Nina Prize: Robert Redford

Each year when the Nobel prizes are awarded, I make a selection for my own prize - the Nina Prize- a time for me to reflect on people or institutions I admire.  Those that play a small role of influence in my life.  My prize is by no means comparable to the Nobel prize.  Mine is a small circle - there are many deserving achievements each year that go unrecognized.  Mine has no monetary value.

I admire the Nobel Prize award in and of itself for shining light on these achievements in many fields of arts and sciences.  

My Prize is simply empowering - a time to reflect on some of my icons.  Last year it was The NY Times Co.  This year's Robert Redford.  His interviews for the film released this year- All Is Lost - made me think of him again.  I've had my share of celebrity crushes ("leading men") over the years - he was one of them.  Besides his great looks - he's demonstrated independence and innovation - both in film and lifestyle.  He's bucked the trends toward making yourself look younger.  He started the "independent film" movement which has supplied better movies to the world.  And he's raised awareness for environmental causes.  He has used his celebrity for a greater good.

Entertainment is a large force in the modern world.  People spend more time on entertainment - even while working or schooling - than ever before.  Robert Redford has tried to elevate movies to a finer art.  

I commend him for a life well lived!  

Goats: Good Pets

Goats are Good Pets




See these 5 boys born 2013 - left to right - Zeus, Poseiden, Pontus, Prometheus, Kashmere.

If you are considering purchasing a goat as a pet, please call us - our Heritage goats stay small and friendly.  toll free.800221-and 9755.

They are mixed with dairy goats and New Zealand mountain goat for a hardy and small statured, good natured goat!

please see the video on our utube channel - ambrosia farms
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBeuGqKksut2g7cZvYA-ctg/videos

What my footsteps leave behind... 25 years and counting

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.

Animal Memories: Aether

Aether was our first born male goat.  We lost him suddenly.  He was a very good looking goat wither.  He used his horns to flip smaller goats out of his way. That was kind of scary - sometimes he trapped their legs and I would have to yell at him to be nicer.  He was one of our bigger goats in a sea of small goats.

Who's Bee Boxes are pictured here?

They drove over 200 miles to situate these bee hives to capitalize on the goldenrod!
Here is a field of goldenrod - the field has been fallow for several years!

It is so nice to see other people inspired to work with nature, produce good honey, and learn new things such as beekeeping.  Both men could just as well be watching T.V. in their downtime but chose instead to start beekeeping.  Admirable...

My Best Friend and Sister...

Life's Joy's are heightened with a friend
Life's Setback's made bearable, by family
Life is so much better with someone very special
and my sister is so very special to me!

Reproduction of Modern Music to 1950's