From the blog
- Simply Soil
09.15.24
Background on the Dilmun Farm:
- The Dilmun Farm is a total of 12 acres and is located to the right of Frank Morrison Hall. It first was a gift from Ezra Cornell to his daughter as a wedding gift (what a gift). Afterwards, the farm became a place for graduate students to conduct research on various crops. Nowadays, it is open for undergraduates and graduates alike to perform farming tasks and understand the complexities of crops.
What is the Dilmun Farm? What does the harvest look like? What kind of techniques are used to protect the produce?
The Dilmun Farm is a CSA, meaning it is a community-supported farm. This is quite vital to understand the impact the twelve acres have on the Cornell and Ithaca communities. For example, various produce ranging from potatoes, cucumbers, beets, shallots, kale, and carrots is available for students to purchase at a low rate for low-income students at the Anabel Store.Ā
Considering the farm is brought to life by staff, undergraduates, and graduates, it is well taken care of. The land in itself is vast and fertile. Undoubtedly, the work is shown through the produce collected and connects the important factor of understanding where food comes from. Unfortunately, the farm itself cannot be given the label organic. There are countless certifications needed for it. Organic does not necessarily signify rich and nutrient-dense produce. Currently, the produce is pesticide-free, which includes organic pesticides. Additionally, one of the techniques used is tarping; this preps the crops for a regenerative manner while also solarizing the weeds.Ā
Why is soil important?
Soil contains three properties, including the physical component, the clay component, and finally the biological components. Physically, soil needs organic matter, water, air, and minerals, including sand, silt, and clay particles. Additionally, the clay is a key portion by adding the manganese, copper, potassium, and sulfur for the plant to have sufficient nutrients. The biological factors for soil include microbes to recycle nutrients. Now knowing the various parts of soil is informative, and certain quirks can apply to understanding other processes in the biological ecosystem (this is true for myself).Ā
Levels of Soil & SamplingĀ
Soil has levels, known as horizons. In the sample shared by Prof. Rossi, there was mucous debris connecting with roots. Allowing for a relationship between each horizon. The demonstration allowed for guidance within the means of evaluating nutrient-dense soil.Ā
For sampling, my group was assigned the sixth lot of crop land, beside the basil and tomatoes. The sample was a complement of fifteen shovel-full scoops. Each of us zigzagged the lot. The objective for the sample needed to be precise, and thus, we could not scoop the same area for soil as it would not be a successful sample. The soil sample taken was moist, dense, and had an earthy scent to it (great indicators of a soil sample). Properly knowing how to do a soil sample allowed me to conduct similar precision and accuracy when doing blood smears or other laboratory duties. Through sampling soil, I can correct and override the statement; it is simply soil.Ā
- Dangerously Disconnected.
09.07.24
Background:
In the latest lab for the Just Food: Exploring the Modern Food System course, we walked to the World Crop Garden and to the Cornell Botanical Gardens. At the start of class, everyone was welcomed with two bags of Zestar apples; they were definitely delicious, with a slight tartness similar to a honeycrisp apple. This opener led to an intriguing conversation about apples, specifically the land needed for such a fruit. Prof. Rossi explained the climate conditions of Washington are optimal for apples.
What truly makes up oneās breakfast? Can the components be identifiable by the average consumer?
Quite unlikely, walking up and down the pathways of the World Crop Garden looking for a specific plant. The task at hand is to quickly identify each plant to the product. No luck. Fortunately, Rossi let us know that stevia is not the same as sugar cane. Gradually removing the Stevia product, my teammates and I then decide to put the box right under the Stevia leaf. Simultaneously, everyone let out a sigh of relief. (I cannot fathom how I did not point my teammates in the right direction, as I see my box of Stevia every morning before I leave for class.) The outcome of such a task is daunting; one is supposed to know the food one eats.Ā
Now more than ever, it is difficult to grapple with the relationship between consumers and food. One can be busy with everyday issues and cannot simply identify the food eaten.Ā
Maybe that is a reason why people are overweight. One does not bother to understand nor acknowledge the food processes if that is all they can afford. On average, the prices of legumes, grains, and vegetables have increased by 12.8% from 2019 to 2022 (Lewis). A healthy diet consists of color and variety, which many are not able to afford. This deprivation is leading to the driving factor of community and reform to target marginalized communities in efforts to combat nationwide obesity.
The current food system outline starts with the production of food, then processing to distribution, consumption, and finally waste. The outcomes of this distorted system allow for gaps. For example, rather than fixating on subcategories such as vulnerable women, researchers and policies may gravitate towards the traditional values or practices of those peoples to ensure progress for all individuals in the community.
Distribution is how one sees and associates the image of a food rather than understanding the in-depth processes that allow for such a product to be made. Figuring out the climate shockingly dictates whether the produce is acceptable or not. The economical metaphor of the cowboy is far from the truth. Economically and environmentally, the vastly growing population cannot sustain itself through careless thinking.
The latest lectures have been pointing toward the problem of colonialism regarding the current food system inequities. Understanding and reflecting on the power dynamics between Indigenous peoples and Europeans during colonization can inversely reshape the food systems set in place, from land practices to food access. Considering technology is evolving and with an unpredictable, fluctuating market, this may not be the case, but a change in food systems is a necessity since it seems we are dangerously disconnected.
- mind the madness?
09.02.24
Can one conduct and compress the madness within one? I canāt tell if I live in an illusion or if delusion suffices the tedium held by one. Accustoming others and ourselves to the nonsensical noise between the jester and servicemen. Oneās reality is not real at all, the spiraling fixates on one and one fixates on them. Collaborating to such an extent allows for a fallen bridge, one works opposingly.
Images fill oneās mind, the scenery dictates its appeal. Similarly one provides the same context to unjust and unlikely promises from the frontmen. One essentially can propose a tremendous concept, while utterly thinking of a different outcome. Entertaining isnāt it? Without a doubt, but does this alter implications in which one lives, functions, exists? Cruel to think that the postcard is the true destination. In its totality one can think so, but it will be gruesome once one figures out otherwise. Different times allow for different apprehensions and impressions, but does that mean one must alter all things?
push & pull
One does not have power, in need one finds the strength to be the individual with aim. One exists to feel, but denies the sense to do so. The men with power will know so, the ones who donāt declare they do. Harming the creation of structure to oneās dismay, one cannot argue with a declaration. Suffering fuels one to question the wrong to the right. Opposing views shift to be oneās aspirations. The once damned are now dreamers. With no pain, there is no pleasure, one deprives themselves of obstacles when no one is beside them.
justifiable jester
Now individuals justify the jester within the utter stability, being the foundation of conducting oneās self. Dancing and chanting to attract oneās thoughts to then excuse each individual who steps on oneās heels.Ā
- The Is-Ought Problem: ~Sink or Swim?~
08.13.24
the is-ought problem: What is objectively right or wrong? What is wrong and right based on? How can one have good morale?
Interesting to think one’s existence can go unseen, and when knowing of this one tries to unsee others.
Fixating on confinement one goes without it, but when one realizes it isn’t necessary, one views all mad(ness).
One shall not reveal the truth, but rather embody it to demonstrate stability. Searching is hopeless as one is prone to disappointment. The hopeless live happily in ignorance.
A reflection does not reflect who one is. It does not reflect how one feels to its extremity. It does not reflect the person at all.
Blankly staring. That is not the truth. One will not accept it. Fearful to see the emptiness upon one’s face, one shall run, yell, strut, live, and breathe, thinking of no reflection at all. No one can perceive one, believing this is the true dream one wishes when one once was agile.
In reality, who is one is a compilation of personalities with no halt and no silence. Difficult to find an individual who understands one’s uncertainties and questions one’s words with inquisitiveness.
Sunken, betrayed by the ones who sent him, he is the one piece within the camaraderie between the rich and poor. Whether he drowns or floats, he loses. No one will ever understand the brutality he once faced with at first intriguing thoughts, but now opposing the tumbling and cheerful to be another spot on the checkerboard.
Denial and questions build up his outlook. The gusts of wind penetrate his being every summer. Trading youth for unbearable paranoia. Others bow to him; he passes emotionless. Praising rather a chain one once wore with a grin of no other. Melancholic as he pacifies his sorrows through the numbness of a bottle, he fills the void. He has no one to rekindle with only nostalgia.
- apparently appreciative.
07.31.24
Appreciation becomes relevant in the absence of oneās mind and consciousness. One cannot retrieve the past without appearing disgraceful; one shall not compare birth to death. With gratitude, one focuses on the future and next steps rather than contributing to the present. Prompting happiness leaves insecurities secure in the act of acting foolish. The body one possesses leaves doubt and is uninstructed to construct impurity. āDite allows one to desire the undesirable and shines her bewitching light. Some accept the rays, while others distract their thoughts with the numerous cracks on the cemented floor. Provoking, but at times it is quite blinding, leading to distrust and malice. Voluntarily blinding each beam is treacherous until one acknowledges the need to bask. When one forgets their purpose, they ultimately start questioning their existence. Oneās purpose can go unseen. Therefore, one cannot see the purpose in reality. Windows, profound, hidden in the corners of the abyss, to then expose them to one or many depending on the sight one sees. Fulfillment can encourage one to unlock the view. One knows the direct correlation. She knows when it’s time. Obstruct her view with the scarf. She will not notice at all; bricks donāt have pin-straight lines. Silky and soothing will allow one to stay at peace, but will the viewer be obstructed by such an objective? Is that the objective? Some will object.
Can sanity itself become insanity? Waiting, contemplating trading oneās true intentions for bearable fulfillment. Not enough to become oneās creation, but rather ābe a creator.ā Thatās the issue: wanting versus being or doing. One tends to want and want rather than focusing on or dedicating to consistency, thus changing the present. Even if it may be that the dimensions lead to our ending, one can live with a purpose and purposefully rest within the confines of oneās creation. Branching the fruits towards prosperity. Fulfillment can only hold so much that it leaves a void. Learning to admire the deceptions allows one to be content.
minuscule mind
The mind can create creatures, legends, and myths. These creations are left in the hands and thoughts of all or most. The terror lies in the individual; the reflection may be the most terrifying of them all. Emptiness and silence become essential for the being when aware of the exterior.
I cannot compare my void to the rest; I may remain with the nonsense of my sanity as others do. My soul is part of my spirit, and my spirit does not perpetuate the frame. Little to nothing will be found within the view of the window. The landscape leaves one breathless, and that is what I aspire to seeāthe indescribable. The vast plains found in the countryside are my outlook. In actuality, I have no assurance. Thus, one must live in the gale, twirling to and fro with other matter. Nullifying the proposed purpose causes the proposal to be lost in the spec of existence.
Shall I not presume the thought but control the action? Tending to hold my breath when thinking of it leads me to not respond to its totality. Letting it fade into darkness, the depths of my consciousness.
All meaning can be found, although it can go unseen. What can make something meaningful? Does meaning mean anything? We are all perpetrators of the mean.
monster
thine in the flesh
torment and pollute thy body
thy complexion made thee mad
typhon shall not equate
time is absolute for travesty
ātil one becomes touchless
pale
trading the chaos for more
the soul endlessly searching
ātil time deteriorates
to and fro, one goes
today and always I shall see pale
opposition
troubles arise when one shall not confide
terribly so one must go
treasure is found within
travels the depths of eternity
tomorrow is not guaranteed
trailing behind is the one who will flee
limitless loom & unknown but united
12.19.23
Limitless loom
Do actions speak louder than words? Some may agree with the statement that actions are louder than words, but how can one be sure of that? The actions one takes allow a person to be acknowledged, but the words someone conveys define one. I donāt think either are comparable; they cannot be. Both have quite the same purposes, although they display them in a matchless form. I find power, joy, sadness, and frustration in words, but I can also feel these emotions in my actions. But an action perpetuates the mind with endless thoughts; the conundrum of feelings drowns the soul. I cannot feel any more, shielded by the words one creates with no definition, weaving in and out of my infinite world almost like a limitless loom.
Unknown but United
Eyes grand, and little emotion showing. I donāt know the person sitting beside me, nor do they know me. Can the individual perceive who I am? Can I perceive the individual? The obscurity of creating the picture is my drive. The portrayal may not be true, but for me, it is right to interpret.
The otherās portrayal is distant from my own until the sailing ship slowly loses control. Waves drown everything within the confines of the beloved ship. No traces are left behind except the endless darkness waiting for it.
At times, I miss the absence of perception, feeling as if the Truman Show is reality. Is everyone playing an act? Are they playing an act for themselves or for another? I have no idea. The only act I can fixate on is my own. Evolving oneās mentality and thoughts is a never-changing aspect of the lives of all; intending to pursue those stems of knowledge can connect the ones who are unknown but united.
Lousy Leader
11.20.23
āToday I chooseā¦ to lead the class.ā
A line leader. I was introduced to the concept of a leader through a classmate leading the entirety of the kindergarten class and still to this day is one of the foundational bases on how I view a powerful figure.
Sitting in my communications class was intriguing except when it came to acknowledging how I would describe my leadership style. Grappling with the idea of leading others seemed bizarre and I have vehemently put this thought as the last check on my to-do list. Instead I wrote a poem prior to understanding the type of āleadershipā I follow.
Influence
The fallen shall conquer thy thought.
Supremacy thou taketh ovār the soul,
Shanāt thy hasāt control ovār thyself.
Pretend all is glory,
While shanāt beest the truth.
Only one shalt beest mine light.
Vines shall grow,
Thou shouldst followeth.
Beest mine vaward,
One knoweth better,
But doest not presumeāt.
Guising Gender
11.15.23
Simmer. Foil. Save. Repeat.
Through this routine one can learn the utter discrepancy between a daughter and a son in a society filled with unjustifiable metaphors and folk beliefs that have been engraved into oneās mentality. The act she executes is suited for scarcely the brawny beings of her offspring, which has then led to her unconscious bias. At fault is not the present purpose, but the underwiring she has developed with complying. The implications of gender in a child-parent dynamic, especially maternally, are outstandingly visible in many cultures, such as Latin America, Spain, and Nigeria, to name a few. The belief that a woman is not as worthy as a man is sadly held in families. This norm may be the reason for how society functions; when some aspect is normalized, one assumes that role by relenting. The root that derives from this gender inequality issue at home has to do with the metaphorical beliefs regarding women as inhuman, generational values, and cultural expectations established for women.
Metaphorical spread of unequal beliefs regarding gender roles leads to the misinformation portrayal of a woman in which even females believe afterwards and projecting such insecurities to their daughters. This norm becomes normalized and the humor of the metaphor becomes reality. Thus, led me to remember a memory from a few years ago, brutal would be the vehement word I would use to describe the profanities that one can hear in a classroom filled with adolescent boys. The words left a pit in my stomach every time I witnessed how they would conceptualize the drive of a woman. In many occurrences, I would express my concern with one of my friends; I told her how I did not understand how the act of insulting a woman seemed to be surrounded with much hatred, even in the way the words left the tongue while prominent masculine slander would be upfront and bland. My friend did not seem to be as concerned with the issue as I was. Ultimately, the conversation died off, and one was left with no answer. The concern regarding this subject initiated a search for the cause of it. Firstly, I was aware of how one normally expresses an opinion or interpretation via humor. Thus, this can be seen throughout history, one being minstrel shows performed in the 1830s by white performers with blackened faces and tattered clothing. They would imitate enslaved Africans on southern plantations. The characterization was seen as āinnocentā by the creators, but it denoted these individuals as contrasting with them. Brown University scholar Irene Rodriguez confronts the issue of how women are unfairly depicted in her article, Of Women, Bitches, Chickens, and Vixens: Animal Metaphors for Women in English and Spanish. The author accentuates the similarities between how both languages come across metaphors presenting women in the guise of chickens, bitches, or vixens. The purpose of referring to a woman as an animal or attributing animalistic behaviors to females signifies that women are seen as inferior and submissive to men. Furthermore, the use of metaphors is not neutral and tends to express a bias towards a certain group of people, situations, etc. Consequently, when viewing hierarchical organization, it seems to be connected with the conceptual repercussions when individuals are paired with animals. This type of degradation can support how others view women as having undesirable traits according to societal standards. In this regard, through the virality of animal metaphors, individuals linguistically spread this behavior, leading them to accept patriarchal views about the role of women. Most importantly, women tend to be victimized into believing such nonsense, which evokes a preference within their own children. This outward pressure of disregarding females as a whole has led to the isolating factor in a daughter-parent relationship.
Generational values are incorporated into the lives of all and can impact the overall outlook of how certain relatives converse with each other. In this case, the older family members I have tend to exercise the role of masculinity reinforcement instead of inclusion for all. The uncanny pattern most noticeable through oneās ancestral tree (at least mine) is that every generation promotes an opposing perspective regarding various subjects, the most prominent of which is sexuality and equality. While part of oneās development has to do with how one was raised, the reality is that oneās gender development comes from the framework one was exposed to; this can be social environments, which then construct oneās beliefs about the roles of men and women. This is known as social-cognitive theory. Thus, research has found that when parents have more traditional views regarding gender roles, their children also tend to think in more traditional terms (Epstein & Ward, 2011; Fulcher, 2010; Sutfin, Fulcher, Bowles, & Patterson, 2008). This signifies that traditional parents tend to prompt conservative viewpoints in their children, but research has shown that media can expose one to other perspectives. This is evident in my great-grandparents transferring their beliefs onto my grandparents. Living in a small community, they all seemed to have similar ideals or values regarding gender roles. Additionally, my family transitioned from conservative principles to an inclination towards radical ethics. The reason for this is due to how the children of my grandparents were introduced to the media and had the privilege to receive an education. Subsequently, one can now understand the reasoning for how individuals have differing perspectives regarding gender roles within oneās families as each generation prompts to change the next.
Upon inspection of the behavior and traditional views one may obtain from oneās parents, one can now acknowledge their incompatibility with others. Moreover, society screeches the term equality, but when one advocates for the unheard, it seems inconsistently silent. Furthermore, feminists have attempted to influence young girls, although they are discredited by authoritative figures to shame the ones educating others for fairness. The publication We Should All Be Feminists by Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie showcases the hardships that come with being perceived as a woman within a traditional community. Her personal anecdotes allow the reader to recognize how girls are raised to see each other as competitorsānot for jobs nor accomplishments, but even mothers expect less of a career for their daughters in comparison to their sons. Therefore, traditionally, the maternal instinct will be directed towards the males, as the mothers growing up with conservative values will accept them and embrace the fact that their daughters will be in the same situation. Adichie explains the phenomenon of culture, specifically women, in a society that perpetuates the image of feminism. The author allows the reader to experience the terror of womanhood. Most importantly, one can determine that culture makes people, but people should be the ones creating culture. Thus, societal standards seem to be equated to the expectation of how oneās culture is supposed to look when it is completely generalized and not seen as profoundly as its intended purpose.
Generational gaps allow one to conceptualize the indifferences of daughters and sons in a maternal relationship. The spread of metaphorical beliefs, generational values, and cultural expectations has taken a toll on how women are perceived by society. Thus, ignorance should not be an excuse nor interpreted as a solution for marginalized bias. The expectation to halt such a generational norm is to speak upon the subject and confront the underlying issue bit by bit. The reason for this is due to how active listening and collaboration can help various parties understand the gravity of tolerating traditional values; thus, through the spread of effective communication, the public can truly accept the essence of the person, no matter their gender. With that being said, the acceptance will allow mothers to acknowledge their children as such and terminate the thought of one being more valuable than the other.
wallow in my wonder
10.25.23
Fictitious. Fake. Unfair.
Desiring more from others has led to a false hope of what one deserves. Waiting patiently for the right place, right time allows dread to come and stay for a while in the driverās seat. Not for two intertwined souls, but for a simple connection with beings, amitiĆ©.
The conscious circadian rhythm leads me to believe that everyone is alike in some respects. Tugging and throwing the dilemma, not seeing eye to eye with all. I tell my person that I confide with the reality of my pessimistic view on the day to day interactions I have.
I hate, most. I tell them. Hatred is a strong word to use when talking about any subject, but exaggerating is the speciality I have obtained throughout the years. I stop myself every once in a while, recalling the statement my star twin made.
āThere is nothing more artistic than to love people.ā
– Vincent Van Gogh
A motto I carry on, forever. Loving anything is an art; some people, things, or events will not happen the way one expects them to. Thatās fine. Accidental collaborations are my favorite.
Accidents are a peculiar concept. Planning can lead others to have an emotion or excuse to use, alternatively the unexpectedness aspect does not let the enthusiasm ebb away.
Thank you for allowing me to wallow in my wonder.
anything and everything š± 