Thursday, November 18, 2010

A love that was meant to...

If you've been following Verde Farm for a bit you know that our kunekune sow Pansy, as a piglet, came to live with us in January 2010: Let's Get A PigWe adored her from day one and quickly knew she wouldn't be our last. As a matter of fact, we became so enamored with her we decided to breed this wonderful variety of swine. The search began for a boar to win the heart of our Pansy. By mid-summer, a down payment was made on a pending litter from USA Kunekunes, in California.  
Miss Pansy 
In early August, we received news the litter had arrived. We looked over many photos and exchanged several e-mails with Lori Enright, the breeder, and decided on a wonderful little brown and white boar we named Porter:Pansy's BetrothedIt was early October, when we got word that Porter was ready to make the journey east to W.Va, and boy, that was an experience in itself: When Pigs Fly. Nonetheless, we did get the little fella home safe and sound.
Mister Porter
The much anticipated meeting of the potential young lovers finally arrived. I gave Porter a bath and got him smelling all lavenderish and minty. The sun was shining as my husband went to get Miss Pansy from her little house.  Camera in hand, I stood waiting, anticipating a slow motion run with Pansy's ears flopping in the air and Porter's tail wagging slowly from side to side. In the background, I imagined a symphony playing the theme to 'Love Story.'  "Where do I begin?..." A soft kiss perhaps? Well...not exactly.


As Pansy rounded the corner, as she did so often, she expected to see her snack bowl by the door but instead was confronted by something entirely different. What was it?  It wasn't the cat. She knew the cats and loved the cats.  It wasn't a chicken, she met with the chickens daily for tea and it wasn't tea time.  "What? No? Why, is it a pig? A pig? Why on earth did they bring another pig here? I am the princess of Verde Farm. There'll be no need for a prince. I didn't ask for a prince. Quickly, she ignored him and beat a path toward the barn.   
Pansy heads for the hills
Porter, on the other hand, was immediately smitten. "Oh wow, another kunekune pig," he seemed to be thinking. "And she is a cutie too. So pretty with her shiny black hair and white and black wattles. Hi Pansy, I'm your new friend Porter", he said in his squeaky little voice. "I'm so glad to see you. Pansy. Pansy?" She was headed for the hills. Porter ran after her to declare his friendship. "We can start slow, Pansy. Let's be friends. I need a friend here." 
Porter calling "Pansy, Pansy?
We certainly didn't expect Pansy to literally run for the hills.


The husband tried to calm her. They sat for a few minutes in the woods as I took Porter to meet the other farm friends. Richie told Pansy not to worry and that she would always be our little girl. "We don't have to rush this," he told her. "This is on your terms, Pansy, not ours." Pansy sniffled a little as she was led down the hill to her special little house. As a modern woman, Pansy will decide when she's ready to be with Porter. In the meantime, Porter has a nice room, with plenty of straw and furry, feathered friends in the barn.  
Pansy eating at her beloved, little house
Well folks, the progress has been slow, but steady. The kids have been on a few play dates and had a nice lunch together this past weekend. They've even taken sun baths and naps together, although Pansy, unsure, slept with one eye opened. It's not the whirlwind romance we imagined. No love at first site, perhaps more indicative of an arranged marriage. It takes time. A friendship must come first. I believe marriages based in friendship usually last longer, anyway. I've talked with both Pansy and Porter separately over the past few weeks and they are happy with the way things are. Nature will take its course.  
Porter hoping Pansy will let him come in for a visit


No wedding bells yet, but I am still hoping for spring, 2011!

Love blooming?


Oink oink, 

45 comments:

Carla said...

Oh my, how sweet! I had no idea (but should have) that Porter was so tiny compared to Pansy. Of course he is, he's 8 months younger than her.
I think right now, he just needs a buddy. Yes, friendship is the basis for a long-lasting marriage. :)

Lori Skoog said...

Progress is being made! What a fabulous home Pansy has. Porter will be very jealous when he sees it! I see a children's book in this story.

Unknown said...

Too cute for words! I want one or two!

TexWisGirl said...

I have been wondering how they were doing together. Thanks for updating us. I'm sure they will become close after some time (and growth on Porter's part). At least Porter has Shep to pal with in the meantime!!! :)

Heritage Farm Village said...

ah, how sweet! i am glad the two piggies are getting along. they are very pretty together! jill

Jen said...

Ooooo this post is too cute! Hope to see Pansy/Porter piglets in the near future! They both are so cute and I love Pansy's house, I think my Porkchop needs one like it :)

*Shes doing alittle better with her piggy pellets, yay.

Farm Girl said...

Oh that is so cute. She is a much bigger lady than her husband to be. She looks so little in the pictures of just her but with him standing there, wow he is still tiny.
I love your love story and can't wait to see babies out of this venture. Do you get baby donkeys too?

Holly said...

Hi Amy!!!

This is too cute! Why is the news full of William and Kate when there is so much more happening at the farm????

Just wanted to let you know that you are following me. Honestly I don't always pay much attention after I first notice a follower...just the numbers, so I thought you were still on there! thanks for coming back!!!

Have a great week!!

IsobelleGoLightly said...

Oh! What adorable pigs! My lady likes the idea of grazing pigs versus rooting pigs. I hope she doesn't decide get PIGS. Goats are far superior (sorry Pansy) hee hee. Kiss from Isobelle!

Lisa Sall - Sall's Country Life said...

Love takes time sometimes...glad they are starting to be friends, thats a good base!! What a cute story, I'll be sharing this with our grand-daughter over the holidays. Love Pansy's house too, you may have to start thinking about adding on??
Lisa

Kent Island Red said...

I LOVE your pig stories and can't get enough of them :-)

Got your note about some of your followers dropping off and I have no idea why (I LOVE your blog!) but I just "followed" you again and plan to become a Facebook friend as well.

Janet said...

oh they make such a lovely couple- i`m sure love will blossom !

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Amy that is so sweet! I think Pansy feels she's too mature for him at the moment. He's just a 'kid' I'm sure she's thinking. Yes...when the time comes I'm sure nature will take it's course. In the meantime enjoy watching them get to know each other and PLEASE...take lots of pictures! ;) Hope you're having a wonderful Thursday :)

Laura @ Our Wee Farm said...

heehe they are adorable!

Inger said...

Amy,this is the most adorable thing I have read in a long time. I can't wait for updates on this budding relationship now. You did a great job. And what a lovely home Pansy has.--Inger

Tete said...

Amy, they are so cute- but the funniest thing for me is Pansy's pig house. That's one spoiled pig. I suppose the couple will be shacking up in there? LOL
Thanks for the humor- it fits in well with today!
Hugs- Tete

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Why you little devil you! You're not only a match maker but a counselor as well!!!...:)JP

Lisa@Pickles and Cheese said...

That is so cute! And Pansy's little pig house is too cute. I am looking forward to the updates!

Deb said...

Aww so sweet...hope you become a Grandma next spring...

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I remember about reading about Porter's journey and have really enjoyed reading about the 'love story' in the making! I'm glad that Pansy is playing a little hard to get and wants to take her time--She is just as you said a modern woman, and a lady! :-))

Michelle said...

This is a cute love story! I adore Pansy's little house. Think I need one for myself to escape to every now and then. lol

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

So darn sweet. What a difference in size they are. I hope come spring Porter will be sharing Pancy's lovely pad.

Teresa said...

Oh my, are they ever cute! And a younger man for Pansy...does this make your pig a cougar?
Fun story!

Country Gal said...

OMG How sweet ! Love the photos and the love story. Looking forward to updates as well! Hey it would be great if you had a name contest for the little ones ! Have a great day !

Angela said...

Hey Amy!

I LOVE the little house you have for Pansy! That is just too sweet! You do have her spoiled rotten I'm sure! hehehe I too didn't realize that Porter would be much smaller than her! lol He's still a baby! Give him some time and he'll be a man! Great story! Loved the pictures too!

Hugs,
Angela

Janet, said...

Yes, give them time. Pansy's house is so cute! Such a lucky little pig she is.

Terry said...

I was very glad to read an update on Porter. Pansy will soon see him for the fine pig he is. Her house is adorable, by the way.

Chris at Red Gate Farm said...

Amy,
That is the cutest story ever! I can hear the romance song/music building throughout the tale... or tail ;)

I think Porter may have a little bit of time before he catches up to Pansy in the maturity department... if pigs are anything like teenagers that is!
Chris

Rebecca said...

This is absolutely one of the most wonderful things I've ever seen-the little pigs, their house-all your animals -what a great heart you have!!!!!

Lori Lynn said...

oh oh oh...I want to come live with you...or maybe with Pansy in her cute little house :-)
♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Lori Lynn ♥

Mary said...

What a sweet story! I do think Pansy and Porter are meant to be and can't wait for the sequel to this story. :)

-Mary

Pondside said...

Will Porter prevail? Will Pansy prevaricate?
Will true love find a way?
Can't wait to find out!

Genny said...

Amy, thank you so much for visiting my blog. I LOVE Pansy and Porter. I never knew that pigs could be so cute or have such big personalities. And the photos and story of your home and farm are just wonderful. I can't wait to dig through your archives and read more.

Unknown said...

Amy...how sweet! I love Pansy's house too. Everything looks so charming at Verde Farm! I bet Pansy will take to Porter soon...it just takes time.

xo,

annie

Nancy said...

Haha! I believe Porter would benefit from a wing man at this point. ;) Women!

And of course, I voted for you. Super great pics. Of farm animals. I love it.

Thank you for following my blog -- I am now following you as well.

denise f said...

I've been interested in those pigs for a while -- hmmmm... must thinkg on it. They are way cute!

goatgirl said...

I think I need one of those someday. I like the fact that they don't root...and the colors! A very colorful pig. I will look forward to seeing what spring brings.

Unknown said...

I am NOT going to even think of getting one, I do not need another farm animal, but it wouldn't hurt to just think about it right? Spring is a few months off so thats planning time....however, I do love your pictures and stories and I shall be back;)

Janice Grinyer said...

lol okay I think the issue is this; Pansy was thinking along the lines of george clooney ~ all grown up, looking dapper and ready to grow a mustache if need be...and poor porter just hasnt grown into his role yet; hes more of a justin bieber at this point - kind of cute with his hair curl, singing a tune but still annoying and def. not george clooney ...lol

Lynn said...

Lovin' Pansy's home, the flower box is just great! I think it should be called "Pansy's Palace":@)

Old Time Cindy said...

Such a sweet story! And what a nice little house that is!

Cindy

luckybunny said...

Great post and so adorable, they are just the cutest things ever!

Unknown said...

Love your piggies! So cute! What a house you made for Pansy... Every girl needs a window box filled to the brim with flowers!
Deb

Buttons Thoughts said...

I love the story and they are such cute piggy's.Porter is so cute but Pansy is lucky to have a nice house to invite Porter into. B

Teresa said...

So cute! What a wonderful tale of love, erh, friendship. Hope you let us know how this all turned out.