At the height of Tahoe’s heat wave in late June, I was part of a small crew that spent 20 hours over two days in a sweltering outdoor arena while our swampy, jean-enslaved legs begged for a cold swim. A nationally recognized horsemanship trainer, Dennis Reis, was in the neighborhood and we willingly suffered in the name of garnering wisdom during a clinic at Truckee’s Piping Rock Equestrian Center. We stuffed our hot feet into cowboy boots, studied demonstrations, rode in group lessons, and discussed the finer points of becoming a true partner to our equine friends.
At one point Reis asked, “How much money would it take to keep you from riding ever again?” I watched as students exchanged muddled glances; no one came forward with a response. His question underscored the value of investing time and money into horsemanship. The query also makes another point: deeply seated passions don’t carry a price tag — the value is intrinsic.
(For the record, I said $30 million would do it for me, in homage to a bumper sticker I saw recently, which read: “I just want the chance to prove money can’t buy me happiness.”)
In this month’s edition, Moonshine explores two objects of widespread enthusiasm that don’t necessarily make anyone rich — animals and farming. First, a new $6.8 million Truckee animal shelter will open in September, greatly expanding the area’s ability to serve homeless pets. See story, here. The project is proof positive of the love humans hold for animals. People regularly pitch in money to save animals, but the critters rarely hold a day job to pay us back. For many of us, animals give meaning to our lives and we feel indebted for that gift.
Next, two stories explore the state of America’s small farm. Book It! columnist Eve Quesnel reviews “Why I Farm,” a new book by Sierra Valley farmer Gary Romano. A self-described “farmasaur,” Romano shares his childhood farming memories, his battle to survive as a farmer today, and his rage at the systemic obstacles to small-scale agriculture. See story here. In contrast, a column from Mountain Bounty, a farm in Nevada City, extolls a growing interest in farming among the younger generation. See story, here. There’s not much money in farming, yet farmasaurs and novices alike derive fulfillment because this ancient livelihood provides for a basic human need. What could be more important?
Speaking of intrinsic value, I encourage our readers to sign up for a print subscription to Moonshine Ink. Yes, you can pick it up for free, but why not reserve your copy every month and support another livelihood that’s not known for being a lucrative endeavor? Our subscriptions cost $15/year. That’s just 4¢ a day. Why not throw your pennies to the moon?
~Mayumi Elegado
