View from the porch at Old Bedlam Farm
My summer is quickly coming to an end. School starts in a few short weeks. It’s time for me to focus, get into the classroom, and make plans for the year.
But first, I want to celebrate the summer life, that laid-back time when the day is completely empty. When you can take time to explore a used bookstore in the woods of upstate New York.
When you can take time to peruse an antique store down the road in Salem. Don’t forget to open the tiny drawers to find the smallest treasures, like a mustard seed pendant.
Leaning on my friends Julianne Harmatz and Kimberley Moran.
When you can take a lawn chair up the hill, find the shade of a tree, and write in the quiet of the morning.
Tara writes on the hillside. Sophie explores nearby.
When you can “Live like Heaven is on Earth.”
Reflections on the Teche 
The days of summer with the freedom to fill them just as we choose are so wonderful. I’ve enjoyed reading about the days at the farm, and the photos are beautiful. Moments and scenes like those will sustain you during the business of school days. We have so much more to give when we have had refreshing times during the summer.
This looks like it was a wonderful trip! I’m so glad you all got the chance to spend this time together! Amazing!!
Delightful, as always! Makes me miss upstate NY…..a beautiful, beautiful place…..especially in summer. I feel the pull of school coming too. Enjoy these last few weeks….AND the excitement of a new year.
Love the the structure of your post. I may have to borrow your “When you can…” for a future slice or celebration. And your pics are absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing. I knew this post had to be about your time at Tara’s farm.
That’s such a compliment when you want to borrow the structure. I look forward to seeing what you write.
You brought the memories back…we had such fun.
I love bookstore pics. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
I love the structure as well. A mentor text! Remembering this time through your pictures is a joy.
Your visit looks lovely and you will need to hang on to this as you begin that transition back to school.
That “Live like heaven is on Earth” sign should be posted EVERYWHERE! (My chiropractor has a few lines of it on plaques in the bathroom! What a waste!) Thanks for sharing it.
I’m horrified to think that people are going back to school shortly!
You have had an adventure-filled summer! I agree with Diane about that sign: it should be everywhere!
The adventure will keep you “hugged” for a long time, Margaret. Enjoy the prep too.
So beautiful! Looks like you had a great time!
“But first, I want to celebrate the summer life, that laid-back time when the day is completely empty.” This line is one to linger over, Margaret, for it captures the essence of summer life. This is one of those sumemrscape moments I talk about. When I first opened your post, I kew it was Tara’s farm. There is such a feeling of laid-back time in each photo. I am so glad that you truly enjoyed your time in New York State.