Just before the years changed over, I walked some of the coast near where I live. It reminded me of having done so a few years ago. I wrote about it back then, and I hope you’ll excuse these old words but they said what I wanted today, and still ring a bell for me. I hope for you too.
An uplifting piece, Mark and a reminder that the best things in life are free. A walk along the beach with just your thoughts for company. A free spirit as well as a free range human.
Excellent writing, as ever, Mark, that inspires and daunts (the writer in me) equally. But what a pleasure to be reminded - as we should remind ourselves often - that the secret to a life of fulfilment is to remember that it's 'humans being' not 'humans doing' ... and if we are doing the 'doing' then make sure is it equal parts outdoor and windswept, a pinch of sea air, stirred vigorously by an onshore breeze, seasoned by the seasons. Serve with a side order of phone-switched-off. A real treat to read this ... and to savour the flavours of life it offers. Onwards, Barrie
I'm facing what could be a serious rollercoaster of a year and have a list of things To Do to tick off one-by-one as I white-knuckle ride my way through the next few months. I must, however, make time to just live and this was a very timely reminder to do so.
Lovely writing and sentiment. I get one of these days very rarely and need to make more. I remember a day off during a cookbook shoot week up in Edinburgh, walking along the coast from Portobello and then back, with just two Mark Kozelek songs for company (sorry, a little technology there). I still remember it with such fondness, and those two songs always bring back the sea and the sky and the salt and the sand.
It's also noteworthy that your journey began with a bus... I sometimes think we need to start this sort of endeavour in a place that isn't where everything else in our lives starts from. I listened to a Sarah Winman interview yesterday where she spoke of how moving and difference is so often the spark she needs to start writing.
Love this. Most of all I love the commitment to the bus to facilitate it. I’m constantly frustrated that the walks I want to do are no longer on my doorstep (I erroneously thought living in the countryside would make walking easier than it was in London, it hasn’t) but I feel encouraged (and mildly shamed) into investing more thought and time into the planning required to facilitate the freedoms. Worthwhile investments from the sounds...
One foot in front of the other
Free range human. I must remind myself that this is me.
You’re flipping lucky to have a bus that runs that early- we have 2 buses a day here in Devon 😏. And that’s only on weekdays
Lovely piece to read on blue Monday, thank you 🙏
An uplifting piece, Mark and a reminder that the best things in life are free. A walk along the beach with just your thoughts for company. A free spirit as well as a free range human.
Excellent writing, as ever, Mark, that inspires and daunts (the writer in me) equally. But what a pleasure to be reminded - as we should remind ourselves often - that the secret to a life of fulfilment is to remember that it's 'humans being' not 'humans doing' ... and if we are doing the 'doing' then make sure is it equal parts outdoor and windswept, a pinch of sea air, stirred vigorously by an onshore breeze, seasoned by the seasons. Serve with a side order of phone-switched-off. A real treat to read this ... and to savour the flavours of life it offers. Onwards, Barrie
Beautiful. Lots of important reminders, thanks.
Thank you, Mark - a gorgeous piece and just exactly what I needed.
Thank you Mark. A meaningful reminder
I'm facing what could be a serious rollercoaster of a year and have a list of things To Do to tick off one-by-one as I white-knuckle ride my way through the next few months. I must, however, make time to just live and this was a very timely reminder to do so.
A beautiful, poignant piece Mark to start my week, thank you x
Lovely writing and sentiment. I get one of these days very rarely and need to make more. I remember a day off during a cookbook shoot week up in Edinburgh, walking along the coast from Portobello and then back, with just two Mark Kozelek songs for company (sorry, a little technology there). I still remember it with such fondness, and those two songs always bring back the sea and the sky and the salt and the sand.
It's also noteworthy that your journey began with a bus... I sometimes think we need to start this sort of endeavour in a place that isn't where everything else in our lives starts from. I listened to a Sarah Winman interview yesterday where she spoke of how moving and difference is so often the spark she needs to start writing.
Lovely place, images, and reflection. Thank you for sharing.
Love this. Most of all I love the commitment to the bus to facilitate it. I’m constantly frustrated that the walks I want to do are no longer on my doorstep (I erroneously thought living in the countryside would make walking easier than it was in London, it hasn’t) but I feel encouraged (and mildly shamed) into investing more thought and time into the planning required to facilitate the freedoms. Worthwhile investments from the sounds...
Beautiful and thought-provoking. Thank you