Archive for
Remembering Old Wives Tales
Wise Woman
The other day I was helping my husband move his 80-year-old mother into a smaller place. Since all the furniture was not set up, we had her stay with us for a few days until she got settled. Her and I were taking a much-needed break at end of a long day and having a cup of tea. She was gazing out the window looking over to the chicken pen when she said to me in her dutch language that it was going to rain in a day or two because the chickens were still scratching and it was after 7:00pm. I had never heard of that before and it got me thinking of other “old wives tales” that have been passed on over the ages. I decided to list some of the ones I found interesting.
- When the swallows fly high it will be a nice day, when they fly close to the ground it will rain
- Chickens will follow the sun eating if they are not penned in
- Don’t tie the rope until the calf is born (Belgian saying) or don’t count your chicks until they hatch
- A cow in calf will have a bull if the hair is standing up between her horns, and a heifer if it is laying down
- If the mist or fog is close to the ground the day will be nice
- If peacocks are making lot’s of noise it is going to rain
- If it rains on Easter Sunday, it rains seven Sundays after
- Never give a knife as a gift or it will sever the relationship
- Some people are penny wise, but pound foolish
These saying give me a chuckle and I guess some have a lot of truth in them, but what I am wondering is will we have any tales we that will be remembered in the future? Do we have modern day old wives tales to pass on? Maybe they will come in a different form like something to do with the internet or computers or social media. I just think it would be a shame if this generation did not have any everyday sayings to pass on to the next.
I enjoy old wives tales, just like I have always enjoyed the Farmers Alamanac to predict the weather. I suppose in the agriculture era this all was very important.
If you have any interesting “old wives tales” that you remember, would love to have you share them in this blog.
Until next time, and remember if you are a taking a photograph always look behind you, you may just see a better view.
Feeling Like I Am Not Alone
A place to ponder you thoughts
Today’s world is changing rapidly and as a woman in her 50’s trying to not only learn all things technology but keep up with it is quite a challenge. I started writing my blog because I enjoy rural life, draught horses, and the people who live these lifestyles. But recently I have had second thoughts on all of this. Who today is going to read a blog about a culture that seems to be leaving in today’s fast pass world? How can you build a business with images that the general public are not interested in? I felt like I did not have anything of interest to say or photograph that could relate in today’s culture. I was just about ready to scrap this blog and rethink my business, when I decided to read some of my followers blogs and others that I have enjoyed.
http://betweenourselvesandourland.wordpress.com/
I think what I determined the enemy (internet, computers, technology ) to rural living is the thing that may just help to keep it alive. People with the same passions connecting and sharing their lifestyle is inspiring not only to me but to others living or dreaming of the same things.
So I want to thank all of you living out on a back road somewhere and writing your experiences and stories. You are helping this photographer and blogger to stay on the right path. The one a bit less traveled.
I will be photographing a group of men here in Belgium that are going to be plowing with their horses this weekend and going to an old timers” fair and I will post the photos here on my blog.
Have a great week.
Women have a DNA to love horses.
Have you ever noticed that where ever you find a horse you will usually find many women? The Kentucky derby is a very popular event and the women love to attend it as much as the men but for completely different reasons. They are not interested in the betting and competition, they just love being around the beauty of the horse.
Yes the cowboy was popular in the west, but that is because of the rough and tumble lifestyle that was required back in that time. There is a DNA factor going on here. The “horse loving” DNA in women is similar to the “sport” DNA in men. Men love to watch, attend, and participate in sports of some kind or another. It brings out the masculine part of them that wants to conquer something. Horses bring out the DNA of gentle beauty to women. The horse is one of the most beautiful animals on this earth because of the elegant way they move and strong muscles that define their bodies. Women are attracted to the gentle masculine part of the horse.
We start out loving them in fairy tales, then when we are old enough want to ride them, and if the gene is really strong we seek to own our own horse. We love caring for them and often time will put them first in our life. It is a similar gene to taking care of children but it goes deeper than that. Women have a special relationship with their horse. We possess a quiet understanding of them and what they need and in return just their presence makes us feel safe.
So if you are wondering why women usually dominate the sport where a horse is involved, it is because our DNA for the horse is stronger than the need to compete which why during competition women are usually thinking of the horse rather than the prize. The horse is not an animal that can handle conflict or force, it is their nature to run from threatening situations. Women understand this and seem to nurture this part of the horse’s nature. This is why women can get so much more out of a horse than most men.
I have seen a few men that can really contact to a horse and understand that bold masculine power is not going to get them anywhere. I also happen to be married to one of these such men. He understands horses and knows just how to take the time to get through to them. I am not sure why there are just a handful of men like this, but it is a rare quality.
But generally women and horse have a deep connection that makes them perfect match and it all has to do with the DNA women carry for the of “love of horses”
Windmills, What Are They Used For?
Windmill in Belgium used to grind grain that is used for making bread.
Windmill in Colorado used for pumping water for livestock in the summer months.
I have always had a fascination with windmills. When I see them in the sky twirling and twirling in the wind I getting a feeling of freedom and fascination. I could watch one all day. When I find myself on a rural road, if there is a windmill on the horizon I am heading that way.
Last week I posted the photo of the windmill here in Belgium and a friend of mine was asking what was the purpose of a windmill. That question took me by surprise because I assumed everyone knew what windmills were all about. But her question got me thinking that maybe some people, particularly people who do not find themselves in rural areas might want to know the history of windmills.
Here is a great article all about their history and use so next time you see one or maybe a photograph of one, you will have a better understanding of how they work and vary uses they provide.
http://telosnet.com/wind/early.html
So for now I will continue to photograph the ones I come across while traveling the back roads and rural areas.
Until next time. Thanks for reading my blog.
Taking The Back Roads 