20 Comments

There are many older people in our village who haven't gone much further out of it. About 3km away there used to be a Salazar checkpoint beyond which they could go no further (until 1974). A village we regularly go to our neighbour had never heard of. Like the other woman on the hill, he's a happy, helpful chap. I like to listen to him, though I don't understand all he says, he seems to think I share his enthusiasm for vintage vehicles!

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I find all the stories this older generation of locals have endlessly interesting, their lives, so different from ours were lived hard and loved all the more for it. We could learn so much from them…. I still haven’t seen my lady.

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Oh I hope so too Johanna, I have an enormous fear that she will be gone before I have the chance to share a few moments with her again… she must have so very many stories to tell and I so very much want to hear them. Thank you again for taking the time to read my letters lovely xxx

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Beautifully written story, I hope you’ll meet this wonderful lady again on your hill!

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Wonderful piece Susie; loved reading this. So interesting to get a peep into your morning wanderings.

Your companion sounds like she is such a part of the countryside and the land she lives in; beautifully written lovely ✨

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Many thanks Mary, I believe you could be right about this wonderful old lady, certainly she knows this hill better than I do - I could listen to her for hours....

I'm hoping to write more about her although its been so long since our paths have crossed I am worried that perhaps it is too late.. a thought I don't enjoy at all xx

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She is a most delightful and extraordinary lady darling… you would have enjoyed our brief meeting so very much… how wonderful it must be to feel such contentment, to always be smiling…. I must practice!! Love and light back always and with a smile! X

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A delightful story indeed! Beautiful.

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Thank you dear Elske - she is an extraordinary woman… someone to aspire to! X

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More writerly with each piece!

Gabrielle xxx

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I feel like a fake... this should be you darling Girl xxx

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Your words are as glorious as your images - I can’t wait to be an old (well, older) woman and poke around books and crannies like your new friend. I hope that she remains well and enjoy your time with your daughter x

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Many thanks Sheena, she is such an extraordinary woman, her life has been one of the hardest imaginable in terms of labour and yet, that smile…. It never fades, she is always content! If only more people could find that sense of nirvana in the ordinary! I too, pray, that as I grow older I can find that same sense of peace…. Xxx

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It matters so much to have some one like that in your life - and through your words, I can see her smile 💛

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I love this wonderful story, how the love of nature brings two people together that seek the same enjoyment and reverence. Love n' light my Sweet SS.

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What an absolutely delightful story, and so glad you made friends with the lady looking after the hedgehogs (have I got that right?).

Thank you for sharing and love your writing style.

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You have that absolutely right Debs, obviously I have not reached a level of knowledge about nature and it’s habits that I would like though for I didn’t notice those hedgehogs, certainly not like this lady (note to self… must study harder, slow down, pay attention….) thank you so much for you kind words lovely, how are you? And you beautiful new tiny home? X

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We could all do with slowing down and paying more attention. Imagine what it must be like to spendil your whole life in one area and knowing it intimately, because you live slowly?

Thanks for asking. My new tiny home is fabulous, but I'm still in my funk, for some reason. Just cannot shift it 😔

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It will pass Debs, sometimes other areas of life have to come first, they block our creativity even if we are smiling… it’s not a bad thing even if it is a little disconcerting…! I have just deleted almost every photo I’ve taken while my daughter has been here… mojo on strike - badly timed or what!!! I feel your sadness xxxx

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Thank you, Susie. I hope it will. I just need to trust in that!

Oh no to all the deleted photos!

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