Between beech and briar, honeysuckle and oak, a soft nose and a girl set loose.”
I do believe you have written a classic fable . All of the right ingredients. The title alone , already had me swooning ( as well as the lovely lady in the woods). Like all good fables, there is a moral of the story , I will leave that up to you .
“Come, I know you’re quite content standing between that sunbeam and Beech but you are far from home and lost, let me show you the way…”
I can wait patiently for you to design a cover and write the book.
Hi Betty, thank you, it’s almost always the way, this time some of us didn’t even make it that far either… but I’m feeling much recovered and making the most of lovely springlike - or almost - weather, although mostly it’s all been very hard work. My garden is enjoying the company though…
Ah, the cow--and you so close to it. This essay has a yearning and a reply: a call from the heart and an answer. Beautifully written while generously crediting another. xx
Mary you would have loved her soft nose and gentleness… a gift from the hill.
I am almost permanently astonished by the kindnesses offered by this community that has gathered here… I offer my gratitude in the smallest of ways but it is always heartfelt ♥️
I am loving reading about your enchanted place, Susie, the “fractured fairytale” of your days. What a delight, encountering an independent cow in the woods, claiming her own dignity and sovereignty …a heroine of a bovine, descended from the three sacred cows of Ireland, no doubt. x
I was hoping my bovine heroine would be of the magic variety Carmine, that she would cast a spell sufficiently cleverly to release the bolts on the gates in order that her friends may join her in her beechwood liberty, alas, she is nowhere to be seen on the hill, my only hope is that she is departed to sacred places I’ve yet to find. Perhaps she is now celebrating her successful escape with Bò Finn and Bò Duhb!
Thank you so much for reading, may the moon shine brightly upon you this week 🌙x
This reads like the opening to a fairy tale. In my imagination I will forever see that beautiful lady wandering the forest in easy bliss. I cannot possibly love you more for pausing in quandary and asking her wishes. And respecting her answer. I feel you will forever have an angelic heifer guardian, protecting you from here and beyond.
And it seems Elsa mouse may join her in the guardianship too.
If I were clever with pencil and paper, fast enough to sketch the hills behind and the sun and moon and the beautiful lady standing between beech trees, rather than a quick snap with a camera with lens insufficient to capture the whole scene, it would have been seen as such without any text! Though few minutes passed they were each infused with fairytale magic, the like of which I couldn't possibly have condemned. I can think of no guardians more lovely than Elsa and she... I would be blessed forever were it to be so! ✨
I’m so sorry for the relapse but grateful you had some quiet time. Even more grateful for the ways you share and how your words open my eyes to beauty.
This is bliss, Susie. I like … actually, love, that JoJo and I are relishing your words together … the sense of silence, the beautiful French (my goodness, we are so jealous and we MUST improve) … the delicate balance between engaging with the community and not ‘feeling’ all the ways they do things … we want to send hugs to restore you, have you stay for a while to restore yourself - feed you, pour wine and chat … anytime!
Love your words. So happy to see the fragments appearing, celebrated by so many voices.
Happy Monday from our little corner of France. Barrie and JoJo x
Dear Barrie and JoJo, this is a truly beautiful and heartwarming invite, belatedly so but felt and deeply appreciated nonetheless. As I have just commented to another kindly soul - with fingers crossed just in case - I think I am at last rid of the germs and feeling much more like my usual spritely self. Though your invitation most certainly won't be forgotten! Thank you both so much. 💛
I think it most likely the reason for many voices is entirely due to your constant encouragement and sharing, I am not sure that I am deserving but am flattered beyond words and again truly grateful. I hope you are having a glorious week! 🙏🏼
Love this one Susie. The cow especially. ❤️ I wonder where she is now? Such a beautiful interaction.
All of us under the same moon, yes I thought about this a lot last week and I also wrote about it, not on Substack. I loved David's Substack last week too.
And your connections with others, Emily sending you a gift, so much here Susie and all of it is wrapped in connectedness and love - whether between a cow and a human or the moon or those we have never met on other continents.
I went back yesterday to search for her in the woodland Jo, found tracks but no trace of her loveliness, I guess the farmer found her and too her back to confinement… 😔
I am glad she had a few days of freedom at least!
David has a unique ability to give us, in his staggeringly beautiful photos and equally astonishing words, something we are all in need of at just the right moment, he pays attention, and tells about it as done by another dear soul who bestowed us with so much of herself. I don’t need to say who…
We are all in need of nuturing, of kindly gestures and reassurance right now, I think so many of us are looking to those moments in the day we know will be of some small comfort, the sun and the moon, the stars too, those great galactic entities that are reliable forces in our day. How ironic we have to look so very far though…
The connections unfolding here are quite overwhelming at times, far beyond anything I ever imagined or dreamed of but Jo, aren’t we blessed to have them. Emily’s gift so filled my heart with utter joy, I had tears in my eyes before id even opened the box!
Sending love from this side of our still beautiful blue dot Jo. xxx
Yes, so many are looking for moments of comfort and kindness especially right now. When I gaze at the stars and the moon outside my window at night ( I never pull the curtains on the night's beauty) I feel more close to the truth and heart of it all than any other time. I feel "so very far" away when dealing with some human beings though - the ignorance and small mindedness, the greed and self serving ego, their hate and their love of hate.
However, I feel so loved and held and close when I hang out with the stars and the moon.
I am enchanted, Susie, as always, by your stunning photography, surprising encounters in the woods with human and nonhuman sentient beings, and your enviable skill to braid threads of light and humour into wrestling with mundane drudgery and double-sneaky flu-bugs.
May the healing fairies be with you… Oh I see, a mousey one has already arrived with the furry face of lovely Elsa xxx 🩵 🙏 🧚🏽
Dearest Veronika, it is the strangest thing; Elsa mouse arrived with a tiny handmade bag of magic charms, on seeing my fragile state she set about casting them this way and that, all the while singing a squeaky incantation the like of which I have never heard, much less understood - though I'm certain you would have deciphered its meaning with ease. No matter, the following day I felt light of foot and clear of head again! Evidently the double-sneaky-flu-bug wasn't quite sneaky enough for squeaky-mouse-songs and magic charms, a fact for which I am deeply grateful!
I send you fresh and sprightly hugs from both of us, 🐭✨💛xx
Oh, thank you for your confidence in my rodential language skills 😊 The mouse incantation worked its charm and magicked you back to your feet, which is the main news, and I am so glad to hear 🫶
On catching only a glimpse of Elsa's sweet face and her pink snout I instantly felt (!) a connection with her. A few years ago a very talented felt maker in Germany made some felted animals for me (all characters of a story I had written) ~ as a kind of 3D illustration. Although made by a different (equally talented) felt maker, Elsa looks like a kindred spirit animal.
And the tiny handmade accessories...!!! Such is the power of enchantment. 🧚🏽 🧡 🦇
Your conversation with the beautiful cow! I felt like I was there with you, murmuring, being silent together, communicating without words what you each needed. Lovely!
Thank you Sarah, as short as our encounter was, they was magic woven in the silent moments and a blessed way to end a day - she was a delightful encounter. ✨
Susie! The title alone is a poem. Then the subtitle to, a poem. And the rest of it, poetry— especially that you let that honeysuckle lady choose her own path.
To being ravished in the splendors of silence end of fellow writers’ gorgeous words.
Holly, what a most beautiful comment, thank you. Silence seems to become more and more appreciated with each year I live, my gratitude for the good fortune of living where I do immeasurable! ♥️xx
I remember once in Italy seeing a whole bunch of cows in the middle of the woods and how it was like something out of a fairy tale. I hope she takes a friend next time.
“The ravishing splendour of silence
Between beech and briar, honeysuckle and oak, a soft nose and a girl set loose.”
I do believe you have written a classic fable . All of the right ingredients. The title alone , already had me swooning ( as well as the lovely lady in the woods). Like all good fables, there is a moral of the story , I will leave that up to you .
“Come, I know you’re quite content standing between that sunbeam and Beech but you are far from home and lost, let me show you the way…”
I can wait patiently for you to design a cover and write the book.
So much to love in all of this, Susie. 🖤
I fell in love with that beautiful creature just a little… maybe a lot!
Thank you dear one 💚xx
Okay, but the cow. I love her. We should steal her.
Beautifully written, as always...
I remember that in my earlier teaching years, I would often fall sick right as vacation started. I think our bodies hold on when they have to.
I hope you will get well and have time to enjoy "the hols".
Hi Betty, thank you, it’s almost always the way, this time some of us didn’t even make it that far either… but I’m feeling much recovered and making the most of lovely springlike - or almost - weather, although mostly it’s all been very hard work. My garden is enjoying the company though…
I hope your week is a gentle one xx
Ah, the cow--and you so close to it. This essay has a yearning and a reply: a call from the heart and an answer. Beautifully written while generously crediting another. xx
Mary you would have loved her soft nose and gentleness… a gift from the hill.
I am almost permanently astonished by the kindnesses offered by this community that has gathered here… I offer my gratitude in the smallest of ways but it is always heartfelt ♥️
I am loving reading about your enchanted place, Susie, the “fractured fairytale” of your days. What a delight, encountering an independent cow in the woods, claiming her own dignity and sovereignty …a heroine of a bovine, descended from the three sacred cows of Ireland, no doubt. x
I was hoping my bovine heroine would be of the magic variety Carmine, that she would cast a spell sufficiently cleverly to release the bolts on the gates in order that her friends may join her in her beechwood liberty, alas, she is nowhere to be seen on the hill, my only hope is that she is departed to sacred places I’ve yet to find. Perhaps she is now celebrating her successful escape with Bò Finn and Bò Duhb!
Thank you so much for reading, may the moon shine brightly upon you this week 🌙x
This reads like the opening to a fairy tale. In my imagination I will forever see that beautiful lady wandering the forest in easy bliss. I cannot possibly love you more for pausing in quandary and asking her wishes. And respecting her answer. I feel you will forever have an angelic heifer guardian, protecting you from here and beyond.
And it seems Elsa mouse may join her in the guardianship too.
If I were clever with pencil and paper, fast enough to sketch the hills behind and the sun and moon and the beautiful lady standing between beech trees, rather than a quick snap with a camera with lens insufficient to capture the whole scene, it would have been seen as such without any text! Though few minutes passed they were each infused with fairytale magic, the like of which I couldn't possibly have condemned. I can think of no guardians more lovely than Elsa and she... I would be blessed forever were it to be so! ✨
I’m so sorry for the relapse but grateful you had some quiet time. Even more grateful for the ways you share and how your words open my eyes to beauty.
Bless you Laura - I have my fingers crossed while saying this - I think I am finally rid of the germs! I at last have energy again. My relief is huge…
I hope the week is being gentle for you 💛
This is bliss, Susie. I like … actually, love, that JoJo and I are relishing your words together … the sense of silence, the beautiful French (my goodness, we are so jealous and we MUST improve) … the delicate balance between engaging with the community and not ‘feeling’ all the ways they do things … we want to send hugs to restore you, have you stay for a while to restore yourself - feed you, pour wine and chat … anytime!
Love your words. So happy to see the fragments appearing, celebrated by so many voices.
Happy Monday from our little corner of France. Barrie and JoJo x
Dear Barrie and JoJo, this is a truly beautiful and heartwarming invite, belatedly so but felt and deeply appreciated nonetheless. As I have just commented to another kindly soul - with fingers crossed just in case - I think I am at last rid of the germs and feeling much more like my usual spritely self. Though your invitation most certainly won't be forgotten! Thank you both so much. 💛
I think it most likely the reason for many voices is entirely due to your constant encouragement and sharing, I am not sure that I am deserving but am flattered beyond words and again truly grateful. I hope you are having a glorious week! 🙏🏼
Love this one Susie. The cow especially. ❤️ I wonder where she is now? Such a beautiful interaction.
All of us under the same moon, yes I thought about this a lot last week and I also wrote about it, not on Substack. I loved David's Substack last week too.
And your connections with others, Emily sending you a gift, so much here Susie and all of it is wrapped in connectedness and love - whether between a cow and a human or the moon or those we have never met on other continents.
Have a beautiful silent week. xx
I went back yesterday to search for her in the woodland Jo, found tracks but no trace of her loveliness, I guess the farmer found her and too her back to confinement… 😔
I am glad she had a few days of freedom at least!
David has a unique ability to give us, in his staggeringly beautiful photos and equally astonishing words, something we are all in need of at just the right moment, he pays attention, and tells about it as done by another dear soul who bestowed us with so much of herself. I don’t need to say who…
We are all in need of nuturing, of kindly gestures and reassurance right now, I think so many of us are looking to those moments in the day we know will be of some small comfort, the sun and the moon, the stars too, those great galactic entities that are reliable forces in our day. How ironic we have to look so very far though…
The connections unfolding here are quite overwhelming at times, far beyond anything I ever imagined or dreamed of but Jo, aren’t we blessed to have them. Emily’s gift so filled my heart with utter joy, I had tears in my eyes before id even opened the box!
Sending love from this side of our still beautiful blue dot Jo. xxx
So beautiful again Susie! This brought a tear.
Yes, so many are looking for moments of comfort and kindness especially right now. When I gaze at the stars and the moon outside my window at night ( I never pull the curtains on the night's beauty) I feel more close to the truth and heart of it all than any other time. I feel "so very far" away when dealing with some human beings though - the ignorance and small mindedness, the greed and self serving ego, their hate and their love of hate.
However, I feel so loved and held and close when I hang out with the stars and the moon.
Love xxxx ❤️
And maybe safe Jo, I know I do… ♥️xx
Enjoy the ravishing silence of your winter break, Susie, and get well soon! 🤫❤️🩹
Thank you dearest JoAnna, the silence is helping, I am feeling much recovered today! Sending hugs♥️xx
I am enchanted, Susie, as always, by your stunning photography, surprising encounters in the woods with human and nonhuman sentient beings, and your enviable skill to braid threads of light and humour into wrestling with mundane drudgery and double-sneaky flu-bugs.
May the healing fairies be with you… Oh I see, a mousey one has already arrived with the furry face of lovely Elsa xxx 🩵 🙏 🧚🏽
Dearest Veronika, it is the strangest thing; Elsa mouse arrived with a tiny handmade bag of magic charms, on seeing my fragile state she set about casting them this way and that, all the while singing a squeaky incantation the like of which I have never heard, much less understood - though I'm certain you would have deciphered its meaning with ease. No matter, the following day I felt light of foot and clear of head again! Evidently the double-sneaky-flu-bug wasn't quite sneaky enough for squeaky-mouse-songs and magic charms, a fact for which I am deeply grateful!
I send you fresh and sprightly hugs from both of us, 🐭✨💛xx
Oh, thank you for your confidence in my rodential language skills 😊 The mouse incantation worked its charm and magicked you back to your feet, which is the main news, and I am so glad to hear 🫶
On catching only a glimpse of Elsa's sweet face and her pink snout I instantly felt (!) a connection with her. A few years ago a very talented felt maker in Germany made some felted animals for me (all characters of a story I had written) ~ as a kind of 3D illustration. Although made by a different (equally talented) felt maker, Elsa looks like a kindred spirit animal.
And the tiny handmade accessories...!!! Such is the power of enchantment. 🧚🏽 🧡 🦇
Your conversation with the beautiful cow! I felt like I was there with you, murmuring, being silent together, communicating without words what you each needed. Lovely!
Thank you Sarah, as short as our encounter was, they was magic woven in the silent moments and a blessed way to end a day - she was a delightful encounter. ✨
The splendours of solitude cannot be overstated, thank you for these moments of peaceful contemplation.
Thank you so very much for reading Sarah, with age I appreciate these solitary moments with ever increasing gratitude 💛
Susie! The title alone is a poem. Then the subtitle to, a poem. And the rest of it, poetry— especially that you let that honeysuckle lady choose her own path.
To being ravished in the splendors of silence end of fellow writers’ gorgeous words.
Holly, what a most beautiful comment, thank you. Silence seems to become more and more appreciated with each year I live, my gratitude for the good fortune of living where I do immeasurable! ♥️xx
Loved this. I hope the cow found a cozy spot.
I have a horrible feeling the farmer found her Deirdre… back to confinement! ☹️
I remember once in Italy seeing a whole bunch of cows in the middle of the woods and how it was like something out of a fairy tale. I hope she takes a friend next time.
I hope she shows the whole herd the way out next time, their winter digs are no fun!