Farm-Pod Audio Player
Posted: Thursday, April 22, 2010
by Bing Limousin
DreamHill Farms
"My universe is in my I-POD," a student once told me.
I understand this notion and would not attempt to suggest any measure against it. I guess for me, my universe is in my Farm-Pod. Like most things in the rural countryside, sounds are not passive but are rich in personality and heritage.
The most successful product designers today will tell you that they create things like I-PODs and such that transform lifestyles and cultures, not merely make things that do things. I have to agree because I know they must be smarter than me.
Like the kitchen, back screen door. It is an integral part of the farm happenings. On first impulse one might think that the hinges need a good oiling. Some attention to stop it from making the symphony of squeaks and creaks after being battered by north winds all winter. The sound it makes is not a simple squeak, but rather an out-of-tune, squeak/creak-chord that balances nicely high, medium and low frequency range of tones. Blended together the sound takes on a unique personality all its own.
I remember oiling it last spring and it quieted it up real fine. This year I think I will use a lot less oil.
The noise the door makes in the early morning communicates much, to many, as it echoes throughout the landscape of our small farm. To those still in bed they know that it is feeding time for the cows and horses. If by chance the dogs are not lying next to the door, it signals that it is time for one of them to join the feeding ritual (if both are out together we won't see them for hours!). To Snowball, the cat, it signals that if Christie (the dog) goes outside, then he (the cat) can eat his morning meal in peace! To God's Will and Stormy (horses), as soon as that door creaks open they lift up their heads and head for the corral, knowing food will soon be served. A usual neigh of approval lets us know, that they know, they expect to be fed. If the door's first opening for the day is for some other reason, the horses get cranky for most of the morning until satisfied. The cows can hear the door's noise from clear across their pasture and work their way to soon be waiting at their trough for some appreciated sweet feed. All of this was put in motion by one squeak/creak!
During other parts of the day the same door-voice stimulates other reactions. If you add all activity motivated from this one simple noise, it is a pretty effective communications tool.
So, I think it best for all concerned to just keep this audio ritual as an integral part of the farm's character. I wouldn't want to quietly sneak out one morning and turn the orbits of the farm-cosmic rhythm into chaos. Besides it just seems fit'n that a back screen door on a farm should squeak.
Enough Said,
Bing
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)What canI say? I love the sounds.... mooooo, meow, gurrrr....we don't have a screen door that bangs, it slides but I do hear what you are saying!Please log in to respond to this comment.marijo, thanks...hey, would you audition the next time i need animal sfx?bingPlease log in to respond to this comment.Tonight we have a woodpecker paid tapping on the vents on the roof....Please log in to respond to this comment.
I agree with you Bing, don't use as much oil on the door next time. You create a wonderful picture of your life on the farm. As Tina Fey says, (30 Rock) "I want to go to there." Very nice.Please log in to respond to this comment.brianna, thanks for your thoughts.oil/hinges is an artistic balance. it is like tuning a guitar-i like mine a little sharp.bingPlease log in to respond to this comment.
IPODs are clever but what they represent doesn't make my heart soar. Place them next to your creaky door with its orchestra of sounds that have life and meaning and it's a no brainer for me!You capture the soul and quality of country life so well, Bing. Sometimes city life can be dry - as if all the nice rich bone marrow of it has been sucked out or dessicated. But every time I read one of your articles I'm reminded of where the real quality in living lies.Thanks. I love your horses' names!Please log in to respond to this comment.jennifer,as always, thanks for your perspecive on things.i was telling someone of all the 'shooting stars i have seen...they have always been there, i just wasn't looking!bingPlease log in to respond to this comment.Hey Bing,Isn't that always the case!JenniferPlease log in to respond to this comment.
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