14 Comments
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Leslie Hoge's avatar

Oh wow! So much to digest in your post. Congratulations on ringing bells, eyelashes, Portuguese, having the energy to do fun things, TSNW hikes (the best group ever). The poetry you shared is lovely. I learned that the green grass of my fantasies is often no better than the brownish stuff I’m standing on.

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Clara Barton's avatar

This is one of your most beautiful, thought-provoking pieces of writing of all time.

One of my favorite expressions is a play on words in Portuguese: "O Deus escreve certo por linhas tortas." For that aphorism alone, I am grateful to have learned Portuguese.

Love you, Alison.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

Glad to be studying Portuguese again. Maybe I’ll find more words of wisdom. Thanks for sharing these.

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American Gen X-er in Portugal's avatar

1. CONGRATULATIONS, Alison!! So excited for you. 🎉🎉

2. Your toasts look incredible. Now I’m craving toasts piled with spring things and a creamy base. 🤤

3. Reconciling the grass on both sides: I’ve thought about this a lot, and here’s where I sit with it: A) I tend to look at the past through rose-tinted lenses and B) the person I was when I looked around and realized something big needed to change is a person that can be trusted. These big decisions come slowly and not easily, and despite the fact that I’ve made big mistakes, I do trust myself and my instincts. It’s a valuable exploration, I think, and I appreciate that you ask the question. It’s a hard and important one.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

That’s a great way of looking at it. Thank you for that thoughtful response.

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Alisa Kennedy Jones's avatar

I am so excited for you... for the bell, for Portugal, for the English Peas... :)

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

Those peas are soooo delicious!!!

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Alicia Dara's avatar

So glad to hear all of this (especially the sound of that bell!).

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Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Your words are, as always, an inspiring and uplifting kick in the ass--equal parts "be here now" and "what the heck are you doing sitting here right now"?

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

I love the way you put that!!!! By the way, the clams were delicious. Thanks for the inspiration!

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Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

We belong to a mutuaaaallllll inspiration society.

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Etta Abrahams's avatar

Thank you for your wonderful words and photos. I think of you with love as I lie in bed luxuriously listening to gentle rain on a Sunday morning in strangely and unseasonably warm Michigan. I am so grateful for you.

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Alison Krupnick's avatar

Right back atcha!

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Kristin J Brown's avatar

What a lovely way to celebrate spring. Congrats on finishing your radiation!!!!! Also- radishes with butter and salt are THE BEST. xo

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