As a little addition to my last comment on pieces, the fact that you can follow up such an intense piece of writing with an essay that is absolutely delightful to read, peppered generously with nostalgia, humor, wisdom and grace, is a testament to your abilities as a storyteller. Instead of holding my breath, it had me floating on a cloud and enjoying the view. Grateful for your writing, Tara.
I used to be terrified of bulls though awed by them till we recently acquired a bull from Pharro Cattle Company that has been genetically selected for grass fed operations in Texas. He is amazing. Even in the severe heat and drought we have, he’s thrived on just hay. Anyway. We had a bull calf born a year ago, and just didn’t get around to castrating him due to some family circumstances. They were in the same paddock, and big boss bull started to get testy and mildly aggressive towards the female members of our family. It was very sad and upsetting to us because we have young kids helping with chores. But then I thought, maybe it was just be because there was another bull in his pen. Sure enough, we put the other young bull in a different paddock because he’s going to be in the freezer by the end of the year, and big boss bull calmed right on down to his normal self. It’s amazing how they can sense the difference between human female and male energy. He is a big teddy bear as long as he’s respected and not competing with another male for his harem.
Love that story, thank you for sharing it! :) I remember working with my mentor on the Alberta prairie and we were moving the bulls, but it was more like moving them a bit and then waiting while they fought and then moving them a bit and waiting while they fought. It was really something to watch 2 ton beasts smashing heads and using the full force of their power on one another. Definitely not something any of us ever want to be a part of, but awe inspiring to witness.
I just subscribed to your work a few writings ago .. and am continually having my heart and mind blown open by your words and gifts of story. I am not a homestead-er, I live in suburbia .. AND I have big visions and dreams for the future. Thank you for revealing the beautiful art form it is to live in alignment in this way. It is helping to tend my little flame. Onwards!
Oh how wonderful! Thank you for such a beautiful comment, Kayla. Tend that flame and if I offer any bits of tinder, I'm grateful for having a tiny part.
Thank you. I enjoy your writing, how in tune with yourself and the nature around you are. While I may not agree with some of your opinions, I always enjoy your perspective. I was so excited when you "returned" to social media (IG), I had missed your shares and thoughts. I look forward to your story on Abundance+.
Gorgeous writing as always. I realised I was reading with a big smile on my face. And I was reminded of a recent ridiculous introductory post in an online group, where the newcomer announced he was an alpha male. Hmmm, I think not 😂
Oh Jo-Anne, your comment made me burst out laughing and was the topic of much teasing over breakfast this morning. Imagine!? The very definition of not being a leader is having to declare yourself one. Hilarious!
Those of us who are blessed to be as impressed as much or more by animals as people are fortunate. They are great teachers. Am reminded of some super Greek mythology on bulls and people. Interdependence is the key.
Thank you for this beautiful celebration and example of the masculine -- a display of strength, solidness, intentionality, and directionality, protection and good nature. Loved it!
Watching the relational gymnastics occurring among my peers right now is so confusing. They want men essentially castrated but then, of course, they don’t want them.
I appreciate a strong and clam alpha. Oooeeee. There is just something about bulls, eh?
Yes, it seems to be the ever more frequent story of our time, just as you described. It's worrisome to me that young men are getting the message that softening or diminishing their masculine qualities is how to best be an "ally" to women. No. Nope. Won't work.
Oh! I so enjoyed reading this post. It’s nature at its best—with all its balance and all the parts fitting s they should. Thanks so much.
I'm glad, thank you, Louisa.
As a little addition to my last comment on pieces, the fact that you can follow up such an intense piece of writing with an essay that is absolutely delightful to read, peppered generously with nostalgia, humor, wisdom and grace, is a testament to your abilities as a storyteller. Instead of holding my breath, it had me floating on a cloud and enjoying the view. Grateful for your writing, Tara.
Thank you, Branden. I'm so delighted by your comment. We can't take ourselves too seriously too much of the time. :)
I used to be terrified of bulls though awed by them till we recently acquired a bull from Pharro Cattle Company that has been genetically selected for grass fed operations in Texas. He is amazing. Even in the severe heat and drought we have, he’s thrived on just hay. Anyway. We had a bull calf born a year ago, and just didn’t get around to castrating him due to some family circumstances. They were in the same paddock, and big boss bull started to get testy and mildly aggressive towards the female members of our family. It was very sad and upsetting to us because we have young kids helping with chores. But then I thought, maybe it was just be because there was another bull in his pen. Sure enough, we put the other young bull in a different paddock because he’s going to be in the freezer by the end of the year, and big boss bull calmed right on down to his normal self. It’s amazing how they can sense the difference between human female and male energy. He is a big teddy bear as long as he’s respected and not competing with another male for his harem.
Love that story, thank you for sharing it! :) I remember working with my mentor on the Alberta prairie and we were moving the bulls, but it was more like moving them a bit and then waiting while they fought and then moving them a bit and waiting while they fought. It was really something to watch 2 ton beasts smashing heads and using the full force of their power on one another. Definitely not something any of us ever want to be a part of, but awe inspiring to witness.
I just subscribed to your work a few writings ago .. and am continually having my heart and mind blown open by your words and gifts of story. I am not a homestead-er, I live in suburbia .. AND I have big visions and dreams for the future. Thank you for revealing the beautiful art form it is to live in alignment in this way. It is helping to tend my little flame. Onwards!
Oh how wonderful! Thank you for such a beautiful comment, Kayla. Tend that flame and if I offer any bits of tinder, I'm grateful for having a tiny part.
Beautifully written, as always.
Thank you. I enjoy your writing, how in tune with yourself and the nature around you are. While I may not agree with some of your opinions, I always enjoy your perspective. I was so excited when you "returned" to social media (IG), I had missed your shares and thoughts. I look forward to your story on Abundance+.
God bless y'all!
Thank you, Clinton. I'm looking forward to seeing what they come up with, too. That's quite a talented producer they have working for them.
I can so eas8ly replace bull with "man" when I read this. I am raising a son alone, I will teach him to watch the Stag, the Bull in Ernst. Miigwetch
Yes! Yes! Wonderful, Tawny.
Gorgeous writing as always. I realised I was reading with a big smile on my face. And I was reminded of a recent ridiculous introductory post in an online group, where the newcomer announced he was an alpha male. Hmmm, I think not 😂
Oh Jo-Anne, your comment made me burst out laughing and was the topic of much teasing over breakfast this morning. Imagine!? The very definition of not being a leader is having to declare yourself one. Hilarious!
You know your stuff, Tara. Evident from the first sentence on!
‘Nature as a touchstone of truth’
Love it!
Thank you, Claude. I know a fragment of a bit of stuff, but I remain forever curious. :)
Beautifully written truth.
Love this, thank you. Is that a U2 lyric Mischa used? Good album, nice taste lady :)
Your words come from truth.
🙏
Hi Grace, U2 actually used that line, but it originated in the heated time of the 70s feminist movement and was originally said by Gloria Steinem.
Ah! Good to know. Nothin new under the sun! 💕
Those of us who are blessed to be as impressed as much or more by animals as people are fortunate. They are great teachers. Am reminded of some super Greek mythology on bulls and people. Interdependence is the key.
Loved this Tara. Nature always our Teacher. How perceptive you are, and your storytelling is just wonderful.
Thank you, Sheri :)
Thank you for this beautiful celebration and example of the masculine -- a display of strength, solidness, intentionality, and directionality, protection and good nature. Loved it!
Thank you, Amy. I'm so glad you liked it.
This is so good.
Watching the relational gymnastics occurring among my peers right now is so confusing. They want men essentially castrated but then, of course, they don’t want them.
I appreciate a strong and clam alpha. Oooeeee. There is just something about bulls, eh?
There sure is something about bulls! :)
Yes, it seems to be the ever more frequent story of our time, just as you described. It's worrisome to me that young men are getting the message that softening or diminishing their masculine qualities is how to best be an "ally" to women. No. Nope. Won't work.
Thanks Tara!