Loved your post this week. We missed you terribly at the wedding, and my words were likely influenced by my favorite book The Alchemist, which seems a bit too coincidental based on your other posts lately!
Somehow, the universe is always conspiring to make sure that we are exactly where we are supposed to be.
I love seeing photos of you and your dad, the love pops out of the screen and straight into hearts!
Fantastic essay, Sam. The part where you imagine your dad’s soul inhabiting the Mustang is very similar (although far less morbidly so) to a short story I read recently, called “Men, Women, and Chainsaws” by Stephen Graham Jones. It’s a great horror story, and provides for some food for thought in the margins as well.
Once again, congrats on the essay. Would love to know more about your trip to Kyoto, as it’s been a dream of mine to visit Japan someday.
Thank you so much, Andrei! Kyoto is incredible. I went to Japan pre-Covid and I know it’s changed since, but my husband and I agree that it’s our favorite place we’ve ever travelled. It’s super easy to get around, the food is delicious and varied, and people are incredibly nice. And I was surprised that it’s actually pretty affordable once you get there! If you ever start planning a trip (and you 1000% should) and want tips, feel free to hit me up.
You are just such a stellar writer - I love reading you, it's all so real but presented so imaginatively. And what a true friend the bride is. Sending warmth your way - and "car guys" are often my favorite!
Thank you so much, Trilety! Your comments always feel like warm hugs to me. :) And yes, the bride is a great friend and just all-around wonderful person.
Exploratory runs are what came to mind at your prompt. While on my soul journey in Scotland, I set out one morning just to run. I thought I knew where I was going and promptly realized I didn't, but I refused to check my maps.
That led to random turns and straightaways, kind of letting traffic lights determine where I went. And, I wound up by the water. A dead-end street that met me with this vast gray-green expanse of placid, Sunday-morning sea.
Wandering lost provides so many chances to check in with yourself. :)
I love that, Skye! It's like the traffic lights led you straight to the ocean :) The act of physically wandering and letting your mind wander with it can be so powerful--those thoughts you have when there are no real goals are distractions can be the most illuminating ones.
I always slow down and save my favorites for last, because I can only enjoy them for the "first time" once, like this latest piece.
This was a beautiful montage of memories, thank you for putting words to them, accenting the sweetness of your father's passion for restoring his prized chariot. If only we can do with our writing something like what your father did with that Mustang, and then give it all we got and let fly. The tale of Plitvice Lake's "regeneration" is a fitting addition in the links section.
History is what hooks me, including the tale of pumpkin spice latte.
I always enjoy your thoughtful comments, Edward. Couldn't agree more that this is what we're striving for with our writing: to pour our souls, our energy, our very essence into it. Which I gather you've been doing lately with HRVST--I am so looking forward to sitting down and reading it in its entirety!!
A very touching remembrance of you father Sam. We missed a connection in Zurich coming home from Berlin in September and were able to spend a day in that charming Swiss city. It was a perfect detour.
That sounds fun, Vicki! I've flown through Zurich, but never really visited the city--perhaps someday I'll miss a connection there and get to explore :) What did you do on your bonus day in Zurich?
The day was made stress-free by the ease of transportation provided by the tram. We basically walked out of the airport, got on the tram to go to the hotel, and got on the tram for sightseeing. So different from Newark. We pretty much just walked around, visited some old churches, and peered in the windows of the luxury shops.
Loved your post this week. We missed you terribly at the wedding, and my words were likely influenced by my favorite book The Alchemist, which seems a bit too coincidental based on your other posts lately!
Somehow, the universe is always conspiring to make sure that we are exactly where we are supposed to be.
I love seeing photos of you and your dad, the love pops out of the screen and straight into hearts!
I’ve told you that the Alchemist was also my dad’s favorite book, right?? Maybe you weren’t the only one speaking to me. Love you, Cat. ❤️
Fantastic essay, Sam. The part where you imagine your dad’s soul inhabiting the Mustang is very similar (although far less morbidly so) to a short story I read recently, called “Men, Women, and Chainsaws” by Stephen Graham Jones. It’s a great horror story, and provides for some food for thought in the margins as well.
Once again, congrats on the essay. Would love to know more about your trip to Kyoto, as it’s been a dream of mine to visit Japan someday.
Thank you so much, Andrei! Kyoto is incredible. I went to Japan pre-Covid and I know it’s changed since, but my husband and I agree that it’s our favorite place we’ve ever travelled. It’s super easy to get around, the food is delicious and varied, and people are incredibly nice. And I was surprised that it’s actually pretty affordable once you get there! If you ever start planning a trip (and you 1000% should) and want tips, feel free to hit me up.
Aw good - a hug across the sea!
I love the photo of you with your dad! Just look at the blissful smile on his face -- he was sure crazy about you!
:) It's one of my absolute favorites because of that smile!
It's surreal to see those vivid pastel walls -- beautiful colors! -- against an otherwise drab, monotonous background.
Such a beautiful post, Sam. The picture of you with your Dad is so touching, as are your words.
Thank you, Jolene ❤️ hope all is well! I’m planning to make the Sarabeth’s pumpkin muffin recipe you sent me this week!!
Ooh, I hope you love them, Sam! 🎃
You are just such a stellar writer - I love reading you, it's all so real but presented so imaginatively. And what a true friend the bride is. Sending warmth your way - and "car guys" are often my favorite!
Thank you so much, Trilety! Your comments always feel like warm hugs to me. :) And yes, the bride is a great friend and just all-around wonderful person.
Love the photo of you & your dad.
Exploratory runs are what came to mind at your prompt. While on my soul journey in Scotland, I set out one morning just to run. I thought I knew where I was going and promptly realized I didn't, but I refused to check my maps.
That led to random turns and straightaways, kind of letting traffic lights determine where I went. And, I wound up by the water. A dead-end street that met me with this vast gray-green expanse of placid, Sunday-morning sea.
Wandering lost provides so many chances to check in with yourself. :)
I love that, Skye! It's like the traffic lights led you straight to the ocean :) The act of physically wandering and letting your mind wander with it can be so powerful--those thoughts you have when there are no real goals are distractions can be the most illuminating ones.
I always slow down and save my favorites for last, because I can only enjoy them for the "first time" once, like this latest piece.
This was a beautiful montage of memories, thank you for putting words to them, accenting the sweetness of your father's passion for restoring his prized chariot. If only we can do with our writing something like what your father did with that Mustang, and then give it all we got and let fly. The tale of Plitvice Lake's "regeneration" is a fitting addition in the links section.
History is what hooks me, including the tale of pumpkin spice latte.
I always enjoy your thoughtful comments, Edward. Couldn't agree more that this is what we're striving for with our writing: to pour our souls, our energy, our very essence into it. Which I gather you've been doing lately with HRVST--I am so looking forward to sitting down and reading it in its entirety!!
A very touching remembrance of you father Sam. We missed a connection in Zurich coming home from Berlin in September and were able to spend a day in that charming Swiss city. It was a perfect detour.
That sounds fun, Vicki! I've flown through Zurich, but never really visited the city--perhaps someday I'll miss a connection there and get to explore :) What did you do on your bonus day in Zurich?
The day was made stress-free by the ease of transportation provided by the tram. We basically walked out of the airport, got on the tram to go to the hotel, and got on the tram for sightseeing. So different from Newark. We pretty much just walked around, visited some old churches, and peered in the windows of the luxury shops.
What a relaxing day that must have been. There are few things nicer than strolling around a quiet old European city without a care in the world!
Samantha, this was utterly beautiful.
❤️ thank you, Rachel.