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We Are Flying Solo

March 8, 2010

Little Melodies

I often feel sorry for people who don't spend time outside, who never know the companionship of animals.  They always have the iThingies plugged in, television on, accelerator down.  Their senses are dulled, drowned in the meaningless cacophony that our culture hurls at us daily.  And they are missing the sweetest music I have ever heard.

Just today, I am struck with the notes:  in a peaceful, sunny barn aisle, my left hand rests on warm, red hair while my right guides a soft brush in its particular rhythmic chord over Solo's side.  Pay attention to that sound next time you groom your horse, there is a real, earthy caress in its tone.  In the stall next to us, there is the ever-present, ever-pleasant undertone of another gelding munching grass hay.  The burbling arpeggio of a bluebird wafts in the open doorway.  I can almost feel my heartbeat slowing and the aching tension slowly begins to leak out of my muscles.

It's a quiet symphony that continues as I sit bareback, Solo's head stretched down to some early spring grass along the fenceline.  He keeps up a steady rhythm of pull and chew while his tail makes a gentle, slow, swishing counterpoint at a few early stray gnats.  The soft breaths of an inquisitive mare through the fence boards add a higher harmony.

You may never hear it on the radio, although it's not because such peaceful music is rare.  It will never win a Grammy, but that is not because it is poorly arranged.  But drinking it in doesn't cost a thing other than allowing it an opening of silence through which to enter your life.  Take a sip; you may find yourself enriched in ways you never knew existed.  Maybe you too will know the joy of feeling your pulse hum in tune to the ancient song of horse, of nature, of life that persists beyond the edge of any attempts to drown it out.  It is always there, just waiting for you to listen.  

13 comments:

  1. Beautifully written.

    I wish I had a job that took me outside more often. I loved the summer we spent basically living outdoors...

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  2. Beautiful and you know you made me cry.

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  3. Awww, no crying now, happy thoughts, happy thoughts for all! Go hug your horses, everyone!

    PS, Breathe, I always take volunteers on stream work, hee hee hee!

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  4. What a great reminder!

    Today I got the music that comes from using a Shed-Flower to remove that powdery caked-on mud from a 16 hand horse... ears to tail. Not nearly as lovely as your song, but I appreciate every second of it! I'll appreciate it even more if I remember to pick up some particle masks!

    Another thing I love? When I leave the barn at night I can see the stars. I grew up in the country and living in more urban areas has made me really miss the stars. Just another natural benefit!

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  5. Living in a city for 6 months has made me appreciate the melodies of the rural lifestyle - the rush of a city is coarse and harsh compared to the sound of a grazing horse......

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  6. What a lovely, well-written tribute!

    I don't work outdoors, but I'm there as often as I can arrange! When I'm working in my garden, I don't wear an ipod or blast an outdoor stereo. I LOVE to listen to the sounds of nature, as you so eloquently described here! I can't imagine adding the sights and feel of being joined by your beautiful horse companion as well! Sigh!

    Thanks for this!

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  7. Oh, yes, the barn sounds are a cherished part of my daily life. I particularly love the step-pull-munch of hand-grazing...but my fave is the excited whinny as Salem comes charging in from his paddock to see me. That will always make me smile, no matter how my day went.

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  8. Oh thanks to all of you who shared your own wonderful songs, it's fun to hear!

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  9. Oh I loved this. The change of the seasons always puts me in a reflective mood. I love the chilly breeze and the warm sun and the sound of the birds chirping. Thank god for horses and the nature and beauty that surrounds them!

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  10. Oh, you write so well! I was attempting to read it to my mom, as we sit in the middle of the country on my grandmother's porch (the old country home is pre-civil war) but I had to pause because of a car speeding by with the stereo blaring and a jet passing overhead. Sigh. I am about to go riding, and then out kayaking, paddling until I can't hear a thing other than nature. There is no better sound.

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  11. The dip of paddles in water -- another peaceful sound! Especially if someone else is pulling the paddles!

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  12. Absolutely lovely, and so true. Glad you chose this for the Carnival of the Horses!

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  13. Thanks, Jane!!! I actually forgot I submitted it, so it has been fun to come back and read it and remind myself of that peaceful feeling.

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