Some things never change. I no longer live a corporate life but I do “go to work” here in the gallery (although it is so lovely being here it never feels like work). But what hasn’t changed is that, no matter what, I am always running late. I don’t have to open until 10 and it’s only a two-minute drive but, nevertheless, I am always racing down my dirt road trying to get here on time.
Today I faced a bit of a problem, though—a traffic jam—Truchas style. My neighbor’s cattle had gotten out of their pasture and were enjoying the fresh, blooming alfalfa on my road. And I tell you what, these guys made me forget the clock. The world wasn’t going to end if I didn’t arrive at the gallery right on time. So we moved slowly along my road, me cajoling out the window. I certainly didn’t want to scare or threaten them.
I’ve known the two adults since they were the size of their little one. And I’ve been stopping by to talk with them every day since the calf was born, trying to get her used to me. She was very wild at first (I met her about 10 minutes after she was born—she hadn’t even stood up yet, until my car startled her and she startled me as I drove past her pasture). Normally they’re in the fenced acreage in front of my house but, this morning, here they were on my road.
My friend, Kathy, has come up with names for them: Esme for the calf, Bella and Santiago. I think they are perfect!
I opened the gallery by 10:15, after a leisurely “stroll” with my neighbors, and the world did not shift on its axis. Just another nudge from the universe, another lesson, telling me that it’s okay to breathe—good even. The cattle were just my morning angels reminding me that I did, in fact, leave that corporate life of deadlines and time-clocks, and after 15 years, maybe it’s time to change some more old ways.
Love to you all,
Jeane
Not a bad way to start the day. Someone decided to hit the ‘pause’ button on the way to work. 🙂
Indeed “they” did. Lovely to have reminders in our lives helping to keep us conscious, isn’t it?
Love the traffic flow there…called meandering I think:)
It reminds me of the realization of freedom given away – when I see toddlers in public places flinging themselves about in fun – jumping up and down, skipping with their arms flailing, great grins the whole works…when/why did we stop doing that as we make our way down the side walk or even in a park? I always say “lets all join them” to those adults around me who are also watching..next time I’m just going to join in;)
XOXO
Grace
Yes, the cows were definitely their own version of that–and there was no not joining them! They personified peace and ease, a beautiful slowing down. Did you notice the little one has a heart on her hip?
Such a poignant moment you have captured here, recognizing how this sweet and gentle family gave you and all of us a special gift, teaching us to stop, appreciate, and honor an unfortunately all-too-brief glimpse of perfection.
They are truly beautiful, indeed. Lovely to see farm animals together as a family, moving across the landscape. Definitely not a factory farm environment. But, as you say, an all-too-brief experience, since most are not raised to live long lives on the land.