Love Bug

What will my life be like in 5-10 years? 

This year, I wrote love letters from the perspective of my future self. I shared what I learned about living on Earth and embracing the unknown. I expressed, the best is yet to come. These letters have a sweet and optimistic outlook on the future. This form of writing helped me get through the eerie and unfathomable parts of this year.

When I expand past my own bubble, I think about the lived-experiences of children, youth, adults & elders.

What will their lives be like in 5-10 years? 
What lessons will they share about life on Earth?

The answers to these questions are unknown..

Currently, OurSpace World is equipping folks with the knowledge and resources to navigate challenging times. There is a commitment to intergenerational learning that I admire. We all can be learning from each other during these times.

Love Bug is a family-centered farm that grows nutrient dense food. When you see Farmer Maiya on the farm, you’ll probably see her daughter. This mother-daughter duo is full of wit and determination. 

When I arrived on the farm for the Ujima Jam, I saw Farmer Maiya and her daughter. They were pulling weeds. I greeted them and asked Farmer Maiya, what she would like to accomplish during this Jam? She mentioned weeding, composting, and clearing out the hoop house.

I began supporting her efforts by gathering the pulled weeds and taking them to the compost bin. Once a few more people showed up, we began working on clearing out the hoop house.

This hoop house was growing tomatoes all season. Farmer Maiya was ready to make space for more vegetables to grow next season.

We listened to music and gathered all of the remaining tomatoes. I shared with one of the attendees that I was raised in the Central Valley of California. We began to discuss the area’s agricultural production and groundwater depletion. He asked me, what I think is going to happen with the water crisis? I said honestly I don't know. 

After we took a break, we continued with clearing out the hoop house. We removed and composted the remaining branches. We finished by breaking up the soil and reorganizing some items around the farm. 

Before I left, I gave Farmer Maiya and her daughter a hug. If this Ujima Jam was a song it would be The Makings of You-Live at The Bitter End, NYC by Curtis Mayfield. 

​Thank you Farmer Maiya for your wisdom and generosity 
Thank you for reminding us what can be accomplished with focus and determination 
Thank you for showing us the importance of learning and growing together 

Photo Credit: MJ