The Old Front Porch

This post was found on another blog I read called: Chickens in the Road. It expressed my thoughts so well I thought I would use it in my blog. Hope you enjoy.

Vote Front Porch

Take a drive down any one-lane country road dotted with century-old homes then swing through a modern suburban neighborhood and you’ll see one glaring difference—the front porch, or lack thereof. The front porch as we know it is a purely American creation, meaning it was the combination of cultural influences from the architectural heritages of a number of countries. The result was our classic understanding of a front porch as a transitional space between the family’s private interior and the free-for-all exterior. The front porch, by its very nature, is public, open and welcoming. It’s been replaced today by the back patio or deck, which is, in contrast, private, exclusive, by invitation only. Front porches started disappearing as a common architectural element around the end of World War II as air conditioning started appearing. People didn’t need to sit outside to be cool. But the front porch isn’t only about the shade. The front porch is a way of life. The front porch creates a bridge between the home and the community. Whether it’s a wave to a passing neighbor’s car, or whether that passing neighbor pulls over and comes up to sit a spell, the front porch welcomes interaction and connection. It’s sociable and inclusive. The front porch never knew a stranger. It encourages down time with its rocking chairs and porch swings, fosters conversation, and offers a view not a television. Few modern homes are built with spacious porches anymore. If a newer home has a porch, it’s more likely a small, “decorative” porch, just big enough for a rocking chair from Pier 1 and a few perfect-looking planters, certainly not enough room for half a dozen neighbors to stop by and everyone have a seat while they shoot the breeze. In fact, we really don’t want our neighbors to stop by, especially if unannounced, and if they do, we don’t want them to stay long enough to sit down. Did we become this way because we stopped building front porches, or did we stop building front porches to foster more private lives? It’s a chicken and egg question, but either way, the disappearance of the front porch has had a huge impact on the way we live and connect with our neighbors, an impact that trickles through society in layer upon layer. I found out firsthand how much it costs to put on an old-fashioned front porch when we built our new “old” farmhouse a few years ago. It’s no wonder people today are unlikely to put their resources into a front porch, but it’s a value I haven’t regretted. Even secluded and surrounded by trees as we are, I can see the road and the river, making me feel connected with the small country community around us. Neighbors stop by and the transitional space of the big front porch offers an easy place to invite them into with its informality and lack of pressure. It’s a setting that demands freedom and relaxation, providing an atmosphere and a tone that no indoor space—or back deck—can recreate. If it’s true that all good things come back around, maybe the classic American front porch will make a comeback. As with anything, supply is all about demand. The next time you buy or build a house, “Vote Front Porch.” Your country is depending on you.

Peace

We are at the ranch, Don and I. It is hot, very hot, over 100 hot and we have been chasing sheep and goats all day. We are sweaty, bloody, bandaids all over our hands, exhausted, dirty and dusty, but thankful we got the job done. We caught and hauled 39 sheep and goats to the auction. We hate being forced to sell animals we have raised for years but the severe drought has taken it's toll on our land and there is nothing to eat. And feed and hay prices are exorbitant. So we did what we had to do and are glad it is done.
     It is after dark now but the bright moon is casting moon-shadows and the stars are plentiful. There is a nice cool breeze and the tinkling of the many wind chimes adds to the buzzing and chirping of the night insects. I just showered and scrubbed myself clean in our wonderful outdoor shower and now I am soaking up the peace around me in our big metal stock tank filled with very cold fresh well water. So cold it takes courage to climb in but oh, so worth it. I sit and cool my body down and drink in the peaceful night. Peace, pure peace. I just want to savor this moment. Thank you, Lord, for moments like these. I am blessed indeed.

Note: I am just learning how to post from my iPad and how to add photos to my blog from my iPad. There should be another photo to go with this blog but I don't know if it will be added here or in a separate post. Please bear with me til I get the hang of this.

Youngest reunioner

Abby