There are certain times in my life when I’ve had to dive right in … can’t hold back … and with no idea of what will eventuate.
That feeling of trepidation reminds me of the Grimm’s tale, Mother Holle, a significant story told to children as part of their Steiner (Waldorf) education.
A woman had two daughters, a beautiful step-daughter who was helpful and hard working, while her own daughter was ugly and lazy.
I imagined I was the good step-daughter diving in to retrieve the spindle I had dropped down the well. Here I go head first.
The good daughter wakes up in a beautiful meadow. And it is here in the story, that a strong part of me, says “Enough! This isn’t my story. I’m nobody’s household drudge” Just like the ugly daughter! (See Grimm for the remainder of their tale). In truth, at this point of my life, I am feeling lazy; part of me has always loved to be lazy!
I want to stay in the simple pleasures of the meadow. I need to daydream.
I have loved meadows and wild fields, since I was a small child. Wading through swishing, long grass pied with flowers, to the sound of bird song, was like being in a dream .
Spring was my favourite season: buttercups and apple blossom.
I’ve wandered through clover and dandelions in different countries accompanied by an Exaltation of Skylarks.
I have sighed over fields in each season of the year.
I have delighted in wandering again along familiar paths made by other feet.
I remember being thrilled to get really close to the ground.
Being close to Nature, makes me feel I’m home. I think part of me will always be a Happy Wanderer, no matter where I am.
Where is it that you feel most at home?
Sources
GRIMMS’ tales for young and old. Translated by Ralph Manheim. New York, Doubleday, 1977.
All photos, art and text by Meg
Story Twigs …! by Meg Philp is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Story Twigs the Imagination! 