Thank you, Leanne. I can't shake the hunch that caring for our language might be a way back toward caring for one another and the landscapes that sustain us.
A beautiful morning meditation that I will forward to two grandchildren. It is my belief that they will understand and carry your thoughts with them into the days before them.
Had to look up the etymology of consume: "from assimilated form of com-, here perhaps an intensive prefix (see com-), + sumere "to take," from sub- "under" (see sub-) + emere "to buy, take" (from PIE root *em- "to take, distribute")." Like pulling out the rug, it puts us off balance.
Kiko, nice to meet you on the call today. Your earth ovens book was significant for me as a young baker twenty years ago. Thank you for writing it. Reading this etymology has me thinking about the different between taking and receiving. Best to you, Adam
I'm writing here because the most recent post (3/18) wouldn't allow me, but somewhere, some years ago, I was reading a book by John Seymour in which he described several well-digging experiences, in S. Africa and the UK. I remember being particularly surprised (so much so that I doubt the memory now) by his description of a stone lining that was laid from the top down, as the well was dug (I don't remember him saying anything about how he dealt with incoming water...). I wish I'd somehow saved or recorded the account, as I've looked around since and not found anything to either confirm or deny the story, but having since repaired a number of brick arches from below, I do appreciate the principle of fitting masonry in place from the bottom up -- made possible by the (limited) resistance to gravity of mortar and friction. (There is also a wonderful account of well-digging in the little house on the prairie series, but I don't think that one was lined...) I am going to a masonry conference in April, and will try to remember to ask them what they know...it's a question that remains high on my list of unanswered questions...
Hi Kiko! I wondered if you might have some insider info on these questions. There's even more to the word "well." As far as I can gather etymologically, it is closely related to "will." It does seem that the construction of wells represents an archetypal human exercise of will upon the landscape, a basic domestication. Thanks for following along and best to you. Adam
yes yes! ovens were a doorway for me as well, to everything, it seems. Containers for fire, food, friendship, community, connection. Sorry to drop out of the call -- we lost power! Taking and receiving, yes. "I am food I am food I am food. I eat food I eat food I eat food...those who know, shine like the sun". ..from the upanishads (a verse you must know, as it opens Lewis Hyde's book The Gift...) What wonderful stories today! I am glad you are making a place for them to be told and heard...
If I have a specialty it might be allowing other people to cry the tears that so often remain elusive for me, despite feeling the world so deeply. Thank you for your note. Adam
This is pure gold, Adam. You are a muse for our times, and I'm so grateful for your wisdom.
Thank you, Rebecca. I think often of the conversations I wish I'd made time for with you Mom. Fleeting life, so precious.
Beauty captured in careful language. I am moved by the appreciation shown here for the land, the people who share food, and the wisdom of the elders.
Thank you, Leanne. I can't shake the hunch that caring for our language might be a way back toward caring for one another and the landscapes that sustain us.
A beautiful morning meditation that I will forward to two grandchildren. It is my belief that they will understand and carry your thoughts with them into the days before them.
Thank you for this image, Gail. I still remember that Ascutney Mountain cheese!
Had to look up the etymology of consume: "from assimilated form of com-, here perhaps an intensive prefix (see com-), + sumere "to take," from sub- "under" (see sub-) + emere "to buy, take" (from PIE root *em- "to take, distribute")." Like pulling out the rug, it puts us off balance.
Kiko, nice to meet you on the call today. Your earth ovens book was significant for me as a young baker twenty years ago. Thank you for writing it. Reading this etymology has me thinking about the different between taking and receiving. Best to you, Adam
I'm writing here because the most recent post (3/18) wouldn't allow me, but somewhere, some years ago, I was reading a book by John Seymour in which he described several well-digging experiences, in S. Africa and the UK. I remember being particularly surprised (so much so that I doubt the memory now) by his description of a stone lining that was laid from the top down, as the well was dug (I don't remember him saying anything about how he dealt with incoming water...). I wish I'd somehow saved or recorded the account, as I've looked around since and not found anything to either confirm or deny the story, but having since repaired a number of brick arches from below, I do appreciate the principle of fitting masonry in place from the bottom up -- made possible by the (limited) resistance to gravity of mortar and friction. (There is also a wonderful account of well-digging in the little house on the prairie series, but I don't think that one was lined...) I am going to a masonry conference in April, and will try to remember to ask them what they know...it's a question that remains high on my list of unanswered questions...
Hi Kiko! I wondered if you might have some insider info on these questions. There's even more to the word "well." As far as I can gather etymologically, it is closely related to "will." It does seem that the construction of wells represents an archetypal human exercise of will upon the landscape, a basic domestication. Thanks for following along and best to you. Adam
yes yes! ovens were a doorway for me as well, to everything, it seems. Containers for fire, food, friendship, community, connection. Sorry to drop out of the call -- we lost power! Taking and receiving, yes. "I am food I am food I am food. I eat food I eat food I eat food...those who know, shine like the sun". ..from the upanishads (a verse you must know, as it opens Lewis Hyde's book The Gift...) What wonderful stories today! I am glad you are making a place for them to be told and heard...
Crying now. As so often, on the face of what you write.
Kx
If I have a specialty it might be allowing other people to cry the tears that so often remain elusive for me, despite feeling the world so deeply. Thank you for your note. Adam