Deconstructing Dinner - Permaculture at The Blue Raven Farm 07/30/09

I got out of bed at 5:30 this morning, and was at the YMCA by 6:00 to exercise before work.

Best workout I've had in a long time! I had lots of energy, was able to get to work on time, watched the sunrise out the windows, and even conquered my fear of the group shower.

The best thing about it though, was listening to my favorite podcast, Deconstructing Dinner. The episode I listened to today was Permaculture at The Blue Raven Farm.

I have this dream of someday buying some land where we can build a green home and create a small permaculture environment, truly living in harmony with nature.

To start though, I must continue on my journey towards weight loss and vegetarianism. Along the way, I plan on learning all I can about the different methods employed by permaculture societies, and trying as best I can to incorporate them into my life. I hope to share the things I learn with others, as I will continue to learn from those who have so much more experience to me.

True beauty is within our capability and grasp! I long for the day that more people to understand that life is so much deeper when you look past material things and money. The earth does nourish and sustain us.

At one point in this episode, the woman from Deconstructing Dinner that was visiting Blue Raven Farm asked a difficult question, one that many skeptics of organic farming bring up. She asked about the application of Permaculture to cities, and mentioned that obviously, lots of people who don't live in rural areas do not have the expanses of land that Blue Raven Farm or other similar permaculture locations have.

The man from the farm's response proved that it truly is feasible. He talked about suburban streets using up all the available grass in the back yards, taking out the fences between yards, and filling up these areas with food producing trees and plants. He also talked about having areas for children to play safely near home, and actually (omg) talking to your neighbors.

I'm afraid that people may be not be interested in giving up their yards or their privacy. However, really, if your yard gave you free food, you were able to have meaningful relationship to those around you, and a safe place for your children to play, would that not bring a little utopia to our suburban landscapes? After all, "It takes a village".