Pastoral.....

pas·tor·al  (pstr-l, p-stôr-, -str-)

adj.

1.

a. Of or relating to shepherds or herders.

b. Of, relating to, or used for animal husbandry.

2.

a. Of or relating to the country or country life; rural.

b. Charmingly simple and serene; idyllic. See Synonyms at rural.

3. Of, relating to, or being a literary or other artistic work that portrays or evokes rural life, usually in an idealized way.

4. Of or relating to a pastor or the duties of a pastor: pastoral duties; a pastoral letter.

n.

1. A literary or other artistic work that portrays or evokes rural life, usually in an idealized way.

2. Music A pastorale.

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[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin pstrlis, from pstor, shepherd; see pastor.]

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pastor·al·ly adv.

It seems I have been seeing many scenes which evoke the images reminding you of toile de jouy fabric. While on vacation this year in France, Belgium and Holland, I enjoyed these scenes of simple country pleasure. Whether a windmill on a hilltop with cows grazing (photo 1) in Holland or a small orchard beside L'Abbaye du Val Dieu (photos 2 and 3) in Belguim, they make you pause and sigh. A peace falls over you. 

In spring, we visited the Chateau de Rambures and I spotted the cows grazing way off the side of the castle grounds. They are in the farmer's field near the castle but just visible as you come near the walkway. Again...a pause to sigh...a reminder to slow down...to really see what is around you...

Heidi