Riding shotgun, as we often say when one of us goes along to "get the gates," is a job that often falls on my shoulders. It is during these times that I get most of the pictures that end up being selected for winners in our annual Photo of the Year contest. This one will be hard to beat.
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The first week of my Winter Hibernation has ended. I have seen no one except one old Cow Puncher, which I might add is one of my greatest joys. The mail carrier has been here a couple of times, but even he was gone before I had the pleasure of speaking to him. I am not lonely.
Every day I have focused on being more creative and artistic in everything I do - the way I dress and style my hair, the way I set the table and arrange the dishes in the cupboards, and even in the way I hang out the clothes to dry.
This week, I finished reading the Thomas Hardy classic, Far From the Madding Crowd. It was rather slow reading for me because I often had to go back and reread complete sentences or paragraphs in order to grasp the whole meaning, but I really loved this book. Mr. Hardy surely has a way with words! I took notes, as usual, and jotted down passages that I liked, then copied them in one of the little notebooks. I even made a couple of rough sketches.
The sky was clear - remarkably clear - and the twinkling of all the stars seemed to be but throbs of one body, timed by a common pulse. The north Star was directly in the wind's eye, and since evening the Bear had swung round it outwardly to the east, till he was now at a right angle with the meridian. - Thomas Hardy
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But, silly me! Why should I try to draw and paint a picture of what Mr. Hardy's words can paint thousands of times better? Or, that I might see oh-so-beautifully on a wonderful clear evening by simply tipping my head and looking upward into the heavens.
I almost threw the drawings into the trash, but then there was the shepherd's hut - such a solitary and lonely looking little abode that seemed to be setting right at heaven's door.- and I couldn't do it. I can imagine Gabriel there playing his flute. Take a peak here at this YouTube video. This melts my heart!
I have managed to sew some every day, both by machine and by hand which I enjoy so much. Millie and I have walked the big bad hill every day, and the hubby hasn't yet had to hang out the laundry. If you happen to be flying overhead and see someone dressed in bright plaids walking beside her ever so faithful and beautiful Millie, it might be me.
I have a new book to read. How sweet it is to have friends looking out for me, keeping me inspired and supplied with reading materials. I know I am going to enjoy this one. These books make me appreciate Millie even more than I already did. The wolves are her cousins, you know!
20 comments:
A winner of a picture for sure. We are expecting some freezing rain this evening into tomorrow morning. I wish I had time to read as I use to enjoy it. Owning 2 stores now makes things I use to do much more difficult, but I do enjoy being at the gift shop on weekends. Janice
That sky is gorgeous.
I love hanging clothes outside. I like to put all the same thing and colors together so it all looks nice and neat. :)
I'm reading a classic right now too - 1984 by George Orwell. A bit slow but is picking up now.
oh bummer I just got an error message-I will come back to repost-thinking this one will probably post instead-sigh
What a lovely post. I did watch the clip lovely. I not read that book but seems I should.
Cathy
Sounds like we had a similar week of semi-isolation which for me will end tomorrow with church service and then company for supper. Your shepherd's hut sketch is perfect for the accompanying words.
"but whatever be its origin, the impression of riding along is vivid and abiding."--Yes!
I have always marveled at this--I know, in a sense that the earth is turning, but with head tipped up to the night sky it seems that the stars and the moon are wheeling about.
I've returned to my sewing this week, although it wasn't possible every day. Reading, of course. It has been years since I tackled Hardy--I think it was 'The Return of the Native' that was assigned in a high school English class; I went on to read Tess and quite possibly Far from the Madding Crowd--have seen that one as a film.
Perhaps I didn't read Hardy from a mature perspective as I found his outlook rather bleak and became annoyed with his female characters. I think I should revisit him for the beauty of his descriptive prose.
Morning Minion, Thomas Hardy is certainly worth reading just to soak up on the "beauty of his descriptive prose.' It seemed at times that he had almost forgotten about the characters he had created.
I believe that Mr. Hardy would find your sketches the perfect accompaniment to what he was painting with his words...at least from what I can see of the one you have shared with us. I have not been able to follow your link as my connection is a bit wonky it seems at the time but I definitely will... You intrigued me about Far From the Maddening Crowd with your last post regarding it so it is already on "the list".... You could wear black and stand out starkly here in the Land of White. ~Robin~
Beautiful post Mary, this is another book-and movie that I am not familiar with-loved the video. I will need to put this book on my reading list too.
Loved your sun photo-the sky can be so spectacular and it changes every day-Love that.
I loved seeing your clothes on the line-I always enjoyed that at the woods house. It's such a good feeling to hang clothes and bring them back in-kissed by the wind and the sun.
Loved your sketch too with the quote-
Happy Saturday and weekend-hugs Kathy
I'm glad your first week of hibernation went well. Now for 51 more!
You inspire me. I love the sunset picture; I'm glad too that you didn't throw the sketch of the lonely hut away. It's a keeper.
I am not familiar with the Thomas Hardy book. I've only ever read a few of his poems.
Happy New Year. Your sky picture is very beautiful :)
I, for once in a long time, am speechless. This is a wonderful experience reading your blog. You've hit my heart - hard! Thump! Thump! Being creative and artistic is your middle name!
This post to me is about creating your own day and thus your life. Outside things will interfere, of course, by the foundation will be there to support you. I loved this post and I'm so glad to have found your blog.
Love your sketches
Beautiful post Mary. Sending a pet for Millie!
I love your sketch of the shepherd's hut. It's perfect! I did watch the clip, and it touched my heart too. I want to see the movie. Your posts are always wonderful!
Oh, dont even think about throwing your sketches away! I did so love the video. Believe it or not, I have not read the book.
I am relieved you did not throw the sketches out. That would be a shame! I read all of Hardy's work except his poems (which he preferred to write), during college. The older I am, the less anguish I can bear, so I stick to very light reading now! I think your photo is just beautiful. What a sky!
I don't think your sketch was an attempt to supplement or to compete with the book, but just a normal thing one might do out of love and friendship -- which is what we experience with such a book that we appreciate that much.
This whole post is quite inspiring and full of love for the world and its beauty, and engagement with it -- your love for life itself.
I read Far from the Madding Crowd in high school. I don't remember a thing on what it was about. I do remember it being a slow read, but that I really enjoyed it in the end. I'm glad you are taking time to slow down and appreciate the days we get.
Yes, I think that photo should be in the running for the contest of the year (mind you, I think the one of the laundry should be too).
I was beginning to wonder about myself and the fact that my usual yearly 'urge to purge stuff' that has always been a given in January had seemingly not been speaking to me. Guess I spoke too soon because I'm itching to get going on it. Sadly, or happily depending on your viewpoint, I have one more baby gift to finish before I can fire up the backhoe.
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