Your “goodbye, safe journey little ones” carries multiple meanings, not only the House Martins but your own son as his heart flies toward young love. I can imagine your own feels quite a twinge of joy and sadness as he stretches his wings. Such a tender chapter! May your autumn deepen into color and scent dear Susie, ours here seemed to land late August and now we’re feeling a strange stretch of dog days, but the trees are not fooled as they continue their cycle into rust, gold and decay. 🍂 And echoing Lor, that Woolf quote is sublime!
Sweetest thanks dear Kimberly, especially for spotting the latent tie 'safe journey's' not only to Swallows and house Martins but to my son also... I wish him and them a beautiful adventures and safe landings. There are countless transient moments in our lives and for my son all the tenderness of finding love, the emotions that arrive hand in hand with it, the discovery of how these will shape his days to come have just begun - I feel his joy through my tears.
We seem to have had a similar hurried tumble into the beginnings of autumn followed by a much anticipated but slow arriving of warm colour and scents. They are there waiting in the wings, we know as sure as the day collapses into night that nature is full of reasons...
Isn't the quote beautiful but then Virginia Woolf early writes anything that doesn't cause me an intake of breath... xx
Your description, every word about your son’s first love, melts my heart.
Though I am not a mom, I was that young girl, and my husband, your son, one year older. I met him my last year in high school, every sentiment and observation you have written is a perfect description of how we looked at each other, faces , constantly brimming with emotion. Though your own beautiful words of love and that wistful feeling of
a new distinct separation , one where you are not allowed to follow, is heart touching. The antithesis of what my own parents were feeling at that time. They did admit years later that they could not have hoped for a better life partner for me. I feel that same lonesome feeling as our migratories have already left. Like you, I have said my goodbyes to our ‘hummers’ wishing them safe travels. My husband, dog (Ranger) and I , spent the morning, listening and watching Canadian geese discussing flight plans. Loudly. Arguments and puffed chests, pseudo fighting ensues. As I imagine one wants to be the first aerodynamic leader and the others disagree.
And yes, spicy butternut soup, my own recipe has apples, a touch of cinnamon, and maple syrup. Veges roasted in the oven in advance. Served with homemade rosemary parmigiana croutons. Not quite cold enough in the evenings to be craving soups. Maybe next week, when the nights will be getting cooler.
You and your husband, the same boy you fell in love with all those years ago, give me hope Lor. In these days of quick divorce and separation at the slightest disagreement, of gender indecision and an almost complete inability to accept responsibility for our mistakes, knowing that there are still people that can abide the passages and ravages of time is a gift. I look at my son and see the 'amour' in his eyes and hoe beyond all things that he will have never to face the heartbreak of separation. I know he is young, that he has much to learn, but what better way to face this life than with someone that he loves.
I feel the separation of ties to me and I mourn them already but they are for good reason, normal life evolving reason - I wish him only happiness, it is his turn. Mine is nearer the end, although I pray not too soon!
I envy your sightings and listenings of Canada geese, we see them fly over so rarely here. As a young girl living in the south of England it was an event I looked forward to with my father by my side - he would make up stories of where they came from and the adventures they had en route to wherever it was they were headed. Perhaps a few more facts at that age may have been more useful (he was a romantic by nature) but I still remember those days in late autumn as if they were yesterday.
I will try adding apples to the butternut soup, I have heard said before this adds wonderful flavour, and maple syrup too - if indeed I can find it in this area of deepest darkest France!
As I have just written to Kimberly, Virgina Woolf, to my limited knowledge has never written a word that hasn't left me thoughtful in its wake, and envious of her beautifully perceptive ability. That quote is one of my favourites, although there are many. xx
Maple syrup a rarity? I could never live in a country without! I’m in Vermont after all, the love and addiction of this ‘liquid gold’ born from a tree, is a staple in every household. I’m kidding, kind of.
When we first moved here in the early 80’s, we used to tell our out of state friends that in the kitchens of every home, there is a maple syrup ‘tap’ that is always full , the state delivers for free. ( Same goes for Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, specially delivered to your home for free🍨)
I found this quote, I’m sure if I looked a moment longer, I’d find a poem, close enough…
“Ah, luscious maple syrup has a smokey, caramel smell with woody notes of vanilla and English toffee. One sniff and you’re transported to a cozy log cabin in the woods overlooking a winter white snow bank. Inside, you sit by the fireplace and sip tea, comfy in some soft slippers; in the kitchen fluffy pancakes sizzle on a hot grill while a tall jar of maple syrup awaits your grasp.”
And always, always, the rich, robust flavor of Grade B or Grade A-very dark. A mug of hot maple ( like hot chocolate) is devine☕️
If I am lucky enough to find any at all here it is low grade of this I am certain, Trader Joe's rings a bell - it had little flavour at all, if any. I'm thinking of just how incredibly delicious a mug of hot maple syrup would taste... I am going to send my daughter on a motion to find some, she lives in Toulouse, there has to be some there 🤞🏽
And yet I still agree with you everything else about France is beautiful, the people, the country, the food, the lifestyle..your writing is something that fits with it so perfectly x
As always you take me away from the day to day reality to be immersed in your wonderful poetic writing and marvellous photos. Thank you for the much needed respite which lately doesn't happen too often. Love n Light always my Bestest.
I am happy to have transported you to somewhere calm darling, albeit temporarily, I think it is possibly the most we can hope for and that is without even thinking of the escalating horrors that are happening elsewhere in the world everyday! Sending love and light right back to you xx
Beautiful. Always beautiful, Susie. You make me take pause, which is a rare thing and I thing I desperately need more of.
"not wanting to miss a second of their celestial airborne agilities limbering summer wings in readiness for their journey, their feet never touching the ground as they gather sky food in tiny mouths." -- stunningly written.
Ah how lovely for your son.
"knowing I must only be a silent hug if he needs it." -- you are a wonderful mother.
Thank you Nathan, I was in two minds about that sentence, it seemed long and just way too flowery so I'm really glad you've found reason for praise, I am breathing out a huge sigh of relief!
I don't know if I am a good mother or not, I guess only my children could tell you the truth of that, I try to be. It's a tough job rearing children, more so now than ever before with so much information at their fingertips... my feelings here are both positive and negative, not that it hasn't always been so - in the end all we can wish for is that they are happy and healthy. 🙏🏼
How lightly and beautifully you touch on such special moments Susie. This post warmed me like your spicy butternut pumpkin soup. Oh your son 🥰🥰🥰. So beautiful for him to experience and for you to witness. I understand the being prepared to offer hugs though. Your father playing harmonica to his girls 🥰🥰🥰. Life - so rich and beautiful and and precarious at the same time.
You say you wish you had "inherited a tuneful ear, to play to the loves of my life, to teach them the secrets inside the notes, to teach them that music is light and love and hope." But you do Susie!!! Right here you play your song with your musings and wanderings, photos and words. Thank you. ❤️xx
Jo these are the sweetest words for tired ears tonight, I have always wanted to play an instrument well, or have a good singing voice, as it is I can butcher a few songs on piano and guitar, my saxophone lays abandoned and as for the voice, yuk! Thank you, I hadn't thought of my writing as being songs but I guess in one way they are... bless you 🙏🏼
I had a hunch you would feel these words of first love and harmonicas played to loved ones Jo, you express these feelings so beautifully in your writings and poems, I always marvel at the deep compassion and love you are able to let out in words, so thank you, too! 💛xx
Transience… the essence of this speaks to me so much through my experience the past year. Things come when they are meant to, and leave just the same… waiting, well, it started to feel like wasted moments. ✨
Dear Kaitlyn, Thank you for reading and leaving your heartfelt words which resonate entirely. I don't know if you read through any of the other comments here but right at the bottom Jeffrey replied with a comment which made me stop and think... maybe it will help solve that feeling of wasted moments for you? It certainly changed the perspective! xox
He is indeed Danielle, out of the blue, he has stars in his eyes and his head in the clouds... I am happy for him and as a mother, more than a little scared too... I remember, as old as I am, those heady days of first love and the utter despair of losing it too - I pray, for my overly sensitive son, that that day is far in the future (if ever), that he is more capable of dealing with the fallout. I swear, this part of motherhood is harder than I ever imagined...
Do you have children Danielle? I worry for both of mine every minute of every day.
Thank you always for your thoughtful comments - I hope your week is a kind one. xox
I could understand. The first love thing...boy, that is a complex one! It's one you never forget and, in some ways, the yardstick every person after is measured against. You know? It would be unusual if it weren't lost, and so you have to be on guard. Guarding and building your heart, your mind, and your Soul; trying to will your wisdom and peace into him.
I do have children. Three gone ahead of me and two who stayed to fill my heart to overflowing. The first so anxious to be in my arms, he kicked his way out a full two months early. The second...also was pacing the waiting room, waiting for his chance to join me, apparently needed a condo tout de suite because he slipped in between the cracks to get there and held on for dear life for nine months. He was a little easier, body-wise, but high, high risk. Had to take hormones just to hold him in. I'm thinking I probably was clenching my entire pregnancy. Just the other day, I was marveling about how they are exactly half each of me. One is an introvert, booksmart, quiet kid (one side of me) and the other is an extrovert, sarcastic, snappy and mouthy one (the other side of me). LOL I'm never sure whether to laugh or cry. And they are so darn tender-hearted! Ugh.
Goodness Danielle, it sounds as though you could write a book entirely on your pregnancies and births! I feel so fortunate to have had two textbook births with no complications at all - although I barley made it to the delivery room for my boy! Its had to walk when the head is crowning! 😯 Joking apart though, I am relieved to hear you have two beautiful, tender children that are the two halves of yourself.
Oh yes, that first love certainly sets a level, do we ever meet those dizzy heights again though? Would our hearts even take such a load twice! XOX
I have shared a post on one of my kids, and have written one about the other, just not yet completed it and shared it.
I can imagine it must be hard to walk when a child's head is crowning. Good gravy!! Yikes!
I personally think loving just builds capacity to love deeper and wider, so I'm thinking the answer is yes, to meeting love again. Whether we can withstand it another time is a whole separate ball of wax. But it would be a shame to not try. Because it might be beyond your wildest dreams. XO
I love that answer Danielle,I love the answer you give in your last paragraph Danielle, what a beautiful thought - I shall carry it close to my heart - not that Im looking for love again!
I am going to nip over to your stack as soon as I have sat down properly for the evening… I should have done it ages ago, my apologies! xox
For what it's worth, I didn't notice the changes to your banner images. When one of your posts arrive, I fall immediately into your words and the feelings they evoke.
That is a very kind comment Sarah, I'm touched that you should say so, it means the world to know that my lack of technical ability is of no importance! Thank you hugely.. 💛
Thank you, friend but I am so not worthy of your praise. When I compare your prose to mine, I feel like I’m shaping words with a chainsaw while you use a feather tipped brush. This was such a lovely piece to wake up to on a Sunday.
Thank you Ben, I am deeply touched but stop! I am not listening (or reading), your writing is worthy of all the praise I can give and a thousand times more... the passion you have for your writing shines in every chapter and word you write, your compassion and understanding of human emotion is extraordinary. You engross the reader not only in your story but in the characters also. I am truly in awe... if I could write even a short story with as much eloquence and empathy and love I would feel proud. If you use a chainsaw, you use it with the hand of an artist, and believe me a chainsaw is a far more tricky tool than a quill - I've tried both - which makes you pretty damn brilliant in my estimation!
I just did, just now, and it was absolutely the right one for me to have read. Wow. He's talented AND funny (his comment above) and, obvi, extremely humble. A lethal combination :-O Thanks for recommending!! XO
Yay, I’m so glad you enjoyed Ben’s writing - he is one of the nicest most genuine people you will find here and a brilliant story teller too, did you read or listen? His narrations are amazing! xx
This is just exquisite -- so tender. We return to the forest tomorrow night on the overnight sailing and will return to no house martens no doubt and the storms have already begun -- last year they were well into October -- from a largely grey summer to a wild autumn already cold (my son tells me), but to the green of the forest before it turns x
Bless you Jan, I feel tender, I feel touched. I feel as all mothers do when they lose their sons to a first girlfriend - unaccustomed emotions that will no doubt pass into the mists of all those already passed. I hope you are home safely ensconced in your beautiful forest once again, delighting in the fresh autumn air and breathing deeply... the weather will do as it wishes no matter our own and though I grumble (often) mostly I love the changes, next year we will no doubt be melting again! Sending love xx
My husband, a keen observer of birdy things, pointed out to me yesterday that the swallows were gone. And, as you say, all hope of an Indian summer...last year in September, I went outdoor swimming several times!
It is lovely to go to a market, isn't it? I understand how it makes one feel part of things, as you say. My life in Aveyron has not been conducive to that either, although probably for other reasons. It's been a goal of mine since starting work for my husband, but something often gets in the way. I do get to the Rodez one occasionally.
Good Morning Betty, I keep thinking to my optimistic self, there's still time, an Indian summer can happen in October too here but alas, I think this year the temperatures have simply dropped too low, too early to be able to recuperate that warmth, and of course, the sun has to shine long hours without impediment - something that seems to be but a memory! So now I look forward to the joys of autumn colour instead... and pray the heating will be turned on in class very soon so that we may actually take our coats off during the day!
I get very frustrated at not being able to visit the local markets Betty, not only for the reasons stated but to support the local growers also. I love finding an old farmers wife selling her excess veggies and fruits, I love that they are still covered in earth and misshapen - those beetroots were divine - mine failed, along with all other root veg - as it so often does here on the hill, they were a welcome treat!
Bonne semaine, et encore une fois, mille mercis pour ton cadeaux - je suis ravie! XX
Hahaha, that video brought a smile, so matter of fact!
Beetroot fries in balsamic and butter... noted - that sounds delicious - I actually made a soup, eaten warm not hot, with cream and cumin and a mountain of fresh coriander with bread straight from the oven.
Your “goodbye, safe journey little ones” carries multiple meanings, not only the House Martins but your own son as his heart flies toward young love. I can imagine your own feels quite a twinge of joy and sadness as he stretches his wings. Such a tender chapter! May your autumn deepen into color and scent dear Susie, ours here seemed to land late August and now we’re feeling a strange stretch of dog days, but the trees are not fooled as they continue their cycle into rust, gold and decay. 🍂 And echoing Lor, that Woolf quote is sublime!
Sweetest thanks dear Kimberly, especially for spotting the latent tie 'safe journey's' not only to Swallows and house Martins but to my son also... I wish him and them a beautiful adventures and safe landings. There are countless transient moments in our lives and for my son all the tenderness of finding love, the emotions that arrive hand in hand with it, the discovery of how these will shape his days to come have just begun - I feel his joy through my tears.
We seem to have had a similar hurried tumble into the beginnings of autumn followed by a much anticipated but slow arriving of warm colour and scents. They are there waiting in the wings, we know as sure as the day collapses into night that nature is full of reasons...
Isn't the quote beautiful but then Virginia Woolf early writes anything that doesn't cause me an intake of breath... xx
Your description, every word about your son’s first love, melts my heart.
Though I am not a mom, I was that young girl, and my husband, your son, one year older. I met him my last year in high school, every sentiment and observation you have written is a perfect description of how we looked at each other, faces , constantly brimming with emotion. Though your own beautiful words of love and that wistful feeling of
a new distinct separation , one where you are not allowed to follow, is heart touching. The antithesis of what my own parents were feeling at that time. They did admit years later that they could not have hoped for a better life partner for me. I feel that same lonesome feeling as our migratories have already left. Like you, I have said my goodbyes to our ‘hummers’ wishing them safe travels. My husband, dog (Ranger) and I , spent the morning, listening and watching Canadian geese discussing flight plans. Loudly. Arguments and puffed chests, pseudo fighting ensues. As I imagine one wants to be the first aerodynamic leader and the others disagree.
And yes, spicy butternut soup, my own recipe has apples, a touch of cinnamon, and maple syrup. Veges roasted in the oven in advance. Served with homemade rosemary parmigiana croutons. Not quite cold enough in the evenings to be craving soups. Maybe next week, when the nights will be getting cooler.
( I love the Virginia Woolf quote)
You and your husband, the same boy you fell in love with all those years ago, give me hope Lor. In these days of quick divorce and separation at the slightest disagreement, of gender indecision and an almost complete inability to accept responsibility for our mistakes, knowing that there are still people that can abide the passages and ravages of time is a gift. I look at my son and see the 'amour' in his eyes and hoe beyond all things that he will have never to face the heartbreak of separation. I know he is young, that he has much to learn, but what better way to face this life than with someone that he loves.
I feel the separation of ties to me and I mourn them already but they are for good reason, normal life evolving reason - I wish him only happiness, it is his turn. Mine is nearer the end, although I pray not too soon!
I envy your sightings and listenings of Canada geese, we see them fly over so rarely here. As a young girl living in the south of England it was an event I looked forward to with my father by my side - he would make up stories of where they came from and the adventures they had en route to wherever it was they were headed. Perhaps a few more facts at that age may have been more useful (he was a romantic by nature) but I still remember those days in late autumn as if they were yesterday.
I will try adding apples to the butternut soup, I have heard said before this adds wonderful flavour, and maple syrup too - if indeed I can find it in this area of deepest darkest France!
As I have just written to Kimberly, Virgina Woolf, to my limited knowledge has never written a word that hasn't left me thoughtful in its wake, and envious of her beautifully perceptive ability. That quote is one of my favourites, although there are many. xx
Maple syrup a rarity? I could never live in a country without! I’m in Vermont after all, the love and addiction of this ‘liquid gold’ born from a tree, is a staple in every household. I’m kidding, kind of.
When we first moved here in the early 80’s, we used to tell our out of state friends that in the kitchens of every home, there is a maple syrup ‘tap’ that is always full , the state delivers for free. ( Same goes for Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, specially delivered to your home for free🍨)
I found this quote, I’m sure if I looked a moment longer, I’d find a poem, close enough…
“Ah, luscious maple syrup has a smokey, caramel smell with woody notes of vanilla and English toffee. One sniff and you’re transported to a cozy log cabin in the woods overlooking a winter white snow bank. Inside, you sit by the fireplace and sip tea, comfy in some soft slippers; in the kitchen fluffy pancakes sizzle on a hot grill while a tall jar of maple syrup awaits your grasp.”
And always, always, the rich, robust flavor of Grade B or Grade A-very dark. A mug of hot maple ( like hot chocolate) is devine☕️
That made me chuckle, maple syrup on tap.. 😂
If I am lucky enough to find any at all here it is low grade of this I am certain, Trader Joe's rings a bell - it had little flavour at all, if any. I'm thinking of just how incredibly delicious a mug of hot maple syrup would taste... I am going to send my daughter on a motion to find some, she lives in Toulouse, there has to be some there 🤞🏽
Mission not motion! Oops..
Well, you’re putting her in motion…
I’m going to try!
Daisy or hare
or whatever
may be
it all points to you
and the fact
that you care
💛
Sweet words from one caring soul to another 🌻
Thank you for this post..gave much reassurance on the French administration front..5 months in and frustration growing! 🤣
It is a horror isn’t it! Rest assured you are not alone Andre, even French people have agreed with us!
And yet I still agree with you everything else about France is beautiful, the people, the country, the food, the lifestyle..your writing is something that fits with it so perfectly x
Thank you Andre, I do love this country and its people so much, I can’t imagine living in any other country in the world!
Susie, Another lovely read today. I so look forward to your posts.
Thank you Pamela, those are words that fill me with joy, may your day be blessed! x
As always you take me away from the day to day reality to be immersed in your wonderful poetic writing and marvellous photos. Thank you for the much needed respite which lately doesn't happen too often. Love n Light always my Bestest.
I am happy to have transported you to somewhere calm darling, albeit temporarily, I think it is possibly the most we can hope for and that is without even thinking of the escalating horrors that are happening elsewhere in the world everyday! Sending love and light right back to you xx
Beautiful. Always beautiful, Susie. You make me take pause, which is a rare thing and I thing I desperately need more of.
"not wanting to miss a second of their celestial airborne agilities limbering summer wings in readiness for their journey, their feet never touching the ground as they gather sky food in tiny mouths." -- stunningly written.
Ah how lovely for your son.
"knowing I must only be a silent hug if he needs it." -- you are a wonderful mother.
Thank you Nathan, I was in two minds about that sentence, it seemed long and just way too flowery so I'm really glad you've found reason for praise, I am breathing out a huge sigh of relief!
I don't know if I am a good mother or not, I guess only my children could tell you the truth of that, I try to be. It's a tough job rearing children, more so now than ever before with so much information at their fingertips... my feelings here are both positive and negative, not that it hasn't always been so - in the end all we can wish for is that they are happy and healthy. 🙏🏼
Absolutely. I have every confidence you are doing (and have always done) an amazing job. 🤗
Thank you, I have always done my best and I generally get no complaints which has to be something close to doing an OK job, at least I hope so! 🙏🏼
How lightly and beautifully you touch on such special moments Susie. This post warmed me like your spicy butternut pumpkin soup. Oh your son 🥰🥰🥰. So beautiful for him to experience and for you to witness. I understand the being prepared to offer hugs though. Your father playing harmonica to his girls 🥰🥰🥰. Life - so rich and beautiful and and precarious at the same time.
You say you wish you had "inherited a tuneful ear, to play to the loves of my life, to teach them the secrets inside the notes, to teach them that music is light and love and hope." But you do Susie!!! Right here you play your song with your musings and wanderings, photos and words. Thank you. ❤️xx
Jo these are the sweetest words for tired ears tonight, I have always wanted to play an instrument well, or have a good singing voice, as it is I can butcher a few songs on piano and guitar, my saxophone lays abandoned and as for the voice, yuk! Thank you, I hadn't thought of my writing as being songs but I guess in one way they are... bless you 🙏🏼
I had a hunch you would feel these words of first love and harmonicas played to loved ones Jo, you express these feelings so beautifully in your writings and poems, I always marvel at the deep compassion and love you are able to let out in words, so thank you, too! 💛xx
Transience… the essence of this speaks to me so much through my experience the past year. Things come when they are meant to, and leave just the same… waiting, well, it started to feel like wasted moments. ✨
Dear Kaitlyn, Thank you for reading and leaving your heartfelt words which resonate entirely. I don't know if you read through any of the other comments here but right at the bottom Jeffrey replied with a comment which made me stop and think... maybe it will help solve that feeling of wasted moments for you? It certainly changed the perspective! xox
Oh my! One of your kids in love. I have not yet had that experience. It is so sweet the way you write it!! Thanks for sharing, Susie! XO
He is indeed Danielle, out of the blue, he has stars in his eyes and his head in the clouds... I am happy for him and as a mother, more than a little scared too... I remember, as old as I am, those heady days of first love and the utter despair of losing it too - I pray, for my overly sensitive son, that that day is far in the future (if ever), that he is more capable of dealing with the fallout. I swear, this part of motherhood is harder than I ever imagined...
Do you have children Danielle? I worry for both of mine every minute of every day.
Thank you always for your thoughtful comments - I hope your week is a kind one. xox
I could understand. The first love thing...boy, that is a complex one! It's one you never forget and, in some ways, the yardstick every person after is measured against. You know? It would be unusual if it weren't lost, and so you have to be on guard. Guarding and building your heart, your mind, and your Soul; trying to will your wisdom and peace into him.
I do have children. Three gone ahead of me and two who stayed to fill my heart to overflowing. The first so anxious to be in my arms, he kicked his way out a full two months early. The second...also was pacing the waiting room, waiting for his chance to join me, apparently needed a condo tout de suite because he slipped in between the cracks to get there and held on for dear life for nine months. He was a little easier, body-wise, but high, high risk. Had to take hormones just to hold him in. I'm thinking I probably was clenching my entire pregnancy. Just the other day, I was marveling about how they are exactly half each of me. One is an introvert, booksmart, quiet kid (one side of me) and the other is an extrovert, sarcastic, snappy and mouthy one (the other side of me). LOL I'm never sure whether to laugh or cry. And they are so darn tender-hearted! Ugh.
Thank you! I wish you a peaceful week!! XO
Goodness Danielle, it sounds as though you could write a book entirely on your pregnancies and births! I feel so fortunate to have had two textbook births with no complications at all - although I barley made it to the delivery room for my boy! Its had to walk when the head is crowning! 😯 Joking apart though, I am relieved to hear you have two beautiful, tender children that are the two halves of yourself.
Oh yes, that first love certainly sets a level, do we ever meet those dizzy heights again though? Would our hearts even take such a load twice! XOX
I have shared a post on one of my kids, and have written one about the other, just not yet completed it and shared it.
I can imagine it must be hard to walk when a child's head is crowning. Good gravy!! Yikes!
I personally think loving just builds capacity to love deeper and wider, so I'm thinking the answer is yes, to meeting love again. Whether we can withstand it another time is a whole separate ball of wax. But it would be a shame to not try. Because it might be beyond your wildest dreams. XO
I love that answer Danielle,I love the answer you give in your last paragraph Danielle, what a beautiful thought - I shall carry it close to my heart - not that Im looking for love again!
I am going to nip over to your stack as soon as I have sat down properly for the evening… I should have done it ages ago, my apologies! xox
Sometimes, it finds YOU though, and rather unexpectedly, in the least likely place, in a way you had never counted on.
God speed to you, then! No apologies needed at all and no expectations, to boot. Hugs, sis! XO
But what will you make of the beet roots?
I made a delicious soup, eaten warm not hot, with cream and cumin and a mountain of fresh coriander with bread straight from the oven. x
Omgoodness that sounds incredible. I must try it some day ❤️
Its incredibly easy! I doubt you'd even need a recipe Lisha, but tell me if you do.. x
For what it's worth, I didn't notice the changes to your banner images. When one of your posts arrive, I fall immediately into your words and the feelings they evoke.
That is a very kind comment Sarah, I'm touched that you should say so, it means the world to know that my lack of technical ability is of no importance! Thank you hugely.. 💛
Thank you, friend but I am so not worthy of your praise. When I compare your prose to mine, I feel like I’m shaping words with a chainsaw while you use a feather tipped brush. This was such a lovely piece to wake up to on a Sunday.
Thank you, Susie. 🙏💜
Thank you Ben, I am deeply touched but stop! I am not listening (or reading), your writing is worthy of all the praise I can give and a thousand times more... the passion you have for your writing shines in every chapter and word you write, your compassion and understanding of human emotion is extraordinary. You engross the reader not only in your story but in the characters also. I am truly in awe... if I could write even a short story with as much eloquence and empathy and love I would feel proud. If you use a chainsaw, you use it with the hand of an artist, and believe me a chainsaw is a far more tricky tool than a quill - I've tried both - which makes you pretty damn brilliant in my estimation!
Ben, Ben, Ben...so I'm not the only one :-) Thank you for this wonderfully worded comment. I giggled when I read it!! XO
Have you read any of Bens work Danielle, he is a genius - my thoughts are above! x
I just did, just now, and it was absolutely the right one for me to have read. Wow. He's talented AND funny (his comment above) and, obvi, extremely humble. A lethal combination :-O Thanks for recommending!! XO
Yay, I’m so glad you enjoyed Ben’s writing - he is one of the nicest most genuine people you will find here and a brilliant story teller too, did you read or listen? His narrations are amazing! xx
I read one. I will make sure to check out the narrations, as well. Thank you, again, for the recommendation. XO
This is just exquisite -- so tender. We return to the forest tomorrow night on the overnight sailing and will return to no house martens no doubt and the storms have already begun -- last year they were well into October -- from a largely grey summer to a wild autumn already cold (my son tells me), but to the green of the forest before it turns x
Bless you Jan, I feel tender, I feel touched. I feel as all mothers do when they lose their sons to a first girlfriend - unaccustomed emotions that will no doubt pass into the mists of all those already passed. I hope you are home safely ensconced in your beautiful forest once again, delighting in the fresh autumn air and breathing deeply... the weather will do as it wishes no matter our own and though I grumble (often) mostly I love the changes, next year we will no doubt be melting again! Sending love xx
My husband, a keen observer of birdy things, pointed out to me yesterday that the swallows were gone. And, as you say, all hope of an Indian summer...last year in September, I went outdoor swimming several times!
It is lovely to go to a market, isn't it? I understand how it makes one feel part of things, as you say. My life in Aveyron has not been conducive to that either, although probably for other reasons. It's been a goal of mine since starting work for my husband, but something often gets in the way. I do get to the Rodez one occasionally.
Bon dimanche!
Good Morning Betty, I keep thinking to my optimistic self, there's still time, an Indian summer can happen in October too here but alas, I think this year the temperatures have simply dropped too low, too early to be able to recuperate that warmth, and of course, the sun has to shine long hours without impediment - something that seems to be but a memory! So now I look forward to the joys of autumn colour instead... and pray the heating will be turned on in class very soon so that we may actually take our coats off during the day!
I get very frustrated at not being able to visit the local markets Betty, not only for the reasons stated but to support the local growers also. I love finding an old farmers wife selling her excess veggies and fruits, I love that they are still covered in earth and misshapen - those beetroots were divine - mine failed, along with all other root veg - as it so often does here on the hill, they were a welcome treat!
Bonne semaine, et encore une fois, mille mercis pour ton cadeaux - je suis ravie! XX
Beetroot sliced into thin “French fries” then fried in butter and lots of balsamic vinegar. Oh yes, autumn has its flavoursome charms.
I think Bjorlin had some run in with French bureaucracy too ;)
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kfyauOPcO78?app=desktop
Hahaha, that video brought a smile, so matter of fact!
Beetroot fries in balsamic and butter... noted - that sounds delicious - I actually made a soup, eaten warm not hot, with cream and cumin and a mountain of fresh coriander with bread straight from the oven.