36 Comments

We have hot and humid days here in SW Missouri (May-October or so). Some time near autumn, certain pine trees where I walk will shed a lot of needles. I MUST inhale deeply, and sometimes I scoop up a large handful to put my face into and inhale. The heat warms the needles and releases more scent ... it almost makes me forget how miserably hot the days are. Almost.

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Apr 22Liked by Molly Ella

What a lovely read. Thank you for putting me in Scotland, and bringing the beloved scent of pines back to me. I live in the U.S. in Portland, Oregon --trees, trees, trees!--and before that many years in Southern California. (I miss the ocean, but not the scarcity of trees!)

I'll be in Scotland in September—first time ever! I looked on the map and it looks like we're going to drive right past the monument (Gordon's?) on our way from Edinburgh to Inverness and much of the scenery you write about so engagingly. I suppose it will be rainy. But I will be on the lookout for Junipers! (I don't think I'm going to be up for hunting for that grouse. ☺️😁.)

This immersion in your slow highlands started my slow day beautifully. Thank you!

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Apr 22Liked by Molly Ella

I love your content Molly, both on your YouTube channel and on sub stack. You inspire me to live a less hectic life. Love to Skye!

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This was such a pleasant reminder that nature is home.

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Apr 23Liked by Molly Ella

Wow, what a stunning article. This was so beautifully written, Molly! I also love when you include images in your posts – it's so lovely to be able to see these magical forests you speak so highly of 😊🌲

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Lovely writing, I felt like I was there with you!

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What beautiful prose Molly! So articulate, so well done. I could feel myself there. A lovely piece for a nature memoir, eagerly waiting for your book!

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Grampy pines fae Granny 💙🧘🏻‍♀️🌌

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My son and I used to live in the countryside, with a woodland behind our house. There was a pine tree in this wood that had to have been at least 200 years old and was home to honeybees. This tree became our dear friend we would greet on our daily walks. We called her Grandmother Pine. I wasn't aware that Granny Pine is a name for 200ormore-year-old pine trees. How cool!

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The smell of juniper is amazing!

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Apr 24Liked by Molly Ella

This piece encourages me to get out into a forest again soon rather than later. I completely agree with the sentiment that no man-made structure can possibly compete with what nature provides. Forest are my favourite place to be too - magical and full of energy and life.

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This is such a beautiful part of Scotland especially as it still has some old forests. I enjoyed your descriptions of the different plants and trees - like the juniper - which all add to the character and smell of the place.

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Apr 23Liked by Molly Ella

Beautiful writing ! Thanks for sharing!

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You write also beautifully about nature 💚

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Apr 22Liked by Molly Ella

This beautiful piece of writing reminds me to go hiking in my favorite place. Thanks.

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Beautiful writing. I particularly enjoyed the last paragraph ☺️

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