Springtime On The Farm

Took lots of photos on the long weekend of May (18-21st) at the family's farm in Springfield, NB.

Gracie, my smiling girl in the dandelions! 

NOTE: This would be her last time running free in the fields at the farm, she left this world a week later (May26).  Her little heart gave out on her as we were getting ready to go for our morning walk she passed away in my arms very shortly afterwards.  She now rests easy in the fields she loved to roam. I had no way of knowing that this would be the last picture I would take of my sweet little Gracie.

She came into my life almost four years ago to the day, and she stole my heart completely from the moment I laid eyes on her. She was the sweetest, most affectionate dog I have ever known, and Bailey and I miss her desperately. Bailey has not been the same dog since it happened, and that breaks my heart more than anything. I hope that she will come around or we may have to get another puppy dog sooner rather than later.

Because I rescued Gracie we were never really sure of her exact age, but I always prayed that I would be able to give her as many good years as she had bad ones starting out. I think we just about made it.

 Bailey sitting in the dandelions watching the birds fly by...

I never tire of the view from my Mom's kitchen window at the farm... 

This old fence has been around for a long time, echoes of what use to be

Rest in peace my sweet girl, you loved me well and I adored you in return, you filled my heart with your gentle presence. 

Timeless Treasures

It's funny how you grow up with things, looking at them day after day, and never really notice them at all. The wooden silverware chest sat on top of the china cabinet for all of my growing up years, opened only on those rare occasions, like when "special" company came, and of course, Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. The "fruit" bowl was a permanent fixture on top of the silverware chest as well, containing over the years a varying assortment of ephemera; important papers, report cards, pill bottles, spools of thread and yarn. The knitting needles were a constant as well, especially in the winter, when they were likely to be attached to the latest pair of mittens, socks or a hat that was being created. "Make sure you don't pull the needles out!" was a common refrain around our household.

Not once as a child do I ever remember stopping to look at the colour or the grain of the wood in that cabinet or that chest, and the bowl was just a glass bowl with pictures of fruit on it, filled always with something that overshadowed the delicate colours and artistry. Never did I consider the hardy, handcrafted array of accessories that I wore as anything to be cherished for its artisanship and quality that is coveted by many today.

I grew up surrounded by simple treasures, and in time my eyes were opened to their beauty and value, proving just how timeless they really are.