Monday 1 June 2015

People with a passion.

It struck me last night while watching Country File, how people with a passion for something get such a lot more out of life.   I suppose if you are not that kind of person then you can't manufacture that kind of life.   The programme was from the Channel Islands and it went round the late Gerald Durrell's Country Park.  Apart from all the things he started, the staff had begun a project to enhance the number of choughs on the island as they were in danger of dying out.   It was fascinating to watch the little birds grow into noisy irks - it was also fascinating to watch the enthusiasm of the folk involved in the project.

Later Adam went to look at a herd of 'curly' pigs from Hungary.  They were lovely (particularly the runt of one litter who needed some TLC and so had grown up in the kitchen and followed them everywhere).   The chap who kept them had started out with a pair just as a bit of a hobbby - but they had gradually taken over his life and he was now curing the meat and making it into pancettas, hams, pork joints etc.   It looked delicious

We all know of gardeners who have spent their lives creating beautiful gardens - and often leaving them to the nation - Sissinghurst being a case in point .

I know we can't all be like that but a bit of a passion, the desire to get involved in some project -  to keep a diary (I have a friend who has done this for many years), to search for, and catalogue wild flowers, to travel the world ,or even more ordinary things like cooking or making a good vegetable garden.

My son walked over the fields to our farm last night quite late, when it was dusk and rather wet.   He came because he felt like a walk and to lend me a book to read.   He is a chap who has intense enthusiasms (like his father before him) - it makes him an interesting man to chat to.

The farmer has the same kind of interest in the countryside - theflowers, the birds, the wildlife, what is growing in the fields.   It is never boring to drive around with him down country lanes (this was underlined in Suffolk last week).

What a lot folk miss out on if they just go on their way living rather than being enthusiastic about it.

 

18 comments:

Barbara said...

You're SO right, Pat!
I always feel sorry for those folks who just see the monotony and drudgery of life.

Elizabeth said...

True indeed!
Nothing so dreary as someone who says
I don't mind
anything you want etc etc
when deciding on a movie
an outing a restaurant etc etc...
I don't even care what people's passions are - so long as they are interesting about them!

thelma said...

Totally agree. Durrell was a fascinating person, his book title 'My Family and other Animals' always made me giggle. Loved the furry pigs not sure I would spin from their wool though.

the veg artist said...

So true, and the challenge of always learning a little more, or improving on a skill makes life much more interesting.

Frances said...

Life is given to us for living!

I'm imagining having your husband as a tour guide on an afternoon drive.

xo

The Broad said...

It is one of life's challenges, however, to keep one's enthusiasms under control! For example, I have an great interest in theology and politics and have learned to keep my observations and thoughts reined in when in the company of others! And the number of eyes I have seen glaze over when the subjects of genealogy and opera are discussed ...

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

So true.........I can't imagine ever being bored, as some complain that they are, because I have a number of interests, some I pursue on my own and others with friends.
Life is filled with mystery and beauty. It is a great gift.

Frances said...

That little furry pig who thought he was a dog was hilarious…..especially when he was trotting after them on the path!

angryparsnip said...

Beautiful post today ! Thank you.

cheers, parsnip

Heather said...

My father always found pleasure in simple things - the scent of a flower, garden birds, etc., and I think he passed that on to me. Last night I noticed how lovely the moon looked and just had to go outside to stand and look up at it. The best things in life are free.
I love Countryfile and yesterday's programme was one of the best.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks for your responses to today's post.

Gwil W said...

A woman I met kept a baby pig in a shoe box. Visitors were surprised when the box suddenly moved across the kitchen floor.

elaine said...

I agree absolutely also being passionate about something you learn so much and do become totally involved in what you are doing. Time passes quickly when you are absorbed in something that you love.

Terry and Linda said...

Oh, yes! It is really the only way to be otherwise the world is blah and fades into grey.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
https://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/sherlock-boomer

Rachel Phillips said...

I think all people have a passion of some sort even though it may not be obvious to others.

Cro Magnon said...

I missed the programme... Lady M told me all about it later.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks to everyone - it is always great to read your comments. It feels like we are all sitting round in a pub somewhere and chatting. Mine's a prosecco and campari by the way!

thousandflower said...

So true.