I read the seven-year old spotted this pregnant spider as 'this poignant spider'! Great post - and a red squirrel! Last time I saw one of them here was when I was a child. (Saw one in Copenhagen a few years ago. I was thrilled.)
Thanks, Steven. Yep, the Isle of Wight is a red squirrel enclave, as the greys can’t swim the Solent! But they hadn’t made it to our little patch of the island until very recently. Delightful to see them.
I didn't know you were an islander either! We holidayed there seven years in a row as children, staying in (what was in my memory) a beautiful converted chapel in Ventor. Do you know Helen Carey per chance?
Oh, coincidence! I like Ryde, especially Union Street with its Victorian architecture and view of the sea; and the esplanade. Ian spent his teenage years there, couldn’t wait to leave, but as many islanders do, eventually wanted to return. I love the island.
Oh, Union Street is great. The architecture is amazing - I remember the first time I looked up, I saw statues on the front of one at the first or second floor.
I'd quite like to go back, too. It's lovely living near the sea and it's such a quiet place. Which is a bit nightmarish when you're a teenager, of course, and want to go to gigs and thrilling stuff like that. Not many people have to go to gigs by boat!
Yes, it’s a bit limited for culture, though we’ve got the Isle of Wight Festival every June. And there’s a good little music venue in Newport opened in recent years (Strings). My son grew up here and found it pretty quiet! But I think that anywhere can seem boring when you’re a teenager!
Yeah, I think so! When you're not old enough to go to the pub (ahem... Legally...), places do feel quiet. I left the IoW before the festival began, annoyingly.
Just told Ian how much I love this piece! And yes to being catapulted into spring. I loved the photos, I loved everything! And hey, while I’m here, I love you, too 😂🤗🩷❤️💪⭐️🎉💐
A lovely post, Wendy. What draws me outside right now is the "strange invisible perfume" of spring. My part of Tokyo is full of fragrant flowers, with many vibrant colours to enjoy. No app can compare.
Thank you, Jeffrey. My son is hoping to teach in Japan and I’m always interested to catch a glimpse of life there via your essays. Those blossoms must be amazing.
I'm trying so hard with my digital detox and have removed most apps from my phone but I miss the interaction! I guess the first step is to be conscious of the fact that there is a world out there that we risk missing if we don't do something wilful about it. Thanks Wendy!
Exactly, Faith! I really like the interaction, on Substack especially - I barely look at any other social media. But definitely need a balance and I love being outdoors.
Wendy, I really loved this article on the joys of observing wildlife and the importance of lifting one’s face up and away from the screen. So true.
Couldn’t see the cuckoo in your mum’s photo but it won’t be long until they’re back from Africa next month, hopefully. That sound is such a special, reassuring annual event, telling all is still not lost in this wonderful world we inhabit.
I am still catching up with my reading on Substack and weekend newspapers, having taken 10 flights in 5 different countries in the last 7 weeks, but I do so enjoy your writing Wendy.
Thank you, Caroline. I’ve been following your adventures! Did you manage to retrieve the missing instalment, btw? So frustrating when you work on something and it disappears into the ether.
Yes I did Wendy, to be fair to Substack, they did retrieve the draft article on Angkor 7 days later. I’m just putting the finishing touches to it this weekend, to publish Easter weekend. Then, it will be back to two articles per month, alternating between Wildlife and France, with the odd curveball thrown in .
Thank you so much Wendy for remembering and asking - and for your support here on Substack. It is much appreciated.
Oh, I love the cuckoo photo—the fact that you'll just have to trust it's there. And the dog at the window... that's a pretty wonderful work-from-home setup. Spring sure does have so much to rush us, taxes (here), many kid activities, suddenly so much going on, that I'm so happy for this reminder to slow down and look. Last year I was laid up with a broken leg in April, so I sat on the porch, friends visited for coffee, and I basically watched the yard for six weeks, cardinals and grouses coming around, plants popping up, rains coming and going. I don't ever want a broken leg again, but the enforced stillness was something. Loved reading this piece and being reminded to slow down and take a look around.
We’re coming into Autumn here in Australia so it’s nice to think of it being spring where you are. Having little people around definitely makes you notice the little things ♥️
Love this Wendy. I miss you- I’m not on line frequently - for all the reasons you spoke of. And when I’m working on my stories (which is often) my phone is off. I’m so much happier living that way. I feel as if I turned back the hands of time - back to the 1980s, when it was all about making art and no apologies to people who couldn’t reach me. I’m sure you can imagine how many people don’t approve of my behavior. For real- but I’m here to live my life, if I do what others want- “ I’m living their life” . Those exact words from our favorite ballerina- Sylvie. That said, I wish you lived nearby and could come for tea. Hugs from over here 🤗
This is lovely, Wendy. I am far too easily immersed in digital sand myself, but I'm fortunate to live right on the banks of the Thames so I make sure to get out and watch the wildlife go by. We've got a gang of four or five cormorants on our stretch of the river who are great fun to watch.
Only red squirrels here in Berlin, but I still get a thrill when I see them. So much more evocative of childhood memories of the buggers in real life and in books than those overgrown grey rats with bushy tails that have plagued me from Manchester to London and back again…
Ha, yes! I remember making the mistake of taking the kids to feed the grey squirrels in Greenwich Park when we lived in London, and they were positively vicious!
What a lovely piece! The magpie sitting on the sheep!!
Yes, unfortunately I do spend too much time looking at a screen. And the winters here are so cold, that I take in too little nature. But it makes the spring and summer all the more lovely.
Envious of you spotting a red squirrel Wendy. Even with all the exotic wildlife here in Oz, when back in Blighty, I can waste many a morning watching my mum's resident grey squirrel darting about the garden. Funnily enough, I'm currently writing a piece on the array of birds here, and have paused to wonder if people will find it of interest or not. I reckon an appreciation of the world outside really only comes with age.
Thanks, Sharon. There were grey squirrelss everywhere in London, but only reds on the Isle of Wight, protected by the water! Very excited that they’ve finally found our little corner. Look forward to reading about your native Australian birds. I think appreciation of nature can come with any age, but maybe the very young and the old(er) among us have a little more time to notice it!
Yes. Maybe I’m just thinking of the universally acknowledged fact that once you hit 50, you suddenly develop a fascination with watching the birds in the garden 😀
The passage from Winter to Spring is always a joy. I love observing people emerging from within themselves to embrace the promise of life and colour. We're currently moving into Autumn and that is just as joyful for me after the extended baking heat of Summer!
As for being present in the world, I walk, accompanied by the sounds of life, nature, and in-person conversation!
Lovely! Yes, I appreciate the changing of seasons, whichever way round. Both the unfurling, and the hunkering down. I can imagine the relief of cooler weather where you are.
My four year old daughter has a saying "Going outside makes everything better" and we have wholeheartedly adopted this. Her going to a forest nursery has made all of us more aware of nature and what we're so lucky to have around us at home in East Lothian. And we always take a treasure bag on weekend walks now to gather interesting sticks, leaves, pine cones and other findings!
What a great idea, James, a walk treasures bag. Forest nursery sounds fun. When my son was at primary school they had a forest school project one day a week. He loved it.
One of the best things about living in Denmark is that we too have red squirrels. I'm convinced that one of those crossing your path is far luckier than a black cat! Our dog Evie is a master at spotting them before us and will stare at a bush or a tree until we see the little red lovely too. 😎
We are lucky not to have the grey ones here. We see a red one at least every week and on a good day even see two in a single tree! They are so beautiful.
I never head it called a clutch of ducklings is that a British thing?
Well-spotted, thanks, Rebecca! Clutch refers to the eggs rather than the hatchlings. I should have said ‘brood’. Changed it now.
I read the seven-year old spotted this pregnant spider as 'this poignant spider'! Great post - and a red squirrel! Last time I saw one of them here was when I was a child. (Saw one in Copenhagen a few years ago. I was thrilled.)
Thanks, Steven. Yep, the Isle of Wight is a red squirrel enclave, as the greys can’t swim the Solent! But they hadn’t made it to our little patch of the island until very recently. Delightful to see them.
I didn't know you were an islander either! We holidayed there seven years in a row as children, staying in (what was in my memory) a beautiful converted chapel in Ventor. Do you know Helen Carey per chance?
Oh wow, more coincidences. Yes, I know Helen!
I didn't know you live on the Isle of Wight! I lived in Ryde for several years when I was a teenager, and my stepsister's still there.
Oh, coincidence! I like Ryde, especially Union Street with its Victorian architecture and view of the sea; and the esplanade. Ian spent his teenage years there, couldn’t wait to leave, but as many islanders do, eventually wanted to return. I love the island.
Oh, Union Street is great. The architecture is amazing - I remember the first time I looked up, I saw statues on the front of one at the first or second floor.
I'd quite like to go back, too. It's lovely living near the sea and it's such a quiet place. Which is a bit nightmarish when you're a teenager, of course, and want to go to gigs and thrilling stuff like that. Not many people have to go to gigs by boat!
Yes, it’s a bit limited for culture, though we’ve got the Isle of Wight Festival every June. And there’s a good little music venue in Newport opened in recent years (Strings). My son grew up here and found it pretty quiet! But I think that anywhere can seem boring when you’re a teenager!
Yeah, I think so! When you're not old enough to go to the pub (ahem... Legally...), places do feel quiet. I left the IoW before the festival began, annoyingly.
Just told Ian how much I love this piece! And yes to being catapulted into spring. I loved the photos, I loved everything! And hey, while I’m here, I love you, too 😂🤗🩷❤️💪⭐️🎉💐
Oh thank you, Francesca! Love you too! x
Yay! We love!
A lovely post, Wendy. What draws me outside right now is the "strange invisible perfume" of spring. My part of Tokyo is full of fragrant flowers, with many vibrant colours to enjoy. No app can compare.
Thank you, Jeffrey. My son is hoping to teach in Japan and I’m always interested to catch a glimpse of life there via your essays. Those blossoms must be amazing.
If I can help with any advice, please DM me.
Thank you, Jeffrey.
I'm trying so hard with my digital detox and have removed most apps from my phone but I miss the interaction! I guess the first step is to be conscious of the fact that there is a world out there that we risk missing if we don't do something wilful about it. Thanks Wendy!
Exactly, Faith! I really like the interaction, on Substack especially - I barely look at any other social media. But definitely need a balance and I love being outdoors.
Wendy, I really loved this article on the joys of observing wildlife and the importance of lifting one’s face up and away from the screen. So true.
Couldn’t see the cuckoo in your mum’s photo but it won’t be long until they’re back from Africa next month, hopefully. That sound is such a special, reassuring annual event, telling all is still not lost in this wonderful world we inhabit.
I am still catching up with my reading on Substack and weekend newspapers, having taken 10 flights in 5 different countries in the last 7 weeks, but I do so enjoy your writing Wendy.
Thank you, Caroline. I’ve been following your adventures! Did you manage to retrieve the missing instalment, btw? So frustrating when you work on something and it disappears into the ether.
Yes I did Wendy, to be fair to Substack, they did retrieve the draft article on Angkor 7 days later. I’m just putting the finishing touches to it this weekend, to publish Easter weekend. Then, it will be back to two articles per month, alternating between Wildlife and France, with the odd curveball thrown in .
Thank you so much Wendy for remembering and asking - and for your support here on Substack. It is much appreciated.
Oh good, glad to hear, Caroline.
Oh, I love the cuckoo photo—the fact that you'll just have to trust it's there. And the dog at the window... that's a pretty wonderful work-from-home setup. Spring sure does have so much to rush us, taxes (here), many kid activities, suddenly so much going on, that I'm so happy for this reminder to slow down and look. Last year I was laid up with a broken leg in April, so I sat on the porch, friends visited for coffee, and I basically watched the yard for six weeks, cardinals and grouses coming around, plants popping up, rains coming and going. I don't ever want a broken leg again, but the enforced stillness was something. Loved reading this piece and being reminded to slow down and take a look around.
Thanks Rob. I love the view from the window!
Yes, there’s often a silver lining to having to sit still, though I wouldn’t wish a broken leg on anyone.
We’re coming into Autumn here in Australia so it’s nice to think of it being spring where you are. Having little people around definitely makes you notice the little things ♥️
Love this Wendy. I miss you- I’m not on line frequently - for all the reasons you spoke of. And when I’m working on my stories (which is often) my phone is off. I’m so much happier living that way. I feel as if I turned back the hands of time - back to the 1980s, when it was all about making art and no apologies to people who couldn’t reach me. I’m sure you can imagine how many people don’t approve of my behavior. For real- but I’m here to live my life, if I do what others want- “ I’m living their life” . Those exact words from our favorite ballerina- Sylvie. That said, I wish you lived nearby and could come for tea. Hugs from over here 🤗
So good to hear from you, Andrea. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment.
Brava on your digital go slow and so glad you are busy creating. Sylvie wisdom, yes! Love that.
I’m writing and creating more because I’m reading more, paradoxically, but need some checks and balances.
This is lovely, Wendy. I am far too easily immersed in digital sand myself, but I'm fortunate to live right on the banks of the Thames so I make sure to get out and watch the wildlife go by. We've got a gang of four or five cormorants on our stretch of the river who are great fun to watch.
Wonderful! Cormorants are a treat to watch.
The undisputed bosses of the river. Geese are organised chaos and swans are nowhere near as great as they think they are.
Only red squirrels here in Berlin, but I still get a thrill when I see them. So much more evocative of childhood memories of the buggers in real life and in books than those overgrown grey rats with bushy tails that have plagued me from Manchester to London and back again…
Ha, yes! I remember making the mistake of taking the kids to feed the grey squirrels in Greenwich Park when we lived in London, and they were positively vicious!
What a lovely piece! The magpie sitting on the sheep!!
Yes, unfortunately I do spend too much time looking at a screen. And the winters here are so cold, that I take in too little nature. But it makes the spring and summer all the more lovely.
Thank you, Ingrid.
I can appreciate your hunkering down in a cold climate and the relief of spring and summer. We rarely get snow here, just lots of winter mud!
Envious of you spotting a red squirrel Wendy. Even with all the exotic wildlife here in Oz, when back in Blighty, I can waste many a morning watching my mum's resident grey squirrel darting about the garden. Funnily enough, I'm currently writing a piece on the array of birds here, and have paused to wonder if people will find it of interest or not. I reckon an appreciation of the world outside really only comes with age.
Thanks, Sharon. There were grey squirrelss everywhere in London, but only reds on the Isle of Wight, protected by the water! Very excited that they’ve finally found our little corner. Look forward to reading about your native Australian birds. I think appreciation of nature can come with any age, but maybe the very young and the old(er) among us have a little more time to notice it!
Yes. Maybe I’m just thinking of the universally acknowledged fact that once you hit 50, you suddenly develop a fascination with watching the birds in the garden 😀
The passage from Winter to Spring is always a joy. I love observing people emerging from within themselves to embrace the promise of life and colour. We're currently moving into Autumn and that is just as joyful for me after the extended baking heat of Summer!
As for being present in the world, I walk, accompanied by the sounds of life, nature, and in-person conversation!
Lovely! Yes, I appreciate the changing of seasons, whichever way round. Both the unfurling, and the hunkering down. I can imagine the relief of cooler weather where you are.
My four year old daughter has a saying "Going outside makes everything better" and we have wholeheartedly adopted this. Her going to a forest nursery has made all of us more aware of nature and what we're so lucky to have around us at home in East Lothian. And we always take a treasure bag on weekend walks now to gather interesting sticks, leaves, pine cones and other findings!
Wise girl!
What a great idea, James, a walk treasures bag. Forest nursery sounds fun. When my son was at primary school they had a forest school project one day a week. He loved it.
One of the best things about living in Denmark is that we too have red squirrels. I'm convinced that one of those crossing your path is far luckier than a black cat! Our dog Evie is a master at spotting them before us and will stare at a bush or a tree until we see the little red lovely too. 😎
Oh, wonderful, Jacqui! didn’t know you had them in Denmark.
We are lucky not to have the grey ones here. We see a red one at least every week and on a good day even see two in a single tree! They are so beautiful.