Henry David Thoreau spent two years living on Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts in the mid 1800's. On its banks he built a small abode that he called home. It is here that he contemplated life as he explored on foot, fished and provided for himself, all of which, captured in his written journal. If you have ever had the enlightening experience of reading Walden, you know that it is bursting at the seams with quotes. I feel a connection with Thoreau. It is not only now, as I set out on my own adult adventure, but in high school as well as college his words touched a deep and familiar place inside of me. A kindred spirit I found in him through his words and imagery. Thus, don't be surprised if you read his words from time to time on The Cottage.
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."
My musical composition has brought me to the hamlet of Ghent in Columbia County. For two days of the week, and during holiday three to four days of the week, I live off a quiet County Road.
Spring has arrived with me. The field behind the cottage looks like lush green velvet with dew sprinkled on top and all of nature seems to be waking up from a deep sleep. As Thoreau observed, "...the coming in of spring is like the creation of Cosmos out of Chaos..."
While this entry is short on written detail, attached you will find a few images of spring that I captured this weekend at the cottage: Lilacs budding; an apple tree that literally came to life over night with its dainty light pink blooms; and a yellow plant that adds flecks of sunshine along the front of the cottage and is quite popular with the bumble bees -- if anyone can identify the yellow plant, please post, as I would love to know what it is -- it is approximately 6-8" tall and reminds me a bit of a snapdragon but more wild-like and with more greenery. It has been used to create a winding, two-foot deep border against the front of the cottage.
A few other signs of spring: treasures found at a roadside antique sale, including a wood and wicker rocker that will welcome weary guests and an old black leather travel suitcase/trunk which will hold board games and magazines ($20 for the pair!!); a few snapshots of some whimsical old mailboxes off a country road -- they make me smile every time I drive by; and open doors beckoning fresh spring breezes.
The flowers are beautiful....I need those treasurers in my booth. My favorite pic is the road....brings to mind many roads like that Dad & I traveled up East and took so much joy in exploring the countryside. Can't wait to visit AND maybe move in! :)
Posted by: Patty Briggs | April 26, 2010 at 05:13 PM