18 Comments
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Sue  Routner-Wardley's avatar

The video is very interesting. One thing I've noticed with people living out in the wild is that most have a large library of books, no matter how remote their dwelling is. That says a lot about the importance of literature in our lives. Definitely a staple of our existence.

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James Roberts's avatar

Yes, books seem to be a big part of it don't they. For me too.

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Owl Green's avatar

This was exactly what I wanted on this grey, rainy morning in my part of the world. I read every single word. Lovely.

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James Roberts's avatar

Thank you Rebecca!

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Lovely writing, as ever. I laughed out loud at ‘child curling’, loved the snippet I’ve restacked, and ‘If I had to define a main purpose for my writing it would be to learn how to imagine from the wild heart of a place.’ I find myself drawn to write about water, nature and place and am learning that once you open the bottle, the words don’t want to be stoppered again.

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James Roberts's avatar

Thanks Michela. That's exactly right about words. Once the bottle's open . . .

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Bella Gladman's avatar

I loved the Kevin Crossley-Holland books when I was 12-13, thanks for reminding me of them!

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James Roberts's avatar

He's a wonderful poet too.

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Robert LaCombe's avatar

The man who has lived off grid for 50 years died a couple months ago. We had mutual friends. He was an amazing individual.

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James Roberts's avatar

Thanks Robert, he certainly seemed that way from the little information I've gathered about him.

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Lisa's avatar

Thank you for sharing your beautiful work and that video. I'm sure he would have been a fascinating person to know.

I can't remember the last time I drank from a spring, but I could taste your description.

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James Roberts's avatar

Thanks Lisa.

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Sue  Routner-Wardley's avatar

Beautiful, thank you! Thanks also for the book recommendation.

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James Roberts's avatar

Thanks Sue

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Merenia Vince's avatar

Beautiful watery writing - in all it’s states, solid, liquid and atmospheric.

I grew up in rural New Zealand and on hikes we took not a water bottle but a cup to drink from the inevitable springs on the way. Each spring a little treasure in a treasure hunt.

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James Roberts's avatar

Wonderful Merenia. It's not something that people do regularly here.

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Rich's avatar

You write so beautifully of the language of the non human world. I think the pony sensed your worry and was telling you "it's ok. See? I can look after myself. But thanks anyway".

If you haven't read it I recommend Derrick Jensen's book "A Language Older Than Words". I think you'll like it.

We so rarely see ice in this part of the world and even if we do get a freeze there is hardly any fresh still water to freeze. But it doesnt stop the children dashing out to pull ice off the buckets and puddles. We had a very brief morning of snow last week and they brought some back in a bowl, added apple juice and made their own slushy drinks.

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James Roberts's avatar

Thank you Rich. I think you're right about the pony. And thanks for the book recommendation. I know of Derrick Jensen but not that particular book.

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