31 Comments

Well described. More and more convinced I am a hermit. Excitement for the morning so far... making sure all three backyard kittys had some of the egg yolk left on my saucer. Two horses looking over the fence wonder why I'm not bringing their breakfast. I just wave hello and finish my oranges. Birds and tiny critters have their own menus.

Expand full comment

Ah, the comfort of rural Indiana! Home is where the cat is... right? Thanks for reading, Kate.

Expand full comment

Another great one Sharron. I liked how you integrated the pictures and of course Kenneth's drawings into the story.

Expand full comment

Yes, Kenneth was very generous to let me use them. They were exactly right for this story. His sketches just delight me. Thank you, Scott.

Expand full comment

Kenneth's sketches are great and his writing is terrific. I subscribed. Thanks for the introduction to his work.

Expand full comment

Nice one! Thanks for the shout.

Expand full comment

Thank YOU! I find your drawings often trigger a story in my head. I appreciate your letting me use them to illustrate my story.

Expand full comment

Lovely story. Intriguing, sophisticated, elegant. The dialog is sharp and full of personality.

Having read this in draft form without visuals, I must say that the photos are exactly what I envisioned from your scenic descriptions. Beautiful piece Sharron!

Expand full comment

I sure appreciate your generous help with the first two drafts, Jim. It is much tighter for having your suggestions. It didn't need italics after all, did it? A second pair of eyes is always so helpful - for changes both small and large. I look forward to your next gem, and would be happy to have a look beforehand any time.

Expand full comment

I'm just a fresh set of eyes.

Expand full comment

Yes. And honest - which is the whole point.

Expand full comment

Ditto Scott and Jim, Sharron! : )

Expand full comment

Thanks for reading this rather long piece, James. I am glad you liked it.

Expand full comment

I started this story but was interrupted and was happy to return to it. Loved the air of mystery you created here, Sharron. I was expecting a surprise. And my imagination ran with the possible scenarios.

Was Julian blind? No he wasn’t blind.

Was he a ghost? No, ghosts don’t have warm hands.

Would the couple reunite; run into each other again or plan a rendezvous. So many ways to go with this. And where was Julian from? I would have asked.

Expand full comment

Thank you, Lori! I am glad this one engaged your imagination. (I would have asked, too!) I am going to add one more line to this story. I think it needs it.

Expand full comment

I found myself whispering the words as I was reading, Sharron. Beautiful and intriguing, with the whisper of possibility.

Expand full comment

Thank you, Heather, for coming back to read over here at 🍁Leaves. You know, even at my age I still have a little fire glowing in the basement. ha ha ha! I channel it into my stories.

Expand full comment

I've been a little slow on the draw the past 2 weeks, which I spent at the beach in Oceanside. A lot of beach walking and not so much reading 🤣. Plus getting After 21 Club going - much ruminating 😂.

But eventually I always get back to your work. So worth it. 😁

Expand full comment

Very nice!

Expand full comment

Thank you Linda.

Expand full comment

There does seems to be potential for a special relationship.

Expand full comment

Ah, well, you never know, do you, Janice? I like a bit of odd, unexpected romance.

Expand full comment

Sharron, this story is so moving that it's made me weep. Moving? Powerful? Stirring? I don't know what exactly - you've woven an extraordinary thread of magic all the way through it.

Awesome and compelling aren't big enough words, but it's both of those and more.

Expand full comment

Yeeeow! I have never written a story that anyone called magic! I will print out your comment here and paste it on my refrigerator for those days when I am feeling like an absolute fraud. Thank you so much, Rebecca, for keeping me going. You are so supportive, and I am grateful.

Expand full comment

♥️

Expand full comment

What an excellent story, Sharron! It’s beautifully written. And thanks for the introduction to Kenneth’s sketches. They really did fit with the piece so well.

Expand full comment

Thanks Justin. This one took a while coming together. Sort of a memoir-fiction- travel tale all in one. I am glad you "met" Kenneth Mills. He does such interesting sketches. I would be proud to have any one of them hanging in my home.

Expand full comment

I see what you're doing Sharron. You're pulling us in to your romance web, AND you have enlisted Jim as a co-conspirator! Nefarious! (I think we're loving it!)

Expand full comment

Rats! You caught me out. I do have scruples, honestly.

Expand full comment

The coffee in Brunate of your story reminds me of a place in Big Sur called Nepenthe. The burgers there are $23. But the view from the patio is unparalleled.

Expand full comment

Yes. I have been there myself. I agree.

Expand full comment