Local Small Farms are Florida's Legacy

Red Bib Lettuce, Green Cay Farms                     Sarah Brown

Did you know, in 2000, that about half of the land in Palm Beach County was still farmed? That's a lot of local produce. So why does my grocery cart seem to fill up with things from California?
My new work photographing local small farms begins in September. I always wanted to live on a working farm and am anticipating the project will be a satisfying addition to Wilds of My Home (my ongoing series of South Florida's remaining lands). Farming or even just a small backyard garden reduce our carbon foot print. Want to do something to help the earth and tastes good? Check our your community agricultural programs at your local farm, buy some containers and start growing your favorite things.
I am a longtime subscriber to Green Cay Farms in Boynton Beach, as well as, a backyard gardener myself.
Even though I can't grow everything that my family eats, we eat as local as we can. Although it is a green choice for me, the rest of my family will say it just tastes better. I hope you follow my year into the agricultural culture that remains in Palm Beach County and the farmers that feed us.

Summertime in South Florida

I don't know about you, but I am ready for summertime. Yes, South Florida becomes a hot and humid environment, and the sand is so hot you can burn the bottom of your feet. BUT, the ocean comes alive beckoning me to cool off. The tourists and snowbirds have all returned home. The locals roam. It is almost as if the seasonal change brings an entirely new part of the tropical life. My summer field work can be buggy; although, I value my alone time with little interruption. Maybe I just enjoy the slower pace heat brings. There is something to be said for being still or at least moving slower. I think we become more present when we are not stretched in a zillion directions. Of course, mindfulness is my consistent antidote.

As I am looking forward to the swimming weather, my Oceanana portfolio is really coming together. Since I am such a stickler for presentation, I am creating 15 BW's and 15 Color prints that will be for sale individually and as a portfolio encased in a bound linen book(10 editions) . This has been a great portfolio to work on since I wrote a new course curriculum for those advanced tween and teen artists wanting to create a body of work, use as an application portfolio for the local Art Schools/programs, and for those wanting exposure into the process. I do offer this for adults as well.

HERE'S TO SUMMER:

Upcoming Exhibit at the Elliott Museum in Stuart

December 11th at the Elliott Museum in Stuart will open their Juried Art Exhibition entitled, "Florida Expressions and Reflections."

Join me and view my recent piece, "Cypress Equivalence" that will be part of the exhibit.

Here's their link: http://www.elliottmuseumfl.org/index.php?main=1&nav=209

The Office Space Motions

Today is unusually quiet. I am in my "office" before 9am, at the computer doing the motions: emails, checking links, and reading up on the TImes, my favorite blogs, and photo industry trade news. I never make it to the end of my list by the day's end. Trying not to be such a perfectionist, I time line and prioritize. Now, I hope I am not bursting anyone's perception of what a photographer actually does when running a business. Generally, I feel as though duct tape is holding the realm all together for me. Anxiously, I cross words off a list that is piled on top of another list, which I hope has the same words as the list in my hand.

I do get technical and prioritize because otherwise I would be lost between the obnoxious piles of laundry, toys, and emails. How would dinner get made if I wasn't sure to calculate the time to cook, what's on PBS for kids (I am not afraid to say that a little TV gives me a few moments to scurry.), and hitting the print button on the computer. Somedays I wish I could a cross between Curious George and Mary Popins. Heck-throw in some Julie Andrews! Then, I could sing, which only my sister has a talent for not me.

And here I sit going through the motions of scouting out my lists, thinking of marketing ideas, who to network with, finding venues for grant money or juried show, and visualizing how my conservation photography can impact the daily routines of Floridians. I sip my coffee with intent and click on with my morning. In the distance I can hear the Osprey's calling one another, most likely talking about the fishing today. I'd need a pretty long lens to get a great image; so for now, I am just going to listen.

Labor Day Swamp Walk

Just as many others, I joined walkers in Ochopee to explore the Big Cypress in Clyde Butcher's backyard. Only 1% of the world visits this part of Florida. I have never seen such ancient beings towering with history and words that only few can hear. It was a typical rainy afternoon with passing clouds and thunder rumbling in the background. The walk was short and went by too quickly. I am glad I didn't bring my camera or I would have not moved after the first 15 minutes into the swamp. The water was cold with no waders. I wondered how after seeing so much of Florida's native beauty I could not be caught surprised. I was so very wrong.

Okay, I did bring a disposable point and shoot that is out for processing. I feel strange talking about film, but that is a discussion for another day. I encourage everyone to visit Clyde's gallery and walk the walk.

Up Coming Event for Dogs

That's right the 'Dog Days of Summer' are here in Delray Beach. We are living through high 90's during the day. So, come on down to downtown Delray Beach this coming Friday night for some doggie fun. The city is hosting a 'Dog Days of Summer' closing down NE 2nd. Contests, raffle, and a lots of socializing Friday July 24th from 7-10pm.

Dog Days of Summer - Summer Nights on the Avenue

Friday, July 24th - 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Bring your furry friends to the Pineapple Grove Arts District at NE 2nd Avenue and NE 2nd Street for an evening of Music, Art and Dog-gone fun! Sexiest Bathing Suit Contest and Wet T Shirt contest sponsored by the Golden Bone Doggie Day Spa and Aart Holisitic Pet Foods. $1000 training package raffle sponsored by Charley's Canine College. Many merchants will have pet related treats, merchandise and activities.

I will be at Conversation Pieces, the greatest boutique in Pineapple Grove Arts District, taking Dog Portraits. Hope to see you there!

Link for Conversation Pieces: www.eConversationPieces.com

July 24th from 7-9pm

Located: 187 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach, Fl 33444

Price: $15 for an 8.5x11 or 2 4x6 prints to take home

Conversation Pieces will offer an extra 20% off all Frames!

Florida is getting Eco-Yard Friendlier

Way to go Gov. Christ for passing new law that is a step towards changing our yardscape. With the drought who can watch all that fresh water maintain our browning lawns? As a homeowner here in Palm Beach County, if the rains are sparse then my green lawn not so green. We do plant heat tolerant low water plants and native trees.

Here's the link to the press release about the new law:

http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/news/article/1288/

So, get out there and plant, dig, and Generate Change for Florida!