My friend, Paul

Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?

I don't know what more I could add to this sentiment, also the title of this beautiful painting. I find it comforting that a man who lived from 1848 - 1903 had the same questions that we do today.

Circumstances of life have definitely changed. But whenever I find myself about to become unglued, I remind myself not to sweat the small stuff, and basically, except for a couple of very specific tragedies, it is all small stuff.

As a side note, Paul Gauguin thought this painting his masterpiece and he resolved to commit suicide at its completion. Fortunately, he was unable to accomplish his own demise. Life is really too good to pass up! Enjoy yours. Paul went on to live another 7 years after this painting was completed.

Have another beautiful day in Paradise!

Meadows

While visiting one of my favorite houses recently, I was struck by the sheer beauty of the adjacent meadow, and I realized that it had been awhile since I had seen a true meadow. Unfortunately, they are disappearing.

This house sits on the site of a former farm. Part of the land is still used to gather hay for horses by a neighborhood farmer.

Not simply a field, I have learned that a meadow is a small, flower-rich, grassland that is most likely bordered by stone walls or hedges, remnants from the original farm. Undisturbed areas with grasses, wildflowers, like buttercups and thistle, attracting butterflies and bees, are allowed to grow tall before mowing and baling.

Many meadows have disapppeared over the years and have been replaced with housing developments or if the land is still farmed, with higher yield cash crops. But in Tiverton and Little Compton, you can still come across them. Lots of open space.

If you do happen to be driving about on your busy days, and come across a meadow, please take a moment to appreciate the simple beauty. I did, and I keep thinking about it.

Charming Tiverton

One of the nicest places I've discovered is the southern part of Tiverton which borders Little Compton.

I was so taken with the efforts to preserve the natural beauty that for the past several years I have become a supporter of the Tiverton Land Trust.

If you decide to take a drive to the phenomonal and great shopping area called Tiverton Four Corners, you will pass right by The Pardon Gray Farm, 230 acres of preserved land saved as open space.

This farm is adjacent to the 550 acre Weetamoo Woods. The farm contains many colonial artifacts, the Gray family historic cemetery, and original stone walls.

Pardon Gray provided food and supplies to the 1,500 Revolutionary Army troops that were camped at Fort Barton, just a few miles north, also in Tiverton. Quite an historic place.

And if you are into serene settings and waterfront homes with meadows and stone walls sweeping down to the sea, we have just the house for you.