At the end of the growing season everyone is stretched and tired. This past 2013 was beautiful and intense, rich and laborious. Ask our interns who are now spread across the globe. One Hope College student spent some time with Gary and Melody in November and offered a guest blog that we are just now getting to post.

Apologies to Katy for the incredible delay and great thanks for her gorgeous pictures and thoughts below!

Check out Katy’s photography at: www.monocularspectacular.com

The days are getting shorter. The sun has signaled to the land that it is time for rest. Eighth Day Farm’s harvest has provided well for the families who support it. There remains produce in the fields for gleaners. King David, the psalmist reminds us that “The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains.” As we prepare to spend more time indoors, we remember with thanksgiving that we are the world. Our mother earth, along with our brother sun and our sister moon sustains our bodies and nurtures our souls. Likewise the remnants of the harvest will replenish the soil. At Eighth Day Farm, we look forward with comforting certainty that winter will again give way to spring. New seeds will be planted bringing forth another harvest. May all creation rest well in our home sweet home.

8th_Day_Fall_2013_010

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.
So delicious and nutritious.
So delicious and nutritious.
"What a large head you have" said little Red Riding Hood in the cabbage patch.
“What a large head you have” said little Red Riding Hood in the cabbage patch.
Kale, glorious kale, wonderful kale, marvelous kale!
Kale, glorious kale, wonderful kale, marvelous kale!
Morning dew on the broccoli patch...This leek is ready for a hearty soup
Morning dew on the broccoli patch…This leek is ready for a hearty soup
The carrots and beets have been harvested, leaving the soil to rest.
The carrots and beets have been harvested, leaving the soil to rest.
Cabbage still growing before the first frost.
Cabbage still growing before the first frost.
The hands of Garden Center farmer, Garrison Benson, resting in front of the tomato remains from summer.
The hands of Garden Center farmer, Garrison Benson, resting in front of the tomato remains from summer.
A 'gourd'eous sign of fall
A ‘gourd’eous sign of fall