Lovely lovely list! I rarely get FOMO but the one came close. For a while now I’ve been hankering a simpler way… 2023 was seminal in staying put and quiet. This is inspiration for 2024…
I love this! And am super impressed by your bike riding! We are also living a rural life in a small village. We have a large vegetable and fruit garden which sometimes showers us with abundance - how many ways are there to cook tomatoes or carrots, I ask myself? But bike riding down a highway probably wouldn't work for us ;) nonetheless, I am inspired by the idea of living encouragingly -that support what we are all looking for...
“We cycle everywhere (3506 km from 2 July - 31 December).” This is something I am truly envious of Barrie, I would do anything to ditch my car (don’t worry she’s not listening...) but all the while I have to continue working it is impossible...
Although, I do walk everywhere possible. And, you intrigued my with your kilometres covered so I did a little number checking in my health app - I know you say pay no attention to numbers but... during the past 12 months I have taken : 6 132 000 steps, equal to 3760 km (average 10,3 km per day) and climbed the equivalent of 13 140 staircases...
Can I better this in 2024 is the question? 🤞🏽
Anyway, thank you again, for all your support and encouragement over these last months, I am close to my Substack first birthday... how many words have I written I wonder? (Not counting....) if it weren’t for you and a few others I’m not certain my confidence would have remained. 🙏🏽
Barrie and Jojo, this is a glorious summary of a beautiful twelve months.
Much of this I can also celebrate (25 books too, high five!) and much of it I can but dream about.
(One day Mr S and I have lofty ambitions to buy a 'retreat' business, near a golf course - for him - and with a yoga studio - for me. Rural France would be a lovely spot. B&B with yoga and golf for our resident guests).
P.S there must have been some good red wines consumed in 2023, too?! 🍷
"I have learned this at least by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."
It sounds like an amazing year - congratulations on working your way towards your dream!
Lovely lovely list! I rarely get FOMO but the one came close. For a while now I’ve been hankering a simpler way… 2023 was seminal in staying put and quiet. This is inspiration for 2024…
What a lovely list! There is so much here to inspire and encourage, but I especially loved the gift to your granddaughter!
I love this! And am super impressed by your bike riding! We are also living a rural life in a small village. We have a large vegetable and fruit garden which sometimes showers us with abundance - how many ways are there to cook tomatoes or carrots, I ask myself? But bike riding down a highway probably wouldn't work for us ;) nonetheless, I am inspired by the idea of living encouragingly -that support what we are all looking for...
“We cycle everywhere (3506 km from 2 July - 31 December).” This is something I am truly envious of Barrie, I would do anything to ditch my car (don’t worry she’s not listening...) but all the while I have to continue working it is impossible...
Although, I do walk everywhere possible. And, you intrigued my with your kilometres covered so I did a little number checking in my health app - I know you say pay no attention to numbers but... during the past 12 months I have taken : 6 132 000 steps, equal to 3760 km (average 10,3 km per day) and climbed the equivalent of 13 140 staircases...
Can I better this in 2024 is the question? 🤞🏽
Anyway, thank you again, for all your support and encouragement over these last months, I am close to my Substack first birthday... how many words have I written I wonder? (Not counting....) if it weren’t for you and a few others I’m not certain my confidence would have remained. 🙏🏽
Can I come live with you in the country side of France? I won't take up much space, I promise. It sounds much nicer than where I'm at currently.
Ah yes, 23 things for 2023 and a resolution not to make resolutions! Right up my street. Delightful, as always.
Barrie and Jojo, this is a glorious summary of a beautiful twelve months.
Much of this I can also celebrate (25 books too, high five!) and much of it I can but dream about.
(One day Mr S and I have lofty ambitions to buy a 'retreat' business, near a golf course - for him - and with a yoga studio - for me. Rural France would be a lovely spot. B&B with yoga and golf for our resident guests).
P.S there must have been some good red wines consumed in 2023, too?! 🍷
What does it mean to be a smallholder? (I'm an American and unfamiliar with that term.)
A lovely list....not of things but of experiences and people. Thank you for sharing it.
Your post reminded me of this Thoreau quote:
"I have learned this at least by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."
It sounds like an amazing year - congratulations on working your way towards your dream!
It is a beautiful thing you have going Barrie. Looks like 2023 was wonderful and I am sure there is more in store for 2024. All the best my friend!