* The Country Fair

I want to say Thank You to those of you who left me comments yesterday.  I have to tell you, for whatever reason, I was shocked.  I found myself weeping at one point.  All that loveliness!  All that support!  Such beautiful souls you are.  How can I tell you how very dear you are.  ... and very special.  ... and very appreciated.  XXOO


Late 1960's.  England.

The moors, the hills the dales, the rolling patchwork quilt of winding roads and twisty paths and stiles over fences that lead me to the secret places of the past, where antiquated merry go rounds play their magic tunes.  The music drifts unnoticed from hill to hill and falls upon the ears of those who cannot see the horses.  The ponies, handsome perfection in their best bib and tucker - painted and shining in every detail of their ancientness.  I find myself longing to ride, loosing myself to history in the music box sound of their score.  The thought of taking a pony home crosses my mind.  And then I envision seven of them in a circle,  facing a cocktail bar in the middle for party purposes.  I smile to myself.  The thought pleases me.  I bring myself back to reality. 

The organ grinder, grinding out his happy tune with the monkey on this shoulder, so out of sync with this time and place.  A small crack into the past.  The monkey enjoying his day, sitting comfortably atop his masters shoulder.  I muse in times not so long ago, pet monkeys were a popular and common site as people promenaded in the great parks of London to see and be seen.  Ah what days those must have been.

The massive steam tractors puffing and huffing noisily, whilst by their side gigantic, magnificent, gentle work horses toil in silence.  Each lost in their own beauty and dignity.  The miniature steam tractors, so fascinating to small wide eyed boys familiar only with electricity and toys with batteries.

The sheep dogs tending their sheep.  So fascinating to watch.  So beautifully trained and willing to work because it is in their blood.

Another moment in time.  A little time machine of sorts.  Another afternoon which transports me back and away from reality.  I find it magical. This is what Europe does to me.  The villagers.  The Lords and Ladies.  The Squires and the Barons.  All in one enchanting day at an English Country Fair.

“One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”

I have to add this quote by Maya Angelou.  It was on my facebook page and I very much agree with her.  What do you think? Life is pure adventure, and the sooner we realize that, the quicker we will be able to treat life as art.