Lasagne! Maybe that’s why my four-year-old keeps asking me to tell her this story, haha. Thank you, Kate. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😊 It’s the first fictional piece I’ve shared on Substack, so I wasn’t sure how it would go down.
I must have replied twice or something. Anyway, I think the reason your four-year-old keeps asking you to tell her this story is because it is so enjoyable! I wanted to crawl under the tree and have a secret den, too. Also, when you described the bark coming back, I thought of the tree and bark photo you recently posted. I think it was a different kind of tree, but all the same, the flowing grooves and texture were mutually redolent.
My first thought was that you’re a born storyteller, but then I realized that was simplistic of me and unfair to you in its failure to give proper credit for your hard work, your life that I’m sure has been an adventure lived well to this point, your keenly developed powers of observation, and the genuine care you demonstrate for the earth and all its living things. Writing of this quality, clarity, and emotional depth can only be the product of years of discipline, study, perseverance, and the constant practice of your craft. You make it look easy, but I’m sure that reaching the point you’re at has been anything but. Thanks for this story and all the blood, sweat and tears that you’ve put in to be able to do what you do!
What a kind thing for you to say, Rafael. Thank you. I'm humbled by the lovely comments so far. This is the first time I've shared some of my fictional writing on Substack, so I was quite uncertain about how it would be received.
Yes Alia, some trees and some children are wonderful storytellers. You have given voice to them both like the wind or laughter around those green branches.
What a fabulous read as I commute to the big smoke for another day in the office reminiscing about the gums in my own backyard along with some relatable life experiences, truly an enjoyable read!!!!
What a wonderful story, Alia, and beautifully told. You have a great reading voice. It may be fiction, but I recognise its essential truth., and the relationship between trees, the land and their human custodians that it speaks to.
Beautiful Alia, I finished it with a lump in my throat. You are a fine fiction writer, perhaps this is a new space for you to explore here on Substack!
I loved the imagery with the rain and soil steaming.
Thank you, Kate, that's very kind. I do love writing fiction. I find it harder to come up with ideas on a whim (which is generally how I have to write these days), and having been a journo, find it easier to pluck essays out of the air, but we've got the Earth Day story in a month, and I do have an idea for that, so there's at least one more up my sleeve :)
Yes I understand that feeling, being a mostly non-fiction writer. So I’ll be doing some thinking and brainstorming this week and finding some creative inspiration for our project. Your writing here is very inspiring!
What a magical story! I love it on all levels of metaphorical and physical lasagne. Well done!
Lasagne! Maybe that’s why my four-year-old keeps asking me to tell her this story, haha. Thank you, Kate. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😊 It’s the first fictional piece I’ve shared on Substack, so I wasn’t sure how it would go down.
I must have replied twice or something. Anyway, I think the reason your four-year-old keeps asking you to tell her this story is because it is so enjoyable! I wanted to crawl under the tree and have a secret den, too. Also, when you described the bark coming back, I thought of the tree and bark photo you recently posted. I think it was a different kind of tree, but all the same, the flowing grooves and texture were mutually redolent.
Yes, a very different tree, but in some way, it inspired this one :)
My first thought was that you’re a born storyteller, but then I realized that was simplistic of me and unfair to you in its failure to give proper credit for your hard work, your life that I’m sure has been an adventure lived well to this point, your keenly developed powers of observation, and the genuine care you demonstrate for the earth and all its living things. Writing of this quality, clarity, and emotional depth can only be the product of years of discipline, study, perseverance, and the constant practice of your craft. You make it look easy, but I’m sure that reaching the point you’re at has been anything but. Thanks for this story and all the blood, sweat and tears that you’ve put in to be able to do what you do!
What a kind thing for you to say, Rafael. Thank you. I'm humbled by the lovely comments so far. This is the first time I've shared some of my fictional writing on Substack, so I was quite uncertain about how it would be received.
Astonishingly good - what a joy to read!
Thank you, Jonas.
Yes Alia, some trees and some children are wonderful storytellers. You have given voice to them both like the wind or laughter around those green branches.
Thank you, Jeff. I'm sure those branches have both :)
What a fabulous read as I commute to the big smoke for another day in the office reminiscing about the gums in my own backyard along with some relatable life experiences, truly an enjoyable read!!!!
Thank you, Loz. Yes, when we live long enough, we all share those experiences. Much love to you my friend! A x
Beautifully written 🙂
Thank you, James.
The ever onward march if time with those symbols that seem so commonplace yet enrich our lives, beautifully told Alia. Thanks so much
Thank you, Jonathan. Time moves at different speeds for us all, and these old gums know so much :)
I loved the story...and the botany, so gently slipped in. I'm glad there will be more!
Thank you, Leslie. I've been looking for a way to share this random gum tree fact for a long time 😆
A delightful story about one of my favorite trees and you have a wonderful voice for storytelling. Enthralled. Thank you!
Thank you, Rena. It's nice to know you think I read it well because I listen to it and squirm, haha.
What a wonderful story, Alia, and beautifully told. You have a great reading voice. It may be fiction, but I recognise its essential truth., and the relationship between trees, the land and their human custodians that it speaks to.
Thank you, Steve. I'm really glad you enjoyed it.
Beautiful Alia, I finished it with a lump in my throat. You are a fine fiction writer, perhaps this is a new space for you to explore here on Substack!
I loved the imagery with the rain and soil steaming.
Old trees are cool!
The after smell of rain is magical :)
Thank you, Kate, that's very kind. I do love writing fiction. I find it harder to come up with ideas on a whim (which is generally how I have to write these days), and having been a journo, find it easier to pluck essays out of the air, but we've got the Earth Day story in a month, and I do have an idea for that, so there's at least one more up my sleeve :)
Yes I understand that feeling, being a mostly non-fiction writer. So I’ll be doing some thinking and brainstorming this week and finding some creative inspiration for our project. Your writing here is very inspiring!
BS"D
Beautiful story, well written.
Best, Sholem
Thank you kindly, Peter.