Last fall we took Matthew to the Puck's Farm to see farm animals. Funny what kids choose to like. The only things he thought were funny to him were cats. As we quickly zoomed through the farm, was saw all kinds of animals like ducks, geese, roosters, chickens, sheep, horses, ponies, emus (I didn't even know they had those on the farms in Canada). They also had one cow for milking display purposes, and she wasn't looking good either. I said we zoomed because it was cold, even inside the barns.
As I was taking pictures I noticed this painted over horseshoe on the wall as shown on the photo. I remember that, I said. We used to have one in our old house. As a matter of fact we used to have one even on the side of the house, not just a barn. I know that horseshoe was always for good luck, but what I didn't know was that pointing upwards is for a good luck, and pointing downwards is for a bad luck. Pointing downwards means that the good luck will fall out (sounds like barn Feng Shui to me). Now, that is funny, because who would ever want to place the horseshoe facing downwards if it means bad luck - definitely not me.
Well, well, now that I recall - our horseshoe hanging on the house was facing down. Did we have bad luck? And why was it upside down? I don't think we did. I know its normal that people get sick, die, or leave the house as time comes - these things happen, and its all part of life. It was simply down because we just didn't know, but we had to have the horseshoe anyway.
It always amazed me what we choose to believe in. Few years ago, my co-worker came to the office. She is excited, and says to us - I got to play lottery, I am so lucky. We all amazed how excited she was. We asked - why? She replied - on my way to work, just as a pulled out the drive way, a tree fell behind me. It missed me by few seconds. It was a big tree also, and potentially could cause lot of damage to her car, never mind probably very dangerous to her too. Did she ever won the lottery? No, her luck was that she wasn't hit by the tree.
Now let me leave you with this quote by R. E. Shay, a something to think about: 'Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit.'
Hi Anna! I love your new photo-blog template. It really does justice to your great images!
ReplyDeleteNow, I took my nephew to an animal park once, and all he wanted to do was to play with the snakes (the little ones that is) and koalas.
As far as I know, if the horse shoe is up, good luck can't fall out.
May good luck follow you and your family until the end of time!
Bye! Time to get back into painting this house of mine! Oh! My aching back!
Take Care,
Peter
More interesting thoughts to comtemplate!
ReplyDeleteWe did not know that about horseshoes, about good or bad luck, upside or right side up.
Do you think Matthew would think I was funny because I am a cat? hee hee
--JB
hi Anna, and hope you all are doing well? Love the brightness in this horse shoe capture of yours. As for the luck-unluck in how a horse shoe is displayed - I really have no ideas, or knowledge about, but I know it brings luck anyway :){{{HUGS}}}
ReplyDeleteAnna, your page is looking splendid! I like the nice, clean look of it.
ReplyDeleteGreat quote. It's true that the rabbit got the short end of the deal. (I've learned to watch what I wish for, horseshoe in the house, or not!)
Enjoy the advent of spring, dear Anna. Hope you can get out more with Matthew, to enjoy it.
Oh, and I love your painted horseshoe photo, too! An interesting, subtle photo...
Sometimes I wonder if luck is not what you make it and that it does not depend on things like this? Or does it?
ReplyDeleteAnn:
ReplyDeleteYou always capture the perfect picture. A horse shoe in the snow, perfect.
We also used to have a horse shoe hanging on the wall. That was a long time ago. Did it bring good luck? I'm still waiting to find out.
Happy trails.
Here the horseshoe for luck must have seven holes for the nails ...
ReplyDeleteI had one but it did not work! ;-)
People with us also use horseshoe for good luck. They generally attached horseshoe on the door of their house or shop. Personally never gave them a try.
ReplyDeleteWell put and I couldn't agree with you more. My handicap when discussion turns to this kind of thing is that I know a little bit about statistics.
ReplyDeleteAnna: What a neat story, that horseshoe has been painted several times. I believe some people have luck but a charm won't bring you anything.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. I knew about the horseshoe direction, but your quote about the rabbit's foot is new to me. I like it.
ReplyDeleteLove that story about the lottery and the falling tree. lol
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteI really like this "all white" picture.
A very interesting shot.
Bye
I believe Luck is something which is driven by your hard work or does it have any influene with such things i am always confused
ReplyDeleteI love this picture, Anna. All in white is so hard to do well, and you succeed beautifully!
ReplyDeleteLove the textures and composition of this photo, and your exposure is perfect. And I think for the most part, we make our own good luck!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI really like yuor new blog..!!
Have a nice resto of week!
Bye
Dario
Bonito detalle de la granja. La herradura es símbolo de suerte en España.
ReplyDeleteAbrazos
Anna, this is another beautiful post that I enjoyed. I like the photo you posted very much. I knew that horseshoe is for good luck but I’d never heard before that it depends on how it is pointed. Have a nice day!
ReplyDeleteHey Anna,
ReplyDeleteI like the new place :D!
I totally understand why you do not reply to each comment any longer: it sucks up one's time; so worry not! Whenever I miss you really hard, I'll email you ;).
I will add this blog to my blogroll as well - I don't want to miss a thing :D!
Big hug to Matthew and to you as well, darling!
Cheers
Very nice article, Anna. I understand Matthew, cats are among my favorite animals: I would observe them for hours!
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful day!
Great post and story, Anna!
ReplyDeleteHi Anna! This post caused me to look up above the window to my right and notice, for the first time in about 12 years, the two horseshoes tacked on the wall. And you are correct about the up and down. That is why we were always told to use two nails to attach the horseshoe. That way there was no chance of it slipping around and ending up draining out all the good luck!
ReplyDeleteI must say I love the new place too :)
ReplyDeleteAs for beliefs, I truly believe that things exist only because we have faith in them. If we don't it won't affect us much. I am not exactly superstitious but I believe in luck.
Hi, Anna! I love your new photo-blog!!!
ReplyDeleteOooooohhhh my, we have a horseshoe in our house and it's pointed downwards for at least 25 years, I didn't know it has to point up. I don't believe in such things but still........I need to do something about it.
ReplyDeleteNice picture, I wonder why they didn't take it off.
I never knew about the up vs. down either, until we moved to the farm and Don put a horseshoe on the barn. I find it very interesting. Your story is a good one, and so right, she was lucky not to be hit, maybe that's as far as it goes. People go to great lengths to undo something bad happening (salt over the shoulder if the shaker spills, for instance).
ReplyDeleteWow Anna! I can't imagine my comment making a difference. You have so many fans! :-) As for the horseshoe thingy, you should hang the horseshoe so that the open end is facing upwards. This is to make sure the luck doesn't run out. Living out in the country one is forced to know these things ... otherwise your neighbors let you know about these things (I had mine hanging the wrong way until a kindly old gent set me straight ...lol.
ReplyDeleteAnyways have a great weekend, stay healthy and take care.
~JD
Ha Anna, never knew bout the up/down horseshoe thing, love the shot and the saying at the end, lol.
ReplyDeletehi, I too love your new template. All the best!
ReplyDeleteHi Anna,
ReplyDeleteAre you a story teller or a photographer? I used to believe in luck when I was small, but now I just think it is nothing but coincidence.. :) But hey if it makes people happy and cheerful, let them believe in it. :)
cheers
Priyank
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Happy Easter !!
Kareltje =^.^=
Anya :)
HAPPY EASTER, ANNA!!! Beautiful lucky horseshoe capture. :D
ReplyDeleteI am dong fine; it won't be too much longer and my second book will be released. :D
I totally understand about not having enough time; I have that same problem and also do as I can. :D
Have a super week, dear friend!!! Wish I could have seen Matthew's face today. Bet it was extra special; I miss having kids in the house at Easter.
Hugs, JJ/Nancy
Interesting about the horseshoe, didn't know that. Love the quote about the rabbits foot too. Good luck, bad luck or fate, guess it's all what you believe in. Hope you and your family had a Happy Easter Anna.
ReplyDeleteI like the quote you chose about the rabbit foot! Different symbols have different meanings all over the world - who's to say any of them "work"?
ReplyDeleteTake care, my friend!
Kathy