Happily Sore

This past weekend has been on my calendar for weeks. I have patiently awaited and thought of what my feelings would be like after we had the chance to get back in the garden and use the space again (thank you Deecolonize).

Friday I awaited for word of our hermano coming to town to help us on this mission we have made for ourselves. My sisters and I giggled and waited chatting the evening away, while these emotions of excitement were rolling inside of me. As predicted, once our hermano came we spent the hours of the night talking and vibing with each other. I listened intently to the knowledge in the room, and the jokes being made, and it made me feel good to be surrounded by other conscious people. We talked about health, the garden, materials to learn, made plans to exchange other information, and spoke of the past the "good ol'days".

We were going to turn the ground, change what life had sprouted since the last occasion and prepare the space for our bigger plans: a milpa of the three sisters (corn, bean and squash) and a few other foods. We made plans to do what we have manifested for so long- becoming self-sufficient.

Saturday we gathered for breakfast, my sister prepared migas (sin huevo) with cebollitas, tomate, chile and aguacate along with some tasty fruits for us so we can have a hearty breakfast before we began. There was an overcast in the air, no direct sunlight, but it was pleasant to work in. The three of us got started. Just three. We were like the three sisters, only the los tres hermanos working side by side, doing what was necessary to be done.

We passed the time joking and catching up with each other's lives. The energy was good, and flowed naturally as we worked.

The morning we spent working to "clean the area" and turn the ground, and begin to till the land.

Family and friends floated in and out throughout the day sharing either their experiences, awe or memories of farming. That was cool, we even got some of Nessa's TopCake Cupcakes (an up and coming business out of the barrio).



Meanwhile, we discovered a wide arrange of WORMS! (ewww, YUCK!!)

Grub worms: are not not good for the garden. They are usually found in grass, and signs of them usually reflects the yellowing/browning of grass.(Grub worm right)

We were curious about "Rolly Pollys", I did a little research and found out that, they are NOT good for young plants, because they like to eat them, as well as vegetation that is dying. Once a plant matures, these small pests are no longer appealed. Some solutions involve: beer, chicken grit, grits, banana+boric acid. I am still researching methods and will report soon. (pic below)

Needless to say, as most of us learned as children, Earthworms fertilize the soil to help make plants and crops healthy.

We had the chance to learn more about the decolonizing of Yolquiahuitl, and how he has come to where he is in life, as well as the significance of his name. We hand an awesome lunch and time to joke around some more.

After lunch we formed the rows of the garden, and I won't lie, towards the end we kept sitting down and the aches and pains were starting to show themselves. BUT we went onward, and when we finished the sun was gone, the dark settled in and a tear fell. We had done it and it was amazing.

This morning I woke up sore, but very happy. Yesterday, we began the chapter of a new lifestyle and I can't wait to see it.

Thank You to Yolquiahuitl, with your faith in us and willingless to lend a helping hand to be our talachero, we were able to begin. I wanted to tell you that you are a breath of fresh air and help generate the thoughts, emotions and hearts of original people in all of us. You are living up to your name, and I am thankful for all that you share. I await your return and look forward to celebrating the harvest with you.

Peace and Love, Gritona