Letters, being passed around the world. One letter leading to the next one. An exploration of our voices. This Bee, another installment in a sharing of words, is as rewarding as it is exposing.
There is always a lot of gratitude in your writing, what you share about your community, what it will feel like to leave a place where you have been a part of the fabric. What happens to that fabric when you depart. Who carries the memories.
I love this word—hefted—not just a knowledge of place but the instinctive knowledge. Likewise, its defining as tradition. How, if I turn this idea a bit, having the knowledge might lead to protecting and offering a greater appreciation of place.
There is no better way to record than with a Field Notebook. A journal, a sketch pad, a proper identification of any and all of the wonderful things you are sure to see, experience. I think Field Notebooks should become required practice as our species becomes more and more detached from what once was.
Your letter, extends the conversation, reminds of connection—near and far--, and the essentialness of memories. This is the value of this LiotL collaboration.
Many years ago, I created a Field Journal for my clients. A way for them to keep notes of their backpacking trip but also as a way to record, draw, write in detail things they normally did not see. Distributing journals always gave me a bit of selfish joy.
Bee, the care with which you invest yourself in truly knowing a place and its peoples gives me hope that more of us will feel the connections between ourselves and the natural and cultural communities that hold us. Thank you for such a lovely letter!
Very much enjoyed reading your letter to Amanda. Some places you name are close to my heart for different reasons. Let’s just say, sweet memories with old friends. A taster of what is yet to come for their new life and a thought of lands well loved in their current 🙏
This was a wonderful read Bee. I’ve just come back from Tasmania, which is why I’m only reading this now. When I go there, i tend to switch off from everything else…not intentionally, it’s just like the place gives me a massive cuddle, and tells me not to worry about anything else for a while, and distracts me with its wilderness and clean air, I guess that means I’m hefted to it 🙂
Tasmania sounds and looks so lush. A dear English friend, Emma, lives there with her family. Concertmaster of the TSO and now a conductor too and I love seeing the photos over the years, but I hope you were so super chilled you didn’t take many and enjoyed just being in the moment. I’d love to visit, M has cycling mates in Queensland too, so far away… always makes me think jeez we’re only moving 450 miles down the road!
Such gentle thoughts run through this letter, Bee. The feeling of belonging to a place, to having that belonging holding you fast, to enjoying the security of belonging... I'd love to see this thread explored further.
As Amanda says, it's a lovely letter. Comforting in a strange kind of way.
Letters, being passed around the world. One letter leading to the next one. An exploration of our voices. This Bee, another installment in a sharing of words, is as rewarding as it is exposing.
There is always a lot of gratitude in your writing, what you share about your community, what it will feel like to leave a place where you have been a part of the fabric. What happens to that fabric when you depart. Who carries the memories.
I love this word—hefted—not just a knowledge of place but the instinctive knowledge. Likewise, its defining as tradition. How, if I turn this idea a bit, having the knowledge might lead to protecting and offering a greater appreciation of place.
There is no better way to record than with a Field Notebook. A journal, a sketch pad, a proper identification of any and all of the wonderful things you are sure to see, experience. I think Field Notebooks should become required practice as our species becomes more and more detached from what once was.
Your letter, extends the conversation, reminds of connection—near and far--, and the essentialness of memories. This is the value of this LiotL collaboration.
I wholeheartedly agree re the Field Notebook. Thank you, Stacy.
Many years ago, I created a Field Journal for my clients. A way for them to keep notes of their backpacking trip but also as a way to record, draw, write in detail things they normally did not see. Distributing journals always gave me a bit of selfish joy.
I bet they’ve kept them too, lovely idea.
Bee, the care with which you invest yourself in truly knowing a place and its peoples gives me hope that more of us will feel the connections between ourselves and the natural and cultural communities that hold us. Thank you for such a lovely letter!
Thanks, Julie.
What a delightful read.
To answer your last question, yes I believe hefting can happen later in life. I had such a long response that I've done it in a restack. 🥰
Ace, thank you Debs.
Oooh! I have so many thoughts already. Lovely letter Bee. I shall be pondering my answer as I petsit this week. Thanks for writing.
Thanks Amanda.
Very much enjoyed reading your letter to Amanda. Some places you name are close to my heart for different reasons. Let’s just say, sweet memories with old friends. A taster of what is yet to come for their new life and a thought of lands well loved in their current 🙏
Thanks, Charlotte, for taking the time to read. I’m grateful, as ever.
This was a wonderful read Bee. I’ve just come back from Tasmania, which is why I’m only reading this now. When I go there, i tend to switch off from everything else…not intentionally, it’s just like the place gives me a massive cuddle, and tells me not to worry about anything else for a while, and distracts me with its wilderness and clean air, I guess that means I’m hefted to it 🙂
Yay, Donna. Thank you.
Tasmania sounds and looks so lush. A dear English friend, Emma, lives there with her family. Concertmaster of the TSO and now a conductor too and I love seeing the photos over the years, but I hope you were so super chilled you didn’t take many and enjoyed just being in the moment. I’d love to visit, M has cycling mates in Queensland too, so far away… always makes me think jeez we’re only moving 450 miles down the road!
Such gentle thoughts run through this letter, Bee. The feeling of belonging to a place, to having that belonging holding you fast, to enjoying the security of belonging... I'd love to see this thread explored further.
As Amanda says, it's a lovely letter. Comforting in a strange kind of way.
Thanks, Yasmin.