tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post6081994647890951183..comments2023-12-30T17:31:11.883+00:00Comments on The Solitary Walker: Ten Simple PleasuresThe Solitary Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-80569306386656749952013-11-20T14:01:04.637+00:002013-11-20T14:01:04.637+00:00PS I feel a blog post about tea coming on!PS I feel a blog post about tea coming on!The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-90860036431099362582013-11-20T13:50:35.539+00:002013-11-20T13:50:35.539+00:00Yes, Cris I knew a little about mate, and how it&#...Yes, Cris I knew a little about mate, and how it's drunk in South America, but didn't quite realise how important a ritual it was! It's good to have these rituals and little ceremonies at certain times in the day. I haven't ever tasted mate, but I read that it's bitter, and a little like green tea, so I would probably like it. I also read that it's sometimes flavoured with mint or lemon. and that it's an antioxidant and anticarcinogen. The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-16398956981148391332013-11-20T01:20:48.083+00:002013-11-20T01:20:48.083+00:00It's funny... I have mate (yerba mate) down he...It's funny... I have mate (yerba mate) down here, and while writing I felt I needed to justify the importance-close-to-ritual that having mate has in my day!Cris Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08444507758618168982noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-36830535645338798502013-11-19T10:58:44.260+00:002013-11-19T10:58:44.260+00:00Loved these, Ruth! The more I read all these warm ...Loved these, Ruth! The more I read all these warm and heartfelt responses from everyone, the more I'm convinced that the simple, daily pleasures are the best and the most rewarding.<br /><br />Re. coffee: I love it! But mostly I actually drink tea (very British!). I drink countless cups of tea per day (less caffeine), but punctuate this with odd 'high spots' of coffee. <br /><br />I do so like that clunky, wooden wind chime sound.The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-90023625238223171572013-11-19T10:29:44.647+00:002013-11-19T10:29:44.647+00:001. Getting up in the morning while it is still dar...1. Getting up in the morning while it is still dark.<br />2. Drinking coffee from my hand thrown handleless mug in the low light of early morning (one lamp).<br />3. The smooth glaze of that mug and the shape of it, its warmth in my hands (is that 3 things?).<br />4. Walking along the Red Cedar River on my lunch hour, especially in winter.<br />5. Seeing the sun rise behind the meadow.<br />6. Reading a non-fiction book with pencil in hand.<br />7. Writing notes in a journal with a fine-tipped, black, rolling ball pen.<br />8. Chopping veggies.<br />9. The sound of wind chimes.<br />10. The smell of coffee.<br /><br />There is an awful lot about coffee in this list. Hmm.Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14204074161539605133noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-23655655104941276532013-11-19T09:02:42.831+00:002013-11-19T09:02:42.831+00:00Amanda, ah yes… walking on deserted beaches… I lik...Amanda, ah yes… walking on deserted beaches… I like it…<br /><br />And thanks Margaret for your contribution. Agree with you about R4. It's interesting how we get quite a clear picture of you, I think, just from these ten swift brushstrokes!<br /><br />Hope you enjoyed your book, Dritanje...The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-39955848997705330962013-11-19T08:24:28.033+00:002013-11-19T08:24:28.033+00:00Bonjour et bienvenue, Roger! Et merci de ta partic...Bonjour et bienvenue, Roger! Et merci de ta participation. Je me demande au fait si vous êtes familier avec l'oeuvre artistique de Richard Long et Andy Goldsworthy? Comme vous ils sont 'artistes de la terre' contemporains — en Angleterre. Goldsworthy a construit aussi des structures organiques et naturelles en Provence. J'aimais beaucoup les photos de votre 'land art', et je les trouvais très impressionnantes. Bien amicalement, Robert<br /><br />http://solitary-walker.blogspot.co.uk/2010/04/i-walk-line.html The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-64710019274492954862013-11-18T22:12:11.092+00:002013-11-18T22:12:11.092+00:00great idea solitary walker. I particularly like &#...great idea solitary walker. I particularly like 'consciously deciding to enjoy the weather' and 'reading in bed'. I may come back and write a list but right now I have to go and enjoy reading in bed!dritanjehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16025213970107184429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-36254049128384785042013-11-18T19:38:00.003+00:002013-11-18T19:38:00.003+00:001, Almost anything on radio 4.
2, A swim after a n...1, Almost anything on radio 4.<br />2, A swim after a night shift and weekly coffee with the other early morning swimmers.<br />3, Walking the dog, but sadly have no dog now to walk.<br />4, A few nights at home in my own bed.<br />5, A long bath with a good book. At present "The Ragged Edge of Silence" by John Francis.<br />6, A conversation in Welsh where I understand more than 50% of what is going on.<br />7, Receiving the Eucharist.<br />8, A phone call from my children, both away at University. The same from my Mother.<br />9, Spinning wool with my friends.<br />10,The lovely dad with his three children on the bus I often take. The children read a book about Latin and the Romans. He reads a book in English and talks to the children in Welsh.Margaretnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-48355138280109925392013-11-18T17:46:39.635+00:002013-11-18T17:46:39.635+00:00Totally with you on so many of these - lavender, w...Totally with you on so many of these - lavender, wind chimes, reading in bed. I can add: That mysterious gap in the day known as twilight, full moons, walking on deserted beaches, falling stars, dark chocolate, fleece blankets, jasmine tea, hot baths (with candles), looking forward to reading before bed and anytime I am with my family. <br /><br />Thanks for helping remind me of all we are grateful for.Amanda Summerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00942636545948440422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-41801680653387117252013-11-18T16:37:10.693+00:002013-11-18T16:37:10.693+00:00Je n'ai pas fait ma liste des dix petits bon...Je n'ai pas fait ma liste des dix petits bonheurs, en t^te de laquelle, je mettrais<br />Me lever le matin<br />puis<br />Pratiquer le land art<br />et<br />Marcher en solitaire<br />pour la terminer par, <br />Me coucher le soir, fatigué de ma journée mais heureux de m'endormir.<br /><br />Pour le reste, je vais réfléchir.<br />Bravo pour ton blog. Amicalement.<br /><br />RogerLE CHEMIN DES GRANDS JARDINShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04692507137734264498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-51296171769137220542013-11-18T09:42:12.298+00:002013-11-18T09:42:12.298+00:00Thanks, Sabine. I can identify with the 'finge...Thanks, Sabine. I can identify with the 'fingernails' one — it's a similar feeling when you've just had a haircut. Also with the 'windows' — I like to have a small window open even in winter.The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-3701493703194933482013-11-17T21:56:52.003+00:002013-11-17T21:56:52.003+00:00Ten seems quite overwhelming but here goes from th...Ten seems quite overwhelming but here goes from the top of my head:<br /><br />1. First cup of hot milky black tea in the morning.<br />2. Sleeping with the windows wide open.<br />3. The feeling of freshly filed/cut fingernails.<br />4. The rustling noise of the newspaper.<br />5. Arriving on top of that hill I have to cycle up on my way to work.<br />6. The sound of the BBC world service discussion coming from the kitchen when R is cooking.<br />7. Moonlight shining on the silent kitchen floor tiles.<br />8. The smell of laundry dried outside.<br />9. Lying on the hot patio stones watching the night sky.<br />10. Solving the cryptic crossword puzzle.<br />Sabinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09015827501648296977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-11269790426259453372013-11-17T17:48:29.950+00:002013-11-17T17:48:29.950+00:00Andy (Pilgrimpace) — I just LOVE these! Oh, that s...Andy (Pilgrimpace) — I just LOVE these! Oh, that smell of grass after rain...The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-48291319325703016962013-11-17T17:47:16.520+00:002013-11-17T17:47:16.520+00:00I don't suppose I'm really jealous, Domini...I don't suppose I'm really jealous, Dominic, as I tried to put jealousy and envy behind me a long time ago…<br /><br />(http://words-and-silence.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/emotional-intelligence-8-jealousy.html)<br /><br />… but sometimes it seeps out and catches you unawares! The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-61945700086659014842013-11-17T17:40:20.266+00:002013-11-17T17:40:20.266+00:00excellent! Off the top of my head:
1. the smell ...excellent! Off the top of my head:<br /><br />1. the smell of grass after rain<br />2. a strong cup of tea after a long walk<br />3. followed by a pint of good bitter<br />4. picking up an egg that is still warm<br />5. a fishfinger sandwich<br />6. being up early when the house is quiet<br />7. a surprise packet in the post<br />8. Hail Smiling Morn<br />9. rubbing Grangers Wax into my boots<br />10. waiting to listen to the Ashes on Radio FourAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-24577893030937870682013-11-17T13:49:32.894+00:002013-11-17T13:49:32.894+00:00I wouldn't be jealous. I've come to the co...I wouldn't be jealous. I've come to the conclusion that a show of erudition is a show of weakness, not strength. I've decided that if a paragraph of prose is incomprehensible on second reading (max) it's the prose that's badly written - not me that's stupid.<br /><br />Dominic Rivronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02618013365521035400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-34155932233030912602013-11-17T11:57:26.923+00:002013-11-17T11:57:26.923+00:00Thanks so much for taking part, Cris M!
11. Licki...Thanks so much for taking part, Cris M!<br /><br />11. Licking lips and remembering the taste of that porridge?<br /><br />Two for the price of one here, Dominic!<br /><br />As for Will Self, I've never been able to get on with his novels, but perhaps I haven't tried hard enough. Many of his articles in the Guardian annoy me too — with their verbosity and showy erudition. (He's also so damn knowledgeable and intelligent, I suppose I'm a little jealous.) And he seems to have something in there more or less every week. The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-9144740140838112202013-11-17T11:37:45.234+00:002013-11-17T11:37:45.234+00:00Number three... Did you by any chance read the art...Number three... Did you by any chance read the article on listicles on the last page of the Review this week?<br /><br />My ten:<br />1. Looking forward to eating porridge.<br />2. Eating porridge.<br />3. The weekly bath.<br />4. Hearing weird noises on shortwave radios.<br />5. Stepping outside on starry nights.<br />6. Reading the Saturday Guardian Review.<br />7. Playing scales.<br />8. Buttered toast and marmalade.<br />9. Listening to music on a tinny little transistor radio I bought not long ago (the medium is the message).<br />10. Sitting with Sinbad (the cat).<br /><br />Karen says:<br />1. Good coffee.<br />2. Cream scones.<br />3. Soaking in the bath.<br />4. Sitting out on sunny days.<br />5. Cuddling my cats.<br />6. Meeting hedgehogs.<br />7. Taking photographs.<br />8. Listening to the beck at the foot of the garden.<br />9. Gentle walks.<br />10.Peace and quiet.<br /><br />Incidentally, with regard to the Saturday Guardian am I the only person who gets annoyed reading Will Self? Annoyed, because I usually find what he says really interesting - when I've decoded it! The guy has a great mind. If only he'd write in plain, rather than erudite, English. It's always as if his ambition is to make it into PE's Pseud's Corner. I mean, I'm pretty sure I'm not "a fellow-traveller on the neocons' coach trip to the rapturous intersection of medieval chiliasm and Fukuyama's neoliberal end-point" but I'm blowed if I know what one is.<br /><br />Dominic Rivronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02618013365521035400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-74357660766230009172013-11-17T10:35:08.313+00:002013-11-17T10:35:08.313+00:001- Opening my eyes and the first look of the day t...1- Opening my eyes and the first look of the day thru my bedroom window (which has no curtains).<br />2- Taking a hot shower.<br />3- The moment I am heating the water for my mate, preparing my mate pot filling it with yerba mate, and making some bread toasts.<br />4- The moment all the above is ready and I sit at the table to have my breakfast.<br />5- Going out of my building and noticing the morning breeze for the first time on the day.<br />6- Walking across the park that separates the underground from my office.<br />7- Going out from work, feeling the afternoon breeze and normally looking at the afternoon/evening sky.<br />8- Walking across the park that separates my office from the underground. <br />(As I am learning to be more mindful, I enjoy and feel amazed of the differences between 5 and 7, and 6 and 8)<br />9- My afternoon mate. (Mate is a whole ritual in Argentinians life!)<br />10- Writing down my "gratitude lines" about the day. <br /><br />Wow! It is nice to notice I would be able to add some more than 10! Thank you for the challenge and the opportunity to think about this.<br />Many hugs,<br />Cris MCris Mhttp://www.lonaciente.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-81476235620747018692013-11-16T18:07:36.397+00:002013-11-16T18:07:36.397+00:00Thanks for joining in, Am. Beautiful pleasures! I ...Thanks for joining in, Am. Beautiful pleasures! I love the 'drinking water' one.The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-44582759788142599582013-11-16T17:16:10.854+00:002013-11-16T17:16:10.854+00:001. Going out on my porch before dawn to breathe t...1. Going out on my porch before dawn to breathe the fresh air.<br />2. Drinking water.<br />3. Listening to music and playing music.<br />4. Talking with friends.<br />5. Walking with friends.<br />6. Reading books and blogs.<br />7. Rocking sleeping babies.<br />8. Looking at art work.<br />9. Growing flowers from seed on my porch.<br />10. Writing my dreams down.<br /><br />Thank you for this suggestion (-:amhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09212213177713917828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-17733825666553144852013-11-16T16:49:20.115+00:002013-11-16T16:49:20.115+00:00Spontaneous, Pat!Spontaneous, Pat!The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-45493878096611156052013-11-16T15:54:47.099+00:002013-11-16T15:54:47.099+00:00I shall now go away and think about this.I shall now go away and think about this.The Weaver of Grasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13947971556343746883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8319797996494487653.post-49667824569344909212013-11-16T14:29:41.776+00:002013-11-16T14:29:41.776+00:00Lovely, George! I'm with you on the oatmeal ra...Lovely, George! I'm with you on the oatmeal raisin cookie, or biscuit as we say over here!The Solitary Walkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11284354541952038339noreply@blogger.com