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Veronika Bond's avatar

This paragraph is just precious:

“From her I know that love is simple. I know that love will stand beside you no matter what, … And I know that I’ll never really float away because my little sister’s love anchors me to the ground.”

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Jonathan Foster's avatar

Thanks Veronika, it kinda sings that paragraph, embedded in the harshness of the story is this singing, vulnerable little song of a paragraph, a reminder of the tenderness and possibility of love.

That was the idea anyway so I’m so glad you felt that :)

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rena's avatar

Brilliant

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Jonathan Foster's avatar

and thank you for all your kind support too. I really do appreciate you rena

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Jonathan Foster's avatar

Thanks rena,. so glad you liked it :)

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Weston Parker's avatar

I do remember this one from maybe as long as a year ago. It was solid then and it's solid now and poignant as hell which is probably what I said back then. Merry Christmas Jonathan.

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Jonathan Foster's avatar

You too pal, take it easy. I hope your transition to the new surroundings goes well Wes. Could be a bit challenging I guess, but you'll sort it :)

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Weston Parker's avatar

By "new surroundings" I think you mean our impending suffering in Mexico? I will only just manage to sort it with the help of Margarita and her lovely sisters Mojita and Piña Colada...

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Jonathan Foster's avatar

Yep, exactly, a couple those MMP sisters will help no end :) Looking forward to your snaps of the sea, the birds and the cocktails!

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Weston Parker's avatar

Yeah baby. Did you ever read this fun poem I wrote last year in Mexico?

https://westonpparker.substack.com/p/the-hawaiian-shirt

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Jonathan Foster's avatar

That was great

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Fotini Masika's avatar

Listening to you reading one of my favourite posts - such a gift. Thank you, Jonathan!

Merry Christmas, my friend.

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Jonathan Foster's avatar

And a Super Merry Christmas to you too, Fotini. I was wondering about you the other day, hope all is good. Been so busy but I'm going to get round to your latest post later today...damn Xmas getting in the way of my reading!

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Susie Mawhinney's avatar

I remember reading this essay and loving every word, hearing you narrate the words was a double treat, I felt like an invisible bystander... I loved it Thank you for a few notes of such a great song especially Jonathan, I wish I was as brave! 🎶

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Jonathan Foster's avatar

So glad you loved this one Susie, and thanks, even appreciating my half stumbling attempt at rhythm 😂

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Susie Mawhinney's avatar

I didn’t hear you stumble once!

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Lor's avatar

There is something about your voice that brings your stories to a greater level. Words leap off the page, creating images .This is not just narration, it is storytelling at its finest. Wonderful, Jonathan !

Wishing you and yours a delightful holiday. A pat for Benny too.

Snow and a crow,

well, I just had to send it.

❄️🐦‍⬛

Dust of Snow ~ Robert Frost

The way a crow

Shook down on me

The dust of snow

From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart

A change of mood

And saved some part

Of a day I had rued.

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Jonathan Foster's avatar

Thanks so much Lor, it's a process but I'm getting there.

There's a few more coming so keep your ears peeled

And a warm merry holiday to you and Ranger and all your other important people :)

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Tina Lee Forsee's avatar

You have a wonderful voice. Well done!

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Jonathan Foster's avatar

Thats a kind comment Tina, cheers, there'll be more over the Xmas period :)

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Holly Starley's avatar

Delightful. Fantastic use of a great song. Love the characters. Love the audio.

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Jonathan Foster's avatar

Thanks so much Holly, glad you got the song weaving through it too. I love the original, but this version kinda kickstarted the story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEcoxUZnsMc

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Holly Starley's avatar

Oh thanks for sharing! Holy damn, that is a gorgeous version.

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Jonathan Foster's avatar

Isn't it! Just rolls along so beautifully, and her voice! You're so welcome Holly :)

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