Old Horse Barn outside Owen Sound Ontario. How elegant it is. I am sitting here wondering what my mind sees and depicts as elegant – maybe the architecture, or the coloring. There is detail that indicates it was not an inexpensive structure to build and that it took some skilled tradesmen. I had always hoped to attain an elegance in my aging years, but now it doesn’t seem to be as important. Now I have more desire to be who I am, to be a little rough around the edges. I want to have fun and to laugh and somehow that doesn’t seem to be compatible with my notion of elegance.
Interesting that the people who have caught my eye as having the kind of elegance I wanted, I have noticed at a distance. They weren’t close friends. The people who I gather around me are people who have character. They are good people, people who care about others and are honest. And they seem to be this way out of habit – values that were formed a long time ago so that now they are comfortable living within their aging bodies. They are comfortable speaking about life as it is, calling a spade a spade. They also respect what other people have to say, correcting inaccurate facts but accepting that others have different values. I have become more accepting that others have different values, but also prefer spending my time with people who share my core values.
The time I have left to live is too short to spend listening to another’s values that I believe are ill-guided and not conducive to serving a common good, a world where there is an equal playing field and everyone plays nice. As I do what I can to make this happen, I am going to laugh and have some fun.
A New Day: Living Life Almost Gracefully 
A lovely barn, thoughtful words, and wonderful responses. This is what blogging is all about – meeting wonderful people who play nice. ❤
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I agree, Christine. I like people who play nice.
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I have driven past this barn many times, having family in Owen Sound. But I must admit that I have not regarded it in quite the same light as you have. Being true to yourself will flow to others. THEY will be your friends! They are like gold, maybe a little tarnished, but solid to the core. Happy travels. Enjoy the warmth. We will be finding our own in Mexico shortly.
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Interesting! I view elegance as all the stuff expressed in a collected form. The stuff you describe does fit my idea. Perhaps, there is a definition of elegance that no longer works and needs to be rewritten. That’s what I smiled and thought about it!
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It sounds like you are saying that I can be elegant as I age if I change my definition to be more inclusive. I like that – thanks.
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Vernacular architecture that is honest versus elegant architecture that really means posh and superior. I prefer the former every time.
Elegance – I think of a Massai warrior leaning casually on his spear – or someone saying goodbye to a friend and doing a little twist and nod and shimmy with a smile. These are the incredible facets of human beings that speak to the best of us.
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Oh yes, I agree. Thanks for the wonderful comment, David. I too prefer the vernacular, although occasionally I do visit the posh and superior – if it is on someone else’s tab. 🙂
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I hope I am able to do the same. Laughter and beauty are marvelous….
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Well, you can aspire to elegance, or you can aspire to have the hurricane of the century named after you. I would also choose a hurricane.
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I’m impressed. No wonder your father sometimes has trouble living with me. 🙂
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The comparison turned out to be really accurate. Hurricane Patricia kicked up a wild party, did very little harm, and has been a God-send for my garden. Just like you–crazy and beneficial.
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How elegant it is!
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I with on that…gotta laugh and have some fun!
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I’m sending some your way.
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Ah, but there is elegance of thought, and you have captured it here in words and the photo of that magical building.
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Thanks, Tish. I hadn’t thought of that form of elegance but I really enjoy well written thoughts, like your elegant comment. 🙂
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Nicely put, and I totally agree with you. Elegance is living life gracefully and kind.
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Thanks – yes, sometimes I am even graceful. 🙂
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