We just returned from older son’s parents weekend — he’s a sophomore but this was our first parents weekend at his school since last year his and my daughter’s were head-to-head and because she was a senior, we went to hers.
I love this so, so, so much. "The world is much better when you work with it"—yes, and also when you have someone to keep you company on your hand. And when you're an uptight blessing. And when you're attuned to those small and world-changing moments of tenderness and beauty and vulnerability (that newborn calf! the tiny cars and tiny people! the rightness of leaving Cat Panther where he belongs! you as Target!). SO. GOOD.
Thank you as always for your gorgeous writing, which always feels like a ray of light piercing the fog and illuminating what we need to see.
Thank you, Irena, for the comments that see it all and keep me going, especially because of all worlds, the writer's one is a little tougher to work with? We can discuss at next Coffee bar ;) ...where I will also do my Target impression for you which will floor you, no doubt. And not to flex too hard here, but I also do a great moon, tree, house, middle school, Cat Panther, Luigi, Lightning McQueen, etc. All I'm saying is block a few hours on your schedule...
We feel so lucky that we get to see the world through his eyes… he keeps us laughing (“See you later, Tiny Cars and Tiny People!”) and crying (“Can you keep me company on your hand?“). Your sharing the perspective of your “overflowing-with-love plus one” extends his love to so many more… please do keep it up!
You know I live for the Vella encouragement! Thank you! And stay tuned: I'm working on a YA novel from his semi-imagined perspective because, yes, he is a full-on character and he def shows us how to live/laugh/cry/love every day.
I am crying and Lottie is quite concerned. Blubbering, really. The last paragraphs are composed of among the most beautiful words and sentiments I have ever read. I finally understand why your writing affects me so deeply: you pull ideas into focus and frame them for me in a way that I cannot quite access without your help— and if that’s not the ULTIMATE effing talent, I don’t know what is?! But then, there IT is and I get IT and I’m not missing some major underlying notion about life and family and kids— not stumbling through the world like some incurious robot. I went down a true Carly Simon rabbit whole recently and watched a YouTube documentary (which originally aired on the hallmark channel 😝) about her life and loves— and Nora Ephron said of Carly’s music: “whatever she goes through is in some way going to come into your life like this great wave and redefine it for you…” and I thought, “this is what Jen”s writing does for me— you redefine and define experiences and through your lens everything comes into focus and the idea is framed. That’s what the best music and the best writing does for us. Also, can I hire L as my personal flight nanny— because this baby of yours doesn’t do well with turbulence. Deterministic chaos yielded something so beautiful for us all— and reading your exploration of it is a joy and privilege. I love you so.
I am out with lanterns looking for myself/sanity/comfort/America and so I came back to reread this source of light. Thank you, Beezy. I'm going to print it, and speaking of frames, put it in one on my desk. And I'll take any likeness to Carly, of course -- I'm so vain! I love all of this and you❤️
As always, this so resonates! So nice to feel understood... worrying about a dark (and potentially curvy?) 15 min late night drive. And if we are keeping stats, I had several warm fuzzies... Pretty nice people are the most common kind; saying I love you can't happen often enough; loving the Little Things of the University Universe; feeling American, in a good way. Thanks Jen and Lew, love it!
oh if I had to guess at any one reader who'd worry about that drive in the same way, it would be you ;) thank you for reading and for getting and sharing back your warm fuzzies❤️
Again, if only we all experienced the world through Lew's love-filled and joy seeking eyes. Also, I'm dying to know if the decorative sign is still in the dorm window?
Oh -- I love joy-seeking eyes ❤️ he's also quite Wii-seeking so anytime you want a little extra love and noise over there let me know ;) And sign no longer in window but still displayed bc of course G believes "it came with the room."
He has a way. I often think he speaks in more beautiful combinations because he's less inhibited by rules and structure and conventions -- like non-native English speakers who employ words in new and inventive ways and sequences and what comes out is, like you say, poetry. Thanks for always reading, Kathryn❤️
Can’t add much to Roy Vella’s spot on post other than to post the stats of 3 laugh out louds and more welling up cries than I care to admit to. Bravo, Jen!
Love this. Adding to other's comments -- you are right. Everyone that looks "all put together" is simply showing you one slice of an intertwined, complex world. I would like a matching rollie and carryon, though!
So beautiful and poignant, as always, Jen. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and words - both are incredibly powerful. The world needs more of you. xox
I love this so, so, so much. "The world is much better when you work with it"—yes, and also when you have someone to keep you company on your hand. And when you're an uptight blessing. And when you're attuned to those small and world-changing moments of tenderness and beauty and vulnerability (that newborn calf! the tiny cars and tiny people! the rightness of leaving Cat Panther where he belongs! you as Target!). SO. GOOD.
Thank you as always for your gorgeous writing, which always feels like a ray of light piercing the fog and illuminating what we need to see.
Thank you, Irena, for the comments that see it all and keep me going, especially because of all worlds, the writer's one is a little tougher to work with? We can discuss at next Coffee bar ;) ...where I will also do my Target impression for you which will floor you, no doubt. And not to flex too hard here, but I also do a great moon, tree, house, middle school, Cat Panther, Luigi, Lightning McQueen, etc. All I'm saying is block a few hours on your schedule...
We feel so lucky that we get to see the world through his eyes… he keeps us laughing (“See you later, Tiny Cars and Tiny People!”) and crying (“Can you keep me company on your hand?“). Your sharing the perspective of your “overflowing-with-love plus one” extends his love to so many more… please do keep it up!
You know I live for the Vella encouragement! Thank you! And stay tuned: I'm working on a YA novel from his semi-imagined perspective because, yes, he is a full-on character and he def shows us how to live/laugh/cry/love every day.
I am crying and Lottie is quite concerned. Blubbering, really. The last paragraphs are composed of among the most beautiful words and sentiments I have ever read. I finally understand why your writing affects me so deeply: you pull ideas into focus and frame them for me in a way that I cannot quite access without your help— and if that’s not the ULTIMATE effing talent, I don’t know what is?! But then, there IT is and I get IT and I’m not missing some major underlying notion about life and family and kids— not stumbling through the world like some incurious robot. I went down a true Carly Simon rabbit whole recently and watched a YouTube documentary (which originally aired on the hallmark channel 😝) about her life and loves— and Nora Ephron said of Carly’s music: “whatever she goes through is in some way going to come into your life like this great wave and redefine it for you…” and I thought, “this is what Jen”s writing does for me— you redefine and define experiences and through your lens everything comes into focus and the idea is framed. That’s what the best music and the best writing does for us. Also, can I hire L as my personal flight nanny— because this baby of yours doesn’t do well with turbulence. Deterministic chaos yielded something so beautiful for us all— and reading your exploration of it is a joy and privilege. I love you so.
I am out with lanterns looking for myself/sanity/comfort/America and so I came back to reread this source of light. Thank you, Beezy. I'm going to print it, and speaking of frames, put it in one on my desk. And I'll take any likeness to Carly, of course -- I'm so vain! I love all of this and you❤️
As always, this so resonates! So nice to feel understood... worrying about a dark (and potentially curvy?) 15 min late night drive. And if we are keeping stats, I had several warm fuzzies... Pretty nice people are the most common kind; saying I love you can't happen often enough; loving the Little Things of the University Universe; feeling American, in a good way. Thanks Jen and Lew, love it!
oh if I had to guess at any one reader who'd worry about that drive in the same way, it would be you ;) thank you for reading and for getting and sharing back your warm fuzzies❤️
Again, if only we all experienced the world through Lew's love-filled and joy seeking eyes. Also, I'm dying to know if the decorative sign is still in the dorm window?
Oh -- I love joy-seeking eyes ❤️ he's also quite Wii-seeking so anytime you want a little extra love and noise over there let me know ;) And sign no longer in window but still displayed bc of course G believes "it came with the room."
Overflowing with beauty.....thanks as always for sharing the love.
Thanks as always for reading and commenting, Anastasia ❤️
a much more beautiful way to hold hands.........(sigh- wow. poetic)
He has a way. I often think he speaks in more beautiful combinations because he's less inhibited by rules and structure and conventions -- like non-native English speakers who employ words in new and inventive ways and sequences and what comes out is, like you say, poetry. Thanks for always reading, Kathryn❤️
Love this so much! I love-can I keep company with your hand. Lou sounds really fun!
Thank you, Nancy! He is a funny guy -- next time we're in Andover he'll have to tell you some knock knocks ;)
Can’t add much to Roy Vella’s spot on post other than to post the stats of 3 laugh out louds and more welling up cries than I care to admit to. Bravo, Jen!
I love these kinds of stats! Please always report ;)
How has taken until today for me to find you here on Substack! Reunited, almost! 😘😘
You’re here! Welcome ❤️
That would be a “?!” Love you Jen. ❤️
Love this Jen! Thanks for sharing, and opening your hearts treasures…💕
Thanks for reading, Casie❤️
“Never empty nest” …so lucky ❤️
iykyk❤️
Love this. Adding to other's comments -- you are right. Everyone that looks "all put together" is simply showing you one slice of an intertwined, complex world. I would like a matching rollie and carryon, though!
Thank you, Nancy! I aspire to match too but alas, it's just not my true nature ;)
Jen this is perfect. Tender. Full of beauty, humor, love. The wallpaper comment is priceless. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Ah, Alice. Thank you! Perfect I will take ❤️
So beautiful and poignant, as always, Jen. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and words - both are incredibly powerful. The world needs more of you. xox