The Musings of a Simple Country Man
By Hobie Morris
–Mirror image: “Christmas is Love; Love is Christmas”
(Brookfield, NY – Dec. 2013) My radiantly beautiful and always joyful wife Lois and this simple country man have already received our most highly prized Christmas present—three new neighbors. We value their presence infinitely greater than any material object or gift that will all too quickly fade away in importance. As Oscar Wilde has observed
“who being loved is poor?”
Brookfield has a reputation as a place inhabited by a wide variety of very unusual characters. Society’s mold breakers, non-conformists, some say oddballs. A very colorful collection of misfits elsewhere who are gladly welcomed to this wild area of forested hills and scenic valleys. In brief, all of these unique people are our good friends and we are happy to live in amongst them.
We especially admire their rugged individualism and independence. Collectively they are very loyal, garnished with a deep sense of kindness and goodness. They pride themselves on hard work and are always willing to help those in trouble and in need. Most of them will gladly give more than they can really afford. Not all of them, of course, but the solid majority continues to uphold many old time virtues that have sadly become lost in the 21st century. As James Russell Lowell has written “all God’s angels come to us disguised.”
But Brookfield’s life and times are not static but ever changing. This change has seemingly become faster in recent years. Part of this change has been the influx of new people who have been attracted to Brookfield’s beauty, remoteness and quiet and attractive way of life. Lois and I have met many of these newcomers and have been very impressed by their friendliness, talents and first class character qualities.
This Christmas we feel extremely blessed to welcome and celebrate three new Brookfielders in our neighborhood southwest of the village.
Michael is a tall, handsome slender man with a Harvard law degree and a distinguished corporate legal career in Manhattan. His wife Elizabeth is a lovely and talented Southern belle from Atlanta, Ga.
Michael and Elizabeth are the proud new owners of the historic Raymond Burdick home and adjoining property on Waterman Road. A beautiful side hill location overlooking the scenic Beaver Creek Valley to the east. A remarkable vista for their eyes to enjoy in the years to come. We are sure they’ll soon be immersing themselves in the fascinating history and lore of their new neighborhood. They’ll discover so many new things to take in and enjoy. Their lives will be delectably enriched by examining the deep and ever flowing stream of the life and times of their new surroundings.
Some starlit evening around Christmas time, as we travel west on the Waterman Road, we’ll pass the cozy, diminutive house where Michael and Elizabeth will be celebrating the holiday season. Lights from within will shine on the sparkling snow outside. Wood smoke drifting lazily into the calm cold air will complete this Currier and Ives montage.
Beyond their home the ascending Town road makes two sharp turns, crosses snow covered hay fields and then completes its short run through deep dark forests on both sides of the plowed road. Up ahead the Waterman Road runs into the more heavily traveled Giles Road. This is where we can greet our third new Christmas neighbor.
He’s not a confirmed bachelor or spoken for, although he is by most standards a pretty handsome fellow. Everything about our third new neighbor is light years different from Michael and Elizabeth. But then, that what makes Brookfield so unique and fascinating—its diversity.
His name is “William,” but more readily answers to “Billy.” Some say he drifted in to this area in July, but being a reclusive fellow, few people know for sure. According to some rumors, he came from somewhere south of us, but again this is only a mystery.
For some reason our bearded newcomer has decided to spend the winter here in Brookfield. Like many others who have found Brookfield a friendly sanctuary, Billy is mum on his previous wanderings. Possibly a confirmed wanderer who can’t put his itchy feet down for too long in any one place. But at least this Christmas Billy will enjoy his new location.
In personality, Billy is his own man. Enjoying his own company above others although not totally devoid of a curiosity about others who occasionally cross his path. Billy loves the outdoors, preferring to spend his waking hours tromping through the woods and fields adjacent to his modest new home located near the intersection of Waterman and Giles Road.
Billy is obviously very fit, as noted by passers-by who spot him him moving rapidly through his new surroundings. Apparently Billy is a strict vegetarian, according to rumors.
As previously mentioned, Billy’s new home is very modest in all respects. But for him it seems perfectly comfortable from our harsh winter weather. His house is located close to both Town roads for easy access for kindly neighbors who occasionally leave food for him to enjoy. This Christmas Billy will have an impressive gourmet menu to select from.
In church, every Sunday, there is a time to praise God as well as to request prayers. Recently this simple country man silently prayed for our three new Christmas neighbors. For their health, happiness and safety, among other things.
Last Sunday the next hymn was entitled “All Creatures of our God and King.” It begins with its title: “All Creatures of our God and King…”
The Bible instructs us to love our neighbors as ourselves. This of course means all our neighbors. This simple country man and his remarkably loving and beautiful wife do, in fact, love all our neighbors as well as “all creatures of our God and King.” They also inhabit our neighborhood and lives.
Our three newest neighbors are the finest godly gifts we could ever receive this Christmas. We hope and pray you receive similar gifts. There is a wonderful Swedish proverb that goes “a life without love is like a year without summer.”
Hobie Morris is a Brookfield resident and simple country man.