But got to be tough to paddle in the Kennebec and skiff a short distance stray. Two seasons winter, summer. But call of the loon mates you to the woods, lakes, northern lights.
Tedious affection. Yup. NOt a happy woman. She sent him packing when he found her. I hope she let him go permanent so he could find someone else to take over her work... and maybe like "tedious".
Hmmm. Great question, Jim. Thank you. How about tender? Warm? True? What adjective would YOU choose? Poor John. I am thinking what he really wants is a farm hand, maybe.
Lovely Erik Satie piece to start the day. Thank you. Watching the pianist sink into his zone reminded me of what playing music is all about.
Myrtle's story resonates with me so strongly these days. Up until last weekend, I wanted to run away from home, but returning to SLC didn't pull at my heart. Where to go ... and how. The world has become unfriendly to nomads, and always dangerous for women.
Then Jeff followed up on a suggestion I made a while ago. We decided to go to Lone Pine, CA just for an overnighter. Visit the film museum there and wander through the Alabama Hills. Recall memories of previous trips to the area. We no longer have animals that need attention. We can just go and be.
So we did. It was so refreshing. I still want to wander, but with Jeff along for the ride. I didn't want to escape him and the responsibilities. It was those daily grinds that were wearing us both down. The job, the chores, the routine, HA! and the damned electronics were weighing heavily upon us. Just that little break re-energized our companionship and our spirits.
Its a beautiful country you live in Sharron - oh to be able to bounce around from coast-to-coast and everything in-between. This series brought me right back to my travels in the States - I will return someday!
Tedious affection stood out for me, as well. Not a good sign and not enough of a reason to go back. This is the ending foreshadowed in part one. Your descriptive writing is a joy to read, Sharron.
Very much drawn to these lines. They are the keystone.
"Distant, in space and time, were the dry yellow fields of the mid-west, the stifling heat and flocks of shrieking crows. Distant the dreaded demands of her husband’s farm. And his tedious affection."
She did well to get away. Great conclusion, Sharron. So much imagery in so few words.
Wow! Thank you, Nathan. I am honored that you would say so. I appreciate so much your coming over to 🌿LEAVES - there are so many writers to choose from.
Excellent. Sad and optimistic in equal measure. Burn down one life to make a new one. I picture this as a period piece where it would require bravery and/or desperation to leave.
Yes, Mark. I did not want to explicitly say 1950s. I’d hoped that by the description of the setting, the $97 and the train, it would not read as contemporary. It is often hard to know what to leave out, isn’t it?
Lakes , loons, calmness stay. Painting clouds, horses fly
But got to be tough to paddle in the Kennebec and skiff a short distance stray. Two seasons winter, summer. But call of the loon mates you to the woods, lakes, northern lights.
Thank you, Richard.
Poignant and nostalgic: thanks
Glad you liked it, Jill.
Tedious affection. Yup. NOt a happy woman. She sent him packing when he found her. I hope she let him go permanent so he could find someone else to take over her work... and maybe like "tedious".
Yes. You found the telling phrase here, Kate. Tedious affection. Myrtle realized she could not waste her one precious life with that.
Interesting phrase, but I wonder what adjective would well describe the opposite kind of affection?
Hmmm. Great question, Jim. Thank you. How about tender? Warm? True? What adjective would YOU choose? Poor John. I am thinking what he really wants is a farm hand, maybe.
How about "mutual?" Because unrequited affection is always tedious or worse.
Mutual is perfect, because “unrequited” is miserable for both parties concerned.
Lovely Erik Satie piece to start the day. Thank you. Watching the pianist sink into his zone reminded me of what playing music is all about.
Myrtle's story resonates with me so strongly these days. Up until last weekend, I wanted to run away from home, but returning to SLC didn't pull at my heart. Where to go ... and how. The world has become unfriendly to nomads, and always dangerous for women.
Then Jeff followed up on a suggestion I made a while ago. We decided to go to Lone Pine, CA just for an overnighter. Visit the film museum there and wander through the Alabama Hills. Recall memories of previous trips to the area. We no longer have animals that need attention. We can just go and be.
So we did. It was so refreshing. I still want to wander, but with Jeff along for the ride. I didn't want to escape him and the responsibilities. It was those daily grinds that were wearing us both down. The job, the chores, the routine, HA! and the damned electronics were weighing heavily upon us. Just that little break re-energized our companionship and our spirits.
...those damned "electronics" will chew up our souls and spit them out if we are not selective. So glad you took a little break. Sue!
Its a beautiful country you live in Sharron - oh to be able to bounce around from coast-to-coast and everything in-between. This series brought me right back to my travels in the States - I will return someday!
You would be very welcome, I am sure. But I don't recommend coming back until this total madness is over... you would be appalled.
All eyes on America these days Sharron! Stay safe.
Much to our shame and incredulity.
Hope Myrtle finds someone to take care of her. Hope John finds the same. Good one, Sharron.
Myrtle has returned to her world. Sorry, John, but mistakes have to be rectified.
I am so glad Myrtle found her peace. The music is perfect for her drifting mind. A feel good story, just right for my day!
Thank you, Sharon. We have to be true to ourselves. We have such short lives.
Maine is the right place to heal a wounded soul. I hope they can both move on. Lovely, Sharron.
Tough decision, moving on. But life is short... right?
Saddened me 😓
Ah, well. It might be the happiest solution. Who knows?
Tedious affection stood out for me, as well. Not a good sign and not enough of a reason to go back. This is the ending foreshadowed in part one. Your descriptive writing is a joy to read, Sharron.
Thank you, KC. Maybe sometimes you have to know when it is time to give up.
I experienced a time like that at the end of my first marriage.
Sorry to hear it, KC. It is a very hard thing to go through. I know. I went through it twice before I realized I was. not cut out for marriage,
Very much drawn to these lines. They are the keystone.
"Distant, in space and time, were the dry yellow fields of the mid-west, the stifling heat and flocks of shrieking crows. Distant the dreaded demands of her husband’s farm. And his tedious affection."
She did well to get away. Great conclusion, Sharron. So much imagery in so few words.
Wow! Thank you, Nathan. I am honored that you would say so. I appreciate so much your coming over to 🌿LEAVES - there are so many writers to choose from.
Many to choose from, yes, but not so many that feature such quality writing. ;)
😊
Excellent. Sad and optimistic in equal measure. Burn down one life to make a new one. I picture this as a period piece where it would require bravery and/or desperation to leave.
Yes, Mark. I did not want to explicitly say 1950s. I’d hoped that by the description of the setting, the $97 and the train, it would not read as contemporary. It is often hard to know what to leave out, isn’t it?
It worked.
Totally understand