My passion has returned just as my mojo packed up and left… 😂
I struggled to write anything at all this week Pipp, which is typical when I’ve just begun two weeks holidays! Hoping it’s just a blip, I’ve about 15 drafts started and no idea how to continue…
Good luck on Thursday lovely, I wish I could drive down, my old VW would be lucky to make it to the border though! xxx
Sorry to hear that you read such a negative comment Susie. They are rare on here. Things like that can just completely burst your bubble eh. That person must be in a very very unhappy place indeed if they actually have time to write in condemning nature lovers.
Let's keep focussing on this beautiful community here who celebrate and honour each other and the beauty of nature around us.
"Wealthy housewives!" Ha, I wish.
With love and respect for all you do here. Your photos and ramblings fill me up and many others too.
Thank you Jo, I have not read one other essay here that has held such negativity and I think it was that which caught me out more than anything. I wasn't expecting to be ripped apart or justify my own reason for writing, it felt so very alien.
We all have our opinions, indeed we are entitled but surely, where creative endeavours are concentrated in words (or any other medium) those opinions should perhaps be more cautiously voiced...
Maybe I am old fashioned but I wouldn't dream of criticism unless it was invited.
Anyway, that said, I'm still here, my confidence a little bruised and battered but the wound will heal!
And yeah, "wealthy housewives" right... was there ever a bigger joke made?
Love right back at you with a smile because I'm not about to fall at the first post! XX
Brené Brown has recited the following quote many times. Her Arena TED talk is my favourite - “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.…" Theodore Roosevelt
This actually brought me to tears Jo, Brené Brown’s words are so close to the surface of everything I have felt since I read those damnable words!
It’s not my usual style but I have the beginnings of another letter in my head, talking about exactly this… if and when it appears I will quote you and Brené.
Dear Susie, I have found myself angry and upset here on occasion by the words of others. Scathing, judgemental, unkind. Not of my own words specifically, but of those adjacent to my writing. I have wanted to respond, defend, justify, explain. I tell a friend how I feel. I mute the account. And then I carry on writing what I love.
When people choose to tread on others to lift themselves, to diminish the words of others in order to elevate their own, they make their choice. I make mine. Write on, dear Susie. What do they know of us? 💕
They know nothing of us Emily… and I will write on, I tripped, fell and now I’m up again, slightly bruised still but fighting and writing! I believe you are right in your belief too…people like this have a need to belittle others (especially on subjects they perhaps they don’t understand but have a deep envy of those that do) in order to justify their own writing. Probably from somewhere in the concrete skyline. How ironic that it is people like these that I think of when I’m writing…
Thank you sweet soul, for being here always - I hope the week is kind to you 😘xx
You speak your truth, Susie like no other. I feel privileged to have spent time with your story. That alone negates any generic criticism. In a time when nature words are being dropped from dictionaries and the loss of habitat and species is exponentially greater than ever, nature writers are the most important and needed ambassadors of our time.
It concerns me greatly Safar, this nonchalant attitude some carry for all that is natural, more than this even that so many have such a huge lack of knowledge on something none of us can live without. After all, is it not from nature we find most of our medication, our cures, how can anyone criticise a force that has the power to save them? Be that emotionally or physically?When the intentions are good, no matter the subject matter, there is no space for this… it leaves me in a state of fear and disappointment at the narrow mindedness and blinkered approach we are facing… and in the end, (once I’ve brushed off the dust of anger) just makes me want to shout even louder!
Thank you for your endless and much appreciated support my friend. X
You write for the readers who appreciate your lyrical prose, not for the fractious naysayers who thrive on polarising viewpoints. Don’t let the foghorns of disapproval drown out the sound of the waves. Beautiful writing, as ever.
Thank you Barrie, I pondered the wisdom of posting this rather uncommon (for me) rant - but I knew I wouldn’t write anything else if I didn’t… My initial feeling of anger and upset is passed already, though not forgotten and I have an idea for a post based on this subject which I will no doubt be referencing your many many wise words of encouragement and support. If of course you agree..?
Have a lovely end to your day - it is a glorious day here and set to stay, ignoring a short blip tomorrow, until Monday - I hear my gardening tools lining up in readiness already!
Agree wholeheartedly that an ounce of encouragement is worth a hundredweight of friction. Love that you have an idea for a post that channels things positively for you. Windy here still, but dry. We're on the road to the Ardeche later in the week to help friends with an event they are running ... hoping for Spring!
I've always found the slicing and dicing of writing into categories a fools errand at best.
My writing is sometimes "nature", sometimes "social", sometimes "political", sometimes "personal", sometimes prose-ish poetry, sometimes poetic prose. Sometimes I write pure fiction, sometimes I write a kind of creative non-fiction. Sometimes poetry, sometimes I write beautifully and sometimes very poorly. People do choose to hammer signposts onto my writing, but they tend to weather quickly and blow away in the wind after a while.
I read your writing, Susie, because I love the way you write. I like how your writing makes me feel and think. I like that your observing the world and interpreting all that information in a unique and thoughtful way, which adds to my own experience. And I read it for the companionship of a writer that behaves in a way I behave, because I too spend time in nature, contemplating and being.
But naturally there are those who build up a hierarchy of things in their heads, who feel calm perhaps with believing somethings have more innate value, or authority, or power, or merely because the hierarchy of things in their heads seem to reflect back creditably on themselves. And these people are always attempting to convince you that the hierarchy of things in their heads should be taken seriously, that you should follow the same rules.
Personally, and I don't mean this pompously at all, but I'm not interested in people trying to convince me that there are limited (and limiting) ways of slicing and dicing the world, and I'm not interested in thier appeals to join them, however those appeals are disguised.
So I guess I'm just saying thanks for the writing, and thanks for the unique perspective, and thanks for mentioning there are those with their needs and their rules just as there are birch trees with a beautiful fragrance after the rain. Such is life.
What a phenomenally sensible reply Jonathan - thank you, I will reply properly later today when I have finished in class but for now, please know that I have read and appreciated every word! Until then, I wish you a kind and gentle start to your day…
Hi Jonathan, apologies for my late response, this week has thrown me completely off balance - for myriad reasons.
Thank you again for your incredibly thoughtful and kind comment, I have thought about this subject a lot over the last couple of days, too much probably but it has been for the good as a future post will tell.
I am a hopeless case when it comes to hiding my emotions and often wish that I had thought more carefully before brandishing opinions, this has most certainly been one of those occasions. I cannot deny the anger or the bruising to my confidence in having read these words but… having reflected long and hard, I know I should have perhaps shown more empathy myself, which, really, makes me no better than the person in question…
You make a very valid point in mentioning the diversity of your writing - I applaud that ability greatly - I try but almost invariably return either to memoir or nature, sometimes I write with a light hearted approach, especially when writing of day to day goings on here on our smallholding, sometimes poetry and prose. Whichever it is I write to make people smile. So, when you say “I like how your writing makes me feel and think.” and later
“I read it for the companionship of a writer that behaves in a way I behave, because I too spend time in nature, contemplating and being.” I can believe that not only you but perhaps others feel the same, and that makes me smile!
I have been very lucky in my experiences on the social networks I’ve used, limited admittedly to Instagram mainly but I’ve never experienced first hand any of the bitter and bile that seems to accompany public viewing and I think it is this above all that shocked. It was inevitable, obviously and I reacted impulsively. It happens…
Thank you again for kind words - I wish you an easy slide into the weekend.
Susie - I always enjoy reading your words even if I don't always comment. I think writing about nature and our journey through the natural world is so important and you are doing a great job at this task. Thanks for the gentle words.
I truly appreciate your stopping by and taking the time to read Matthew, and glad more than I have words for that you found my words still gentle even after me having been so riled by other peoples lack of understanding!
Thank you so much… I wish you a wonderful rest of your day.
Really bristled at the comment you'd had -- I remember reading an article by Mary Oliver about when she was a young poet first living with her partner. They lived in little more than a shack and foraged food to go with rice. It was a deliberate choice so they could centre their art and writing but meant living on hardly anything. Some well-heeled reviewer ina bug NY publication wrote a review of her collection that included remarks about how only women who had inheritied land and had 'old money' -- nowhere near the truth. The presumption that we know how other people hold body and soul together in order to have any time at all to write it is staggering. There'sa quote attirbuted to Blake along the lines: 'As a person sees, so he is'. As Jo said, an unhappy person who is saying more about himself than anything else.
Nature writing is not an indulgence -- humanity desperately needs this reconnection and in a very challenging world we need those who can help people to makle those connections. Your writing is a gift and a service.
Warmest and heartfelt thanks Jan, ‘bristled’ is the perfect word… I wish I’d thought of that because it’s exactly how I felt. I have always tried to maintain equanimity in situations that make me feel cut down, searched for the reason why it has arisen and dealt with it without emotional attachment (not always possible obviously) and whilst my hackles are now down again, I think largely this got to me for two reasons; firstly the wealthy and bored housewife comment, which truly couldn’t be further from the truth in my case and likely most cases, was presumptive and unkind. I’ve dealt with it and swept it away.
Secondly, the remark made by this person really felt like someone was denigrating every word written about the good of nature which, honestly, made me cry. Especially as primarily I write for those people who are less privileged in their surroundings.
I work with extreme diligence and care and love on my essays, as I can see you and so many others do to, I don’t have infinite amounts of free time to do that in fact far less than I’d like and I am so proud of myself for sticking at it. I know that I have a long road ahead of me before I can really sit back and know that I’ve written words that are going to produce any kind of a ‘wow’ response, if indeed I ever do, but I do, like you, feel that the message I’m trying to convey is important enough to continue and regardless of any rotten eggs being thrown in my path I will carry on!
My Substack is à labour of love, for the benefit of everyone!
Really well put, Susie. I've certainly felt 'wow' reading your work but there are types of 'wow' -- some are all 'look how shiny and succesful I am' and some are deep, quiet, full of meaning -- I definitely get the latter from you and it's what keeps me reading. You are digging deeply and the care and love shows. There's a wonderful moment in Anne Carson's long poem 'God and Glass' when the poet's mother is questioning her, asking what good some of her actions amount to and she turns it around and says simply 'we persist' -- which breaks through the mother's criticism and brings a response. What you said about carrying on reminded me of that -- 'we persist' :) x
My Sweet Susie. People who feel justified in condemning others for loving and seeking God's beautiful creation for their personal pleasures and to uplift others are unworthy of your attention and energy. Their sole purpose is to bring down Beacons of Light. I suggest you forgive them, moving onward, skipping and dancing continuing to spread your Loving Light, joy and happiness.
As always darling, you speak sensible words and I have, you will be happy to know, brushed up all the hurt and remodeled it into something positive - Watch this space, I’ll tell you all about it when we speak next - I also realise that in writing words such as I did, I was perhaps lacking in empathy too and for that I feel more angry with myself than I did initially - lesson learnt!
Sending love and light always - I’m off to gather a little more! ✨xx
I felt your ecstatic exhale throughout my entire body as I read your words and pressed your stunningly beautiful imagery into me. The person who can't rejoice with you, and celebrate the movements of seasons and the earth herself is living their own kind of depravity and I can only hope that someday, their own childlike poems of wonder will emerge. Your offerings here are prayers both beseeched and fulfilled; your radiant and radical choice to attend nature with the whole of your being is a gift to all of life (and to even those who don't yet realize it.:)
Strangely, or perhaps not, my anger turned into something positive almost the moment I posted this letter. I think I needed to ‘rant’ first in order for that to happen which is a pity but I am only human after all and as such far from perfect. What came to me though, is that this person too is human, but maybe a lost human thereby making me the person lacking in empathy.
This horrified me, truly, deeply horrified me! So much so I am writing a reply - it will take while because it’s not my usual essay and of course, much as I’d love to be a wealthy housewife (though I would never be bored) I am not, I have my students, I have my family, a small farm and three other properties I am responsible for, sitting down to write anything is a luxury.
But, a luxury I love especially as, despite being hellishly busy every day, I still feel privileged to live where I do. My sadness is profoundly visible when I think of the many many millions that live without access to fresh air and all the healing properties nature can afford us. I feel a weight of responsibility to share all I can in the best way I can with those less fortunate, so these letters are my offering. I hope always that they land in the hands of someone who will feel the benefit and appreciate at least a feeling of nature though my observations… X
I'm glad you're going to respond. It's too easy for people to make blanket, ignorant statements without having to examine the truth of their bias. Coming into conversation with this person will at the very least, offer them an opportunity to see their error, and at most (and let's hope for this!) a softening, an opening, a recognition of the profound gesture of healing your essays offer us all. xo
I can only hope Kimberly, thank you for your rationality - I wonder though, we are all so different in fabric and thought that as sad as it may seem, there must be people who simply don’t notice nature and have no desire to either… these people are likely not open to persuasion… closed heart, closed mind. X
Such a shame Susie. But c’est la vie. Pas votre vie, mais il y a peut-être une tristesse inconnue qui force ces mots à sortir dans le monde pour blesser des étrangers? Ours is not to reason why. Walk on (as my Liverpudlian nana would say😉). A little gift from the other side of your wonderful Hill … my view of this month’s Worm moon on the wane.
Merci Clare, j'y ai beaucoup réfléchi, probablement trop depuis que j'ai écrit ce billet. Alors qu'au départ je me sentais blessée (énormément) je vois maintenant qu'en fait ces mots préjudiciables venaient très certainement de quelqu'un qui est désespérément malheureux dans sa vie... et cela me rend triste à mon tour.
N'est-ce pas ennuyeux qu'on ne puisse pas envoyer de photos ici ? Tu peux m'envoyer un DM, j'aimerais bien voir ta photo quand même !
A thousand Thanks to you… do you live in France or the UK? 🤍
Eugh, such thoughtless unkindnesses are the things that so easily stop us in our tracks aren’t they. Well bugger them and bravo for sharing your beautiful words about early spring on the hill. Xx
Thankfully only momentarily Vanessa, in fact I have a reply in the making… might take me a while though this week is hellishly full already 😜thanks always lovely… I hope you’re having a good week xx
I was going to add my own tuppence worth here, all about how sorry I feel for someone who could comment in such a negative way, how they are clearly on a poorly chosen path in life, then I read the other comments on this piece. And, well, how wonderful are they?
There are so many superb thoughts here, just fantastic. I've reread them all now, and I'm so very grateful to be a part of such a community of wise, kind, people, people who understand just how crucial sharing an appreciation and love of nature actually is.
Here's to you all, and especially to you, Susie. I'm not a big fan of military metaphors, but I do really believe your work sits right at the frontline, in what is the biggest and most important battle we as a species has ever fought. Without you, and the other voices here, there would be no hope.
I should also add that I was quite proud of myself, that my initial thought for the sad individual was one of how lost they are, rather than anger on my part--I worked hard to turn my natural anger into something else, something more constructive. However, there's a tiny little bit of me which growls, who wants to ask who was this person? How very dare they? I will destroy them and salt their ground... etcetera. I think it might be something Taurean in me? Thankfully, I've not lost my temper in a long, long time!
So you should be! If I had had just a little more forethought I would have felt proud too! But I cant deny the disappointment and yes, anger definitely at the bored and wealthy housewife inference! Definitely how dare they!
It is a rare day that I lose my temper too, in fact I can remember the exact day and the feeling of shame and lack of control - I am certain I felt far worse than the person I lost my temper with… and why I vowed never again. That was 35 years ago, so far so good !
Have a great weekend Alex, and thank you again for your much appreciated support and encouragement 🙏🏽
Alex, I couldn’t agree more, I too have read these comments, over and over during these last days, it has made me feel, firstly, so incredibly privileged to be part of such a wise and giving community where I so often feel like I have found kindred souls and secondly like kicking myself hard for writing before thinking! I can be very impulsive, which rather makes me the culprit in having a lack of empathy which doesn’t sit well given that I try so hard to write to make people less fortunate than I am, feel less so. But, I have reflected on this as whole, incorporating everyone’s thoughts and I’ve an idea that maybe I can make the positive side into something wonderful… at least I hope I can!
Thank you, a huge wise world size thank you for your very generous comment.
Like Alexander, I thought how sad that particular individual is to write in such a way. More a reflection on them than you and all the others who write so beautifully about nature. Rise above it, Susie, and continue to sally forth into nature to fill your missives with words of wonder.
(P.S better to have a good rant than fester quietly 🙂)
Thank you Lynn, I think the rant was all that was needed, I’m not good at keeping my emotions hidden, I’m a heart on my sleeve type of gal! Not only have I swept away the anger though, I am in the process of making something positive of it… watch this space! Although not too hard because, well, the time thing! 😂x
My passion has returned just as my mojo packed up and left… 😂
I struggled to write anything at all this week Pipp, which is typical when I’ve just begun two weeks holidays! Hoping it’s just a blip, I’ve about 15 drafts started and no idea how to continue…
Good luck on Thursday lovely, I wish I could drive down, my old VW would be lucky to make it to the border though! xxx
Sorry to hear that you read such a negative comment Susie. They are rare on here. Things like that can just completely burst your bubble eh. That person must be in a very very unhappy place indeed if they actually have time to write in condemning nature lovers.
Let's keep focussing on this beautiful community here who celebrate and honour each other and the beauty of nature around us.
"Wealthy housewives!" Ha, I wish.
With love and respect for all you do here. Your photos and ramblings fill me up and many others too.
xx❤️
Thank you Jo, I have not read one other essay here that has held such negativity and I think it was that which caught me out more than anything. I wasn't expecting to be ripped apart or justify my own reason for writing, it felt so very alien.
We all have our opinions, indeed we are entitled but surely, where creative endeavours are concentrated in words (or any other medium) those opinions should perhaps be more cautiously voiced...
Maybe I am old fashioned but I wouldn't dream of criticism unless it was invited.
Anyway, that said, I'm still here, my confidence a little bruised and battered but the wound will heal!
And yeah, "wealthy housewives" right... was there ever a bigger joke made?
Love right back at you with a smile because I'm not about to fall at the first post! XX
❤️
Brené Brown has recited the following quote many times. Her Arena TED talk is my favourite - “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.…" Theodore Roosevelt
This actually brought me to tears Jo, Brené Brown’s words are so close to the surface of everything I have felt since I read those damnable words!
It’s not my usual style but I have the beginnings of another letter in my head, talking about exactly this… if and when it appears I will quote you and Brené.
With heartfelt thanks - truly xxx
The best writing comes from those raw feelings. Milk it baby!
Haha, thanks gorgeous lady, I’m on it! X
Dear Susie, I have found myself angry and upset here on occasion by the words of others. Scathing, judgemental, unkind. Not of my own words specifically, but of those adjacent to my writing. I have wanted to respond, defend, justify, explain. I tell a friend how I feel. I mute the account. And then I carry on writing what I love.
When people choose to tread on others to lift themselves, to diminish the words of others in order to elevate their own, they make their choice. I make mine. Write on, dear Susie. What do they know of us? 💕
They know nothing of us Emily… and I will write on, I tripped, fell and now I’m up again, slightly bruised still but fighting and writing! I believe you are right in your belief too…people like this have a need to belittle others (especially on subjects they perhaps they don’t understand but have a deep envy of those that do) in order to justify their own writing. Probably from somewhere in the concrete skyline. How ironic that it is people like these that I think of when I’m writing…
Thank you sweet soul, for being here always - I hope the week is kind to you 😘xx
You speak your truth, Susie like no other. I feel privileged to have spent time with your story. That alone negates any generic criticism. In a time when nature words are being dropped from dictionaries and the loss of habitat and species is exponentially greater than ever, nature writers are the most important and needed ambassadors of our time.
It concerns me greatly Safar, this nonchalant attitude some carry for all that is natural, more than this even that so many have such a huge lack of knowledge on something none of us can live without. After all, is it not from nature we find most of our medication, our cures, how can anyone criticise a force that has the power to save them? Be that emotionally or physically?When the intentions are good, no matter the subject matter, there is no space for this… it leaves me in a state of fear and disappointment at the narrow mindedness and blinkered approach we are facing… and in the end, (once I’ve brushed off the dust of anger) just makes me want to shout even louder!
Thank you for your endless and much appreciated support my friend. X
🤗
You write for the readers who appreciate your lyrical prose, not for the fractious naysayers who thrive on polarising viewpoints. Don’t let the foghorns of disapproval drown out the sound of the waves. Beautiful writing, as ever.
Thank you Barrie, I pondered the wisdom of posting this rather uncommon (for me) rant - but I knew I wouldn’t write anything else if I didn’t… My initial feeling of anger and upset is passed already, though not forgotten and I have an idea for a post based on this subject which I will no doubt be referencing your many many wise words of encouragement and support. If of course you agree..?
Have a lovely end to your day - it is a glorious day here and set to stay, ignoring a short blip tomorrow, until Monday - I hear my gardening tools lining up in readiness already!
Agree wholeheartedly that an ounce of encouragement is worth a hundredweight of friction. Love that you have an idea for a post that channels things positively for you. Windy here still, but dry. We're on the road to the Ardeche later in the week to help friends with an event they are running ... hoping for Spring!
I’ve everything crossed for you Barrie !
"like unfinished sketches in charcoal and chalk and cerulean blue" Your observations, words and photographs are lovely.
My warmest thanks Myra, I find Spring is so filled with poetry and prose the words seem to be formed with the season.!
I've always found the slicing and dicing of writing into categories a fools errand at best.
My writing is sometimes "nature", sometimes "social", sometimes "political", sometimes "personal", sometimes prose-ish poetry, sometimes poetic prose. Sometimes I write pure fiction, sometimes I write a kind of creative non-fiction. Sometimes poetry, sometimes I write beautifully and sometimes very poorly. People do choose to hammer signposts onto my writing, but they tend to weather quickly and blow away in the wind after a while.
I read your writing, Susie, because I love the way you write. I like how your writing makes me feel and think. I like that your observing the world and interpreting all that information in a unique and thoughtful way, which adds to my own experience. And I read it for the companionship of a writer that behaves in a way I behave, because I too spend time in nature, contemplating and being.
But naturally there are those who build up a hierarchy of things in their heads, who feel calm perhaps with believing somethings have more innate value, or authority, or power, or merely because the hierarchy of things in their heads seem to reflect back creditably on themselves. And these people are always attempting to convince you that the hierarchy of things in their heads should be taken seriously, that you should follow the same rules.
Personally, and I don't mean this pompously at all, but I'm not interested in people trying to convince me that there are limited (and limiting) ways of slicing and dicing the world, and I'm not interested in thier appeals to join them, however those appeals are disguised.
So I guess I'm just saying thanks for the writing, and thanks for the unique perspective, and thanks for mentioning there are those with their needs and their rules just as there are birch trees with a beautiful fragrance after the rain. Such is life.
What a phenomenally sensible reply Jonathan - thank you, I will reply properly later today when I have finished in class but for now, please know that I have read and appreciated every word! Until then, I wish you a kind and gentle start to your day…
Hi Jonathan, apologies for my late response, this week has thrown me completely off balance - for myriad reasons.
Thank you again for your incredibly thoughtful and kind comment, I have thought about this subject a lot over the last couple of days, too much probably but it has been for the good as a future post will tell.
I am a hopeless case when it comes to hiding my emotions and often wish that I had thought more carefully before brandishing opinions, this has most certainly been one of those occasions. I cannot deny the anger or the bruising to my confidence in having read these words but… having reflected long and hard, I know I should have perhaps shown more empathy myself, which, really, makes me no better than the person in question…
You make a very valid point in mentioning the diversity of your writing - I applaud that ability greatly - I try but almost invariably return either to memoir or nature, sometimes I write with a light hearted approach, especially when writing of day to day goings on here on our smallholding, sometimes poetry and prose. Whichever it is I write to make people smile. So, when you say “I like how your writing makes me feel and think.” and later
“I read it for the companionship of a writer that behaves in a way I behave, because I too spend time in nature, contemplating and being.” I can believe that not only you but perhaps others feel the same, and that makes me smile!
I have been very lucky in my experiences on the social networks I’ve used, limited admittedly to Instagram mainly but I’ve never experienced first hand any of the bitter and bile that seems to accompany public viewing and I think it is this above all that shocked. It was inevitable, obviously and I reacted impulsively. It happens…
Thank you again for kind words - I wish you an easy slide into the weekend.
Susie - I always enjoy reading your words even if I don't always comment. I think writing about nature and our journey through the natural world is so important and you are doing a great job at this task. Thanks for the gentle words.
I truly appreciate your stopping by and taking the time to read Matthew, and glad more than I have words for that you found my words still gentle even after me having been so riled by other peoples lack of understanding!
Thank you so much… I wish you a wonderful rest of your day.
Loved this Susie.
Really bristled at the comment you'd had -- I remember reading an article by Mary Oliver about when she was a young poet first living with her partner. They lived in little more than a shack and foraged food to go with rice. It was a deliberate choice so they could centre their art and writing but meant living on hardly anything. Some well-heeled reviewer ina bug NY publication wrote a review of her collection that included remarks about how only women who had inheritied land and had 'old money' -- nowhere near the truth. The presumption that we know how other people hold body and soul together in order to have any time at all to write it is staggering. There'sa quote attirbuted to Blake along the lines: 'As a person sees, so he is'. As Jo said, an unhappy person who is saying more about himself than anything else.
Nature writing is not an indulgence -- humanity desperately needs this reconnection and in a very challenging world we need those who can help people to makle those connections. Your writing is a gift and a service.
Warmest and heartfelt thanks Jan, ‘bristled’ is the perfect word… I wish I’d thought of that because it’s exactly how I felt. I have always tried to maintain equanimity in situations that make me feel cut down, searched for the reason why it has arisen and dealt with it without emotional attachment (not always possible obviously) and whilst my hackles are now down again, I think largely this got to me for two reasons; firstly the wealthy and bored housewife comment, which truly couldn’t be further from the truth in my case and likely most cases, was presumptive and unkind. I’ve dealt with it and swept it away.
Secondly, the remark made by this person really felt like someone was denigrating every word written about the good of nature which, honestly, made me cry. Especially as primarily I write for those people who are less privileged in their surroundings.
I work with extreme diligence and care and love on my essays, as I can see you and so many others do to, I don’t have infinite amounts of free time to do that in fact far less than I’d like and I am so proud of myself for sticking at it. I know that I have a long road ahead of me before I can really sit back and know that I’ve written words that are going to produce any kind of a ‘wow’ response, if indeed I ever do, but I do, like you, feel that the message I’m trying to convey is important enough to continue and regardless of any rotten eggs being thrown in my path I will carry on!
My Substack is à labour of love, for the benefit of everyone!
Really well put, Susie. I've certainly felt 'wow' reading your work but there are types of 'wow' -- some are all 'look how shiny and succesful I am' and some are deep, quiet, full of meaning -- I definitely get the latter from you and it's what keeps me reading. You are digging deeply and the care and love shows. There's a wonderful moment in Anne Carson's long poem 'God and Glass' when the poet's mother is questioning her, asking what good some of her actions amount to and she turns it around and says simply 'we persist' -- which breaks through the mother's criticism and brings a response. What you said about carrying on reminded me of that -- 'we persist' :) x
Unfortunately, haters gotta hate.
How fortunate are we that we can appreciate the world around us, regardless of our socioeconomic state. This is a choice.
Thank you Lisa, you write sad but true words… some people just don’t get how much easier it is to love do they!
Nor do they get the importance of knowing every possible detail of the natural world that surrounds us… their loss I think!
My Sweet Susie. People who feel justified in condemning others for loving and seeking God's beautiful creation for their personal pleasures and to uplift others are unworthy of your attention and energy. Their sole purpose is to bring down Beacons of Light. I suggest you forgive them, moving onward, skipping and dancing continuing to spread your Loving Light, joy and happiness.
As always darling, you speak sensible words and I have, you will be happy to know, brushed up all the hurt and remodeled it into something positive - Watch this space, I’ll tell you all about it when we speak next - I also realise that in writing words such as I did, I was perhaps lacking in empathy too and for that I feel more angry with myself than I did initially - lesson learnt!
Sending love and light always - I’m off to gather a little more! ✨xx
I felt your ecstatic exhale throughout my entire body as I read your words and pressed your stunningly beautiful imagery into me. The person who can't rejoice with you, and celebrate the movements of seasons and the earth herself is living their own kind of depravity and I can only hope that someday, their own childlike poems of wonder will emerge. Your offerings here are prayers both beseeched and fulfilled; your radiant and radical choice to attend nature with the whole of your being is a gift to all of life (and to even those who don't yet realize it.:)
Always with heartfelt thanks Kimberly…
Strangely, or perhaps not, my anger turned into something positive almost the moment I posted this letter. I think I needed to ‘rant’ first in order for that to happen which is a pity but I am only human after all and as such far from perfect. What came to me though, is that this person too is human, but maybe a lost human thereby making me the person lacking in empathy.
This horrified me, truly, deeply horrified me! So much so I am writing a reply - it will take while because it’s not my usual essay and of course, much as I’d love to be a wealthy housewife (though I would never be bored) I am not, I have my students, I have my family, a small farm and three other properties I am responsible for, sitting down to write anything is a luxury.
But, a luxury I love especially as, despite being hellishly busy every day, I still feel privileged to live where I do. My sadness is profoundly visible when I think of the many many millions that live without access to fresh air and all the healing properties nature can afford us. I feel a weight of responsibility to share all I can in the best way I can with those less fortunate, so these letters are my offering. I hope always that they land in the hands of someone who will feel the benefit and appreciate at least a feeling of nature though my observations… X
I'm glad you're going to respond. It's too easy for people to make blanket, ignorant statements without having to examine the truth of their bias. Coming into conversation with this person will at the very least, offer them an opportunity to see their error, and at most (and let's hope for this!) a softening, an opening, a recognition of the profound gesture of healing your essays offer us all. xo
I can only hope Kimberly, thank you for your rationality - I wonder though, we are all so different in fabric and thought that as sad as it may seem, there must be people who simply don’t notice nature and have no desire to either… these people are likely not open to persuasion… closed heart, closed mind. X
I regretfully agree. 🥲
Such a shame Susie. But c’est la vie. Pas votre vie, mais il y a peut-être une tristesse inconnue qui force ces mots à sortir dans le monde pour blesser des étrangers? Ours is not to reason why. Walk on (as my Liverpudlian nana would say😉). A little gift from the other side of your wonderful Hill … my view of this month’s Worm moon on the wane.
And typically, I can’t share the photo😂
Merci Clare, j'y ai beaucoup réfléchi, probablement trop depuis que j'ai écrit ce billet. Alors qu'au départ je me sentais blessée (énormément) je vois maintenant qu'en fait ces mots préjudiciables venaient très certainement de quelqu'un qui est désespérément malheureux dans sa vie... et cela me rend triste à mon tour.
N'est-ce pas ennuyeux qu'on ne puisse pas envoyer de photos ici ? Tu peux m'envoyer un DM, j'aimerais bien voir ta photo quand même !
A thousand Thanks to you… do you live in France or the UK? 🤍
South West France depuis 2003.❤️I shall attempt the DM🤞😊
Eugh, such thoughtless unkindnesses are the things that so easily stop us in our tracks aren’t they. Well bugger them and bravo for sharing your beautiful words about early spring on the hill. Xx
Thankfully only momentarily Vanessa, in fact I have a reply in the making… might take me a while though this week is hellishly full already 😜thanks always lovely… I hope you’re having a good week xx
I was going to add my own tuppence worth here, all about how sorry I feel for someone who could comment in such a negative way, how they are clearly on a poorly chosen path in life, then I read the other comments on this piece. And, well, how wonderful are they?
There are so many superb thoughts here, just fantastic. I've reread them all now, and I'm so very grateful to be a part of such a community of wise, kind, people, people who understand just how crucial sharing an appreciation and love of nature actually is.
Here's to you all, and especially to you, Susie. I'm not a big fan of military metaphors, but I do really believe your work sits right at the frontline, in what is the biggest and most important battle we as a species has ever fought. Without you, and the other voices here, there would be no hope.
I should also add that I was quite proud of myself, that my initial thought for the sad individual was one of how lost they are, rather than anger on my part--I worked hard to turn my natural anger into something else, something more constructive. However, there's a tiny little bit of me which growls, who wants to ask who was this person? How very dare they? I will destroy them and salt their ground... etcetera. I think it might be something Taurean in me? Thankfully, I've not lost my temper in a long, long time!
So you should be! If I had had just a little more forethought I would have felt proud too! But I cant deny the disappointment and yes, anger definitely at the bored and wealthy housewife inference! Definitely how dare they!
It is a rare day that I lose my temper too, in fact I can remember the exact day and the feeling of shame and lack of control - I am certain I felt far worse than the person I lost my temper with… and why I vowed never again. That was 35 years ago, so far so good !
Have a great weekend Alex, and thank you again for your much appreciated support and encouragement 🙏🏽
Alex, I couldn’t agree more, I too have read these comments, over and over during these last days, it has made me feel, firstly, so incredibly privileged to be part of such a wise and giving community where I so often feel like I have found kindred souls and secondly like kicking myself hard for writing before thinking! I can be very impulsive, which rather makes me the culprit in having a lack of empathy which doesn’t sit well given that I try so hard to write to make people less fortunate than I am, feel less so. But, I have reflected on this as whole, incorporating everyone’s thoughts and I’ve an idea that maybe I can make the positive side into something wonderful… at least I hope I can!
Thank you, a huge wise world size thank you for your very generous comment.
Like Alexander, I thought how sad that particular individual is to write in such a way. More a reflection on them than you and all the others who write so beautifully about nature. Rise above it, Susie, and continue to sally forth into nature to fill your missives with words of wonder.
(P.S better to have a good rant than fester quietly 🙂)
Thank you Lynn, I think the rant was all that was needed, I’m not good at keeping my emotions hidden, I’m a heart on my sleeve type of gal! Not only have I swept away the anger though, I am in the process of making something positive of it… watch this space! Although not too hard because, well, the time thing! 😂x