At the first ray of light the farmer sets out for work, rice harvest is in full swing in the Sacramento Valley. Either Mother Nature has worked her wonder in their favor, or not… they know the moment their harvester's blades cut into the grain.
This year looks promising.
I drove alongside the rice fields until I met up with my brother Zane, (After four children my dad named my youngest brother Zane, Z for the last one he would tease.) he pulled the harvester close as I walked out into the field to meet him.
We rode up and down the long field, slowly, methodically, watching steadily as the rice went under the blade, all along talking about whatever came to mind. A day spent side by side in the small cabin on top of the harvester, rice dust circled and memories of our childhood floated with ease.
Zane talked passionately about farming, his family, his life… it was evident he was happy, that he loves his life and that all is good. What happiness it is in knowing that what you are doing is worthy, that what you are living is good and most of all that the days ahead don't matter as much as the moment at hand. Zane reminded me where to focus.
His harvest is rich in what he has planted: Awareness- on what is important to him and his family.
We talked on and on, cutting one field and onto another. Zane drives the harvester 13 to 14 hours a day during harvest time, all the while to the hum of the engine, rice dust in the air, and a view of gold as far as you can see, I sat with him for six hours, though it felt like ten minutes.
Every grain, every word, every memory… golden… simply because I got to be next to someone I love, watching him do what he loves to do.
He told me, "… the sunset is the most beautiful time to be out in the fields, you need to come take photos at sunset around six in the evening, you'll come won't you?"
A day well spent. Thank you Zane. I'll come back at sunset.
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