38 Comments

Breathtakingly beautiful transport into a different world right here in this one. Sigh....

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I could just keep reading this over and over. I’m learning new words while being transported right into your experience.

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Thanks, Marie, that's kind of you to give me such a welcome onboard. I'll keep trying to write what I see with love and honesty.

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Your writing makes me smile. "...your bulk is abhorrent." "...the tip of your talkative tongue."

Don't let me interrupt you; continue with your observations.

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Thanks for welcoming and encouraging a newbie. I'll do my very best.

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Beautiful. Short-eared owls are one of my favourite birds. Is it your own photograph?

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No, afraid not (but I do have appropriate permissions). Love your shots of ptarmigan. I used to hang out with them whenever I got the chance - I lived in the north of Scotland for twelve years or so. All best.

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No worries. Thanks! Was just looking for them again the other day in their winter coats.

That's cool. I only moved to Scotland last year but loving the variety of animals I rarely (if ever) saw in England, especially in the mountains.

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.. have met the great grey owl.. up close & personal.. what a sense of humour it had !

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Crikey. I'm sure I'd manage to squeeze down a vole hole if one of those took a fancy to me.

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haha.. will reply with description re a 6 second midnight encounter.. & witness

Spotted yer ‘stack via the ‘mafia mind’ of Ms Everhoff.. & put me in mind of sending a link to Canada’s Bruce Cockburn & ‘Beautiful Creatures’ - as well, thought about the brillliant but troubling Docu on my ‘stack - ‘Midway - Message From The Gyre’

Lastly - was stoked to find a ‘like’ re my short fiction ‘Tail of The Polar Bear’ !

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I love this so much, David.!Welcome to Substack where there isn't a Nature category (unless you use it as a tag.) I find that shocking and sad, so I'm grateful that you're here to share your Nature musings and poetic words with us. 🦉

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Thanks for the kind welcome. This seems more and more like a good place to try to share some of the magic.

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Yes! I agree! I believe Sharon’s Substack was my first subscription.

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Oh, how your words bring forth a magical and embodied experience. I feel as if I'm crouching in the heather, studying the intricate beauty of the moss, awaiting the blessed approach of an owl to observe with glee. I really enjoyed reading this piece, David. Thanks for sharing.

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Thank you, Laura, for welcoming me. We'll keep on trying to find the magic in it all.

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Feeling like I'm listening to the secrets of the universe. Thank you

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You are very kind to encourage a starter-outer. I think we probably are listening to the secrets of the universe more often than we know - I'll just do my best to pass a few around

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Oh, that really is a falling into beauty; a magical way of being that dissolves our human boundaries. I want to lie on the cold fell with all senses wide open!

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You are very kind. Thank you for the encouragement to keep on going. Careful on the beautiful fell - you might not want to come back down ;-)

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These are lovely observations. Every year I choose a book of three hundred sixty five reflections to read each day. Sometimes I choose another for Advent and, occasionally, yet another for Lent. My very favorite (so far) has been All Creation Waits by Gayle Boss. I would love a bound copy of your reflections someday… Just sayin’

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That is very kind and such an encouragement for a fresher. There's a long road to travel and many marvels to wonder at before there will be such a body of work. Ah, but won't the travelling be joyful!

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This one made me laugh out loud. And I will hold that image of the poached yolk of sun, it is delicious.

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In fact, you've put poetry to a practice I've been working on for years. My friends and I talk about the inverse relationship of our sphere of disturbance and our sphere of awareness. I like the words you use better.

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Thanks for the insights and the encouragement, Carrie. I'll keep working hard to try and find that delicate balance of ideas and words.

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This is such a wonderful description of those special moments that can find us, when we let them. Beautiful.

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Gosh, quite simply breathtaking. And, you have put words to something so profound that I can barely articulate. The expression of my own being has always been quiet and still so your words are warmly received and deeply felt and I feel another nod of acceptance, that this quiet stillness is more than ok. Thank you.

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You are so kind and encouraging, thank you. I hope you feel more and more blessed to be naturally quiet and still - this old fool had to take the long road ;-)

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This piece has stayed with me all week. It really got under my skin and is still moving things about :-)

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David - this is a joy. Thank you for posting. I will listen closely to the masterclass of midges and remember how steady the sun is --- all very grounding!

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Go raibh maith agat, a Mháirí. Is deas an rud é fáilte den tsórt seo a fháil agus mé díreach ag an tús ar Substack. Déanfaidh mé mo dhícheall!

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David! I am a new student of Irish - just a beginner. Thank you for this response - I am honored!

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Ach, you'll be chatting away in the beautiful language before long. If you would take a suggestion from me, just another pilgrim - keep a weather eye on the copula (Is, etc.) - she is the slippery eel who holds it all together, but teachers rarely pay enough attention to her. In the speech of the Gaeltachts she is everywhere. Without her the language is just a faint shadow of itself.

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This is important advice! Thank you!!

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Just beautiful.

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Thank you, Julie, for the welcome and encouragement as I fuddle my way into Substacking.

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Yes, I’m just finding my way too.

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Jan 11
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Thanks so much, Pipp, for the kindness and encouragement. It is daunting to be on here with all the established voices - but I'll just do my best.

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