41 Comments
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Hayley's avatar

Congratulations ☺️

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Thank you Hayley.

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Sophie S.'s avatar

I love that Oprah Winfrey quote ❤️

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Yes, it wasn’t one that I knew, but was wonderful to discover.

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Gen Sandalls's avatar

Gorgeous,interesting images and a beautifully written piece. I really enjoyed both words and pictures.

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Thank you Gen, I appreciate your kind words.

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Peter ciccariello's avatar

What wonderful words so beautifully spoken, thank you Michela!

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Thank you Peter.

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Jon Gibbs's avatar

Well done on getting all those subscribers Michela. Another lovely journey out with you. Love the graphite, I'm slowly starting to dabble with acrylics and gouache and I'll share them on here when i'm ready!!!! Love the ruin, that's an amazing subject, love the bw chaotic pic of the interior!!

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Thanks Jon, that’s kind of you. I’ve spied another ruin on the hill, so I may have to go take a look! I was thinking the other night, that circa 2019 I ordered something small which arrived with a comprehensive art supplies catalogue. At the time I thought ‘interesting, but I have no need’. Another copy arrived with my graphite; I now have a good smattering of its contents 🤔 It’s a slippery slope! But an enjoyable one; have fun.

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rebecca hooper's avatar

It is always such a tonic listening to your words Michela - and that birdsong!! Such joy. The splash of colour at the end was much needed on this grey morning. Gorgeous photos as always.

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rebecca hooper's avatar

Ps congratulations on 1000 subscribers!! 🎊

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Thank you Rebecca. We get through a lot of sunflower hearts! I'm looking forward to the willow warblers joining the chorus.

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Sarah Savage's avatar

Congratulations on your 1000 subscribers! That's an awesome milestone!

I enjoy the inside look you offer on how you think about and work on your art. It's one thing to create art of any kind - paintings, photographs, essays, etc - and something else to be able to communicate the creative leaps that get you from one place to the next. It's fascinating to read!

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Thanks so much for this Sarah. I’m not sure I always understand the logic behind my leaps, but I do find that writing can help me to make connections!

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Ineska Klauber's avatar

Love your poetic writing!

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Thank you Ineska!

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MK Creel's avatar

Beautiful letter and photo essay. Your words and images continue to be a balm.

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Thanks Mary. Heaven knows we need a little relief at the moment.

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Félicia Mariani's avatar

For a non native speaker of English, this double dose of poetry is heaven! The text accompanying the voice, and vice versa! How wonderful! It is midnight here in France, and yet I spent a while in Scotland, with Scottish birds and poetry, the easiest quickest means of transport I ever took. Thank you. For the discovery, the sounds, the beauty.

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Michela Griffith's avatar

And merci a vous Felicia for beginning my day with such kind words. I was hesitant initially about voiceovers, feeling self-conscious and awkward, but I have found that recording outside puts me at greater ease. It’s been a wonderful surprise to find that they are enjoyed so much.

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Félicia Mariani's avatar

You inspire me, I'll try to read too for the students (if I can understand the technicallities!)

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Blythe Edwards's avatar

Thank you for sharing your voice and insights on your walk. Listening to the birds was inspiring as it is relatively quiet in my winter woods. I recently absorbed Sharon Blackie's book "If Women Rose Rooted." I am drawn to the landscape and history of your land. This week's images drew me in, especially the burst of color at the end. Congratulations on your milestone.

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Thank you Blythe. I was aware of Sharon’s book but will take a closer look; the title itself is evocative. We’re fortunate that the previous owner of our house planted trees on the embankment above it, mostly natives, and this together with the food that we and our neighbour put out attracts large numbers of birds. As well as the ‘usual’ (robins, blackbirds, blue, great and coal tits) we regularly have goldfinches, chaffinches, and greenfinches, and visits by siskins, bramblings, redwings and other thrushes. It’s a joy to see and hear such life. I’m glad you enjoyed the read and the colour, take care. Mx

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Lizzie Swift's avatar

I'm constantly delighted by how you put nature into words and images. And congratulations on reaching the readership milestone!

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Thank you Lizzie, that’s very kind of you.

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Lynne Wyness's avatar

Congratulations on reaching 1000 subscribers! Very well deserved ❤️

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Thanks very much Lynne. Honestly, as long as I can brighten one person’s day I’m happy. But it does feel good.

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Dave Mead's avatar

Wonderful as always Michela, I so enjoy being able to read and listen at the same time and the sounds from nature adding that little bit extra. Thank you for sharing.

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Michela Griffith's avatar

You’re very welcome Dave. I hope life on the farm is going okay for you with Spring on the way. Not sure if you’re lambing yet?

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Dave Mead's avatar

Not yet, all being well the first ones should arrive on March 21st or thereabouts. We lamb outdoors so we’re that little bit later.

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Gaye's avatar

You provide a welcome refuge in this world at the moment. Essential and so deeply appreciated Michela.

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Thank you Gaye. I’m glad that I can share a little corner of quiet with you.

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Lin Gregory's avatar

Beautifully written Michela - nature, the outdoors is a healing and grounding influence when there is so much turmoil in the world. I wonder what stories lie in the history of the abandoned farmhouse...

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Michela Griffith's avatar

Thanks Lin, yes it is, and it is becoming so important; I feel for those who don’t have this opportunity. Perhaps I’ve been looking too specifically for this property. I tend to associate it with the present day estate, but I’ve been looking at the area known as The Cabrach, and while it may not quite fall within this, its history may overlap—https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabrach

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Blythe Edwards's avatar

Thank you for sharing the link. As an American, it is impressive to see the photos and read the history of this beautiful land.

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Lin Gregory's avatar

It's sad to see such a small thriving community fade out in such a short space of time...it's hard to believe that the same is still happening now to farming communities across the UK as they find it harder to make a living. What remains of the Cabrach would make a wonderful photo project!

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Michela Griffith's avatar

I’m not sure if this will open in the right place on the page—look for Cabrach Doors—but you might enjoy browsing through Shona’s wonderful artist’s books. https://www.shonagrantsart.com/test-books/#book-one

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Lin Gregory's avatar

Thanks Michela, you're right - Shona's artist books look quite beautiful in design and content!

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