Laura, thank you for kind wishes, this bug is not proving easy to shift, one step forward seems to result in two steps back, I conclude in stillness! It seems to be working... may your day be beautiful wherever you are. 💛
Exquisitely beautiful Susie, although I'm sorry to hear you have been ill. I hope by now you are on the road to recovery and can manage some days of rest.
The Inuit words in here are so wonderful.
This is all so quoteable, but the passages that really stood out to me are these:
"It is more likely they simply have more ways to describe snow because living in a land that is so often covered in it, words and names evolve"
"I cast my eyes to the constellations many times in the evenings that follow but not a single word appears. I think it is likely I simply don’t understand the language they have written but I hope to learn.
"we talk about trees, they learn—in addition, in silent awe—of symbiosis and the conversations that pass between roots, pollen and odour, how counting and studying the rings inside their branches and trunks can tell of their age and climate."
Pure poetry.
Also, random, but I read a palindrome about owls today:
Mr owl ate my metal worm.
😂
Get well soon, and my sincere apologies for my imposition on you for a photo when you're unwell!
Heartfelt and now healthy thanks Nathan, I love that palindrome a lot! I read somewhere the other day that words forming a new word when you spell them backward are called semordnilap, which is also a reverse spelling of palindromes. I have no idea if this is made up or not but I love the idea...
I am delighted you liked the Inuit words, it is a most unusual language, one I'd love to study in detail if ever I had a few years free!
There are truly no apologies necessary for your photo request last evening either, I was feeling quite recovered by then and please, don't hesitate in future should you ever be stuck, it will always be a pleasure . 🙏🏼
They are Kaitlyn, and then there is the catkins and crocus, the little green tips to budding leaves just showing, a wayward daffodil in my neighbours garden... there are signs of hope everywhere! 🌿
A lovely post, Susie. And I smiled at this: "Putain de merde, tu me fait chier!”
The printer is broken… again. The technician will not answer his phone and all planned lessons have to be taught ad-lib." Some things don't change. In my years of teaching, the biggest stress factor in any staffroom was the photocopier.
It seems to be 'a thing' in every school and college I work in Jeffrey, so much so I feel quite relieved to read your affirmation! I was beginning to think I was a walking photocopier jinx!
Many, many thanks for reading, my sincere apologies for such colourful language but have a hunch you understand.
These Inuit words for snow are marvelous. Reminds me of something Maria Popova shared about words, how in their attempt to convey, still fall short into ambiguity and hinged on personal experience. She wrote, “This fundamental subjectivity of experience makes every word we write and utter a bottle of pressurized ambiguity effervescent with myriad meanings, tossed into the ocean of experience in the touching hope that it will convey a clear message about what we see and what we feel. The great miracle is that we understand each other at all.”
Though I must admit, reading you and pausing on your stunning prose and imagery, I can’t help but feel I DO understand you, feel into the heart of your gentle way, even as the whirlwind of obligation spins around you, always, always, a stillness, a sacred love, emanating from within.
Yes! Maria Popova is genius in her perceptive prose here... as she is so often, I love The Marginalian popping into my mail box every week.
I believe even with a common spoken language when experience falls into an already complicated equation, there are many black holes of that ambiguous space. How can one human, in between the understanding, find the same meaning in the experience? Perhaps we come close but it will never be symmetrical and probably that is for the best, it is what makes us individuals, human. But, the written word... to me this is a different language, one that can draw us in and in so doing something else touches the words to make a reader feel they are present in that space and time.
I would never be able speak the words I write, I don't have the spoken language...
I don't know if this is a huge black mark against my character but in reading your comment dear Kimberly, and all other comments you are so generous in leaving here, I believe you have a perfect understanding of all I am trying and able to transfer from the emotional, visual and tangible moments wrapped in the memories of my very humble daily experiences and for that I adore you! Huge heart thanks, you make me feel, all is not in vain! xx
That flu again! We have been unscathed and surely little exposed, yet have heard about the nightmare lurking in collective spaces.
As for the snow, I saw the forecasts for it, but we were out in Rodez on Friday evening and coming home, it wasn't that cold and we just couldn't believe it. But then we woke up to a winter wonderland! That is one of my favorite feelings -- waking up to snow on a weekend morning. And I had been longing for it.
It didn't last long here, but I'm happy that the ski stations are getting a bit for the holidays...
Many thanks Betty, the flu bug has been a curse this winter, we've had half the class missing at almost any given point, thought we adults had all managed to dodge the germs even but just as all the students filtered back, we fell too! Thankfully not all at once although we have all worked on days we wouldn't have otherwise. As Im sure you know, especially at primary level, bugs are just one of the pitfalls ! Thankfully I am recovered now and very much looking forward to Friday and hopefully two weeks outdoors in peaceful, fresh and clean air!
How thrilling for you to have woken to such a beautiful wintery scene, I am green with envy! I really thought we'd have at least a couple of days of snowy gorgeousness last weekend... and I dare say that was out last chance for this winter at least but yes, it must be an absolute blessing for flagging ski stations, they have struggled terribly for the last few years, I hope it was enough to fill empty coffers. I have a feeling not though...
I wasn't even aware exactly when the school holidays start here -- I hope you have a lovely break.
I've been a bit obsessed with the suffering low-altitude ski stations and have read about their opening up in Lozère, Gard, Aveyron of course, Cantal...
I posted this note about it as my husband and I were lucky enough to stop at one when we went up to the Aubrac a week and a half ago, then I read more about it in a newspaper. It really is touching:
From what Ive read and heard Betty, climate change causing warmer temps and lack of snow has been catastrophic for so many of the lower ski stations... its terribly sad.
Today is my last day, Ive been up since 4am, it already feels long! Vive ce soir! x
A very dear, sadly missed and long departed friend once returned from his second home in Portugal with two buckets of fresh oranges from his garden for me, I still remember their tangy and sweet and slightly tart citrusy juiciness, like nothing I'd ever bought in a shop so my deepest thanks for your offering dear Veronika, it is a beautiful reminder - twofold!
I am feeling much recovered, the process of forgiveness was speedy, not being one to harbour unwarranted grudges, I have let them fly free...
All language fascinates, I have become, with your expert help, quite the addict!
Thank you dear Fotini, as do I though I fear the tea leaves tell me otherwise at this time of year... my garden is calling me, I hear it even from here! 🌿
Fortunately and unfortunately, fever, chills and unruly body aches and basically, everything is ‘too much’ , all write beautiful prose, whether the mind is willing or not. And don’t get me started on your fever dreamscape. Sending you soft cold snowflakes and a cup of hot tea. To be administered at the same time.
Hot tea and icy cold snowy compresses all duly administered, together of course - the magic has woven its way through all the aches and pains and feverish tossing and turnings Lor, and... Im doing a little song and dance in thanks because it worked perfectly!
So, where was I before bind altering interruptions?
Thank you for the perfect medication Lor, and the vicarious wander in snow scapes with statues! I will be back to you in a flurry... ❄️x
I’m so sorry you were unwell and missed seeing the snow falling. There is nothing more glorious than the silence of snow falling, covering the land in peace and purity. Praying you shall experience it soon . Love n light, miss you 😘
Hi darling, I think I'm mending, it's been slower than I'd like which I am furious about but the last three weeks with so many of falling foul of the wretched germs, its not surprising! From tonight though, holidays!!! I am so sad the snow was its usual rather unenthusiastic flurry but can you hear my relief? Two weeks of silence... bliss!
Cant wait to chat tomorrow sweet soul - love and light til then! ❄️😘
So many have succumbed to a most unkind influenza this season, I’m so sorry to hear you have been one of its victims, dear Susie. I’m sad there was no arrival of snow to carpet the hill and bring some quiet solace but just a few more days, and then a rest. Sending much love xx
I’m so pleased to hear you are on the mend ❤️🩹 and that your holiday has begun. I am also now on holiday until 24th and so pleased for the rest. I am also so pleased that there is a small package at the post office!! I was worried she might have got herself completely lost! Xx
Bless you Emily, it has been a truly horrible few weeks here, and although I think I am finally through the very worst of the shivering and trembling, aches and pains, others have fared so much worse than I have, despite my grumbling I have only really touched the very edges of it.
From tonight though my holiday begins. My relief is loud here, perhaps you can hear me from there...? I am pining for peace and quiet, for the emptiness of the hill, even if the snow did neglect to send more than a flurry this way.
Sending happy hugs to you lovely, especially as there is a small package waiting for me at the PO in the village! ♥️xx
Words are a curious and beautiful thing, I often wonder how so many languages have evolved in the world, and even languages within those!
Thanks Jo, I'm getting there, two weeks in the fresh air starting tonight should help immensely. I have a ghastly feeling if I were to visit one of the many psychologists my work brings me into contact with, I would be labelled immediately ADHD - a good reason not to! 😂xx
I think it is a longing that will have to be put on hold until next winter now Jan... It's shocking how fast climate has changed in our twenty years of being here. :-(
Be well too my friend, I am recovering (ish) roll on Friday! xx
It is such a year of illness! My husband and son are both sick and I am down with a case of the « very exhausted must sit down agains ». It feels something like it did before Christmas when we were all running around on empty tanks, don’t you think?
It feels worse even, at Christmas, albeit self imposed nonsense mostly, there is reason, a deadline but this, this is like a continuous downward spiral of of utter exhaustion with no visible end! I crave the holidays but know well there will be no chance of rest, the garden needs to be turned and planted with early crops, fences need repairing and the backlog of reports and unfinished projects is mind boggling... if I could run I would!
I do hope hour loved ones are recovering and you've managed to avoid the germs Natalie, stay well! x
You do write so beautifully Susie…
I hope you’re now on the mend. We have to look forward to warmer and longer days.. 💙💙💙
Thank you sweetie, I am, at last feeling human again! Now to catch up on spring fever - I am so behind! ♥️xx
Pray you are on the mend very soon. Thank you for sharing these lovely words in the midst of the croakiness.
Laura, thank you for kind wishes, this bug is not proving easy to shift, one step forward seems to result in two steps back, I conclude in stillness! It seems to be working... may your day be beautiful wherever you are. 💛
Exquisitely beautiful Susie, although I'm sorry to hear you have been ill. I hope by now you are on the road to recovery and can manage some days of rest.
The Inuit words in here are so wonderful.
This is all so quoteable, but the passages that really stood out to me are these:
"It is more likely they simply have more ways to describe snow because living in a land that is so often covered in it, words and names evolve"
"I cast my eyes to the constellations many times in the evenings that follow but not a single word appears. I think it is likely I simply don’t understand the language they have written but I hope to learn.
"we talk about trees, they learn—in addition, in silent awe—of symbiosis and the conversations that pass between roots, pollen and odour, how counting and studying the rings inside their branches and trunks can tell of their age and climate."
Pure poetry.
Also, random, but I read a palindrome about owls today:
Mr owl ate my metal worm.
😂
Get well soon, and my sincere apologies for my imposition on you for a photo when you're unwell!
Heartfelt and now healthy thanks Nathan, I love that palindrome a lot! I read somewhere the other day that words forming a new word when you spell them backward are called semordnilap, which is also a reverse spelling of palindromes. I have no idea if this is made up or not but I love the idea...
I am delighted you liked the Inuit words, it is a most unusual language, one I'd love to study in detail if ever I had a few years free!
There are truly no apologies necessary for your photo request last evening either, I was feeling quite recovered by then and please, don't hesitate in future should you ever be stuck, it will always be a pleasure . 🙏🏼
Relieved and pleased to hear you're now healthy.
Semordnilap | palindromes
What a delight of a word. I love that! 🤩
Thank you, annoyingly the bug is reluctant to let go entirely, I refuse to give it air time though!
Like I said Im not sure if it is a recognised word but it is fun! 😆
The sounds of hope. 🥹
Oh yes, my personal favorite was the frog symphonies on rainy mornings in Florida 🥲
Oh Kaitlyn, I would miss them too...😔
Here the toads sing just before its going to rain, its a mournful warning.
They are Kaitlyn, and then there is the catkins and crocus, the little green tips to budding leaves just showing, a wayward daffodil in my neighbours garden... there are signs of hope everywhere! 🌿
You manage to make even illness feel ethereal and visceral all at once. Masterful writing.
John, you are very kind and appreciated; It was a tough job to inject a little levity and hope these last days... thank you.
A lovely post, Susie. And I smiled at this: "Putain de merde, tu me fait chier!”
The printer is broken… again. The technician will not answer his phone and all planned lessons have to be taught ad-lib." Some things don't change. In my years of teaching, the biggest stress factor in any staffroom was the photocopier.
It seems to be 'a thing' in every school and college I work in Jeffrey, so much so I feel quite relieved to read your affirmation! I was beginning to think I was a walking photocopier jinx!
Many, many thanks for reading, my sincere apologies for such colourful language but have a hunch you understand.
These Inuit words for snow are marvelous. Reminds me of something Maria Popova shared about words, how in their attempt to convey, still fall short into ambiguity and hinged on personal experience. She wrote, “This fundamental subjectivity of experience makes every word we write and utter a bottle of pressurized ambiguity effervescent with myriad meanings, tossed into the ocean of experience in the touching hope that it will convey a clear message about what we see and what we feel. The great miracle is that we understand each other at all.”
Though I must admit, reading you and pausing on your stunning prose and imagery, I can’t help but feel I DO understand you, feel into the heart of your gentle way, even as the whirlwind of obligation spins around you, always, always, a stillness, a sacred love, emanating from within.
Wishing you fat, fluffy snowflakes and hugs.
Yes! Maria Popova is genius in her perceptive prose here... as she is so often, I love The Marginalian popping into my mail box every week.
I believe even with a common spoken language when experience falls into an already complicated equation, there are many black holes of that ambiguous space. How can one human, in between the understanding, find the same meaning in the experience? Perhaps we come close but it will never be symmetrical and probably that is for the best, it is what makes us individuals, human. But, the written word... to me this is a different language, one that can draw us in and in so doing something else touches the words to make a reader feel they are present in that space and time.
I would never be able speak the words I write, I don't have the spoken language...
I don't know if this is a huge black mark against my character but in reading your comment dear Kimberly, and all other comments you are so generous in leaving here, I believe you have a perfect understanding of all I am trying and able to transfer from the emotional, visual and tangible moments wrapped in the memories of my very humble daily experiences and for that I adore you! Huge heart thanks, you make me feel, all is not in vain! xx
That flu again! We have been unscathed and surely little exposed, yet have heard about the nightmare lurking in collective spaces.
As for the snow, I saw the forecasts for it, but we were out in Rodez on Friday evening and coming home, it wasn't that cold and we just couldn't believe it. But then we woke up to a winter wonderland! That is one of my favorite feelings -- waking up to snow on a weekend morning. And I had been longing for it.
It didn't last long here, but I'm happy that the ski stations are getting a bit for the holidays...
Do take care!
Many thanks Betty, the flu bug has been a curse this winter, we've had half the class missing at almost any given point, thought we adults had all managed to dodge the germs even but just as all the students filtered back, we fell too! Thankfully not all at once although we have all worked on days we wouldn't have otherwise. As Im sure you know, especially at primary level, bugs are just one of the pitfalls ! Thankfully I am recovered now and very much looking forward to Friday and hopefully two weeks outdoors in peaceful, fresh and clean air!
How thrilling for you to have woken to such a beautiful wintery scene, I am green with envy! I really thought we'd have at least a couple of days of snowy gorgeousness last weekend... and I dare say that was out last chance for this winter at least but yes, it must be an absolute blessing for flagging ski stations, they have struggled terribly for the last few years, I hope it was enough to fill empty coffers. I have a feeling not though...
Enjoy the rest of your week xx
I wasn't even aware exactly when the school holidays start here -- I hope you have a lovely break.
I've been a bit obsessed with the suffering low-altitude ski stations and have read about their opening up in Lozère, Gard, Aveyron of course, Cantal...
I posted this note about it as my husband and I were lucky enough to stop at one when we went up to the Aubrac a week and a half ago, then I read more about it in a newspaper. It really is touching:
https://substack.com/@bettycarlson/note/c-90542613
From what Ive read and heard Betty, climate change causing warmer temps and lack of snow has been catastrophic for so many of the lower ski stations... its terribly sad.
Today is my last day, Ive been up since 4am, it already feels long! Vive ce soir! x
A big glass of freshly squeezed orange juice from me!
So glad the betraying body is feeling a little better, back to her good old job...
How easy it is to feel 'betrayed' by this ally as soon as she needs a little break.
And thank you for the glossary of snow in Inuit language. Fascinating!
🧡 🙏 warm hug and enjoy the winter break
A very dear, sadly missed and long departed friend once returned from his second home in Portugal with two buckets of fresh oranges from his garden for me, I still remember their tangy and sweet and slightly tart citrusy juiciness, like nothing I'd ever bought in a shop so my deepest thanks for your offering dear Veronika, it is a beautiful reminder - twofold!
I am feeling much recovered, the process of forgiveness was speedy, not being one to harbour unwarranted grudges, I have let them fly free...
All language fascinates, I have become, with your expert help, quite the addict!
I send you a warm hug back with my thanks 🙏🏼💛🍊
I hope 'les vacances d’hiver' will offer you the must-needed rest your body craves :)
Thank you dear Fotini, as do I though I fear the tea leaves tell me otherwise at this time of year... my garden is calling me, I hear it even from here! 🌿
You can't say no to the garden...
Never ever! 🌿
Fortunately and unfortunately, fever, chills and unruly body aches and basically, everything is ‘too much’ , all write beautiful prose, whether the mind is willing or not. And don’t get me started on your fever dreamscape. Sending you soft cold snowflakes and a cup of hot tea. To be administered at the same time.
Hot tea and icy cold snowy compresses all duly administered, together of course - the magic has woven its way through all the aches and pains and feverish tossing and turnings Lor, and... Im doing a little song and dance in thanks because it worked perfectly!
So, where was I before bind altering interruptions?
Thank you for the perfect medication Lor, and the vicarious wander in snow scapes with statues! I will be back to you in a flurry... ❄️x
I’m so sorry you were unwell and missed seeing the snow falling. There is nothing more glorious than the silence of snow falling, covering the land in peace and purity. Praying you shall experience it soon . Love n light, miss you 😘
Hi darling, I think I'm mending, it's been slower than I'd like which I am furious about but the last three weeks with so many of falling foul of the wretched germs, its not surprising! From tonight though, holidays!!! I am so sad the snow was its usual rather unenthusiastic flurry but can you hear my relief? Two weeks of silence... bliss!
Cant wait to chat tomorrow sweet soul - love and light til then! ❄️😘
So many have succumbed to a most unkind influenza this season, I’m so sorry to hear you have been one of its victims, dear Susie. I’m sad there was no arrival of snow to carpet the hill and bring some quiet solace but just a few more days, and then a rest. Sending much love xx
I’m so pleased to hear you are on the mend ❤️🩹 and that your holiday has begun. I am also now on holiday until 24th and so pleased for the rest. I am also so pleased that there is a small package at the post office!! I was worried she might have got herself completely lost! Xx
Bless you Emily, it has been a truly horrible few weeks here, and although I think I am finally through the very worst of the shivering and trembling, aches and pains, others have fared so much worse than I have, despite my grumbling I have only really touched the very edges of it.
From tonight though my holiday begins. My relief is loud here, perhaps you can hear me from there...? I am pining for peace and quiet, for the emptiness of the hill, even if the snow did neglect to send more than a flurry this way.
Sending happy hugs to you lovely, especially as there is a small package waiting for me at the PO in the village! ♥️xx
I had heard that the Inuit have over 100 words for snow. I just love how language evolves and forms around our environment.
I hope you are feeling better moment by moment Susie. You seem like the kind of woman who does not like to be forced to go slow! xxx❤️
Words are a curious and beautiful thing, I often wonder how so many languages have evolved in the world, and even languages within those!
Thanks Jo, I'm getting there, two weeks in the fresh air starting tonight should help immensely. I have a ghastly feeling if I were to visit one of the many psychologists my work brings me into contact with, I would be labelled immediately ADHD - a good reason not to! 😂xx
wishing you wellness and oh, that longing for snow -- I'm so with you xxx
I think it is a longing that will have to be put on hold until next winter now Jan... It's shocking how fast climate has changed in our twenty years of being here. :-(
Be well too my friend, I am recovering (ish) roll on Friday! xx
It is such a year of illness! My husband and son are both sick and I am down with a case of the « very exhausted must sit down agains ». It feels something like it did before Christmas when we were all running around on empty tanks, don’t you think?
It feels worse even, at Christmas, albeit self imposed nonsense mostly, there is reason, a deadline but this, this is like a continuous downward spiral of of utter exhaustion with no visible end! I crave the holidays but know well there will be no chance of rest, the garden needs to be turned and planted with early crops, fences need repairing and the backlog of reports and unfinished projects is mind boggling... if I could run I would!
I do hope hour loved ones are recovering and you've managed to avoid the germs Natalie, stay well! x