So beautiful, Susie. I always love your letters and look forward to them.
I was impressed by your explanation of the word Saudade; as a Portuguese native it is always difficult for me to explain this word, so rich in meaning and in feeling. Yours is the best attempt at an English definition I've seen.
And since you know this word so well, I feel I can say with confidence of being understood that reading your words and seeing your photographs always feels me with saudade for your hill. Thank you, Susie!
You are correct ! Norman Maclean was a student of Robert Frost🧐. And, I did mean aliferous. Hiraeth, is also a beautiful word. Thank you ( Barrie too) it is almost a one word poem.
Your words, photos, reflections, once again leave me resting in a silent fullness. And though saudade is perhaps a nostalgia for the unnamed, I feel a sense of saudade whenever I read your offerings—your ineffable grace is part of that longing, but another part is more tangible, a simple longing to be on your hill, to join in friendship in the flesh, to laugh and reflect our days away. Your walk with beauty has forever marked me Susie.
Your words move me beyond measure Kimberly, always. The way you've captured the essence of saudade, intertwining it with the tangible and intangible threads of friendship, fills me with gratitude. I love that my reflections resonate with you in such a profound way and from my heart, the idea of sharing moments on my hill, laughing and reflecting together, is a warm and glowing dream. Though we may walk separate paths, know that the beauty of our connection, even in this space, is cherished. I do not need to say, your presence here, which feels like no distance at all, leaves a lasting mark on me as well. Thank you, truly, may your weekend be blessed xx
Thank you, truly, I have spent a ridiculous amount of time thinking about the look of these pages I write, I love the hare too, I think he (it has to be my muse) needs a little more digital titivating - I’ll get there in the end although I only have to see the word branding and my brain switches off!
Good Morning Susie from my writing desk in New Zealand where I watch a wonderful thunder and lightening storm light up the dark 5am sky. And I like both the hare and daisies but am probably more of a daisy kind of girl. 🌼. That answers your engaging questions. xx
You may have noticed I got in the first love heart on this post last night. Your gorgeous piece came through as I was sorting through much less inspiring admin emails.
Such abundance Susie. I just soak it all up and wish I was there at that table. What a gift for your children also to share this history. Enjoy your lingering memories. xx
Hi Jo, I did notice your heart just as I started my day! Thank you, Im glad to have distracted you from the more mundane!
As for the hare and the daisies, I've been thinking about this a lot - ridiculous I know but I want my pages to look at least vaguely professional which they don't with either, so expect another change! There are times when I really hate being a Gemini!😂
You would be made very welcome at that table Jo, anytime! xx
So lovely Susie, next time I'm over your way... xx
I hear you re the "analysis paralysis" and being a Gemini. We see all options which can be a gift or a burden. 😊 I also created my website in the last year and totally understand about that need for professionalism whilst also showing your true heart and spirit.
I think your pages already look very professional and very beautiful.
You will know what to do when your head is clear on one of your hill walks. xx
I clicked the link to your website Jo, I remember it well because I was so very impressed, I could only wish to create something so beautiful and professional - one day, maybe..
I think we have spoken before on Gemini dilemmas too... a curse if ever there was one but as you say, there is, at the other end of the spectrum, the ability to see all options and of course, we are the worlds most adaptable people - probably because we have to be but at least we know how! 😅x
There really isn't, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have such friends. I am delighted you enjoyed this piece Pamela, that you felt touched - thank you for reading x
It was lovely to live vicariously through you in this wonderful tradition with old friends. And thank you for the kindness of the mention at the end. It's still hard to believe that writers as gifted as you actually read and enjoy my work. Thank you.
Ben you are always so very gracious and kind, Thank you and you are very welcome. Departures has caught me up entirely in its tender words and sad story, a masterful piece. I applaud you.
Old friends are a treasure I guard with my life and the older I become the more precious they are. I hope you have such friends too.
I love this and I love how I always feel after reading your posts, like I've slowed down and been able to see something I might have otherwise missed. I know that feeling of Saudade too and there's a beautiful song by Cesaria Evora by that name.
I'd be very surprised if you ever missed anything Deidre, I have a feeling you have hundreds of thousands of snaps stashed away with every emotion possible waiting just for your words - Thanks - I'm going to look up that song!
Many thanks Kathryn, I read an essay a few weeks ago which included the word saudade which I had never come across before and of course didn’t understand, as soon as I looked it up I knew it would be included here when dreaming of times both past and future with these, my dearest friends… it will stick with me also.
Thank you Matthew, I listened to your audio yesterday while I was walking my own little dog and suddenly remembered (because I try not to type while I’m walking) that I didn’t leave a comment which it truly warranted! So thank you again for allowing us to join you - I do hope you are recovering well .
Thank you, Susie … for ‘aliferous’, for the view from your summer writing space (that made me think of my own roamings when it comes to finding my spot), saudade (we are always drawn to the Welsh ‘hiraeth’ which is a wistfulness for a place where the heart lingers), and for the reminder of the blessings of friendship. So many of my early friendships were fleeting - an itinerant military life keeping things at the acquaintance level, to my regret - but I have recently reconnected with friends where life just got in the way. We’ll be calling each other this weekend and I’m looking forward to working on better connection. Lovely writing as ever.
Thank you Barrie, I wish you a a wonderful reconnection with old friends. I feel very fortunate to still have such close childhood friends, already I see that my daughter won't, she made hers at University, all those prior are long forgotten. As for my son, time will tell... he has had the same best friend since he was three years old, Ive been called into the head teachers office many times over the last twelve years due their being so inseparable but on Monday, the first day of the new school year, they will be apart for the first time since the maternelle, I feel sad for them, they both seem very cool.
I think perhaps the Welsh word 'hiraeth' which Ive never heard or read, suits the feeling even more accurately than saudade; if only I'd known!
Today, as I read, I sit on a large granite slab partially submerged in a small stream. I will answer your wistful call with this; one of my favorite quotes that always stays near my heart.
“Then in the Arctic half-light of the canyon, all existence fades to a being with my soul and memories and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot River …
Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.”~Norman Maclean~
Your request for advice;
I love the photo. Perhaps you might figure a way to use them both? ( wasn’t that helpful 🤐). The hare is a wonderful definition of the passage of time. ( I love learning new words in the context they were meant to be in, so thank you for that).
I can imagine you sitting on that granite rock by the stream Lor, I would have almost certainly have my feet dangling in the cool water if it were here, the week has been stifling.
I have never read Norman Macleans book, A River runs Through It, (I must) though I have seen this quote many times but it is those last two lines that I recall always so clearly.
"On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.”
Pure poetry, but then I believe he was taught by another favourite of ours, Robert Frost - I may be wrong though...
Thank you for answering my question about the new look, I love the hare too although I think it needs some more 'faffing' with to get the effect I want. It won't be happening tonight though!
If you scroll up to Barries comment above yours you will see he writes of another Welsh word 'hiraeth' which I have never head of either, it has a similar meaning to saudade. Unless of course you meant aliferous?
Thank you always for reading and leaving such very thoughtful comments, I hope you get to forest bath today!
In gentle, wistful daydreams. Your letters are always so beautifully written, they transport me from the rush and hustle of mundanity and to the hills and mountains of France, to the winding drive along a road to friends and to a desk at a window where jays and woodpeckers bicker and ravens grace with majesty. Utterly transporting 💛✨
That drive is a two hour slice of la France profund, it twists and turns through pretty villages and across National parkland until it reaches Cahors. The journey is never fast for reasons mentioned and although I curse in my impatience to arrive, it is a road I love.
If I have one wish in writing these letter Emily, it is transport someone, just for a few minutes from the stresses and strains and the mundanity of the every day… your words are a balm to my ever worried soul lovely. Thank you so much for your always supportive words - with love 💛xx
How beautiful, and how lucky to have nearly lifelong friends nearby. I've stayed friends with some companions from school days, and there is nothing comparable.
Thank you for reading Betty, I couldn't agree more whole heartedly, time spent with old friends is incomparable, that slipping back so easily into knowing and understanding without questioning... and in English! 😅
Out of interest, were you notified of the link I included to your Substack when I mentioned Cahors? I am never certain, perhaps I should have added your page to the bottom of my letter too?
No, I was not notified of the link and in fact didn't notice it although I definitely read the line -- maybe because of the green color. But thank you, that is very kind of you!
So beautiful, Susie. I always love your letters and look forward to them.
I was impressed by your explanation of the word Saudade; as a Portuguese native it is always difficult for me to explain this word, so rich in meaning and in feeling. Yours is the best attempt at an English definition I've seen.
And since you know this word so well, I feel I can say with confidence of being understood that reading your words and seeing your photographs always feels me with saudade for your hill. Thank you, Susie!
my sunflowers bow to yours, Susie 🌻
🙏🏼
You are correct ! Norman Maclean was a student of Robert Frost🧐. And, I did mean aliferous. Hiraeth, is also a beautiful word. Thank you ( Barrie too) it is almost a one word poem.
It is, I must ask Barrie of the pronunciation, Welsh is a wonderfully sung language I find impossible to either understand or speak!
Your words, photos, reflections, once again leave me resting in a silent fullness. And though saudade is perhaps a nostalgia for the unnamed, I feel a sense of saudade whenever I read your offerings—your ineffable grace is part of that longing, but another part is more tangible, a simple longing to be on your hill, to join in friendship in the flesh, to laugh and reflect our days away. Your walk with beauty has forever marked me Susie.
Your words move me beyond measure Kimberly, always. The way you've captured the essence of saudade, intertwining it with the tangible and intangible threads of friendship, fills me with gratitude. I love that my reflections resonate with you in such a profound way and from my heart, the idea of sharing moments on my hill, laughing and reflecting together, is a warm and glowing dream. Though we may walk separate paths, know that the beauty of our connection, even in this space, is cherished. I do not need to say, your presence here, which feels like no distance at all, leaves a lasting mark on me as well. Thank you, truly, may your weekend be blessed xx
❤️❤️❤️ps. I vote HARE! She’s exquisite.
Thank you, truly, I have spent a ridiculous amount of time thinking about the look of these pages I write, I love the hare too, I think he (it has to be my muse) needs a little more digital titivating - I’ll get there in the end although I only have to see the word branding and my brain switches off!
Beautiful
Thanks Anna - 🙏🏼
Good Morning Susie from my writing desk in New Zealand where I watch a wonderful thunder and lightening storm light up the dark 5am sky. And I like both the hare and daisies but am probably more of a daisy kind of girl. 🌼. That answers your engaging questions. xx
You may have noticed I got in the first love heart on this post last night. Your gorgeous piece came through as I was sorting through much less inspiring admin emails.
Such abundance Susie. I just soak it all up and wish I was there at that table. What a gift for your children also to share this history. Enjoy your lingering memories. xx
Hi Jo, I did notice your heart just as I started my day! Thank you, Im glad to have distracted you from the more mundane!
As for the hare and the daisies, I've been thinking about this a lot - ridiculous I know but I want my pages to look at least vaguely professional which they don't with either, so expect another change! There are times when I really hate being a Gemini!😂
You would be made very welcome at that table Jo, anytime! xx
So lovely Susie, next time I'm over your way... xx
I hear you re the "analysis paralysis" and being a Gemini. We see all options which can be a gift or a burden. 😊 I also created my website in the last year and totally understand about that need for professionalism whilst also showing your true heart and spirit.
I think your pages already look very professional and very beautiful.
You will know what to do when your head is clear on one of your hill walks. xx
I clicked the link to your website Jo, I remember it well because I was so very impressed, I could only wish to create something so beautiful and professional - one day, maybe..
I think we have spoken before on Gemini dilemmas too... a curse if ever there was one but as you say, there is, at the other end of the spectrum, the ability to see all options and of course, we are the worlds most adaptable people - probably because we have to be but at least we know how! 😅x
❤️ You have created it already Susie. You just have to bring it forth. ❤️
I felt so immersed in your writing today Susie. This was just beautiful, there's nothing like time spent with old friends.
There really isn't, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have such friends. I am delighted you enjoyed this piece Pamela, that you felt touched - thank you for reading x
It was lovely to live vicariously through you in this wonderful tradition with old friends. And thank you for the kindness of the mention at the end. It's still hard to believe that writers as gifted as you actually read and enjoy my work. Thank you.
Ben you are always so very gracious and kind, Thank you and you are very welcome. Departures has caught me up entirely in its tender words and sad story, a masterful piece. I applaud you.
Old friends are a treasure I guard with my life and the older I become the more precious they are. I hope you have such friends too.
I do indeed have such friends and am also very close to my two older brothers.
I love this and I love how I always feel after reading your posts, like I've slowed down and been able to see something I might have otherwise missed. I know that feeling of Saudade too and there's a beautiful song by Cesaria Evora by that name.
I'd be very surprised if you ever missed anything Deidre, I have a feeling you have hundreds of thousands of snaps stashed away with every emotion possible waiting just for your words - Thanks - I'm going to look up that song!
You have such a beautiful way with words.
I learned the word Saudade when I went and saw a play of that name and it's something that's stuck with me ever since.
Many thanks Kathryn, I read an essay a few weeks ago which included the word saudade which I had never come across before and of course didn’t understand, as soon as I looked it up I knew it would be included here when dreaming of times both past and future with these, my dearest friends… it will stick with me also.
Beautiful as always Susie. Thanks for sharing your life with us in such an impactful way.
Thank you Matthew, I listened to your audio yesterday while I was walking my own little dog and suddenly remembered (because I try not to type while I’m walking) that I didn’t leave a comment which it truly warranted! So thank you again for allowing us to join you - I do hope you are recovering well .
Thank you, Susie … for ‘aliferous’, for the view from your summer writing space (that made me think of my own roamings when it comes to finding my spot), saudade (we are always drawn to the Welsh ‘hiraeth’ which is a wistfulness for a place where the heart lingers), and for the reminder of the blessings of friendship. So many of my early friendships were fleeting - an itinerant military life keeping things at the acquaintance level, to my regret - but I have recently reconnected with friends where life just got in the way. We’ll be calling each other this weekend and I’m looking forward to working on better connection. Lovely writing as ever.
Thank you Barrie, I wish you a a wonderful reconnection with old friends. I feel very fortunate to still have such close childhood friends, already I see that my daughter won't, she made hers at University, all those prior are long forgotten. As for my son, time will tell... he has had the same best friend since he was three years old, Ive been called into the head teachers office many times over the last twelve years due their being so inseparable but on Monday, the first day of the new school year, they will be apart for the first time since the maternelle, I feel sad for them, they both seem very cool.
I think perhaps the Welsh word 'hiraeth' which Ive never heard or read, suits the feeling even more accurately than saudade; if only I'd known!
I’ll be re-reading this, Susie. Youngsters are so fascinating. Wishing your lad the best for the new term. 💛
Today, as I read, I sit on a large granite slab partially submerged in a small stream. I will answer your wistful call with this; one of my favorite quotes that always stays near my heart.
“Then in the Arctic half-light of the canyon, all existence fades to a being with my soul and memories and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot River …
Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.”~Norman Maclean~
Your request for advice;
I love the photo. Perhaps you might figure a way to use them both? ( wasn’t that helpful 🤐). The hare is a wonderful definition of the passage of time. ( I love learning new words in the context they were meant to be in, so thank you for that).
I can imagine you sitting on that granite rock by the stream Lor, I would have almost certainly have my feet dangling in the cool water if it were here, the week has been stifling.
I have never read Norman Macleans book, A River runs Through It, (I must) though I have seen this quote many times but it is those last two lines that I recall always so clearly.
"On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.”
Pure poetry, but then I believe he was taught by another favourite of ours, Robert Frost - I may be wrong though...
Thank you for answering my question about the new look, I love the hare too although I think it needs some more 'faffing' with to get the effect I want. It won't be happening tonight though!
If you scroll up to Barries comment above yours you will see he writes of another Welsh word 'hiraeth' which I have never head of either, it has a similar meaning to saudade. Unless of course you meant aliferous?
Thank you always for reading and leaving such very thoughtful comments, I hope you get to forest bath today!
In gentle, wistful daydreams. Your letters are always so beautifully written, they transport me from the rush and hustle of mundanity and to the hills and mountains of France, to the winding drive along a road to friends and to a desk at a window where jays and woodpeckers bicker and ravens grace with majesty. Utterly transporting 💛✨
That drive is a two hour slice of la France profund, it twists and turns through pretty villages and across National parkland until it reaches Cahors. The journey is never fast for reasons mentioned and although I curse in my impatience to arrive, it is a road I love.
If I have one wish in writing these letter Emily, it is transport someone, just for a few minutes from the stresses and strains and the mundanity of the every day… your words are a balm to my ever worried soul lovely. Thank you so much for your always supportive words - with love 💛xx
A ‘find’ at the end of a summer day. Beautiful writing. Thank you.
Thank you for reading Carol, I am delighted to end your day with a smile!
How beautiful, and how lucky to have nearly lifelong friends nearby. I've stayed friends with some companions from school days, and there is nothing comparable.
Thank you for reading Betty, I couldn't agree more whole heartedly, time spent with old friends is incomparable, that slipping back so easily into knowing and understanding without questioning... and in English! 😅
Out of interest, were you notified of the link I included to your Substack when I mentioned Cahors? I am never certain, perhaps I should have added your page to the bottom of my letter too?
No, I was not notified of the link and in fact didn't notice it although I definitely read the line -- maybe because of the green color. But thank you, that is very kind of you!