Ode to a Microbe

I think that I shall never see a microbe lovely as the one
that with her buds have turned my waste
into the lovliest of paste.


Okay, okay so I'm not the Poetess of Taos!

Well the big day came...and went! As I turned over the drum and ventured to open the drawer below, I actually took a breath to steady myself for what I might find lurking there. To my surprise there was just what looked like a shovel full of rich soil and there was no smell whatsoever!

As I headed for the humanure pile my mind was spinning. I thought this must just be luck, the next time will probably gross me out completely. But I don't think so. I am now the world's expert on aerating the contents of the commode, adding in just enough peat moss to keep it at the right dryness and texture.

In fact, it seems to be no big deal to my internal Priscilla anymore! The worst experience for her has been the orbed spider who is happily engulfing a plethora of insects caught in her web - which hangs within just a few inches of her fingers when she turns on the porch light to trip the light fantastic to the privy. But, even that is becoming routine.

And she has made peace with the one behind the commode. As long as it doesn't move it can live!

I have to say that my experiences in the artist's studio at the Frank Waters Foundation have alerted me to how I have grown soft in my urban lifestyle. It has made me realize I need to spend much more time in nature...that my little back yard is not the Sonoran Desert and the dogs I hear in the early morning are no substitute for the trilling of a cactus wren or howl of the wily coyote.

My daughter, Heather, visited my recently. We drove to Abiquui, Georgia O'Keefe's neck of the woods. On our way we stopped at the Echo Amphitheater shown here. This country is gorgeous.

I can understand why Frank Waters decided to call Taos home, and how Barbara Waters continues to find inspiration here.

Priscilla is wondering now, "What would it be like to have no electricity?" Having conquered the composted toilet, she is ready for the propane stove.


Be well my friends,
Susan