31 Comments

OMGGGGGG!!!! At least your mail lady was awesome. This chapter gave me stress even though I know I've read it before. It's hilarious in its own special way that this couple are poets and so have no real earthly belongings though 😅

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The husband, no poet: the wife, a writer. I still can't get over the lock on the refrigerator!

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or the futon - for twenty years. TWENTY YEARS! Or the lack of plates and glasses. Or the woman who absolutely insisted on your social security card. The whole thing felt so Kafkaesque! When you said you cried all day one time, I thought, "just once?"

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No kidding ...

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apparently i must have hit the like button on this chapter months ago at least i had damn good taste....the sense of humour ie "apparently i don't exist" and grimm vs. german philosopher (i will NOT spell check him!) you are a dangerous woman jesus

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I sure hope so. You make me laugh. Now, for real, I am hardly dangerous ...

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i just googled you...still not entirely sure lol read the first thing i ever wrote on here....its my own mangled google ha

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Oh dear, "googled me" --hope that didn't turn you off ... I'm afraid to find out what you found ... xo

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ditto after you read my "Tuesdays Just as Bad" but i sense you don't scare easy

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All the different layers of text mixed with your experience -- it gives so much to the unsaid! Beautiful work, Mary.

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Oh, Elizabeth, what a gift to have you reading --and the comment so generous.

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Apr 3Liked by <Mary L. Tabor>

Mary, I'm really enjoying reading this memoir (even if I am getting to it slowly—that Substack inbox gets quite full!). As others have pointed out, your style and sense of humor are engaging and fun to read. It also inspires me as a writer. Looking forward to reading more!

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Jacob, What you've written here encourages me so. I look forward to everything you have to say and thank you from my heart to yours. ~ Mary

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I love your style and sense of humour. THIS in the face of the 'furnished house', filthy trash can and junk car is a sign of inner strength.

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Oh, man, such an insight. I feel connected to you already.

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Feb 29Liked by <Mary L. Tabor>

Beautiful …

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Thanks for reading ... xo

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Shocking that people in Missouri would treat a guest so poorly. Were they native Missourians? Their mama didn't raise them right.

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I don't know if native Missourians or not and you made me laugh with your comment that I just now saw. Sorry for the late reply! xo ~ Mary

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This one is bittersweet with laughs and realities of changing places and jobs. Excellent! I’m glad I found you on Substack!

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Oct 6, 2023·edited Oct 6, 2023Author

Diane, I'm so glad we found each other. Yes, bittersweet, indeed. Your reads infuse the experience and enrich my journey through it. ~ Mary

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We are in this together as Joyce Vance says!

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Love Joyce Vance--her wisdom and yours.

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Sep 20, 2023Liked by <Mary L. Tabor>

That orange heap of metal only resembled a car. It was a bad time, for sure. But, I did perk up with the visit of the mail lady in Missouri. Good people. I did some of my growing up there with my grandparents.

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You are so right: that mail lady gave me hope. Thank you so for reading and taking the time to comment: means so much. xo ~ Mary

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Aug 22, 2023Liked by <Mary L. Tabor>

I can handle the wheels coming off a marriage, it’s that trash can in the kitchen and the three burners. I’m still shaking.

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No kidding ... xo

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Jul 10, 2023Liked by <Mary L. Tabor>

Thank you for sharing your story. I enjoy reading your history. And your vulnerability in these memories is your strength, and that’s inspiring to read.

“Nietzsche and the Brothers Grimm are not so different. This I am learning. I do wonder if Nietzsche is the reality check on wishes and dreams. I refuse to believe this while I consider the possibility.”

That was my favorite bit.

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Great comment. Yep, the paradox is key, I think now--and that's what you hit on--so smartly.

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Jun 1, 2023Liked by <Mary L. Tabor>

How I would love to explore this:

Nietzsche and the Brothers Grimm are not so different. This I am learning. I do wonder if Nietzsche is the reality check on wishes and dreams. I refuse to believe this while I consider the possibility.

Thanks, as always for sharing, Mary. Our journeys are what make us and I prefer Lawrence too here.

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The exploration continues ... Thank you, Isabelle.

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