Red Pedicure
Posted on 02. Feb, 2009 by Laura-Jane - Whimfield in House
For the past week I have been on a crazy, sad trip back to British Columbia, Canada, where I was born and raised. I’m still away from the farm, and I am writing to you from my parents’ house in a tiny bed, 6000 kilometres away from Whimfield Farm, the place I now call my home.
Since we started living a rural lifestyle, I’ve turned into a country woman.
But there were periods during my old life–before we moved to the frozen country–where I fancied myself a rather glamorous gal. I had regular appointments at a chic hair salon and I shaved my legs on a fixed schedule.
Over the past week, now that I’m back where my glamorous days began, I’ve taken to lounging in bathrobes, soaking in hot tubs, drinking fancy teas, and getting pedicures.
Where’s Cameron? He’s back on the farm, keeping the fire burning and the driveway clear.
This juxtaposition of me gallivanting across the country in high-heels and he keeping our house warm in jarring to us both. Our phone conversations are jilted:
I’m all, “I can only talk for seven minutes because I have an appointment and then I’m meeting a friend for a walk in the sunshine and then I have to take a train somewhere. But I miss you!”
And he’s all, “I just spent two hours clearing the driveway and I did 38 hours of renovating work during the last 24 hours and I wanted to leave the house to get groceries but the car wouldn’t start ’cause it’s minus twenty celsius. But I miss you!”
My nylons and I aren’t quite sure what to think. They’re telling me to proclaim that there’s room for red toes on the farm, too. Do you think it’s possible?
Nora
Feb 2nd, 2009
I am sure red toenails would be a welcome change to farm life and long winters and I’d bet that the scheduled leg shaving might be a welcomed comfort on those cold winter nights……..especially for Cameron. LOL
Andy Collier
Feb 2nd, 2009
Balance is everything!
Nic
Feb 2nd, 2009
I think living in a developing country is similar in terms glamor and my toenails are red right now! But I am rather behind on the leg shaving.
Andrea >> Become a Consultant
Feb 2nd, 2009
Its glorious and decadent to be a complex person. Revel in it. I do.
warren
Feb 2nd, 2009
I bet Cameron will be interested in red toes (esp if not red due to pre-frostbite)…probably in the shaved legs thing too!
Andrea
Feb 2nd, 2009
Drop me a line if you’re coming down to Victoria, Laura-Jane.
It would be great to meet you in person and show you our fledgling urban farm! Red toes most welcome – but they may get muddy ;)
Meg
Feb 2nd, 2009
Go for the red nails! I love red – it makes me very happy!
I am sorry that your trip to BC is sad – I’ve been thinking of your Laura-Jane!
I hope you enjoy your time there, and are headed back to Whimfield soon!
Sayantanee from India
Feb 3rd, 2009
Red toe nails and farm life are so very complimentary……
espcially in summer…
when you would be conscious of soaking your perfect feet in the warm grass…
and actually having time for it!
And again in winter…
when the firelight would light up some well maintained feet!
And actually having time for it!
christy
Feb 3rd, 2009
awhhh why did he have to stay home? just to hold down the fort? did he want to go back and visit?
Gary Gray
Feb 4th, 2009
Hi L-J
Very interesting post. You are a very complex woman. I do hope that you can find that comfort zone of pampering and plying on your hidden island paradise farm home.
I am sure Cam is missing you and will welcome your return, red nails and all.
As Warren says it is all about balance and hopping coast to coast can be quite a challenge. (climate, culture, people and the jet lag as examples)
I returned from Halifax on Sunday night and it’s good to sleep in my real bed and eat at my own table.
My friend is continuing to improve which is great news. I appreciate your positive thoughts and wish you the same for your return trip.
See you when you are back in Montague.
Smiles :o)
Gary
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Feb 5th, 2009
@Nora – You have no idea how right you are. :)
@Andy – Couldn’t of said it better myself.
@Nic – Oh, that elusive leg shaving!
@Andrea – Yes, decadent! I am reveling in it while it lasts… :)
@Warren – I think he’d agree with you.
@Andrea – I would have loved to meet you and see your slice of urban rurality! Thank you for wanting to meet yours truly. :) It was a whirlwind tour, in which I got pulled very many ways. I basically saw only family-family-family! I bounced from bed-to-bed like a…hmm..bed-bug? Next time I need to plan a trip involving friends-friends-friends… It made me sad not to be able to visit all lovely BC people!
@Meg – Thanks Meg :)
@Sayantanee – “soaking your perfect feet in the warm grass” – Love this quote! Doesn’t it conjure up a lovely image?
@Christy – You’re right, he’s at home keeping the home fires burning. He wanted to come, too, but we would have had to shut the house down…and cost is always a factor too. I missed him!
@Gary – Glad to hear your friend is continuing to improve. Welcome back to the island. I’ll be joining you on PEI very shortly. In fact, I’m writing this from the Vancouver airport!
LJ
Feb 5th, 2009
Coming to the West Coast is one thing, but please don’t bring the East Coast weather with you. But if you do – make sure to take it home again. Enjoy what we have while you’re here.
LJ
Feb 5th, 2009
P.S. The red toenail polish looks divine!! But do I detect a tan on those feet as well?
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Feb 17th, 2009
Yes, it is a tan. It’s weird. MY FOOT-TAN IS LEFT OVER FROM THIS DAY AT THE DUNDAS FAIR! It was, like, six months ago. My poor feet must have gotten a little too much sun.