Country vs City Life Q&A + Our Favourite Town & Country Books
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 มิ.ย. 2024
- Today my Mum and I are answering your questions about country versus city living. We moved to Yorkshire from London last June, and we're recounting some of our experiences of that move, including what we love most about country life and what we miss about London. We also share some of our favourite books set in the countryside, as well as a few of our most-loved London reads.
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If you enjoy this video, please consider subscribing to my youtube channel. I'd be thrilled!
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My blog is: mirandasnotebook.com/
I publish 'daily jottings' every week day on my blog: mirandasnotebook.com/blog
You can find me on instagram at:
@mirandasnotebook - mirandasnot...
@mirandasbookcase - mirandasboo...
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My blog post on why I moved to Yorkshire: mirandasnotebook.com/blog/new...
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ABOUT ME: I'm Miranda Mills, a freelance writer / photographer / content creator living in Yorkshire. - บันเทิง
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I commented on your IG account before I'd watched this video and now that I've watched it, I have to comment here. As someone who's recently returned to rural village life after living in 3 major US cities across nearly 3 decades, I found so much comfort (and relatability) watching you and Donna discuss this topic. The only thing that would've improved the experience is if I'd been sitting on a chair in the same room. I am completely smitten with your channel and the fact that you and your mum are so genuinely lovely & warm. I laughed along with you as you described the difference between running toward a London train and ambling along a country road. Thanks for this bonus mid-week content! xx
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Shannon, and for your sharing your own experiences of moving from city to country. I'm so glad you're enjoying my videos! xxx
I'm catching up on your videos and I was reminded while watching this one of an Angela Thirkell quotation, "It's very peaceful without husbands". Love all your content and I try to keep up.❤
i was born in London and worked there, at 49 my husband and I and or then 7 year old son moved to very rural Norfolk. Best move ever and it isn't another country so take only an hour and a half to visit family in London and perfect creative place to live. so much space, time and nice to slow down a little. I have become a big reader, beekeeper, cook, home schooler, gardener and live stock keeper. My husband also has new hobbies and is now a photographer. We enjoy having people to stay rather than just visit for a few hours. my husband is from Great Ayton in North Yorkshire so would recommend a visit. It is where Captain Cook was raised. Thank you for this post enjoy the healthy country side.
Thank you for sharing your own story of a move to the country! Norfolk is such a lovely area. How fun to take up beekeeping too!! I'd love to visit Great Ayton - thanks for the tip! xxx
Yorkshire agrees with you two - you're both glowing! Your youtube followers have definitely benefited from your move. Your content has certainly been inspirational and informative (with a wonderful cozy vibe) to me!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Kathy! Xxx
Enjoyed this so much. I just want to adopt you both. We have such similar tastes. I have never visited your country but have loved everything English for many years. I gravitate to British authors like Miss Read, etc. I have that same book of Miss Read and Susan Branch books. I love how adaptable you are. I know that as long as I have a desk to sit at and all my books surrounding me I am happy. I miss living in the country, but I accept that at my stage of life I have to just live each and every day wherever I'm at. Thank you so much for your lovely vlogs 💕👍❤️
Thank you so much for your lovely words, Diane! I agree, it’s so important to be adaptable & also to make the most out of wherever you are. Having my books around me always makes me happy too 😊💕📚
I'm new to your channel and have watched a few of your posts already, I've thoroughly enjoyed them. It was very interesting hearing about your life in London and now in Yorkshire, I've never lived in London, however I have lived in Yorkshire. My family and I lived in a village called, CherryBurton near Beverly town. We now live in Devon, in a village about 20mins from the sea and we're very happy...
Thank you very much! So glad you're enjoying my videos. Devon is such a beautiful county too xxx
I'm going to go broke buying all the great books you recommend!
Haha thank you 📚 😂
My Nan lived in Steeles Mews North in Hampstead all her life, and my parents began their married life next door but one (another relative in between) and my uncle was just down the road. I spent a lot of time in Hampstead as a child, loved Hampstead Heath and all around that area.
Edit: Each time I watch one of your videos I add more books to my list! Also, I love Dorset. I currently live in south west Hampshire and visit Dorset quite often.
Oh, I will definitely pick up Village Hours. I chose A Year at Bottengoms Farm by Ronald Blythe after you recommended it in your reading through the seasons episode and I have fallen in love with his writing. I've never read a book through the year, but taking your advice, I've decided to spend the year dipping in and out of the Bottengoms Farm. I'm so glad you and your mom have been able to spend these past few months in the country side. I'm thankful to be able to live in a rural area where I can go outside and enjoy nature and lots of space. Thanks for sharing and Donna, I love your blouse. It's such a lovely color.
I'm so happy you're enjoying Ronald Blythe's writing, Mitzi, and that you're enjoying reading Bottengoms Farm through the year. That's lovely! We are so grateful to be able to walk out our front door into nature; such a contrast from our London life. Glad you like my Mum's top too - it was a pre-Valentine gift from me 😀 xxx
Any mention of Miss Read is a delight! I discovered her thirty-five years ago, and she has become my favorite. Such wonderful description of the natural world. Thank you for this!
Thank you so much! We're big Miss Read fans too! xxx
What a lovely video, isn’t it great that given the weird and wonderful world we’ve been living in that your move has gone so well. My childhood and early working life was lived in towns and cities, I moved to a more rural location about 20 years ago and whilst I love popping into the city, I wouldn’t change my location for anything, the birds, the seasons, the light, the space, what’s not to love 😍. You both seem so happy and settled, if it can work in a lockdown situation, just think of all the adventures you’re gonna have when you’re finally set free 🤣💫
Haha, thank you so much, Karen! Yes, we are definitely looking forward to adventures exploring Yorkshire and beyond when we can finally get out an about safely!! Hope you're having a lovely week xxx
Hi Miranda. I know you've mentioned this book before so wanted to alert you to a reprint. Handheld Press is reprinting Jane's Country Year by Malcolm Saville in 2022. I've just watched a British Library talk on TH-cam about reprinting feminist classics & Kate MacDonald from Handheld Press was one of the speakers. Do you know about HP? I don't think I've heard you mention them. I think you would love Business as Usual by Jane Oliver & Ann Stafford, an epistolary novel about a young woman who works in a department store library in the 30s. Anyway, just wanted to let you know about JCY. Loving your videos, especially the wintry weather as it's the middle of summer here in Melbourne.
Oh how exciting! That's great it will be republished! I do indeed know Handheld Press; I read & reviewed Business as Usual on here early last year and have mentioned it in videos a few times since. It's a delightful read! xxx
What a fun video! I loved learning all about your city to country experiences and hearing your city/country book favorites. Most of my favorites came from both of your country lists (The Darling Buds of May, The Secret Garden, Jane Austen books, the World of Thrush Green, etc.), but I do love Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont. I've been thinking of getting a Susan Hill book, but now I think I must. lol. Do you think you'd be able to show some of the inside pages of those books? Hope you have a wonderful day, Miranda! Say hello to your mom for me, too :D
P.S. I was wondering if you'd consider doing a future video on any (or all) of these topics: favorite epistolary novels, books that make you laugh out loud, and also books about the home (both non-fiction and fiction) - either taking care of the home, cozy home settings in a novel, etc. I was thinking of these topics the other day and would love to know what books you'd recommend with those topics :)
So glad you enjoyed it, Gina - thank you! I'll have a think about those topics! xxx
Thank you both for this lovely gentle revelation of your new situation and for sharing your hopes and joys. The book recommendations were wonderful as well! Love the relaxed conversation ....wishing you all the best in your lovely home!!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment and good wishes, Pamela 😊 ❤️
I've viewed this many times actually and loved it every time. you've both beautifully articulated the charm of country living and you are both lovely charming people so you fit in very well. I'm a country girl myself so love this and the books mentioned. One of your best videos
Thank you for such an interesting video! I really admire your and your mum’s adventurous spirit and positivity. I also found your clear-sightedness about what you want from life right now very inspiring; it’s easy to trundle on in familiar routines without taking time to reflect whether they still serve us well. And I loved all the book recommendations, as always! It is such a pleasure to watch your videos, I love seeing the wonderful friendship you and your mum have. The country life really seems to suit you both well, you both look so glowing and relaxed and happy.
Thank you so much for your lovely words, Naomi! I think country life is definitely suiting us 😊💕
Ladies you are such a joy to watch and your knowledge of books is amazing. I am a country girl born and bred I live on the edge of the Staffordshire Cheshire border but even so I have travelled both with my parents and then as I got older with my husband and even though I am retired I still love to travel. My preference would be to always to live in the country for all the reasons you stated quality of life and financially which then means I have spare money to use to travel and going to concerts the theatre and of course books. I can understand your choices of where to move to my husbands family originated from Yorkshire and it is such a beautiful part of the country I also have a soft spot in my heart for Dorset I spent a lot of my summers growing up staying in Wimborne my aunt and uncle ran a pub in the little square next to Wimborne minster so I have many fond memories of the area spending time in Bournemouth and on the beach at Sand banks walking near to Bradbury rings. Travel and culture are very important but I think having time in the countryside to relax makes all the travel for me more enjoyable I find it the best of both worlds.😊 love Janet xx
I love Wimborne! We used to go there all the time when I visited my Mum in Dorset. I agree that it's lovely to live in the country but to get to travel and have cultural city excursions! Looking forward to when we can all get out and about more xxx
Oh I love the Judith Kerr books you mention. The Persephone reprint of the war diary Few Eggs and No Oranges is gives wonderful insight into London in the 2nd World War.
Yes, that is an interesting read too!
I really enjoyed your conversation on this subject, Miranda and Donna! Great that you are both so happy and settled. I love living in London but will probably move out in a few years - I'm researching market towns. I lived in Harrogate for 12 years during my childhood and teenage years and have a great and continuing fondness for North Yorkshire. However, I've always said that the colder weather was one of the reasons I'd never move back! But obviously there are many compensations. I love David Gentleman's recent books illustrating London - 'My Town' and 'London, You're Beautiful' - but his book 'In the Country' is also lovely. My favourite country book when I was a child was Holiday at the Dew Drop Inn by Eve Garnett. I think children's books with country settings usually have the best food! See you on Friday...
Thanks so much, Lindsey! So interesting to read your thoughts too. I am also a big fan of David Gentleman's books! And I loved that Eve Garnett book as a child too! Thank you for reminding me of it. I agree that children's books set in the country have the most marvellous food descriptions. All those glorious picnics! xxx
I absolutely love your videos. You and your mother are so charming. I have a legal pad page full of recommendations. At the library yesterday, I borrowed The Glovemaker, Jamaica Inn and I Capture the Castle. I feel blessed to have found someone who has the same taste in books. Good luck to you both. God bless!❤️
Thank you very much! What excellent choices - hope you enjoy them all!
Enjoyed your video its like sitting listening to friends chat. I moved to Ireland from UK 24 years ago. It takes a good while to adapt but now I couldnt cope with the rush of a city. I hope you will be very happy. Jxxx
Fantastic video, Miranda and Donna, I really appreciate how open and honest you are about this big change in your life. My experience has been very similar. The thing people don't realise about London is how hideously expensive it is! I spent four years there as a student and even though I adored my time there, I could not wait to leave by the end of it. I think the ideal scenario is to live in the country but every now and then visit for a culture weekend to go to the Opera House or a blockbuster art exhibition, stop at Hatchards, Persephone, Foyles et al (and for me also the perfume department at Liberty's - always!) and then come back home. I now live in York and I can be in London in the time it takes to read a newspaper; I can also get to Manchester in that time and fly off anywhere, get to Scotland in just over two hours, and the coast in half an hour or so. In London, it would take an hour on the tube to get to UCL from Hammersmith in the morning and you'd feel exhausted at the end of it! I'm glad your "risk taking " paid off and you feel happier and settled in the country!
Thanks so much, Georgia! So interesting to read your thoughts, and I completely agree with you! We’re definitely looking forward to cultural & shopping excursions to London in the future, but we’re also loving life in Yorkshire 😊💕
Despite the slight age difference 😉 you two are identical!!! DNA is strong here! 💞
Really enjoy your channel content, and you both. Most inspiring and cosy sounding. I must read some London focussed books. My mum lived through the blitz in the City as an un-evacuated young child. Myself am a London gal, now living in the wilds of far west Cornwall in the sticks 🌿🍀 I heartily recommend it !
Lovely to hear you discuss your recent move and your feelings about living in the countryside. Great book recommendations! I now watch your videos with a notebook beside me because I always end up with another few titles for my wish list! I didn't realise that 'When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit' was part of a trilogy, I must investigate that. I read 'pink rabbit' as a child closest followed by 'Carrie's War' by Nina Bawden and the two are always linked in my mind. Thank you again for this lovely video x
Thank you so much, Penny! I definitely recommend looking out the other Judith Kerr books that complete her family's story. Pink Rabbit always has a special place in my heart though! xxx
Just found your channel and love you both. I moved from greater london/surrey to the Pacific Northwest USA and this video made me miss the concept of just driving by someone's house you know and deciding the fee and then to just knock pop in for quick cuppa. Here we have to book weeks and most of the time over a month or two out just to get together. The concept of a quick cup and char for 30mins has to be a major event. Maybe if people were more accepting of people just dropping by then a 3/4hour event wouldn't be necessary😃
btw. I retired from the police in London and the first place I worked was Hampstead and West Hampstead and then I moved to Paddington, St Johns wood and Marylebone so thank you for thr PD James recommendations from my favorite genre. x
Oh wonderful! Hope you enjoy them - she's such a great writer!
Hello Miranda and Donna, thank you for sharing your observations on country life and city life which were very enjoyable. It will be such fun to follow you both as you explore your new country life - when we can all start travelling about again. Susan Hill's books are wonderful and there is one called Reflections from a Garden which was written with Rory Stuart which I would thoroughly recommend too. Enjoy your week, Teresa 💖🏞🏘📚💖
Thank you so much, Teresa! Reflections from a Garden sounds delightful - I shall look out for a copy! Hope you're having a lovely week xxx
`Loved this! Thank you for reminding me of some of my favorite authors, Hardy, Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and of course Jane Austin. I've been to London twice and can't wait to go back after we can all travel again. Looking forward to visiting the beautiful English countryside as well. Your channel makes my day.
Lovely and delightful video.
You are so kind - thank you!
I think James Herrtot’s Yorkshire is a must for your discussion as well. I want them all of course. 😄
Oh yes, they're such fabulous country / Yorkshire books too!
I loved all of the books from the city to country and the question and answers very much enjoy it ☺️
Thank you very much!
You two are sooooooooo darling!!! I love watching you!!!!!
That's so sweet of you! Thank you!
Wonderful seeing you both happily settled and doing well. Couldn’t have happened to two nicer people. As always, enjoyed the episode and the book recommendations are an added treat. Thanks to you both! xo
Thank you so much for your lovely words, Rima! That's so kind of you to say xxx
Have you read the magic apple tree by susan hill? I think ive seen it in your piles somewhere. If not, it is wonderful beyond words.
I have, yes!
Thanks ladies for yet another relaxing, charming and informative post. You both obviously put a lot of thought in to all the choices you make and your joy of the reads comes through. I am currently reading 'A nest of Magpies' that you recommended. There is never a dull moment in the book, or the village! ☺
Thank you so much! And so true - never a dull moment 😂
I find yours videos simply delighted.
Greetings from North west of Spain. You are both so lovely
Thank you for your lovely words 💕😊
It's always such a delight to drop in for one of your conversations; I come for the book recommendations, as well. Thank you both. Lynn
Thanks so much, Lynn! 📚 ❤️
I enjoyed this video so much, Miranda and Donna! I also love the slower pace of life in the country...and gravitate towards books that are set there! ☺️
So glad you enjoyed our chat - thank you, Katie! xxx
Thomas Hardy’s house is in Tooting Bec. I often pass in front of it when I go to work.
I love his cottage in Dorset!
I absolutely loved this video ladies. Thankyou so much. I wish i lived next door to you both xx
Thank you very much! ❤️
Such a lovely conversation! Thank you for sharing.
I love it!! Life is an adventure! 💃
Oh I love Through the Kitchen Window too!
Lovely video. Thank you. I love seeing the bond between yourself and your mother. Some interesting books here that I will have to investigate! 🤍
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it 📚💕
I love your channel. I’ve been binging on your videos!
Lovely chat from you and your mum. Loved seeing the books you both enjoy, many of which are firm favourites of mine.
Thank you so much! Glad you recognised some favourites 😊
What a lovely video Miranda and Donna! Thank you for sharing your thoughts about your move and new life in the countryside. What an adventure to move during lockdown! I must say that since you moved to Yorkshire you seem more happy, and your content is getting better and better:) So we also benefit from your move! Have a nice weekend 😘
Thank you so much, Teresa! Enjoy your weekend too!
What a lovely Q&A video and I loved all the books you mentioned also.
Lools like you have adapted rather well to the country life! You both seem very happy! And we get to enjoy more videos from you two! I was wondering if Donna was able to find work after being made redundant. And as for missing the good bits of London, I suppose during 2020 and 2021 all people in London are missing London... since you can't actually take advantage of what the city has to offer in normal circumstances anyway. You might miss it more had it been a previous year i reckon. Can't wait for friday's tea reads :)
Thank you! I don’t think we would have missed it more another year; I think it’s actually harder now because we can’t go back at all for a while! But we’re just really enjoying country life too 😊
Hallo Donna and Miranda! Thank you for this video. I am so happy that you like your new life in the countryside. I understand you because I moved from a very big city with 14 Million people to a small city and the life quality is much more better and less stressful. I think I couldn't live in such a big city again!
Thanks so much, Julia! I definitely think it's great to experience living in a huge city, but it can get overwhelming after a while, and different phases of life bring out different priorities. I'm loving the slower pace of life and clean air too! xxx
Dear Miranda and Donna, thank you for this wonderful vlog. It was nice to hear why you moved to the country. I visited the country side a few years ago and I know the English country side is beautiful!
Thank you very much! I’m so glad you enjoyed our insights on country life 😊
I would love to move to the Countryside even though I live in Liverpool which is a beautiful City - one you and your Mum can visit once lockdown lifts perhaps! 😊
I’d love to visit Liverpool sometime!
You two are awesome. I enjoyed so much this vlog. I will read a few from your recommendations. I wish I could visit England soon too.
Another sweet video! Love being invited into your lives in the country and also into your reading lives.
Thank you so much 📚💚
So inspirational..You both are a lovely balance 💕
Thank you very much!
I really enjoyed the video .Thank you for the company . I had also my tea as i was watching you.
Oh that's so lovely! Thank you ☕️ ❤️
Love to listen to you both. Once you have your priorities in life clear you can create your meaningful reality, go for what makes you the happiest :)
Yes! Thank you!
Hi Miranda! Love this video and the way your content has evolved from city to country. Its lovely to see your mum and how well the two of you get on. I've been following your content for a while now and I loved your fashion and style posts. Have you considered a video on how your fashion and style have adapted? I love the Little Women vibes from your wintry photos...dress + knitwear + tights and boots is a look I love! Would love to see some of your new favourite outfit combinations and how/if your style has evolved. Thanks so much for great videos! Emma x
Hello Miranda and Donna, I really enjoyed this video so much...just hearing you both talk about the country makes me smile....and those wall of books behind You and Donna just relaxes me 🥰..OMG!!! Rena Gardiner’s illustrations are Beyond BEAUTIFUL 🥰...Thank you Miranda for another wonderful video 💕
Thank you so much, Kiki! Really glad you enjoyed our chat! I so love Rena Gardiner’s illustrations too - just stunning ❤️
Thank you for sharing your tales of the country with us. This was just delightful!
So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you, Pamela! xxx
I enjoyed this video and am so happy that your circumstances worked out so well. I did have to google what ‘being redundant’ was the English language terminology is so different. Thanks for sharing! Best wishes!
Another delightful video! Thank you both so much❤️❤️
Glad you enjoyed it, Sandy! Thank you for your lovely comment!
Such a lovely video with so many great book recommendations!
Thank you so much! 😊
This was really interesting and thank you both for sharing. Always look forward to your videos.
Thank you so much!
I really enjoyed this video,Thank you.
So glad!
This was wonderful! I so related to your story in so many levels it was comforting. I am happy for you both! Thanks for all the great content, Miranda 🤍
Thank you so much ❤️
Wonderful video and some fantastic recommendations for both city and country!
So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you 😊
This was a great video, I can't wait to visit York and have some of that fresh air!
Thank you! York is so beautiful!
This was so enjoyable! I really liked listening to your thoughts on London and where you are now and it just makes me want to see England even more. And now also I’m excited to look for the books that you just introduced us to. Looking forward to Friday! ❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Tammie! 'See' you on Friday! xx
A lovely video and you’re both glowing with the joy of your new home. Hopefully the lockdown will lift soon and you can give your NT membership a workout.
Two lovely ladies & both really pretty.
Congratulations on your move. I hope you’ll show us around your new home when you can. I would love to see the countryside. Take care
Thanks so much!
My husband visited London for work in 2017 and he’s been telling me we have to go on a family vacations since then. I want the country side and the pubs and he wants the city! 🙃 That was a lovely video! You sure make us want to visit both worlds! 😉
Lovely video. I plan to visit England in the future. Thank you for sharing your favorites.
Thank you! Hope you get to visit the UK as soon as possible 😊
God I love you 2...Both of you are amazing people..Im totally hooked on your video's...I just found you today as I was looking up book stuff..lol..Anyways Im giving you both a big hello from America Boston Mass..YAHOOOOO Love the USA..However I would love to go and live where you guys are just to see something different...:) Sounds so beautiful there
This was very delightful, as always!! Right now I’m reading Christodora by Tim Murphy, which shows NYC from the 1980s to 2012. A compelling book. I love Mrs Palfrey at Claremont the movie but haven’t read the book (I will look for a copy).
Thank you so much! I’ll have to look up Christodora; it sounds interesting! Definitely recommend Mrs Palfrey the book too!
I so enjoy your videos! I’ve read most of the
books that you mentioned (not the Dorset books), and enjoyed
them with the exception of Hardy. While I can appreciate his wonderful writing,
I find him depressing. I reread PD James every few years and just finished the Murder Room a few days ago.
Wonderful, atmospheric read.
Thanks so much, Karen! Great coincidence that you just finished a reread of The Murder Room! P D James is such a good writer xxx
Really enjoyed this. Yorkshire is beautiful, I’ve had some great holidays in the Dales and have often visited York (one of my favourite cities), It also has great rail links to London so the best of both worlds. I do enjoy visiting London for the day but I’m a country girl at heart! Yorkshire, Devon and Dorset are in my top three places to live but had to smile when Donna talked about the weather and how balmy it is in the south compared to the north, that may be the only thing that would put me off Yorkshire! 😀. You both seem to be thriving in your new home ❤️
Thank you so much, Lucy! Yes, the weather has been a bit of a shock. Hopefully we’ll be more hardened by this summer 😂
Loving your videos. You seem to be leading a dreamy life... I also love your mugs, where did you get them from?
@@saosousapereira9704 Thank you! The mugs are from Burleigh Pottery: www.burleigh.co.uk/
My mom and I love all your videos! Love all your book choices! I was curious if you have read Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden?...I read it many years ago and I can still say it's my favorite book...it is such a beautiful story with so much history.
Thank you! My mum has read it & enjoyed it! It’s one I’d like to get to at some point!
@@MirandaMills it's so good! Xoxo...
I've now seen 3 of your videos and enjoyed each and every one. You mentioned in 2 of the videos I've seen, that you want to write. What writing style or target audience would you like to attract?
People are emptying out of the big cities everywhere for many reasons, especially now with being able to work remotely.
❤🧡🩷