31 Comments
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Kate Harvey's avatar

You’ve created something so beautiful here on Substack, it’s a window into your inspiring life. The last couple of weeks sound so lovely especially, I love the sound of your retreat too and I’m quite tempted! Xx

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Vanessa Simpson's avatar

Oh Kate I think you’d love a Glow weekend, I mean I know there are many, many wonderful retreats, but it really was lovely! xx

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Kate Muddiman's avatar

Sounds a wonderful week!! I love Paignton and that area of Devon, have some lovely holiday memories there ☺️

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Vanessa Simpson's avatar

It’s a great spot isn’t it, though we were told that downtown Torquay doesn’t have much to recommend it on a Saturday night! 😂

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Janey Thompson's avatar

Next time you are heading for West Wales, bring Gertie for a run with Misty, in the field at the top of our very own (well, 50yards away!) funicular. You can even sleep in my attic, with sea view, if you like 😊

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Vanessa Simpson's avatar

Oh that’s a lovely suggestion - I’m sure all four of us would get along well. I’m actually planning on persuading you to come to the ceramics festival next year! Xx

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Janey Thompson's avatar

We can walk up to the festival freebies from here, through the woods 😊😊😊.

It's a date!

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Vanessa Simpson's avatar

Hurrah! xx

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Countrywoman’s Guide's avatar

Lovely read Vanessa ❤️ Fforest has magical air I am sure. Please do keep writing, I enjoy reading your posts very much.

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Vanessa Simpson's avatar

Thanks so much Emma - I imagine you’d absolutely love Fforest! Xx

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Countrywoman’s Guide's avatar

I’ve been! I went to Lou Archell’s retreats there years ago - loved it!

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Vanessa Simpson's avatar

Oh then you know how lovely it is ☺️ A bit like Dimpsy I imagine but with food and entertainment provided! x

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Susie Mawhinney's avatar

firstly that photo of you is just beautiful Vanessa! and secondly, these posts you have religiously created for us are why I love this space so much, a little glimpse into the lives of ordinary people (as in not actors or sports superstars and social media guru's which leave me utterly flat and bored) is always a delight and yours especially, an inspiration to me to get out and do more! If of course I can ever find the time! xx

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Vanessa Simpson's avatar

Thank you Susie, must have been the sea air - I certainly don’t see that in the mirror at home 😂 and thank you, as ever, for finding time to read. I hope Toussaint feels close enough to touch….. xx

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JoJo Thomson's avatar

I love reading your weekly words Vanessa .. do keep them flowing! I’m still in the Glow wrap from fforest .. it lingers quite the while with me .. 🙏💛🙏

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Vanessa Simpson's avatar

Thanks JoJo ☺️ and I agree - the Glow glow lingers 💕

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Colin & Becky Blyth's avatar

Sounds like a great week. We have just come back ourselves from a long weekend in Devon which has been glorious. Xx

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Vanessa Simpson's avatar

Oh lovely - where were you? xx

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Colin & Becky Blyth's avatar

We stayed near Great Torrington, a place we have visited for many years. Xx

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Julie Davies's avatar

I always enjoy your beautiful writing Vanessa. Reading your words gives me a lovely connection to the countryside even though I live in a city.

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Vanessa Simpson's avatar

Thanks Julie, I’m glad you enjoy a peek into country life (although I feel like a fraud without chickens any more!). xx

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Julie Davies's avatar

😂🐓

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Sally Hirst's avatar

Please keep going. Gentle reading (as I describe my experience) is like talking to friends.

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Vanessa Simpson's avatar

Thank you Sally, that’s such a lovely comment - a gentle chat with a friend is a real pleasure isn’t it. Xx

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Changing-pages's avatar

40 weeks of words, what a wonderful achievement. I look forward to your weekly updates x

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Vanessa Simpson's avatar

Thanks Angie, hardly a manuscript which I know you’re working on, but I feel pleased to have found a way to enjoy writing. Xx

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Feasts and Fables's avatar

Lovely … JoJo has been at this weekend’s Glow Sew and, as ever, she’s finding it hard to tear herself away from Fforest. It’s a special place.

We’ve loved your words here. Definitely it’s about the quality of the connections not the quantity. We’re glad to have you here.

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Vanessa Simpson's avatar

Thank you, your encouragement really helped set me on this path and while I have no idea where it will lead I’m happy pottering along it. Hope your cake hunt is successful you and JoJo enjoy an excellent breakfast! x

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Feasts and Fables's avatar

So thrilled to hear that, Vanessa. Toast for me … the lovely Mrs Feasts makes sure we have a loaf of home baked bread in the freezer. Emergency over. JoJo should be back for lunch! Yay x

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Catherine Windsor's avatar

Thank you for taking the time to write. Being so far away, it is lovely to get a snapshot of your life in Burrington, a place where we have many happy memories of your parents, the Post House and its surroundings. ♥️

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Vanessa Simpson's avatar

Thanks Cath, the writing has become an unexpected sort of anchor to my week and it’s a good opportunity to reflect instead of letting time just whizz by as it seems to do. Hope we’ll see you in Burrington again before too long 🤞🏻xx

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