Living in the country, aka "God's Country", "Middle of Nowhere", "Armpit of Hell", "20 minutes past the middle of nowhere" and many more, spring is greatly anticipated. In the last week we have experienced, Snow, Rain, Sleet, TERRIBLE wind gusts & more. We've also experienced the most perfect 70 degree weather, warm sun and gentle breezes. Welcome to Spring in the Utah Desert.
This morning I walked outside to take some photos (I'll add those at a later date) and I experienced a great flood of nostalgia.
It began with a barn. A Big barn, A barn where horses and cattle would find shelter from the same kinds of storms and crazy weather in days gone by. A long rope used to hang from the center beam and my kids would swing and squeal with great delight from a simple old rope. The same rope that little children who grew up to be old men and wise matriarchs would swing from.
This morning I walked outside to take some photos (I'll add those at a later date) and I experienced a great flood of nostalgia.
It began with a barn. A Big barn, A barn where horses and cattle would find shelter from the same kinds of storms and crazy weather in days gone by. A long rope used to hang from the center beam and my kids would swing and squeal with great delight from a simple old rope. The same rope that little children who grew up to be old men and wise matriarchs would swing from.
A manger, still filled with hay was nestled just inside the giant door. Dollies wrapped in swaddling clothes as the Nativity story was retold and reenacted for baby brothers. Many cats became momma cats as their kittens were born there.
A giant room for whispered secrets both big and small with a loft overhead where nimble feet pranced on creaky floorboards & mothers held their breath after ordering a swift dismount.
In days of grey dispair and heartache, the old barn stood, a gentle reminder of strength and endurance. Boards snapped and tin recoiled, doors sagged and beams became unsteady, but the old barn stood and weathered it all until the bitter end.
Some young entrepreneurs with visions of greenbacks persuaded a kind-hearted woman into letting them tear it down in order to sell the barnwood. I tried really hard not to cry as they mocked the craftsmanship and innovative foundations. I reminded myself that they were young and immature and that I was just a sappy ol' broad. It didn't help. I still cried.
And today there is very little traces of the old barn left. A cement slab, some random planks and old hinges, and one more thing. The old giant beam minus the rope that will someday, once again, reclaim it's rightful place of beauty. I promised to honor this land for as long as I lived here & today, in my springtime musings, I'm so grateful to be a part of this land where old barns and old souls feel like home.
God's Country....yeah, that feels right....Let's go with that.
3 comments:
VERY poetic, Melanie. What a nice story you painted. Wow.
I feel like we are so blessed to live here. It's funny that you wrote about barns in particular. Part of me know that one day Lou and Janet's barn will come down, and it makes me sad. It is so huge and strong. It amazes me that it has stood there for so many years. The work that went into it is amazing. It reminds me so much of spring time trips to Spring Glen where I would walk with my great-grandpa down to his barn and chicken coop to check on the sheep and get eggs. Thanks for the reminder- I love it!
Love it! I used to play in that barn......fun, fun, fun....I just love Holden. And growing up there was GREAT!
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