Ohhh, I love that you’ll be sharing these “good places” as a 3-week series. The oak one really resonated with me. It was such a beautiful reminder why my husband and I took the time and money—established trees cost more than we bargained for—to plant new oaks after we lost several trees to the recent Texas droughts. With each tree we planted, we reminded ourselves that someone, long into the future, would be enjoying their shade. Thank you for your beautiful work!
Thank you so much for this lovely comment, Dominique! I'm so glad you enjoyed this first part of the series, especially the story of the oak tree. Your beautiful words about planting new oak trees reminded me of a book I have a feeling you'll love -- it's called "The Tree Collectors," by Amy Stewart (who's also here on Substack as well, btw!), and so many of the people she features echo what you said 🌳🤍
Oh Candace, this book by Amy Stewart looks perfect! I’ve added it to my book wishlist, and I see it’s also available at my local library. Planning to check out Amy’s substack too. Thanks for the suggestion. And thanks for the beautiful work you’re putting out into the world.
Yes! I also loved Maryann's story for that reason 🤍
By the way, I'm excited for you to see part two of the series today, Sara -- it's dedicated to water, and I loved including your beautiful words about the ocean :)
Maryann, thank you so much again for taking us all to your screened porch last week, and especially for evoking it so beautifully through all the seasons. Besides the pink azaleas, I think my second favorite detail was about watching your maple tree turn red -- I could picture it so vividly, and can only imagine the beauty and peace it brings to your days 🤍
These were so lovely. I was particularly moved to tears by the porch one because its description so perfectly described the screen porch of the home I grew up in in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Such wonderful memories. I don't know if you read my substack, but on Sunday, I described what I guess is my good place, sitting looking out at an olive tree. https://marylouisalocke.substack.com/p/sunday-february-16-2025-a-small-moment
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment here last week, Louisa, and for sharing your own story -- I especially love what you wrote here: "The tree is so close to the house that in this chair I feel as if I am sitting within the branches of the tree itself."
From your beautiful olive tree to Jacki's oak tree and Maryann's maple, I love the role that trees play in helping us feel at home and at peace in our good places 🌳🤍
Lois, thank you so much again for sharing your good place with us last week! Where I'm from in Virginia, I also grew up with summer thunderstorms, and your beautiful story took me right back to those moments, especially the smell of rain in the warm, humid air 🤍
I hear you, that brisk blast of a cool breeze brought on by the falling rain rapidly cooling the air. You have probably just a few minutes before the rain reaches you. Ah summer.
Ohhh, I love that you’ll be sharing these “good places” as a 3-week series. The oak one really resonated with me. It was such a beautiful reminder why my husband and I took the time and money—established trees cost more than we bargained for—to plant new oaks after we lost several trees to the recent Texas droughts. With each tree we planted, we reminded ourselves that someone, long into the future, would be enjoying their shade. Thank you for your beautiful work!
Thank you so much for this lovely comment, Dominique! I'm so glad you enjoyed this first part of the series, especially the story of the oak tree. Your beautiful words about planting new oak trees reminded me of a book I have a feeling you'll love -- it's called "The Tree Collectors," by Amy Stewart (who's also here on Substack as well, btw!), and so many of the people she features echo what you said 🌳🤍
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/710159/the-tree-collectors-by-amy-stewart/
Oh Candace, this book by Amy Stewart looks perfect! I’ve added it to my book wishlist, and I see it’s also available at my local library. Planning to check out Amy’s substack too. Thanks for the suggestion. And thanks for the beautiful work you’re putting out into the world.
these are just delightful! <3
I'm so glad you enjoyed this first part of the series! 🤍
I loved moving through the seasons on Maryann's porch.
Yes! I also loved Maryann's story for that reason 🤍
By the way, I'm excited for you to see part two of the series today, Sara -- it's dedicated to water, and I loved including your beautiful words about the ocean :)
Ooh, looking forward to it!
This was a beautiful read this morning, thank-you!
Thank you, Linda! I'm so glad you enjoyed this 🤍
I keep loving the scroll presentation!
Thank you, Bonnie! 🤍
What a wonderful way to create community. I can't wait to see the next batch!
Maryann, thank you so much again for taking us all to your screened porch last week, and especially for evoking it so beautifully through all the seasons. Besides the pink azaleas, I think my second favorite detail was about watching your maple tree turn red -- I could picture it so vividly, and can only imagine the beauty and peace it brings to your days 🤍
I'm not an artist but the illustrated essays you share here have had me looking more deeply at the beauty in everyday moments.
This is so beautifully done. What a unique and lovely concept.
Thank you so much, Charlene -- I'm so happy you enjoyed this! 🤍
These were so lovely. I was particularly moved to tears by the porch one because its description so perfectly described the screen porch of the home I grew up in in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Such wonderful memories. I don't know if you read my substack, but on Sunday, I described what I guess is my good place, sitting looking out at an olive tree. https://marylouisalocke.substack.com/p/sunday-february-16-2025-a-small-moment
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment here last week, Louisa, and for sharing your own story -- I especially love what you wrote here: "The tree is so close to the house that in this chair I feel as if I am sitting within the branches of the tree itself."
From your beautiful olive tree to Jacki's oak tree and Maryann's maple, I love the role that trees play in helping us feel at home and at peace in our good places 🌳🤍
I too love that you are sharing these good places. The minute I read that my front porch and a summer storm came to mind. Thank you.
Lois, thank you so much again for sharing your good place with us last week! Where I'm from in Virginia, I also grew up with summer thunderstorms, and your beautiful story took me right back to those moments, especially the smell of rain in the warm, humid air 🤍
I hear you, that brisk blast of a cool breeze brought on by the falling rain rapidly cooling the air. You have probably just a few minutes before the rain reaches you. Ah summer.
It feels like a home coming to read these. SO beautifully done. A deep bow. 💜🪶
Joanie, thank you so much for your comment -- I'm honored and humbled by your beautiful words. Thank you for reading and being here! 🤍✨
Oh this is beautiful 🙏☺️