Where necessity ends, desire and curiosity begin;
no sooner are we supplied with
everything nature can demand,
than we sit down to contrive artificial appetites.
Samuel
Johnson
The gentle
sounds of water splashing against the rocks protecting the shoreline, the soft
hum of motorboats trolling the water, a chirping bird high in the trees above
me and the interrupting bellow of the auctioneers speaker, these are the sounds
surrounding me as I sit on a fossilized hunk of limestone at an auction on the
bay.
It is
beautiful here. I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to live here. The
people who lived here probably jumped out of bed first thing every morning and
ran to their big window, much like I do every morning on our farm, to enjoy
this incredible view. This was once a Clydesdale horse farm with the best view
I have ever seen, oh to farm in this place would be incredible. Happiness lived
here.
I plan to
never leave my beautiful view and they did not either but now someone else will
be enjoying this view; all farmers stop farming at some point in their lives
and someone else will take the reins. I talked to the Granddaughter and she was
smiling so I knew happiness did indeed live and will live here again.
The sky is
overcast and there is a high chance of rain, I sit here on this rock with pen
and paper in hand smiling and thinking about the happiness that would surely
live here. It is Bass season in this area and the bay is full of boats with fishing
lines cast out into the cool water waiting for some fish to snap hold of that
line and be pulled in. Children and adults sitting and waiting patiently
enjoying each other’s company and making memories, I can see them watching me
watching them. They are happy and so am I.
Memories
flood back and I think about how much I miss sitting in a boat with my Mom and Dad
during Bass season and those feelings of not really caring if I ever caught
anything, making those memories and enjoying unforgettable conversations and
that soothing feeling of security and love. The parents I see today are giving
that same gift of memories that their children will never forget as their lines
dangle in the water and a bobber floats on the waves enjoying conversations and
laughter that floats into the air. A big splash in the water frightens me and I
turn quickly.
There
stands a Blue-capped young boy smiling while throwing another rock into the
water. I say to him, Hi that looks like fun; I set down my pen and paper.
He picks up
another rock and skips it across the water I watch it skip over the water
seamlessly. Good job, I say to him. “Thank you” I ask, him if I could try.
“Sure” I stand up walk over and I search the shore for a couple of flat rocks
while I try to remember how to do this. With three, that I thought were perfect,
rocks in my hand I throw, splash… straight to the bottom, I try again throw skip..skip.
I watch the Blue-capped boy throw and we count together one…two …. three…four..
Wow you are very good at this. His reply “I live on a creek and practice most
days” Well that explains it then; I live on a cow pond and don’t. He laughs. I
pick up another rock I throw we count together one…two… sink, I am getting
there; he smiles and I assume he is trying hard to hold in the laughter. He
throws another rock we count together, one…two…three…four… five it sinks to the
bottom Wow! He turns to look at me with
a big grin on his face.
His
Grandmother who was standing behind us on the hill shouts down “It is time to
go.” He throws one more rock but it
makes a big splash and disappears below the water then says “Bye, nice to meet
you.” Nice to meet you too keep practicing. “I will.” I pick up another rock and
throw it just like I saw him throw it one..two….sink. I walk back to that
fossilized rock and pick up my pen and paper then walk over to the wooden dock,
I sit down.
This farm
is up for sale and while sitting on this wooden dock I dream about how nice it
would be to live here. The price is high but on the waterfront with this view I
knew it would be a little out of my price range. I dream about waking up every
morning jumping up out of bed and rushing to see this incredible view then
immediately running down the stairs, pulling my boots on and running down to
the water to just sit and listen.
The gentle
sounds of water splashing against the rocks on the shore, the soft hum of
motorboats trolling the water, a chirping bird high in the trees above me,
these are the sounds surrounding me I am smiling………. the loud bellow of the
auctioneers voice crashes through that
silence “Do I hear 40.” Back to reality.
Honestly, I
don’t think Annie and I could handle all that relaxation. It is starting to
rain, but yes indeed I am still smiling. Happiness did and will always live
here. Read part 2 here.
Happy Canada Weekend, July 1st, to all my fellow Canadians. Be safe and have fun I know for a fact I will be going back to this same auction and sitting on that same dock with my pen and paper and wondering why we are not doing hay but not minding one little bit. There will be plenty of time for that round and round driving the baler. My Hero and I may be found standing in the rain enjoying every moment and the good news is there are no ladders in sight. We will also be looking for more of those unexpected Garage Sales I honestly hope it keeps raining. See you all Wednesday.Later.
The black and white photos really look like vintage images from long ago, B. Very nice retelling of your day... :)
ReplyDeleteSeems you had a nice day, with good memories also. Hugh's M xox
ReplyDeleteSomeimes when I'm out on my bicycle, I'll run across a farm that seems to be on such a beautiful spot and I'll stop and wonder what it must be like to get up every morning and have a cup of coffee looking out the window at the beautiful view. I'm happy to think that happiness lives on this farm, and the little boy sounds like a charming kid!
ReplyDeleteWell, as you know, I am one of those people that bought someone else's farm with a view. Happiness does live on!
ReplyDeleteMornin' B. I grew up on Chautauqua Lake in Western New York. At dawn I would grab my pillow and a towel and would go finish sleeping on the dock where I could roll in the water when I got too hot. A Huckelberry Finn life until going to college. Having a farm on a lake would be so perfect. Loved the pictures and auction site.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful, heartwarming post, B!
ReplyDeleteLove the views here - I can imagine sitting there for hours and hours. And I love the black and white photos!!
ReplyDeleteI would love that view :)
ReplyDeleteA farm with a lake...what could be better??
Ha! Rain can be good...as long as we don't get as much as Alberta just got. Happy Canada Day!
ReplyDeleteHappy Canada Day weekend, Buttons!!!
ReplyDeleteOh it does look so beautiful and relaxing there!
ReplyDeleteHappy Canada weekend to you :-)
Fantastic photos and WOW ! awesome story ! Girl you need to put these stories you write so well in a book . Thanks for sharing . Have a happy and safe Canada Day weekend !
ReplyDeleteThat would be beautiful, to have a lake in your back yard! Skipping stones...now that brings back memories!
ReplyDeleteYour post is a mini-vacation in itself - relaxing and full of hope.
ReplyDeleteThank You,
-g-
Happy Canadian Day!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful farm along the water, great pictures.
I'm a big Clydesdale horse fan, these horses are so big and beautiful. I wish I had an opportunity to come up that way, it's just beautiful countryside.
Oh what a view- I would love to live on a little lake where I could sit out in the mornings and just soak it all in. But I would miss my country home.
ReplyDeletespeaking of ladders, laughed at your new header. :)
ReplyDeleteenjoy the rain!
B, I love the soothing feeling of being near water. I only have a small backyard fountain for now, but some day, I hope...
ReplyDeleteHappy Canada Weekend to you, sweet friend! I hope you have a lovely weekend at that:) xx
You truly can feel it when a place is happy.... LOVE that photo of all the horse gear hanging up. It would make a great poster.... :)))))
ReplyDeleteAh a most thoughtful and interesting day. And thank you for you kind words about the lost of my big puppy...
ReplyDeleteoh, im sorry, but you know I would be up there at the auction, bidding on some sort of horse thing LOL we can skip stones in a mountain lake when you visit - Mr. Foresterman is a pro...
ReplyDeleteand no ladders? hero is starting to lose his eye for ladders?? or does he now have enough? Agree with TexWI - the header!!! :D
And you can buy the most beautiful property, but natural disasters are really the proof in the pudding; if you still like it after its been destroyed, then its a keeper LOL
xoxo
HAPPY CANADA WEEKEND!!!
ReplyDeleteI will fire up some left over sparklers from the wedding in your country's honor, 'K? Maybe I might even spell "Canada" with them and fire them up all at the same time...
Mr. F said we should light all 50 like birthday candles on a cake, but now I think im gonna spell Canada with them...! Have FUN!!!
if i close my eyes, i am right there with you!!
ReplyDeleteare you wearing purple socks?!?!, i would know those feet anywhere!!
happy canada weekend!!
You have led a blessed life in many many ways Buttons. It makes me happy when you are happy.
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful photos. I really like the angle of seeing your feet aswell. Shows relaxation. Have a great weekend !
ReplyDeleteShaun
What a peaceful and beautiful place- you are blessed to have memories of this tranquil setting--- it may not be yours in real time- but you will always have your memories. The photos are beyond stunning--
ReplyDeleteThank you SO much for your visit and comments-- my blog friends mean the world to me--
Vicki
YOU - are very good to me.
ReplyDeletelove & love,
-g-
Gorgeous image of the old dock and the fishing lure!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a good relaxing weekend!!!
We have only had another inch and quarter of rain here. My sister in Burlington said they have not had any rain this week...
Your happiness is contagious, B. Thank you for sharing it. I loved this story, especially your encounter with that nice little boy. Keep practicing, and you, too, will be able to skip the rock many times! :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy Canada Day to you!
Oh so glad you had a little relaxation time and had your pen and paper there to capture it! It truly sounds heavenly!
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your posts you are one gifted writer...you draw us into your gentle world...moment by moment.
ReplyDeleteLoving your header too...perfectly apt.
Jen
I have very happy memories of going fishing with my parents. Didn't happen a whole lot, but I always enjoyed it. My dad really loved fishing so much, but when I needed braces for my teeth he sold his boat so he could afford my braces. I'll never forget that! I always joke that I have his boat in my mouth :) Have a great Canada weekend!
ReplyDeleteI wish the people that owned the house could read this post. They would love it. What a beautiful place. You reminded me of when I used to watch these two little boys, who are now Freshmen and Juniors in High School. I taught them how to skip rocks :-)
ReplyDeleteCindy Bee
Happy Canada Day B! Such lovely black and white shots! I loved your line abut the parents watching you and you watching them and you are all happy! Really peaceful xxx
ReplyDeleteI hear contentment in your writing, what a lovely time you had!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!
that is indeed a beautiful farm! i love all the details you captured...the lure on the dock...magical. it's own story right there.
ReplyDeleteenjoy the holiday! (knowing perfectly well, farmers don't really get days off.)
;)
I think you had a great time. And your pics are great again ;-)
ReplyDeleteBest regards from the Netherlands,
Gert Jan
One year there's no rain and the next you can't get the tap turned off. that's farming.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the holiday! - beautiful photos, and thoughts ;)
ReplyDeleteI too get up in the morning and look out the window at our back meadow. Usually there are a few deer down there. I know someday I will see an elk. I love your story. There is just something about water that is just plain relaxing. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteButtons, sounds like happiness *still* lives there; it's a beautiful farm.
ReplyDeleteA lovely read and beautiful photos. Thank you ... :) Pat
ReplyDeleteYes, that looks like horse heaven. I hope someone who really loves to farm and raise animals takes over. Keep skipping rocks. It's gotta keep the spirit happy.
ReplyDeleteWonderful story! I wished I was there with you.
ReplyDeleteAll that and pink morning glories growing wild ~ wonderful !
ReplyDeleteYou share your life and memories so well. Hope you had a nice relaxing time. I sure looks like you did.
ReplyDeleteHappy Canada Day, Buttons! Love the shots of your boots and looking across the water view. My kind of spot to hang out at.
ReplyDeleteThank you, B, have a wonderful Canada Day yourself.
ReplyDeleteI love sitting on the dock. Happy Canada Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. I really appreciate it. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story you tell.
You are benefitting from the rain and obviously chilling out. You sound very happy and contented. Lovely photos and story as usual.
ReplyDeleteThank you for another beautiful story. How I envy country folk. It was so sad my mum and dad had to leave their farm when I was 6 owing to mum's poor health (she eventually lived to 87 so guess coming to the big smoke was good for her).
ReplyDeleteI remember as a youngster leaning to skim flat rocks across the water. It was such great fun too.
wonderful miss buttons :)
ReplyDeleteI feel relaxed after reading this, Buttons. What a beautiful view. Enjoyed your thoughtful post.
ReplyDelete