Many years ago, the sight of farmers and their beasts of burden churning through the muddy paddies of Sri Lanka was an everyday occurrence.
Seen in the distance, it was a sight that nurtured romantic notions of timelessness and the bucolic life. That it was hard and cringingly muddy work for both animal and man was fully apparent if you managed to get closer
While many a pair has now been replaced by rotary hoes, the almost symbiotic relationship between the two seems to be expressed when you’re driving by at lunch time, or in the late afternoon, and everywhere, it seems, is the perfect place for a mud bath
I love the dialogue opened up by combining these photographs – without the contrary view, the story is incomplete.
The Wanderlust Gene 
Amazing photos!
Depending on how you look at it, what may be a burden could be in different circumstances be considered a blessing – a useful philosophy for life in general.
Thought provoking!
They look extremely content in their mud bath.
Stunning post for the challenge, Meredith. All that mud, has me singing ‘The Hippopotamus Song’……..”Mud, mud, glorious mud. Nothing quite like it for cooling the blood.” 😆
The third photo is excellent!
They did look like they were overworked and could use a mud bath to relax, especially the last photo. Great captures, Meredith.
So much similarity to the Philippines. You can still find the carabao (water buffalo) usually in a mud pit or water logged rice fields if you venture out into the provinces.
Great captures of these water buffalo, Meredith. The one photo looks like you’re almost in the mud with them. Smart animals. They know how to cool off and keep the flies off.
What beautiful heart! Thank you!
Marvelous captures Meredith. They seem to be luxuriating in their mud baths 🙂 These bucolic scenes are fast disappearing from our villages as well. I think we used bullocks more often than buffaloes.
Meredith, I couldn’t comment on your latest post. Just stopping by to check if all is well with you. Take care.
You’re back! So looking forward to your African adventures. I’m ok – just having a few resettlement issues, and little glitches (like losing my ‘comments’) aren’t helping!
A wonderful sense of hard work and well deserved relaxation in these great shots Meredith!
The realities of farm life, whether in Sri Lanka or here on the Great Plains, is far different than the romantic images most hold. You beautiful photos capture that dichotomy very well.
Aren’t they just! The heartbreak …
I’m cooking up my last batch of Lamb Shanks alla Bartolini – Spring is coming fast but I couldn’t resist those pretty shanks in the butchers the other day … the smell is glorious! Thinking of you and your Zia having fun with honey 🙂
So hard work, but the relationship between man and working animal can also be strong. Great photography.
Great photos and message. As EllaDee commented…A blessing is just the flipside of a burden…it is all in the perspective we decide to take…
This is an amazing capture, Meredith, and I so appreciate your giving the photos context through your words.
Love the photos Meredith. Mus was one of my favourite things as a child…hmmm, still is I guess though indulging in rolling in it does not happen that often.
These are wonderful, Meredith. Your beasts of burden really are magnificent creatures.
It sounds like we all like the idea of freely playing in the mud. I’m not too sure we would like working in it though.
actually came by when i stumbled upon your beautiful and fitting tribute to Christine who passed away while i was in the midst of a blogging hiatus. as i was beginning to make the rounds i read the posts kindly put up by her husband Stuart and i could not believe what i was reading. such a shock. the comments at your tribute are closed but i did want to acknowledge it here. thanks for sharing.
and thank you also for these beautiful clicks.