Back to Normal
There is a lot of talk about when will we be getting back to normal. Well, I am never quite sure what normal is, but there are a few things I do know. We all need to eat, to have a roof over our heads, to have air to breath and water to drink. I also know that we live among some fine farmers growing amazingly diverse and plentiful produce, and no one should ever be hungry here in the Driftless – or anywhere for that matter. I like to challenge the notion of scarcity that tells us the earth is not capable of feeding everyone. And I suggest we make an effort to disprove that belief.
Usually springtime is when the farmers’ markets ramp up and we draw upon the skills and labor of people, who are passionate about bringing good food to us and about stewarding the land. As we engage the next month or so of lockdown we are learning that some of the local markets will be cancelled or postponed, but many are finding creative ways to continue bringing us the fruits of their labors.
There are many on-line markets now, helping us reconnect with local growers. There are also seed and plant exchanges which are not only offering products, but the know how to have a successful garden. You can find some of their links at the end of this article.
Another springtime activity is home and farm repairs. Some of us are do it yourselfers, and some projects require a bit more than we can do, either way it is good and wise to utilize local talent and support local businesses. And Facebook also has numerous local marketplaces where people are selling once used and slightly worn items. No need to run to the big box stores, we can help one another and keep our local economy running smoothly.
Yes, we are grappling with the difference between “wants” and “needs”. But perhaps once the shock has worn off, we will find we have more time for simple pleasures and enjoying the marvelous creation all around us.
The forced reduction of travel has cut down on pollution and that must surely be a good thing for everything living and is helping our air quality as well.
Getting back to normal? It may not be all that it has been said to be. Maybe it is time we slow down for more than a month or so; maybe it is essential that instead of running the rat race, we dance in the human race. There have been too many who are homeless, too many going hungry. Maybe this is our chance to transition into a more co-operative existence. Here’s hoping!
Help yourself and help each other, here are some links, by no means exhaustive. Explore your area, find like-minded people and create mutual aid circles where you are. And please let Driftless Now know about your markets and efforts. We are here for you.
Viroqua Grows https://www.facebook.com/groups/1090452308014431/
Viroqua Virtual Farmers Market https://www.facebook.com/groups/215781246380972/
We are Cashton https://www.facebook.com/WeareCashton/
Sparta Farmers Market https://www.facebook.com/Spartawisconsinfarmersmarket/
Ontario Farmers Market https://www.facebook.com/MarketInOntario/
Sparta, Tomah and surrounding area Buy, Sell, Trade https://www.facebook.com/groups/1396188090680348/
Viroqua / Westby On line Rummage Sale https://www.facebook.com/groups/442103825825143/
La Crosse Farmers Market https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=cameron%20park%20farmers%20market&epa=SEARCH_BOX
Contributing writer Dena Eakles is the founder of Echo Valley Farm in Ontario, Wisconsin. Founded in August of 2002, the community of Echo Valley Farm has moved towards sustainability. They celebrate and learn from the land and one another, living what is possible when peace is the foundation and the earth is sacred. In addition, Eakles publishes a blog called Let kindness win, and authored the ebook “The Peace Warrior” (2013).
