So beautiful Susie, what a beautiful, playful experience with your young woodpecker. I am envious - how wonderful. I often saw and heard the woodpeckers in the woods behind our house when my studio was in the conservatory, but in my new studio, I can only see the bricks of our neighbours house and the lane outside. I once saw a green woodpecker swooping through the close between the houses. It seemed so incongruous to see it where there are few trees. Wishing you a wonderful Easter break and beautiful time with your daughter 💛💛
Thank you Emily, we are rather spoiled for woodpeckers here, there are at least four different varieties! First thing in the morning I can hear at least three or four tapping away at the bark and often see the beautiful green feathers of the green woodpecker flash by. I never cease to be amazed by them and to have been so close to this little fella playing games with me was simply magical!
My daughters train is delayed but she is at least on her way, I had a mini panic but thankfully calmer again.😅
You’re welcome Eleanor, your story takes me back to a youth spent partying in West Sussex, blurred and outrageous drunken weekends at Cowdray Park and Petworth… friends who at the time were inséparable.. even Westbourne Grove which is one of the few parts in London I know well..
The whole nostalgic trip of time and place.. thank you!
Between those two places, it's almost impossible that we didn't meet, at the very least it's likely we've friends in common. Here's me waving at you from a shared past.
Its possible, although I have a feeling I am twenty years older than you - at least ! I left the UK over thirty five years ago never to return and have virtually no connections left other than those who have second homes here in France - out of sight out of mind - a sad but true fact. I’m waving back awash with the memories though!
Oh do enjoy your daughter's visit! BUT, and I'm sitting wagging my finger at you, no overdoing it before she arrives this time! Remember....nature's art installations 😆
Haha, thank you Lynn, I’m just sitting here waiting for a very delayed train… which will probably be the only time I have for relaxing! It will so good to see her though…
Ah I wish you had been able to dance your way into getting a picture of it! I hope there'll be a next time. Happy Easter, my friend. Enjoy your time with your beautiful children.
Ahh me too Lisha, I was so close but literally every time it saw me it hid behind a tree again… they are so clever! A very happy weekend to you and your girls too lovely xxx
The duet was delightful, and lyrically captured. So pleased you have such a keenly anticipated visit for Easter, the best kind of solace to cushion the frustrations and frictions elsewhere. Have a fabulous time. Relax into it.
Many very belated thanks Barrie, I so it’s been a hellishly busy week capped perfectly with a train delay but for once at least the SNCF didn’t cancel it completely! I am delighted you enjoyed this PC, the woodpecker was the highlight of my week… I still can’t quite believe it happened !
You have a fabulous Easter weekend too, have you family coming? If so enjoy, enjoy anyway !
I’m sorry about the badger. Living here in Ireland they were mercilessly poisoned and killed over the last decades, and sometimes nailed on posts as were foxes. Now I barely see any wild creatures, and I find it very difficult to be civil to my neighbour and the majority of farmers who continue to decimate the land for beef, forestry and mono-crops creating dead-zones. It sounds as if you live somewhere relatively untouched, how lovely to experience the young woodpecker, long may these experiences continue. I do look for beauty and find some hope in the tiny glimmers of regeneration. Happy 🐣
Marina, thank you and my heartfelt apologies for my terribly overdue response. I know well the attitude of farmers and hunters both here and in Ireland where I lived for thirteen years. While we were there we met so many country people who held such hatred for badgers (they dug them out of their setts using dogs, often the dogs were more I misread than the badgers but it didn’t stop them) it was difficult for me to sit at the same table with them. They even poisoned one of my terriers because they thought we had spoken to a journalist. We hadn’t but I still had to watch my poor little pup die in agony from Strychnine poisoning… I don’t even want to begin writing on the subject of modern farming! Suffice to say, I too see the changes, the decline in flora and fauna, the damage to the land… capitalizing on natures goodness, it is so shortsighted!
I wish you a lovely weekend to come - I hope you find some beauty…🍃
Thanks for your reply Susie, and I also apologise. Sorry to hear about your pup, I lost one the same way, and it’s absolutely heartbreaking. Years ago I nearly moved to SW France as quite a few of my friends are settled there but in spite of a large pull, my roots seemed deep here. I’m again feeling the pull to move, and it is mainly because of how the ecology is disrespected and the relentless rock breaking to grow a green desert and second homes. Oh dear I sound like a bitter thing, so looking for the beauty is again the focus. The start of the blue, one straggly bluebell amongst the delicate yellow primroses - there are still a few to be seen if you have keen eyes. I love what you write.
Such as beautiful interlude between you and the woodpecker, an inquisitive dance while playing a game of hide and seek. Tis' a blessing! Enjoy each moment with your dear Rosie! Love n light always Sweet Susie... xoxo
Oh Susie, such a beautiful piece of writing. I hope that right now you are reunited with your daughter and she is enjoying her "lemon yellow cowslips on long legs dancing..." I know this feeling of anticipation well. I took Thursday off to prepare, picking flowers from the garden and baking and cooking. The look of pleasure on my son's face as he eats some home cooked food ( first year flatting at Uni) and opens a full fridge is just gold. Brother and Sister laughing and asking each other interesting questions about how their year is going makes me weep with joy.
Easter is such a sacred time to me. Enjoy and blessings. xxx
Jo, I am so sorry! I missed this comment entirely… we had the most wonderful weekend together, lots of walking and talking, good food and giggles… mother daughter giggles - you know the type - we even made a real Easter egg hunt with clues suited to each person…it was hilarious in a hail storm!
I do hope your Easter was filled with joy and smiles and a tone of chocolate of course!
Thank you Nathan, Easter passed in take after take of almost perfect family bliss, marred only by someone speeding up the film… time with my daughter always fly’s!
In answer to you question, I teach/encourage children with learning difficulties - autism, ADHD Hyperactivity, Dyslexia/calculus/praxis or any other physical or psychological disorder hindering their ability to learn - ages 7 to 15.
This reply got buried in my inbox, sorry! But I'm here now.
Yeah, wow, but you're doing an amazing thing teaching those children. A friend of mine over here had the same job before moving back to the UK. I always admired her for it, it was her complete passion to be helping these children.
Hi Nathan, please, no need for apologies ever, I know! Life right….
Yes, it takes passion, compassion and a bucket load of patience to teach these children but it’s a worth while occupation. I sometimes wonder whether I’m the best person for the job though… one has to be firm sometimes too and I fail terribly at that part!
Wishing you a wonderful Easter dear Susie 💛
To you too dear Elske… I hope your Easter is filled with sunny moments ♥️xx
So beautiful Susie, what a beautiful, playful experience with your young woodpecker. I am envious - how wonderful. I often saw and heard the woodpeckers in the woods behind our house when my studio was in the conservatory, but in my new studio, I can only see the bricks of our neighbours house and the lane outside. I once saw a green woodpecker swooping through the close between the houses. It seemed so incongruous to see it where there are few trees. Wishing you a wonderful Easter break and beautiful time with your daughter 💛💛
I had so much to comment on in Susie's post I didn't get to the woodpecker, so I love what you say here Emily.
We don't have woodpeckers in NZ and I have never seen one on my travels. One day I hope...😊
I will havé to send you a pair Jo! X
Thank you Emily, we are rather spoiled for woodpeckers here, there are at least four different varieties! First thing in the morning I can hear at least three or four tapping away at the bark and often see the beautiful green feathers of the green woodpecker flash by. I never cease to be amazed by them and to have been so close to this little fella playing games with me was simply magical!
My daughters train is delayed but she is at least on her way, I had a mini panic but thankfully calmer again.😅
Have the happiest Easter too Emily 💛🍃😘
Thanks so much for the shout out, and I'd love to hear how you relate to it. Thanks for reading.
You’re welcome Eleanor, your story takes me back to a youth spent partying in West Sussex, blurred and outrageous drunken weekends at Cowdray Park and Petworth… friends who at the time were inséparable.. even Westbourne Grove which is one of the few parts in London I know well..
The whole nostalgic trip of time and place.. thank you!
Between those two places, it's almost impossible that we didn't meet, at the very least it's likely we've friends in common. Here's me waving at you from a shared past.
Its possible, although I have a feeling I am twenty years older than you - at least ! I left the UK over thirty five years ago never to return and have virtually no connections left other than those who have second homes here in France - out of sight out of mind - a sad but true fact. I’m waving back awash with the memories though!
👋❤️
Oh do enjoy your daughter's visit! BUT, and I'm sitting wagging my finger at you, no overdoing it before she arrives this time! Remember....nature's art installations 😆
Haha, thank you Lynn, I’m just sitting here waiting for a very delayed train… which will probably be the only time I have for relaxing! It will so good to see her though…
Have a lovely Easter break 🤍🍃x
And you....enjoy!
Ah I wish you had been able to dance your way into getting a picture of it! I hope there'll be a next time. Happy Easter, my friend. Enjoy your time with your beautiful children.
Ahh me too Lisha, I was so close but literally every time it saw me it hid behind a tree again… they are so clever! A very happy weekend to you and your girls too lovely xxx
The duet was delightful, and lyrically captured. So pleased you have such a keenly anticipated visit for Easter, the best kind of solace to cushion the frustrations and frictions elsewhere. Have a fabulous time. Relax into it.
Many very belated thanks Barrie, I so it’s been a hellishly busy week capped perfectly with a train delay but for once at least the SNCF didn’t cancel it completely! I am delighted you enjoyed this PC, the woodpecker was the highlight of my week… I still can’t quite believe it happened !
You have a fabulous Easter weekend too, have you family coming? If so enjoy, enjoy anyway !
We're very quiet on these holidays ... just the two of us. A cycle, planning some bits for later in the year, eating well. That sort of thing.
Sounds lovely.. enjoy!
I’m sorry about the badger. Living here in Ireland they were mercilessly poisoned and killed over the last decades, and sometimes nailed on posts as were foxes. Now I barely see any wild creatures, and I find it very difficult to be civil to my neighbour and the majority of farmers who continue to decimate the land for beef, forestry and mono-crops creating dead-zones. It sounds as if you live somewhere relatively untouched, how lovely to experience the young woodpecker, long may these experiences continue. I do look for beauty and find some hope in the tiny glimmers of regeneration. Happy 🐣
Marina, thank you and my heartfelt apologies for my terribly overdue response. I know well the attitude of farmers and hunters both here and in Ireland where I lived for thirteen years. While we were there we met so many country people who held such hatred for badgers (they dug them out of their setts using dogs, often the dogs were more I misread than the badgers but it didn’t stop them) it was difficult for me to sit at the same table with them. They even poisoned one of my terriers because they thought we had spoken to a journalist. We hadn’t but I still had to watch my poor little pup die in agony from Strychnine poisoning… I don’t even want to begin writing on the subject of modern farming! Suffice to say, I too see the changes, the decline in flora and fauna, the damage to the land… capitalizing on natures goodness, it is so shortsighted!
I wish you a lovely weekend to come - I hope you find some beauty…🍃
Thanks for your reply Susie, and I also apologise. Sorry to hear about your pup, I lost one the same way, and it’s absolutely heartbreaking. Years ago I nearly moved to SW France as quite a few of my friends are settled there but in spite of a large pull, my roots seemed deep here. I’m again feeling the pull to move, and it is mainly because of how the ecology is disrespected and the relentless rock breaking to grow a green desert and second homes. Oh dear I sound like a bitter thing, so looking for the beauty is again the focus. The start of the blue, one straggly bluebell amongst the delicate yellow primroses - there are still a few to be seen if you have keen eyes. I love what you write.
Urgh… Marika, I did type that but computer said no! Sorry…🙏🏽
Such as beautiful interlude between you and the woodpecker, an inquisitive dance while playing a game of hide and seek. Tis' a blessing! Enjoy each moment with your dear Rosie! Love n light always Sweet Susie... xoxo
Oh Susie, such a beautiful piece of writing. I hope that right now you are reunited with your daughter and she is enjoying her "lemon yellow cowslips on long legs dancing..." I know this feeling of anticipation well. I took Thursday off to prepare, picking flowers from the garden and baking and cooking. The look of pleasure on my son's face as he eats some home cooked food ( first year flatting at Uni) and opens a full fridge is just gold. Brother and Sister laughing and asking each other interesting questions about how their year is going makes me weep with joy.
Easter is such a sacred time to me. Enjoy and blessings. xxx
Jo, I am so sorry! I missed this comment entirely… we had the most wonderful weekend together, lots of walking and talking, good food and giggles… mother daughter giggles - you know the type - we even made a real Easter egg hunt with clues suited to each person…it was hilarious in a hail storm!
I do hope your Easter was filled with joy and smiles and a tone of chocolate of course!
Wishing you an easy slide into the weekend.., xx
So happy you had such a gorgeous Easter Susie. xx
I make it to this post Easter, but I hope it was a marvellous one and how amazing that your daughter was returning.
May I ask what your job is, Susie?
Thank you Nathan, Easter passed in take after take of almost perfect family bliss, marred only by someone speeding up the film… time with my daughter always fly’s!
In answer to you question, I teach/encourage children with learning difficulties - autism, ADHD Hyperactivity, Dyslexia/calculus/praxis or any other physical or psychological disorder hindering their ability to learn - ages 7 to 15.
I love my job but it’s heartbreaking.
This reply got buried in my inbox, sorry! But I'm here now.
Yeah, wow, but you're doing an amazing thing teaching those children. A friend of mine over here had the same job before moving back to the UK. I always admired her for it, it was her complete passion to be helping these children.
Hi Nathan, please, no need for apologies ever, I know! Life right….
Yes, it takes passion, compassion and a bucket load of patience to teach these children but it’s a worth while occupation. I sometimes wonder whether I’m the best person for the job though… one has to be firm sometimes too and I fail terribly at that part!