Tuesday 8 September 2009

An eye made quiet


This morning I was battling with washing up and lunchboxes and early starts and trying not to look at the chaos around me in the kitchen, when suddenly the dogs, almost as one, pricked up their ears, uttered a warning bark, and rushed outside, all in defensive mode. When Bramble, our aged and slightly rotund ball of black fluff,  joins in such jaunts, it is an indication that something important must be happening.


So I, too, rushed outside in a panic - we are coming to the time of year when hungry foxes are out on patrol until nine in the morning, and our electric fence for the hens is in a sad state: the rabbits have chewed so many holes, that it is decidedly not hen-proof at all. The fox might not get in one of those holes, but the hens will save him that trouble: the moment they are let out in the morning they ramble off to scratch about in the hedgerow, which is riddled with burrows so large that any one of them might be a den for a wily fox.

But as I approached the back gate, all of a fluster, I could see the little dears all agog and running to meet me. And the pigs ambled over, jaws working, but yet ever hopeful of another meal.




Panic over. And then I stopped and thought, why fret about the disorder indoors, about clocks, and work, and the day to come?




Just pause, and look at the fields and the trees, the sun and the lengthening shadows. Just breathe in the fresh air, and observe the world of green and growing all around me.



And as I looked about, I noticed that these days of Indian summer sun had ripened some raspberries to rosy redness - perfect to pick, and to eat for breakfast.


And I also saw that there will be still more to come, if I just remember to stop and look.




And there on the table were apples, green and inviting, sunshine trapped and stored inside, all for me to take out in the world beyond the gate.




Lucky am I to have such delights to retreat to, away from the fret and the fever of the world.


42 comments:

andamento said...

The raspberries look delicious.

We're planning to plant an Autumn fruiting variety for next year so we can look forward to enjoying fresh berries from the garden during Sept & Oct.

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Your little piece of Eden and all its critters is so wonderful.And so is the thought of taking the time to ponder the beauty laid before you.
Susan

Unknown said...

Another wonderful thoughtful and beautiful post from a true soul. Suzie. xxx :)

Beck said...

This post is truly wonderful. You have such a lovely way with words and thoughts Pomona, it is such a pleasure to read. Don't we all know that 'washing up & chaos' feeling? And how good it is to look beyond it for peace or comfort or pleasure in the real things. Your rasberries and apples look delicious and I wish I could pop over and visit you in in little piece of paradise. But hang on, I guess I just did xo

Pipany said...

You wise lady. How right you are, though it is good to be reminded. We finally have sunshine here today and I am planning to work on my pile of embroidery orders in the garden so that I can just breathe the autumn in. Lovely last post too Pomona xx

Chrissie said...

You are, of course, ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! Thank you for such a sensible post and lovely photos.

heidi said...

morning, it looks like you live in wonderful surroundings,you have lots to smile about waking up to that every morning,rain or shine! hope you enjoyed the raspberries!x

Reading Tea Leaves said...

A lovely thoughtful post Pomona - and a pleasure to read.

Just caught up with your previous post too - I had no idea you and your family were so self-sufficient! May your endeavours continue to reap rewards!!

Jeanne x

Duchess of Tea said...

Darling, I so enjoyed reading this post. You described it so well that I felt I was there which of course I was though your words. The berries and apples look so delicious. I might just come by for a holiday and stay with you.

Have a wonderful week darling

Love & Hugs
Duchess xoxoxo

...Nina Nixon... said...

It's always good to remember to stop and take stock especially at the most hectic of times.

A beautiful post and lovely picutes,

have a fabulous day,

Nina x

ps. I know what you mean about an Indian Summer - it too has been very hot down here though today grey skies and the temperature has dropped and 'oh no' I've got goosebumps and my hoodie on!!
Nxx

Hen said...

Ah (big sigh), it all looks lovely. You are so right, sometimes we really need to just slow down, take a step back and take in all around us - and be grateful for it!
Hen x

Joshy and belle said...

i love raspberries, the simple things all around us are the best, it hard to stop and look sometimes! fliss xx

renaissance said...

So all's well that ends well - looks like those gogs of yours were telling you the raspberries were ready!

Flower Girl said...

What a lovely post! Reminds me of the poem 'Leisure' by W.H. Davies, which is one of my favourites! Thank you for your good wishes for my workshop. I wish you lived closer too because it would be lovely to meet you! Gorgeous weather here today..hope the sun's shining on you too! Rebecca x

Marigold Jam said...

Yet another beautiful post - you are so right we do need to stop and really see the beauty all around us sometimes don't we? Maybe those dogs know a thing or two if it got you away from the chaos indoors and out into the sunshine for a bit?!

Love

Jane

Michela said...

..finally I've had the time to sit down and relax reading your lovely stressfree post! Thank you so much for making me feel home!

A Bun Can Dance said...

This is a lovely post, thank you. And also thank you for your various comments over on my blog. The kettle, Tallulah (!), came from the Villeroy & Boch outlet shop in Street, Somerset. But I'm sure you might have one of their outlet stores nearer you. Even though it is V&B it was cheaper than most electric kettles in Argos!!!!
Have a wonderful rest of the week
Denise x

sea-blue-sky & abstracts said...

Your lovely post - so true, it's so important to stop, take stock and appreciate. BFN. Lesley

Karen L R said...

The older I get (53), the more I appreciate catching the MOMENTS, rather than getting caught up in the hustle/bustle. Thanks for the lovely reminder!

Kelly said...

Hello!
I have just found your lovely blog, what a beautiful post!
I love your pig, so cute!

Lots of Love

Kelly xxx

Floss said...

Hello, Pomona, I am so refreshed to find you here 'Considering the Lilies' and I've also popped over to let you know that you have won my Rentree Giveaway prize with that excellent resolution! Please send me an email with your address some time, and I will post off my French schooling ephemera to you - I hope you'll find it variously entertaining and useful!

Rowan said...

Thank you for the lovely comment that you left on my blog. I'm short on time at the moment being between trips and with a long list of 'things I have to do'. A quick glance at your blog tells me it is my kind of reading so shall investigate it properly once I've settled back in for the autumn and winter:) Lots of lovely photos too - very inspiring stuff!

Ragged Roses said...

What a wonderful post. You are so right, we just need to remember to take the time to stop and see what's all around us. Absolutely lovely
Kimx

Serenata said...

Thank you for visiting me :-) I love your resolution - congratulations on winning Floss's giveaway.

A lovely post and such wise words. We do need to take stock sometimes.

Yvonne Temple said...

Such true words... Thanks for the reminder to stop and look up, breathe and take it all in.. it's amazing what you see.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today... I'm glad it inspired you.
Good to know there are other mothers going through the same thing
xx

LOVE STITCHING RED said...

Love those raspberries in that bowl - gorgeous colours!

Carolyn

sarah-jane down the lane said...

What lovely harvesty tales you bring us, beautiful piggy too.

Glad you likes the little felted booties!

Love Sarah x

menopausalmusing said...

Am stepping out into the sunshine to do exactly the same in a moment. Have finally got our first greengages ready to pick. Only a handful, but boy...... well worth waiting for. :O)

Teena Vallerine said...

fresh picked raspberries for breakfast is about as close to perfect as that meal can get! oh you lucky thing! t.x

Duchess of Tea said...

Darling, have a lovely weekend.

Love, Hugs & Tea
Duchess ♥♥♥

Shelby said...

lovely LOVELY post.. cheers :)

Debbies-English-Treasures said...

You live in such a beautiful place... That I can see why, you can easily "forget" about the hurries of day to day!
I truly enjoyed reading this post!

ENJOY LIFE`S SIMPLE TREASURES,
DEBBIE MOSS

Shellbelle said...

What a lovely cottage and blog you have here. I found you via Sarah's A Beach Cottage and have surely enjoyed my visit.

Duchess of Tea said...

In dreamland I am a duchess in reality I am a proud cottager who loves reading your comments. You are hilarious. Please don’t stop visiting my cottage; you brighten my day when you stop by for tea and humour.

Love & Hugs
Duchess xoxoxo

Heart in the country said...

What a lovely post, and what a beautiful part of the world you live in. I love the picture of your pig, we have hens but a pig is next on my list.....just have to persuade o/h.

Kx

purplesusie said...

Hi, have just found your blog, your pictures are wonderful, love the radio i have one in cream in my kitchen where i sit to plan my day and then go and do something different!!It must be the time of the year to reflect... the summer, gathering hedgerow fruits to make jams and jellies, looking forward to long evenings and lighting candles. Your cottage looks very cosy and inviting, do drop by and have a virtual cup of tea, the kettle is always on and there should be a slice of cake or a biscuit, homemade naturally.x

Cathy said...

I have really enjoyed backtracking to read all the posts I have missed on my blog break. Your blog is so interesting and it is lovely to see how you achieve your sustainable lifestyle. A good example for all of us to think about. I laughed about the animals running to the gate. I hope the chickens are safe and don't get eaten by wily old Mr. Reynard.

Those raspberries look delicious btw. Hope they tasted as good.

Jackie said...

No wonder you have so many comments. I have nothing to add but just to agree you are lucky.

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

It is such a lovely time of the year beautifully captured in these past coupe of posts. The selection of fruit and vegetables which are home grown is wonderful. So much tastier than the ones from supermarkets. I understand that feeling of retreating in to a safe little world behind the gate. I feel the same way about living here. It is a wonderful and comforting feeling! Enjoy your lovely harvest!
Isabelle x

Anna said...

Lovely post and photos!

Anna x

Calico Kate said...

Just beautiful, So important to take time to 'stand and stare' isn't it.
CKx

Anonymous said...

May I come and live with you....Please? Sylvia in So Calif.

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