It’s such a gorgeous piece, Holly. I could have read it with a bad cold inside a tin can and it would have been no less a wonder. Thank you for allowing me to share it!! xo
I just wrote a long winded rambling comment about how well crafted this piece is and how crucial it is to scream the message that the taking with no consideration of anything but the taking is cruel and destructive and is so enmeshed in all that is going terribly wrong right now but it disappeared in a brief internet outage. You'll have to settle for this recreated comment, which is ok as words like "brave" and "powerful" don't have the impact I'm looking for anyway. This is a piece I will not forget because of Holly's incredible writing and this deeply heartfelt reading, Marya. Thank you for sharing this with us.
When I first read this comment, Eileen, I read “ a brief Internet, outrage,” which, appropriate these days, eh. And to this comment. 😆
Thank you so much for your kind words and your support. I am deeply grateful that we have connected and to have the opportunity to get to know you more. 💕
I cannot tell you how often I mutter crossly at the language for failing to fully convey the power of what I want it to say - but Eileen, it means so much that you lent this your ear and fine mind. Thank you!
I'm reading other works this morning, after this piece, and yet, my mind keeps returning to these powerful themes, words, meanings, lessons, et al. That demonstrates excellence and impact on a huge scale. Thank you for including it all. ~J
Mona wrote a thoughtful one about this, too, I think today?-- with a very interesting, impactful and diverse set of comments. The lesson from there is if you love something, say something, which I hope I always do. ~J
This was such a powerful and poignant piece, Holly, one of those that’s going to be with me for a long time. It’s so cool that the two of you have linked up. To quote Van Morrison, the Caravan is on its way. Can’t wait to take the ride.
It's late and my wife is sleeping, so I'll save the audio for tomorrow. Can't wait! I've followed Holly for a while, and just recently found Marya. Two of my favorite writers - what a joy to find you connected! Holly, this was gut-wrenching and beautiful at the same time.
Beautifully read. could I go so far as to say “performed” since this a piece of art? Yes. I think so.
Yes, Holly, you conveyed the urgency to not be silenced any longer. There is nothing that anyone has done that deserves rape as a result, especially when they’ve spoken a clear no.
And Marya, your conviction as you read lends yet another level of punch to the power of this essay.
I agree with others who have suggested you two collaborate and create an evening of stories read by others.. sharing each other’s writing as only friends can do. 💕
Absolutely performed--lucky me! What an absolute pleasure to hear your words in the mouth of a gifted reader.
Thank you, Teyani, for reading and commenting and for your vote for an event that's beginning to take shape in my mind and give me starry eyed! So glad you're here!
I just loved reading Holly's post; her writing made me swoon! Then, when I listened to her read the piece, I swooned all over again. And once again with you, Marya, as the narrator. Thank you, ladies.
Paulette! What a gift of a friend and supporter you are. Thank you so very much for giving this piece (among my favorites I've shared here) your kind, wise attention. Now I'm the one swooning.
And thank you! We've been working on this collective for months and months and are so excited to at last be sharing it with our people! 🥰
Indeed - like you, she paints such a vivid, tactile world with words that pack a punch. So ... my mind's eye is seeing "A Night With Marya and Holly" wherein you two get up on stage and alternate readings from the road. I don't know how you'd orchestrate such an event -- given that you're both nomads going your own ways -- but that would be something special.
And you’re right. Our paths geographically may not often cross. But it’s not never! And yes, as Marya says, we’ll be cohosting a weekend all about writing from the road this August. 💕
then you will be THRILLED to know we're co-teaching the Caravan August Bootcamp - Writing from the Road - and we'll have Karen Babine with us as a special guest! More on this soon, but you can check out the events & course list here: https://www.caravanwriterscollective.com/courses
Hello Ladies! Comments are dead-on here in that words don't always convey exactly what we want. However, you both have such a gift. I've long been a believer that we largely make our own 'luck' and firmly think a large part of that is who we choose to surround ourselves with, virtually, physically, emotionally.
I have misjudged and gotten wiser when I found my cheek in the sand. Is it the risk we take to experience those amazing, otherworldly conversations and connections? I think so. ~J
Yes, Janice. This is a good point. The people in our lives absolutely help us write our experiences. And like pets and their humans, we become like those we pull close.
I believe I've grown wiser too. And I like that my growing wisdom isn't about more judgment but, rather, more understanding, more openness to a greater spectrum of possibility and more discernment about which realms of possibility I'll be safe in, be nourished by.
Thank you, my friend, for reading and sharing your thoughts. :)
Gah!!!! So friggin honored and delighted. What a gift to have your words read by someone else—especially someone who’s a beautiful reader.
Thank you, Marya. ♥️
It’s such a gorgeous piece, Holly. I could have read it with a bad cold inside a tin can and it would have been no less a wonder. Thank you for allowing me to share it!! xo
I just wrote a long winded rambling comment about how well crafted this piece is and how crucial it is to scream the message that the taking with no consideration of anything but the taking is cruel and destructive and is so enmeshed in all that is going terribly wrong right now but it disappeared in a brief internet outage. You'll have to settle for this recreated comment, which is ok as words like "brave" and "powerful" don't have the impact I'm looking for anyway. This is a piece I will not forget because of Holly's incredible writing and this deeply heartfelt reading, Marya. Thank you for sharing this with us.
When I first read this comment, Eileen, I read “ a brief Internet, outrage,” which, appropriate these days, eh. And to this comment. 😆
Thank you so much for your kind words and your support. I am deeply grateful that we have connected and to have the opportunity to get to know you more. 💕
Outrage was in the house as well....
I'm with you on the gratitude. Looking forward to future conversations. 💕
I cannot tell you how often I mutter crossly at the language for failing to fully convey the power of what I want it to say - but Eileen, it means so much that you lent this your ear and fine mind. Thank you!
💕
I'm reading other works this morning, after this piece, and yet, my mind keeps returning to these powerful themes, words, meanings, lessons, et al. That demonstrates excellence and impact on a huge scale. Thank you for including it all. ~J
Thank you, thank you, J.
I'm so glad to hear this. What a gift to hear of our words' impacts. I think it's one of the best things about this platform.
Isn't it?
Mona wrote a thoughtful one about this, too, I think today?-- with a very interesting, impactful and diverse set of comments. The lesson from there is if you love something, say something, which I hope I always do. ~J
Yessss!
This collaboration...! 🩷
Wonderfully done, Marya.
Thank you - and Holly’s the brains behind this one!! 🥰
🧠 🤣
This was such a powerful and poignant piece, Holly, one of those that’s going to be with me for a long time. It’s so cool that the two of you have linked up. To quote Van Morrison, the Caravan is on its way. Can’t wait to take the ride.
Yes! I should’ve been using that quote all along.
Chris, thank you so much for reading. Thank you for your support. I appreciate you. 😊
Powerful is an understatement. “I get now that it’s the taking, taking, taking that actually gets protected in the not telling.” 👏👏👏
The caravan news is v v wonderful!!
Thank you, Stacie!
I have such an affinity for the use of v and vv for very, btw. My daughter and I always say it to each other. So it brings a smile to my heart.
Is that a line that hits or what? And yes!! We are so excited about Caravan - I SO hope you'll join us for as much of it as you can stand!! xo
It's late and my wife is sleeping, so I'll save the audio for tomorrow. Can't wait! I've followed Holly for a while, and just recently found Marya. Two of my favorite writers - what a joy to find you connected! Holly, this was gut-wrenching and beautiful at the same time.
May we all be each other's luck.
Thank you, thank you, John! I am so glad we found each other and that you’ve now connected with Marya. I think you’ll love her work!
This platform’s ability to connect people in deep, meaningful ways is such a beautiful thing!
Yes we are, and this whole wonderful web keeps weaving us all together in the very best ways! And hear hear - may we indeed!
Beautifully read. could I go so far as to say “performed” since this a piece of art? Yes. I think so.
Yes, Holly, you conveyed the urgency to not be silenced any longer. There is nothing that anyone has done that deserves rape as a result, especially when they’ve spoken a clear no.
And Marya, your conviction as you read lends yet another level of punch to the power of this essay.
I agree with others who have suggested you two collaborate and create an evening of stories read by others.. sharing each other’s writing as only friends can do. 💕
Holly's essay did all the work in this case - what a privilege it was to read it here. Thank you so much, Tey!! hugs!
Absolutely performed--lucky me! What an absolute pleasure to hear your words in the mouth of a gifted reader.
Thank you, Teyani, for reading and commenting and for your vote for an event that's beginning to take shape in my mind and give me starry eyed! So glad you're here!
I just loved reading Holly's post; her writing made me swoon! Then, when I listened to her read the piece, I swooned all over again. And once again with you, Marya, as the narrator. Thank you, ladies.
And wow - what a collective!
Isn't it a stunning piece, Paulette? I couldn't have made it sound otherwise if I tried. We so hope you'll join us for the upcoming Caravan events!!
Paulette! What a gift of a friend and supporter you are. Thank you so very much for giving this piece (among my favorites I've shared here) your kind, wise attention. Now I'm the one swooning.
And thank you! We've been working on this collective for months and months and are so excited to at last be sharing it with our people! 🥰
Gah! Is right, Holly. That's my reaction, too. You're a formidable pair, you two. An absolute pleasure to read every word.
Thank you, Peter! I've been deeply grateful to have connected with Marya--her wit and creativity and wisdom. I feel quite lucky indeed!
Thanks, Peter! I'm just as grateful to have found Holly - may this be the kind of luck we're able to share!
Completely agree that this is an amazing priece of writing and wonderful to hear it too.
So glad to hear this, Jan! xo
Awwww! Thank you, Jan. I always so appreciate you. 🥰🥰🥰
Wow ... just, wow!
Isn't she something??? *swoon*
Indeed - like you, she paints such a vivid, tactile world with words that pack a punch. So ... my mind's eye is seeing "A Night With Marya and Holly" wherein you two get up on stage and alternate readings from the road. I don't know how you'd orchestrate such an event -- given that you're both nomads going your own ways -- but that would be something special.
I love love love this idea, Michael!
And you’re right. Our paths geographically may not often cross. But it’s not never! And yes, as Marya says, we’ll be cohosting a weekend all about writing from the road this August. 💕
then you will be THRILLED to know we're co-teaching the Caravan August Bootcamp - Writing from the Road - and we'll have Karen Babine with us as a special guest! More on this soon, but you can check out the events & course list here: https://www.caravanwriterscollective.com/courses
Gah! Thank you, Michael!
Hello Ladies! Comments are dead-on here in that words don't always convey exactly what we want. However, you both have such a gift. I've long been a believer that we largely make our own 'luck' and firmly think a large part of that is who we choose to surround ourselves with, virtually, physically, emotionally.
I have misjudged and gotten wiser when I found my cheek in the sand. Is it the risk we take to experience those amazing, otherworldly conversations and connections? I think so. ~J
Yes, Janice. This is a good point. The people in our lives absolutely help us write our experiences. And like pets and their humans, we become like those we pull close.
I believe I've grown wiser too. And I like that my growing wisdom isn't about more judgment but, rather, more understanding, more openness to a greater spectrum of possibility and more discernment about which realms of possibility I'll be safe in, be nourished by.
Thank you, my friend, for reading and sharing your thoughts. :)
What a wonderful collab! Loved this piece when I read it on Holly's substack and love it again hearing it in Marya's voice. Just beautiful ❤️
Thank you, Sophie! I so very much appreciate you giving this piece your time and attention.
Wasn't Marya's reading just a treat?!