For the last three days, I have been attending the Farmer's Faire. It is an event that the hobbits put on, mainly in the Shire, although there are related events happening in Celondim, Duillond, Thorin's Hall and Bree.
As one might expect with hobbits, the event celebrates their food, with plenty of it available to sample - and, as a farmer myself, I was delighted to find there is a visiting farmer in Hobbiton to discuss our profession with and perhaps learn about some new crops.
There is also a lot of focus on fishing, something which is a particular hobby of theirs. It seems a bit of an odd way to obtain food, sitting by a river or a pond and trying to snare a fish on a hook (not to mention somewhat cruel on the poor fish). But what I am learning is that the sitting (or standing) and waiting for that possible catch has a charm in itself.
While you are waiting for a fish to bite, you are largely standing or sitting still. This allows close observation - and appreciation - of your surroundings. At the pool in Bywater, for example, I am able to stand and watch the reflections of clouds on the water. Some of them form shapes that resemble creatures, which is both amusing and interesting to see. There is the gentle swaying of the reeds in the wind; an occasional bird-call. If I fish there at night, the water reflects the stars, the twinkling lights mirrored in rippling sparkles on the surface, only broken by the splash as I cast the fishing line into the water.
Even with many other folk fishing there during this festival, there is a tranquility to it, which I am rather enjoying.
Thorin's Hall might not sound like a place to find fish, but there is a canal that runs through it, and the water and the light create fascinating and rather beautiful patterns on the surrounding walls. Sounds from the rest of the Hall are muted, again allowing a moment of calm amid the festivities.
I'm rather growing to enjoy this hobby. I take care to gently put back any fish that are not going to be eaten, therefore minimising unnecessary harm to the creatures.
Even if you don't catch anything, it is an opportunity to pause and experience a moment of calmness amidst these uncertain times. And that is a valuable thing indeed.
