7 reasons to own chickens

 

Most people don't think of hens as pets, but as a means of food. However, owning chickens for eight plus years has shown me that hens are some of the most enjoyable creatures to spend your time with. These are just seven reasons why:


1: Fresh Eggs:
Naturally, eggs are one of the first perks that people think of when it comes to owning hens. They're fresh, more nutritious, and personally guaranteed to be cruelty free.

 

2: Laughter Therapy:
No matter how bad of a day you're having, chickens have a way of making you laugh. With their silly antics and blatant personalities its hard not to crack a smile.

3: Waste Disposal:
Food waste is essentially non existent in a house with chickens. They will eat a majority of food scraps,  from soiled leftovers to extra bites left on the plate.

4: Outdoor Time:
Chickens love to hang out with their people, having hens can be a perfect incentive to spend quiet afternoons in the backyard.

5: Food Appreciation:
Having chickens will give you a close up of where your food comes from. And with it, an appreciation for the animals that provide for us.

 

6: Entertainment:
Whether its bobbing up and down for a crumb of bread, or dozing in the sun. Hens are an original backyard TV show.

7: Community:
Hen owners are a surprisingly large community. From shows to online forums, the interest in hens is only growing. Owning hens will have you noticing every house you pass with a chicken coop. Inevitably you will meet fellow chicken owners who share your new found interest.

Hens are so much more than egg laying machines. They're  fun, silly, free spirited beings that have huge personality's in a tiny package.

What do you love about hens?

Thoughts, Love, and Stories welcome down bellow,
Enigma

Splendors and Glooms

Splendors and glooms was a children's book published by scholastic in 2012. Written by Laura Amy Schlitz, it is a story with a barrel full of interesting characters. At the center of the action is Clara Wintermute, Lizzie Rose, and Parsfall. Three kids from different backgrounds who are thrown together under strange circumstances. As the story unfolds these children get themselves dug deep in an age old feud between two magic wielders.

Splendors and Glooms was a unique read. Set in Victorian England, the author manages to bring history to life, while also preserving the relatablility and the mundane. The setting felt rich and fascinating to delve into; from the sloppy streets to Clara's striking home, everything was intricate. Laura Schlitz keeps the pace invigorating and deliberate. The story had a wholeness to it that spoke of thorough research. Details of the buildings, and character appearances displayed the class differences of the time, and the dialogue made you feel as though your were being pulled back to a different era.


The characters were entirely individual and unique. Parsefalls poor manners, and Lizzie's uncommon upbringing made them realistic characters while also likable and easy to root for. Distinct and  life like, the characters were more than capable of holding the weight of the story. The author did a wonderful job of exposing different angles and perspectives through the cast, such as Clara's hidden despair, and the witches suffering. All of the characters reveal something for the story and about the other characters around them.

The plot itself was fairly straightforward, yet twisted in such a way to create a beautifully complex tale with fascinating twists. I felt it was a fun interesting read for its targeted age group and above.


Thoughts, Love, and Opinions welcome down bellow,
Enigma

Book Tattoos

While shopping around North Conway NH I came across a neat and slightly eccentric looking bookshop. The poppy colors and decorative architectural design caught my interest right away. The name was White Birch books. I went in and took my time relishing the variety and quantity of books.

On my way out, a small container on a table made me pause. I took a look at the envelope like packages stacked inside. They were temporary book tattoos! I riffled through and found one of interest; Alice in Wonderland. I purchased them but have yet to test them out.











The address for the bookstore is, 2568 S Main St, North Conway, NH 03860. Its a great place to check out if your a book lover, or a tourists looking for a fun place to shop!

 

Have you come across any book tattoos? What's the coolest book related thing you've found?

Love, Thoughts, and Opinions welcome down bellow,
Enigma

The Shack

There are certain books that stick with us for different reasons. Some because of the plot, others the memorable characters, and some few for reasons we cant pin down. Although The Shack certainly had a memorable plot, I'd still have to place it in number three. Aspects of the structure didn't agree with me, but the questions the author brings up in the story are so unforgettable that its worth the read regardless of style tastes.

The Shack has been one of the most unique reading experiences I've ever had. Written by Wm. Paul Young, it is about a father who's youngest daughter goes missing during a family vacation. It later is  suggested she was kidnapped by a man known as "The Little Lady Killer". The story follows this man through his past and present experiences with God.

 The way in which the writer chooses to represent God is eye opening and refreshing, no matter your religion. It tackles an age old  question of "Where is god?' and "Why does God allow so much pain in our world?" While written poorly in my opinion, I feel the stories essence is strong enough to overlook the awkward wording and punctuation.

 It is a story of survival, faith, understanding, and compassion. It makes you stop and question religion as a whole, while opening your mind to a world of alternative potentials. I would recommend it to Christians and Atheists alike, and everything in between. Its a thought provoking read, and is well worth the time.



Thoughts, Love, and Opinions welcome down bellow,
Enigma

Keeping the Moon

I am not a picky book reader. I come across them in thrift stores, yard sales, and occasionally when in the mood to spoil myself, a bookstore. I understand the convenience of digital books and the miracle of being able to keep a library in your pocket nowadays. But to me, there is nothing like the sensation of picking up a physical book. Its not just the words that tell a story. Its smell tells you where its been,  Its pages tell you who its been with, and its feel sets the mood before you ever read a word. A book doesn't just speak with words, its very paper breathes .

I came across this book, Keeping the Moon at my local library's annual book sale. I tossed it in my overflowing bag with only a quick glance at the cover, it looked interesting enough. I can't say it was extraordinary, but it was profound. This is a story about real people. Quirky and emphasized yes, but real. People you would meet in every  day, those who are mundane but underneath intricate and fascinating. Its honest, and that drew me in.

The book follows Colie, who is fifteen and on the other side of a big weight lose transformation. She gets sent off to stay with a questionable aunt for the summer and learns quit a bit about life, and about her self. Something in the writing makes you ponder while you read. It's thoughtful, but not boriong. Written by a successful young adult novelist, Sarah Dessen, it will most likely resonate with a young crowd. However I encourage older audiences to give it a chance too, this book is a good reminder of what it feels like to be young.

Overall, it was a short and sweet story that covered real struggles of human life. The writing was enjoyable and relatable. The author made you sympathize with multiple characters and different viewpoints.

Where do you get your books?
Stories, Thoughts, and Love down bellow.

Enigma

Highways

I have a conflicted relationship with highways. To me, they're a blissfulness tinged with danger, euphoria shrouded in anxiety. Like balancing on a tight rope, and knowing if you make one mistake, its over.
Maybe that's a serious exaggeration. But I'm from a tiny town off the middle of nowhere. Our local grocery store is in the next town over. So for me, a highway is almost something from a sci-fi novel.

 The thing I love about highways is the freedom. I think ones first experience on a highway is like getting your first car. Its a strong taste of independence that sticks with you for a long time. There's a magical quality to them, the feeling of floating through time. Knowing you can get anywhere with a car and a road. The expanse of possibility laid out before you.

For some danger and highway don't belong in the same sentence. Its something that doesn't enter their minds, after all, there are less accidents on the highways then on street roads. For others, myself included, the highway holds great potential, but also conscious danger. There is much to keep track of and a busyness that can be over whelming. Its all too easy to imagine something going wrong.

This doesn't stop the highways being used or their necessity. However it is a euphoric experience that many do not realize or appreciate. The ability we have to travel and access an abundance of information is often forgotten. Certainly, the reward of travel is worth the risk.

Thoughts, Love, and Stories welcome down bellow,
Enigma

Eye Contact

As bizarre as it sounds, I wish staring was a more socially acceptable behavior. As a writer and artist I yearn for connection in the people I encounter. Although I myself am reserved it seems nowadays that the very act of two gazes touching is forbidden and to be avoided. I've had many silent smiles and glances to and from strangers that brighten my day. A one second relationship. Maybe its the vulnerability of eye contact that turns us off. But that answer just begs the question, why is the majority of our society afraid of openness with others?

 For me, the answer can be summed up in a word; judgment. I believe in the inherent goodness of human kind, however, everyone has negative thoughts and opinions. And for some, the fear of the negative thoughts of others is crippling. But its odd to imagine a large fear trickling down to such a small expression as eye contact.

On the other hand it isn't so strange. The eyes have long been viewed as the "windows to the soul". So having our fears reveal themselves in such a prominent vulnerable place makes sense. And if our eyes really do reveal our souls, perhaps it isn't bad to be particular with who you look at.

Thoughts, Love, and Stories welcome down bellow,

Enigma