I remember an art installation I created with cut outs from magazines with the head and other parts of animals - deer, elk, tiger, gorilla, coyote - which were hunted and displayed like trophies.
At that time I wrote a poem entitled - "what our footprints mean to others" - something to that effect - and I wrote about how we live and what we do- environmentally - will leave behind a footprint - a scarring if you will - of the earth.
Here is my own reflection of my footprints over the course of living at Ambrosia Farms.
1/the orchards and old growth trees live on - no logging in the 25 years I've owned this farm. this legacy is illuminated every hunting season when you see hunters coming to look for wildlife here because they are "hiding in the thicket".
2/animals have lived a very good and active life - many animals have lived to be very very old. I am proud of this. As an animal caretaker, I've cared for over 75 animals and still going! 40 of them here today! two wild horses adopted plus our quarterhorses and pony - these horses have tasted the sweet life of living free and receiving optimal shelter, the best of both worlds. adopting many stray dogs - mostly hound dogs into our no kill facility. All of this without any funds outside of our own. working off the farm to save this farm for us, the animals, and future generations.
3/ organic practices have added many nutrients to the soil - giving lots more than I receive - leaving many acres fallow each year - and allowing much of this land to be available to wildlife in its natural state. land preservation and sustainable agriculture on a small scale. producing nutritious heirloom veggies!
4/ offering up a farm way of life to children ... something they may want to aspire to.
5/ trying to live better through vegetarianism and love of all creatures.
6/ a patron of the artists- purchasing art when I've had the resources to do so
Our footprints have been a charitable one without the outside funds needed to support us. I wish everyone who follows our footsteps to live well, follow their dreams, and leave a better legacy of their own.
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