When it comes to the question "would you rather live in the city or the countryside?", I have to vote for the rural life. Of course, for me, countryside means the "green and pleasant" fields and woodland of an English landscape, hillsides dotted with cotton wool sheep. More recently, I have come to love the rugged, windswept places of Scotland with a passion.
Cities may be where the action is, but for me the countryside is timeless. I love the connection to those who were here before and who wandered the same lanes, crossed the same stream, paused on the same hilltop to look at a view not much changed across the stretch of years.
The names of wildflowers, and the traditions and uses surrounding them, are another thread that continues from generation to generation. And the pleasures of a country childhood are simple ones that revolve around the thrill of discovery and the joy not of simply looking on but of being part of the wild world of nature.
Poet, musician and preacher-in-training LizMac60 had a country childhood in Devon, which is an especially lovely part of rural England, located in the south west of the country. Through the ups and downs of her life, she has clearly retained this love of nature in general and of Devon in particular. To quote from her biography on Squidoo: By far the greater part of my life has been lived in the countryside in Devon England. How blessed I am.
This makes Liz the perfect guide to take us on a nature walk, and that's exactly what she does in Down a Devon Lane. With photos and an engaging commentary, Liz leads us on a tour of her beloved countryside, beginning in her own village. Along the way, she points out flowers and leaves, which she names for us, and spies a bee among the campions. The delights of nature come alive with her friendly conversation and to read this article it really does feel as if you were right there beside Liz as she shares anecdotes and even a couple of poems of her own composition.
One of these begins: There's nothing so grand / As a walk in the country. If you fall into step beside this charming walking companion and take a stroll down her Devon lane, I am certain you will agree.
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Visit: Down a Devon Lane
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ReplyDeleteWonderful find, Nickie! I went through the Giant program with Liz and always enjoyed reading her lenses, but hadn't seen this one. She has such reverence for the Devon lane. I too have found on my travels that I much prefer exploring the countryside to the big cities.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Nicki for your lovely review. I find it most encouraging.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised by how much Devon looked like my slice of heaven here in Woodland. Lovely write up Nicki...I could not wait to walk Down the Devon Lane!
ReplyDeleteIt never ceases to amaze me when I am expecting one thing, but I am blessed by another.
ReplyDeleteAs you suggested, I thoroughly enjoyed my walk down a Devon lane. The photos were quite lovely, but the poetry settled in my heart like the whisper of an old friend.
Thank you for suggesting this lens. It was well worth the time.
Oops, I forgot to tell you, I love those beautiful blue cornflowers!
ReplyDeleteWould love to visit Liz's Devon. What a wonderful guide Liz is! And it sure makes me want to be in the country right now! All that lush nature and things to explore. Very nice choice, Nicki.
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