A week ago I posted a photograph of farm fields here in the Hamptons. I was attracted to the location because of the rolling hills of yellow flowers, next to the brilliant green of the corn field and the dark red barn, however I had absolutely no idea what the yellow flowers were. You all were great and made several suggestions including buckwheat, corn flowers, and mustard. Having checked these out, I've concluded that the flowers are indeed mustard. Thank you Linda!
One of the things I enjoy most about this blog is the variety of things I learn doing research for each post. I never know where it will take me, which is rewarding for me and hopefully entertaining for you. Well today's research has led me to learn a great deal about the agriculture of mustard, its various types, where they're grown, and their value in a number of cultures, but it also reminded me of something my father always said when we were growing up. If and when we were convinced that something we wanted to happen was not going to happen or if we were frustrated with our inability to accomplish something, he would always say, "Oh ye of little faith ... have faith, as in a mustard seed". Recalling this, I had to research it and find something about it's origins.
Well it appears that dear old Dad had religious training in the form of Bible study, and was familiar with the New Testament. "Oh ye of little faith" comes from the story in which Christ stills the Tempest (Matthew 8:26), and the Parable of the Mustard Seed likens the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed, "which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, ..." (Matthew 13:31-32) So I guess Dad was trying to tell us that great things can come if only we have a little faith, for look what becomes of a tiny mustard seed.
But closer to what Dad paraphrased is, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ... nothing shall be impossible unto you." (Matthew 17:20) So Dad was trying to teach us not to be discouraged or disheartened but to have even the smallest amount of faith and we could accomplish anything.
Either way, these are both pretty good lessons, for just look what becomes of those mustard seeds!
By the way, I want thank you all for your kind thoughts after my recent tumble. All better, thanks.
In the farm country on the south fork of the east end of Long Island.
Posted by: Claudia | Sunday, April 01, 2012 at 03:50 PM
do you remember where you saw this at? I want to use a backdrop like this with a model
Posted by: Chad | Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 01:10 PM
Claudia, That was my father's favorite saying too!!! My cousin had it ready and laminated to give us all at his funeral!! I have it by my desk and look at it daily!! Linda
Posted by: Linda | Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 12:08 PM
stunning!
Posted by: Robert Beyer | Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 11:37 AM
It's obvious to me that your Dad was a wise gentleman with great insight... thanks for a wonderful experience Claudia. Glad to hear you're completely recovered.
Posted by: BAFA Studio | Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Does it make you crazy when something your Dad said when you were 13 starts to make sense when you are...ummm...over 30? Thank goodness none of my Dad's references were from the bible....their meaning would still be obscure to me today. :-)
Posted by: Charlie Dickerman | Friday, July 22, 2011 at 02:00 PM