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Carrie's avatar

Beautiful poetry about your journey with the woods you are lucky enough to care for!

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Susan Colleen Browne's avatar

Thank you so much, Carrie! John and I do feel so very lucky ☘️!

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prue batten's avatar

Happy Big Birthday, Susan. It's funny knowing that the largest part of life is over but it also acts as a motivator, I think. To make the most of every day to the best of our capacity.

I think it may have been your recent post where I saw a link to Amie Mcnee and her small bites. So thank you for that because at the time, it made an impression on me. When I wrote last week's post and quoted it, I couldn't remember where I saw it. I love the idea of your 20 minute reminder and think I need to do the same.

I think you are so right that we're just caretakers of the Big Wild, even though that 'wild' might only be our own back garden. It's what encourages us to save bees, to welcome butterflies, to nurture trees and green space. But it's also really humbling to know that we don't own the Wildings - those living creatures who populate the land, air and water that surrounds us.

Congrats so much on the mortgage payment. That's something really special. Cheers and best. XXXX

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Susan Colleen Browne's avatar

Dear Prue, thank you for the birthday wishes—and I appreciated your affirming words so much! You’re so right, hitting a milestone like this *is* motivating…happily, I’m finding that I’m becoming more grateful for what I can do, rather than getting upset about things I can’t!

Ex.: Ten years ago, five hours doing hard labor in the garden, no prob. Now, I’m happy I can do three, much of which is puttering!

I’m glad the Amie McNee/small bites thing resonated so much with you 😊 And that you’ve been sharing it as well! It’s a life-changer, isn’t it? I do struggle with always thinking I can fit more into a day (when I know deep down I am kidding myself). But the 20 minutes, especially for writing, has created a whole new mindset for me.

20 minutes often turns into an hour, and I’ve really made progress! You always inspire me when you mention how you fit in time for your novel too—I love hearing about your progress. And your excerpts!

“Big Wild,” and “Wildings”…both remind me of your gentle, humble outlook, so touching and inspiring. Thank you again for all the good wishes!

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Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

Happiest Birthday to you, Susan! And congrats on that mortgage thing - such a huge thing especially in these challenging economic times. I agree about the Little Bites analogy too. Small things count and they're all we have really, so let's notice them.

Reading this today was one of mine on a cheerfully sunshiney afternoon so thanks for that! I am so envious (but in a nice way) for your woods AND the end of payments! xo

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Susan Colleen Browne's avatar

Thank you for all your kind, lovely words! The mortgage thing does feel BIG, but now there’s catching up on all the home maintenance/upkeep we’ve been putting off—painting the house exterior, minor bathroom remodel…the list goes on.

I feel the same about your posts…for me, they’re always a treat to savor and think about throughout the day 💕

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