Really enjoyed this and learned two new things (always a measure of how great something is). I am very much looking forward to your next piece about the elder tree. I have been illustrating song lyrics from Syr’s ‘baobhan sith’ song in which she lures a man standing beneath an elder tree and have become very interested in the folklore as a result!
Hi Rogue Crow. Thank you very much for writing back and for your kind words. I'm intrigued, what were the two new things? Thank you for mentioning the song as I had not heard of Syr, and am now listening as I write. I love how Substack is creating these connections across continents. I am working on my piece about the elder tree today and will publish soon. I hope there will be something of interest for you there. Warmest wishes, Sophie
Hi Sophie! I found out about the awesome mushroom and the brocken spectres - Botha of which fired up the imagination. Enjoy Syr - I discovered them early this year and they have barely been off my playlists!
It really was. I had never heard of them before at that point so I was completely stunned! Especially due to being at the top of Machu Picchu in the mist.
That is a very evocative and beautiful peek into the woods around your cabin! I would love to see it one day!
Seassonal changes are avery present here now too.
The ivy is electrified and bustling with bees frantically grabbing last stores before their winter huddle, and the drones have started to come in through the pipe vent in my workshop again. Their welcome in the huddle has expired and they hover aimlessly around the rafters over my bench, a chorus of inevitability in constant drone above my head.
The swallows are gathering too and leaves all starting to fall.
But the darkness is what I notice most. That slow approach and envelopment of fate and mystery,It’s almost the surest thing! Homecoming.
Hi Eden. Thank you so much for reading, and for taking the time to write back. It’s really encouraging to know that the words are being enjoyed. Where abouts in the world are you writing from? Warmest wishes, Sophie
Hi Sophie! Thank you for the lovely illustration of the ancient rock art, your beautiful writing, the photos of the yellow moth and for introducing me to the King Alfred’s Cake mushroom.
I was having a tiny existential crisis moment this morning thinking, “What's it all about, this lifetime we are given?” Then I remembered my recent psychedelic mushroom trip and the mystery of that separate reality and was encouraged to remember that there are always more mysteries to explore here. Your email confirmed it!
I recently wrote a post about mushroom season here in Alaska that you might enjoy:
Hi Melanie. This is such a delight to read, thank you. And yes, I’m very interested to read your post. Mushrooms are one of my greatest interests and I’m very curious about the different, and perhaps similar species you are finding in Alaska. Thank you for the link, and for taking the time to write back. Warmest wishes, Sophie
“I love the mystery of them, too: how they have such beautifully patterned wings even though so many of them fly in the dark.” I love this observation. The mystery deepens. Someone must be seeing their patterns in the dark. 👀
Hi Avril. Thanks for writing back! It is lovely to see your name pop up. Yes, I wonder if other species can see the patterns, even in the semi darkness- owls, perhaps? What do you make of it? Warmest wishes, Sophie
I love your writing Sophie! I also live in Northumberland and I dream of living in the woods. Your publication is pure magic, I'm hooked. Can't wait to hear about Elderberries from the Isle of Man, I'm a big Elderberry fan and wrote my last paid subscriber post about them. Excited wave from Jo the forager xx
Yes the moths this year they are stunning! I found a huge one in my work shed the other day and couldn’t stop photographing it. It was primarily black with a huge furry hood running down its spine in dots like the spine of a dragon and it’s wings had subtle silver patterns that were just mesmerising. It looked so grand and emperor-like that I was convinced it was going to a ball with the most incredible cape I’ve ever seen over it’s shoulders. I am seriously considering taking fashion tips from it. Next time you see me - you shall not see me - as I only travel now at night! - Hurrah!
Maybe as a camouflage? Or maybe they just like to dress up? 🦋
I’ll go with the latter. 😂
Really enjoyed this and learned two new things (always a measure of how great something is). I am very much looking forward to your next piece about the elder tree. I have been illustrating song lyrics from Syr’s ‘baobhan sith’ song in which she lures a man standing beneath an elder tree and have become very interested in the folklore as a result!
Hi Rogue Crow. Thank you very much for writing back and for your kind words. I'm intrigued, what were the two new things? Thank you for mentioning the song as I had not heard of Syr, and am now listening as I write. I love how Substack is creating these connections across continents. I am working on my piece about the elder tree today and will publish soon. I hope there will be something of interest for you there. Warmest wishes, Sophie
Hi Sophie! I found out about the awesome mushroom and the brocken spectres - Botha of which fired up the imagination. Enjoy Syr - I discovered them early this year and they have barely been off my playlists!
Amazing Brocken Spectre! 🌈
It really was. I had never heard of them before at that point so I was completely stunned! Especially due to being at the top of Machu Picchu in the mist.
Unreal! I’d so love to see one. I wrote about them for my book. 💫
Hi Sophie,
That is a very evocative and beautiful peek into the woods around your cabin! I would love to see it one day!
Seassonal changes are avery present here now too.
The ivy is electrified and bustling with bees frantically grabbing last stores before their winter huddle, and the drones have started to come in through the pipe vent in my workshop again. Their welcome in the huddle has expired and they hover aimlessly around the rafters over my bench, a chorus of inevitability in constant drone above my head.
The swallows are gathering too and leaves all starting to fall.
But the darkness is what I notice most. That slow approach and envelopment of fate and mystery,It’s almost the surest thing! Homecoming.
This is so beautifully written 🦋
Hi Eden. Thank you so much for reading, and for taking the time to write back. It’s really encouraging to know that the words are being enjoyed. Where abouts in the world are you writing from? Warmest wishes, Sophie
Hi Sophie! Thank you for the lovely illustration of the ancient rock art, your beautiful writing, the photos of the yellow moth and for introducing me to the King Alfred’s Cake mushroom.
I was having a tiny existential crisis moment this morning thinking, “What's it all about, this lifetime we are given?” Then I remembered my recent psychedelic mushroom trip and the mystery of that separate reality and was encouraged to remember that there are always more mysteries to explore here. Your email confirmed it!
I recently wrote a post about mushroom season here in Alaska that you might enjoy:
https://melaniepwells22.substack.com/p/wild-mushrooms
Nature blessings to you!
Hi Melanie. This is such a delight to read, thank you. And yes, I’m very interested to read your post. Mushrooms are one of my greatest interests and I’m very curious about the different, and perhaps similar species you are finding in Alaska. Thank you for the link, and for taking the time to write back. Warmest wishes, Sophie
Hi Sophie 😊
“I love the mystery of them, too: how they have such beautifully patterned wings even though so many of them fly in the dark.” I love this observation. The mystery deepens. Someone must be seeing their patterns in the dark. 👀
Hi Avril. Thanks for writing back! It is lovely to see your name pop up. Yes, I wonder if other species can see the patterns, even in the semi darkness- owls, perhaps? What do you make of it? Warmest wishes, Sophie
I love your writing Sophie! I also live in Northumberland and I dream of living in the woods. Your publication is pure magic, I'm hooked. Can't wait to hear about Elderberries from the Isle of Man, I'm a big Elderberry fan and wrote my last paid subscriber post about them. Excited wave from Jo the forager xx
Yes the moths this year they are stunning! I found a huge one in my work shed the other day and couldn’t stop photographing it. It was primarily black with a huge furry hood running down its spine in dots like the spine of a dragon and it’s wings had subtle silver patterns that were just mesmerising. It looked so grand and emperor-like that I was convinced it was going to a ball with the most incredible cape I’ve ever seen over it’s shoulders. I am seriously considering taking fashion tips from it. Next time you see me - you shall not see me - as I only travel now at night! - Hurrah!