Animals
How many of us go about our tasks each day deep in thought and not truly aware of what is around us? We spend so much time in our own thoughts and not truly engaged in the world. And then at the end of the day, we don't remember much of anything striking about the day. And so another page of the calendar of our life is ripped off....with nothing outstanding. Sound familiar?
This thought crystallized for me last night as I was arriving home from a class that I teach. It was a perfectly clear evening. The sun was down, but the moon was full and provided enough light to make objects on the ground quite visible. Here in the country, when the sun goes down it gets DARK....but not so last night. I could have missed the moon altogether. Or, I could have noticed it and gone in the house....just another full moon like any other. But no, instead, I stood and really looked at that moon...illuminated by the distant sun, highlighting the shadowy contours of its surface. I basked in the silvery stillness around me. When I had drunk in all that I could with my eyes, I focused on my ears. I heard the usual cacophony of crickets in the surrounding woods and the eerie trill of a screech owl in the distance. I felt the cool, moist autumnal air against my bare arms and smelled the damp decay of the first fallen leaves. All of this....in just one moment of time. And that moment became extraordinary...unforgettable.
- Come Along With Me....
It's sometimes difficult to convey just how peaceful life on the farm can be.We've been so lucky to have a long string of beautiful days this fall...and I have been enjoying every moment. From the moment I step outside my door in the morning...
- A Most Beautiful Start To Autumn
As the sun sets on the first day of Autumn,the dogs and I head outside to eek out every last moment of daylight. The animals are preparing for the night aheadas the moon rises high above the barnyard. The hens work their way back to their henhouses,except...
- When Everything Is Right With The World....
Perhaps it's because of the stretch of absolutely fabulous days.... where the sun shines brightly, but the air is soft and light and cool... where billowy white clouds float on a crystal clear sea of blue...where bees buzz happily from blossom to...
- Stuffed, But Savoring The Memories
Thanksgiving is over.We had much to be grateful for.We ate, we played, we surrounded ourselves with the love of family and friends. We are truly blessed.Blessed.Truly. And now we head into the holiday season.Much preparation awaits us.Parties, gifting,...
- The Straight Poop
So, if I told you that I truly enjoy scooping poop, would you believe me? I do.I truly do.It is one of those satisfying chores...when it's done, the pasture looks pristine,and I know that it is healthier for the horses...fewer parasites in the grass....
Animals
A Moment
How many of us go about our tasks each day deep in thought and not truly aware of what is around us? We spend so much time in our own thoughts and not truly engaged in the world. And then at the end of the day, we don't remember much of anything striking about the day. And so another page of the calendar of our life is ripped off....with nothing outstanding. Sound familiar?
Imagine then, (if this is the way you live life from day to day) what will your thoughts be in the last moments of your life? Will you crave more time? Will you feel unfulfilled? Will you have regrets?
The solitude of living on the farm has given me the opportunity to ponder these questions. I have come to the conclusion that I want the rest of my life to be deliberate...to enjoy each and every moment with gratitude for the gift of all that surrounds me in this beautiful world. I want to truly experience life with every part of my being.
This thought crystallized for me last night as I was arriving home from a class that I teach. It was a perfectly clear evening. The sun was down, but the moon was full and provided enough light to make objects on the ground quite visible. Here in the country, when the sun goes down it gets DARK....but not so last night. I could have missed the moon altogether. Or, I could have noticed it and gone in the house....just another full moon like any other. But no, instead, I stood and really looked at that moon...illuminated by the distant sun, highlighting the shadowy contours of its surface. I basked in the silvery stillness around me. When I had drunk in all that I could with my eyes, I focused on my ears. I heard the usual cacophony of crickets in the surrounding woods and the eerie trill of a screech owl in the distance. I felt the cool, moist autumnal air against my bare arms and smelled the damp decay of the first fallen leaves. All of this....in just one moment of time. And that moment became extraordinary...unforgettable.Our lives are nothing more than a long strand of moments. Each of us has the power to turn each of those moments into a jewel worth treasuring. Imagine, if you will, the end of your life...with your glittery, sparkling strand of moments wrapped around you. You need not have a cent to your name to leave this world as rich as a King!
- Come Along With Me....
It's sometimes difficult to convey just how peaceful life on the farm can be.We've been so lucky to have a long string of beautiful days this fall...and I have been enjoying every moment. From the moment I step outside my door in the morning...
- A Most Beautiful Start To Autumn
As the sun sets on the first day of Autumn,the dogs and I head outside to eek out every last moment of daylight. The animals are preparing for the night aheadas the moon rises high above the barnyard. The hens work their way back to their henhouses,except...
- When Everything Is Right With The World....
Perhaps it's because of the stretch of absolutely fabulous days.... where the sun shines brightly, but the air is soft and light and cool... where billowy white clouds float on a crystal clear sea of blue...where bees buzz happily from blossom to...
- Stuffed, But Savoring The Memories
Thanksgiving is over.We had much to be grateful for.We ate, we played, we surrounded ourselves with the love of family and friends. We are truly blessed.Blessed.Truly. And now we head into the holiday season.Much preparation awaits us.Parties, gifting,...
- The Straight Poop
So, if I told you that I truly enjoy scooping poop, would you believe me? I do.I truly do.It is one of those satisfying chores...when it's done, the pasture looks pristine,and I know that it is healthier for the horses...fewer parasites in the grass....