Today there is a touch of melancholy in the air. it woke up with me this morning, settling gently on my shoulders, giving no specific reason for its visit. It is allowed to visit, so long as it’s a short visit and so long as it does not become insistent. I will, however, ignore it because although it is allowed to visit, it is not truly a friend and I do not welcome it nor will I offer it a comfortable chair or a cup of coffee.
I went out the other morning to finish mowing the north side of our yard, where pine cones had taken up residence and inhibited the shearing of the grass to a acceptable level. The pine cones had been dispersed, the grassy area was open and calling to me, so I accepted its invitation. The lawn tractor greeting me with a smile, knowing it was needed and I was ready to take it out for a bit of a run. I must confess the run only lasted for about an hour because the wind was visiting us once again, and it brought with it a chill that cut through into my bones.
I went out with camera around my neck, just because you never know what might present itself, what might appeal on that day. Across the road, our neighbor has a collection of electrical insulators. He works for the local power company, which position I’m sure gives him access to additions for his collection. He has many more than I am sharing here, but this row appealed to me because of the daffodils blooming quietly alongside, adding color and cheer. Did you know that this hobby is not limited to just my neighbor? Last summer, there was a “convention” of collectors at his place. They arrived in RVs and pick-up trucks, some of them pitching tents in his yard. A gathering of insulator-collecting buddies. So nice for him.
This little globe was brought to us by some very dear friends when they returned from their cruise through the Panama Canal. It is a beautiful keepsake, in this view showing a part of places I have visited, others that I might like to visit some day. My son, my Gep, has accepted a teaching position for next year in Muscat, Oman. Maybe, just maybe, I might have the opportunity to visit him while he’s there. If I do, I shall be very particular about the time of year, as temperatures with highs hovering around 100 and lows hovering around 85 to 90 do not appeal to me. Those are the temperatures Weather.com is showing me in the mornings when I check these days. Gep says the trick will be to stay in air conditioning, and hope that there will be shade to walk through when you must go outside.
A softer note in this final photo, of the older girls, Bailey and Twiggy. They were sleeping as I approached, but as soon as I removed the lens cover from the camera, their heads popped up. The lesson here is to prepare to take a picture from further away, and hope that works.
Watching the birds on this morning that dawned cloudy but is becoming sunny – a welcome change – it appears they are becoming more serious about choosing their nest box and preparing for this year’s offspring. The bluebirds are defending the house of their choice, but considering that maybe they like the next one on the block too. They are most welcome, but getting greedy is not a good thing. The swallows think they should have the house currently occupied by the nuthatches, but those little nuthatches have gumption and are not giving up.
That’s what we all need, don’t you think? Gumption, the courage to not give up.
I feel like we just went for a morning walk together. Thanks for sharing.
Melancholy, “…I do not welcome it nor will I offer it a comfortable chair or a cup of coffee.”
Amen!
Love your thoughts on melancholy. Allowing, but not welcoming.
Regarding prepping for your photo from a greater distance – sometimes I swear they know what you’re doing anyway, and will STILL pop their heads up to check you out.
Oh Carol, what a poignant description of melancholy with it’s many nuances and colors. Love hearing the unfolding bird-stories that are happening in your yard. I’m thinking there is much to be learned from our bird friends
Melancholy comes to us all.I was feeling this way last night. Must be cautious that melancholy doesn’t invite it’s second cousin, depression, along for the visit. The two of them are a dangerous combination. Tanner used to get “weirded out” when I came with the camera. Now, he just looks at me with a “here she goes again” look.
Have a relaxing weekend, my friend.
Here’s hoping today only joy visits you! (And your readers of course)
I am glad you found a way to acknowledge your melancholy and then gently pass it off, through your actions and words. It is healthy to recognize it, but then to try to move on. I am sure those birds and your darling pets will bring you more cheer today as well.
Gumption is a good thing – and I believe melancholy doesn’t like it and won’t stay too long while it’s around! Sorry you are feeling a little low. May it pass quickly!
Your neighbour’s collection makes me smile. What a strange thing to collect! But there you go, people will collect just about anything so long as it changes with time and provides collecting opportunities!
I like that you sat with melancholy, allowing it to exist, not urging it to go away. Sometimes we tend to try to get rid of those moods or feelings too quickly. I am learning to sit with mine like a dear friend, listening to what melancholy wants to share through her feelings. So often the very act of sitting patiently with her makes her dissolve so quickly. Glad you are a friend to your feelings, Carol.
A wonderful description of a some-time acquaintance of us all. And insulator collectors! Who knew!