I hate to sound like a sycophant to anyone, but since I was fortunate enough to cross paths with you a second time, even briefly, I have actually paid attention to some of the things you've had to say (the benefit of making it through ones 20s!) on here, your podcast, and yes, even the same old physically-degrading copy of Cracker you signed for me 20 years ago in Douglas (I am aware you've written tons more; I realize it must get frustrating to have people only reference one work. I'll get beyond it soon, I promise**), and they've all brought me a degree of hope and comfort.
Thank you for being, being here, and sharing your gift.
Lovely travelogue, Janisse. You have such a gift for connecting with people on life's journey ... and then for telling about it. (P.S. Please frame one of those pix of you and Silas jumping. Priceless!)
I was so moved by this but especially the line, “In many ways I have lived too carefully.” It just hit such a tender little spot in me. Gave me much to chew on this weekend!
I love the format to share your journey: an Abigail Thomas memoir meets TripTik, not to be confused with TikTok! The vignettes, like cars on on a train, pull us with you on the pilgrimage to share time with your son. I especially love your line about wishing you had time to befriend so many people you meet along the way. I have barely traveled in the past three years, like so many, but I came to the Looking Glass Writing Conference, commuting the hour back and forth from Warren Wilson, so I don't leave a teen solo yolo, although she would love it.
I believe you've taught here in the past, and it's been a delight to be with Camille Dungy, whose new book SOIL is one for our souls. Margaret Renkl leads the creative nonfiction. But the story I want to tell is that within 30 minutes of arriving in Brevard, NC I met Karen Jackson, who credits you as a major mentor to her writing journey. Another woman in the fiction group had worked for my uncle, Rob McDuff, a civil rights lawyer in MS. We go away and then remember we are three questions away from closeness.
Oh my, Mallory. I'm so jealous that you were there. I loved being at Looking Glass. Congrats on getting accepted! And here's to you teaching there one day soon!!!
Thank you. I found something very connecting about these vignettes. Connected to each other of course, but also encouraging connection in general, which I appreciate.
Morning Janisse, When we walk along the sidewalk next to the Bridge St. cemetery and nod to one the young guys whom we often pass going about their business, I’ll wonder if he could be Silas out taking pictures. Mother’s Day weekend was lovely in Hamp and I glad you had a happy visit.
If he's 6 feet 5 inches & very handsome, it could be Silas! By the way, I hope you're okay that I didn't try to find you. I know that you're still dealing with immune issues, and I just didn't want to compromise anybody's health. I thought of you and E. When you get totally back on your feet, I'm going to ring your doorbell! (With advance warning, of course.) :)
I absolutely loved this.
I hate to sound like a sycophant to anyone, but since I was fortunate enough to cross paths with you a second time, even briefly, I have actually paid attention to some of the things you've had to say (the benefit of making it through ones 20s!) on here, your podcast, and yes, even the same old physically-degrading copy of Cracker you signed for me 20 years ago in Douglas (I am aware you've written tons more; I realize it must get frustrating to have people only reference one work. I'll get beyond it soon, I promise**), and they've all brought me a degree of hope and comfort.
Thank you for being, being here, and sharing your gift.
Thank you so much for this, Mark. I hope that you are doing well. A degree of hope & comfort is all I could hope to offer. xoxo
Lovely travelogue, Janisse. You have such a gift for connecting with people on life's journey ... and then for telling about it. (P.S. Please frame one of those pix of you and Silas jumping. Priceless!)
Love, love, love
I'm so glad you love to read.
Such an interesting account of a journey- intertwined with memories and hopes and observations. I love reading your words. Thankyou for sharing.
Thank you so much. I think everything has to be intertwined with hope, don't you?
I was so moved by this but especially the line, “In many ways I have lived too carefully.” It just hit such a tender little spot in me. Gave me much to chew on this weekend!
And I guess I still am, Anja.
Yes, that line stuck with me too.
Yes, there's always that line to toe.
Lovely writing. A bouquet of delicious thoughts.
A bouquet! I love it.
I love the format to share your journey: an Abigail Thomas memoir meets TripTik, not to be confused with TikTok! The vignettes, like cars on on a train, pull us with you on the pilgrimage to share time with your son. I especially love your line about wishing you had time to befriend so many people you meet along the way. I have barely traveled in the past three years, like so many, but I came to the Looking Glass Writing Conference, commuting the hour back and forth from Warren Wilson, so I don't leave a teen solo yolo, although she would love it.
I believe you've taught here in the past, and it's been a delight to be with Camille Dungy, whose new book SOIL is one for our souls. Margaret Renkl leads the creative nonfiction. But the story I want to tell is that within 30 minutes of arriving in Brevard, NC I met Karen Jackson, who credits you as a major mentor to her writing journey. Another woman in the fiction group had worked for my uncle, Rob McDuff, a civil rights lawyer in MS. We go away and then remember we are three questions away from closeness.
Oh my, Mallory. I'm so jealous that you were there. I loved being at Looking Glass. Congrats on getting accepted! And here's to you teaching there one day soon!!!
Nice touch including the shot of the moss vervain.
I had to look it up in multiple wildflower books. I see it every day & always thought it was a phlox.
Thank you. I found something very connecting about these vignettes. Connected to each other of course, but also encouraging connection in general, which I appreciate.
Connection is vital for all of us, right? It's so easy to forget that.
How many sweet and wonderful thoughts and family moments. A travel log well worth reading! P.S. You have a gem in Raven!
Those were such sweet gifts.
This is wonderful J!
Great to see you on Saturday, GG. Thanks for making the time & effort.
Reading this was a beautiful start to my busy Saturday.
Your words are extra-dark chocolate to me! :)
Morning Janisse, When we walk along the sidewalk next to the Bridge St. cemetery and nod to one the young guys whom we often pass going about their business, I’ll wonder if he could be Silas out taking pictures. Mother’s Day weekend was lovely in Hamp and I glad you had a happy visit.
If he's 6 feet 5 inches & very handsome, it could be Silas! By the way, I hope you're okay that I didn't try to find you. I know that you're still dealing with immune issues, and I just didn't want to compromise anybody's health. I thought of you and E. When you get totally back on your feet, I'm going to ring your doorbell! (With advance warning, of course.) :)
I really loved the way you structured this. It felt like I was walking a train and going into a different “car “ in each section.
I didn't intend this, but I see it now & I'm so proud of myself. :)
I love that you did this structure without intention - a true master of craft. You should be proud! 💚
Great observation about the way this piece is structured. I love the idea of the mini chapters being like train carriages.
Such a cool thought.
Love traveling by train!
Yes, so romantic & so real.
Love this piece, and your lifestyle, so much. Thanks for sharing these words with us thanks for sharing yourself with the world.
Keep sharing yourself too, Julia.