The 2020 lockdown is not one I want to remember as in my case it wasn't just about being locked out from society as it was being locked in and packing this trauma luggage we carry with us until now.
Thank you for bringing Roger's story into this, it made me feel as if he too was my friend.
Hope the rain stays away, although I would love to see a picture of you sliding down the muddy hills, ha!
Kindest thanks Lisha, Roger is such a wonderful old friend, wise beyond words and always so very kind.
The rain seems to have ceased falling for a while, although the sky is still leaden. And so dark it feels like permanent dusk! I’m counting days to the solstice!
I remember well how terrible lockdown was for you , thank goodness there is a little light shining for you now. Sending hugs sweet soul xx
Susie, I am with you on your journey, through your days, by your fire. I feel you.
Your writing is just so beautiful and evocative. I need to just copy and paste that statement as I say the same every time! Because it's true.
The scene of you sitting with your neighbour. Him sharing a story he still needs to share. The picture of that. Brought tears. Your empathy and just being able to be there with him, which may not have been able to happen if you were out being busy in the sunshine... What a gift.
It's all about hope isn't it. Hope for a brighter future. Hope for a brighter sunnier day. Hope is everything.
We get the "inversion" here in Wanaka in winter. Days and days where low cloud sits over us. A gloomy darkness. You can't see more than a few metres in front of you sometimes. Yet the sun shines way up high above on the mountains teasing us. I kind of like it though. You have to, otherwise you go crazy. It feels magical. I go out in any weather as it is a cold slap in the face, a wet dripping immersion into the wonders of the elements. I always feel better for it.
I notice also in that inversion time how when all else is grey, the moss and lichen just shimmers and shines. Your photographic eye would love it.
Thanks Susie. And I hope you can find the light. Apologies for the lengthy reply. There was just so much in your musing. Jo xx
Jo!!! I absolutely love that you say those words every time! You make my day so much brighter with them and believe me, these last few days have been Corley lacking in bright moments so thank you, truly and dearly! 🙏🏽
Roger has been a friend since we moved here twenty years ago, his house was opposite one we bought as temporary accommodation while we renovated the house we live in now. But, then his wife died and he couldn’t bare all the memories rattling around the empty rooms. He sold his house with the thought of building a cabin on the land he owns up the road... but he needed a place to live in the interim. We suggested he live in our house, by then empty because we’d moved here, to which he agreed. He said he’d only stay for the time it took to either build or buy a cabin. That was eight years ago!
He has no relatives bar his housebound sister in Paris so I look after him as best I can... it’s not enough ever due my work and animals but he is always glad to see me. And I him... we help each other! I love him dearly and can’t even think of the day he won’t be there any longer.
I know that gloomy darkness Jo, it has been like that here all week. It’s felt like dusk falling from the moment I step out of the door. But nothing stops for the weather, the chores and animals need attending to so like you I just try to get in with it. I tell my spell it’s just a matter of perspective... and waterproof clothes!😂
And now I’ve matched your lengthy reply!
My turn to apologise...
I hope thé day is gentle and kind to you when you wake lovely lady xx
I believe one of the most difficult things to overcome is battling monochromatic light whether physical or spiritual. Especially for people like us who thrive in sunshine, immerse our spirit in beautiful light colours, breath and bathe in nature's landscape. The love and compassion you graciously give others, like dear Roger and myself, is always circulating around you. All you have to do is close your eyes, feel it and embrace! You're never alone my sweet SS!
Thank you for always always seeing and feeling as I do sweet soul. Those monochromatic skies are so very hard on the soul aren’t they! And they just don’t seem to want to leave....
The older Roger becomes the more he wants to share, I ‘m sure it is biological, his clock (all of our clocks) ticking away the days...we talk for longer and longer because I know he just doesn’t want to stop...and really, it is the very least I can do.
Love always darling - I hope the day is kind to you 🤍✨xxx
I wish I did Kimberly and I’ve searched again this morning to locate it but am out of time... I will though and when I do you’ll be the first to know! X
love reading your words. I am always transported to a beautiful scene of a simple life on the land...all that I myself am moving towards. inspiring and heart warming <3
Warm thanks from my still very wet hill Marija, we none of us need (whether we know it or not) anything more than a simple life. I truly hope you find yours... x
Oh man, my heart goes out to you, Susie. I live in a place that has about 360 days of sunshine a year (also very dry and desert-y). A few years back I visited my sister in another state up north. I was there for nine days and did not see the sun once. It rained the whole time. It was fun for the first few days (rain being a rare sight for me), but by day 6 I simply felt oppressed. There is a weight to water-laden skies that can really get into the soul and feel like too much to carry sometimes. I'm so glad the rain finally ended for you. Here's hoping it stays dry for a spell!
Oh my goodness, so many sunshiny days a year is truly enviable Jenna, I am a June baby which is likely part of the reason why I find this constant rain such a heavy burden. It is the complete monotony of colour and light I think that really sticks on the inside of my skin. I miss shadows, I miss seeing a single cloud scudding across a blue sky and the moon and stars and the silhouettes of branches of trees.... there is simply too MUCH missing!
The rain returned and is still doing it’s monochromatic dance outside as I type but we are promised a beautiful weekend!
Warm heart thanks Renée, I have found much to be tormented by over these last dark days that seem to linger just prior to the solstice, to read such words lightens that immensely...xx
Dear Susie, thank you for sharing. I'm terribly sorry that the dark days with rain on top of dark days of nearing solstice have brought you torment. May the sun shine deep into your being and lighten the dark weight bearing down on your heart. I am sending love and prayerful ease. . . .
I am told that sunshine will arrive in all its wintery silver glory from tomorrow Renée, I am holding my breath in anticipation of lighter days to come - they will be truly appreciated by not only me but all in these parts who have been hampered by these last cold dark and wet days... your prayers answered. Thank you so very much - with love always xx
I get it. A couple days here or there is nice, but when it doesn’t let up, it starts to creep into your mood, although the writing and photos are beautiful!
That is exactly it, I try not to let my inspiration be controlled by meteorological forces out of my control but invariably it is... I be barely picked up my camera these last two weeks so I’m doubly happy you like these.. huge thanks!
Biggest thanks Deirdra, you've made my evening! sadly there is still no let up in the rain... in twenty years of living here we've never known anything like it... not since Ireland anyway!
Roger has been a friend since we moved here, he lived in the house opposite us and when his wife died he couldn’t bare the memories rattling around the empty rooms. He sold his house with the thought of building a cabin on the land he owns up the road... but he needed a place to live in the interim. We suggested he live in our house, by then empty because we’d moved here, to which he agreed. He said he’d only stay for the time it took to either build or buy a cabin. That was eight years ago!
He has no relatives bar his housebound sister in Paris so I look after him as best I can... it’s not enough ever due my work and animals but he is always glad to see me. And I him... we help each other!
I wish wish wish I could send you some rain Pipp! When I was walking the dog this morning before work, in the dark I could hear water running in places I’ve never heard water before... the hill is so saturated there are rivers running down in great gullies! It is a sight I only ever seen during flash thunder storms in summer and then only because the ground is too dry to let it soak in and it’s gone in minutes... I am truly over it as I’m sure you are the drought... MN is being very bloody minded if you ask me! 😂 x
Beautiful!
Thank you so much%-;🙏🏽
So beautifully written, as always, Susie.
The 2020 lockdown is not one I want to remember as in my case it wasn't just about being locked out from society as it was being locked in and packing this trauma luggage we carry with us until now.
Thank you for bringing Roger's story into this, it made me feel as if he too was my friend.
Hope the rain stays away, although I would love to see a picture of you sliding down the muddy hills, ha!
Kindest thanks Lisha, Roger is such a wonderful old friend, wise beyond words and always so very kind.
The rain seems to have ceased falling for a while, although the sky is still leaden. And so dark it feels like permanent dusk! I’m counting days to the solstice!
I remember well how terrible lockdown was for you , thank goodness there is a little light shining for you now. Sending hugs sweet soul xx
Susie, I am with you on your journey, through your days, by your fire. I feel you.
Your writing is just so beautiful and evocative. I need to just copy and paste that statement as I say the same every time! Because it's true.
The scene of you sitting with your neighbour. Him sharing a story he still needs to share. The picture of that. Brought tears. Your empathy and just being able to be there with him, which may not have been able to happen if you were out being busy in the sunshine... What a gift.
It's all about hope isn't it. Hope for a brighter future. Hope for a brighter sunnier day. Hope is everything.
We get the "inversion" here in Wanaka in winter. Days and days where low cloud sits over us. A gloomy darkness. You can't see more than a few metres in front of you sometimes. Yet the sun shines way up high above on the mountains teasing us. I kind of like it though. You have to, otherwise you go crazy. It feels magical. I go out in any weather as it is a cold slap in the face, a wet dripping immersion into the wonders of the elements. I always feel better for it.
I notice also in that inversion time how when all else is grey, the moss and lichen just shimmers and shines. Your photographic eye would love it.
Thanks Susie. And I hope you can find the light. Apologies for the lengthy reply. There was just so much in your musing. Jo xx
Jo!!! I absolutely love that you say those words every time! You make my day so much brighter with them and believe me, these last few days have been Corley lacking in bright moments so thank you, truly and dearly! 🙏🏽
Roger has been a friend since we moved here twenty years ago, his house was opposite one we bought as temporary accommodation while we renovated the house we live in now. But, then his wife died and he couldn’t bare all the memories rattling around the empty rooms. He sold his house with the thought of building a cabin on the land he owns up the road... but he needed a place to live in the interim. We suggested he live in our house, by then empty because we’d moved here, to which he agreed. He said he’d only stay for the time it took to either build or buy a cabin. That was eight years ago!
He has no relatives bar his housebound sister in Paris so I look after him as best I can... it’s not enough ever due my work and animals but he is always glad to see me. And I him... we help each other! I love him dearly and can’t even think of the day he won’t be there any longer.
I know that gloomy darkness Jo, it has been like that here all week. It’s felt like dusk falling from the moment I step out of the door. But nothing stops for the weather, the chores and animals need attending to so like you I just try to get in with it. I tell my spell it’s just a matter of perspective... and waterproof clothes!😂
And now I’ve matched your lengthy reply!
My turn to apologise...
I hope thé day is gentle and kind to you when you wake lovely lady xx
🙏 xx
I believe one of the most difficult things to overcome is battling monochromatic light whether physical or spiritual. Especially for people like us who thrive in sunshine, immerse our spirit in beautiful light colours, breath and bathe in nature's landscape. The love and compassion you graciously give others, like dear Roger and myself, is always circulating around you. All you have to do is close your eyes, feel it and embrace! You're never alone my sweet SS!
Thank you for always always seeing and feeling as I do sweet soul. Those monochromatic skies are so very hard on the soul aren’t they! And they just don’t seem to want to leave....
The older Roger becomes the more he wants to share, I ‘m sure it is biological, his clock (all of our clocks) ticking away the days...we talk for longer and longer because I know he just doesn’t want to stop...and really, it is the very least I can do.
Love always darling - I hope the day is kind to you 🤍✨xxx
We are Soul Sisters Sweetie, blissfully blessed! XXOO
Always my beautiful friend... always! 🫶🏼
Thank you Pipp 🙏🏼
One of my most favorite Wendell Berry poems. Accompanied now by your rain-heavy heart in a mutual caretaking dance with an old, gentle soul. 🙏
Wendell Berry lulls me often with his way with words - all seem to say something profound that until that moment I hadn’t contemplated...
Another I love....
“Some nights in the midst of this loneliness I swung among the scattered stars at the end of the thin thread of faith alone.”
My heart is still heavy with monochromatic mundanity Kimberly but I see a crack of light and the corners of my mouth are twitching... up!
I hope thé day is kind to you beautiful soul 🙏🏽x
Oh! That one is stunning! Do you remember the poem it's from?
I found it..!!
It’s not from a poem at all but a story... https://cpcresources.net/8390-2/
Ohhh! Bless you!
I wish I did Kimberly and I’ve searched again this morning to locate it but am out of time... I will though and when I do you’ll be the first to know! X
love reading your words. I am always transported to a beautiful scene of a simple life on the land...all that I myself am moving towards. inspiring and heart warming <3
Warm thanks from my still very wet hill Marija, we none of us need (whether we know it or not) anything more than a simple life. I truly hope you find yours... x
Oh man, my heart goes out to you, Susie. I live in a place that has about 360 days of sunshine a year (also very dry and desert-y). A few years back I visited my sister in another state up north. I was there for nine days and did not see the sun once. It rained the whole time. It was fun for the first few days (rain being a rare sight for me), but by day 6 I simply felt oppressed. There is a weight to water-laden skies that can really get into the soul and feel like too much to carry sometimes. I'm so glad the rain finally ended for you. Here's hoping it stays dry for a spell!
Oh my goodness, so many sunshiny days a year is truly enviable Jenna, I am a June baby which is likely part of the reason why I find this constant rain such a heavy burden. It is the complete monotony of colour and light I think that really sticks on the inside of my skin. I miss shadows, I miss seeing a single cloud scudding across a blue sky and the moon and stars and the silhouettes of branches of trees.... there is simply too MUCH missing!
The rain returned and is still doing it’s monochromatic dance outside as I type but we are promised a beautiful weekend!
Luminous, beautiful writing, which would be enough to linger over. Yet, I am a pupil of of your photographic eye, and so I stare. Thank you, Susie.
Warm heart thanks Renée, I have found much to be tormented by over these last dark days that seem to linger just prior to the solstice, to read such words lightens that immensely...xx
Dear Susie, thank you for sharing. I'm terribly sorry that the dark days with rain on top of dark days of nearing solstice have brought you torment. May the sun shine deep into your being and lighten the dark weight bearing down on your heart. I am sending love and prayerful ease. . . .
I am told that sunshine will arrive in all its wintery silver glory from tomorrow Renée, I am holding my breath in anticipation of lighter days to come - they will be truly appreciated by not only me but all in these parts who have been hampered by these last cold dark and wet days... your prayers answered. Thank you so very much - with love always xx
Just seeing this, Susie, and with hopes our dear Sun did shine!
I get it. A couple days here or there is nice, but when it doesn’t let up, it starts to creep into your mood, although the writing and photos are beautiful!
That is exactly it, I try not to let my inspiration be controlled by meteorological forces out of my control but invariably it is... I be barely picked up my camera these last two weeks so I’m doubly happy you like these.. huge thanks!
So beautiful. I loved every word. I hope the rain has stopped!
Biggest thanks Deirdra, you've made my evening! sadly there is still no let up in the rain... in twenty years of living here we've never known anything like it... not since Ireland anyway!
You’re very kind Pipp, thank you so much.
Roger has been a friend since we moved here, he lived in the house opposite us and when his wife died he couldn’t bare the memories rattling around the empty rooms. He sold his house with the thought of building a cabin on the land he owns up the road... but he needed a place to live in the interim. We suggested he live in our house, by then empty because we’d moved here, to which he agreed. He said he’d only stay for the time it took to either build or buy a cabin. That was eight years ago!
He has no relatives bar his housebound sister in Paris so I look after him as best I can... it’s not enough ever due my work and animals but he is always glad to see me. And I him... we help each other!
I wish wish wish I could send you some rain Pipp! When I was walking the dog this morning before work, in the dark I could hear water running in places I’ve never heard water before... the hill is so saturated there are rivers running down in great gullies! It is a sight I only ever seen during flash thunder storms in summer and then only because the ground is too dry to let it soak in and it’s gone in minutes... I am truly over it as I’m sure you are the drought... MN is being very bloody minded if you ask me! 😂 x