Sniffing The Farm

Act 149:

“It’s never too late… To Smell The Old Country

It brings us closer to nature. A reminder of a less complicated life. Without the city’s noise. Or stress. Or pollution. Where people talk. The skies are clear. And stars shine.” – Patrick Lindsay

Quote in book: “God made the country and man made the town.” ~ William Cowper

This Act is phrased so funny, I'm not sure where to start. Sounds like it's really trying to say get back to the country or revert back to simpler ways. I just really don't understand where "Smell" comes into it or even what "old" country means.

When I think about "smelling" the country, I think about pigs, cow, sheep, chickens.. well basically a farm. I think of the smell of mud and hay and poop and chicken feed. I think about overalls and dirt. I honestly think of it as I thought of Arkansas, before I actually went there and saw how beautiful it was.

Then there’s the part about “the old country”… this must be an Australian thing. The old country makes me think of like Ireland or Russia. For me the “old” country in the US, is the south. I don’t know why. I know the original 13 colonies were in the North, but I can’t help it. Maybe it’s because of the bad press and backwards way of thinking that that area has always portrayed. Maybe it’s because they talk slower and take their time. People often mistake talking slow with being dumb. (I get reminded of this everytime I talk to a certain someone I know originally from the “South”.

I do want to make two points about speed and intelligence. 1) Most of the IQ tests are based on how quickly you can solve a puzzle or answer a question. This is probably where we get the idea that people who talk slower are dumber. 2) I always thought this was stupid, cause if you can solve a puzzle or answer a question correctly, it doesn’t make you less smart if you can do it in 1 min and someone else does it in 40 sec. The point should be that you solve it, right? – Sorry I got off topic… back to sniffing the farm.

I’m gonna take this Act as a combination of the two ideas of stopping to smell the roses and getting back to your roots. Meaning take the time to enjoy life and appreciate the things that you have. Take some time and really look and admire nature itself.

Now, this is a little bit of a problem for me, because I am utterly and completely a city girl. Born and raised. I will never be anything but a city girl. I've said this many times to my friends, but my idea of camping is the Troop Beverly Hills idea of camping. Let's go out there for a few hours then hit a hotel. haha

However, for this Act I promise to slow down. I know work has been kicking my ass, but I really do need to just relax. Sit underneath the sky and just take in the beauty (hopefully I don’t smell that smog hehe). I plan to go to the park and just sit and read. Man, it’s been a really long time since I’ve done that. What are your thoughts on this Act? Any other suggestions on how I can become w/ nature…