20 Comments
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Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

"When I am with my family there are always moments of joy and peace interspersed with a third rail hum of unresolved feelings or childhood wounds (mine and everyone’s), love and connection mixed with let’s get this over with." Such delicious writing, such a joy to read.

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Deirdre Lewis's avatar

Thanks Jeffrey!

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Allison Deraney's avatar

I really enjoyed reading this, Deirdre. “The last week of the year is slow-moving and quixotic, a strange purgatory.” Ummm, yes. The strangest week of the year where I have to peel myself off of something (the bed, couch, floor (?!!?!) or fridge handle) and get on with it. I’m glad we have a year until we have to do that again 😅

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Deirdre Lewis's avatar

Thank you for this! Peel myself off the fridge handle, yes exactly!!

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Susie Mawhinney's avatar

“This long strange week, which always seems to contain the year, and maybe all the years, up to it.”

I love this line Deirdre... what is it about these in between days that gets into our very bones and sifts every past heartbreak and joy into a mixture so thick and curdled we no longer recognize the difference between the two..?

Happy New Days to you Deirdre..! X

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Deirdre Lewis's avatar

I don't know! But it could be that it's an ending and all endings are rough. and thank you, Happy New Days to you.

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Mr. Troy Ford's avatar

"someone in the car not coming in" - That would be me. 😂

This calls for an Aztec Raven Death Whistle: https://youtu.be/pIAoWAtdtac?si=ObBrIHsewkj6jer7 Happy New Year, D!

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Deirdre Lewis's avatar

Laughing! oh my god that's terrifying. ha

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Cheryl Levin's avatar

Happy New Year D. Good one. 💕

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Deirdre Lewis's avatar

Thanks Cher.

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Robert Burke Warren's avatar

Happy New Year, Deirdre! What a joy to bump into you here. I’ve so loved reading your work these last months of ‘23. Looking forward to more in ‘24!

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Deirdre Lewis's avatar

Thank you!! I feel the same.

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daisy cashin's avatar

the old guy at jiffy lube!

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Deirdre Lewis's avatar

My guy!

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Merry Rower's avatar

Happy New Year, Deirdre. I look forward to your 2024 words, and your book is in-house, ready to kick it all off. Congratulations to you!

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Deirdre Lewis's avatar

Thank you! I’m on my way over for dinner!

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Richbee's avatar

A pleasant picture of past events and reminds me of the seat cushion I sat on that was dented but did rebound after the weight was lifted. This is how I envision the past years chronic fatigue that now fills up with life sustaining gator aid and electrolytes to endure a few more days, weeks, months of sports games and political games to keep us entertained.

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Deirdre Lewis's avatar

What an image! That’s it.

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Theresa Griffin Kennedy's avatar

Another lovely example of your fine writing and your fine voice and perspective! Happy New Year!

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Allison Deraney's avatar

I really enjoyed reading this, Deirdre. “The last week of the year is slow-moving and quixotic, a strange purgatory.” Ummm, yes. The strangest week of the year where I have to peel myself off of something (the bed, couch, floor (?!!?!) or fridge handle) and get on with it. I’m glad we have a year until we have to do that again 😅

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