Reading this at last (too long delayed), I’m so moved and SO glad to have read it. Your description of your father’s story, “where most of the pages are described by the white spaces” is so suggestive of what I suspect is the distance between you and him. I’m moved by your reflections and questions about him and his life before you knew him, by how obviously you want to fill in the white spaces of those pages. It makes so much sense to me that you became a psychologist and a writer, both professions so well suited to those of us (I am one) who want to untangle our narratives of our pasts. You are so talented and I’m so glad to read your Substack entries. Thank you.
I am left thinking about re-storying and the possibilities it opens up. I love this inside journey so much. The a gift you offer when you ponder and wander and tuck us into your moments like this fill me to the brim. Thank you, Nancy. I am so happy to be one of your readers.
As you may note, this photo was credited so that it is not an actual photo of my local farmstand. And, though summer isn't that distant I can't remember how much they were, but they were well worth it. A good tomato, in season...
I like how Nancy captures the miraculous way the repetition of a routine casual encounter can become a ritual, creating a sense of intimacy. The guy at the deli who knows your order, the coffee gal who knows your name, etc. I thought it was a city thing but it appears to be universal. We aren’t alone after all, etc. Thank you Nancy!!
This is SO good, Nancy. Beautiful introspection. I love being one of your readers. xo
"And healing comes from re-storying our self-narratives.” Great. It's all about who we think we are.
Reading this at last (too long delayed), I’m so moved and SO glad to have read it. Your description of your father’s story, “where most of the pages are described by the white spaces” is so suggestive of what I suspect is the distance between you and him. I’m moved by your reflections and questions about him and his life before you knew him, by how obviously you want to fill in the white spaces of those pages. It makes so much sense to me that you became a psychologist and a writer, both professions so well suited to those of us (I am one) who want to untangle our narratives of our pasts. You are so talented and I’m so glad to read your Substack entries. Thank you.
Perhaps, when you are adopted, I can be your adopted sister? cousin? A tagalong member.
Aside from that, i must tell you that these words and their ways are an exhaling flow of an empathetic understanding for this 70 something gal.
And yes for re-storying.
I thank you.
Thank you!
Such a wonderful piece Nancy, really appreciate your writing and self exploration in these substack entries. Thank you!
Thinking of all the questions I never asked, and the ones that were never answered.
I am left thinking about re-storying and the possibilities it opens up. I love this inside journey so much. The a gift you offer when you ponder and wander and tuck us into your moments like this fill me to the brim. Thank you, Nancy. I am so happy to be one of your readers.
Really sitting with the question of what IS family and how it defines us. Great post.
Thanks so much.
Irna, thank you so much. Your words are generous. We go back a long time and isn't it wonderful that we're connected as we are.
Thank you for reading!
As you may note, this photo was credited so that it is not an actual photo of my local farmstand. And, though summer isn't that distant I can't remember how much they were, but they were well worth it. A good tomato, in season...
Yep.
Thank you so much. I still have the image of us sitting in San Miguel, having lunch. Such a wonderful memory.
Thank you so much for following me. xoxo
I like how Nancy captures the miraculous way the repetition of a routine casual encounter can become a ritual, creating a sense of intimacy. The guy at the deli who knows your order, the coffee gal who knows your name, etc. I thought it was a city thing but it appears to be universal. We aren’t alone after all, etc. Thank you Nancy!!
Nancy, a nosy question from a frugal friend. In the photo, are the tomatoes and apples priced at $5.00 per pound??