11 Comments
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Laura McCarty's avatar

Like Janisse, Tina is a master Georgia storyteller. The ideas in this piece about life force/spirit that communes from beyond the grave touched me.

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Mary Hutto Fruchter's avatar

Janisse, I really enjoyed listening to that. I love your idea. I also loved the length- Tina’s story was powerful- I loved that she told that and then told us her story now. I think she should indeed start sleeping in her garden. I know that urge. I really like your voice as well- and the posing of big questions. Thank you!

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Thank you!!! I saw that Tina posted on social media yesterday a photo of her garden. She said she'd been working in it all day. Why not stay all night too!

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Misti Little's avatar

Oh gosh, this was so fun to listen to! I am very excited to hear more! What a delight and really, the perfect length!

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Misti, thank you for your generous feedback. That you want to hear more makes me very happy.

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Virginia Russell's avatar

This took my breath away.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

I loved listening to Tina's story.

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Frank Billue's avatar

To hear Tina McElroy Ansa describe her feelings as she walked the old plantation is an affirmation of something I’ve felt for some years now. The earth, the land, the life therein holds the energy of all the creatures that have lived and died in a particular place. I feel this most acutely on the land where I grew up. Rather than rattled, I’d say she was awakened.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

I'm so glad to hear you say this, Frank. Thank you. I think you're exactly right, and I'm wondering if I should go in and change that headline. I hope you're doing well and much love to you.

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Frank Billue's avatar

Thank you Janisse. I’m doing well just trying to get through an Idaho winter that doesn’t seem to want to relent.

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Move to Georgia, Frank. We've had NO winter.

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