17 Comments
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Justin Deming's avatar

I love the gentle tone in this story. Beautifully crafted, Sharron! And thanks for mentioning me. It’s been so much fun reading and writing “fifties” with you.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Likewise! I love being in the mix. You had a great idea- but I DO know how much time you have to expend in the aftermath... Thank you.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

Poignant and poetic. My interpretation is that this piece is saying a person attains a certain level of happiness and satisfaction that can only be achieved through the passage of time. A stage of reflection and a time to step aside and let others do the heavy lifting.

I have noticed this in my own life. A sense of wellbeing even as the years pile up and my body becomes less capable.

That’s just what I took from the piece. You got me thinking again, Sharron!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Exactly in synch with my thoughts, Jim. I believe that once we stop fighting the aging process, stop resisting, we can fully embrace it and find the beauty in it. That sounds a little cliché, I know, but it is the truth.

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James Ron's avatar

Made me feel warm inside! I miss the fireflies. I've never seen them in California.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I think there are only a few areas with fireflies in California. Maybe in the Santa Monica Mountains and the mountains near San Diego. I have only seen them in movies and they seem magical to me. PS I was thinking I would like to include Jimmy Swann in one of my stories - a cross reference where my character meets up with him briefly at CLR. ? What do you think about that? (my email is bassanois@cruzio.com)

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James Ron's avatar

I remember the fireflies in West Virginia while visiting my grandfolks. They were plentiful. We'd pinch off their lit abdomens and put them in a jar. They stayed lit a long time. Cruel, I know - we were kids is my only excuse. Re including Jimmy Swann in a story - I think that would be real neat! Go for it!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I will see what I can do with my ladies running into Jimmy. Might not work, but it sounds like fun. Thank you.

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

This is so beautiful, Sharron - candlelight and fireflies - perfect together.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Rebecca. Have a lovely weekend.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

The quiet moments become more welcome as we age. I love that last sentence.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Indeed they do. Thank you, Mark.

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Heather Brebaugh's avatar

I feel as if I am peacefully on the edge of the abyss into nothingness.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

And that "peaceful" part is a real gift, isn't it!

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Kate Henry's avatar

good calm moments

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just mud by Ron's avatar

The delicateness of life, for sure. It's nice being here a bit. You captured an intimate place, Sharron.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Joy still abounds, it is just found in other places... Thanks Mudman.

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