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Susannah Fisher's avatar

I loved everything you wrote in this post, especially the part about becoming your subject while you paint. Empathy as an art technique sounds right to me, but what I love about this piece is that it's also the foundation to be feeling part of this biosphere we share with other animals and plants. I bookmarked it so I can read it again this afternoon after I've had some time to let it soak in. I'm looking forward to Friday's prompts.

(The painting is looking terrific. Your work is so beautiful.)

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Natalie Eslick's avatar

Oh, this makes me so very happy to read, thank you so much for your kind words!

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Susannah Fisher's avatar

You're welcome. I'm just so happy I found your Substack!

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Natalie Eslick's avatar

Right back at ya! ❤️

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APK's avatar

As I was lying here frustrated about my brain not on board with getting to sleep, I decided to catch up on my substacks and I’m so glad I did! Thank you for such a wonderful post...I told my boys this would be our summer of noticing (mostly in hopes they’ll notice they’ve left their shoes out, but you know) so it feels synchronistic to read your words tonight! I was lucky enough to have my first hummingbird visitor of the season today, a mother squirrel who comes throughout the day (I’m sure I’m going to find her in my kitchen at some point, ha!), and a huge brown rabbit! It was a good day in the garden to have so many visitors, made me want to find a trail and look for more things to notice. Thank you!!

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Natalie Eslick's avatar

Oh what a lovely thing to read, thank you for sharing! Happy trail (and backyard l adventures ❤️

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Carri's avatar

Thank you for this post Natalie. I've been thinking and writing about the same ideas. I can't expect the big adventures to sustain me. The magic of my everyday world offers me nourishment daily. This morning I reveled in the glint and shimmer of sun on the grass and on little spiderwebs. Loved your descriptions of the water birds.

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Natalie Eslick's avatar

Thank you so much Carri! I so agree, I think we're trained to always be wanting more more more, when there so much right here, right now, if we're open to the magic, and open to being self-compassionate enough to let ourselves slow down and be appreciative! So much goodness ❤️

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