79 Comments
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Sue Kusch's avatar

I have never been to this place and yet I know it. Awaiting an Arctic blast and snow, I was delighted to tag along on your summer walk.

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Kimberly Coburn's avatar

The language in this is just tremendous! A favorite passage: "The surge of so much weasel might have turned me instantly to dust, to be blown away on the breeze. Luckily I blinked and the world, now concealing any hint of weasel, hesitantly began to rotate again."

Can't wait to read more.

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David Knowles's avatar

That's kind of you. I guess you know those moments well.

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Hannah Hooper's avatar

This was my favourite part too, Kimberly!

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Marie Moneysmith's avatar

Your writing is simply superb. I don’t mean to gush like a fan girl, but this is the best piece I’ve read in a really long time! And I read a lot. Thanks for this, looking forward to the next one!👍

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David Knowles's avatar

That's very kind of you, Marie. A big encouragement for a newbie.

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Carrie's avatar

I came here because Sharon requested it. And this morning I have read from the bottom up. So I am just finishing your three pieces now. I realized as I was reading this piece, that I am also hungry for something. My business is deep nature connection, and most of my adult conversation is with parents who realize that their children need more dirt and tree bark and mud and bird song and silence. They are indoor people, who use lots of things that need to be plugged in, and are very busy. It's rare I get to sit with someone who knows the language of the land. And your language! The second to last sentence of this piece, with the rhythm and alliteration brought literal tear to my eye. I am feeling nourished. Sharon says that you say you have nothing to say. And maybe it doesn't necessarily serve you to share your inner world, but it sure serves me.

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Lisa Wagner's avatar

Thank you for sharing this scene with your vivid prose and photos. To see a weasel, indeed. Thanks for sharing your walk from last summer. I felt like I was there, even as I look out in a snowy landscape in eastern Quebec dotted with spruce, fir, and pine.

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David Knowles's avatar

Thanks for welcoming me to Substack. Many landscapes, many beauties.

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Patricia Keene's avatar

Such an entertaining piece! You paint a grand picture with your words!

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Imogen Furlong's avatar

I remember watching 2 weasels bring down a Rabbit on top of Ingleborough once. One of the most exciting wildlife experiences I've had!

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Annie Brule's avatar

Thank you for leaving us this trace of newt. Every word is singing.

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

Believe.

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Galer's avatar

What a treat to read your beautiful exact prose again David. Such a sense of peace. Thank you.

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Machelle's avatar

This piece ended far too soon 🩷

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Holly Barrett's avatar

Gorgeous writing. You seem as awake and alert and alive as the creatures you befriend.

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David Knowles's avatar

That's kind of you. They beat me for alertness every day of the week - but I do my best!

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Patricia Keene's avatar

I look forward to anything and everything you create!

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David Knowles's avatar

You are so kind. It is a big encouragement to know that someone is seeing the wonderful world in a similar sort of way.

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Hecate Doe's avatar

Woke at 3:00 a.m. dreading a coming storm, and was transported by your evocative words to a meditative, awestruck meander through the sacred-if-you-see-it countryside. Thank you for this.

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David Knowles's avatar

Thank you for the encouragement - We'll go on looking!

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David E. Perry's avatar

This. You. I sense magic ahead, for it is everywhere right here.

Bravo.

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Sue  Routner-Wardley's avatar

Thank you for this beautiful piece. The language is beautiful and does the scenery justice. Looking forward to your next post. Happy New Year.

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David Knowles's avatar

Thank you for taking the time to read a newcomer. Hope the year turns well for you too.

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