A very dear friend of mine co-wrote his family story with his brother and called it ‘Desirelines’ . These are unplanned walking lines that appear in the landscape where paths are trodden by humans and animals which deviate from set paths and designs. Many have existed for centuries and become part of the landscape; such a tangible connection to those who have walked this way before...
So fascinating! I had forgotten about desire lines until Denise reminded me in the comment above. So much more to think about when it comes to walking - the paths we choose, and the paths we make...
What a lovely piece of writing! Whenever a client says they feel stuck I often say “step away from the screen and step into nature.” I also love the paths plodded by all the parents on the school run and the memories they hold x
So many thoughts unlocked by reading this piece! Will journal on it later. Part of my job is making lines for walking and where people make separate lines of their own creation these are known as desire lines. The path that people choose themselves rather than that chosen by others. I’m going to journal on that a bit too!
Oh this is so interesting Denise! I had heard about desire lines (maybe from Robert Macfarlane?) but had completely forgotten about the concept. Totally fascinating. Thank you for sharing, and what an amazing job you have!
Such beautiful writing Laura. I studied Richard Longs walk when I was in year 10, I used his work to inspire my end of year project with the word 'walk'. I loved the sentiments behind his work. Thank you for reminding me of these memories and for you descriptive words - I felt like I was walking beside you.
I really enjoyed reading this Laura. I keep having amazing ideas for lines in the car and then I can’t remember them when I’m at my laptop/ got my phone... wondering if they’ll come back or perhaps ping over to someone else... ✍️
So lovely. Writing, I have found, is living. There’s no separation. And walking is a way to metabolize experiences. As a walker (!) and a writer, this read as truth.
A very dear friend of mine co-wrote his family story with his brother and called it ‘Desirelines’ . These are unplanned walking lines that appear in the landscape where paths are trodden by humans and animals which deviate from set paths and designs. Many have existed for centuries and become part of the landscape; such a tangible connection to those who have walked this way before...
So fascinating! I had forgotten about desire lines until Denise reminded me in the comment above. So much more to think about when it comes to walking - the paths we choose, and the paths we make...
It is so true that writing doesn’t come at the desk. I love those little moments when words wander into your mind of their own free will.
Yes! Like they come from somewhere else… Elizabeth Gilbert writes about it so well in Big Magic, the sense that ideas come from outside us…
She wrote it so well.❤️
What a lovely piece of writing! Whenever a client says they feel stuck I often say “step away from the screen and step into nature.” I also love the paths plodded by all the parents on the school run and the memories they hold x
Thank you! And gosh, yes, the school run... I've been walking that particular path for a decade now, but with only another year to go...
being out in nature brings clarity to my mind
all thats rattling around becomes quiet
Clarity, yes exactly that.
So many thoughts unlocked by reading this piece! Will journal on it later. Part of my job is making lines for walking and where people make separate lines of their own creation these are known as desire lines. The path that people choose themselves rather than that chosen by others. I’m going to journal on that a bit too!
Oh this is so interesting Denise! I had heard about desire lines (maybe from Robert Macfarlane?) but had completely forgotten about the concept. Totally fascinating. Thank you for sharing, and what an amazing job you have!
I love the idea of desire lines Denise, thank you so much for sharing x
I think we could all benefit from adding a few desire lines into our lives Lizzie X
Wow!! Very cool. I read about The Slow Ways here in the UK the other day - I liked it both in concept and title! ✨
Dreaming, musing and pondering should be mandatory for all students, up until 18 years, and beyond.
Yes! Less scrolling, more dreaming… 😉
Such beautiful writing Laura. I studied Richard Longs walk when I was in year 10, I used his work to inspire my end of year project with the word 'walk'. I loved the sentiments behind his work. Thank you for reminding me of these memories and for you descriptive words - I felt like I was walking beside you.
I really enjoyed reading this Laura. I keep having amazing ideas for lines in the car and then I can’t remember them when I’m at my laptop/ got my phone... wondering if they’ll come back or perhaps ping over to someone else... ✍️
It's a funny feeling when an idea flies away again, isn't it!
So lovely. Writing, I have found, is living. There’s no separation. And walking is a way to metabolize experiences. As a walker (!) and a writer, this read as truth.
I totally agree: “ I have found no better way to unfurl those tangled strands than by walking.”
And speaking of Elizabeth Gilbert... I’d rather have a genius than be one. https://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_your_elusive_creative_genius?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
One of my favourite Ted Talks 💛
Your use of description is so beautiful 🥰
Thank you so much 💛