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Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

Thank you again for sharing your simple life. Hoping you’re getting intermittent respite from the heat. The Terrier is looking so well. Hugs dear Prue. Sleep well.

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prue batten's avatar

Jumping like a box of frogs, Beth! XXXX

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Richard La France's avatar

Thanks for this post. I had to withdraw because my anger at how things turned out literally ruined my health. I'm hoping to meditate myself back to sanity.

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prue batten's avatar

I understand your anger, but perhaps channel it into positive resistance. Stay healthy Richard.

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Kate's avatar

Eremition … I learned a new word today.

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prue batten's avatar

Me too. And so intrinsically connected to hermit.

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Lauren Gilbert's avatar

Eremition is a wonderful word. Thanks for sharing this. I loved the music.

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prue batten's avatar

Some words shout, some whisper, don't you think? Good to see you here, Lauren.

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Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

Aha Prue, all this sounds completely idyllic to me. Funnily enough, whenever the world seems too much (every day, just now!) I fantasize about the Hebrides, somewhere I've never visited but know instinctively that I would love. I did not know the word "eremition" but I DO know the feeling. Simple dinners here are the best too, simple everything in fact.

That young pup has the best parents and the best life he could possibly have - and how he's grown! Also, I have to comment on 'poetic pieces that chime like a beautifully crafted clock' because ... just *exactly* spot on. Always a pleasure to read your thoughts, Prue xo

P.S. One of my sons says that my Terrier looks like he is about to sidle up to the bar and bark out: "Whiskey! Oirish, please." They do have SUCH faces lol!

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prue batten's avatar

Ours would probably say 'Bootleg whisky and a Sgian-dubh on the side, if ya know what's good fer ya!'

This cookbook is heaven - so are the recipes!

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Sabrina Simpson's avatar

I love this very calm meditation on the very calm (if sleep-deprived) phase of your life. Eremition indeed. Perfect word for what you need to be doing. Indeed, what all of us want and need to do now and again. The music matched the pace and mood perfectly too. Loved it all. Keep that calmness going for as long as possible!

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prue batten's avatar

'This too shall pass, this too shall pass, this too shall pass...' I chant it like a [prayer nearly all day. It fits the horarium, and the hermit's life.

Nights are now bearable. He goes straight back to sleep after a wee and last night, after his first ever playdate where he proceeded to try to have sex with the 6 month old female westie (sigh - I need to have the birds and bees talk!), he slept from 8-5 and then went back to bed with a stuffed kong. Finally stirred at 7.45 AM.

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Sabrina Simpson's avatar

I love this! He really is learning ALL the things! Glad longer sleep is one of them. It will get better, it will get better (if you want a different chant :)) xx

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Kate's avatar

sounds like heaven to me, except for the teeth situation.

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prue batten's avatar

Not too bad, Kate. Although I crave my long walks more than ever.

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Susan Baker's avatar

You paint with words! I don't know how it happened but with retirement from a busy career and family, my life has grown in depth, expanded in ways I would not have anticipated and ,at the same time , simplified.I have a routine, a uniform of sorts, simplified menu. My quiet days are filled with cuddles and walks with Dobbins, my slow drawing practice, shallow water resistance program, choral practices, reading, occasional naps,( as needed with Dobbins). I limit my exposure to the bleak mid winter news to PBS as well as lovely programming. Recently, I revisited two lovely books that I've had since the 90s. Plain and Simple by Sue Bender and Everyday Sacred by the same. They are short pieces but continue to resonate. I first read them when I was in my 40s, wading through menopause, working full-time, and raising 4 teenagers (the best prank of the Universe!). Rereading them now in my 70s, brings me comfort and encouragement and has substantiated my mantra ,like yours...this, too shall pass...as long as I continue to seek the everyday sacred.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

I feel soothed to my very soul reading this, Prue - and have giggled at every creative reference to creatures with sharp teeth! White pointer shark, sabre-toothed tiger cub.....

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

So interesting, Prue: On Instagram, I follow a fun (occasionally irreverent) account called The Language Nerds, and they highlighted eremition yesterday. I've never run across it before, but think maybe I've been in the slow process of it for years. I still see, and long to see, people I care about. I'm not isolating, exactly. But I do realize how little interaction time I need to feel full.

Your land shark (aka: Thug) is keeping your on your toes, and your toes in need of protection. What a busy, exhausting, all-consuming, and delightful reason he is to focus your attentions on what is right in front of you.

I am away visiting family on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Haven't been to the state in at least 30 years and not entirely understanding why so many people are attracted to the idea of vacationing in a high rise building. 😅 But it's good to see the folks who have longevity and importance in our lives.

Loved the choice of music at the end! Thanks for bringing us into your "fade" for a few lovely moments.

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Alice Goldbloom's avatar

Wow. How did you achieve this? It is an honest question. I am beyond stressed with the state of the world. You have provided inspiration for at least achieving some balance.

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Libby's avatar

I know what you mean about facebook I probabaly post more on friends facebook pages than on mine, but its a good way to keep in touch with friends, so I'll probably carry on as I am atm, but we'll see. I kno what you mean about ads etc they're a pain.

I love to read about all your happenings Prue, so am happy to follow you here xx

Take care dear Prue xx

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