Spring vibes Tuesday I have noticed as I’ve progressed through my forties a slow but definite pull back towards nature. It’s as if the thirty years in between childhood and now have conspired to keep me away from it. In my late teens I moved to London Town and became so immersed in urban culture I think I forgot about the natural world that quietly and diligently did its thing on the fringes. Of course, I dipped in and out. We would spend many debauched weekends away in the country but that’s not really the same thing as immersing yourself in it. We were using the countryside as a film set location for our never-ending fun. We would embark on long walks where we played liked adolescents on spherical hale bales and sit on warm summer nights under the stars, heavily intoxicated discussing our future selves and all their limitless dreams. But, something inside me has shifted. I’ve been woken back up and I’m loving it. I now find myself driving twice down a road so I can wonder at the blossom on a particular cherry tree. It gives me such a visual and visceral thrill that it literally renders me speechless with its beauty. I notice the colour and texture changes of each season. I reach out and touch lavender that trails over garden fences and pot hopeful herbs each spring. It’s as if my own declining reproductivity has helped me better appreciate the constant ongoing life cycle more acutely. There’s something bittersweet in that. But maybe this is where I’m going to find my solace and my sunshine on the other side of this hormonal shit-storm. Both of my Grandmothers were country dwellers. Both seemed to appreciate the change of each season. I never heard either of them bemoan a cold winter, the never-ending rain in February or the intensity of summer. They seemed to appreciate, applaud, and accept this was how it was all meant to be. So, I’m going to take their lead. I’m off to touch some bark and feel the ground beneath my naked feet. Move over Mother Nature – I’m coming for you.
I identify so strongly with your description of nature-appreciation. So well articulated! I often feel I've fallen in love with nature & am head over heels in May. I have a favourite cherry blossom tree that I walk past. I think I may have to use the word fondle to describe how I touch that blossom. I talk to it and tell it just how beautiful it is. I feel completely bats when I do this but in a really good way 😊. I think you understand this very well ❤️🩹
I identify so strongly with your description of nature-appreciation. So well articulated! I often feel I've fallen in love with nature & am head over heels in May. I have a favourite cherry blossom tree that I walk past. I think I may have to use the word fondle to describe how I touch that blossom. I talk to it and tell it just how beautiful it is. I feel completely bats when I do this but in a really good way 😊. I think you understand this very well ❤️🩹
You fondle - I caress. Let’s start a club. X
I’m amused at the visual of you stopping to smell the lavender and admire the wisteria.
Life is full of curve balls Tash.