Gerry and I took a drive up into the grasslands yesterday, stopping now and then to take photos.
Each time I stepped out of our vehicle I was struck by the silence, the sweet spring smells, the warmth of the sun on my shoulders, and an overwhelming calm fell upon me.
Nature does that if we let it.
Dusty roads beckoned us to travel them, old derelict houses whispered mysteries of a bygone era, sleepy doe-eyed free-range cattle glanced our way as we passed. Our imaginations were ignited.
Birdsong, from birds whose name I don’t know filled the air. Flowers whose name I don’t know adorned the fields as far as the eye could see.
Somewhere along the line, the value of these wild flowers–weeds, some might say–has been diminished in our eyes. We covet orchids and exotic roses and birds of paradise for the vases that fill our homes and office buildings. We forget that there is a simple and timeless beauty just outside of our back door if we head to the quiet of the country.
These wild flowers often grow in harsh habitats, they have adapted themselves so that they flourish in the midst of conditions that would make short work of those more exotic blooms. They are strong; they are hardy; and yes, they are beautiful too.
Next time you see a wildflower–a weed, if you prefer–stop and take notice of its simple beauty. Consider its ability to persevere and to bloom right where it is planted. Year after year.
There’s a lesson there.
Lovely – both photo and text!
Thank you!
I agree with Marian. When I see abandoned houses out in the wilderness, I often wonder…what happened to that family?
I do too, Karen. In the case of this grand old place I think the family moved to the newer house that wasn’t too far away. Hard to say for sure. One day I want to take a trip through the Saskatchewan prairie (And ND would be perfect for this too!) and photograph old farms. There’s so much history there!
Oh, boy – there is lots of that up here! Prairie, abandoned houses, barns, etc. I should grab a friend and take a day and do just that. I’d also like to get out to the badlands and go through the area of prairie grasses again – that went on for miles and miles and miles!
ND is much like my home province Saskatchewan. Every year when it warms up I get a huge hankering for some prairie time. Once a prairie gal always a prairie gall I suppose. You should do it! Lots of writing inspiration to be found I’d wager!
This is a beautiful post, Linda. I love the prairie. Our state (Colorado) is known for the mountains, but half of it is prairie and there is so much beauty there. That old house just beckons to be sketched or painted. It is hauntingly beautiful.
Thank you, Karen. Your post today is equally beautiful! I enjoyed seeing the beautiful Colorado scenery (especially the hay bales!). I agree, the house here is amazing. Oh, the stories I imagine it could tell!
test again