19 Comments
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Isabel Borland's avatar

You're a wonderful storyteller in images, words and voice! What a treasure you're creating here. Awaiting the next installment with baited breath xo

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Helen Dealtry's avatar

Thank you so much Isabel! The writing wheels are a bit creaky but I'm oiling them up and really appreciate the support! xx

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Kirsten Berry's avatar

Having never been to Surrey, I’ve enjoyed your descriptions of your beautiful area. The reminiscent feelings of a loving home, wherever they may be, are only known to those blessed enough to have had that loving experience. Your thoughtful gratitude to be with your family and savor the moments brought tears to my eyes. Wish I could share my “home” with you.

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Helen Dealtry's avatar

Hi Kirsten! Thank you, so kind of you to reply and I’m glad you enjoyed hearing about where I grew up. I’m a lucky duck indeed. I’d love to hear about your home, or what makes it ‘home’ for you.

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John Keeling's avatar

Reading this has been such a joy. I had the good fortune to travel to the UK several times when I was with Hallmark. Always felt so at home there, especially in the countryside. Guess I'm just a country boy at heart. Feel the same way about Paris versus Provence. Led a Beginners Watercolor Workshop in Bonnieux in May and fell in love with the place all over again. That said, looking forward to what you share from Paris. Keep bringing your beauty to the world. Need it now more than ever.

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Helen Dealtry's avatar

John! You are just a ray of sunshine! Your kind words have me grinning. From the UK countryside to charming Provence - sounds like you've had some fab trips! I'll keep the Parisian snippets coming, but I bet your watercolors in Bonnieux were the real masterpieces. Thanks for spreading your own bit of joy(LOVE your pet portraits) and for your kind words of encouragement!

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Leah Fox's avatar

Yay!! I love reading about this time, and seeing your beautiful work. And I am so happy you are doing a substack <3 What a gift to us all.

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Helen Dealtry's avatar

Leah! Thank you always for your support, you know I appreciate it and you. I'm so excited to have a new start at something that connects us a bit more :) Big love to you friend.

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Alison Matheny's avatar

Pudge's effortless portrait done with those goddamn impossible colored pencils should be in the Victoria & Albert Museum (I looked that up).

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Helen Dealtry's avatar

Alison, you always make me chortle. You're correct, those waxy pencils are giving the least amount of effort possible. also, you're a historian now :)

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John Keeling's avatar

I agree that colored pencils are GD impossible!!

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Ann Scallorn's avatar

Your writing makes me feel like I’m there. What a lovely trip! I’m inspired to get out my sketchbook and just head outside… 😊

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Helen Dealtry's avatar

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you're here and enjoying :)

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Cindy's avatar

I love this! Your writing is so describitive. I will be traveling from upstate New York to London then on to Paris. It will be my very first trip like this! I am so excited especially after reading this! Thank you Helen!

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Helen Dealtry's avatar

Thank you for reading! All new to me but isn't it always good to push ourselves?? It's only taken me a year to get my shit together, LOL. Oh you're in for a treat and what a great time of the year to travel! Keep me posted!

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Cindy's avatar

We had such a wonderful trip to London and Paris. I wish I could go back. There is so much more to see!

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Colu Henry's avatar

Beautiful, Helen. I love Pudge.

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Helen Dealtry's avatar

Hahaa, he was a total legend! Thank you my love, for all your help and notes getting this bird to fly.

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Aug 7
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Helen Dealtry's avatar

Thank you Boyce!

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