Living in a house which is more than 200 years old, I find myself wondering what went on here on almost a daily basis. If only these walls could talk. Who were the people who lived here? What did they worry about? How did they entertain themselves through those long winters? What were their dreams? How did this house and farm shape them to become the people they were?
These questions pop up every time I see an old building. When I drive around Weathersfield, I find myself asking these questions all the time. And when I see a wild animal crossing the road (like the black bear we saw last weekend) or trotting through the tall grass, I realize that these interactions between nature and human civilization have been happening forever. Maybe there’s a connection, or maybe it’s just a beautiful reality, but I love the thought that while we “progress”, nature and our history struggle to remain unchanged.
With that said, the next print I’m offering is of “Fox and Schoolhouse”- my attempt to capture that timeless exchange between structure and nature. Or history and wildlife. Or man and beast (Ugh. I hate that. They’re not “beasts”. Quite the opposite. We are!) How I wish that old schoolhouse in South Reading, Vt could tell me its stories. And that curious fox could tell me a thing or two too!
If you’d like to have your name entered for a chance to win this matted print (drawing will take place July 31, 2019 at 7 pm) please send me your email address through this form:
My small farmhouse is relatively new………..just a mere 105 years old. Originally part of the Woolworth Estate here in East Monmouth, Maine. For many, many years farmhands lived in the house while the huge barn became the beef barn for the Angus cattle. All had fallen into disrepair by the time I purchased in 2002. Once here, I converted the barn to box stalls for horses and did a major renovation to the house. Happily, it is now Skyview Farm with a view of the lake and pasture and paddocks for horses.
I thought that I filled out a contest form … but maybe I misunderstood what it was for. So I will elaborate on what I submitted, just in case THIS is the entry form.
Our house was built in 1865. We were able to purchase the house next to us, which previously was the Carriage House for our house. My husband and I frequently discuss the origin of these buildings and what the landscape might have been like, over 150 years ago. We are restoring the Carriage House and want to be as authentic as possible. We are interested in having the décor reflect the horses, buggies, saddles & bridles, and all things equestrian ! We imagine the horses grazing in the fields, the carriages being brought up to the house, and pony rides for children.
The wildlife is all around us, even though we are considered “in town.” We frequently see deer !!! Once we saw a stag, a deer, and 2 fawns. More often, we see small groups of does and fawns. it is such a pleasure to see them rest under our trees. One time, two fawns were left in the shade while the mother grazed. We enjoy co-existing with them. We know that the deer trail has been there for hundreds of years. One college professor told us that the deer were first. Then the Indians/Native Americans. Next came the trails of the pioneers. Later the roads for automobiles. Through all of the changes, the deer have lived among people. And we wonder how the horses and deer lived together and shared the grazing areas.
Thanks for giving me an opportunity to think about this aspect of life. Thanks for giving us a chance to enter your contest, too !!!
I live in a 200 year old house. My neighbor discovered a woman’s grave stone — we researched, and found that this stone was just reused; her grave is elsewhere — the stone was being recycled in her stone wall. Imagine a world before cheap plastics, when everything you made or bought had to last or be re-purposed into something else! Just looking out the wiggly glass on either side of our front door causes me to reflect on the many children, and adults who no doubt looked through that same glass — at horses, wagons, people, animals —
Your talent takes me back to a simpler time. ❤️
How I do identify with what you are talking about when an old building is in the picture, pun intended. I am an open hearth cook,quilter and gardener. When I am privileged to work in a historic house kitchen, literally the heart of the home, I listen carefully to what that hearth may be telling me. What were the emotions of the women who daily were responsible for the care of their family and home? What glorious memories and what heart aches does that hearth hold? And the table around which they gathered? Another story waiting to be heard. What a blessing that so many of these homes survive today.
Bonnie