The bend in the road
See that header photo which has been residing there for months? It’s a bend in the road.
In two weeks, we return to Dublin and with our return comes an opportunity for a bit of country living, which has been given to our family. A life experiment, as it were. A metaphorical bend in our journey, and perhaps likewise, an opportunity to tap into a hidden reservoir of the pioneering spirit.
Warning—Quick Definition Diversion: By ‘pioneer’ I am using the 19th-Century-North-American-Woman meaning, not the Tea-Totalling-Abstaining-From-Alcohol Irish definition…
The incredible difficulty of everyday life for these women dampened neither their enthusiasm nor resourcefulness for beautiful and practical things. I would love to be a pioneer woman! Okay, I say that with the rosiest of glasses sitting on my nose, enjoying my modern conveniences and having read too many ‘Little House’ books.
A reminder of her weekly chores, this song was sung by Ma Ingalls—
Wash on Monday
Iron on Tuesday
Mend on Wednesday
Churn on Thursday
Clean on Friday
Bake on Saturday
Rest on Sunday
If I were to organise such working of the hands, my own song might sound like this—
Knit on Monday
Garden on Tuesday
Weave on Wednesday
Craft on Thursday
Photograph on Friday
Bake on Saturday
Reflect on Sunday
Ya know, I’m looking forward to this bit of diversion…to see what sort of country life we’ll live and whether the pioneering spirit is alive and well in me. And so the next couple of weeks I’ll be taking a little time to organise my thoughts, re-organise my blog and tap into my inner pioneer.
Now that we’ve taken this path, the next header photo will need to reflect this new direction…telling a simple tale from The Bell House in the Dublin Mountains.
You know, I’m so envious of you, if you actually have a working bell on your new place. Fabulous. One of the things we miss about where we live now is hearing church bells … but it’s almost made up for by being able to hear the train whistle, from across the water.
I wish you luck in your new endeavor. I’m certain that you’ll thrive.
10 Aug 2007 at 2:04 am
I’m really interested to see how things go, too! Except, will you be without the internet?
I’m flexible and resourceful, but I don’t think I’d have a good time without hi-speed internet anymore, maritally speaking. Darren and I met online, and computer/internet is a huge factor in our relationship. I worry that we won’t be able to afford it once we find our own place and start paying rent…and I get scared.
I need to go knit right this minute. Heh.
10 Aug 2007 at 4:19 am
i look forward to reading about your pioneering. sometimes just adhering to a simpler life is being a pioneer. i echo davimack’s comments, i am certain that you will thrive and i am a bit envious! have a great last couple of weeks. take care.
10 Aug 2007 at 5:05 am
as I gaze up at the Dublin mountains every morning, will you hear me ***sigh*** with envy? I look forward to living the country life vicariously through A Simple Yarn
10 Aug 2007 at 11:23 am
I like the sound of YOUR pioneering song best. Good luck with your new home and hope its really enjoyable. Its lovely in the Dublin mountains, especially as its not too far a drive outside of the city. Plenty of sheep for wool gathering too! Enjoy your last few weeks holidays and looking forward to all the news when you arrive back.
10 Aug 2007 at 2:50 pm
Sounds like such an adventure! I really do look forward to hearing about your “simple” life as it unfolds.
11 Aug 2007 at 8:10 pm
Judging by the ditty and history, those pioneer women worked themselves to death. Watching all the episodes of “Frontier House” on PBS was a real eye opener.
I did love the Little House books though.
13 Aug 2007 at 2:12 pm
Nah - not worked to death, really … so much as had the calcium & other minerals leeched out of them as they had all those babies to work the farm….
13 Aug 2007 at 6:22 pm
I always wanted to be Laura!
Enjoy your last 2 weeks, you will be home soon enough
13 Aug 2007 at 8:05 pm
DH and I were just talking tonight about the Inggalls’ way of life. The simplicity, independence, and hard honest work are very appealing. Technology razzle-dazzles, but it makes life more complicated and hectic for some reason. I look forward to hearing about your upcoming life adventures.
19 Aug 2007 at 2:22 am
I learned how much work the simple life requires after the 13 yrs on the farm. I look forward to your experiences as a reminder of what I left behind and what is here, now.
22 Aug 2007 at 4:59 pm