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Nikole Miles's avatar

Years ago for work, our team took a Myers Briggs-type personality test that was interpreted by some sort of professional. The standard intovert/extrovert, thinking/feeling sort of thing. When it was my turn to go through my results, the professional told me I was a rare type. Equal parts introvert and extrovert. Equal parts thinking and feeling. Only 7% of the population was this type. She told me that I read this situation and bring whatever component is needed to bring balance. At work, I'm a consultant (sales + advisor). Amongst extroverted friends, I sit quietly to the side as a contented spectator. I present and wine/dine clients, but crave the peace and quiet of home. You can be both! As we get older, we learn how to care for ourselves. How we recharge. What really makes us happy. The more I commit to that, the more grounded I feel. I wish the same for you. 🌹

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Diana Gilbertson's avatar

This is so lovely; I was so sad for you at the beginning, but I am gladdened that you have found contentment amongst the flowers. Nature is so powerful, and how delightful that she is able to soothe you in such a way. Happy Solstice, and thank you for sharing such a beautiful insight into your world. PS I am eternally envious of the fantastic flowers that you grow!

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Lizzie G's avatar

I do just love how many excellent photos you have from childhood ♥️ what treasure

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Horticulturalish's avatar

I think it’s why I’m such a bore and take my camera everywhere. Captured memories are the greatest gift.

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Anne Wareham's avatar

Fun is over rated. Too energetic.

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Rukmini Iyer's avatar

This defintely sounds like fun - and the photos a wonderful encapsulation of a calm, peaceful evening 🩷

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Katy's avatar

Puzzles are fun! 🤓😘

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Becky's avatar

Same same. How do we introverts (that Quiet book actually changed my life) come from such extrovert stock?! I’m so happy with my little cottage and my garden too. Your roses are beautiful xx

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Mary Brown's avatar

No one is the judge of whether another is “having fun.” Fun is subjective. Rhetorical.

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Liz Wrigley's avatar

Plants are actually very good company

I paint mine a lot so they end up with personalities captured on paper

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Rukmini Iyer's avatar

I talk to mine, and when a new rhapsody in blue rose speared my thumb when mulching last week and I reflexively yelled ‘yer BASTARD!’ - much in the style of Gene Hunt - I then immediately and profusely apologised to it, in case it withered from getting sworn at 😬

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Rukmini Iyer's avatar

Wish I could paint them though!

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AbigailAmpersand's avatar

I’m going to be nerdy here and let you know that the word ‘fun’ comes from old words for fool and ‘funning’ and pranksterish sort of behaviour. Takes all types to make a world, and if your family genes are heavy on LoadsaFun DNA then remember that Nature abhors imbalance, and thankfully imbued you with the gifts of quiet joy and tender appreciation of the garden as well as the joy of gentle companionship of friends. ☺️

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Veronica Hill's avatar

I love your posts, you write so movingly, from the heart, and with humour, and you have a lovely garden in the making. Plants are amazing, aren’t they? If you want a small rather lovely tree, try Pyrus Salicifolia, it is a weeping little tree, silver grey foliage, tiny white flowers in spring.

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Ann Maziane's avatar

Lucy, you write so beautifully: although we've never met, I care deeply about you. Continue to lean in to self care, in whatever form that takes. There's a lot of love for you in these comments. I hope you can feel it and that it helps. X

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