Archive for October 19th, 2009
The Simple Charms of Country Life
My wife and I had good reason to move away from the city after identifying as urban dwellers for most of our lives. We both retired within a three-year span and began to find that the hustle and bustle of the city no longer had the same appeal. Rather than feeling in tune with the thrum of activity, I felt as though we were being brushed aside. As our neighborhood gentrified and young hipsters started taking over our favorite bars and restaurants, we felt marginalized.
Moving to a forested area proved to be our salvation. Gone were the nights lying awake thanks to countless blaring car horns and shouting voices. Now the crickets and bull frogs that live on our manmade pond provide a delightful evening lullaby. Best of all, I have the chance to pursue one of my lifelong passions – ornithology. I set up a few wooden birdhouses around the property and enjoy walking from one to the next, taking note of the feathered friends I encounter at each station.
Thinking of Fall
This is the time of year that people are putting out pumpkins, Halloween decorations, bales of hay and other things that make us think of fall. The flowers that have the yellow and auburn colors are also used. The trees are turning and their red, yellow, and brown leaves may be what started the ideas of using those as fall colors. I think because God knew we needed a little uplift at this time of year, we have those beautiful reminders that make us feel contented.
There are some statues around our town that bring back thoughts of other times and places. Some are colorful, some are plain, but signify a thought that maybe the person who made the statue had in mind, or maybe it is our own private feeling. Garden statues that we can have in our own yards also can be uplifting or inspirational. They may bring back thoughts of other times or just happy thoughts in general. Enjoy these works of art wherever yours may be - at home or in town or on your travels.