More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
Read between
June 9 - June 14, 2021
There is comfort to be had in the company of wild things and delight to be found in their trust.
Only the far wall and its sturdy shelves were a departure from the commonplace. Here were bundles of herbs tied tight, hanging from the ceiling. Beneath them were baskets of pungent cloth parcels. And on the shelves, regimental rows of small clay pots and stoneware jars stood to attention. Inside each was a concoction of Anne’s invention, the recipes known only to her, and some latterly to Bess. There was lavender oil for treating scars and burns; rosemary and mint to fight coughs and fevers; comfrey to knit broken bones; fruit leaf teas to ease the pains of childbirth; garlic powder to purify
...more
“People fear what they cannot explain.”
She jumped up again and wrenched open the door of the stove. She peered into its cold interior. “We’ll have to get this thing lit first,” she said. I focused, then blew gently in the direction of the kindling I had laid earlier. Tegan leaped backward as the fire burst into life. Despite myself, I was unable to conceal my amusement. Tegan slammed the firedoor shut and turned to frown at me. “Serious, you said. I’m lucky I’ve got any eyebrows left.”
To learn, you must be humble. You must be prepared to admit your ignorance. You must allow yourselves to be filled with the vital information presented to you via the skills and dedication of those who have gone before you down the long path to enlightenment.”
“Don’t let Sister put the wind up you, Nurse,” he said in a soft Welsh lilt. “She’s our secret weapon, see? When they’ve run out of men at the Front, we’re going to send her over the top. Those Germans won’t stand a chance.”
Was that what it meant to be a true soldier, I wondered. Not only to be able to fight on the battlefield, but to be able to conquer one’s own personal demons, again and again, over and over, in any way that was asked of them?
