Sunday 25 July 2010

reflecting

I've been thinking and drifting over the last week. My week on the farm gave me a little nudge. I really loved being in the middle of the countryside, with space all around, and no neighbours over the garden wall. Don't misunderstand me, I'm lucky to have lovely neighbours, but when you live in a terrace as I do, silence is sometimes hard to find.


The things I really miss are the peace and quiet, total darkness at night (not a streetlight in sight!) and nature and the farm animals right there outside the door. I could also walk from the farm up on to the moor, without seeing a soul, without needing the car. I loved that. I also loved the work that goes hand in hand with the animals. Of course, when you dip your toe into someone else's life, the grass is always greener. I'm not under any illusions that this is an easy life. But it did remind me that I have slowly become more sedentary than I care to admit, and it grates. Since I started blogging, I certainly spend many more hours hunched over the computer than is good for me. I need to change that before middle-age spread sets in!


The horses and ponies were all out at grass, so apart from checking them daily, topping up their water and giving them hay where necessary, I just had to keep an eye on them. I'm very comfortable around horses - I was lucky enough to have my own pony from the age of about ten, right through until I left home. My Mum was a passionate rider, so it was a given that my sisters and I would ride too (some more enthusiastically than others!). Our stables were half a mile from home, and I had to 'do' my pony morning and evening, rain or shine, every day. I used to go to the stables on my way to school, and end up with the faint whiff of manure lingering on my school uniform for the rest of the day. That conjures up a memory or two!


I was always wary of the geese - never turning my back on them, and only entering their pen with stick in hand. They always seemed rather threatening, and definitely worth respecting. The chickens and ducks were a breeze in comparison. And the eggs. Who can resist a clutch of fresh eggs?


Walter loved the freedom and all the space. He had his mate, Bluejay (above) to play endless games of chase and tumble with, and then there were the kittens, whom he was very wary of. He was appalled when one of them started playing with his tail! Several people commented in my last post on the little jack russell - she's called Slipper and is about twelve years old, and she has her own armchair for a bed.

If you'd like to read a little more about the farm, which is run along sustainable principles and is powered entirely by its own wind turbine, see here, where Lisa blogs occasionally. There's also a beautiful small eco-cottage, Nancy's House, available to rent, if you want a taste of the good life.

This week reminded me of my dream to live out of town, and that one day I will achieve this. I can't afford to move yet, but I will in the future. One day. It's good to have dreams. I also need to appreciate and make better use of what I already have. A little gratitude goes a long way.

13 comments:

dragonfly said...

It is so good to be given the chance for reflection sometimes. I know for sure that I spend far too long in front of a screen.

And, oh, to have a truly silent night - now that would be a luxury.

silverpebble said...

What a lovely, thoughful post. It's a real treat to hear about your time away. Despite the geese being a little scary, they're quite handsome aren't they? I love your shot of them here.

I'm about to take the precious Derek Jarman book to bed and gorge on the beautiful images. Thankyou again - it's fabulous x

The Curious Cat said...

Everyone has their dreams and I think yours is a very attainable one...I would like a similar existence but right now I think the city calls for me - and most of my friends are there. But with this time out right now I can enjoy quieter places as I go abroad. Really sweet post - I agree with Silverpebble! Keep dreaming hun - you'll get there in the end! xxx

WinnibriggsHouse said...

That was just lovely. I too live in a terraced house in town, fortunately our walls are so thick we dont hear the neighbours, but your words bring back the days when I lived with my in-laws in the country. Devine. Keep that goal in mind....you will make it!

blue china studio happy said...

Your time in the country does sound so dreamy. I grew up visiting my grandma in the country and so I know what that type of silence and also that type of darkness are like. It certainly helps you slow down and look at life a little differently.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Lisa said...

A great goal to work towards. I hope you reach your dream destination.
Lisa x

sweetmyrtle said...

sounds lovely Diana. being away from home (even if it is not far away) is always a good time for relection and for dreams to ferment.
.. and once the dream is fully formed then you can find steps to make it happen x

warmest wishes dear friend and to Walter too (i bet he is happy now to have you all to himself again) x

Fiona said...

I'm lucky I live in N Norfolk. Very rural we moved her when the kids were young. Only one drawback you have to drive everywhere. No public transport to speak of.

caireen said...

what a lovely post (and horse's nose!).. how nice to 'try' on a life for size and find that it fits! I was so glad to move to semirural after being in a town, and even now as grass cutters and boundary issues arise, we dream of a little haven even more remote! Am sure you will achieve your dream sooner than you think! Cx

kristina said...

It all sounds perfect to me (except for the scary geese!). I do long for the truly dark and silent nights and the sense of space I had in Williamstown. Someday :)

K x

Gina said...

I've enjoyed reading your post Diana. It's always good to have dreams to aspire to.

A time to dance said...

I know what you mean I always love the quiet and the space when I go to Skye and despite our big old terrace having thick Walls we can hear everything next door I often think their children are playing in our hall ....

lovethosecupcakes said...

Love this post and reading about your farm stay. It's good to try something different every now and again and so pleasing when you find you enjoy the taste.