So glad to have re-read your memoir Mary. It was a pleasure all over again, with new insights, new impressions, language to reappreciate. I think the next step for me is to buy a brand new copy of the book! Would love to own a physical version of it. Will see if I can order it from a bookstore when I'm in England. x
What an ending. A surprising new beginning, as all the best ones are :)
This final chapter really struck me… As you say, you are not and never were his answer. I see you as something far more than that — You are his coincidence. A connective portal back to the mystery that the masculine so often forgets. And when coincidence speaks (and wow does this memoir ever capital S Speak), a choice is presented to the reader: finish the book, or join the story.
“When I began this memoir, I thought my writing might in some way disappear D.” What a powerful reflection, now in hindsight, seeing that in a way, it did disappear him… or at least the “him” he was, while the D he went out to find, emerged more fully upon his return. And by fully, I mean, the man in 9C who could finally see his beloved, wholly and truly for who she is. I think the greatest gift of our wholeness is that we are then able to see another clearly, not a projected version, or a version that fills this or that part, but someone who can appreciate another human life for its own unique radiance and rejoice.
I'm in awe of your ability to create such a beautifully shaped memoir about life as it happens, Mary. This chapter is so rich in detail and so moving in its flow towards happiness. Just beautiful.
Oh, Jeffrey, your background in literature makes your generous comment so meaningful, touches my heart and gives me hope, not only only about life's journeys--this one that was so challenging--but also about my ability to tell about it. Thank you so. ~ Mary
I'm new Mary so maybe this is a foolish question, but why not paywall previous chapters? That's my plan for fiction, or make the first couple free, then the rest subscriber-only.
Well, I guess I simply decided to do it for free. I do have a paywall for some of the super copyrighted teaching stuff I do here: https://marytabor.substack.com/s/write-it-how-to-get-started -- My feeling has been that this is a generous network and that if folks love the work, I hope they will pay be because they think I'm worth it. I know it's a grace filled hope, but how many paid subscriptions can anyone afford? xx ~Mary
It's only been the past few weeks that I began to sense this, for me, quite unanticipated (not-quite-yet) ending, the surprise ending of the [choose your time frame]. Thus my unsettled feelings weeks back, when I had to grab hold of my head and cock it in a new direction. What Paris can do for a couple! ;) Of course, the hidden story all this while until these recent weeks has been D.'s story. I'll look forward to the epilogue to tuck me in and send me off with a contented smile.
D. finally told his story--and what a wait for that! You have been a grand reader--with a bit more to come in an epilogue and a message from my heart! Thank you, Jay, dear friend and writer and poet and scholar!
What a wonderful ending to your story! It does read like a movie. Teddy Thompson's version of Tonight Will Be Fine is one of my very favorite songs, and I had it playing in my head as I finished your post, so clever to include a soundtrack!
Dear Mary, your story is a romcom! This is the most beautiful ending anyone could wish for. Your memoir should be turned into a movie, with all the other romcoms making their guest appearances. Wonderful. I shall join the applause (leaving the lead to D.) 💖🙏
I feel like my team just won the World Series, that's how happy I am with the way this chapter ended. I know there's an epilogue to come. But for the moment I'm in the "now" of this chapter and so happy for you and D.
The only other comment I have for the moment is to say thank you for the K.D. Lang version of my favorite Neil Young song. My favorite version had always been the one in the Last Waltz with Joni singing background. But this one's a great contender.
So glad to have re-read your memoir Mary. It was a pleasure all over again, with new insights, new impressions, language to reappreciate. I think the next step for me is to buy a brand new copy of the book! Would love to own a physical version of it. Will see if I can order it from a bookstore when I'm in England. x
That would be grand. Love to you!
What an ending. A surprising new beginning, as all the best ones are :)
This final chapter really struck me… As you say, you are not and never were his answer. I see you as something far more than that — You are his coincidence. A connective portal back to the mystery that the masculine so often forgets. And when coincidence speaks (and wow does this memoir ever capital S Speak), a choice is presented to the reader: finish the book, or join the story.
YES! Join the story that comes from my heart. Risk is not safety. It takes more ... and we will find out, won' t we?
Thank you, Mary. It is an exquisite tale, you and your open heart.
Oh you're a love.
‘Found’ is the big word in this chapter. Love was hiding in those memories all along. ❤️
Bill, I didn't fully realize that until this moment--but so true, so true, indeed.
“When I began this memoir, I thought my writing might in some way disappear D.” What a powerful reflection, now in hindsight, seeing that in a way, it did disappear him… or at least the “him” he was, while the D he went out to find, emerged more fully upon his return. And by fully, I mean, the man in 9C who could finally see his beloved, wholly and truly for who she is. I think the greatest gift of our wholeness is that we are then able to see another clearly, not a projected version, or a version that fills this or that part, but someone who can appreciate another human life for its own unique radiance and rejoice.
I join D in the applause. 💛
Such a wise and tender reply, Kimberly -- so carefully stated. I am grateful for you in so many ways. xx ~ M.
I'm in awe of your ability to create such a beautifully shaped memoir about life as it happens, Mary. This chapter is so rich in detail and so moving in its flow towards happiness. Just beautiful.
Oh, Jeffrey, your background in literature makes your generous comment so meaningful, touches my heart and gives me hope, not only only about life's journeys--this one that was so challenging--but also about my ability to tell about it. Thank you so. ~ Mary
I'm new Mary so maybe this is a foolish question, but why not paywall previous chapters? That's my plan for fiction, or make the first couple free, then the rest subscriber-only.
Well, I guess I simply decided to do it for free. I do have a paywall for some of the super copyrighted teaching stuff I do here: https://marytabor.substack.com/s/write-it-how-to-get-started -- My feeling has been that this is a generous network and that if folks love the work, I hope they will pay be because they think I'm worth it. I know it's a grace filled hope, but how many paid subscriptions can anyone afford? xx ~Mary
Thanks Mary you rock ❤️
The title will pull 'em in : )
I know, and folks do love it now that I've reached the end of this journey and I do appreciate the encouragement, Richard!
are sex and love the same thing?
Nope.
The old joke goes Is sex better than cake? Answer: What kind of cake : )
It's only been the past few weeks that I began to sense this, for me, quite unanticipated (not-quite-yet) ending, the surprise ending of the [choose your time frame]. Thus my unsettled feelings weeks back, when I had to grab hold of my head and cock it in a new direction. What Paris can do for a couple! ;) Of course, the hidden story all this while until these recent weeks has been D.'s story. I'll look forward to the epilogue to tuck me in and send me off with a contented smile.
D. finally told his story--and what a wait for that! You have been a grand reader--with a bit more to come in an epilogue and a message from my heart! Thank you, Jay, dear friend and writer and poet and scholar!
So I’m sitting here thinking ‘what a peach of an opening sentence’ but that’s because I haven’t yet read the closing one.
I'll be waiting here for you to read that closer. Epilogue to follow.
"I do not know how to fly, but I have in my heart the lightness of a bird." Wonderful image. Thanks for posting your stories.
Quite a journey. Let's us have the lightness of a bird.
Gorgeous post. Can't wait for more.
A brief epilogue and then a message from my heart to come!
What a wonderful ending to your story! It does read like a movie. Teddy Thompson's version of Tonight Will Be Fine is one of my very favorite songs, and I had it playing in my head as I finished your post, so clever to include a soundtrack!
D. included the soundtrack. Clever ever! Thank you, lovely Jodi! And a movie--wouldn't that be grand!
Dear Mary, your story is a romcom! This is the most beautiful ending anyone could wish for. Your memoir should be turned into a movie, with all the other romcoms making their guest appearances. Wonderful. I shall join the applause (leaving the lead to D.) 💖🙏
What a great comment! As my mother used to say, "From your mouth to G-d's ears" ❣️xx
Mary,
I feel like my team just won the World Series, that's how happy I am with the way this chapter ended. I know there's an epilogue to come. But for the moment I'm in the "now" of this chapter and so happy for you and D.
The only other comment I have for the moment is to say thank you for the K.D. Lang version of my favorite Neil Young song. My favorite version had always been the one in the Last Waltz with Joni singing background. But this one's a great contender.
I'm so glad you're on my team, David! and thank you so for reading and commenting all along the torturous way that has this ending.