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Judith Fetterley's avatar

So moving, so beautifully written. I love the concept of holding hands with the world. And indeed it is the best way to spend the precious time we have here on this earth.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

Holding hands feels like the posture I want to have across the board...with individuals, with flowers, with breezes. I'm not entirely sure what it means but it sits comfortably on my heart.

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Rachael Freed's avatar

I think there are still roses, tho we’ve had such horribly hot days and not much rain, so I’m not sure. Have you walked at the arboretum - another luscious place to visit in any season - out west near Prince’s house.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

I haven’t been to the Arboretum. So many beautiful spots to visit.

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betsy mctiernan's avatar

Yes—years and years. But the older I get, the easier it gets.

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Jinks Hoffmann's avatar

What a beautiful, tender love letter to life and death and our fractured world.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

I'm feeling just that very deeply these days. The new setting may be exaggerating the feeling. Everything is jumping out at me.

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Rachael Freed's avatar

I didn't realize there were three separate sections to your today's post. If you think Lake Bde Maka Ska is special I recommend your next lake walk to Lake Harriet, just south of Lake Bde Maka

Ska, where there are evening concerts at the pavilion and a beautiful rose garden across from the northeast corner of the lake. I wonder if they still sell homemade ice cream and taffy there.... I have fond memories of riding around Harriet on my bike when I was in grade school - I lived nearby.

Your description of the lightning in last night's special sky - honoring and expressing the beauty and the power. The fireworks, though excellent, were less thrilling than the light of your familial community that "outsparkled" them.

I love your sharing with new eyes our wonderful city - it helps me to see the habitual anew. Thank you.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

That's such a lovely response that's unique to you, Rachel. A Minnesota native. I especially appreciate "outsparkled." Do you think the rose garden is still happening or did we miss it this year?

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betsy mctiernan's avatar

I got that, but for other reasons letting people die on their terms made me think of letting people also live on their terms. Granted that's setting a high bar, especially when I believe people would benefit from seeing things my way. Your posts usually make me first reflect on what you've said, then lead me to branch out.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

Keep me posted on all the branching out. We all have limitations and I need to know about all the other ways of looking at things. Letting people live on their own terms is more challenging. It unfolds over time, yes? Sometimes years and years.

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betsy mctiernan's avatar

All of this speaks to me today, especially the letting go section. I have noticed recently a shift in myself. I feel I am more skillful (willing?) to let go—of friends that are drifting away, of old conflicts, of the opportunity for a new conflict. It doesn’t feel like abandonment—more like I’m loosening my grip. Thanks for bing here ever Wednesday. 💚

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

I love that phrase..."opportunity for a new conflict." We really do have more choice in these matters than we used to have when we were younger. At least that's how it seems to me. I feel like I can ask myself..."do I want this?" Maybe not. I hadn't been particularly focused on the subject of letting go when I was writing this...although it certainly comes up all the time, in all situations. I was specifically thinking about letting people die on their own terms. Not making it about me. Big topic.

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Alice Goldbloom's avatar

I often feel I am with you and seeing what you see. Thanks for your beautiful writing.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

You are always welcome, Alice

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