Home that I grew up in.
This past Monday, I had the occasion to
go back to the farm that I grew up on and that I now own. The plan
was to just be there
Monday night, and then come back here early Tuesday afternoon.
Between a ice storm on Tuesday morning, and the threat of a heavy
snow fall, my plans were changed very quickly. I ended up staying
there for an extra day.
The old dinner bell. Used to call the family in from the fields for mealtime.
That
isn't a bad thing. Yes, because of my business, some major changes,
adjustments and rearrangements had to be made, but it is at the farm
that I always slow down, touch nature, sit back, and have time to
adjust what my priorities really should be. Funny thing how what
seems to be of utmost importance in the city, seems almost silly when
in the country. Country life is a different way of life. One that is
much more slowed down but yet much more satisfying and fulling than one in the urban/suburban
setting. And I miss it.
Hand pump that my great-grandfather put in. The well and pump are still being used today.
When
I am back home on the farm, I am able to “center” myself, unwind,
and quiet my thoughts. It is a time that I remember the events of the
past and realize how they have shaped who and what I am now. As I
look over the fields and walk through the woods, I am reminded of
those who before, worked, sweated, and sacrificed, so that now I can
enjoy the fruits of their
labor.
Looking across the north field to the woods.
As
I walk through the orchard, or inspect the grape arbor, raspberry
bushes, and strawberry beds, I am reminded that winter will one day
end, and spring will once again cause the fruit on the farm to
blossom as they have for the past 103 years and hopefully will
continue to do so long after I am in the grave...and I am humbled.
Humbled because I realize that while my name may be on a piece of
paper that says the land belongs to me, it doesn't really belong to
me. It belongs as much to my ancestors and my descendents, as much as
me. I am only the caretaker of the land for a very short span of time
so I need to be a good steward of it so that others can enjoy it.
Milkhouse with grape arbor behind it with part of the east and south fields.
I would like to encourage you to take
some time today, to slow down, enjoy the memories and things of the
past. Quiet your thoughts, don't be afraid to re-prioritize what is
really important. In other words, take some time to go “home”
again. But just don't stay there. We also need to look to the future as well as take care of today.
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep...
And miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep."
-Robert Frost Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening
Thank you for visiting my blog. :-)
Well said, my friend! Exactly what we try to do on our farm, leave it better than when we got it, so the next generation can be likewise blessed!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindy! :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment and for visiting my blog. :-)
DeleteAwesome! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment and for visiting my blog. :-)
DeleteI love the bell. I have a small one out front on the porch but like a guy you always need one with more power or bigger so Iam looking for a bigger one. That is a awesome place.
ReplyDeleteThanks southernprepper1. I enjoy calling it "home"...especially on hot summer afternoons, sitting on the front porch in the swing, while sipping a tall glass of lemonade,feeling a cool breeze gently blowing. Life just doesn't get any better than that. :-) Thanks for your comment and for visiting my blog. :-D
DeleteI miss country living. Everything is so rushed in the city and my kids have no idea what to do in the country. I haven't been able to get them to slow down enough to see past "boredom" and really enjoy connecting with nature.
ReplyDeleteI know what you are saying there Mary. It is the same way here too although mine are starting to appreciate it more now that they are getting older. :-)
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