remembering

mollie with her poppy

This weekend the children at the stables made sure all the animals were wearing their poppies and made sure the people had them too. I like that Rememberance Day has a visual symbol. But everyday when I amble through the churchyard at the start of my walk I'm reminded, even when its not Rememberance Day. The huge cross that bears the names of all the villagers who lost their lives in the World Wars looms large. Sometimes I stop and read them, many families lost more than one son, it makes my heart ache. 

Radio Four had a fantastic programme this morning about the Art of Remembrance. One artist and soldier wanted his art to remind people to live full lives so that those who lost theirs didn't die in vain.

I'm also reminded today of one of my favourite books, A Farewell to Arms. A new edition came out a few months back that includes the 47 alternate endings Hemingway wrote for the novel. I've wanted to get it, I love to see an artist's process but I can't help wondering if he would have wanted his readers to see this process. Read more about the new edition here. 

The sun shone brightly yesterday and today so Gracie and I headed out to our favourite wood and took in the colour. Though we got stuck here and there in the squelchy mud it was gorgeous and crisp out.

The dog hopped over branches, we munched on chocolate tucked in our pockets and let the sun shine on our faces. After she found the perfect branch to make herself a new bow we headed home to soak up the warmth of the Rayburn. A perfect kind of autumn day, and one that felt very full indeed.

I hope yours was very full too.

Jx

Comments

[Lyn]

What a beautiful post,I will listen to that link so thank you. Those photos are so beautiful, and so colourful! X

[margie]

what a beautiful post
i was listening to an amazing story of a man who escaped from Poland and lost his entire family in the second world war. A story very close to home.
xo

[Patricia]

I love how memory and history are always threaded through your wanderings. That's just how you see the world, isn't it, with all its rich connections? I admire that about you and find that richness in your photos of where you live, what you see on your walks. I think you'd make a wonderful travel guide; that's how I feel when I visit your blog, like I've just visited a place that I've dreamt about. And have I asked you if you've read Susanna Kearsley? I kept thinking of you and your new home when I read "Mariana."

[joanie]

Awww, thanks friends.
I am still, even 15 years later, in awe of the history and beauty of my adopted home. As a lover of history and literature I'm sure I'll never lose my appreciation for the place.