Lens and Frame-

It has been some months since I have written a post- and while the lack of words might seem to imply I have little to say, this is not exactly the case. Recall my last post, where I wrote of a trip to New Hampshire- full of aspiring and beginning Veteran Farmers. Among them, while full of joy and purpose, I did not necessarily find the same calling- yet a complimentary one that combines my love of writing, farming, and most importantly, of discovering journeys that must be heard and told. It was there that I learned about the possibility of becoming a content writer, specifically for farmers who rediscovered their life's purpose though working with the land. Since that time, I have been letting this idea ruminate through the active months, where my hands were busy with creating, building, and planting my client's gardens.

Now in the cold months, life slows to a steady, predictable pace with pockets of time in which to explore this writing venture. I am fortunate to live with a seasoned writer, and we have had several conversations on how I can become a conduit for the small farmer's journey. I've been given reading assignments to hone my skills and explore developing my writing style, and thus begins the winter writing project.

This blog has, up until now tracked my journey, and now I aim to steer it slightly to follow my path of sharing others' journeys. I have told a few friends about my desire to write, but as of yet do not have a definite subject on which to write. So you see, it is not so easy as my prior topics, where I could freely find content in my own experience. My thoughts and feelings, while in probability will shine through how I share, have much less importance than capturing and understanding another's thoughts and feelings. I must generate questions rather than answers. It is easy for me to speak my voice, but here, I will seek to be a voice for those who are more accustomed to speaking through actions. I in turn, shall give voice to these actions, and show these farmers for the poets of the land that they are. We indeed must speak the same language, but only one of us must find the words to describe the life.

I have always been told I have a good eye in the world of photography and design. I think this writing venture will be a similar undertaking. I must look at a thing from all sides, possibly find myself in the mud and brambles, and there, after training my eye on what perspective shows the greatest detail, I capture it in all it's own essence. Telling true stories, capturing the struggles, failures, epiphanies, and successes- the story already exists, I am but the lens and frame by which the world can see its development.

It is a difficult journey to finding your own voice, expressing your own thoughts and ideas succinctly and passionately. It is still even more of a challenge to be that voice for another, uncolored by anything other than enthusiasm and encouragement to make their story known to the world. This is what I seek to become as a content writer. Reading back over this piece I know I have skills that need sharpening, and a writing structure that will need developing for my subjects.

While rough-hewn and as yet unrealized, I know my passion for channeling the voice of the small farm will be a beauteous journey indeed. What to call this endeavor? I've started one of those brainstorming cloud bubbles on paper with words that resonate the mission- journey, farming, voice, purpose, and the like, but I am still working this new direction out, and would be interested in your thoughts. After all, from here forward, I am but the film on which others' stories develop-