I am so glad I found you this morning, hidden in a cozy-cottage corner of substack. I wish I really could stumble upon your cottage in real time. Smell the warm smoke from your cranky stove. I would love to leave at your doorstep as I pass gently by- a modest hankerchief with handpicked wild berries, a nature's prize- bone or antler found, and definitely a few rocks gathered. The good kind, with bands and natural sparkles, the kind you can see through when held up to the sun, almost like a kaleidoscope to transport you.
Be well my friend. I look forward to reading more stacks while quietly fighting to regain my own creative flow. May you be an inspiration to me. 🦗✨️
Thank you so much for finding your way here, and for staying, and for offering something back. I was delighted to read of the offering you left at our shared version of Hazel Cottage. I could see the berries (I saw them as red hawthorn and purple bilberries, how about you?), and a little deer antler. The rocks reminded me of marbles I used to love collecting as a child. There was a shop in my hometown called Upstairs Downstairs, and they sold the most beautiful marbles that glittered and had bands of colour inside. Every time I went into the shop with my mum I would ask for a new marble (it was only 20 pence or 50 pence for a little one!). Let's say that the rocks and the antler are placed on the mantlepiece, and I will make us a medicinal tea from the berries, with a little honey added.
Wow, your cottage sounds amazing. I have always had a romantic fantasy of living in an old named cottage in the middle of the woods. Where I am one with nature and friends with all the wildlife foraging for my food. Handwritten letters and wax seals too!!
I would leave a leather bound journal made of handmade paper with a found feather. This would be left in a basket woven from willow. I’m so glad I found your Substack. I look forward to reading them.
Thank you. We have Dexter cattle, horses, ducks, and chickens on our farm. Plus 5 dogs. I love collecting eggs and watching the calves play in the field. I’ve started so many writings in my head and they just don’t sound right once I put them down on paper. One day I’ll figure out what and how I want to write here. For now I am enjoying reading. 📖
That sounds wonderful, Laura! I look forward to reading your work when the day comes - it took me a long time to finally set up a Substack, and I have a notebook full of ideas that came first. Thanks again for being here and taking the time to read this. Wishing you a magical day with all your animals around you, Sophie
What a lovely message to find in the mailbox this morning, thank you! I was so thrilled to read of the gift you would leave. It is a dream of mine to furnish this space with playful interactions and beautiful things. I can clearly picture the journal and the basket, there on the step! I love the magic of such things, once imagined, becoming ‘real’ in their own way.
I see you live on a hobby farm. How wonderful. I wonder what animals you share your life with? Perhaps you will be posting about them?
Hi Taylor! Thank you for taking the time to visit, and for leaving a message in return. How wonderful - I love the idea of spreading more letter writing - I so enjoy writing them and hope you do too. With warmest wishes, Sophie
What a great find this morning. A welcoming cottage. I would find the most interesting rock and use it to hold down this haiku written on a leaf just big enough
Oh am I thrilled to have found you here Sophie! I have been engaging with all forms of social media very little of late. To open Substack and discover your magic made me smile. Well wishes from Maine, US, where the beeches are begging for the first snow (just as I am). Snail mail is one of my top 3 favorite things (and one big reason I haven't been much for Substack etc lately) and so I am hopping on your paid subscriber train, for sure. With admiration, Kat.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write of your offering! I can see these tools in our imaginal world - beautifully carved wooden handles, well worn, sturdy and made with longevity in mind. I am so enjoying examining these offerings in my mind's eye, and the way in which they come to exist in the imaginary spaces between us.
Hello again! Thank you so much for writing back, and for these generous blessings.
I welcome you to return here, from wherever your 'far far away' may be. This wildwood is populated by many interesting beings now, and I'm so enjoying it. I am heartened by what we will co-create together in the Hazel Cottage of our deep imaginations.
I am so glad I found you this morning, hidden in a cozy-cottage corner of substack. I wish I really could stumble upon your cottage in real time. Smell the warm smoke from your cranky stove. I would love to leave at your doorstep as I pass gently by- a modest hankerchief with handpicked wild berries, a nature's prize- bone or antler found, and definitely a few rocks gathered. The good kind, with bands and natural sparkles, the kind you can see through when held up to the sun, almost like a kaleidoscope to transport you.
Be well my friend. I look forward to reading more stacks while quietly fighting to regain my own creative flow. May you be an inspiration to me. 🦗✨️
Der Andra,
Thank you so much for finding your way here, and for staying, and for offering something back. I was delighted to read of the offering you left at our shared version of Hazel Cottage. I could see the berries (I saw them as red hawthorn and purple bilberries, how about you?), and a little deer antler. The rocks reminded me of marbles I used to love collecting as a child. There was a shop in my hometown called Upstairs Downstairs, and they sold the most beautiful marbles that glittered and had bands of colour inside. Every time I went into the shop with my mum I would ask for a new marble (it was only 20 pence or 50 pence for a little one!). Let's say that the rocks and the antler are placed on the mantlepiece, and I will make us a medicinal tea from the berries, with a little honey added.
Warmest wishes,
Sophie
Wow, your cottage sounds amazing. I have always had a romantic fantasy of living in an old named cottage in the middle of the woods. Where I am one with nature and friends with all the wildlife foraging for my food. Handwritten letters and wax seals too!!
I would leave a leather bound journal made of handmade paper with a found feather. This would be left in a basket woven from willow. I’m so glad I found your Substack. I look forward to reading them.
Sophie,
Thank you. We have Dexter cattle, horses, ducks, and chickens on our farm. Plus 5 dogs. I love collecting eggs and watching the calves play in the field. I’ve started so many writings in my head and they just don’t sound right once I put them down on paper. One day I’ll figure out what and how I want to write here. For now I am enjoying reading. 📖
That sounds wonderful, Laura! I look forward to reading your work when the day comes - it took me a long time to finally set up a Substack, and I have a notebook full of ideas that came first. Thanks again for being here and taking the time to read this. Wishing you a magical day with all your animals around you, Sophie
Dear Laura,
What a lovely message to find in the mailbox this morning, thank you! I was so thrilled to read of the gift you would leave. It is a dream of mine to furnish this space with playful interactions and beautiful things. I can clearly picture the journal and the basket, there on the step! I love the magic of such things, once imagined, becoming ‘real’ in their own way.
I see you live on a hobby farm. How wonderful. I wonder what animals you share your life with? Perhaps you will be posting about them?
Warmest wishes,
Sophie
Oh this is such a lovely idea I might just have to do this too! Thank you for sharing ✨🙏
Hi Taylor! Thank you for taking the time to visit, and for leaving a message in return. How wonderful - I love the idea of spreading more letter writing - I so enjoy writing them and hope you do too. With warmest wishes, Sophie
What a great find this morning. A welcoming cottage. I would find the most interesting rock and use it to hold down this haiku written on a leaf just big enough
Hazel cottage stands
Gentle eyes warm clouds to send
Weather to lost souls
Oh am I thrilled to have found you here Sophie! I have been engaging with all forms of social media very little of late. To open Substack and discover your magic made me smile. Well wishes from Maine, US, where the beeches are begging for the first snow (just as I am). Snail mail is one of my top 3 favorite things (and one big reason I haven't been much for Substack etc lately) and so I am hopping on your paid subscriber train, for sure. With admiration, Kat.
I would love the opportunity at winning a free subscription for a year! 😊
Dear Keith,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write of your offering! I can see these tools in our imaginal world - beautifully carved wooden handles, well worn, sturdy and made with longevity in mind. I am so enjoying examining these offerings in my mind's eye, and the way in which they come to exist in the imaginary spaces between us.
With gratitude,
Sophie
Dear Keith,
Hello again! Thank you so much for writing back, and for these generous blessings.
I welcome you to return here, from wherever your 'far far away' may be. This wildwood is populated by many interesting beings now, and I'm so enjoying it. I am heartened by what we will co-create together in the Hazel Cottage of our deep imaginations.
With warmest wishes,
Sophie