People who live in cities often have a romantic view of rural living. It usually runs to something like having a quiet existance pottering in an idyllic landscape, surrounded by peaceful 'cute' animals, with everything and everyone cooperating.
Why is it that when people from a city buy a piece of land and build a house in the country never accept that their view of country living and the real one are at opposite ends of the pole?
Each day I explain to people how eggs come into existance - and no, the hens don't need a rooster to lay eggs. They need a rooster to lay fertile eggs. Then there's the parents with small children who let them run everywhere unrestricted. Over flower and vegetable beds, chase the ducks, try to push their fingers up the horse's nose or hold a chicken upsidedown to see if they really do go into a trance. Sigh. It is at times like this that I must bite my tongue, but I'm not always successful at that and have had to interven when children are in imminent danger of being trampled or bitten by the horse or the animials are in danger from the children. It seems the parents have no idea that any of this is going on at the time. No idea until I raise my voice or pull the children physically away from whatever they are molesting at the moment.
I enjoy rural living. I enjoy the animals and being self sufficient in what I grow and eat. I enjoy the lifestyle for the most part. But interaction with the public who think my farm is a playground in a city centre drives me nuts! So if you're out there reading this and want to visit, please do so, I'd love to see you. But do me a favour, keep your kids on a leash while you're here, ok?
I am nearing completion of my 'weeds' drawing. I have probably another 3 or 4 hours work left to do on it then it will be finished. I am pleased with the depth and tones in it even if the detail is time consuming and a little like putting a jigsaw puzzle together at times.
And another self portrait started late last night. Its not complete but coming along. Another hopefully tomorrow if there is time.Technorati tags: rural, art, drawing, self portrait, sketch, graphite, derwent
2 comments:
Your words are so true Jeanette. I am always watching friends little kids that stick there fingers and in any crack and never think of Black Widows.
Another excellent self portrait!
I don't know Mary, perhaps I'm getting old and cranky but I'm sure my kids never were allowed to run riot when out in public or at anyone else's property.
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