26 Comments
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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Sharron, this is lovely!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks, Rebecca. I like to bring out pieces of Bartle Clunes once in a while. It gets little action down in the archive and I am not big on "self-promotion" . A chapter posted every once in a while brings new readers to my "magnum opus" Ha ha ha

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Just as good, reading it the second time. 🤓

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

You are my hero, Mark, for having read the whole of Bartle Clunes. That showed real friendship and... um...tenacity! Thank you.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

It was my pleasure. I wouldn't have read the whole thing if I didn't enjoy it.

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Janice Walton's avatar

Reading Bartle's stories always - always brings a smile to my face.

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palmisanocj@yahoo.com's avatar

I LOVE this, Sharron, and want one of those copies. Please let me know next steps! xoxo

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I have one here for you, Connie. Next time you come down.

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James Ron's avatar

I am drawn to the rural life, it's neighborliness and manners, and that time period. Being in gold country is an added benefit. Thanks, Sharron.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thanks so much Ron, for reading Bartle Clunes.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

"gentle in nature, always optimistic… and not easily discouraged.”

I love these people.

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

I loved reading this book. Thank you, Sharron.

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Yael Gelardin's avatar

It’s always refreshing to read about a time that does not exist anymore. Thanks, Sharron.

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

Oh Boy, do I love Bartle Clunes! This book is a pleasure, from beginning to end! Thanks for sharing this chapter, Sharron!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Hey! You are on vacation! Close that computer right now!

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

Can’t help it, Sharron! Once I get to my hotel room, I want to see what you have written! 🤷🏻‍♀️

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Don’t get too crazy out there on the road. And if you run into Haylene and Marla, beware!!

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Caroline Beuley's avatar

Oh I love the idea of sharing a bit of dialogue to hook people on the larger story — and what a great excerpt this is! I think I’m going to have to try this!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I am so happy this little story touched you, Caroline. You might try chapter one to see what you think of this sweet, nostalgic piece. It is written in the vernacular of the time - the voice of my grandmother. I put my heart into it for an entire year. The archive is here. https://sharronbassano.substack.com/s/bartle-clunes. ** Scroll all the way to the bottom for chapter 1.

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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

Such little pieces, like a too-small piece of pie (they are always too small) keep the appetite whetted!

Lovely

Loving

Appetizing

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I bring a slice or two out the the archive every once in a while for my new readers... Lo calorie reading ( but not gluten free or sugar free.)

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just mud by Ron's avatar

The screen door banged shut on its rusty spring. . .

Lines like this transport me to my Nana & Pappap's teeny, tiny town growing up. The slow pace, curious personalities and wonder around every corner; Bartles must have lived up the holler. Love it, Sharron.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Hah! I am so happy Bartle Clunes evokes these wonderful old memories, Ron! Riles Crossing is actually a place in the heart.

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just mud by Ron's avatar

Indeed!

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

Small towns have their characters. The beauty of community on exhibit here. Well done, Sharron.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Thank you, Ken. I "built" the little town of Riles Crossing as a place that I, myself, would like to live. With people I would love to have as neighbors. There's not one mean word in those 1949 foothills, just a community who cares. Fantasy? Well, yes, maybe...

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