I am a sunshine lady. Two or three days of clouds, overcast skies, or rain and I am starting to slide into a slump. Just let a hole break in the clouds which shows a patch of blue and I perk right up. I will find whatever excuse I can to get out into the sunshine, including cleaning up pastures. I don’t want to lie out and “sun bathe”, I just want to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the brightness it gives to everything around. I suppose I am most appreciative in the cooler months than in the heat of summer.
Living in Missouri has the advantage of lots of sunshine. We get a good amount of rain but after it is finished watering our fields, the sun re-appears and smiles on us.
I think my alpacas are sunshine happy too. It is not uncommon to find “alpaca rugs” lying in our pastures as they spread out on their sides and soak up the warmth of the sun. Sometimes I wonder if they are alive as they lay so still in their comfort. I have one large male who will even turn his head up as if to catch the sun’s rays on this extended neck. On a warm Spring or Fall day you are apt to find me sitting out there with them, enjoying their company and the shared sunshine.
Sometimes it is good to just stop and sit and take in everything around you. I become too fixed on the next chore that needs to be done, or the next item on my schedule, or the next errand I have to complete and I miss the wonderful things around me. I watch the dust fly through the air as the alpacas roll in the spot they made; a mother and her cria nose to nose giving kisses; a dragonfly landing on the sleeve of my shirt; a hawk calling out from the top of a tree; a blue heron looking for lunch in the pond.
Maybe the sunshine is just a reminder to look around and appreciate the day.
Thank you, Bev! I enjoy your posts so much. Who knew a shepherd could also be a writer?
Thanks Rose. Who knew a writer could be a shepherd! See you at shearing.