waiting for the snowdrops to open
An elderly farmer had a beautiful horse. One day it ran away. His neighbours came to commiserate with him on his loss, but all he said was, 'Who knows what's good; who knows what's bad.'
The horse returned, bringing with it several wild horses, and his neighbours came to congratulate him on his good fortune. All he said was, 'Who knows what's good; who knows what's bad.'
His son started to train the wild horses, but one of them threw him and he broke his leg. His neighbours came to sympathise with the farmer, but all he said was, 'Who knows what's good; who knows what's bad.'
The Emperor's army marched through the district, press-ganging every young man into service, but they did not take the farmer's son, as he had a broken leg. The farmers comment was still, 'Who knows what's good; who knows what's bad.'
The good and bad story, as promised. It also reminds me of a haiku, have you heard this one?
Barn has burnt down -
now
I can see the moon
Masahide
I can't tell you how many times over the past few years I have truly BELIEVED this with all my being (I seriously doubt you'd believe me if I told you half of what I've been through these past three years). This is my life...I can't call it good, I can't call it bad, things happen and all I can do is accept it and try to focus on the here and now.
I love to read your blog; it feels very intimate, simple and thought provoking and always leaves me feeling content and happy. Thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts.
Posted by: Murray | Thursday, 17 January 2008 at 21:13
That haiku is terrific. I have been a pessimist for my whole life. Little nuggets like this help push my toward optimism.
I received your ribbon in the mail yesterday. Yeah! Thanks so much for the mention yesterday (blush). I'm going to have to write up my own make my day post soon. Believe me, you're on it. :)
Posted by: Rachel | Friday, 18 January 2008 at 01:43
who knows, indeed. xo
Posted by: kristen | Friday, 18 January 2008 at 02:29
As Kristen said...who knows, indeed. Could that be because EVERY moment is infused with yin AND yang...with light AND dark? Perception is the key, isn't it? And how quickly ours can shift...if we let it... Lovely.
Posted by: Marilyn | Friday, 18 January 2008 at 02:35
so very true! and that is such a wonderful haiku
i am just loving it here...it's like a favorite little cafe, such a nice place to sit and stay for awhile.
Posted by: misty mawn | Friday, 18 January 2008 at 05:20
that is my favourite haiku!
and i love the story, i'd never heard that one before
:)
Posted by: chocolate covered musings | Friday, 18 January 2008 at 12:24
Oh, I like this story and the haiku. And I can't believe you have snowdrops in January! When does Spring arrive in the UK? We won't be seeing spring in New Jersey til early April. Ah well, that's not too far off. :)
Posted by: susanna | Friday, 18 January 2008 at 14:52
Such peace and wisdom in this post - thank you for sharing, I've heard a similar story, but not this Haiku...
thinking of you...
:-)
(((HUGS))),
Love,
Me
Posted by: PixieDust | Friday, 18 January 2008 at 17:05
i read your post with attention...and reading the haiku thought..this is Linn...she makes me giggle! I love you!
Love how Murray say "it feels very intimate, simple and thought provoking and always leaves me feeling content and happy"
This is so true....xx
Posted by: Linni | Friday, 18 January 2008 at 18:04
Caroline- I’m so glad you left a comment for me so that I could find your blog. I was at once captivated by your beautiful photography. I looked at the “where I’m from link” and pretty much drooled the entire time. I’ll be hanging around in your pocket a bit more…if it’s okay with you.
Posted by: Chloe | Friday, 18 January 2008 at 18:12
What a perfectly true Haiku. And the snowdrops...
But the story is what holds my attention. Wise farmer. We just never know what is around the bend. How often what seems like misfortune ends up opening a door to the greatest gifts of our lives.
I loved this post. Everything about it.
Love to you, lovely Caroline...
xx00xx
Posted by: Kateri | Saturday, 19 January 2008 at 04:06
very nice haiku.
Posted by: blue | Saturday, 19 January 2008 at 13:23
You are speaking to me aren't you
sweetie:)
LOL
I can see the moon don't worry:)
(such a glorious story)
I love this photo! I do!!!
Posted by: maddie | Saturday, 19 January 2008 at 15:45
You are speaking to me aren't you
sweetie:)
LOL
I can see the moon don't worry:)
(such a glorious story)
I love this photo! I do!!!
Posted by: maddie | Saturday, 19 January 2008 at 15:46
Hi There,
This is my first time visiting your blog...it is beautiful...I love the haiku poem, and your lush photography. My favorites are the ones of those beautiful country roads. Since childhood, I have dreamed of visiting the UK...and those just make my heart ache for it more.
I can't wait to visit and read more.
xx
Posted by: Celeste | Saturday, 19 January 2008 at 17:10
You always make me smile Caroline!
Posted by: Anne Marie | Friday, 25 January 2008 at 21:04