Courses,  Craft,  Plants & Trees

Joy of Simple Things

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness.” John Keats

Frost on eryngium

Today was not extraordinary in any way, I woke to the movement of Fiona wriggling herself in to my lap for our ritual daily spoon. I know it’s just a simple thing but one I cherish even look forward to, it’s one of the greatest joys of my life, a simple embrace filled with love for each other.

Frost on Szechuan pepper

Then we rose to feed the animals, Fiona put hay and straw down for the cows and I fed the chickens and collected their eggs. I noticed the wonderful scene left by last nights frost and thought I would take a few photos.

Frost on Purple Sprouting

Nothing outstanding I know unless you look closely to see the amazing and unique patterns left by natures simple cold wonder.

Frost on Nero di Toscana

Fiona came to find me in the garden and see what  I was doing, we spend some time sharing the view and discussing the display and end up touching each other and exchanging a kiss.

Frost on Purple Sprouting 2

We return to the house and share our thoughts over breakfast and a coffee from a hand-made mug a local craftsman made. Then we have to go out to see a new supplier for our hay as our neighbour who usually provides for our needs is short this year. We are to meet the grandfather who will show us to the hay loft and what’s on offer.

Frost on Lavender

When we discus delivery Fiona mentions we can’t take delivery on Saturday because I’m exhibiting my woodturning at the village Christmas fair, his face lights up and he marches us to his little museum. On entry we discover we have seen his work on display at different country fairs and shows for the last ten years or so, but never met the man behind the work. What a pleasure to see someone who loves to create with his hands and loves to share that passion with anyone who might find joy in his work.

Frost on Curly Kale 2

I spend the afternoon making wooden bowls on my lathe, indulging myself in my own passion with warm thoughts of the man we met in the morning and the passion he shared with us so generously.

Frost on Eryngiums

We ate dinner from wooden bowls sitting on the sofa watching downloaded TV shows and discussing the past day and what we have to do tomorrow.

Frost on Curly Kale

Perhaps there will be another frost overnight and different scenes to photograph, but we will start the day spooning and enjoy the simple pleasure.

“Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let’s not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.”

Henri Nouwen