26 Comments

Yet another epic post for from you. I have such an affinity with foxes. When my dad got sick I saw a particular fox every evening and morning that winter. The stars and moon would still be out and the fox would sit on the wall opposite my car, one foot poised ready to jump into the nearest garden if I got too close. We used to sit in quiet companionship, just looking at one another, feeling the others presence until one of us decided it was time to go. Foxes are extraordinary.

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What a beautiful exchange. They’re remarkable creatures aren’t they. Very ethereal, attuned to a different kind of wavelength. Thanks for sharing ☺️

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Really enjoyed this, Thomas. The term familiar strangers is nice to have tucked away now.

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So glad you liked it!

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Beautiful writing.

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Thanks very much

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Such a beautiful post, Thomas 💚 I have similar experiences, though they are seasonal. Like the blackbird strolling by the garden every single morning from 9 to 9:30 until it stopped, probably because of the heat. Or the seasonality to spotting the mountains every morning on my way to work until they disappeared in the summer mist.

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Love this! The blackbird's song is such an iconic sound of the summer!

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Such beautiful, thought provoking writing 💖

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Thank you for reading :)

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Such a special part of your day, that daily connection with a more than human being. Thank you for sharing it, especially the concept of familiar strangers.

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Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read it ❤️

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I love this! I hope you and the fox will continue to be familiar strangers for a long time to come

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Me too!!

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This whole piece is so beautiful.

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Thank you for reading, that means a lot ❤️

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A gorgeous, thoughtful piece. Thank you.

After more than three years of greeting Hoppy the magpie outside the house, I was sad when that came to an end.

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I’ll bet Hoppy was full of character and personality too!

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Indeed, an absolute delight!

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Such a beautiful piece of writing Thomas and so thought provoking. I love the song of the wren in my garden in the mornings and the sound of the tawny owl at night. I appreciate them but maybe I always expect them to be there. Often it is only when something is gone that we fully realise their true value in our lives.

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I think you’re absolutely right. I’m glad you enjoyed the piece and the wren and owl are lovely familiar strangers 💚

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Ah familiar strangers! Those are the words I’ve been seeking and not found until now, thank you! Our familiar stranger is a buzzard that sits atop a telegraph post in some nearby fields. We also used to see a yellow hammer and a deer regularly…we haven’t seen those for years, but we still automatically turn our heads to look each time we go past the spots where they would regularly be!

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The yellowhammers are doing too well at the moment sadly, but it’s lovely to see a buzzard so often!

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Love the photos Thomas and also your contemplation on the familiar and reassuring parts of our lives.

I've never seen a fox due to the fact I live in New Zealand. We did however have a fox terrier! Thank goodness their were no foxes for him to capture. They are such beautiful creatures.

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Incredible! I love everything about this. The fox and all your observations! Familiarity is so important in life.

May you have many more mornings fretting your friend and neighbor, the fox!

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Thank you very much for reading and sharing!

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