I value solitude, too. There are things I much prefer to do alone, including going for my long walks. Sometimes I pass pairs or groups of people chatting away - and that's great, if that's one's thing, but I much prefer to be alone to listen both to the world around me and to the copious stuff that's in my head - thoughts, words, ideas, plans....!
I'm really pleased to hear how your latest book is going - that's brilliant! And your embroidery project is wonderful. Do you know the work of Kaffe Fassett? I'm sure you do - beautiful graphic designs which are both complex and simple at the same time. Tumbling blocks and layered diamonds and all sorts of gorgeous things.
Thank you for such gorgeous links, and for including my newsletter amongst them. So kind! 😊
I understand people's need to socialise - humans are social beings - but some of us might be a little less so. That's me!
Like you, I love to listen and look when I'm in nature. It's why I go outside after all.
Re the embroidery, I know Kaffe Fassett's work and in fact when I saw the picture of this bag on the late Brenda Kinsel's blog, I did wonder if it was a Kaffe Fassett design. So bingo there!!! I'm loving the colours - I tend to wear a lot of neutrals but I saw this bag and the colours grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I thought I HAVE to stitch myself a bag like that for the dreary days when the sky's is unremittingly grey. (It's a great way to use up my wool stash too).
Beautiful post. I love my alone time too. I loved it as a child as well. I wonder if it’s innate and those kids who knew how to play well by themselves, probably creating worlds out of shoes boxes, grew up to be writers.
It's a good point, and I'll watch my 4 and 1/2 year old grandson with interest. He's an only child and has a most prodigious imagination. If he became a writer, I'd have a little tickle of pride. Thank you for commenting. XXXX
"A world that spins uber fast with surround sound – an exhausting world." I couldn't agree more! Which is why I find quiet time with just myself to be so enjoyable. In my younger days I was a social butterfly, but growing older has changed that. I find contemplation more satisfying than discussion.
Ah, I've never been a social butterfly as it has always given me butterflies in my tummy. Possibly dates from being bullied in primary school? But at 71+, not sure that the reason matters anymore as I tend to dance to whatever tune makes me happiest these days.
Contemplation is indeed satisfying. It certainly helps me to understand why people go into contemplative retreats or even contemplative orders. It re-sets the spin on the axis, doesn't it?
I read something recently along the lines of: "Why are all the articles about how to make introverts more extroverted? Why don't we teach the extroverts how to keep to their own damn selves every now and again?" Made me laugh. I totally relate to the need for solitude! Thanks for this piece, Prue, and for the humbling shoutout as well. So generous of you. And, a happy add on: Rebecca Holden and I are now connected. Substack fist bumps all around! :)
Yay! You are both refined writers whom I respect and enjoy.
Love that quote. Sometimes I think I'd be a perfect hermit and then I have one of those moments...
And whilst I love the sound of a contemplative retreat (as per my reply to Ms Writer), I think I'd fail without The Terrier by my side. Solitude with a dog is the absolute bees knees.
You have written my feelings on so many levels, Prue. Thank you. And I LOVE the bag—this inspires me. Plus, this song. I have immediately added it to my favourites. Absolutely gorgeous.
Such a lovely post, Prue!
I value solitude, too. There are things I much prefer to do alone, including going for my long walks. Sometimes I pass pairs or groups of people chatting away - and that's great, if that's one's thing, but I much prefer to be alone to listen both to the world around me and to the copious stuff that's in my head - thoughts, words, ideas, plans....!
I'm really pleased to hear how your latest book is going - that's brilliant! And your embroidery project is wonderful. Do you know the work of Kaffe Fassett? I'm sure you do - beautiful graphic designs which are both complex and simple at the same time. Tumbling blocks and layered diamonds and all sorts of gorgeous things.
Thank you for such gorgeous links, and for including my newsletter amongst them. So kind! 😊
Thank you, Rebecca.
I understand people's need to socialise - humans are social beings - but some of us might be a little less so. That's me!
Like you, I love to listen and look when I'm in nature. It's why I go outside after all.
Re the embroidery, I know Kaffe Fassett's work and in fact when I saw the picture of this bag on the late Brenda Kinsel's blog, I did wonder if it was a Kaffe Fassett design. So bingo there!!! I'm loving the colours - I tend to wear a lot of neutrals but I saw this bag and the colours grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I thought I HAVE to stitch myself a bag like that for the dreary days when the sky's is unremittingly grey. (It's a great way to use up my wool stash too).
Beautiful post. I love my alone time too. I loved it as a child as well. I wonder if it’s innate and those kids who knew how to play well by themselves, probably creating worlds out of shoes boxes, grew up to be writers.
It's a good point, and I'll watch my 4 and 1/2 year old grandson with interest. He's an only child and has a most prodigious imagination. If he became a writer, I'd have a little tickle of pride. Thank you for commenting. XXXX
"A world that spins uber fast with surround sound – an exhausting world." I couldn't agree more! Which is why I find quiet time with just myself to be so enjoyable. In my younger days I was a social butterfly, but growing older has changed that. I find contemplation more satisfying than discussion.
Ah, I've never been a social butterfly as it has always given me butterflies in my tummy. Possibly dates from being bullied in primary school? But at 71+, not sure that the reason matters anymore as I tend to dance to whatever tune makes me happiest these days.
Contemplation is indeed satisfying. It certainly helps me to understand why people go into contemplative retreats or even contemplative orders. It re-sets the spin on the axis, doesn't it?
Indeed, it does!
I read something recently along the lines of: "Why are all the articles about how to make introverts more extroverted? Why don't we teach the extroverts how to keep to their own damn selves every now and again?" Made me laugh. I totally relate to the need for solitude! Thanks for this piece, Prue, and for the humbling shoutout as well. So generous of you. And, a happy add on: Rebecca Holden and I are now connected. Substack fist bumps all around! :)
Yay! You are both refined writers whom I respect and enjoy.
Love that quote. Sometimes I think I'd be a perfect hermit and then I have one of those moments...
And whilst I love the sound of a contemplative retreat (as per my reply to Ms Writer), I think I'd fail without The Terrier by my side. Solitude with a dog is the absolute bees knees.
You have written my feelings on so many levels, Prue. Thank you. And I LOVE the bag—this inspires me. Plus, this song. I have immediately added it to my favourites. Absolutely gorgeous.
Thank you, Alice. Like I said, Substack has an unerring ability to match up kindred spirits.