but, it is a victory, nonetheless.
it is not exactly a pyrrhic victory, but it feels like that sometimes.
the good news is that we get to keep the garden. and the dogs are safe from further prosecution 
the good news is that people were good in the end, and that i have SO much wonderful support out there, and that people stood by me and helped me in countless ways. i appreciate every single one of them. they are too many to enumerate, but i thank every person who has helped in any way. every gesture meant the world, and helped me stay on track when i might have been tempted to just hide in bed 
the good news is that the oak park prosecutor is a nice, honest, fair guy. he may not have agreed exactly with what we have done, but he was above board and did exactly what he said he would do- dismiss the dog charges as soon as he saw the license documents (last time we went it was his son there, so he truthfully never saw our licenses). he even took time to speak to us for a long time afterward and explain things to us and tell us tons of information.
the good news is that the judge was exactly how she was last time- evenhanded, level-headed, patient, and kind. i am so happy that we ended up in front of her and not some wacko ( i don’t know any other judges in oak park, so this is not meant as a slur on anyone- i am simply highlighting how great our judge was).
the good news is that KJ, the famous code enforcer from the beginning of this story was there and he was great. at first he wouldn’t meet my gaze, but after a while he had to walk past me and he whispered something so sweet in my ear that i truly might have cried. he is such a good guy in such a cruddy position, and i feel bad for him. i do wish him all the best, and hope that his bosses get more rational, his paychecks get bigger for all of the aggravation he has to deal with, and his days get easier.
the good news is that our lawyer is honest, in spite of the stereotypes about lawyers. he helped us when we were in a jam, and he had no idea that it would get his name out or help him in any way. he just did it because he is a solid guy. in today’s world, i would say that is a strong shining light!
the good news is that, because of YOUR efforts, oak park might emerge from the dark ages. the battle is not over for the zoning to change, and the codes to become clear, and the city council members to get off their power trip and rethink their job descriptions. but now people care.
the good news is that because of all the momentum that was generated, people’s eyes were opened. lots of people, myself included, were sort of passive in the face of government before. i just went along, figuring that most rules had good reasons, and i was mostly happy to comply. but this entire experience has shown me that you have to be educated. you have to ask questions. you have to have a strong internal compass for morality, and you have to be willing to stand by your Self (capital S on purpose) even in the face of people standing against you.
the good news is that i will have healthy food for my family, and they will have so many learning experiences to draw on. they will know that it is ok to stand up for your beliefs, and that many people will come to your defense if you are Just and correct. they will know that some things are worth fighting for, and that you need to know what your priorities are so that you can live in accordance with them.
the good news is that star husband has come through this mostly unscathed, and maybe even a little proud of his non-conformist wife
the good news is that i can get back to living instead of managing, and that hopefully i can give more to this blog than my rants and my recipes (although both of them will probably continue, at least a little bit).
the good news is that we won. i am trying to wrap my head around the idea that a dismissal without prejudice is a dismissal nonetheless, and that the prosecutor has given me his word that he has no intention of bringing this up again. we won. it may not be the slam dunk vindication that i was hoping for, but it is the best that can come from this decidedly UNbest situation.
the victory is surreal, as was the battle. and maybe this is the way it should be: the end should reflect the beginning, and events should come full circle. maybe this is the way to tie up this experience in a neat little package so that i can continue on to other things.
we are done with this chapter. i am DONE, in an existential way, with this chapter. my family is done, and my neighbors are done, and my dogs are done.
and now it’s time to take my marbles and go home.
the show is over, and the lights are out.
the garden renegade has left the building.
but you can be sure i’ll be back as soon as i’ve had some time to decompress
cuz i would miss you guys as much as you would miss me.
and that’s the nicest good thing of all.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 18:43:10
CONGRATULATIONS! =) Now take a load off your feet, and rest & relax for the rest of the week. Dr. neona’s orders. Been praying for you this whole time!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 18:44:34
Congratulations!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 18:46:24
I’m so glad to hear that you were victorious in court!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 18:47:48
Congratulations – and good eating (as Alton Brown might say)!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 18:48:34
nice victory blog!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 18:49:41
Had to look pyrrhic up. Nice you could count your blessing through all of this. Sometimes that’s the best we can do.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 18:50:34
rest while you can that garden will have you back on your feet for harvest soon enough!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 18:51:51
Congratulations! Excuse my jaundiced view on what is happening…
If these people were so honorable and honest as you choose to believe they
would have addressed these issues years ago. IMHO starting tomorrow they will continue spewing their tyranny on people that can not afford attorneys or the time to fight them. Evil people do not have horns and smell of sulfur. The psychopaths that fill government posts are very good at acting “normal” but their previous actions with you and with countless other people expose them for what they are and what they will continue to be.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:30:39
There is a big difference in the law and the people who enforce it. Laws sometimes become outdated or are finally seen as unjust. The people that enforce the laws have little or no choice but to make the arrest, write the citation etc. Laws were written by people, usually with the intent to benefit the people and can be changed if enough people an persuade the law makers they need to be changed.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:49:18
honestly you make some valid points. in this chapter of my life, i only can be responsible to fix what i have the power to fix. so, i’ll try my best to at least continue to be a good person and maybe lead others to do the same…
Jul 26, 2011 @ 18:52:39
I look forward to anything you put out for us, & thank you for what you have dne & achieved. I think we’re losing sight of the Am erican Dream, seeing freedoms deleted, so every victory like this is such a ray of light & love, way way way bigger than it looks on the surface. Stories like yours are cause for hope, that there is justice & goodness still in the world, when by the news, it’s gone to some other planet.
Thank you.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 18:58:39
Wonderful post. Hope everyone keeps their word and you can get on with your life. Of course, now that your eyes are open, you will probably want to act on injustice wherever it strikes.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 18:59:30
Good for Oak Park and good for you!!!…The battle won, no blood… and in the end a lot of “good” will come from this…Even outside OakPark…
I plan to keep an eye on your blog, because, as I said before, I enjoy how you’re sense of humor and your way of putting pen to paper…uh…fingers to computer key board?.
Please tell your lawyer that even though I will never need him, its good to know there are lawyers in this world who are “good” people…
Continued good blessings to you, your family and neighbors!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:00:24
Brava and you have the deep gratitude of all edible garden crusaders out there for bringing this into the headlines though it was a trying time for you to say the least!
Wishing you many happy, productive AND beautiful seasons growing in your frontyard garden!
Best,
Geri Miller
Master Gardener, Horticulturist
Home Grown Edible Landscapes (L.A.)
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:02:31
First: ignore Joe in Missouri. At least he admits he has a jaundiced eye.
Second: expect a bit of “post production let-down”
Third: CONGRATULATIONS!
Fourth: You rock big-time
Five: Does star husband have an uncle? (Single)
Six: CONGRATULATIONS!!
Seven: Keep the recipes and philosophical ramblings coming
Eight: CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Nine: We can still be friends, right?
Ten: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Eleven: From the bottom of my heart: thank YOU.
With love, Julie S.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:45:20
#s 7 and 9- heck ya!! #11- no, thank you! #4- wow!, #s 3/6/8/10- thank you!
(and sorry but husband has no living uncles… but we’ll keep our eyes open for someone awesome for you!)
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:02:39
So very happy to read this!!! Good news is hard to come by these days and the David’s don’t have enough victories against the Goliaths, so this is a win on so many levels, for so many people. Thanks for letting us read ‘the end of the story’ – at least for now! Enjoy those veggies, the peace and the knowledge that standing up for what is right can all be worth it.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:06:49
I’m so glad it worked out for you! Please continue to blog about your garden and also about the things you learned for dealing with city government. That is how you can pay it forward for those people in the previous comment that might have been too scared to fight back before.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:07:11
Yay for you and yours, Julie Bass!
Enjoy the rest of summer and your veggies, too.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:07:18
Joe, whether you’re right or not, we should learn from Julie’s gracious handling of this entire situation that the best way to deal with difficult times is to attempt a positive attitude and a forgiving soul.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:07:22
Hi Julie,
The news regarding your case delighted me, and your blog post has just made my day. I’m so glad that reason and justice prevailed! Enjoy the rest of your summer and your garden.
Best wishes from a native Michigander-turned-front yard gardner in California
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:09:06
awesome……………………………………………………:) thank u for sharing your story, u never gave up and isnt that so perfect in how it was a learning curve for all of ya. and US…………. and u kept your sense of humor and the direction of moving fwd. no matter how bad u just wanted to pull the covers over your head….. good job lady!!!!
L.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:09:09
I’m so glad it worked out. And I am grateful that you endured the crap that comes with exposing government gone wild.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:09:19
So glad it has all come to a survivable conclusion, and so glad you made the banana bread to go home to. It has been so completely surreal, watching it from across the atlantic as bureaucracy painted itself further into a corner. I’m sorry that somewhere in your neighbourhood is the individual who started all this off by complaining about your beautiful garden, but I’m glad the garden, and the dogs, didn’t know about the threats and continued their peaceful way. And I’m really glad you have a great husband who stands beside you and a warm family you can go home to and bake along with.
Enjoy your retirement
kathryn
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:10:39
We still want pictures as your garden grows.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:11:01
Congratulations!! Praise God, justice finally prevaled!!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:14:39
Yay! Doing the happy dance for you AND for us!!!! Thank you for being so determined and ethical and just and correct.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:17:30
Congrats from Minnesota. Standing your ground on this is probably what the City of Oak Park needed. Maybe now they will try a little harder to work with the residents on different things instead of against them.
I will still look forward to your blog each time that I receive it. Thanks for letting a lot of little people know that if we work together we are LARGE.
Dianna
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:19:00
Eventually the leadership of Oak Park will either come around to the 21st Century or be replaced. Either way, your principled stand will spark positive change in your community and in many others. Just because things have “always” been done a certain way doesn’t mean we can’t change and adapt to new ideas and new thinking. The back of the building is fine for vegetables, but so is the front! Congratulations.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:19:17
Congratulations! It’s a good thing… keep calm and carry on
BTW, out of protest for your situation and in honor of you planting your feet firmly in your own front yard, along with your veggie beds, I planted 6 fruit trees, 3 blueberry bushes and am in the midst of adding in a pair of strawberry beds to my front yard. Much better than grass 
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:21:03
Congratulations…….! Maybe it was not a huge victory, but it is a victory….
The city would have been mired in more mail if they had not let you keep the garden and dropped the charges on the dogs…. It was all quite petty and very unnecessary. Hopefully now the city will move forward to rethink and redraw codes that benefit instead of keeping the town in the dark ages!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:22:39
Yay! I’m really impressed by your overall comportment during this trying experience AND I’m also very touched and impressed that you have drained every bit of good out of it. A sign of a great human being, indeed.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:23:57
Hurray for decent people in the court system, a supportive internet community, home-grown veggies, and honest attorneys!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:24:58
Very happy for you, your family, your dogs, and your garden; as well as the rest of the residents of Oak Park, for the victory is theirs as well. Sorry for what it has cost you in money and peace of mind. I’ll keep reading as long as you keep writing.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:27:57
Now, about those chickens you want for the backyard…….
*slightly evil grin*
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:29:25
Thanks!! for being willing to stand up and jump into the struggle for good living, trusting your conscience and best of all, bringing us into the story so we,too, are inspired to be proactive in our communities!! what a beautiful example of ‘ personal action IS political action’ with influence far beyond the individual. Thanks to your writing, it has been a wonderful joy ride, besides!!!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:31:43
Congratulations. I was praying for you. So glad it worked out well. Looking forward to normal, interesting blogs from you! Yeah, right, how can a normal blog be interesting? From what I’ve read so far, normal blogs are interesting. And creative! I love how you write. So happy that you can go on with life again. Take a break, or a vacation. At least be normal again!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:40:07
Thank you for proving that you *can* fight city hall–and win. You’ve set a legal precedent for the rest of us who are also growing front-yard vegetable gardens. Let us hope none of us has to cite it in court.
Congrats!!!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:42:08
I am so glad you won your fight. It was only right. Now, Please, keep on rhyming
Jul 26, 2011 @ 19:49:23
Hurrrah!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 20:08:55
I guess this would be the best time to just start an urban gardening blog. The Not-So-Renegade Gardener?
Jul 26, 2011 @ 20:15:09
That’s great news! Its an inspiration to see this sort of proactive involvement in an age when complacency seems to have become the norm. Even more heartening to see it done with flair and style and respect for all parties involved. It’s this sort of return to self-sufficiency combined with a greater community spirit that will pull our country through what is fast becoming the greater depression. Kudos to you and your family!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 20:17:33
Good job! You stuck to your guns and your children learned more than how a carrot grows. What a wonderful post too. Thank you for the tone of your post and good things you said about everyone. This was just such a good ending all the way around. Please keep posting because we will still be checking and would miss you if you stopped. Now, go bake that banana bread, put your feet up and feel the weight just fall off your shoulders.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 20:17:58
Hurray! Congratulations!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 20:29:26
Good for you! It’s always good when people can have their eyes opened, and especially good when lessons can be gleaned. I’m glad for you and your family that this chapter can be closed, and I hope you can move on with other areas of your life with the same success.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 20:29:38
Beautiful post, Julie. Congratulations — you deserve it!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 20:35:17
Congratulations. I’m happy for you. Please give the dogs a pat for me? I love dogs. At least everyone ended up being honest in the end.
That’s a good thing.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 20:35:52
Like I have said a few times before, we are all better people to have met you and your wonderful family. I never in a million years thought I would learn so much from making raised beds. Haha. But I have! I have alot more faith that change can happen if concerned people get together and stand up for their rights. You have truly been a class act through this whole ordeal and most importantly your kids have learned many valuable lessons that will help them where ever their path may lead them. Congratulations and hopefully the city is more awair that the people in Oak Park are not just going to lay down and settle for what is “common” and that changing the way we live is a nessary path we all must travel if we want our children to be able to live healthy lives. Thank you for being you! – Ryan(“guru”) Turpin
Jul 26, 2011 @ 20:42:06
I love it when good triumphs over stupidity…yeah!!! Kim
Jul 26, 2011 @ 20:43:32
Congratulations Julie!! Been keeping up with your story… what a great outcome and learning lesson for your kids. You should be proud and I applaud your tenacity in the face of adversity! Well done!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 20:49:30
Good for you! thank you for standing up for yourself and sharing your story!!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 20:51:21
HELP!!! I posted an hour ago & the site has taken over my email with 30 posts! I didn’t want that, much as I love the blog, & I cann’t find an “Unsubscribe” button.
I will come to read the posts when I can, but do not want each post in my email!
Please tell me how to unsubscribe or do it for me. Thanks.
Alice
alicehess@comcast.net
Jul 26, 2011 @ 20:51:51
hooray for Julie, hooray for Oak Park, hooray for front yard gardeners everywhere.
And I will be looking for that book to come!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:00:15
That’s terrific news, and so happy for you and your family.
Happy too because you plan to keep blogging.
You are interesting and funny and I look forward to your next post.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:03:30
Congratulations! You may have a happy reason to change the name of your blog!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:07:51
Julie,
Hope you will continue this blog (even if you have to give it a different name).
Your writing and observations are very good (sorry for trite phrase, but it is true).
It could be that the universe had you plant zucchinis to sprout you into this writing and sharing.
I only read a few blogs from here and there, but the ones that I do, I actually love to read or check out almost every day (no, I am not asking you to blog every day…unless you just can’ help it).
I have enjoyed seeing what you would be saying each day (irregardless of how things worked out in court, although it is good to hear the people involved softened their stance).
I just had to share your banana bread recipe post on my facebook page today (even though it is too hot here for me to turn on my oven to make banana bread and even though I had perfect rotten bananas for the raw material that I threw into the freezer for now).
Elsah Cort
Three Rivers, CA
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:08:56
THIS HAS TAKEN OVER MY COMPUTER, MY EMAIL IS CLOGGED, & THERE IS NO UNSUBSCRIBE!!!!!
IT’S WORSE THAN THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE — STOP IT, STOP IT,STOP IT!!!!!!!
GOING TO WORDPRESS FOR THE UNSUBSCRIBE DOES NOT GIVE AN UNSUBSCRIBE, EVEN WHEN I RUN A SEARCH FOR YOUR PAGE.
TAKE ME OFF THE LIST, YOU CANNOT HAVE MY COMPUTER.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:09:11
Such wonderful news! Can’t wait to hear from you once you’ve decompressed and find out what you make with all those wonderful World-famous veggies! All the best!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:10:50
if you are moderating replies, here’s one:
UN-FUCKING SUBSCRIBE ME!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:12:37
THEY KEEP COMING LIKE A FLOOD. UNSUBSCRIBE ME!!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:16:44
Such wonderful news! SO happy for you and your family. I for one will be here when you get back from decompressing & getting back to living again! Much love you, your dogs and your garden
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:17:43
Enjoy your peace and quiet again, and I hope your harvest is plentiful!!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:20:56
Jehosaphat, UNSUBSCRIBE ME! YOU CANNOT TAKE OVER MY EMAIL, DAMMIT.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:28:29
UNSUBSCRIBE ME FROM THE BLOG! IT’S A GOOD ONE BUT YOU CANNOT TAKE OVER MY EMAIL. SHUT IT OFF!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:34:33
Thanks for a great post. The stereotypes about lawyers are often untrue. Many of them are nice, regular people doing a job, honest and fair. I’m not biased because I am one
I just know many good ones (and a few bad ones) and wish more people realized it. Congratulations on your victory. Hope the veggies taste even better now!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:34:39
Congratulations. My co-workers at my co-op and my fella have been following your trials through my obsession (in a good root-for-you way, not a stalker-y way) with how wrong, wrong, wrong your whole ordeal has been. I may add that our mayor, who helped along the urban chicken zoning, is running unopposed with an 86% approval rating and I feel really lucky to live in this place right now (though not so much in January). Godspeed and good luck. Thank you for fighting when so many would just roll over. Now go take a well-deserved nap!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:24:14
will do! thanks
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:36:15
Yay! It’s a victory for you, your supporters, and front-yard vegetable gardeners everywhere! And of course, can’t forget. . . a victory for the dogs!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:42:33
THERE IS NO UNSUBSCRIBE BUTTON AT THAT LINK! I HATE IT WHEN THIS HAPPENS, WHEN SOME IDIOT SITE TAKES OVER EVERYTHING & HYOU CAN’T GET OUT OF IT.
EVERYBODY! WORDPRESS SUCKS!
UNSUBSCRIBE ME, FOR GOD’S SAKE. WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:45:40
Have you got it yet Alice? the /unsubscribe/ option at the bottom of each wordpress email? you simply click it, and then click the ‘confirm delete’ box.
If you’ll spend as much time patiently searching for an answer to your actions as you do impatiently cursing other things for causing you so many problems, YOU will actually be responsibly taking care of yourself and no longer be a helpless hapless victim. (of course, that means you’ll have no excuse for not being happy that is not your own doing…
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:44:35
Congratulations! This is a victory, for common sense and decent people.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:46:11
wowie mc zowie! i am SO glad to hear of your victory. it is an important stride forward for ALL of us! enjoy reaping the harvest of your endeavors! those veggies will taste all the sweeter in victory!!! i must admit, i wonder some days if i’ll get a letter in the mail from our fair city …. becuz i chose to use zuchinni bushes, butternut squash bushes and yellow summer squash bushes as a “hedge” along the corner of our lot/sidewalk. my neighbors suddenly realized this week, as i was harvesting a basketful of squash — that they were NOT just decorative shrubs, LOL. gotta luv it! they were MORE than happy to go home with a squash in hand! YOUR victory is a victory that each of us can point to should the powers-that-be point their nasty fingers in our directions!!! congrats2you! blessings2you. your blog has been a delight – e’en though i’m “late to the circus” ………
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:47:13
Yes, it is a victory. You fought city hall, and you won.
It’s a fight that you never wanted, but that you took on with humor, an appropriate mixture of pride and humility, and the knowledge that there were more than 30,000 people standing behind you.
I’m also hopeful that you’ve been made financially whole over the experience. The other thing that happens to people in positions where they have to fight for themselves, is that even when they “win”, they’re out thousands of dollars in legal fees. I’m hopeful that this isn’t the case, but you should feel completely justified to leave your “donate” link in place until you’ve been appropriately compensated for your actual expenses, and the time that you spent fighting the charges. Our support for you should not stop until you’ve received full restitution.
Cheers!
Chris G.
Karmic Restitution
Providence, RI
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:08:04
thanks, chris- thanfully we are not even up to that yet- just still trying to process everything that went on today… but your supportive comments are greatly appreciated! what exactly is karmic restitution, by the way?
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:54:57
Julie,
I’m in the process of starting a non-profit foundation (website: http://karmicrestitution.com) to provide assistance to people who are affected by society’s stupid rules and laws. I’ve been blogging about, providing support, and sending small donations to people who find themselves in situations like yours – facing criminal charges or other penalty for things that a reasonable person would conclude aren’t a problem.
Back in February, I read about a 12-year-old girl from Texas who was suspended from school for getting a birthday hairdo with a little pink dye – her hair was an “unnatural color”, so they wouldn’t let her into school until it was fixed. I decided to start taking action, and have been doing what I can since then.
I’m expecting to have a non-profit formed by the end of the year, and IRS status next year.
Jul 27, 2011 @ 01:36:35
wow- best of luck to you! it is people like you who inspire me!!!!!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:47:53
Way to go! I’m really glad you get to keep the garden and that everything is OK with your dogs! Keep us posted on what happens with the zoning and clarification of the code.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 21:55:48
I’m Ryan’s mom and haven’t commented until now, just followed the events as they unfolded. I’m very happy about the lessons learned by all concerned and wish you well as you continue to grow your plants and your family.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:06:33
thank you- and you did a fantastic job raising such a terrific son!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:04:49
Well DONE,
It was great following your story. “Life is a Play” and this one was part drama, part comedy, part farce, with a Hollywood ending!
all the best,
byron vaughan
(Sacramento, CA area)
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:12:29
wow. congratulations! you’re my hero
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:34:44
seriously??? thanks…
hells bells, can someone help this poor woman??? « oakparkhatesveggies
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:27:11
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:28:00
So glad you can rest now….if gardening can be called resting!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:28:30
Congratulations! And thank you for showing so many people what is to really stand firm by your beliefs.
Kuddos! And keep us posted in the months to come with the real garden adventures!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:29:20
wowie mc zowie. yes, congrats2you! awesome. you’ve fought a good fight – and it is nice to see that sometimes – yes, sometimes! – the ones in white hats, the “little guys” – actually WIN! who said you can’t fight city hall? wrong wrong wrong! delighted with your victory. it is in all reality, a victory for ALL of us – especially if we’re using zuchinni, butternut squash, and yellow summer squash bushes as our “front yard shrubs” !!!!!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:32:06
I AM FILING A COMPLAIN WITH WORDPRESS ABOUT HARASSMENT OF THESE EMAILS WHICH I DO NOT WANT & DID NOT REQUEST.
UNSUBSCRIBE ME! BY MORNING I COULD HAVE HUNDREDS OF EMAILS TO DEAL WITH. WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU??
Jul 26, 2011 @ 23:05:31
the answer to your self-actuated dilemma is attached to your first post, Alice. But chances are, since you are obviously into having others get you out of the messes you create for yourself, you aren’t even looking for an answer that requires you to take care of yourself, by yourself, for yourself and you prefer to keep the status quo going so that you can keep blaming others for your unhappiness instead of taking responsibility for it yourself.
However, just in case you’re ready to experiment with what a little self-actualization feels like, I’ll reiterate, click on /unsubscribe/ at the bottom of the email, then click on “confirm delete” on the web page that will come up next.
breaking news « oakparkhatesveggies
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:33:30
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:40:54
Justice, finally! It does my jaded heart good to see a court work the way it is supposed to, deciding in favor of justice and not money or personal favor. I’ve been following ever since I heard about this, and though you and I are different in religious belief, we are similar in the ways that actually count. I’m glad you did not roll over, that you stood up for what was right, even if *some* people didn’t find it popular. Now, if only they’d let you have chickens!
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:49:30
I had some pretty harsh thoughts about Oak Park. I am happy to say they have changed some of those thoughts. Hopefully they can be a little open-minded and really see this “homesteading” movement for what it really is. A healthy addition to a community.
Congrats, dear blog-world friend. You stayed strong, truthful. You won in the end.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 22:52:24
” Joe, whether you’re right or not, we should learn from Julie’s gracious handling of this entire situation that the best way to deal with difficult times is to attempt a positive attitude and a forgiving soul.”
Lee Ann… I appreciate Julie believe me but we are all wired differently and have been through vastly different experiences in life. I can assure you that most you of you could not even understand what my life has been like. This front yard garden thing is nothing compared to the dozens of rapes that I have experienced from bureaucrats mainly due to my lack of funds to fight them.
Have you ever lost you paid for home… all of it because of bureaucrats?
Well I have…. Hence my anger and passion in my posts.
FYI I think that the majority is right in hindsight. Word Press uses 2 different wordings in their emails to get to the place to unsubscribe and if this lady is ADD like I am this can be very frustrating at times. As you miss things that others pick up right away.
Blessings
Joe
Jul 26, 2011 @ 23:08:08
“First: ignore Joe in Missouri. At least he admits he has a jaundiced eye.
Second: expect a bit of “post production let-down”
Julie first of all you will notice that I do not marginalize you by asking that you be ignored.
Secondly I have is a life time of experience with “the system” that most of you soccer moms will God willing never have to experience.
You guys are celebrating that the town that Julie lives in for the time being is not going to rape and pillage the middle class. NOT that they are going to give up rape and pillaging. It will continue against the lower classes and the disadvantaged. And IMHO they will get Julie eventually as that is the way bureaucrats are they will never forget that she challenged their power. If she skates she is lucky.
Any how the disenfranchised are not so lucky as they suffer every day at the hands of these people and no one has even suggested that this change.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 23:08:55
Remember Rev. Neimoillers poem as it applies here.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 23:09:59
Ah, now, that just feels….good.
Jul 26, 2011 @ 23:40:44
Congrats to you, my renegade! You and you family and friends did it. Great job. I’m so proud of you. Good night and will see you sometime when you return.
)
Jul 26, 2011 @ 23:50:01
Congratulations, Julie! Your victory is so hope-inspiring.
We’ll be eagerly waiting for you to post more after you de-compress but are glad you can have a breather and spend some time for yourself and your family
Jul 26, 2011 @ 23:50:49
Julie – You’ve been an inspiration and the posts have been a delight to read. You stood up for something that’s so basic it seems like it should be a given right and you were definitely made to fight hard for it. Thank you for taking the time out of your everyday to make a positive difference in your corner of the world and setting a fantastic example of what the rest of the country can hope to aspire to. Home gardens are a thing of the past and the wave of the future – and should always be supported. Enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor
Thank you for providing so much insight into the process. It’s been very informative and encouraging. Well done!
Jul 27, 2011 @ 00:35:34
Maybe now Oak Park Loves Veggies could be your new line
I am glad you have seen the opportunity in all this and look forward to seeing some creative writing for fun, entertainment and maybe a little of that wonderful insight you have. May you prosper and be happy.
Jul 27, 2011 @ 00:45:01
Woot!
Jul 27, 2011 @ 01:34:47
So happy the battle is over!
Jul 27, 2011 @ 01:49:54
Conga rats! Sense has won, and you deserve a rest. And some veggies.
Jul 27, 2011 @ 02:11:00
Its over till the City comes in the middle of the night with a sprayer of Roundup…
Jul 27, 2011 @ 03:30:57
To have to fight to plant vegetables on your front personal property in itself is a wonder! Do you know how many little kids think that vegetables come from the store? They know nothing about the truth of actually farming and growing ‘stuff’ that is eaten. In Vancouver, BC, Canada the city is actually encouraging people to grow vegetables on their personal property. There are ‘real’ farmers working in the city to do just that. Urban farmers! It is big up here and strongly supported by the city of Vancouver, BC, Canada. I am sure that the City of Vancouver, supports your VISION! I know I do!
Carry on kid and learn more about vegetable growing. The kids need to know and many want to. They deserve to know. You can find me on Youtube. Do a Google search for OKNWHT. You can see my garden and some of the stuff I have done. I have a burn to grow vegetables and I am with you all the way!
Jul 27, 2011 @ 03:33:30
Been following this from Australia. Congrats, I am glad it’s finally over, done and dusted. May your gardens produce abundant crops
Well done, HUGS.
Jul 27, 2011 @ 05:28:53
CONGRATULATIONS!
Glad it finally worked out for you!
Jul 27, 2011 @ 07:01:29
I would roar my family’s ancient Scottish battle cry in honor of your victory, but for two small things. 1) I don’t know if we had one. 2) My wife is still asleep.
So, with no less feeling, but much less noise, I raise my morning coffee to salute your victory. I am proud to know you, even at one remove.
-J
Jul 27, 2011 @ 08:03:57
That is fantastic news! We’ve all been thinking about you here in Southern Maine, with the kind of head-scratching that rational people would expect when presented with your story of a council of ignorants. I hope that one day the codes are made very clear so that no one else in the future will ever have to face the BS you faced for simply growing a vegetable garden with which to feed your family.
Best of luck and happiness from here forward, and I look forward to future posts!
Jul 27, 2011 @ 09:09:29
Well done, Julie. Hopefully your shining example will empower and encourage others in similar situations to also stand in their own power. Your case is hardly an isolated one, but one that’s increasingly shared by a large segment of the population not only here, but across the world. You’ve led the way. You’re a true pathfinder.
Jul 27, 2011 @ 09:39:26
Heya, Julie,
I’m relieved that the court date went the way it did. And that you’ll be able to focus on other things soon. I’m sticking with your blog though — I noticed this morning (before I came to work and caught up on the news) that you have started to feel like a Real Life friend.
On another topic entirely, I’m not sure how old your kids are or what your entertainment budget is like, but Makers Faire is this weekend in Dearborn. Last year I spent some time talking to the urban homesteading folks under one of the tents and think that’d be something you’d enjoy. Not to mention there are tons of neat things to see. http://thehenryford.org/events/makerFaire.aspx for more info (if you’re interested).
Jul 27, 2011 @ 09:55:21
Congratulations, thanks and keep writing!
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” Thomas Jefferson
Jul 27, 2011 @ 10:35:12
All the best Julie. Enjoy the rest of your life; stay a great wife, mom, and citizen. As a Staff Sargent in the United States Marine Corps I want you to know that I fight for people just like you. YOU remind me why I love my Country, it’s the people in it. Sempre Fi
Jul 27, 2011 @ 11:43:08
I am curious Chip what is a good citizen? The definitions run all over the map. To me a good citizen is someone that protects his country from his government. i.e. Holds the criminals in DC to following the Constitution.
I am also curious as to how fighting in a blatantly illegal and undeclared war protects anyone. Is fighting in illegal wars being a good citizen?
I think that circumventing the Constitution puts us all in peril.
Jul 27, 2011 @ 12:33:24
Hey Joe. I hope the day is treating you well.
Chip is obviously a very fine Marine who gave someone a well thought out compliment. He’s on our side. He obviously thinks that a good citizen is someone who wants to do the best for their family, even if it means fighting against their own government. Even if they have no actual power to do so. Someone who is willing to risk prosecution, imprisonment, loss of good name, loss of money, job, house and freedom to stand up against their own government to change a law that is so poorly written as to be unjust and easily abused. Which is what he just stated. The same as you. And me.
Julie, again, congratulations. The fact that you’ve gotten the respect of a Staff Sergeant in the Marines speaks volumes to the fight you have just won.
One of my favorite friends and one of the people I most admire is a Marine, who, if he knew of your plight, would think the same thing of you as Joe, me and Chip. I don’t have much respect for jarheads, but once in awhile, a true Marine comes along and reminds me of why Marines have so much respect.
Jul 27, 2011 @ 16:10:06
that’s awesome, chip- because people like you remind me why this country is worth fighting for. thanks for your service, and semper fi to you too!!
Jul 27, 2011 @ 10:55:22
very happy news! I hope that you continue to write as i now look forwaard to your blog, and i hope that your veggies fill your belly with lots of goodness! God Bless!
Jul 27, 2011 @ 11:36:13
Congratulations! You won with grace and dignity, and created a wonderful blog in the process!
Jul 27, 2011 @ 12:11:35
I am so happy for you! And for everyone else in your city! And for everyone else in your state! And everyone else in the country, and world, that has seen your struggle and learned that hey, they can fight rules they don’t like, and actually change them! Bet you never thought you’d be a revolutionary. Over vegetables.
You so deserve a nice long rest. I am so glad that you were able to get what you wanted. I am so glad that there were people within your city government that were able to see clearly and be willing to help you and not be foaming at the mouth unreasonable. Congratulations.
Jul 27, 2011 @ 13:32:07
This is a win for all of us! Thank you for hangin’ in there! Congrats.
Jul 27, 2011 @ 17:55:31
All I can say is YEAAAAHHHHH for the Bass family and the neighborhood and a heartfelt thank you for sticking it out with great humor by the way, and wonderful recipes. Oak Park is “on the map” and other neighborhoods like yours have benefited. Just because an ordinance has been on the books for “30ish” years does not make a GOOD ordinance. Times changes, towns and cities change. You sure did one helluva good job in your corner of the world. Becaue of you some of US are starting to pay attention to what’s going on in those city council meetings. LOL, everyone gets their bods out to vote in Pres. elections. Because of the Bass family, a lot of us will take it to a much lower level. Where it should BEGIN. Thank you! Marsha
Jul 29, 2011 @ 11:01:03
I am completely in line with this reply. The lower level IS where we should all begin. We we turn a disinterested eye to all levels of government they think they can do whatever they want because we don’t pay attention; and they do. Remember how small the town on “Little House on the Prairie” was? Well, they were all involved because they were all affected by every decision. Our towns have gotten so large, our laws so large, our government so large, our nation so large, that it’s harder than ever to have a government of, by and for the people. I think starting small is a perfect first step.
Criminal Charges Dropped Against Two Karmic Restitution Award Winners | Karmic Restitution
Jul 27, 2011 @ 21:11:52
GeekMom » Blog Archive » Front Yard Veggie Garden – Cleared of All Charges
Jul 28, 2011 @ 09:32:15
Jul 29, 2011 @ 06:10:54
good to hear you won…..now relax and come back and tell us more of oakpark
Jul 29, 2011 @ 10:57:43
Fantastic news! So happy for you!
Jul 29, 2011 @ 14:30:51
thanks
Jul 29, 2011 @ 11:36:58
Dear Julie,
I want you to know you are a hero to me for being willing to take a stand. I have come to your party a little late. I saw a news article about the hassle the city was giving you a few weeks ago. I was so impressed by your courage & conviction. I’m on the oakparkhatesveggies email list & have so enjoyed your posts. I’m really glad things have (hopefully) calmed down for you for awhile. Hang in there & enjoy your harvest!
Jul 29, 2011 @ 14:30:29
thank you! and you can certainly call me julie, now that we’re friends
Jul 29, 2011 @ 11:38:53
Oh, yeah, and I wouldn’t usually be so familiar as to call you Julie, but I don’t know your last name (don’t want or need to know it). Again, hang in there & know you are in my prayers.
Jul 29, 2011 @ 14:34:00
Thanks! btw, I love your raised beds. Before I saw the picture of your front yard, I imagined rows of vegetables covering the yard. Your yard is so neat!
Well, take care!
Liz
Jul 29, 2011 @ 15:05:11
Congratulations! Thanks for standing your ground and fighting the fight for all of us gardeners and Americans. Because if they can do it to you they can do it to anyone.
Jul 29, 2011 @ 15:45:43
so frighteningly true!
Jul 29, 2011 @ 15:13:39
yeah…like this thread needs more comments, right? i am sure it is heartening to both you and the readers to share the glory of the victory. (notice small caps of solidarity are in effect again).
but I have to relate to you the impact of your story.
not that i expect you to retain this factoid, but i have previously shared that my sweetheart and i are full-time RVers. your garden story has been an inspiration about humanity. except things change. circumstances beyond our control have us returning to the houston area. we have taken the lemonade-from-lemons approach and to shorten the story, it is your story which has directed our thoughts to sustainable growing and we are obsessively pursuing knowledge and we are still two weeks away from dragging our travel trailer home! julie and readers, there are hundreds of good resources out there that share their knowledge. one of the blessings of this blog is that it serves as a hub for dissemination.
and oh yeah, your prose gets me going. i’m here to read the blogs!
Jul 29, 2011 @ 15:45:16
awwwwwwwwwwwwwww, gosh- thank you for everything you said!!! good luck with the RV and the soon-to-come garden- please keep us posted! take care- julie
Victoria legal para la mujer que se arriesgó a ir a la cárcel en Estados Unidos por plantar verduras en el jardín de su casa - Nuevo Orden
Jul 30, 2011 @ 10:47:21
Jul 30, 2011 @ 11:34:09
Congratulations!!! When we cannot grow our own food, we need to find out why and correct it. You have opened up a lot of eyes and hearts. Here’s to you and your family. I too am a new gardener and am amazed at how things grow. I thought I had beans, but it is watermelon vine that has grown up the side of my greenhouse. I had to “net” two melons that are growing 3 feet from the floor. Okra has an interesting growth too. Life is full of learning. God bless you,
Texas garden nubie, Jody
Jul 30, 2011 @ 23:09:49
thanks, jody- and blessings back in your direction too!
Aug 01, 2011 @ 00:00:27
OMG! I was just astounded by all of this!
What somnambulistic “civilization” we have become??!!
All Neighborhood people:
Have we become so materialistic that we forget that each of us is born NAKED, alone, and POSSESSION-LESS onto this Earth, specifically to be nurtured BY EARTH, BY her VEGETATION?… …FORGET that WITHOUT HER – EARTH and HER provisions – we would not have a bowl to pee in, or a hoe or tractor to cultivate the soil – much LESS a house or a landscaper??!!!
Do we Forget where your clothes come from, your newspaper, your cement, your purses, your shoes, the water running through your luxurious bathtubs and showers, your Armani’s, Gucci’s, your Apples and Pods….that create your Designers, your Automakers….ALL your precious labels….that by the way defines the level of worth as you ALLOW them to DICTATE to you…defining your LIBERTY?… So you want to respect THIS versus what our bodies are CREATED to survive on – vegetation??!
And…do we really OWN land….EARTH??? ANYONE???
The truth is… we have stolen land from the ability for ALL to use it all. The first land grabbers created this system – this system of so-called economy that allows a few to own lands – and the FEW more of us have bought into the scam that land is own-able. Technically, we bankers and landowners should all be in jail for stealing land and calling it our own by the exchange of paper or gold! How about the Law looking into that?! But that would require rounding up the Law Makers and all Governments as well! – the first offenders to have created this system of legal theft! So why do we have the nerve to make comparisons between our stolen lawns?? At least, the powers that be let you buy one… immorally! Be happy, if not satisfied, with that much!! ( How about that Mr. Rulkowski – were your ancestors or family any of these – trading life for lawns? )
…But more important (in our already screwed up ways)….
…We FORGET that it is EARTH AND HER provisions – VEGETATION – that keep every one of us – every cell in each of our bodies ALIVE – so that we can BECOME the healthy Mother, the Father, the Builder, the Landscaper, the Land Surveyor, the Governor, the Judge, the Civil Servant, the Engineer, the Scientist, The President?!…
…FORGET that it is our innate and natural-birth NEED to acquire VEGETATION – the FOOD we need to exist – to even aspire to become those professions – the very professions that we become FOR THE very PURPOSE to being able to EAT with the paycheck they provide – because we have invented and created it that way – our SYSTEM?
That is…IF they are lucky enough to be healthy and free from disease caused by all the artificial crap man INVENTS to REPLACE EARTH’s vegetation? – the crap that exists on grocery shelves imitating tree limbs, that come from laboratory experiments by those who are born with such greed-gluttony that their need for self-worth THROUGH POSSESSIONS AND RICHES is GREATER THAN their bodily need for natural FOOD?
(I can’t highlight, so I’ll capitalize)
Such that our foods on our grocery shelves RESEMBLE NOT AT ALL the foods we are supposed to be eating for our cells to reproduce healthily?
Such that our children think that NATURAL FOOD comes from a plastic packaged container (formally a tree and oil from which the greed-gluttoners sucked it from) rather than from natural agriculture, from a farm, from our soil – the one we build our houses and pools and landscapes upon, and pave and park our Mercedes upon (sucked again from our Earth layers)?
Take the challenge and count all those artificial, processed, and refined ingredients (yeah and post back) AND the GENETICALLY MODIFIED ones that are being at this very moment found to create diseases and sterility in plants and ANIMALS (see scientist letter to Vilsack), ingredients in all your packaged foods – count how many toxins and disruptors you are ingesting every day, every WEEK, and EVERY MONTH.. accumulatively and INGESTING that genetically altered BACTERIAL DNA (yes from a bacteria, yummy!) in all those “resistant” crops we are serving at dinner time– they are feet away from you in your cupboards and pantries and freezers – and use your own INTELLIGENCE to discern why the heck so many diseases are running rampant in our society – that never was. (See scientist Dr. Don M. Huber, Professor Emertus at Perdue University, to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.) (Read THAT Mr. Rulkowski – will your gene be last of the Mohecans? There’s something you can expend your Official energy on.)
See if THIS will not cause your INTELLIGENCE to WONDER…. WHAT THE HECK OUR SYSTEM IS DOING TO US – never mind a small patch of loving, concerned, natural and pure HARMLESS gardening!!!!!!
- NATURAL TO OUR VERY EXISTENCE!!!
Use your energy – not on destroying an innocent 10 X 20 garden – but to DEFEND OUR FOOD from our current CORPORATE and PHARMACEUTICAL invested AGRICULTURE that poisons the THOUSANDS OF MILES OF OUR LAND and SOIL and the MILLIONS of our biological bodies!! YES… google THAT, count the toxins and biological disruptors, and LEARN about your REAL WORLD. As you can see…people in GOVERNMENT are NOT willing to DEFEND THAT. BUT…
WE THE PEOPLE ARE supposed to be THE GOVERNMENT!!!!
We The People – RAISE YOUR VOICES!! …And plant your front lawn gardens!
(Julie…I am so sorry this had to happen to you. Kudos to you and your courage to resist this plain stupidity! And thank you for being an inspiring example of believing in self and in what cannot be denied as pertaining to our humanity, urban living or not. Congratulations on your triumph! Our triumph. Thank you!)
Aug 01, 2011 @ 21:50:18
Congradulations on justice served. It is truly amazing that you stood your ground and won to boot. Often we find ourselves in situations where we are afraid for whatever reasons to stand up for ourselves because we are too afraid we will be shot down. I know I have gained strength from your struggles with the city that the next time I see or experience an injustice I will no longer suck it up and mosey along. Best of luck with your garden.
Aug 02, 2011 @ 07:45:05
thank you so much for your kind words- i am so happy that good things will come out of what we went through! go, you!!!
-julie
What’s so sacred about lawns? | Surviving the Modern World
Aug 04, 2011 @ 13:33:50
healthy oatmeal cookies recipe
Aug 20, 2011 @ 09:35:38