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I am Cecilia. A New Zealander who farms in Illinois.

My farms are organic and regenerative and full of stories. I have been writing here about environmentally sustainable farming and food and travel since 2011.

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LATEST POSTS


  • PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE PIG

    PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE PIG

    To secure his corner in the sun room of the barn WaiWai goes to bed early. Usually about five pm. He settles himself right into the corner of the sleeping area, hugging the wall, as immobile as a very fat little rock. He lies very still and quietly bear cub growls as the others shuffle…

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  • ABUNDANT SUNSHINE

    ABUNDANT SUNSHINE

    Look at all this beautiful sky. This is one of the reasons we struggle through the deep grey of winter. Once summer finally pulls the curtain the sky opens up and I feel like I can SEE once again. This is the natural home for those of us who suffer from environmental claustrophobia. Beach people.…

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  • TECHNICOLOR

    TECHNICOLOR

    I wanted this mornings title to be RIOTS OF COLOUR but there was no riot. Yesterday proceeded with business and purpose and NOISE but most of all – calm. The opposite of riot. But the colour is launching itself into the remnants of our sepia winter with thoughtless riot-like explosiveness. And I am glad.

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  • THE THREE TIA’S

    THE THREE TIA’S

    My friend John from Chicago has many Aunties called Zia (Tia means Aunty in Spanish) and his favorite  (though he has other favorite Aunties too) has an apple tree here that has just come into blossom. Planted right beside the turkey house. And then I have Tia the heifer. And then there is Aunty Del…

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  • WIND LIKE A BLOW-TORCH

    WIND LIKE A BLOW-TORCH

    ALL DAY YESTERDAY and all the day before that the wind blew hard and hot. Like a blow torch. My skin was black with dust and my hay fever was out of control. The storms and rain last night was very welcome. Though Boo jumping onto the bed when the thunder rolled was not so…

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  • EVERYONE IS OUT

    EVERYONE IS OUT

    WELL, Almost everyone.

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