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Martin Hughes's avatar

Right from the start, your experience as a 4yo had me captivated. My dad couldn't understand my similar experiences with nature as a young child, especially when I told him how much the countryside spoke to me compared to the city, where we lived at the time. As an adult, I got further away from the city with each move I made. Now I'm in a 'liminal' spot, with all possibilities nearby. Hey, call me greedy. 😆

The biggest delight was hearing of your children sharing that time in 2013. I deeply wish this connection for my children too. My eldest takes long walks most days, finding areas to connect with nature and feel its calm energy, to hear the breathing. The younger children get taken to woodland areas regularly with their friends... They're still drawn very much to the calling of the tech and the 'all mod cons' for now, but there's no reason to rush these things. The trees will have their chance to speak to them and draw them in at the right time, I'm sure of it!

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Fiona D Artisan's avatar

I am sure too. We are beginning to reach into a new world where tech is becoming something to put down and walk away from. Humanity always takes everything to the natural extreme but I am hoping we will soon be reaching for other things that do far more to connect us to the planet we all call home.

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Jenny Wright's avatar

Trees are amazing, sentiment beings. You write so beautifully about them and your connection to trees. The fairy glen is both inviting and otherworldly. Thank you for sharing it. Aspens are my favorite tree, almost neck and neck with willows. Then so many others...one of the things I am always surprised about regarding trees is how certain ones, on different days, will call to you for your attention. Then the next time I go past, the tree that reached out the previous time will be silent, but another one along my path may reach out. And the smell of Ponderosa bark - sun warmed vanilla caramel. I cannot imagine life without trees. Willow, the van must be so much fun! How neat to be able to go to places with her, and French press coffee is the absolute best! Thank you for this wonderful post:)

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Fiona D Artisan's avatar

A fellow tree lover. We shall wander together. xx

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Jenny Wright's avatar

Yes☺️

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David Barton's avatar

Isn’t this lovely 🌳 It brought back memories of an old oak tree which we used to go and visit when we lived near Gloucester. It was protected, so the entire housing estate had to be built around it. It was an ancient presence in a modern world 🌿

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Fiona D Artisan's avatar

I feel a bit like that!

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David Barton's avatar

Same 😂🌿

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Sarah Moorcroft's avatar

Ah, we are connected by so much more than our sea:) we are coming over Tuesday with a promise of fine weather and a window in our diaries, to sample the delights of Arran once again. We will seek out a walk, with Mountain View and old rainforest trees, I’m sure Arran has rainforests, I just want to find them:)

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Fiona D Artisan's avatar

Oh my! We are heading to Kintyre at the same time! X

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Sarah Moorcroft's avatar

That is soooooo funny:) I’ll look for Willow at Lochranza🤣

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Kate Stuart's avatar

Oh Fiona, this was such a beautiful read. We all have our favourite trees - Birch for me, Rowan for Smallest and my eldest Horse Chestnut. Its so important to feel that connection.to what sustains us. Thank you ❤

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Fiona D Artisan's avatar

Absolutely knew you would get it xx

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Choosing Peace's avatar

This is lovely Fiona. A beautiful piece. I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels the trees ‘talking’.

Just before a recent bad storm that was expected close to where I live, I walked through the park and willed the trees to stand firm during it. Most of them did thankfully.

I just feel a certain energy and kindness from trees. I also feel quite emotional when I see them being cut down or being felled by bad weather.

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Fiona D Artisan's avatar

I can’t watch a tree being cut down even if I know it is the best thing to do. xx

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terra's avatar

Your post is like a breath of fresh air. I live on a five acre Pecan Orchard and I too think trees are magical 😍 thank you 💗

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Fiona D Artisan's avatar

How wonderful for you. x

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Susie 🌱's avatar

Beautiful x

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Amy's avatar

This is a beautiful piece, Fiona. I have always felt most deeply connected to the sea, but these past few years have found myself increasingly drawn to the woods. I think it is the feeling of being sheltered by these ancient beings. I have felt them breathe. Thank you 💚

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