Pastoral Idyll

When I was at university studying for a degree in Classics, we translated a collection of poems by Virgil called 'The Eclogues'. These were all about celebrating life in the countryside and farm life; a 'pastoral idyll'. Recently I've been feeling the same about all things to do with the country and farming. This has got to the point where I even have Countryfile on series record and follow a farmer on Instagram! Oh dear.

We visited a farm today (not for me, it was one of Livia's presents, honest!). It was one of those petting farms, which is part farm, part playground and soft play. We had such a lovely day, just the four of us. These are my favourite days. Chloe was SO excited. She wouldn't stop running from one thing to the next. There was goat milking, pig races, pony rides and animal handling. I can't recommend these places enough for young children, especially if they like animals (probably good even if they don't, so they can get used to being around them). My favorite part was holding a lamb. I was far too excited for a 27 year old!

I am one of those dreamers who easily romanticises things and, once an idea gets into my head, I find it really hard to forget it. So farming is my current interest. I know I would make a rubbish farmer. I can't get my head around helping to bring animals into the world and caring for them, before sending them to slaughter, which is obviously a massive part of farming! I am in no way anti-meat, I just couldn't be part of that process. 

But I wonder whether a small, petting farm would ever be possible? I love the idea of my children growing up with a flock of sheep, couple of cows, goats, pigs, a pony and some ducks. With all the space of a farm and the outdoor living. I've seen programmes where farms are used to connect to children who are struggling to stay in school or children with disabilities. I dream of reaching out to families who are struggling in one way or another and seeing the same joy on their faces which I saw in Chloe today.

Ok, I'm getting completely carried away. But I thank God for dreams! They make life exciting and interesting. You never know what opportunities may come up! I am also thankful for my understanding husband who never sneers at my dreams but encourages them and entertains them, whilst keeping me grounded too. He doesn't even like animals very much but amazingly said 'I would learn to like them'. Wow. Thank you Lord for him.

I hope you don't mind me indulging in my dreams in this post. I wonder if I'm the only one who has ideas like this? Not really sure why I feel so strongly about it this evening. I blame the lamb!