The Care of the Earth

"The care of the earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope." Wendell Berry  

I discovered author, poet, and culture critic Wendell Berry about three years ago. I read through his novel "Hannah Coulter" at lightning speed during summer time, and I soaked up all of his beautiful sentences and the way he weaves nature and caring for land into his writing. Then, this past winter I read "That Distant Land," a collection of short stories based around a community of farmers and their families. His writing is pure and elegant and poignant. I loved his fiction, and gobbled it up happily. Then! I found out from a friend that he ALSO writes non-fiction. My heart fluttered and I knew I had to get my hands on something. 

It began with a borrowed copy of "The Unsettling of America," borrowed from said generous friend, also a big fan of Wendell Berry. I loved it. I read through about three quarters of Berry's cultural critique and down to earth perspective, and his wisdom is astounding. 

So, happily, I recently ordered "The Art of the Commonplace," a collection of agrarian essays, which should arrive this week! Cue the excitement! Not only has this wonderful, wonderful author helped shape my perspective, but he continues to inspire me, challenge me, and make just-before-bed-night-time-reading one of the best parts of the day. 

The earth, the soil, the plants, the process of sowing and harvesting, is good, because our Creator is good. 

Much love, Vivi