23 Comments
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Lorraine Evanoff's avatar

So uplifting, thanks for sharing.

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prue batten's avatar

Pleasure, Lorraine. Thank you for reading.

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Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

There IS still plenty of goodness in the world. And a very powerful story about that umbrella man - I won't forget that image. Thank you for sharing Prue. (And well done, you!) xo

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prue batten's avatar

There is indeed good in the world. Wouldn’t it make the Orange Turd mad?

The Umbrella Man was so powerful with his words and message. Grateful to have heard him. It was a good morning.

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Maree's avatar

What wonderful pictures. Still brrrrr 🥶from me but what a great cause you are supporting. Well done.

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prue batten's avatar

T’was a bit brrr, Maree. Certainly more Brrr than WA.

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Alice Goldbloom's avatar

Simply wow!

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prue batten's avatar

Big grin. Thanks for reading, Alice.

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Denyse Whelan Writes Here's avatar

Wonderful community spirit and thank you for sharing.

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prue batten's avatar

So true, Denyse. Thanks for reading.

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Susan Baker's avatar

Anytime I see you have posted is a joy! And well done, you for plunging and "kicking it"! I observed the man with the umbrella in one of the photos and I felt an upwelling. What a brave and powerful sharing.

I just returned from Hawaii seeing my son and his family for the first time in a year. The wee ones are luscious, feral ,and funny as only toddlers can be! We attended the No Kings protest in Honolulu, some 10,000 strong where the aloha/ ohana spirit prevailed. In contrast to my small town protests, I've attended, Honolulu is was joyous, with dancing, drumming, bubbles, people sharing oranges, offering bottles of water, with many, many signs of resistance and solidarity. There is certainly room for both the righteous anger and celebration of resilience and I felt the power of community again!

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prue batten's avatar

What a very powerful comment, Susan. For us overseas, we only ever get what the media want to tell us and whilst the No Kings rallies have received positive attention, perhaps not enough. To hear it from someone directly observing and involved puts such a strong spin on it and I read it to my husband. He sat quietly and then a moment later said, ‘I wonder what will happen?’ If only we all had crystal balls. And thank you for the beautiful compliment - I’ll take that one and hold it close… XXX

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Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

You’re a good lady. Well done! And what a stunning morning!! That light is absolutely glorious! Congratulations to all.

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prue batten's avatar

Thanks Beth. No -7’s here. Probably about 7 or 8 and it warmed rapidly to a very scary 16. Honestly, 16 at the winter solstice is unheard of! Water temp 12 degrees.

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Sabrina Simpson's avatar

What a wonderful way to start my Saturday by reading about your kind and caring community! Your words and the photos gave me a few little tears of joy 💕🏊‍♀️☂️. Thanks so much for sharing Prue.

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prue batten's avatar

It is a very proactive community, and I admire all the volunteers. It’s always the same very committed ones and honestly, one should be inspired by their commitment. XXXX

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Louise Rule's avatar

It filled my heart seeing you do your swim especially as you have been through so much health wise this past year. Brava my dear friend. Brava xx

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prue batten's avatar

Louise, thank you. I looked back on what was happening this time last year and I was walking round hospital corridors with a fetching pump accessory attached to that wound, sucking out the blood clots. BIG improvement this year!

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Wow, wow, wow!! You're a trouper, Prue, and for such a worthy cause. We have the Polar Plunge in MD, in January! I've never been remotely inclined to join but have so much respect for those of you who do! https://plungemd.com/

The photo of the group with hands linked moves me deeply. We are connected! Thank you for sharing this.

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prue batten's avatar

That polar bear plunge is so cool… the whole coldwater thing is certainly catching on globally.

The thing is the sheer beauty when you do it alone (not advised because of heart and other health threats) in cold seawater that is a million times clearer than ever in summer, and when the day is so calm that mirrors spring to mind and when the low winter sun glints and you have to shield your eyes at its blinding strength. There’s a majesty to it all - you have no option but to believe the earth and the ocean have survived and will continue to survive despite the human race’s benighted efforts.

There’s another cold swim in August for the Cancer Council to raise research funds for skin cancer - everyone in yellow for Daffodil Day - always connected with the Council. I’ll do it, and wear a yellow floral bathing cap in honour!

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

"That polar bear plunge is so cool… " Hahah! SO cool!

The majesty comes through in your words, Prue. Amazing.

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Susan Colleen Browne's avatar

Bravo to you and all your fellow swimmers! What a splendid, community-building event!

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prue batten's avatar

Bracing and reaffirming.

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