20 Comments
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Nelle stokes's avatar

Love this. I'm a big Ben Aaronovitch fan, so that bit was much appreciated -- a little cherry on top of the sundae of this piece.:-)

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

Gotta love a bit of Ben!

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Keris Fox's avatar

This is all so gorgeous and this made me laugh:

“At one point, Keris said: ‘It’s like we’re the same person,’ which delighted me and hopefully didn’t distress her too much.”

Because I literally thought, god, I hope Katy wasn’t offended 😂

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

Ha ha! perfect!

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Lucy B's avatar

Love this post. I loved Shirley Valentine when I was younger, but love it even more now I am older than her. My favourite film. Everyone should tap into their inner Shirley if they are feeling stuck.

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

They should!

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Nicole Costello's avatar

Gosh I love Shirley Valentine ❤️

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

Me too!

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Nicole Costello's avatar

just rewatched it thank you for the reminder!!

‘boat is boat

fuck is fuck’

❤️

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Victoria SkyDancer's avatar

"I was thinking about how, over the last few years, my life had become smaller and smaller thanks to Covid and trauma, mentalness, grief and fear. I wondered where I had gone." Add Caregiving into this mix and that was my realization last year, trying to talk myself into a walk to the beach. I did take that walk, fortunately.

I would also choose the bees over the digital future of farming any day of thee week.

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

The bees would be happy about that. They'd probably do a waggle dance!

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June Girvin's avatar

Goodness, you've been busy! But it sounds like real enjoyment of life. Excellent writing.

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

Thank you. xx

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Jo's avatar

As a traveller who’s always planning her next trip (running/escape) your words really resonated, yes yes yes, “letting life surge around me”. Such brilliant thoughts and words, so grateful for and inspired by you.

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

Thank you. xx

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John Davies's avatar

Harry Chapin always reminds me, ‘You can travel on ten thousand miles and still stay where you are.’ Enjoyed your post - sharp, clear writing. Thanks.

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

Thank you.

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susie bower's avatar

Oh Katie, I so resonate with what you write. Especially this: 'I was thinking about how, over the last few years, my life had become smaller and smaller thanks to Covid and trauma, mentalness, grief and fear. I wondered where I had gone.' I'm inspired by your journey, your creativity and your courage. x

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Katy Wheatley's avatar

Thank you. xx

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Anika's avatar

A fantastic piece of writing Katy. I have been out of the loop of catching up with Substack for a while so you may get a few comments on your posts today!

It sounds like a tiring but amazing week, filling your cup with the things you love. I try and do the same. If I have a had a particularly draining week of people, work and responsibilities, I try to have a few days of nourishing myself instead.

I watched Shirley Valentine for the first time a couple of years ago, what a fantastic film.

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