Thanks Linda. I am feeling a little wistful as Bartle Clunes is approaching its end. What is going to happen to all those sweet people! I will miss them. I secretly hope there is a book two.. but I don't know.
I love the image, busier than a moth in a mitten, and the original way you express yourself. I can't wait to gift your book to others this year once it's out.
Thanks, Marina, your comments are always so welcome. I am including a message in the last four chapter headings about possible availability of a hard copy of Bartle Clunes to see if anyone else would be interested. In any case, I will get information and print a few for you if I can after November 12. Update soon.
Oh no! I will certainly miss reading about all the people in Riles Crossing every Saturday. . . and will keep my fingers crossed for the possibility of a Book 2..
I wrote this little story for my mother when she was in the 97th ( and last ) year of her life. I wrote a chapter a day and read it to her. She was a little addled, but asked for it every day - sometimes more than once, and listened carefully. I think she thought Riles Crossing and its residents were real. It WAS real to us, and a beautiful connection in the days of her dying.
What a lovely memory and beautiful connection for both of you. I wonder if the story brought back memories for her. Due to the dementia, Dan lived in different chapters of his life. For a long time, it was the street where we lived as teens. I knew the people and was able to help him with sort out the memories.
Yes, I believe the story did bring back memories. I intentionally included many icons from the forties and fifties, because I knew she would remember ( Spam, Nehi cola, wood burning cookstove, Jello salad, old Ford sedan, etc.) I understand what you mean by reliving different chapters of Dan's life.
I know we are nearing the end of the story. I will miss these folks. My wife has finished the book and has thoroughly enjoyed it. She's on to Katy I believe.
We may have had the same history book - I remember the Indians teaching the Colonists how to plant maize/corn using a fish for fertilizer. I hope it wasn't history rewritten. : )
James, I cannot tell you enough how pleased I am that you and your wife enjoyed reading Bartle Clunes. It feels the same as if someone admired my child! I do think you will enjoy the Katy stories, too. Even if you never lived on a farm., even if you never traveled the heartland. She was a brave and resourceful woman.
My grandmother actually did plant her beans and corn together and we helped her. Those were loooong days for us two kids. But we never expected the fish to sprout.
Again, a sweet snippet into this era that shows all the hard work it took to create a loving community.
Thanks Linda. I am feeling a little wistful as Bartle Clunes is approaching its end. What is going to happen to all those sweet people! I will miss them. I secretly hope there is a book two.. but I don't know.
Sharron,
I love the image, busier than a moth in a mitten, and the original way you express yourself. I can't wait to gift your book to others this year once it's out.
-Marina
Thanks, Marina, your comments are always so welcome. I am including a message in the last four chapter headings about possible availability of a hard copy of Bartle Clunes to see if anyone else would be interested. In any case, I will get information and print a few for you if I can after November 12. Update soon.
Oh no! I will certainly miss reading about all the people in Riles Crossing every Saturday. . . and will keep my fingers crossed for the possibility of a Book 2..
I wrote this little story for my mother when she was in the 97th ( and last ) year of her life. I wrote a chapter a day and read it to her. She was a little addled, but asked for it every day - sometimes more than once, and listened carefully. I think she thought Riles Crossing and its residents were real. It WAS real to us, and a beautiful connection in the days of her dying.
What a lovely memory and beautiful connection for both of you. I wonder if the story brought back memories for her. Due to the dementia, Dan lived in different chapters of his life. For a long time, it was the street where we lived as teens. I knew the people and was able to help him with sort out the memories.
Yes, I believe the story did bring back memories. I intentionally included many icons from the forties and fifties, because I knew she would remember ( Spam, Nehi cola, wood burning cookstove, Jello salad, old Ford sedan, etc.) I understand what you mean by reliving different chapters of Dan's life.
Nehi orange was Dan's favorite when he was a kid. I remember reading that in the story now. What a gift you gave your mother.
I remember drinking Nehi grape soda as a kid and running around with a purple "mustache". I hadn't thought about that for long time.
I know we are nearing the end of the story. I will miss these folks. My wife has finished the book and has thoroughly enjoyed it. She's on to Katy I believe.
We may have had the same history book - I remember the Indians teaching the Colonists how to plant maize/corn using a fish for fertilizer. I hope it wasn't history rewritten. : )
James, I cannot tell you enough how pleased I am that you and your wife enjoyed reading Bartle Clunes. It feels the same as if someone admired my child! I do think you will enjoy the Katy stories, too. Even if you never lived on a farm., even if you never traveled the heartland. She was a brave and resourceful woman.
A fish garden! That would be a sight.
My grandmother actually did plant her beans and corn together and we helped her. Those were loooong days for us two kids. But we never expected the fish to sprout.
There is always hope. 🤣
Alegria!
Thank you, Jill!