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Sheree's avatar

I love this email. I can so relate as a country girl who is now a city dweller, the peace, the space and the unhurriedness of it is very much missed. Thank you!

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Ryan Butta's avatar

Thanks for reading Sheree. Yes, the unhurriedness! I could easily have fit that word into this piece.

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Howard's avatar

Hey Ryan really enjoyed your email. I was a city boy born and bred. Wasted the first 26 years of my life chasing, commuting and choking. Moved to regional coastal Queensland in 1983 and have had a ball since. No matter where I worked out here I was 2 minutes from real country so can relate to your thoughts. Cheers

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Ryan Butta's avatar

Bloody hell, Howard! You could have saved me some time if you'd mentioned this 5 years ago when we first met! 😉 Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed it!

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Howard's avatar

The secret is to tell your children at a young age so they don’t suffer the city for too long! Keep writing Ryan you should have done this 5 years ago instead of meeting me!😂

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Liz Day's avatar

When working in East Timor, I heard a fable about a business owner speaking to a local fisherman. They were standing in nature, with the waves gently lapping on the shore. The palm trees were rustling in the breeze, providing a cool haven from the tropical sun.

"Why are you fishing with a spear?", the business owner asked, "when you could use a net..."

"I can catch enough for my family with my spear and I am happy", the local replied.

"Yes, said the business owner, but if you had a net, you could sell some of your catch and eventually buy a boat".

"But why do I need a boat?" the local replied.

"So you could catch more" said the business owner, and eventually earn enough to move to the city"

"But why would I want to do that?" said the local

"So you could start your own fishing business", said the business owner.

"Then, after a number of years, you might have enough vacation leave and enough savings to bring your whole family back here to Paradise ... for a holiday".

Your reflections reminded me of this story and the madness of modern life.

Thanks for sharing.

Liz

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Ryan Butta's avatar

I also heard a version of that story when living in Colombia. It's a good reminder to consider how much do we need to do the things we enjoy. Thanks for reading and sharing Liz.

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Alex Hotchin's avatar

A fisherman! I would not have guessed. I've just been down at the Prom for a few days of camping. My friend and I were the only people on a big long beach, and we spent a good deal of time watching the Pacific Gulls and Terns who were camped on the beach, eyes to the sea. I can't say for sure, (because what do I know of a bird's life), but I think they were waiting for the tide to come back in. Such patience they have - as the water takes a good few hours to return, but I guess the fishing is very good for them when the tide comes in!

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Ryan Butta's avatar

I've always loved watching the sea birds Alex. The ospreys I mention were fascinating. When not circling the sky sometimes they would sit for hours on a branch just observing the river before launching an attack. Ah, for an ounce of their patience!

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The Market Cat's avatar

Enjoyed the read…For me foraging connects me to something larger than myself

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Ryan Butta's avatar

And the mushrooms are a lovely bonus!

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Stephaney's avatar

Wise words!!!

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Ryan Butta's avatar

Thanks for reading Stephaney.

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Lisa's avatar

I needed this this morning - I am another 65 year old that needs the sea, nature now more than ever. Beautifully expressed and moving ... thank you!

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Ryan Butta's avatar

Thanks for reading Lisa. I hope you've find some time to be in nature.

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