I love this, Deb. The swings have always been my favorite, I still swing sometimes. Fear destroys fun, like the closing of parks…and the thing I lament: the abolishment of the good swings, the high ones with the chains that lifted you to the clouds or wherever your imagination could take you. And thank you for the link to explore the origin of the swings ☺️❤️. My little one has been asking to go to the park all morning, so I will think of this piece while we’re there! Have a beautiful weekend, Deb!
Thank you so much Jenn! Me too! Love the swings :). It's been so fun to discover clips from my childhood and put video together. I spent hours on a swing!! I still love it if the grandkids ask me to swing! I lament the abolishment of the good swings too. So much interference! Never ending litigation causes confinement/more control for everyone.
I love how one story leads to another and it was good to see where the idea for a playground came from, the swings and other equipment. Poor Charles. Who knows why at the end he decided to leave that way. I didn't find anything on it. Perhaps a long life and then pain at the end can do that. His legacy lives on in the child swinging. I hope you got to the park to swing with your littlest beauty! Have a lovely week friend. oxox
Me too. My dad built us a swing set in our backyard and it was where we spent all our time. There was nothing so fun as swinging. Poor Charles, yes. That is a very sad ending for one who was the origin of so much happiness. My tiny one made it to the swings, we had beautiful weather. I said a silent thank you to both you and Charles. I hope you’ve had a beautiful start to your week! ❤️ (sorry if this posts twice, I am having trouble with the internet connection, I think)
It does go on to infinity. I find as an adult the swing is a lot less effortless than I remember, though 😂. Poor Charles, yes, poor Charles 💔. no judgement here, either, only a deep sadness that life was no longer worth it.
I love that. John built one over a treehouse he made when the kids were little. The swing just goes on to infinity in our lives. So sad Charles felt he had to leave the earth that way but one never knows what is going on. He was probably sick (and tired). These things sadly happen. I’m never one to judge too harshly. The end of life is so personal. Thank you for this. Thank you too for reading and sharing. Love you Jenn. oxox
Yet another incredible piece. I'm not sure how you pick the subjects that you write about, but I would love to live inside your brain for even just a bit. Haha, you might find that scary, knowing what goes on that no one else does! But I mean this to say that you are so talented and passionate and fascinating. A well. And thank you to Mr. Wicksteed, I had never heard about him and am so glad I have now. Just about a week ago, I swung for a few minutes out in the dark, under the stars, alone in our side yard. It was magical.
Krissy, you made my week. Thank you. And that's hilarious! I think I might like to live in yours as well. And.... feel the same way about you. I love how one thought leads to discovering something that ties in to the meaning of what I'm writing. Who gave us this gift of swinging? And it lead me back to England where I was born. I'm always on a rabbit trail stream of conscious. Life is so interesting and there is so much to be grateful for. My very first piece here was about the stepping stones of people whose backs we walk over. They laid down something for us to use and carry forward. And so on and so forth right? I felt it when you said you went outside and swung under the stars. It's a beautiful scene, a reflective, take a breath time of the child in us still. The swing as a friend and therapy.
I want to say I sat and read, very late last night, Pt 1, of your dear friend Steph and then I was too tired to get my words together. A bit teary eyed. So I'm reading Pt 2 today and I will be commenting. I lost my best friend to cancer when we were 49 and I was 9 years into my career. I wrote about her too. Also, I have been praying about something and I will be writing you and my friend Jenn, the artist (I think she saw your piece on Sylvia and loved it) a p.m. soon. Thank you again friend. oxox
Mmmm, I love that. The imagery of those who have gone before us, laying down something, maybe even themselves, for us to step on and over as we move along. As we keep paying that forward, it makes this whole thing called life work. So beautiful, Deb. <3<3
Here is my recollection after reading this outstanding piece. We lived in or visited several amazing parks as children. The first I remember living in Templeton, California. It was a small Norman Rockwell type town with a park right in the center. With one of those gazebos. It was the sweetest park surrounded by churches. As a child, I wanted to investigate every church because they were two and 3-story buildings made of wood with prominent steeples and spires over the chapels. They look like mystery houses, and at that time in my life, I went with my grandparents to their Lutheran Church, which was pretty plain in comparison. Because my father worked for the San Jose Mercury, we would also spend a lot of time in San Jose because of his work. One summer, we lived in Monterey, and a famous park still exists, Dennis the Menace Park. It was the most fabulous I have ever been—still today. But even in our hometown, we have a beautiful park called Murray Park, set alongside the hillside with gorgeous trees, picnic areas, and a breathtaking lake with waterfalls. There were ducks in the park, and we would feed the ducks. I think I spent half of my childhood in that park. Lol. And, of course, there were others too many to name. But all fabulous ones.
This one brought back many sweet buried memories, and Charles must have been a child at heart to understand a child’s soul.
Dear Charlotte, I absolutely love how reading this brought you back to these places. I can see them in my mind. I so appreciate you describing your love of church architecture as a child. I, too, was fascinated with the specialness of them and all the old buildings and great master builders. It's the first thing I want to do, besides photograph the street, street art, etc., is see the old churches and buildings. And Monterey has the most beautiful beach to explore. I still see our kids in the trees, with me taking pictures - but only wished we knew of Dennis the Menace Park! That sounds amazing. Murray Park sounds like a dream for everyone. We have a beautiful park like that in Chino with a waterfall and lake. In the beginning days of my photography, couples loved to meet there for pictures. Thank you for this. You are truly the best and I will say it one hundred times, I hope we get to meet soon! This year at least! Love you! oxox
Thank you brother! I know they love the kid in you too and scream to speak to you over the phone! lol! Can't believe the footage I'm finding. Just wish mum could see it. She was so beautiful holding you on that swing! I spent lots of hours swinging away in my own little world after you were born, between begging to hold you! Love you. ox
I love a good swing and this was a joy to read. It’s true our children need more time in the parks and playgrounds. It’s necessary soul work to be in nature! ✨
Thank you so much Trudi! I go from one thought to another! ha ha! The value of a park or a swing in the yard is immeasurable isn't it? I agree that it's necessary soul work (love how you put that!). Also, I am so lost on Substack's Note's app now - but I think you responded to my Waltons message and I can't find it to respond back. Yesss! Crazy, fun life! That whole opportunity taught me how I was all visual and not much of a speaker before the camera! Giving it a go though and hope to get the podcast up again! (just don't want my face in it! ha ha!). I am going to catchup on your poetry soon! Sending you a big hug and much love. oxox
I started it a few years ago - little and fun! My mum is my favorite and it’s up under the podcast in the menu - but I’d like to start talking to more people like you, Kristin (possibly together about your penpal series) and I have a list of others! I love the old-fashioned voice track only on the podcast. It leads to the imagination more. More focus in listening I think! oxox
She is so sweet right? My heart hurts so much that she is losing her sight. She is the poet and writer. The gardener, cook, reader. It’s amazing how much we do with our eyes :(. And yesss! If we can do Zoom in England? I’m a bit clueless with Zoom, although I’ve used it - then sitting down for a chat with you both would be perfect! I think Kristin needs this fresh new beginning. I’m going to get working on it soon. ox
Oh Simone, thank you so much :) We are children inside aren't we? Always craving that peace and joy of wonder. A simple swing or going to the park is such fun and comfort for the soul. I must catchup with you! Completely lost on the app now - but giving it my best. With the carousel missing on my end I don't see my friends as easily. Hope it's fixed soon. Sending you love and light for a good week ahead and always. oxox
Yes, I have had the mickey taken out of me for being like a childlike but it’s paying off with the grandchildren! lol. Sending you much love always Simone. oxox
Thanks Deb, I love swings, before moving here I was going to build one but have not "got around to it", thanks for the motivation to build it again- now I just need the right tree...
Thank you Martin! For reading and leaving me this great comment! Yesss! Build it! But I know the right tree is very important! It's amazing what joy can come from a simple swing and a "giving tree." oxox
Beautiful in every way Deb. I have a tire swing in my backyard that everyone is too big for, but I won’t ever take it down. Sometimes I just watch it sway and the sound is always comforting. Love you.
Kristin, I miss you. I can't believe that I didn't mention our tire swing at the old house. I am so glad you wrote me this comment. You blessed me greatly this morning. I've been wanting to see how you are anyways. John hung it when we moved into the family home we built. It was on this big sweeping Eucalyptus tree that we loved and it swung over the street from the hill it was on. (kinda scary! but that's John! lol) - So many clients wanted to have their kids swing in it too for pictures. I'm going to mention you in my story and add that detail in. I have hundreds of pictures with that old tire swing. I know what you mean. Gave me a few tears to leave it behind. Love you too. And thank you. oxox
Hi Deb. I missed this post when my carousel was gone. Like a small bookshop, SubStack delivers me the best things in the hidden corners of that carousel and this morning there you were. This is such a wonderful story I cried. To recall the carelessness with which we spent hours at play was such a dichotomy to the present turmoil in this world. Maybe us adults should go to the playground too🤭. There’s one right at the end of our driveway. It must be time for me to return to the woods because it’s how I ‘play on the swings’. It feels like I miss everyone some days, even those of us I’ve never laid eyes on. I’ll be out west soon for a vacation and wanted to possibly hang out (how old am I? 🤪) with some of this crowd. I don’t know how much we’ll squeeze in because California, Washington, Oregon - they’re so vast I’m not sure how much we’ll get to.
Dear Cori, this made me cry! What? Thank you so much. You are so kind and felt and I am glad this moved you. To recall the carelessness, as you say, moves my heart to pieces. We got home late, after dark, Sunday evening, and as we closed the car doors and entered the backyard, there she was. The swing was nonstop. The squeaking sound and a grandfather gone. I got tears.
When are you coming west? We are heading north to Oregon and then over to Boise, Idaho and back to Oregon in mid July. Let me know and if we're here I'll meet you anywhere (as long as it's not too far! ha ha!). Sending you a big hug and thank you again. oxox
Heartfelt words Deborah and I didn’t know all of that about Wicksteed Park. I do miss the more challenging old fashioned playgrounds before ‘elf n safety’ got a foot in, though.
Thank you friend! It was lovely to see the history and then sad how Charles Wicksteed left the earth - but we'll never know. So much pain and suffering at the end of life can do that. Wicksteed Park looks like a lot of fun. I think they do concerts there too. And there's a part dedicated to the old playground before the interferers got involved. Although I can attest splinters in the bum and burns from the metal slides were not so fun. Glad the materials have improved!! They are bringing back more exciting parks in our area. We have a great one a walk away and now I'm questioning the very tall slide with the steep steps and very wide openings on either side! lol. Didn't they think the little tots would want to walk over to the big kids play area? Sometimes I wonder about common sense too. They change the swings to more boring and make a slide more dangerous to get to! But that's probably the nana in me now! God forbid anything happens on my watch!! Have a good week. oxox
I love this, Deb. The swings have always been my favorite, I still swing sometimes. Fear destroys fun, like the closing of parks…and the thing I lament: the abolishment of the good swings, the high ones with the chains that lifted you to the clouds or wherever your imagination could take you. And thank you for the link to explore the origin of the swings ☺️❤️. My little one has been asking to go to the park all morning, so I will think of this piece while we’re there! Have a beautiful weekend, Deb!
Thank you so much Jenn! Me too! Love the swings :). It's been so fun to discover clips from my childhood and put video together. I spent hours on a swing!! I still love it if the grandkids ask me to swing! I lament the abolishment of the good swings too. So much interference! Never ending litigation causes confinement/more control for everyone.
I love how one story leads to another and it was good to see where the idea for a playground came from, the swings and other equipment. Poor Charles. Who knows why at the end he decided to leave that way. I didn't find anything on it. Perhaps a long life and then pain at the end can do that. His legacy lives on in the child swinging. I hope you got to the park to swing with your littlest beauty! Have a lovely week friend. oxox
Me too. My dad built us a swing set in our backyard and it was where we spent all our time. There was nothing so fun as swinging. Poor Charles, yes. That is a very sad ending for one who was the origin of so much happiness. My tiny one made it to the swings, we had beautiful weather. I said a silent thank you to both you and Charles. I hope you’ve had a beautiful start to your week! ❤️ (sorry if this posts twice, I am having trouble with the internet connection, I think)
It does go on to infinity. I find as an adult the swing is a lot less effortless than I remember, though 😂. Poor Charles, yes, poor Charles 💔. no judgement here, either, only a deep sadness that life was no longer worth it.
So true. I think it's because they're not made for us sometimes :) And yeah, so sad, but what a wonderful legacy. ox
I love that. John built one over a treehouse he made when the kids were little. The swing just goes on to infinity in our lives. So sad Charles felt he had to leave the earth that way but one never knows what is going on. He was probably sick (and tired). These things sadly happen. I’m never one to judge too harshly. The end of life is so personal. Thank you for this. Thank you too for reading and sharing. Love you Jenn. oxox
Yet another incredible piece. I'm not sure how you pick the subjects that you write about, but I would love to live inside your brain for even just a bit. Haha, you might find that scary, knowing what goes on that no one else does! But I mean this to say that you are so talented and passionate and fascinating. A well. And thank you to Mr. Wicksteed, I had never heard about him and am so glad I have now. Just about a week ago, I swung for a few minutes out in the dark, under the stars, alone in our side yard. It was magical.
Krissy, you made my week. Thank you. And that's hilarious! I think I might like to live in yours as well. And.... feel the same way about you. I love how one thought leads to discovering something that ties in to the meaning of what I'm writing. Who gave us this gift of swinging? And it lead me back to England where I was born. I'm always on a rabbit trail stream of conscious. Life is so interesting and there is so much to be grateful for. My very first piece here was about the stepping stones of people whose backs we walk over. They laid down something for us to use and carry forward. And so on and so forth right? I felt it when you said you went outside and swung under the stars. It's a beautiful scene, a reflective, take a breath time of the child in us still. The swing as a friend and therapy.
I want to say I sat and read, very late last night, Pt 1, of your dear friend Steph and then I was too tired to get my words together. A bit teary eyed. So I'm reading Pt 2 today and I will be commenting. I lost my best friend to cancer when we were 49 and I was 9 years into my career. I wrote about her too. Also, I have been praying about something and I will be writing you and my friend Jenn, the artist (I think she saw your piece on Sylvia and loved it) a p.m. soon. Thank you again friend. oxox
Mmmm, I love that. The imagery of those who have gone before us, laying down something, maybe even themselves, for us to step on and over as we move along. As we keep paying that forward, it makes this whole thing called life work. So beautiful, Deb. <3<3
Doesn’t it? life in chasing and using the dreams of those who came before us. So, so much respect. Thank you. oxox
Here is my recollection after reading this outstanding piece. We lived in or visited several amazing parks as children. The first I remember living in Templeton, California. It was a small Norman Rockwell type town with a park right in the center. With one of those gazebos. It was the sweetest park surrounded by churches. As a child, I wanted to investigate every church because they were two and 3-story buildings made of wood with prominent steeples and spires over the chapels. They look like mystery houses, and at that time in my life, I went with my grandparents to their Lutheran Church, which was pretty plain in comparison. Because my father worked for the San Jose Mercury, we would also spend a lot of time in San Jose because of his work. One summer, we lived in Monterey, and a famous park still exists, Dennis the Menace Park. It was the most fabulous I have ever been—still today. But even in our hometown, we have a beautiful park called Murray Park, set alongside the hillside with gorgeous trees, picnic areas, and a breathtaking lake with waterfalls. There were ducks in the park, and we would feed the ducks. I think I spent half of my childhood in that park. Lol. And, of course, there were others too many to name. But all fabulous ones.
This one brought back many sweet buried memories, and Charles must have been a child at heart to understand a child’s soul.
❤️🧒🏼👧🏻❤️
Dear Charlotte, I absolutely love how reading this brought you back to these places. I can see them in my mind. I so appreciate you describing your love of church architecture as a child. I, too, was fascinated with the specialness of them and all the old buildings and great master builders. It's the first thing I want to do, besides photograph the street, street art, etc., is see the old churches and buildings. And Monterey has the most beautiful beach to explore. I still see our kids in the trees, with me taking pictures - but only wished we knew of Dennis the Menace Park! That sounds amazing. Murray Park sounds like a dream for everyone. We have a beautiful park like that in Chino with a waterfall and lake. In the beginning days of my photography, couples loved to meet there for pictures. Thank you for this. You are truly the best and I will say it one hundred times, I hope we get to meet soon! This year at least! Love you! oxox
Loved this & the video was perfect ❤ Your grandchildren love the kid in their Nana!
Thank you brother! I know they love the kid in you too and scream to speak to you over the phone! lol! Can't believe the footage I'm finding. Just wish mum could see it. She was so beautiful holding you on that swing! I spent lots of hours swinging away in my own little world after you were born, between begging to hold you! Love you. ox
I love a good swing and this was a joy to read. It’s true our children need more time in the parks and playgrounds. It’s necessary soul work to be in nature! ✨
Thank you so much Trudi! I go from one thought to another! ha ha! The value of a park or a swing in the yard is immeasurable isn't it? I agree that it's necessary soul work (love how you put that!). Also, I am so lost on Substack's Note's app now - but I think you responded to my Waltons message and I can't find it to respond back. Yesss! Crazy, fun life! That whole opportunity taught me how I was all visual and not much of a speaker before the camera! Giving it a go though and hope to get the podcast up again! (just don't want my face in it! ha ha!). I am going to catchup on your poetry soon! Sending you a big hug and much love. oxox
Ooh a podcast sounds good, Deborah! You should get that out there with your lovely face on it! Yes I love a good swing, still! It's so much fun!
I started it a few years ago - little and fun! My mum is my favorite and it’s up under the podcast in the menu - but I’d like to start talking to more people like you, Kristin (possibly together about your penpal series) and I have a list of others! I love the old-fashioned voice track only on the podcast. It leads to the imagination more. More focus in listening I think! oxox
Oh yes I listened to your mum! It's a great idea to get this going again and yes to me and Kristin chatting about our letters!💕
She is so sweet right? My heart hurts so much that she is losing her sight. She is the poet and writer. The gardener, cook, reader. It’s amazing how much we do with our eyes :(. And yesss! If we can do Zoom in England? I’m a bit clueless with Zoom, although I’ve used it - then sitting down for a chat with you both would be perfect! I think Kristin needs this fresh new beginning. I’m going to get working on it soon. ox
We can do zoom. We just align times! 🌟
What a beautiful piece that brings peace and love to all the little children — and those that still reside in us. 😊 ❤️ 🙏
Oh Simone, thank you so much :) We are children inside aren't we? Always craving that peace and joy of wonder. A simple swing or going to the park is such fun and comfort for the soul. I must catchup with you! Completely lost on the app now - but giving it my best. With the carousel missing on my end I don't see my friends as easily. Hope it's fixed soon. Sending you love and light for a good week ahead and always. oxox
We are definitely children inside. No rush, you will bump into me on the scroll somewhere. Sending love and light back to you 💜🙏😊
Yes, I have had the mickey taken out of me for being like a childlike but it’s paying off with the grandchildren! lol. Sending you much love always Simone. oxox
And to you Deborah 🥰
Thanks Deb, I love swings, before moving here I was going to build one but have not "got around to it", thanks for the motivation to build it again- now I just need the right tree...
Thank you Martin! For reading and leaving me this great comment! Yesss! Build it! But I know the right tree is very important! It's amazing what joy can come from a simple swing and a "giving tree." oxox
I will keep you informed on my progress- I have the rope, I need a seat and a branch, and a test pilot!
Oh yes! I’d love to see! Test pilots are important! lol :)
Beautiful in every way Deb. I have a tire swing in my backyard that everyone is too big for, but I won’t ever take it down. Sometimes I just watch it sway and the sound is always comforting. Love you.
Kristin, I miss you. I can't believe that I didn't mention our tire swing at the old house. I am so glad you wrote me this comment. You blessed me greatly this morning. I've been wanting to see how you are anyways. John hung it when we moved into the family home we built. It was on this big sweeping Eucalyptus tree that we loved and it swung over the street from the hill it was on. (kinda scary! but that's John! lol) - So many clients wanted to have their kids swing in it too for pictures. I'm going to mention you in my story and add that detail in. I have hundreds of pictures with that old tire swing. I know what you mean. Gave me a few tears to leave it behind. Love you too. And thank you. oxox
Aw that's very sweet Deb thank you. I miss you too and we need to catch up soon! oxox
Hi Deb. I missed this post when my carousel was gone. Like a small bookshop, SubStack delivers me the best things in the hidden corners of that carousel and this morning there you were. This is such a wonderful story I cried. To recall the carelessness with which we spent hours at play was such a dichotomy to the present turmoil in this world. Maybe us adults should go to the playground too🤭. There’s one right at the end of our driveway. It must be time for me to return to the woods because it’s how I ‘play on the swings’. It feels like I miss everyone some days, even those of us I’ve never laid eyes on. I’ll be out west soon for a vacation and wanted to possibly hang out (how old am I? 🤪) with some of this crowd. I don’t know how much we’ll squeeze in because California, Washington, Oregon - they’re so vast I’m not sure how much we’ll get to.
Dear Cori, this made me cry! What? Thank you so much. You are so kind and felt and I am glad this moved you. To recall the carelessness, as you say, moves my heart to pieces. We got home late, after dark, Sunday evening, and as we closed the car doors and entered the backyard, there she was. The swing was nonstop. The squeaking sound and a grandfather gone. I got tears.
When are you coming west? We are heading north to Oregon and then over to Boise, Idaho and back to Oregon in mid July. Let me know and if we're here I'll meet you anywhere (as long as it's not too far! ha ha!). Sending you a big hug and thank you again. oxox
Heartfelt words Deborah and I didn’t know all of that about Wicksteed Park. I do miss the more challenging old fashioned playgrounds before ‘elf n safety’ got a foot in, though.
Thank you friend! It was lovely to see the history and then sad how Charles Wicksteed left the earth - but we'll never know. So much pain and suffering at the end of life can do that. Wicksteed Park looks like a lot of fun. I think they do concerts there too. And there's a part dedicated to the old playground before the interferers got involved. Although I can attest splinters in the bum and burns from the metal slides were not so fun. Glad the materials have improved!! They are bringing back more exciting parks in our area. We have a great one a walk away and now I'm questioning the very tall slide with the steep steps and very wide openings on either side! lol. Didn't they think the little tots would want to walk over to the big kids play area? Sometimes I wonder about common sense too. They change the swings to more boring and make a slide more dangerous to get to! But that's probably the nana in me now! God forbid anything happens on my watch!! Have a good week. oxox