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Alisa Kennedy Jones's avatar

"Intrusion changes what you are trying to measure"- especially the story. ❤️

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<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Ah, so ... xo

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Del's avatar

One simple not-so-simple conversation weaving blueberry pie and quantum mechanics and what to do with lack of certainty. You have given such additional depth to both Evan and especially Robert in this unexpected way. So good. And, BTW, I'm now hungry.

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<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Oh, Del, you gave me a smile -- after a hard day and night! xx

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Susie Mawhinney's avatar

Oh Mary - Robert's desperation... the quandary of his uncertainty, it feels close to the surface now, through the kitchen window, he watches simple actions, blueberry pie, they enthrall...

This is such a deeply moving chapter.

So many lines I could pull but this... "She was sliding from me and time slowed to let me see what time never allows: the certainty that I could observe present time." so masterfully perceptive. 🙏🏼

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<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Oh, what a reader you are, Susie. Made my day. Yesterday, I was thinking, "Maybe it's time for me to leave Substack." Can't even get Jonathan Foster (The Crow) to read me ... And then here you are with your perception and wisdom and generosity--giving me hope again.

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Susie Mawhinney's avatar

I am so relieved you had a change of heart dear Mary I would be devastated to not read you again, as I am sure would Kimberly and many loyal others. Hang on to hope, no matter its source! 🙏🏼xx

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Kimberly Warner's avatar

Wow Mary. Feeling Robert leaning, finally, into uncertainty, for the possibility and freedom it suggests. Very powerful to experience both him and Evan together in their unspoken known. And Evan’s apology: “I’m not sorry for that, but for talking about my orchids, the way I can save them or think I can by cutting off one blossom to keep the others going.” Like a psychic excision, a letting go—of his need to know all the details about the affair, of his need to control, of his shame and sense of rejection—so that he may live on, reborn from the black hole, anew.

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<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Yes, he's in that black hole of knowing and not knowing ... I so appreciate your reads and comments as the story moves inexorably toward the fullness of knowing ...

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Susan Campbell's avatar

Love how your comment adds to the depth of the context here; thank you.

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<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Yes, what a reader Kimberly is and so are you, Susan. Grateful here.

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Juli Brenning's avatar

But in death everything is stilled to let us look, see the way we haven’t seen before.

This is a beautifully written image. Thank you!

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<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Thank you so, Juli, for reading and for such a lovely comment.

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Mar 23
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<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

Have you read the chapter? I guess not. But thanks for subscribing .... xx

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Mar 23
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<Mary L. Tabor>'s avatar

About the novel, the memoir, the interviews, the course, writng problem - ok.

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