The sheep were in the barn, but I didn’t see the donkeys anywhere. A single path in last nights snow, not a foot wide, snaked through the back pasture.
The path hugged the marsh and just before I got to the northernmost corner of the pasture, I saw Lulu in a stand of pussy willows and alders.
Then Fanny came from somewhere behind her, walking a narrow opening through the trees. They greeted me and I gave them each a bit of carrot I had in my pocket. When they saw I had nothing else for them, they turned back to where they had come from.
I followed them through the tangle of low twiggy trees. On the other side, the landscape opened up.
Most of the year walking here would mean being knee deep in grassy water and mud. But now the ground is frozen and covered in snow. I watched as Fanny dug in the snow with her hoof revealing long thin gray grass. She grazed on it while Lulu nibbled on thin red branches.
Although she wasn’t twenty feet away, I didn’t see the heron until she cupped her giant gray wings, then spread them wide and flew off.
Before I got there, the donkeys and great blue heron were peaceably sharing this small patch of earth together. In my mind I easily pictured the scene of the two species comfortable enough with each other to eat side by side.
It was me who scared the heron away.
Still I felt as if I’d been invited into this secret space, that is usually not a place I can wander. And for a moment I got a glimpse of what might go on there when I’m not there to witness it.
Not long after the heron flew away, I heard the baa of one of the twins. Asher and Issachar (and Fate) had slowly followed me into the back pasture.
The rest of the sheep were not far behind. And soon we were all in that secret space together.
A beautiful, spiritual tableau. Thank you very much Maria.
Thanks Maggie.
This was just the adventure I needed today! Thank you, Maria!
I often think of you when I do pieces were we go into nature like this Fran. I know you’ve said how much you like them.
Amazing – like following the narrow path into Fairy Land. How special for you!
That’s what it felt like Peg. :)
So special and secret and beautiful.
Wonderful photos!
Maria!! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful, calm, serene scene!! Just what I needed this Monday morning. Keeping above the wild and crazy times we are living in.
So glad to be able to do that Marilyn.
I am really captivated by the scene in the marsh with Constance leading and the following sheep framed so beautifully in the background light with the snow-covered plants.
I don’t have the words in mind, just that that scene is filling my heart and soul.
Thank you, Maria.
Oh Terri, I loved that it evoked something special for you. No words necessary, like trying to explain a poem. :)