Do you have sanctuary? Do you think it’s important to carve out a place where you can be alone with just your thoughts, perhaps the company of beloved companions nearby and no sound save that of the wind’s whisper, the lowing of the cattle, sheep bleating, horses neighing, bird song or other nature only sounds?
We’ve spent this summer putting the farm house, farm buildings and farm into order; preparing for winter’s winds and snow. We’ve yet to have a frost, very unusual, and the porch plants still look, remarkably, beautiful. Our porch sitting becomes earlier and earlier as we strive to catch the last rays and warmth of the sun, watching the dogs and cats play in the yard, the horses and sheep on the hills. The sun has lost his scornful heat and the chill of winter is creeping, subtly, into day light hours and always during the night. The bird feeders are full and birds are coming to feed, knowing they will be fed for the next six months or so, until God, in the form of nature, restores earth’s bounty.
I’ve been asked about the history of the farm and am preparing photos to go with the upcoming blog entries. It’s a fascinating history and we’re but the third stewards since the dreadful Great Late Unpleasantness as my friend, Leslie, says.
This time of year, Autumn, always finds me pulling close to the hearth, taking down summer curtains and putting up insulated drapes, washing windows so whatever sun shine is able to come closer into the house, laying down rugs, putting wool blankets and electric blankets on beds, gathering in knitting and quilting, making hearty meals and baking breads. Laying siege, as it were, against winter yet preparing to enjoy winter because I like the coziness and comfort of winter. I’m sure to lose a sheep, perhaps more, this winter because they are elderly and have old bones. Two of our dogs have old bones as well and need a bit more care and tenderness but, then, don’t we all?
We, all of us, walk a fine line between preparing for whatever may come and seizing the day. There are times I seem to think I’m doing rather well and other times I’m in a huddle, sobbing my heart out to God for His strength, grace, mercy and peace. It’s in those latter times I grow the most deeply and become more settled. It’s in those times I lose more of me and find more of Him.
In addition to blogging about our farm, I want to blog about our travels and, additionally, have a series of photo entries simply entitled ‘faces’. During our travels, there have been some wonderful moments when the face of a dear soul has been captured by the camera lens. You need to see those faces, trust me, you do. I’m burning daylight and will close with a poem by Sam Walter Foss. More than likely, you’ve read it before, either on my blog or elsewhere but, like anything good, it bears repeating.
As Sam Walter Foss said in his poem, The House By The Side Of The Road:
“There are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the peace of their self-content;
There are souls, like stars, that swell apart,
In a fellowless firmament;
There are pioneer souls that blaze their paths
Where highways never ran;
But let me live by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
Let me live in a house by the side of the road,
Where the race of men go by;
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I.
I would not sit in the scorner’s seat,
Or hurl the cynic’s ban;
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
I see from my house by the side of the road,
By the side of the highway of life,
The men who press with the ardor of hope,
The men who are faint with the strife.
But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears
Both parts of an infinite plan;
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by;
They are good, they are bad, they are weak,
They are strong,
Wise, foolish – so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner’s seat
Or hurl the cynic’s ban? –
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.”
When you choose carefully, you can have what matters and, ultimately, that’s all that matters.
Blessings ~ home ~ travel ~ roads ~ poets ~ grace ~ peace ~ love ~
Grace and Peace,
Sandra
Sheryl at Providence Acres Farm says
I like your blog!
"It's in those times I lose more of me and find more of Him." I love this sentiment! Amen!
KathyB. says
Beautiful verse and sentiments Sandra. I too love to make sure we are snug for winter and also look forward to hugging home and hearth with loved ones within, be they my family or furry family.
I am looking forward to seeing your pictures of your travels and faces .
from my front porch... says
We have been doing the same; preparing for Winter. I love this time of year. I don't feel quite as guilty for ending my day when the sun goes down. I love the time change! During Summer I feel compelled to work until dark. Oy.
You are both in our prayers, Sandra. Been sending up many, several times a day…
xo, misha
Paula says
Such a wonderful post, Sandra… I don't know how you do it, but the beauty in your words always brings a tear to my eyes!
This time of year I often think back to how it must have been 100 years ago, when families scurried about, preparing their homes and barns for winter… putting up as much food and hay as they could, knowing that would be all they had to sustain them for the next few months… and what faith they must have had believing God would provide and make it all last until spring… so many things to ponder on.
Lady Farmer says
Delightful!
Ms Muffin says
I love the photos!
Will be back …
Star says
Lovely pictures, lovely poem, thoughtful words. I so enjoyed your post today.
Blessings, Star
Anonymous says
This is one of the reasons I love blogging so…..this was one of mother's favorite poems. I have a poetry book that she received when she was 18 and she memorized so many of her favorites due to her failing eyesight. Imagine my surprise to see your post title!
Your posts have a way of calming me and it seems like we're gathered around the kitchen table in the bright sun just talking. Thanks for the memories.
Timi says
It is a heart-warming post!!! Thank you!
Deanna says
Dear One,
Enjoyed visiting you today and seeing the house on the side of the road.
I don't have a place in the country, but if I did I think this is where I would go to hear the silence that is so beautiful.
God bless,
d
Sweet Magnolias Farm says
Beautiful Post …I love hearing about your change of home for the seasons ..we have so little change here that really very little has to be done. But I do long for the colder months to curl up in my chair with a cozy blanket and just be. Life is good !
The Poem is Beautiful and one of my mothers favorites as I know she's mentioned it many times ..
Have a Beautiful Day and keep enjoying those sun filled porch moments.
Blessings ..Sara
myletterstoemily says
"let me live in my house by the side of
the road and be a friend to man."
lovely.
i visited your friend leslie but coudn't
figure out how to leave a comment about
how much i loved it.
i wanted you to know that i remember you
and your husband in my evening prayers.
please let me know, when you can, how
things are going.
Karen says
and p.s.. what kind of dog is Abbie? I think I'm in love!
Karen says
This… is beautiful.