My clothes smell of hay and sawdust and wood smoke these days, lovely scents that make me smile and feel connected to the places and people I love.
The late afternoon sun is shimmering through the trees, glistening on the sprawling pile of hay the goats and lambs have been feasting on. A wild wind has picked up, cold and bitey, and I’m glad to be wrapped in a blanket on the veranda, hanging out with Bear for a bit of a chat before he heads inside to make us cuppas.
* * *
It’s a day later and I’m back on the veranda, this time bundled to the hilt against fearsomely cold winds, surveying a farm utterly drenched by pelting rains.
I just finished making a big batch of kumquat beer and the house smells marvelous as the beer cools down in preparation for bottling. Chicken is roasting in the oven and all is ready for a cozy day of pottering and keeping warm against the elements.
I read an article by Jess Zimmerman last week, and love how she describes a healthy relationship as two people:
“in cahoots to make each others lives easier and better.”
Isn’t that beautiful?
I’ve been thinking of it every day.
I grew up in a world where we were compelled to make life harder for each other. We were instructed to be each others conscience, to point out flaws, police behaviors, watch and listen and make sure that we were all doing “the right thing.”
It nauseates me to think of it now. What an appalling way to live and relate and interact. No wonder so many of us from that world struggle to be ourselves. We kept “us” hidden for so long just to keep out of trouble, to avoid beatings, solitary confinement, communal shunning, and public shaming.
I’m so glad to be in my new world, this beautiful life where I am safe to be me with all my quirks and gifts and foibles, where I can live each day striving to make things easier and better for others. It is an incredible gift.
I’ve been tallying up an In Cahoots List. Names of people I love who make my life as easy and better as they can. It’s made me quite emotional to picture each treasured face, to write down their names and think of one situation after another where they lightened my burden and brightened my world. It’s also strengthened my resolve to be that sort of person, an In Cahoots person, partnering up with my loves to make our journey on earth as soul-nourishing as we can.
This world can be so scary sometimes, lonely and painful and sad, and it comforts me no end to picture my In Cahoots people, arms entwined like tree branches, taking turns propping each other up, providing inestimable courage and hope, so much stronger together than by ourselves.
I’m celebrating them today.
Who are your In Cahoots people? xo
This is absolutely beautiful~
“I’m so glad to be in my new world, this beautiful life where I am safe to be me with all my quirks and gifts and foibles, where I can live each day striving to make things easier and better for others. It is an incredible gift.”
to be In Cahoots~partnering up with my loves to make our journey on earth as soul-nourishing as we can.
Amazing gift you are Krista~ I celebrate you!
Thank you, dear Susan XO Your words were like a hug today. 🙂
My In Cahoots gang keeps expanding – wonderful, such positive, happy people.
Stay out of this wind Krista, I’ve just fed the sheep, chooks and ducks and I’m thawing out now.
I’m so glad your gang keeps growing, Barb. That’s a wonderful thing. 🙂 That wind was bitter, wasn’t it? Brrr! So glad it’s gone now.
Thank you for your regular voice of serenity – I luv to read your posts when ever they pop up. your lil piece of farmland paradise is inspiring Paige and I to seek a similar lifestyle for our future…in cahoots
Neil! So happy to hear from you. 🙂 Your dreams with Paige sound amazing and I can’t wait to hear where they take you. 🙂
You are one of my cahoots because your words are always uplifting and make me feel good about the world. 🙂 Thanks for being in cahoots.
You are such a treasure, Jan! I’m so honoured to be in cahoots with you. xo
Your words are ringer deep in my soul today ♥
summerdaisy.net
I’m so glad, Summer. xo
What a beautiful thing to do Krista, I love the way you look at life, the gentle reminders to keep it real and to find appreciation for all that I have, and not what I don’t have. 🙂 There are only a couple of In Cahoots people in my world, but boy do they play a wonderful part.
In Cahoots people can be hard to find, Anna. I’m so glad you have a few precious souls in your life. XO
It makes me sad that you have had to go through such painful experiences and suffer with the scars. The scars do not fully heal, I do know. But I hope you keep getting renewed each day with the “in cahoots” people in your life to help those scars continue to fade.
I am being renewed, Cheryl, and I’m so grateful. 🙂 Thank you for your kind and supportive words. xo
What a delightful and uplifting post. I am forwarding it to my “in cahoots” people!
Thank you so much, Tracy! 🙂
Beautifully written. I think the person I am most proud to be in cahoots with is myself 🙂 I do have loved ones with me on this journey. As you mentioned, letting myself be all that I am, is my personal gift to me. Love this post for the idea of appreciating those who strengthen and support us. Cheers!