“What I didn’t say was how this kind of casual social interaction is reassuring and comforting to me. I’m not a person who loves big crowds or big parties or intense social activities, especially in sobriety. (I actually never did, but I faked it.) So I appreciate the small bits of conversation and connection I can have just by going to the post office.”
I get the same comforting feeling in my small Texas town full of musicians and artists. It ain’t MVI but I recognize and know the feeling 🙏
Love this, Susie. I can totally understand why you love MV (though just too cold up there for my serenity.) I feel the same way about growing up on a farm in a small town and now living on my little farm in another small town. Unfortunately it's growing too much for me...
I'm so glad you're happy!
I'm sure you will have a delicious Thanksgiving -- hope our paths cross soon! xo melanie (duke
Aw Melanie, I'm always so glad to hear from you. Hope your daughter and son are doing well. Do you think you'll go to the 40th reunion? I'm thinking of going so my husband can see all the things I love about North Carolina,( if I can get away). I'm sorry about the "growing" small town. Yikes, it is happening everywhere. And you're right about it being cold up here - and dark - sun set at 4:17 today! thanks for writing, xo Susie
I do feel like you’ve chosen the better island, but don’t tell my in-laws I said that. I do appreciate having my feet in the dirt and sand daily, my conversations with the postmaster and the chit chat on the boat. I’m having a difficult time with the fact that the pharmacist is also my son’s hockey coach!
Well that gave me a chuckle! It is a little weird, I know. And FYI, neither one of us is supposed to be complimenting the other Island - I think there's a taboo against it - ha! You will have to come over for a visit sometime to the Island with six whole towns!
Now we steel ourselves against the dark with winter coming - I'm going to order more fairy lights! Take care, Susie
Thank you, this is precious, so fine to read! First the question and then the answer. thinking I have beenhere, I know this place, I must remember this and share it with somebody else...
I'm so glad Mary Lynn. I don't think I've even started to discover all the cool things about nature - but I know for sure that I feel something empowering when I'm in the elements. All best to you!
“The extravagance of birds and the luxury of quiet.” Gorgeous writing, Susie. I dream of moving far away from the I-95 corridor. For now my haven is our little place in Italy in a town that no one has heard of and that sees few tourists (for better or worse).
Thank you Domenica. Your little town in Italy is perfect and completely authentic to who you are - so smart of you to make that part of your life! And yes the I 95 corridor - sigh - it is hard to get away from it!
I adored this, Susie! Thank you for sharing ❤️ I’m experiencing my own questioning of where my “soul” home is as opposed to the one I was born into (NYC). Something tells me my soul’s home is much more aligned with what you’ve found in Martha’s Vineyard, but there’s something scary about admitting the home I was born into--a place I love so much nonetheless--may not be the place that brings out my best, happiest self.
I am working on it and this piece was very helpful for supporting my journey there! So again, thank you :)
I'm so glad you found this helpful! The only thing I can tell you is to listen to your gut. It's hard to know if one will be happier in one specific location over another, but lifestyle is important and it needs to match up with your values. Sometimes writing down a list of pros and cons (as silly as that might seem) can also help you see what your gut is trying to tell you. All best to you!
John - nice to meet you and fun to know there are other Islanders about! And I know you get it! Whidbey Island I know is a beautiful place - must get there one of these days. Here's to Island life!
Stunning, lovely, life-giving writing. I know that feeling--the Welsh call it “hiraeth” I believe--and describing it is like describing the color blue. Very complex. Magnificently, texturally mundane and as complicated as an ancient weave. So beautiful. I’ll be reading it again and again. 🙏🏻❤️
Ooh, Elissa, I love that word hiraeth - thank you! It is so hard to put a finger on and yet it is very tactile - the actual physical connection. I think I'll be puzzling over ways to describe this for awhile!
That sky, those expansive horizons, and of course the water. What more could anyone want. Thank you for the reminder to look at my skies and my shore and the pebbled horizon that offers a mountain range and a peninsula with scattered (accessible) islands. Susie, thank you for reminding me of my place and my settledness in my place. The world is broken and keening in anguish. We all need a still space to gather our thoughts and courage because living can be brutal and deeply discouraging. But, that sky...
I know - the skies really are so unbelievable sometimes, don't you think? But yes, I think being connected to the place you live - as you say, feeling your settledness in your place - is very life-giving, and as you point out, we all need to feel (somewhat at least!) grounded right now-and all the time, since the world is never going to be all roses. (Don't we wish!) Thanks Lorene! Hope that back is coming along.
We get the same question out here in Montana, especially about our cabin, 40 minutes south of town, 20 minutes from the nearest gas station/mini grocery.
Because I didn't like all that other stuff, and while I didn't succumb to the family alcohol disease, I did always feel uneasy in my skin, and lonely. Like you, I rely on the safety net of low-key social interaction. Here's to those of us who took a step sideways.
Priscilla, you always make me smile. I have a hard time thinking of you as greedy! But I understand what you're saying. With these essays, I'm trying to work out the direction for the book - but finding time to work on it for real is another story! Soon I hope though. But at any rate, I'm glad this resonated from my heart to yours! xo
This is lovely, Susie! I enjoyed reading about your love for MV and what living there has meant for you, and what it continues to mean to you. It sounds like such a special place. I hope to visit someday! A couple of summers ago, my daughter and I spent time on Nantucket, our first time along the New England coast (other than time we’ve spent in NYC and Connecticut visiting my best friend from college, who is from there and returned there after graduating from Michigan State University). I would love to experience MV! Thank you for sharing this. 💛
Nantucket is beautiful - I loved visiting there when I was younger but honestly haven't been since I moved to the Vineyard . The Vineyard is a bigger island with a more diverse geography so when you're in the middle of the state forest, it's maybe not so pretty, but there are also countless spots that will take your breath away - not like the mountains in the west or your Great Lakes, but in a very sea-meets-land kind of way. The water and the wind are everywhere, all the time. The Great Ponds are amazing. I hope you do get to visit!!
This Susie.
“What I didn’t say was how this kind of casual social interaction is reassuring and comforting to me. I’m not a person who loves big crowds or big parties or intense social activities, especially in sobriety. (I actually never did, but I faked it.) So I appreciate the small bits of conversation and connection I can have just by going to the post office.”
I get the same comforting feeling in my small Texas town full of musicians and artists. It ain’t MVI but I recognize and know the feeling 🙏
It’s the same small town comfort - I think it’s easier to be yourself and be comfortable in your skin in these places. And throw in good music - sold!
Love this, Susie. I can totally understand why you love MV (though just too cold up there for my serenity.) I feel the same way about growing up on a farm in a small town and now living on my little farm in another small town. Unfortunately it's growing too much for me...
I'm so glad you're happy!
I'm sure you will have a delicious Thanksgiving -- hope our paths cross soon! xo melanie (duke
Aw Melanie, I'm always so glad to hear from you. Hope your daughter and son are doing well. Do you think you'll go to the 40th reunion? I'm thinking of going so my husband can see all the things I love about North Carolina,( if I can get away). I'm sorry about the "growing" small town. Yikes, it is happening everywhere. And you're right about it being cold up here - and dark - sun set at 4:17 today! thanks for writing, xo Susie
I do feel like you’ve chosen the better island, but don’t tell my in-laws I said that. I do appreciate having my feet in the dirt and sand daily, my conversations with the postmaster and the chit chat on the boat. I’m having a difficult time with the fact that the pharmacist is also my son’s hockey coach!
Hi Erin,
Well that gave me a chuckle! It is a little weird, I know. And FYI, neither one of us is supposed to be complimenting the other Island - I think there's a taboo against it - ha! You will have to come over for a visit sometime to the Island with six whole towns!
Now we steel ourselves against the dark with winter coming - I'm going to order more fairy lights! Take care, Susie
Thank you, this is precious, so fine to read! First the question and then the answer. thinking I have beenhere, I know this place, I must remember this and share it with somebody else...
You're welcome Sally!
all of your words stirred me - but, most especially these: "the power of the spirit that dwells in nature".
I'm so glad Mary Lynn. I don't think I've even started to discover all the cool things about nature - but I know for sure that I feel something empowering when I'm in the elements. All best to you!
I loved reading this, and as always, enjoyed your photos. Especially the little lambs!
Thank you Patrina. I’m kind of obsessed with baby lambs!
“The extravagance of birds and the luxury of quiet.” Gorgeous writing, Susie. I dream of moving far away from the I-95 corridor. For now my haven is our little place in Italy in a town that no one has heard of and that sees few tourists (for better or worse).
Thank you Domenica. Your little town in Italy is perfect and completely authentic to who you are - so smart of you to make that part of your life! And yes the I 95 corridor - sigh - it is hard to get away from it!
I adored this, Susie! Thank you for sharing ❤️ I’m experiencing my own questioning of where my “soul” home is as opposed to the one I was born into (NYC). Something tells me my soul’s home is much more aligned with what you’ve found in Martha’s Vineyard, but there’s something scary about admitting the home I was born into--a place I love so much nonetheless--may not be the place that brings out my best, happiest self.
I am working on it and this piece was very helpful for supporting my journey there! So again, thank you :)
Hi Syd,
I'm so glad you found this helpful! The only thing I can tell you is to listen to your gut. It's hard to know if one will be happier in one specific location over another, but lifestyle is important and it needs to match up with your values. Sometimes writing down a list of pros and cons (as silly as that might seem) can also help you see what your gut is trying to tell you. All best to you!
Thank you, Susie!!
Thanks Elissa Altman for restacking this!
I loved it, and I get it. I live on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound. There are many islanders on Substack. It's great to find one more.
John - nice to meet you and fun to know there are other Islanders about! And I know you get it! Whidbey Island I know is a beautiful place - must get there one of these days. Here's to Island life!
Stunning, lovely, life-giving writing. I know that feeling--the Welsh call it “hiraeth” I believe--and describing it is like describing the color blue. Very complex. Magnificently, texturally mundane and as complicated as an ancient weave. So beautiful. I’ll be reading it again and again. 🙏🏻❤️
Ooh, Elissa, I love that word hiraeth - thank you! It is so hard to put a finger on and yet it is very tactile - the actual physical connection. I think I'll be puzzling over ways to describe this for awhile!
Beautifully written, thank you
Thank you Roberta!
That sky, those expansive horizons, and of course the water. What more could anyone want. Thank you for the reminder to look at my skies and my shore and the pebbled horizon that offers a mountain range and a peninsula with scattered (accessible) islands. Susie, thank you for reminding me of my place and my settledness in my place. The world is broken and keening in anguish. We all need a still space to gather our thoughts and courage because living can be brutal and deeply discouraging. But, that sky...
I know - the skies really are so unbelievable sometimes, don't you think? But yes, I think being connected to the place you live - as you say, feeling your settledness in your place - is very life-giving, and as you point out, we all need to feel (somewhat at least!) grounded right now-and all the time, since the world is never going to be all roses. (Don't we wish!) Thanks Lorene! Hope that back is coming along.
We get the same question out here in Montana, especially about our cabin, 40 minutes south of town, 20 minutes from the nearest gas station/mini grocery.
Because I didn't like all that other stuff, and while I didn't succumb to the family alcohol disease, I did always feel uneasy in my skin, and lonely. Like you, I rely on the safety net of low-key social interaction. Here's to those of us who took a step sideways.
taking a step sideways - I like that Charlotte - thank you! Your place in Montana sounds wonderful.
Oh my. Susie.
You are always reading my mind and knowing what lies in my heart.
But with this piece?
To say that every word resonates with me on so many levels so deeply would be an understatement.
I wish this would be the opening chapter of a book.
Is that selfish of me?
I want to hold your words in my hands.
Maybe the word I’m looking for is greedy 😍
Priscilla, you always make me smile. I have a hard time thinking of you as greedy! But I understand what you're saying. With these essays, I'm trying to work out the direction for the book - but finding time to work on it for real is another story! Soon I hope though. But at any rate, I'm glad this resonated from my heart to yours! xo
This is lovely, Susie! I enjoyed reading about your love for MV and what living there has meant for you, and what it continues to mean to you. It sounds like such a special place. I hope to visit someday! A couple of summers ago, my daughter and I spent time on Nantucket, our first time along the New England coast (other than time we’ve spent in NYC and Connecticut visiting my best friend from college, who is from there and returned there after graduating from Michigan State University). I would love to experience MV! Thank you for sharing this. 💛
Hi Heather,
Nantucket is beautiful - I loved visiting there when I was younger but honestly haven't been since I moved to the Vineyard . The Vineyard is a bigger island with a more diverse geography so when you're in the middle of the state forest, it's maybe not so pretty, but there are also countless spots that will take your breath away - not like the mountains in the west or your Great Lakes, but in a very sea-meets-land kind of way. The water and the wind are everywhere, all the time. The Great Ponds are amazing. I hope you do get to visit!!
Wonderful post. Thank you so much.
Hi Suzanne! So glad you enjoyed it. Hope you’re well!