The Cow Window

Oct 1

4 min read

Updated: 6 hours ago

All photos are from my garden.

Look at the photo above. Yes — that really is a window cut into my fence. I affectionately call it the cow window.

You might be asking, “Lana Ann, what in the world possessed you to cut a hole in your fence?” Well, I’m glad you asked and here is the story,

How the Cow Window Came to Be

Years ago, when my Mom came to live with me, we decided to move to a different house. We looked at existing homes, but nothing felt right. Then I said, “There’s a new home development next to some farms, if you want to see it.” Her face lit up instantly and she said— “Let’s go, now!”

“There’s a world out there. Open a window, and it’s there.”

— Robin Williams

When we arrived at the new home site, she fell in love with the rural vibe. We had lived in a small town for most of my childhood, surrounded by livestock and animals, so this felt like home to her. We chose a vacant lot that backed up to an existing farm. At the time, only a wire fence separated us from the pasture, and we could see a dozen or so cattle — including one magnificent Longhorn.

Whenever we checked on the progress of the house, we would stand at the fence and watch the cattle walk past on their way to the creek west of our property. Mom and I were like little kids, talking to the cows and telling them how pretty they were.

The Day the View Disappeared

One day, when we stopped by to check on the house during construction, the back privacy fence had been installed—and just like that, our view of the cows was gone. Mom and I were both disappointed. My realtor said, “You could cut a window in the fence, I guess.”

Well, I thought, I guess I could—and that is exactly what I planned to do.

“Never hesitate to open new windows in your life!” — Mehmet Murat Ildan

The Mother’s Day Surprise

Fast forward several months after we got settled in the new house. I had been plotting with my good friends Chris and Bridget and Hailey to make a cow window as a surprise for my Mom for Mother’s Day. Since Chris is a wizard with woodwork, he said it would be easy to do.

When Chris completed the window and Mom saw it open with a view of the farm, she got misty‑eyed. When she spotted the first cow, she was totally elated. It was the best Mother’s Day gift I could have given her.

View from the patio about a year after the window opened

Life Through the Cow Window

“What light through yonder window breaks?” — William Shakespeare

Mom and I spent many hours on the back patio just staring through the cow window. There is something about gazing through a window that soothes the spirit.

The cows would walk by single file on their way down to the creek. The Longhorn was usually at the end of the line, watching over the herd like a good mama. Often, they would stop at our cow window and eat the vegetation growing along the fence.

I think cows are such sweet and gentle animals. Look at this precious face peering through the window

— it’s like he’s saying hello, or maybe he’s thinking, “Okay, take my picture.” I always smile looking at it.

“Open the window of your heart and let the Spirit speak.” — Rumi

Mama Longhorn

The Longhorn was such a regal animal. I called her Mama, and every sight of her took my breath away.

Longhorn History

The Longhorn was brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors around 1500 and gradually made its way to Texas in the 17th century. They are a hardy breed that can survive harsh environments and heat. In 1995, the Texas Longhorn was named the state’s large mammal. Its horns can span more than eight feet from tip to tip.

Of course, I also have an affinity for Longhorns, since they are the mascot of my alma mater, The University of Texas at Austin.

Mama Longhorn snacking on the vegetation by my fence

Memories I Treasure

“There’s nothing like sitting back and talking to your cows.” — Russell Crowe

I’m so thankful that I followed my creative whim and made the cow window. Many precious memories were made with family and friends while we were gazing through the window. The garden gave my Mom a lot of comfort and happiness. We had lots of fun times during our happy hours on the patio.

Mom loved watching the birds, bunnies, her beloved hummingbirds, and of course the cows.

My Mom passed away a couple of years ago, and I treasure those times we had on the patio. I’m also sad to say that the farm was sold recently and rental properties were put up, and I had to close the cow window — but I have the memories and the pictures.

Here’s my beautiful Mom during one of our happy hours. Cheers!