Wonderful words, images and sketches Michela. Like so many others, I’ve come to look forward to Thursday afternoon, the candle in the window is much appreciated. I’ve managed to keep my feed on here blissfully free of political content but that doesn’t mean I’m unaware of what is going on, I just prefer to have Substack as the antidote.
I really like the theme of light in this post, both the white birches and this line, "These letters are my light in the darkness, the candle I burn in the window for you." I will read in exactly that mindset.
I'm so pleased to read that your little cat is back to normal. I can see two beautiful silver birch trees from my bedroom window. They are so elegant and beautiful- all year round. Thank you for your images, sketches and wonderful writing. Keep that light burning.
Your weekly newsletter is a ray of light in what can seem such a dark world right now Michela - the term 'creative resistance' comes to mind. I've always been drawn to silver birches, whenever I am out walking, by their all year round beauty and mythological connections - always a salve for the soul. Your images have captured their magic beautifully.
I love birch trees too and am lucky to have one in our garden. Very much enjoying your nature letters from down south in Somerset and I’m glad to hear your cat is doing well.
Thanks so much Claire. I’m very fortunate that the previous owner planted up the bank at the back of the house with native trees. I too consider myself lucky to share my garden with birch, and their companions.
I love your "own small act of resistance". In a world where life itself is reduced to "deals" and money, your generous presents are so refreshing. There is a particular photograph of silver birches that strikes me as "the supreme entanglement". Such beauty. Thank you.
I love this too, one of the reasons I’m here on Substack is to breathe - away from short form marketing media. We can keep our sanity by offering & receiving small kindnesses, so thank you Michela, from me in Canada.
Thank you Zoe. I didn’t really felt comfortable on social media. I came to it late, and never wanted to overshare my personal life. But I love making images, and writing, as well as reading, and this place feels so much better. As you rightly say, there is room to breathe.
Thanks Felicia. I love the idea of ‘the supreme entanglement’. There is something wonderful about the complexity of branching, and I sometimes think about how each node, each change in direction, is a decision to seek out the light.
Beautiful images and sketches Michela. Birch is such a lovely tree, it always holds so much colour and has something to offer in every season. It is one of my favourite trees.
I am glad to hear your cat is back to full health 🙂
Thanks Gill. I think birch capture many hearts. As you say they offer interest throughout the year. I even find the way that their shed branchlets lie on the ground, slightly flexed, fascinating.
What a treat Thursday afternoons are as I quietly listen to your beautiful nature reflections, Michela. You bring those silver birch trees to life in such a vivid, poetic way, capturing their delicate beauty and how they inspire a sense of light and resilience in these challenging times. Thank you for sharing your words and images with us. I clicked back and read your 'hills' poem, first sideways, until I realised a little more scrolling down was needed. :)
Beautiful and congrats on passing the 1000 subscribers mark. Love this small corner of Substack where I can come and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Thanks very much Sophie. It’s good to know that there is somewhere we can find riches to read and care-full writers.
Wonderful words, images and sketches Michela. Like so many others, I’ve come to look forward to Thursday afternoon, the candle in the window is much appreciated. I’ve managed to keep my feed on here blissfully free of political content but that doesn’t mean I’m unaware of what is going on, I just prefer to have Substack as the antidote.
Thanks Dave, happy to be able to share a little light with you. I like the fact that I can both educate and lose myself here.
I really like the theme of light in this post, both the white birches and this line, "These letters are my light in the darkness, the candle I burn in the window for you." I will read in exactly that mindset.
Thank you Sarah, I’m so happy that you have picked out this line, and have found some light here.
I love your sketches intertwined with your photographs! Beautiful!
Thanks Susanne. It was interesting to sequence them together and see the parallels.
Beautiful Michela - pictures AND words!
Nature is the balm for my soul - even more so right now (I live in America - enough said.)
Thanks very much Stephanie. I feel for you, and so many others.
Thank you Michela
I'm so pleased to read that your little cat is back to normal. I can see two beautiful silver birch trees from my bedroom window. They are so elegant and beautiful- all year round. Thank you for your images, sketches and wonderful writing. Keep that light burning.
Thanks for your encouragement Linda, it’s greatly appreciated.
Keep on shining... in the meantime, I'll be keeping the light on here, too.
Thanks Mary. Shine brightly!
Your weekly newsletter is a ray of light in what can seem such a dark world right now Michela - the term 'creative resistance' comes to mind. I've always been drawn to silver birches, whenever I am out walking, by their all year round beauty and mythological connections - always a salve for the soul. Your images have captured their magic beautifully.
I’m so happy that you feel that way Lin, thank you. We are fortunate to have our creativity, and nature.
I love birch trees too and am lucky to have one in our garden. Very much enjoying your nature letters from down south in Somerset and I’m glad to hear your cat is doing well.
Thanks so much Claire. I’m very fortunate that the previous owner planted up the bank at the back of the house with native trees. I too consider myself lucky to share my garden with birch, and their companions.
I love your "own small act of resistance". In a world where life itself is reduced to "deals" and money, your generous presents are so refreshing. There is a particular photograph of silver birches that strikes me as "the supreme entanglement". Such beauty. Thank you.
I love this too, one of the reasons I’m here on Substack is to breathe - away from short form marketing media. We can keep our sanity by offering & receiving small kindnesses, so thank you Michela, from me in Canada.
Thank you Zoe. I didn’t really felt comfortable on social media. I came to it late, and never wanted to overshare my personal life. But I love making images, and writing, as well as reading, and this place feels so much better. As you rightly say, there is room to breathe.
Thanks Felicia. I love the idea of ‘the supreme entanglement’. There is something wonderful about the complexity of branching, and I sometimes think about how each node, each change in direction, is a decision to seek out the light.
Beautiful images and sketches Michela. Birch is such a lovely tree, it always holds so much colour and has something to offer in every season. It is one of my favourite trees.
I am glad to hear your cat is back to full health 🙂
Thanks Gill. I think birch capture many hearts. As you say they offer interest throughout the year. I even find the way that their shed branchlets lie on the ground, slightly flexed, fascinating.
What a treat Thursday afternoons are as I quietly listen to your beautiful nature reflections, Michela. You bring those silver birch trees to life in such a vivid, poetic way, capturing their delicate beauty and how they inspire a sense of light and resilience in these challenging times. Thank you for sharing your words and images with us. I clicked back and read your 'hills' poem, first sideways, until I realised a little more scrolling down was needed. :)
Thanks so much Deborah, I’m so pleased to be able share this all with you. We certainly need resilience from wherever we can find it.