Maria Morning: The Fying Raven Potholders Maria: “As I sat by the pond meditating this morning, two crows flew over, following each other. One dipped and swooped, circling round and upside down. She looked like she was having fun, and I could hear her wings cutting the air. Seems to me it’s Raven and Crow season, even though they’re around all year long. I sold five of my Raven and Crow Potholders but have a few more for sale in my Etsy Shop. You can see and buy all my Raven and Crow Potholders in my Etsy Shop; click here. They’re $25 each + $6 shipping for one or more. Or you can email me at [email protected]. I take checks, PayPal, and Venmo. ____ Maria’s Sabbath is on Saturdays. She doesn’t work. But I can post it as her Maria Morning. The post Maria Morning: The Fying Raven Potholders appeared first on Bedlam Farm. https://www.bedlamfarm.com/2026/10/31/maria-morning-the-fying-raven-potholders/ #mariamorning #raven #crowpotholders #etsyshop #venmo #saturdays #sabbath #rss #feeds #linksharing #qwibbit

Pantry Weekend Support. Cranberry Sauce Is Stacked, Thank You. Onto Pumpkin Filling And Pastaroni Shells Good News: Cranberry Sauce for the Pantry Thanksgiving Give-a-Way is stacked. Thank you. The Pantry needs Pumpkin Filling and Popular foods they are out of. Our focus this weekend is the turkey item: Top Turkey Stuffing Mix, Pack of 12, $28.02. The Weekend Pantry Support is for today, Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, October 1, 2026. Here are the items requested: Pasta Roni Shells &White Cheddar (Pack of 12), $15.73. Stove Top Pumpkin Stuffing Mix (Pack of 12), $28.00. Libby’s Pure Canned Pumpkin (Pack of 6), $11.82. _____ I can’t get comfortable with taking a day off when the Food Pantry is facing so many strug les. So I’m putting up a two-day Pantry Support post over the wee end. Sunday is my Contemplation ay. Thanks for hel ing. I am finding that many of my readers see Sunday as a caring day, a day for helping ot ers. Thank you. ___ Pantry News, Nebraska: The Hastings Food Pantry has been feeding people in this south-central Nebraska town since the early 1 80s. It serves individuals and families in Hastings and surrounding areas, and in 2023 it served 3,741 individuals, distributing food in 1,281 insta ces. It’s a small operation, with annual revenue of about $53 000. Demand has climbed every month this ear. In July, the Pantry helped 438 people; in August, 462; and in September, 525. One reason, says the Hastings Pantry, is reductions in SNAP benefits due to work requirements and recertifica ion. Another is older residents: the Pantry serves many elderly clients living on Social Security, which buys less every year. ______ _____ Mike on Sunday. He believes in God every day. _____ _____ Mike never loses faith, Sunday or any other day. “Jesus said to love our neighbor,” he said. The post Pantry Weekend Support. Cranberry Sauce Is Stacked, Thank You. Onto Pumpkin Filling And Pastaroni Shells appeared first on Bedlam Farm. https://www.bedlamfarm.com/2026/10/31/pantry-weekend-support-cranberry-sauce-is-stacked-thank-you-onto-pumpkin-filling-and-pastaroni-shells/ #pantry #pumpkinfilling #cranberrysauce #pack #support #stuffingmix #shells #sunday #stacked #foodpantry #rss #feeds #linksharing #qwibbit

Flower Photos, Friday, October 30, 2026. Flowers As Symbols Flowers are often used in significant political situations. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. understood a flower’s power. Through his long struggle, two flowers stood behind him: the Rose and the Hawaiian lei. In March 1965, Dr. King and Congressman John Lewis, clad in their Sunday clothes, began their march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. They wore Hawaiian leis around their necks to symbolize their peaceful intentions. They were attacked by police and beaten, their flowers ripped off their necks. Last June, Hawaii displayed a set of these flower photos in the Alabama State Capitol. ______ ______ My assistant was waiting for me in the morning. _______ _______ ______ _______ The post Flower Photos, Friday, October 30, 2026. Flowers As Symbols appeared first on Bedlam Farm. https://www.bedlamfarm.com/2026/10/30/flower-photos-friday-october-30-2026-flowers-as-symbols/ #flowerphotos #flowers #lutherking #martinluther #hawaiian #johnlewis #alabama #congressmanjohn #statecapitol #march #rss #feeds #linksharing #qwibbit

Sue Silverstein, News From The Art Class -Halloween Week Halloween Week is the perfect time for Sue and her students. They really come alive. Come and tremble, and have a good time. Jon _______ News from the Art Room – Halloween Week! Anyone who’s ever been a teacher knows Halloween Week. This year it comes with the special bonus of a full week leading up to a weekend celebration. It’s like watching popcorn in the microwave. The bag slowly starts to move and expand until all the kernels start hopping around. We have done lots of holiday-related projects this week to stay in the spirit. Shading, blending, perspective, value scales, all based on ghosts, wolves, and assorted other things. Some of the results have been pretty amazing, honestly. ________ Sometimes I use guided handouts to help with drawing skills. They are easy to follow and really helpful. Grid drawing exercises really allow kids to improve spatial relationships and proportion. Tashauna did a lovely wolf drawing. She has great natural ability but not much confidence. I hung the drawings on the wall, and when the other students named her “the best,” I know that made her feel good. _____ ______ Gemma did a white ghost on black paper. She’s a master of fine detail. She has two brothers at school, and a friendly little sibling rivalry is going on. They are all creative and great kids. The foam heads are coming together. Turtles, cartoon characters, high fashion, and more! The 6th grade art club kids are obsessed with the repaint box of canvases. It’s going to run dry soon. ________ _______ If you have any old paintings you no longer want, we’d be happy to help. One of them was leaving the other day and, on her way out, turned around and said, “At least tomorrow isn’t Friday.” I don’t do the club on Friday so that I can clean and plan for next week. The corks are still a work in progress, since the glue is taking a long time to dry. That’s one reason I have so many smaller drawing things in place right now. Waiting for things to dry is boring. Many costumes are under construction. I am looking forward to seeing the pictures from the weekend festivities. Thank you to whoever sent the two cases of soup. Last week I mentioned that the kids are super hungry, and kind people put on their angel wings! Thank you to Karen and Ken from NY for delivering healthy snacks from Walmart. _______ Thank you to Danielle from NY, a constant supporter of these kids, for yet another delivery of fresh fruit, breakfast items, snacks, and more. Also, for the winter coats, hats, and gloves! No one wants to think about how close we are to needing them here in the Northeast, where the weather sometimes changes seasons by the hour, especially in fall and spring. _______ Thank you to Pat for delivering so many useful things this week! A new set of tables, just like the ones I use to build art displays, and even a lovely wedding gown the kids have decided to save for the spring photography class! Thank you to Carol from MN for the bottle caps, art supplies, and other items. Much appreciated! ________ Thank you to Pat from NJ for even more warm clothing; we are truly blessed! This week’s theme for the now-named Kathy box was sheep, and the box was full of both fun and useful items. The highlight? Watching 15-year-old sophomore boys play delightedly with a sheep puppet. Like the best gift ever on Christmas morning…. I am still looking for canvas and frames to repurpose. We always appreciate art supplies of any sort, especially paint, and healthy snacks and cold-weather clothing for cold, hungry kids! _________ The work at Proctor’s Theatre of Schenectady is on display for just a few more weeks, so if you’re local and get a chance, pop in to see it! This is the third year they have been so kind and supportive of our program, and we are beyond grateful. If you are in the area, they’re at 432 State St., Schenectady, NY 12305. Thank you, Kelly Auricchio, for your constant support. The address is: ND-BG, 2600 Albany Street, Schenectady, New York 12304 I love hearing from you. My email is [email protected]. Have a blessed day! Sue The post Sue Silverstein, News From The Art Class -Halloween Week appeared first on Bedlam Farm. https://www.bedlamfarm.com/2026/10/30/sue-silverstein-news-from-the-art-class-halloween-week/ #halloweenweek #art #sue #artroom #friday #rss #feeds #linksharing #qwibbit

Maria Morning. Meditating At The Pond Hi, this is Maria. It was so warm this morning that I meditated outside by the pond in the rear pasture while the moon was still out. I lay down my sheepskin, take out my books, and drink my hot cacao. Zip comes often to sit on my lap. It’s a good way to start the morning. Good morning to you. The post Maria Morning. Meditating At The Pond appeared first on Bedlam Farm. https://www.bedlamfarm.com/2026/10/30/maria-morning-meditating-at-the-pond/ #morning #pond #maria #good #zip #rss #feeds #linksharing #qwibbit

Cambridge Food Pantry Support. In Hard Times, We Choose To Help. Love Thy Neighbors These are intense times for sure. I have the greatest admiration for people who struggle and take the time to help peoople who can’t keep up or get ahead, even when they are hurting themselves. I admire people who love others as well as themselves and answer the call to help. There is a lot of talk about Jesus; I believe it is safe to say if Jesus were here, he would be volunteering at a Food Pantry. Talk about loving Thy Neighbors. Good lives. Thank you. I know the spirits will repay you; that is the best of being human. I am happy to tell you that by next week, the Pantry will have the gravy stacked for the Thanksgiving Giveaway. Thank you. ___ Because of all the distraction, turmoil, and tension, plus Halloween Tomorrow, we are taking it a bit slowly this week. Today’s major requests are the same as yesterday’s. Hoping to Stock for more than a week. Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Chili Mac (Case of 8), $13.73. Chef Boyardee Spaghetti and Meatballs (pack of 4), $4.99. Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Pack of 8), $13,73. ____ One More Request For Today: Campbell’s Turkey Gravy, $22.81. For The Cambridge Pantry Thanksgiving Give-a-Way. We are close. ______ _____ “He left me and found me…” Mike has a different faith shirt every week. _______ Pantry Notes from America: People who have stopped coming are returning, and more often, because other food-assistance options have dried up for them. The bigger stockpile is costing money: the Pantries have been buying extra food out of their own budgets. Lots of pantries have warned they may have to spread food thinner across more households this winter. They also refer to SNAP. Small paperwork or calculation errors can leave a household with no benefits at all, and those families end up at the Pantry. __________ _______ _______ We expect the Turkey Gravy to be stacked by next week. Thanks. ________ ______ Barbara, who is 90, doesn’t like to ask for help. She says she doesn’t need it yet. The post Cambridge Food Pantry Support. In Hard Times, We Choose To Help. Love Thy Neighbors appeared first on Bedlam Farm. https://www.bedlamfarm.com/2026/10/30/cambridge-food-pantry-support-in-hard-times-we-choose-to-help/ #thyneighbors #foodpantry #chunkysoup #times #cambridgepantry #turkeygravy #campbell #pantrythanksgiving #jesus #piesoup #rss #feeds #linksharing #qwibbit

Maria Gets A New Computer I’ll try to be sweet about this, but my wife isn’t good at spending money or buying herself anything. She considers spending money a heresy. She throws nothing out and only buys $5 thrift-store clothes, then wears them until they fall apart. I used to be a spendthrift, but I gave it up. It just won’t work in this relationship. Computers are a major part of my life, a sacred experience without which I would be living alone in a hut in some other country. Apple computers have made my life as a writer and blogger possible. She had her computer for years, about ten years, and it was falling apart and causing a lot of trouble. Apple finally scared her into moving by saying her browser no longer worked. I often urged her to get a new computer, but she just blew me off. Maria does not replace anything without a fight. Her computer still worked, she insisted, despite noises that sounded like a cow being slaughtered. You get the idea. She finally broke down (just as her computer did), and this morning we went to an Apple Store in Albany. She found a wonderful computer that cost much less than she expected and worked more efficiently than she had ever experienced. It wasn’t easy for her to buy it, but when she tested it, I could see her falling in love. She saved herself at least an hour, if not a day. And new doors have opened. I take computers seriously; they are not only at the center of my work, but they also help shape and support my life. Maria is great with devices; she gets them instantly and has a knack for them. When I have a problem with an Apple device, I don’t call Apple. I call her first. ______ _____ Maria loves her new computer. ______ I remember the Christmas when I gave her a gift of her first Iphone. I thought we would get divorced; she was so angry about getting a present like that. She insisted on paying for the computer. I said sure. She wouldn’t even think I’d pay for it. I wouldn’t buy one for her. Right now, she is beaming with joy. “It is so fast,” she told me happily. Yup. Devices are at the center of our work. When Maria got an Iphone, her work changed. When she got a camera, her relationship with nature changed radically. Her photography is wonderful. Right now, she is sitting on a sofa in the farmhouse, beaming with joy. How do you like it?” I asked. “It’s wonderful,” she said. Yay. The post Maria Gets A New Computer appeared first on Bedlam Farm. https://www.bedlamfarm.com/2026/10/29/maria-gets-a-new-computer/ #computer #newcomputer #apple #maria #gets #iphone #devices #rss #feeds #linksharing #qwibbit

The First Amendment I admit to glancing at the news today; I couldn’t help it. I was saddened to see so-called leaders viciously attacking people from other countries. I’m responding by sharing the First Amendment, the very first one our Founding Fathers wrote into the Constitution, which so many people talk about but so few seem to have read. Feel free to share it. Here it is, should anyone need it: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.“ The post The First Amendment appeared first on Bedlam Farm. https://www.bedlamfarm.com/2026/10/29/the-first-amendment/ #firstamendment #foundingfathers #rss #feeds #linksharing #qwibbit

Flower Art, Thursday, October 29, 2026. The Flowers Whisper About Elections. What Do They Mean? Because almost everyone loves to take pictures of flowers, floral photography is everywhere, from cameras to cell phones to AI. Floral photography is all over. Flowers on a wall make people feel good. And there is real science behind the good-mood floral explosion. Study after study has found that simply looking at a flower can calm the brain. I feel this almost every day when I set things apart to take pictures. It is so calm and peaceful; I never miss a day. I’ve never been calmer. I recommend it; I’m hooked. _______ ______ My assistant, showing up on time. ______ _______ _________ ________ _________ ______________ The post Flower Art, Thursday, October 29, 2026. The Flowers Whisper About Elections. What Do They Mean? appeared first on Bedlam Farm. https://www.bedlamfarm.com/2026/10/29/flower-art-thursday-october-29-2026-the-flowers-whisper-about-elections-what-do-they-mean/ #floral #rss #feeds #linksharing #qwibbit

Pantry Support, Same As Yesterday: Spaghetti/Meatballs, Chili Mac, Chicken Pot Pie Sarah’s warm-weather items for today, Thursday, October 29, 2026: Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Chili Mac (Case of 8), $13.73. Chef Boyardee Spaghetti and Meatballs (pack of 4), $4.99. Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Pack of 8), $13,73. _______ One More: Pampers Baby Dry Ultra Diapers, Size 6, 21 Count. $4.99. ________ Pantry Update, USA: Columbus, Ohio: The Worthington Resource Pantry outside Columbus, Ohio, served 14% more families last year, demand is still accelerating, and it says it needs about three extra tons of food a month just to hold steady. Demand is growing 18 percent g faster each quarter, and the pantry is spending its own money to keep up. _______ Up top, Ralph is unloading the trucks from the Food Bank. ______ ______ Mike is shy; I caught him peering around the corner, waiting for food to go in the freezer. _____ _______ ______ Lance is a fascinating man of many parts. A new volunteer at the Food Pantry, he’s a poet, singer, and former combat veteran who helps veterans and police officers cope with the tensions of their work and lives. Two of his war companions have committed suicide. He’s also writing some poetry on a new blog for those who want to hear and see it, come here. He has a lot of stories to tell. He tells them well. _____ Hannah comes almost daily with donations from the Army of Good. The post Pantry Support, Same As Yesterday: Spaghetti/Meatballs, Chili Mac, Chicken Pot Pie appeared first on Bedlam Farm. https://www.bedlamfarm.com/2026/10/29/pantry-support-same-as-yesterday-spaghetti-meatballs-chili-mac-chicken-pot-pie/ #chilimac #chickenpot #potpie #chunkysoup #meatballs #spaghetti #boyardeespaghetti #food #ohio #campbell #rss #feeds #linksharing #qwibbit