12 Comments
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Judith Ridge's avatar

You might have come across Michael Chabon's wonderful essay "The Wilderness of Childhood", Nikki. If not, I highly recommend it.

https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2009/07/16/manhood-for-amateurs-the-wilderness-of-childhood/

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Nikki Tate's avatar

I have NOT read this yet - thank you!!

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Judith Ridge's avatar

And this was a lovely piece, very vividly realised. Thank you!

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Nikki Tate's avatar

Thanks, Judith - lovely to see you popping in :) Hope you are well!

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Judy Brese's avatar

Awesome capturing childhood experiences. I wish Joe blow public could read your story. Your picture on the horse is fine. The freedom and abandonment from cares and worries IS there. Going to forward it to a friend. Keep it up 🥰

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Nikki Tate's avatar

Hi Judy! Thanks for reading :) Glad you enjoyed my little gallop down memory lane... Anyone can read my posts - there's no obligation to pay. Please feel free to share the link with anyone you feel might enjoy reading the newsletters. Much love back to you, too :)

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Kathleen Pointen's avatar

I enjoy your storytelling, Nikki. Your drawings are great accompaniments to your words. Never apologize for your pictures. I see that young Nikki, galloping full speed away from an angry mother bear. You were such a fearless child. And that good, old horse saved your life.

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Nikki Tate's avatar

That good old horse was such a treasure... we didn't realize when we bought him that he was already 30+... but he lasted several years and got me out of a scrape or two :)

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Barbara Dickson's avatar

Interesting question...I would not trade my childhood freedom for anything life has to offer now a days...even now I rarely if ever have my phone on me when I venture out.

I loved your drawing...you capture the sheer joy of horseback riding. It made me smile and feel lighter after seeing it so no I did not scroll past it fast

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Nikki Tate's avatar

Thanks Barbara - I'd say you still push limits when you are out and about climbing and adventuring!! And thank you for your comment about the horse drawing... it did make me realize that I'd like to spend more time drawing horses (a favourite subject when I was a kid).

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Max Wilkie's avatar

Thanks for telling us this story Nikki! Children grow resilience through independence and gain fortitude by confronting their fears. I could really feel the sudden shift in the atmosphere when the boulder became a mother black bear.

Thanks again for taking us for a ride on your horse. I’ll be back for more.

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Nikki Tate's avatar

Thanks for stopping by, Max! Looking forward to your next podcast episodes!! Very cool to see you here :)

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