34 Comments
Nov 8Liked by prue batten

gosh Prue you have been having a hard time, may things be on the turn. The Terrier, gosh he looks so depleted, if loving kindness is any medicine then you are dosing him well.

Please stop 'shoulding' on yourself, we all just do what we can to get through the tough times, and clearly a little shopping was what you needed in that moment.

i totally agree about moving the goal posts closer and putting loved ones and self first, there is nothing we can do about world politics except ride it out, while giving and receiving loving kindness.

take care

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Nov 8·edited Nov 9Author

Thanks Kate. I appreciate the support.

Later: I can now add that The Terrier is asleep and calm (drugs have helped). And that he slept right though the night. His little bottom is sore from the enteritis so best he sleeps and heals. I'm doing the baby thing - when he sleeps, I rest. Funny how old habits kick in.

Must say the shopping was rather fab - two pairs of jeans for less than $100 and the jacket was $28!!!! Gotta love Kmart!

As to the tractor, we've replaced it with an as-new from Hamilton in Victoria, paid for by insurance thank heaven. Husband and son flew over this morning to check it out. So they're happy, I'm content with where my hairy friend is at this moment and I think a hot chocolate (with marshmallows) is in order.

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Nov 9Liked by prue batten

this is wonderful news Prue also hot chocolate with marshmellows, like bandaids fixes all but the most serious things.

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That’s excellent advice regarding politics, Kate. Still, it’s going to be a very long 4 years.

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Prue, you and your little Terrier had been in my thoughts all week—and for a moment, I was afraid to open your post in case it was bad news. But…hooray! I’m so glad he’s made it through! That’s very interesting about the bowel issue—you two are clearly energetically connected 😊 Sending all the best healing hopes for his speedy recovery.

And your tractor! Beyond awful, especially this time of year…but I’m relieved your son’s friend jumped off in time and no one else was injured. What lovely neighbors you have!

You and your dance troupe look so elegant…How wonderful you’re back to dancing up a storm!

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As I read these comments, I can say that hubby and son flew interstate this morning and purchased an as new tractor in the depths of the Victorian countryside. So we just have to wait till its freighted over and all will be well. 'Specially as insurance paid!

The Terrier is a work in progress. He's mostly sleeping...

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Big hooray for insurance paying and an as-new tractor! And may your little pup sleep peacefully.

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Dear Susan, thank you. But our darling terrier had a stroke today and passed away this afternoon. i am bereft.

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PS, thank you for sharing your “Substacks of joy”! They are exactly what I’m drawn to reading this week!

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We need those fluffy clouds to fly away on, don't we? Or a magic carpet.

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Sometimes it gets so bloody complicated. And now we have to worry about how a vile and vulgar man will affect the planet and our lives. Shattered.

Keeping your sweet terrier in my thoughts. It is heartbreaking when any creature we love is sick.

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Complicated. That's it. Definitely not boring.

Alice, nothing anyone says can make the USA result any better except that you have masses of followers and friends who support you. Keep on trucking. It's the only way...

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Somehow, I feel we owe the whole world an apology. It's devastating but I take some small comfort in knowing that there is solidarity around the world (well, except in those places where similar things have happened). Singing in the lifeboats to the best of my ability... <3

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XXXX

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Yes there *is* solidarity. Keep singing xo

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I know and feel it, Sue. Thanks!

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Oh dear! What a week!! Poor Terrier, poor Prue. And the tractor! Thank goodness for wonderful neighbours.

I’ve found so often that dogs and their owners end up with the same illnesses. When I did Herbal Medicine, I learned that illnesses so often align with particular personalities. Perhaps animals and their owners possess similar personalities?

Hoping that the weeks ahead go more smoothly. Take care dear Prue.

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Oh Beth, that means I'm essentially an anxious person with a lot to say, a lust for life and a desire to please. My family would probably laugh ruefully and say, yep, that's Mum!

He's sedated so that he doesn't try and lick his sore bum to distraction - I'm sitting writing now and he's on his bed, out to it. Thank heaven.

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Sigh. 🤗🤗🤗🐾🐾🐾🐾💕💕

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So sorry to read of your Terrier and the tractor, too. So many challenges to handle and adjust to and find a way round/through. 😕 Sending encouragement your way.

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Thanks so much - he needs the healing vibes.

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A lot happening here Prue... and sharing it helps too I imagine. Take care. Denyse

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As my philosopher friend Sue S-W says, channelling Julian of Norwich: "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well." One has to move forward - at least I do. I try not to dwell.

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Gah, Prue! The waves just keep crashing! What a week of upheaval you've had. Of course best of all is that your sweet 4-legged friend is coming around, that no one was injured in the tractor fire, that neighbors stepped in to help, and that you still have your ballet friends and laughter at the end of the last movement. (May I admit to having quite a giggle at "last movement," given the bowel issues you all are having...!?)

We are in a time of intense and frightening transformation. As Kamala said in her concession speech, (paraphrasing) when it's very dark, the stars shine brighter... And I'm taking comfort and seeing metaphors in knowing that on both sides of this big planet, you and I marveling over seeds that have the ability to disperse themselves on the wind.

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Last movement! Hahah! You have to laugh. Many a true word spoken in jest. I'll carry that one around for the rest of the day!

Yes, today is a good day - small blessings. The Terrier has mostly slept which is a good thing. For he and I both. And husband has sourced a new tractor. Also, the couch is really comfy and I'm enjoying the peace.

I think metaphors are so powerful and seeds dispersing is as good as any because when something beautiful castes itself to the wind, to land on fertile soil and against the odds, germinate, its a lesson, isn't it?

XXXX

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Way too much on your plate, Prue.

Thinking of you all xoxo

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Oh my goodness, the tractor! I'm so glad that nobody was hurt - but goodness me, how terrifying!

Nice one with the clothes shopping - I'm like you, in that we have a mutual dislike for the practice. I'm very much between sizes at the moment so nothing really fits me terribly well - I fear I shall have to brave the shops one of these days. Ugh.

You've had so much on your plate, dear Prue. I'm behind on my reading and commenting but have already seen and read your Pocket Rocket post when you published it. I'm sending you all the love in the world. xxx

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If nothing else, this year has encouraged me to grow. And I've made the most amazing array of friends who have supported me through the year. One can't ask for much more.

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That’s wonderful, Prue. xxx

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I am glad to read that your wee doggie doing well and the tractor issues are sorted. That was quite some week. I hope life is little calmer for you all now.

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Thank you for reading. Sadly our beloved little Terrier passed away.

Life is empty but calm now.

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I read that after commenting here. I have got a bit behind on Substack. I was so very sorry to read that, he sounded like he had a special place in all your hearts. You have so many wonderful memories to treasure forever as you navigate these difficult raw days xx

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Thank you for caring. Such support through this journey has been humbling and strengthening.

On a lighter note - there's so much good reading on Substack that I too am way behind...

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