For someone like you Paul, who enjoys telling stories, I have to add that you are a very good listener, too. Colorist, architect, film maker, etc. All listening acts, too. With Juke, we all share our affinity there. Words are landscapes, I believe. Why, I, too, loved this piece, Paul.
Aside from it taking me way back to times when I could not honestly share much. When speaking openly of my experiences was going too far. In college I chose to major in philosophy. Some students readily understood, while others, like me, found it so hard. I managed to graduate. Then, at an off campus party, I was locked at the kitchen sink doing dishes, when the head of our philosophy department arrived. She stood and stared at me. Like what are YOU doing here? She'd scared me to death before. Party-goers came and went while I dried plates, etc. The professor stopped the flow, and rather condescendingly, she asked me, "What did taking philosophy do for you, Miss Christopher?" I dried a glass, set it in the rack, and turned to her. I felt publically flunked. I am shy, and she knew it. I turned to face her. "Well, there is no book or magazine or newspaper, science article, or equation, any piece of writing, that I cannot read and understand if I set my mind to it." My first and last perfect story. Thank you for reminding me just how important storytelling is, Paul. Precious, despite the hardships, the hope in paying attention to the big and small things. All of it.
You had me from "Broadway Danny Rose" & my heart pounded with gratitude & recognition all the way through this cell-realigning essay. Thank you both so much! It's especially resonant after a family weekend in CT filled with love, vintage photos & a whole lotta storytelling. What a gift to be the keeper of the stories - & the recipient. ✌🏼❤️
Excellent article that makes me rethink everything about how story has defined me. How poems have taken the place of novels or short stories. How the wrong tangent in genealogy research collected stories I love about people I AM NOT RELATED TO. Who the F cares. It's amazing how many people have written and told their stories in letters, journals, and O.M.G. obits. What a treasure trove are the obits. And your mention of inscribing our names and dates on stones. Who lies here? Thank you, Paul, for another great piece of writing. And I'm glad you both are getting close to the end of one grizzly chapter and starting a brilliant new one. Pet little Santo for me and hug Tonya.
For someone like you Paul, who enjoys telling stories, I have to add that you are a very good listener, too. Colorist, architect, film maker, etc. All listening acts, too. With Juke, we all share our affinity there. Words are landscapes, I believe. Why, I, too, loved this piece, Paul.
Aside from it taking me way back to times when I could not honestly share much. When speaking openly of my experiences was going too far. In college I chose to major in philosophy. Some students readily understood, while others, like me, found it so hard. I managed to graduate. Then, at an off campus party, I was locked at the kitchen sink doing dishes, when the head of our philosophy department arrived. She stood and stared at me. Like what are YOU doing here? She'd scared me to death before. Party-goers came and went while I dried plates, etc. The professor stopped the flow, and rather condescendingly, she asked me, "What did taking philosophy do for you, Miss Christopher?" I dried a glass, set it in the rack, and turned to her. I felt publically flunked. I am shy, and she knew it. I turned to face her. "Well, there is no book or magazine or newspaper, science article, or equation, any piece of writing, that I cannot read and understand if I set my mind to it." My first and last perfect story. Thank you for reminding me just how important storytelling is, Paul. Precious, despite the hardships, the hope in paying attention to the big and small things. All of it.
Thanks, Connie, for the high praise - coming from you - and for your own story. xoxox
I really enjoyed this one. Then again I enjoy all of your stories. In this case though it prompted more introspection. In a good way.
Thanks, Jeff. Next time we get out west - which I'm always hoping is sooner, rather than later, I hope we can grab a coffee and trade a few.
That would be great! Sounds like you are planning a move. I hope you find the perfect place.
You had me from "Broadway Danny Rose" & my heart pounded with gratitude & recognition all the way through this cell-realigning essay. Thank you both so much! It's especially resonant after a family weekend in CT filled with love, vintage photos & a whole lotta storytelling. What a gift to be the keeper of the stories - & the recipient. ✌🏼❤️
Thanks, El. We each dip in the same shared pool or fantastic characters. xox
Yes. "Broadway Danny Rose" Same here, Ellen.
Thank you for taking me on a summer trip
I seldom travel in the summer preferring to stay put in VT
and leave in winter…here’s to others
I love NYC in the summer, whenever everyone leaves, and getting out in the winter. Thanks, S!
Thanks for sharing. Vermont is a special place. Love it in winter, too.
Excellent article that makes me rethink everything about how story has defined me. How poems have taken the place of novels or short stories. How the wrong tangent in genealogy research collected stories I love about people I AM NOT RELATED TO. Who the F cares. It's amazing how many people have written and told their stories in letters, journals, and O.M.G. obits. What a treasure trove are the obits. And your mention of inscribing our names and dates on stones. Who lies here? Thank you, Paul, for another great piece of writing. And I'm glad you both are getting close to the end of one grizzly chapter and starting a brilliant new one. Pet little Santo for me and hug Tonya.