30 Comments
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Vic Parker's avatar

I know what he means too. But I smile thinking about your internal struggle between seeing old friends in NYC and desire to be alone. A nice problem to have on occasion. Good thing my lettuce is so interesting :)

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jen parker's avatar

The lettuce is riveting. I'm sure you already knew I thought that.

And yes -- a nice problem that you generously helped me have❤️

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Beth Murphy's avatar

I remember following you through the crush of humanity in NYC— so I can see it all! You needed time to be Jen in the City again for a bit, pony tail swinging and taking care of business— I’m so glad you got it. The ‘wide swaths of time we get back’ really hit me hard. No one else finds the truth like you. All so deeply affecting and beautiful. I got teary about L missing his bro and sis so much— I missed you in the same way and know the feeling. This reminds me that I never checked out Vic’s crops during my visit and I regret it! ❤️

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jen parker's avatar

my reply didn't go as a reply so it's floating around in the comments like a free radical.

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Andy Leventhal's avatar

Lovely post. Having grown up in NYC, but living in your current neighborhood, this story has resonance throughout. I’m delighted you are branching out and traveling alone and I love how you share yourself so intimately. .

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jen parker's avatar

Thank you, Andy. I loved learning you're reading and am happy for the resonance. Also, this weather in our transplant home? The wind must be stopped...

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Jen Pleasants's avatar

Sooo happy for you!! I had the same exact feeling recently. Never have left kids for ME . Went to Costa Rica for 2 weeks to do writing on my book. Was exhilarating! Looking forward to reading more of your writing! Ox j

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jen parker's avatar

Thank you, Jen ❤️And wait: Costa Rica?! Your book!? I need to hear more!

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Jen Pleasants's avatar

Long story.. its the Celestine prophecy, meets Harry Potter, meets Star Wars but targeted to 11 year old girls!

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Shashi Deb's avatar

Everything about this post resonated deeply. I went to New York, alone (albeit to visit my oldest) by myself for the first time. I loved my time with her, but I secretly (or not so secretly) loved my time alone. Your words capture the raw emotions mothers (well, me, for sure) feel as we stand at the edge of shifting terrain. Your writing is such a gift!

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jen parker's avatar

You see, you are someone I would just think would be quite natural at getting a bag off a claim belt and rolling it to the curb, Shashi ;) I'm so glad you got a dose of the NYC alone magic too. Nothing like it❤️

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Beth P's avatar

Such strong writing. Thank you for sharing this, felt like I was right beside you.

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jen parker's avatar

Oh I really love to hear "right beside you" -- that's the goal! Thank you, Beth!

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Anastasia Brien's avatar

Thank you, favorite Writer. You can teach the conference next year! I'm so glad you went!

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jen parker's avatar

oh my goodness: a new title! I'm changing my instagram bio asap ;) Thank you for reading and writing, Anastasia ❤️

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Roy Vella's avatar

Seriously... “I don’t feel like myself without them here.” Pure, uncut wisdom. Thanks, Lew.

Oh, and thanks, Jen for noting and sharing. Priceless. Can't wait for Part 2.

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jen parker's avatar

I'm essentially just the stenographer of Lew's poetic approach to life at this point!

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Lara's avatar

Got the goosebumps again! You had me laughing out loud and totally relating to all your emotions. Feels good to know we're not alone. But sweet Lew got me at the end. That's how I feel too. Thank you for writing! Please don't stop. And congrats on your big trip. xo

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jen parker's avatar

Thank you, Lara! And just a few more weeks and we get to feel more like ourselves for a stretch ;)

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amy kacher's avatar

Isn’t it your husband’s dried artichokes that are interesting? Ditto all of this as well all merrily roll along ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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jen parker's avatar

Well that was the one piece of produce I got very excited about as you know -- but for aesthetics, not consumption ;)

and yes: merrily, merrily, merrily...with less spit, hopefully.

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Lindsey B's avatar

I always look forward to seeing your newsletter in my inbox but particularly loved this one. You perfectly captured the push & pull of motherhood as it evolves. xx

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jen parker's avatar

Thank you❤️your pre-reading for Italy alone time ;)

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Jill Martin's avatar

Love this post, Jen!

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jen parker's avatar

Thank you, lovely, supportive, not scary writer ;)

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Andrea Higgins's avatar

I get excited to see your name in my inbox and always pause life to immediately read your newest drop! Oh I relate to so much of this latest piece. 🙏

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jen parker's avatar

Excitement and immediate pause: I can't ask for more! Thank you, Andrea❤️

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Alice Goldbloom's avatar

Beautiful ending.

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jen parker's avatar

Thank you, Alice❤️

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jen parker's avatar

It's always the ones who don't have to care about the lettuce who do ;)

And thank you, Beezy. Of course those swaths do allow for 3 hour phone calls so I guess not all bad?? I think L needs an auntie pep talk on baby beach this summer. He'd be comforted to know you had the same kind of broken heart.

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