and Loretta

Handsome man Edwin

 Big boy El Nino

Edward: best mohawk on the farm

And then there was Chrissy. She was being absolutely zen out on the hill today. So much so that she got a video out of it. Check it out:

Last Week

I abandoned blogging for awhile, but today I really need to do my taxes so blogging has suddenly become very interesting again.  It was hard to get out of bed this morning because I rolled over and the cattle were grazing right outside my window. Watching them is sometimes like watching reality tv...in a foreign language. I can tell very interesting things are going on in the herd. I can see the cliques, the relationships, the friendships, the drama, but I don't quite understand the dialogue. I wish I could be a cow for a day and get in on their secret life out there in the pasture.

Highlights from the week:

Stephanie and I went to Sophia's class "Why Vegan?" and helped out with the sales of books and cupcakes. It was really interesting to go and see people be so responsive to the talk, people asked great questions and despite knowing a lot of the information I actually learned quite a bit! There is another class next week about how to move towards a vegan diet. I'm not sure if I'll be able to attend this one yet because I might be headed to San Francisco for my two days off in a row. 

We watched the movie Fowl Play last week too which is one I've wanted to see for quite sometime. This documentary focuses on all aspects of the egg industry. There is undercover video that is hard to watch, but it's spread out nicely between rescue stories. Because of this movie I've been doing a little bit of research into hatcheries and egg laying facilities. I found a website of an egg farm who is so confident their practices are "humane" that they have six live cameras you can watch at any time. It just focuses on the birds in the cages. I found it extremely interesting that they are calling themselves a humane facility based only on the livelihood of the hens in the cages.  I really would like them to put a camera in the hatcheries, more specifically on the sexing process of the birds that are born to inhabit those cages. I think anyone who could see the video of male chicks (deemed worthless by the industry) being ground up alive, suffocating to death in huge piles, or being tossed into plastic bags to suffocate would be appalled. Regardless of the treatment these egg laying chickens receive the sad fact of the matter is that male chicks are just a "worthless bi product" to the industry. I was going to post the link to this facilities live cams but I'd rather not accidentally give them free advertisement. Anyways, I just went off on a tangent, check out Fowl Play, it's definitely worth the watch. If you have Netflix it's available as a "watch now" option.

I'll try to keep updating throughout this week. I really need to get some more photos but the weather has been terrible. I even went out and bought myself a pair of rain pants....overall style. Yeah, I've got the farm fashion down. Speaking of bad weather though....even when the weather is awful we always end the day on a good note:

 Shubah took this picture. I didn't even get to see the rainbow! But it was just so gorgeous I had to share!

Sugar and Sheep

Holy moly. I'm tuckered out. Today was healthcare for the sheep. I literally feel like I just played in an intense roller derby bout. From 7am to 12:30 today I held sheep horns while Ashley checked their eyes, ears, body, trimmed their hooves and gave a shot. It was intense. My arms and back are sore from being bent over all day and being tossed around by a few of the really strong ones like Zeus. Because the Santa Cruz and Iso Santa cruz herds are pretty big I really don't know too many of their names but I was able to learn a few today. My favorite, mainly because he gave my arms a rest, was Ed. He just laid down and rolled over for us. Thank you Ed.

After healthcare I went up the people barn and started on a crazy baking project! Sophia is teaching a "Why Vegan?" class tomorrow in Chico so I was put on baking duty! Which is always fun because I love baking. I rocked out to a little Lady Sovereign and made brownies, two batches of marble cupcakes, peanut butter cupcakes and rice crispy treats. Phew! I'm sooooo tired! Will probably spend the evening with the Desperate Housewives :)

Just Say No!

I hate role playing conversations with all of my being. It's probably one of my least favorite things to do, next to vomiting. It just always takes me back to the elementary school D.A.R.E program. I remember having to stand up in front of the whole class and turn down marijuana, beer, and other "gateways to evil" all while ridden with complete anxiety that everyone was looking at me. Besides that, it just feels stupid. I mean if I HAVE to have a conversation with someone, I'd rather it be a real one. But I understand how helpful role playing can be. It's great to practice before you speak. We did this at Ed Lunch today. Practiced answers to questions we are constantly being asked as vegans. I need a whole hell of a lot of practice that's for sure :) But what is frustrating is I know the answers to these stupid questions like "Well what about plants!? Don't plants have feelings?" but there is some mental block that goes up the second I'm put on the spot. My whole mind erases! Soooo annoying. Anyways though, I think I learn really well by hearing others responses. The more I hear it over and over the better I am at remembering and eventually communicating. Anyways, I've also found a few books online I want to get that deal specifically with vegan activism and how to tactfully answer some of the tougher questions. It's just frustrating to feel so passionately about something and feel completely unable to communicate it effectively.  I think I'll look into Toastmasters when this internship is over. Just thinking about that makes me want to hurl, but I feel way too old to have an issue with public speaking. Isn't this something you are suppose to grow out of?

Anyways, this morning I helped with the sheep again. And one in particular named Emmett. Which made me smile because my dog's name is Emmett :) Then I helped Leanne trim Kanbar's hoof (one of the goats). She was super sweet. I pretty much just had to hold her head while she was getting trimmed and Noel and Squishy (two of the tinier goats) kept coming up to sniff and nibble on my jacket. I love those guys! I then drove a goose to the vet for a quick visit and then picked up feed at the feed store. 

This blog post is brought to you today by Calvin:

No music necessary....this guy is just pure awesome all by himself:

C'mon cows! Let's Mooooove!

I opened this morning, and as usual, it was a delight. My first stop was the rescue barn. Here are housed the turkey girls, rescue pigs and a couple Iso Sheep...so imagine my surprise when I walked in and was greeted by several "Moooooos"! I'm still not exactly sure why there were cattle in there. I think the barn had been opened up for them because it was raining last night. Anyways, it set the tone for the day. Tomorrow is the second round of cattle health care so we had to move the herd closer to the Cattle Barn. All 26 of them. Mike and I took the mule out to the pasture and began calling to them "C'mon cows!" this is a phrase they respond to best and clapping. Mario and Linus led the way and most followed, taking frequent snack breaks along the way. There were only about 5 lingerers so we worked with them one on one. Offering pellets, giving little behind pats and showing them the way. It was really cute to watch the heard that had already headed to the other pastures call out to the slower ones. We got everyone all set up and ready and out of the pasture....and then there was....El Nino. I really wish I had a picture of this guy (putting it on my to do list for my day off). He is HUGE. Biggest guy of the herd. And he was not budging from his spot. I showed him pellets, even let him have a few and he started shaking his head (that's cow talk for back the heck up lady!). Once Nino saw that the rest of the heard was no where near him he got a bit confused and started calling out to everyone and trying to find a way out. We led him back to the gate. That sounds way easier than it was. In total it took about an hour to get him on the right path, but once we did he was happy to rejoin the herd. And now, I'm super tired from clapping my hands and saying "C'mon Nino!" But it was a great day! I love any time I get to spend with the cattle because I don't feel like I get to hang with them all too often. And the more I hang out with them the easier it is to see how they communicate with each other and with humans. It really is such an awesome experience, looking into the eyes of a cow. They are soooo beautiful!

Turkey Girls in the Key of Epic

I've got another video for you all! This one was WAY more thought out than Breakfasting with Bovines. I started it about a week into my internship here. And while it began as somewhat of a joke, I've fallen in love with these birds.  I always liked the turkey girls, despite their pecking and mini bruises they'd leave on the backs of my legs. They just seem so fearless and bold in everything they do.  I wanted to make a video of them that showed how epic they truly are. If you look closely throughout, you can see the visible signs of their past and the horrific truth behind factory farms. Several, have been severely debeaked, detoed, and desnooded. I didn't want that to be the main focus of the video though (which is why the second scene is a lucky turkey girl with all her lovely toes). These girls have been through a lot. I hear them saying "You can take our toes, beaks and snoods, but we will not be afraid!" That's what I wanted to show here....their fearlessness, their will to carry on as one of the strongest creatures I've ever met! Long live the turkey girls!

Epic as defined by Urban Dictionary: To describe something that is so amazing that no other word is able to describe it's awesomeness.

Breakfasting with Bovines

I got totally distracted here on my day off and ended up making a short video with the cows. Enjoy! And ignore the complete color fade mid way through...I pushed some button and it screwed things up, which is sad because Harrison is a beautiful red head! This is a rough vid, horribly edited, and poorly shot, but it was just for fun and a bit on a whim! Stay tuned for the next episode which will be much better!!! Also be aware that this video is dripping in complete geekiness hahah! I can't help it! Farm Sanctuary brings out the geek in me :)

You Gotta Be....

This morning I opened. *deep and wonderful breath* I LOVE opening. It was such a crisp morning everything smelled dewy and I always enjoy my morning walk to the shelter office when the sun is just coming up. I look behind me to see the cattle already grazing on the hilly pasture and look below to see the geriatric cows, Joni, Neal, and Hank doing the same. Then I try to contain my giddiness. I would have thought, a month into this internship, that the excitement would wear off, but it seems to be growing. When I played derby, after practice I would always say that my lungs felt happy from such a good workout. They really did. They felt filled with fresh oxygen and really strong. I felt my best after practice. Anyways, Farm Sanctuary is to my soul what derby practice was to my lungs. Whoa check that analogy out...haha! So yeah, still loving every day here.

After I opened I helped Leanne wrap Curly's busted horn, one of the sheep from the Iso Santa Cruz herd. I had to pretty much stand with him between my legs and hold his good horn with one hand and his chin with another. He did a really good job :) I really am enjoying any time I get to assist or just watch the caregivers with different treatments.

I then drove the scary van to Chico to drop of fecal samples at the vet and pick up feed. There was also a failed pit bull rescue mission between Orland and Chico. Two of them were running up and down the farm street and I tried to get them but they were scared and ran off. Hope they are okay.  As I was driving into town "You gotta be" by Des'ree came on the radio. Nostalgia! Took me back! That was my first ever cassette tape. I remember cleaning up all my barbies that were scattered around the room to that tune. Let us reminisce:



By the time I got back I had a couple hours of barn cleaning to do and then we had our monthly Chico shopping trip.

I'm going to throw in a few more photos. These are nothing new to people who I'm friends with on facebook, but to all you other readers out there:

 

Me and Coco. This is that goat hug I was talking about in a previous post. YES they hug, and it's the best thing in the whole wide world! Far better than any human hug!

Buddy and Chili playing with my shoe laces. 

 I don't know who this pretty lady is but I think the picture turned out well.

If that isn't just the best smile ever...and that's coming right out of a nap! That's Johnny :)

 Bo looks a little freaked out here! Hahah!

Okay, more photos later. Blogger uploader is being super slow!

Bold Native

Friday, in place of our typical ed lunch, we went on a field trip to Sacramento to see John Robbins (author of Diet for a New America) and watched a screening of the film Bold Native. I really enjoyed hearing John Robbins speak because he seemed to tie in the spiritual side of being vegan, how we have lost our connection with nature and the animals, and the disconnect that exists between our ideas of "pets" and food. I've never read any of his books but I was looking at the list and there were a ton that caught my eye. The Awakened Heart and The Food Revolution are now going on my reading list.

I also wanted to talk here about the film Bold Native. This movie focuses primarily on the ideas of the Animal Liberation Front. I'd like to make a whole post about the ALF one day...once I've done more research on the topic. One of the ALF's guidelines is to do no harm to animals, human or otherwise. They are a nonviolent group known for illegally breaking into laboratories and factory farms and freeing the animals. They frequently engage in property destruction as well. We had a lot of discussion about this in the van on the way back. The ALF does not harm humans or animals...does this alone make them nonviolent? Or are the damages they inflict on buildings and equipment considered violent actions? I have a lot of conflicting thoughts about that. On the one hand violence is typically directed at one or more beings, not inanimate objects. I don't really feel you can commit violence against a computer or lab equipment. Sophia did bring up a good point though, that if someone came into your house and destroyed your things wouldn't you feel like a violent act had been committed against you? I'm not sure. I still consider the ALF to be nonviolent in their practices, but it did make me think a bit harder about the definition.


*******************SPOILERS****************
(also, I'm finding I didn't explain this too well. This movie is not a documentary it's an actual movie, full length feature film...or whatever you call it)

By far the most controversial part in the film is "the feral child" scene. It's definitely hard to watch.  One of the ALF members goes a bit rouge and captures a man involved in factory farming, ties him up and shocks and beats him. Treating him exactly as the animals are treated.  It's a vivid scene. A baby piglet runs free around the tortured man, while horrible undercover investigation videos are played on the wall. I'm going to give it away and say that in the end, the main character (not the person who originally captured the guy) frees the man. So, now that that is out of the way....apparently there was a bit of an uproar about this scene at the conference I went to last summer (I went to bed before this film was over so I didn't get to hear the commentary). Here are my thoughts. I think it was a necessary scene to put in the film. It connects the audience to the horror of  reciprocating in anger and frustration.  I can't say how many times I've heard or seen posts on animal investigation videos: "this is awful, I hope this person dies a painful death", "someone should hang that guy by a hook and make him bleed out...see how he likes it". Do we really want to see that? Really? It's extremely hard to watch the feral child scene in the movie. And I think that's WHY it's there.  To show us that we may FEEL like retribution is justice...but actually seeing it, we are able to understand how horrific that idea truly is.
**********************************************************************************
Anyways, check the movie out. And understand that it's portraying only one part of the animal rights movement. Then tell me what you all think. I really want more feed back about this movie from non vegans. How did you react to the film? What are your thoughts?

This film can be rented or purchased on iTunes as well as the Bold Native website.

You can also purchase this super soft hoodie for the animal rights activist in your life *points to self and smiles*

Raking Muscles and Sugar Highs

Yesterday I cleaned small barns for the first time by myself. This includes the chicken and turkey barns, the duck and geese hutches, and the hospital hutches. It was a really nice day out yesterday so it wasn't too difficult. I however, have the puniest arms EVER! But I think after raking a bunch here I may be able to break my 1 push up record. My favorite part of the day was when I had moved to the duck and geese hutches, began raking inside and Blaise decided to join me. That's him down there...though from a few weeks ago...but I'm trying to enhance your mental picture here :)

He started curling up in the patches of hay that were in the sun. Oh, the life of a vegan house farm kitty.

After work Stephanie, Shubah (our new roomate), and I took Byron to the airport in Sacramento, but not before stopping at Sugar Plum for dinner, an all vegan bakery and restaurant. Stephanie and I split the yam and veggie quesadilla and the tempeh reuben. Both delicious! I took pictures of all these amazing foods on my phone because I forgot my camera, but they turned out horribly....so you are going to have to use your imagination. For dessert I got the double coconut cupcake which was, in the words of Will Ferrell impersonating James Lipton, Scrumtrulescent!  I LOVE coconut! I also brought home a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie pie for another day. Here at the vegan house we've decided we are cutting back on Sugar ASAP! Because we have been indulging in baked goods like you wouldn't believe! So, soon, Stephanie, Shubah and I will be doing a one week sugar cleanse! (one week was all we could commit too hahah!). Byron couldn't part with the Jelly in his daily PB&J so he's out! Should be a good challenge I think! I'll keep you all posted when we start! 

I've got the day off today, so I'm bringing Melvin some apple and hopefully will get some more pictures and video clips of the turkey girls!

Great Photo Day!

 I got some wonderful photos today. After trying to climb the ant ridden oak tree in the sheep pasture I walked over to see Bonnie and Waylan the donkeys and got this awesome picture:

 He reminds me so much of Grandfather Twilight. This is my new favorite angle to take pictures from. Makes the animals look all knowing and epic!

 Neal in the Tunnel Pasture

 Chili. This guy reminds me of the Mystics from The Dark Crystal

Linus, he was following me and Stephanie all through the pasture begging for more love today! What a cutie!

And finally a video of my favorite guy on the farm...Melvin! I put some fitting music to it:

What a great day off! Tomorrow it's back to barn cleaning!

Uncharted

It's going to probably be a two post kind of day. I woke up early this morning and was super excited because Sara Bareilles's new music video for Uncharted was being released. Sadly, I was kind of disappointed in the video. I love the concept behind it and Sara's commentary, but it was a miss for me. What does this have to do with interning at Farm Sanctuary you ask? Well, her recent cd, and more importantly the song "Uncharted" was pretty much my mantra while out of a job, completely broke and totally hating my life. All I knew was I wanted to really do something that I was passionate about whether it made me money or not, because finding a job to just "have a job" seemed so meaningless and depressing. I remember sitting in Brewed Awakenings, doing nothing with my life, angry with myself for giving up my only independent source of income. I think I'd lost any hope in doing something I really loved with my life. I started filling out job applications for cleaning services, fast food joints, gyms, the temp agency, and grocery stores. At this point I'd been out of a job for around 7 months and my bank account was begging me to grow up. So, I was filling this crap out, beboppin' to Sara's new cd, Kaleidoscope Heart. And Uncharted came on in the mix. There were so many inspiring moments in this song. Most notably: "Compare where you are to where you wanna be and you'll get nowhere". I do that all the time...and not only that, I also look at where everyone else is in their life compared to where I am. That's a recipe for disaster.  I kind of took that entire song to heart. And amidst all my crappy applications I decided to fill out the intern application for Farm Sanctuary for the second time. Because THAT is really what I wanted to do. Forget that I didn't have any money and there was no way I'd be able to fund an unpaid internship. That's what uncharted is about...going for it. Being "scared shitless" as Sara so eloquently puts it :) Anyways, so I guess the rest is history. But between filling out the app and actually getting the internship there was a lot of self doubt and wonder about whether or not I'd have to give up on a dream purely for the sake of money. "Everybody has to get their hands on gold, and I want Uncharted." I still have no clue what I'm doing with myself after this internship...that's the uncharted part. And yes, I'm a little scared about that, but I feel that if getting this internship was possible so is whatever else I decide to do. So, that's why this song is relevant to the internship. Here's a performance of Uncharted that I really love:



And you can click here to see the official video. While I didn't like the video, I really loved what Sara had to say about it and I'll leave you with that.

"This video is about my journey as an artist who looks up to the people around them. This is about being a fan of people who take chances, who are fearless, who have integrity, and go off into the world saying yes to what's around them."

Quick Pics

I was informed this morning by Trisha that my blog needs more photos. So here ya go......

Ramona, the marvelously mischievous pig. Love her.

Daisy. The duck that never wants to get out of the water at close. Love her too.

I believe this is Harrison. I don't know much about this amazing fellow yet, except that he is a sweetheart. (Yeah, he gets two photos)

 

Photo of the Vegan house (left) and the Rescue Barn (right)....and the awesome rolling hills I get to experience every day!

We've been doing a ton of baking:

Tofu Chocolate Mousse. (Ingredients: silken tofu and chocolate chips...that's it!) Looks kind of funny, but tasted amazing!

Chocolate chip cookie covered oreos....whoa.

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cinnamon Frosting

Day off tomorrow and I have lots of plans. Call Trisha, fill out application, photos and videos of the turkey girls, edit video....climb this tree and take pictures of the cattle.

 Should be an amazing day! Let's hope for sun!

Riding with Ramona

Today started out like any other day on the farm. I opened, collected eggs and hard boiled them, prepared produce for the chickens and did some laundry. My last task of the day was to feed out the pig produce to the rescue barn pigs. I toted my buckets full of carrots, celery, cucumbers, and zucchinis up to the barn, dropped them off before entering so I could separate the pigs without them freaking out about their food arriving, and put Kiwi and Fergus into their stall. I prepared their bowls and fed them. Next were Ramona, Lassen, and Matilda. Feeding them is always a bit trickier. Balancing three bowls while trying to maneuver a latched gate and three hungry pigs is no easy feat. I made it through the gate and ran out to the pasture so the pigs would follow. They all chowed down. Sweet, I thought, mission accomplished. Not quite. While I wasn't looking Ramona finished her produce and had pushed open the unlatched gate. I threw down the empty feed bowls and bolted towards the back side of the barn and saw her trotting merrily towards the vegan house. When she noticed that I'd come up behind her she picked up her pace. I needed to get ahead of her to cut her off. Somehow I managed to jump in front of her path. We stared each other down, and I could see her little mind working. You couldn't be farther from the truth if you ever thought pigs were stupid. And Ramona is not only extremely intelligent, she is also quite stubborn. She was bound and determined to continue on the path she started on whether I was in front of her or not.  She eyed me a bit longer, gave me what I now know was a mischievous grin and ran towards me. Before I knew what had happened Ramona shoved her snout between my legs and lifted me up off the ground and onto her back and kept running. It was almost as if she were saying "Hop on! We are going for a ride!" I held on for dear freakin' life! I couldn't help but laugh a little bit as this was happening because I'm sure it looked hilarious! After a few seconds Ramona paused, lowered her snout and let me off. I ran into the vegan house, grabbed and apple and coaxed her back into the barn. What a ride. Sure made for an interesting day! I must say, I never would have imagined, in all the times I looked at Ramona's sponsor picture on my fridge, that one day I'd be given a piggie back ride by her!

Anyways, I also wanted to show off these pictures of me feeding produce to the chickens. Stephanie was out and about taking photos and was able to get some pretty good candid ones :)

Don't think I even need to say it, but I'm loving every day here more and more!

Produce and Pig Checks

Anyone who knows me knows how much joy I get from feeding my pups Emmett and Cynthia. It makes me so happy to take care of them and know that they need me. I'm kind of missing the little tykes but I'm getting my feeding fulfillment by feeding out produce to the pigs. Feeding produce entails cutting up tons of fruits and veggies and just dishing them out. It's kind of one of my new favorite projects :)

This morning I assisted Molly and Carrie with pig health care. Holy intense experience. Pigs scream like you would not believe! Today they got their hooves trimmed, ears cleaned, an allover body check and a couple vaccinations. It was tons of fun because you really get to see each one's personality. Who's the whiner, the one in charge, the baby etc. It was freezing cold this morning too and I didn't double layer my socks so all I could think of was my hot shower at the end of the day. Unfortunately our hot water went out!!! Soooo sad :( I'm having hot cocoa instead and we are baking cookies tonight. Hopefully that will warm me up!

Fear and Driving

I love Eleanor Roosevelt. Kind of random, but not really. I was thinking all day today about this quote I'd heard a long time ago by her, " Do one thing everyday that scares you." I think that's a great motto to live by. Easy for me to complete as well, since I'm afraid of a lot of things. I'm a timid driver. Never really liked it too much. Mostly I hate getting lost. Today's task was taking one of the goats to the vet at UC Davis. It's a long drive, in a creaky van with mad blind spots, that I had a hard time reaching the gas pedal in. But I did it...and without getting lost. Sounds like such a tiny accomplishment doesn't it? I'm still counting it as my one scary thing I did today.  And the vet trip was great. It was really interesting going to a large animal vet clinic where they treat cows, goats, pigs etc. When I made it back I cleaned out the van and that was my day. I was looking up other Eleanor Roosevelt quotes when I got home. I wonder if she has an autobiography or something. I bet it'd be an interesting read. Anyways, one last quote that is similar in nature that I really enjoy: "You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do." What a wise lady.

Anywhoo, San Francisco was great on Monday and Tuesday. I think I ate my way through the city. Here are some photos of our adventures:

Brian trying on suits at the Men's Warehouse and practicing his interview handshake! Haha!

 

The only photo that semi turned out at Gracias Madre. THE BEST margarita I've ever had in my life!

Cinnaholic cinnamon rolls. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and a Classic.

 

Fried Tofu Burger, fried, and Mac'n'cheeze at Souley Vegan

I didn't get pictures of all the food because most of them didn't turn out unfortunately. But those were the food highlights. And I just had to include that suit picture because it makes me laugh XD