Hi, I’m Karolina!  I lived with Ellie and Gijs most of September. It was our Workaway experience. I worked on the land as a “tree line manager” :) and I would like to share with you my thoughts about it.

The line is simply an object in geometry, the most basic visual element. Lines can be used to define shapes and figures, but also to indicate motion, emotion, and other elements.

A straight line is just a line with no curves between point A and point B. It means perfection

It is not easy to create a straight line without additional objects. Try to draw it. Master the trembling of your hands, hold your breath. It is almost impossible. 

Straight lines are not common in nature. There are things that looks straight in human eyes. This does not change the fact that we still desire their perfection and simplicity.

There are thirteen lines of trees at Quinta Calma. During my month there, I managed several. My job was to clean them, mulch them, strengthen them, fertilize them. I learned to recognize the plants, spot the little oaks between the grasses and protect them. I learned to understand how sun, water, wind and soil work together. I planted plants in a line and supported them in growth.

The lines at Quinta Calma are not straight. Not because no one has put in the effort, but because life is not about perfection.

Working the land is not simple. It requires physical labor, the right external conditions (let it rain!), patience and attention. There are days when work is hard (sing then as loud as you can!), when you keep breaking the roots of the plants or days when you just want to have fun!

Working together at Quinta Calma taught me to share stories and listen to each other. 

There can be many twists and turns between point a and b. Managing the line means accepting things as they are and care for them.