The Daily Respite
The Daily Respite
October 1, 2020
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Good morning!

It’s Thursday, and it’s first day of October. This calls for a midweek nature break.

Today we’re sitting at the edge of a dock on Squam Lake in Holderness, New Hampshire.

This is the lake where I’ve been staying this week, teaching people what I’ve learned over the years about the process of writing your so-called story. Verlyn Klinkenborg describes the central purpose of writing as “to offer your testimony about the character of existence at this moment.” But here’s the crux: Before convincing the rest of the world that our testimony is worth listening to, we have to convince ourselves. Which is an ongoing process. This weekend I’ve seen the beginnings of some exquisite testimonies that I dearly hope will come to life. #futureauthorsofknitlandia #squamlove
September 14, 2019

I have an extra treat for you: After dark, the loons perform their night chorus. When I was there, I couldn’t go to sleep without recording some of it. Tap that little right-pointing triangle at the top of this email if you’d like to listen to 30 seconds of their serenade.

“I pray to the birds because they remind me of what I love rather than what I fear. And at the end of my prayers, they teach me how to listen.”
― Terry Tempest Williams

I’ll see you tomorrow,

Clara

Discussion about this episode

I attended a workshop at Squam many years ago and some of my fondest memories are of times spent down at the docks. Early morning swims, gathering together to share stories and songs as the light faded from the day, hearing loons for the first time, discovering parts of myself that had been neglected for years. Thank you for transporting me back there for a moment. x

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I've never heard loon calls that constant! The first time I ever saw the Northern Lights was at Squam, at a retreat 'cabin' Dartmouth had up there (they've since sold it--idiots). Such a gorgeous area. I hope to get to a SquamArts retreat someday....

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Love the sound of the loons! Sigh, I was supposed to be at Squam in June. Stupid COVID.

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It wouldn't be a successful trip to the lake without seeing a loon dive under the water or hearing their calls.

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Oh, that sound. You had such a wonderful time at Squam. Looking forward to more adventures in 2021...

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How nice and relaxing-I've been painting and am just now coming up for air.

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How nice and relaxing-I've been painting and am just now coming up for air.

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Love the quote from Terry Tempest Williams! (and the loons & the lake, too)

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Thank You

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Oh that was delightful! I’ve never heard birds like that before. My cat wasn’t sure what to think so she head-booped my phone. Your photo is gorgeous!!

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What a lovely call. I like to sit on the back porch at night and listen to the to the barred owls.

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I know Squam Lake actually littl Squam becasue I went to summer camp (Camp Winnetaska) in Holderness for many years as a child. I have fond memories of those summers.

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Another beautiful, serene lake that I visited in my childhood. I remember the loons from there and from Rangeley Lake. Such a lovely, mournful sound.

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Awesome!! Lucky you.

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I have never been anywhere to hear loons in person. How tranquil. My new white noise to sleep. 🥰

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I really missed Squam this year

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Thanks for sharing something so beautiful

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The song of the loonsand their different calls bring me back to nature.

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Lovely! I first heard loons when we lived in Maine. So unusual and thrilling.

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Thank you. What a lovely treat to start the day.

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Clara, do you ever hear the loons at home? Years and years ago, my family vacationed on Deer Isle in a cottage with gas lamps and a pump in the sink. We heard them there.

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I see them more than I hear them. But when I hear them, everything stops!

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So special. Thank you.

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You were there! ❤️

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Never forget my good fortune!

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