Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Vanessa Fielding's avatar

Vanessa Fielding

When I saw the photo of Mallerstang my heart sang for you! This will surely be the home you've been seeking.

I've followed your blog quite anxiously over the last six months, as I have been in a very similar situation. Like you I have moved again and again from wild places, all of which have seemed to claim a whole lifetime -and places where I have totally given my heart to the land , but for some reason have known it was right to leave. Like you we moved two years ago to totally new territory (my other places were the Highlands and Cumbria) and also like you I've suffered a life changing illness. Long Covid has kept me virtually housebound for a year now, having formerly been a wild wanderer of wood and river. I feel like a caged , disoriented bird sometimes - and it gives me such joy to see you flying free!

Twenty years ago one of my 'places' was just over the hill from Mallerstang, at the foot of Wild Boar fell, not far from the village of Ravenstonedale (those wonderful names!) This place of primeval magic , threaded with norse myth and medieval legend soon cast its spell. High, dizzy fells and dark chasms, sun and shadow, wild winds and singing becks and rivers. You are so lucky! My Cailleach there was Mother Hawthorn; a lonely, witchy silhouette rooted on the flanks of Wild Boar fell. Sheep and hares found shelter in her skirts, and rather like the old woman in the basket, she swept the sky with her thorny broomstick to chase away rain and snow. She has stayed in my heart and given me great courage since.

But enough of my memories.

Have a stress free move - and many bright Spring blessings for a very happy homecoming and adventures to come! A wonderful place for collies!

Expand full comment
Daniëlle Termijn's avatar

Dear Sharon, your words, to read as feelings and experience, described within this newsletter resonate in many ways with me. I'm reading these after my walk in a forest environment in the village called the Wildert , Belgium. My comment is not one to feel sorry for but just a share from a Dutch women , 52 years, in her second half of her life and since 1 year, after a relationship from 12 years, single. What is Home and is it enough to feel home within your own nature, your soul or what word you are able to give it what is not our form. Home has so many layers and each of us has a other thought or feeling with it. For me I guess home was first being with my family as a child but it wasn't home in the sense of security, unconditional love, comfert and stilness. As a baby there wasn't a home at the first place for my mother so now I can also better understand why I'm always seeking for a home.....a home where I can stay, settle, feeling me, who that me is......My experience during al those years on my own or with 2 partners is not what I truly wanted, maybe I also now release this. Since the end of 2019 my former partner, and there were then also two dogs, a Boxer and a Dobermann. We rented a Wooden Cabin near the village called The Wildert. Still I live there but now alone, alone with my books, my feelings and must admit my insecurity if I can stay here. If a relation breaks up it can bring your whole, so called real world, upside down. For me it was and still is so unbelievable but whitin my rented cabin I'm not alone. This way of living in a forest surrounded by little birds and prey animals is a blessing als during the last years when the world for me was not recognizable regardless the fact of the last year to be left more or less alone. To begin a new life with no income and not worked as a employer for 12 years is a challange. Less time for mourning although I must say my ex helped me with the financial part. But it is now up to me further and to miss my beloved Boxer isn't nice but I'm all day at work so it isn't fair to leave him alone. The Boxer is more at Home with my ex and is the whole day with him in the shop. Sadly my former Dobermann girl was already not among us because of Wobbler Syndrom. It feels good to let go all my thoughts and just read your letter and the sharing comments, sure the thoughts will pop up. This month there will be a conversation with the owners of this cabin and I will hear what is possible and if they allow me to rent this cabin alone but with lesser rent............Will be continued. Sharon all goods these days with your new journey and I'm looking forward to your new book about Home. Who knows maybe in the near future I read it outside my wooden cabin or elsewhere.

Expand full comment
21 more comments...

No posts