THE ART OF FARMING ALL REVIEW BLOG TOUR!!

 


Genre: Fiction / Agriculture / Nature    Stewardship Publisher: Stoney Creek Publishing   Pages: 144      Publication Date: August 26, 2024

SYNOPSIS


Sam Bartlett ’ s formidable antagonist has four legs. Sol, a miniature donkey, schemes daily to outwit his kindly caretaker. This delightful rural drama regales a symbiosis of plants, humans, dogs, and livestock, with wild creatures observing from secluded, weedy perimeters.  

Retired from teaching, artist Sam farms thirty acres. His popular paintings of vast prairies at sunset a re selling well. He plans to market organic herbs and produce, hiring local after - school teens. Begrudgingly raised on a farm, he once swore that when he grew up, he ’ d never go back. Time and age break promises. 

Elysia boasts a pretty town square, complete with a handsome county courthouse. Sam’s girlfriend, Annie, is a food writer who travels a lot. Bartlett Farm is her sanctuary. 

The Art of Farming is a hopeful tale about stewardship of the land, the animals, and of each other. It honors the integrity of agriculture, as expressed in ancient literature and art. 



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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


T.D. Motley writes about art and organic farming. Born in Beaumont, Texas, he has be en drawing since the age of three. His family has farmed in Texas since the mid - 19th century. For many years, he and his wife, artist Rebecca, marketed their organic, heirloom herbs and produce to North Texas chefs and farmers' market customers.

Motley is Professor Emeritus of Art and Art History at Dallas College. His drawings and paintings have been exhibited nationally and are included in numerous collections across the U.S. and Texas. He has lectured at the Dallas Museum of Art, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum in Austin, the Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth. He is a contributing author for Eutopia and ArtSpiel a nd has written about mid - century modern Texas artists for DB/Zumbeispiel and the Grace Museum in Abilene. 03 HTML BLOGGER The Art of Farming.docx Motley has received Fulbright grants to Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Motl ey is the past president of the board of Artist Boat, a Galveston - based nonprofit that teaches students about coastal nature through art and science. He served for several years as chair of the North Texas Fulbright Teacher Exchange Peer Review Committee. Previously, he worked as a printer in the U.S. Air Force, an illustrator for Ling - Temco - Vought Corporation, and a cartoonist for the infamous Dallas Notes from the Underground newspaper. His artworks can be seen at J. Peeler Howell Fine Art in For t Worth.

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MY REVIEW


As someone who grew up in a small farming community that didn’t even have a caution light, where you might see someone riding a lawn mower or even a horse at the local short stop or post office, *The Art of Farming* by TD Motley hit home in ways I didn’t expect. It took me right back to those simple yet unforgettable days of rural life, where hard work met heart.

 TD Motley’s portrayal of the farming life is as real as it gets. He doesn’t sugarcoat the sweat, sacrifice, or grit required to make a life off the land, but he also captures the profound beauty and peace that comes from being so deeply connected to nature. Whether you’re familiar with rural living or just curious, this book offers an authentic and raw glimpse into a world often misunderstood and honestly overlooked. I mean yeah the life is not as “sexy” as working on Wall Street 😊.

 What I appreciated most is Motley's ability to blend technical insights with personal reflections. He shows how farming is more than just planting crops or raising livestock; it’s a lifestyle built on perseverance, community, and a sense of purpose. His writing, while poetic at times, remains grounded, making this book accessible for both seasoned farmers and those of us who’ve only ever lived near the fields.

 This is more than just a book about farming—it’s a tribute to the people who dedicate their lives to the land and the lessons they glean from it. It reminded me of the deep-rooted values I saw growing up, the importance of slowing down and working hard, and finding meaning in the quiet moments.

 If you’re looking for a heartfelt, down-to-earth read that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for those who live and work close to the earth, *The Art of Farming* is your next must-read. TD Motley will take you on a journey that’s as educational as it is emotional. The novel earned a 4 star rating/recommendation from this former small town homecoming queen. 

 

Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let *The Art of Farming* reconnect you with the soul of rural life. 🌱✨



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