tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post5016124866714126169..comments2024-02-15T23:41:36.425-08:00Comments on SIMPLY WAIT: FLOWERS THAT LASTPatry Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10961915797919017179noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-22002586295736581692008-05-04T09:40:00.000-07:002008-05-04T09:40:00.000-07:00I've always found that people are absolutely full ...I've always found that people are absolutely full of surprises - when you least expect it they do something remarkable or generous that means the world. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story. Hope you are continuing to feel stronger every day. xoxoxparis parfaithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05457437124988976587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-30653126648660975382008-05-04T07:06:00.000-07:002008-05-04T07:06:00.000-07:00Very nice to find a blog rich in feeling and thoug...Very nice to find a blog rich in feeling and thought, with more gifts to the reader than advertisements for recently published stories. Thankyou, for your contribution to the genre I'd like to call "literary blogs".<BR/>Kip<BR/>http://piecesofheartvt.blogspot.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04952442938347357506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-77311072731291733922008-05-04T02:48:00.000-07:002008-05-04T02:48:00.000-07:00Patry, so good to learn that you have now had the...Patry, so good to learn that you have now had the strength to walk right around the block. My own experience is that recovery is very slow at the beginning, but it does seem to increase exponentially once it gets under way.<BR/><BR/>In late February, for the first time ever, I was ill enough to be admitted to hospital. I'd only recently discovered your blog and I found myself thinking about some of the things of which you'd written. In a strange way, it helped. Thank you.<BR/><BR/>I send you my best wishes for your return to health and strength.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-31504316561525218712008-05-02T08:22:00.000-07:002008-05-02T08:22:00.000-07:00Although I've not gotten over here for awhile, I'v...Although I've not gotten over here for awhile, I've been thinking about you and hoping things were going well for you. <BR/><BR/>What a beautiful post.suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17087761009975204727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-46521609167687345122008-05-02T04:46:00.000-07:002008-05-02T04:46:00.000-07:00Delicious my friend; just delicious. (nice to see...Delicious my friend; just delicious. (nice to see you writing more again ...) xo DAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-18574918168525683522008-05-01T13:27:00.000-07:002008-05-01T13:27:00.000-07:00Happy May Day, Patry. It's snowy/rainy here in De...Happy May Day, Patry. It's snowy/rainy here in Denver, but I hope it's sunny and warm and bursting with flowers where you are.Carleen Bricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01433203126527081458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-53915062431238821282008-04-29T06:48:00.000-07:002008-04-29T06:48:00.000-07:00After reading about your neighbor talking to you a...After reading about your neighbor talking to you and Wilma's gift, I feel so much better about the world in general. What a pick me up. <BR/><BR/>I was happy to "see you" walking in the neighborhood in your gym pants and with your dog too. xoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-39377811769873225402008-04-29T06:37:00.000-07:002008-04-29T06:37:00.000-07:00I sent you an award on my April 29 website and hop...I sent you an award on my April 29 website and hope you love it - that's how you make me feel when I read your storiesi beatihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09898046178398533410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-30240811643402684822008-04-26T14:23:00.000-07:002008-04-26T14:23:00.000-07:00Ditto, kiddo! Much love all around. K.Ditto, kiddo! Much love all around. K.Sustenance Scouthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12980573661955592633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-86700072897326241132008-04-26T08:05:00.000-07:002008-04-26T08:05:00.000-07:00Much love, Patry, and gratitude for what you're sh...Much love, Patry, and gratitude for what you're sharing.Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08690685768980280402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-9560531058845223602008-04-25T21:00:00.000-07:002008-04-25T21:00:00.000-07:00Mary Ann: I'm sure I'll have to be reminded again ...Mary Ann: I'm sure I'll have to be reminded again tomorrow.<BR/><BR/>Becca: I used to promise myself that I wouldn't let a day pass without writing a line. Now I try not to let one slip by that doesn't include a kind gesture--however small. <BR/><BR/>Gerry: A die hard "grumpy" who sounds similar to your neighbor moved next door last year. Not only does he refuse to speak, but he fired up his old motor boat just outside my home office almost every day last summer. When I politely told him that the noxious fumes were coming directly in my window and polluting my house, he just responded that he was paying a lot of rent to live there and he would do what he wanted. We haven't <BR/>spoken since. And just yesterday, he got the boat out again...<BR/><BR/>Mary Rose: Oh, please don't apologize! Nothing could please me more than to hear that you're reading and enjoying the novel. I hope you found the reading group guide. If not, you can email me and I'll make sure you get one. Thanks for stopping by.<BR/><BR/>Alex: I'm e-mailing you tonight!!<BR/><BR/>lisa: That's what convinced me that radical generosity is always worth it--even when you feel as if you can't afford it--because it frequently buys more than a tangible gift. It buys a change of consciousness.<BR/><BR/>sandy: "pay it forward" is a beautiful concept...I've been looking for the right chance to do that with Wilma's gift.<BR/><BR/>lisaalber: Lately, I've been missing my old waitressing job because of all the great people I encountered every day. Yours is a good reminder that writers can "go to work" and meet people, too. <BR/><BR/>datinggod: Bright green doesn't scare me at all, and I feel more healthy just thinking about your honey laden smoothie. Maybe you can send me your secret recipe....I'll email you.<BR/><BR/>laura: Red tulips and a hummingbird, too? Clearly, the gods are shining on you--as well they should be!<BR/><BR/>allie: Thanks for cheering me on. Yesterday I went the whole block and didn't feel a bit tired...another small victory.<BR/><BR/>heidi: Forcing yourself not to be irritated is a kind of generosity, too--don't you think? My husband has been doing the laundry since I've been sick, but he washes whites with coloreds and never brings it up to be folded till it's cold and wrinkled. Today I had to force myself not to be irritated about that--and to remind myself how lucky I am to have people to help me, even if they don't do always do things "my way."<BR/><BR/>Robin: Thanks for sharing your dad's miracle. Stories like that are so encouraging to me. And thanks, too, for sharing such a beautiful piece of writing here.<BR/><BR/>nova san: I'm so happy to hear you're enjoying the book. Hope you'll check in and let me know what you think when you finish. <BR/><BR/>(Almost caught up! More tomorrow...)Patry Francishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10961915797919017179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-67201097611973992052008-04-25T17:32:00.000-07:002008-04-25T17:32:00.000-07:00Gorgeous, as usual. You're writing from a depth ri...Gorgeous, as usual. You're writing from a depth right now that touches those same depths in your readers, Patry. And that's a rare gift indeed. Blessings to you.Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03882889048711405333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-69135095946445223282008-04-24T22:53:00.000-07:002008-04-24T22:53:00.000-07:00Kia ora Patry, This is just a wonderful story and ...Kia ora Patry,<BR/> This is just a wonderful story and your blog I just cannot find the words for right now. I wish you well and though I do not know you my thoughts are with you. Kia kaha, which is Maori for Remain Strong. Have a wonderful day.<BR/>Ka kite ano,<BR/>RobbRuahineshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09398484733805119294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-72437731887295746672008-04-24T16:21:00.000-07:002008-04-24T16:21:00.000-07:00spring morningthe unfriendly neighbortends his gar...spring morning<BR/>the unfriendly neighbor<BR/>tends his garden<BR/><BR/>after a storm<BR/>the unfriendly neighbor<BR/>joins in the cleanupBillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10717622168200846486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-83328445740037621092008-04-23T21:31:00.000-07:002008-04-23T21:31:00.000-07:00larramie: Isn't spring wonderful? Every year I for...larramie: Isn't spring wonderful? Every year I forget, and am surprised all over again...<BR/><BR/>mb: Thank you. It feels good to be here, chatting with friends again.<BR/><BR/>Michelle: Thanks...I enjoyed my visit.<BR/><BR/>Thora: What a beautiful story about the nurse whose mother was dying in Poland. If only more people could see and live the truth that nurse saw...but as you say, sometimes it only takes one to begin the ripple.<BR/><BR/>kurt: Thanks for sharing more about your national<BR/>dish. It sounds delicious...Now if I can just find a restaurant that serves Malaysian food!<BR/><BR/>tinker: Still thinking about your beautiful roses...and smiling.<BR/><BR/>lorna: That's a good one, isn't it? <BR/><BR/>Catching up slowly here...more later.Patry Francishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10961915797919017179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-76502628599298020462008-04-23T21:28:00.000-07:002008-04-23T21:28:00.000-07:00another wonderful post. glad you're feeling bette...another wonderful post. glad you're feeling better!!!rdlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04062856086277201874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-72910003484508523052008-04-23T18:42:00.000-07:002008-04-23T18:42:00.000-07:00My Fred and I are glad you are on the mend! You're...My Fred and I are glad you are on the mend! You're truly amazing, and we admire your inner strength that keeps you going strong in spite of everything you've been through!<BR/><BR/>Best wishes,<BR/><BR/>Laura and FredLaura J. Wellner (author pseudonym Laura J. W. Ryan)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02521328695400639226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-6276376366939872432008-04-23T18:17:00.000-07:002008-04-23T18:17:00.000-07:00Patry you are so wise and lovely. Thank you for th...Patry you are so wise and lovely. Thank you for this necessary reminder.<BR/><BR/>xoxoxKatkatrinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04216268651978841897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-85669596197469755252008-04-23T11:16:00.000-07:002008-04-23T11:16:00.000-07:00People are constantly surprising, and we just neve...People are constantly surprising, and we just never know who's noticing us.<BR/>I live in a neighbourhood where people desperately avoid eye contact and I too have begun to give up making an effort. Your writing is a small miracle and a reminder to keep hope alive. <BR/>I will be reading you regularly. Fabulous stories, with a kind and caring message underneath.<BR/>Cheers.Phyllis Hunt McGowanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13370730851612587650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-2183914197762121362008-04-23T08:47:00.000-07:002008-04-23T08:47:00.000-07:00There's always an invaluable lesson that I learn h...There's always an invaluable lesson that I learn here everytime I read your entries. You have such a wonderful eye for the little blessings in life. Thank you for opening up my eyes to them.<BR/><BR/>Oh! and I wanted to let you know that I am reading your book right now, and I'm all wrapped up in it! It's wonderful!<BR/><BR/>Hugs, hugs and hugs,<BR/>Nova♥ N o v ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06176664910703289355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-7490600176467485772008-04-23T08:13:00.000-07:002008-04-23T08:13:00.000-07:00Patry,I was thinking about you this weekend when I...Patry,<BR/><BR/>I was thinking about you this weekend when I visited my father. Despite a very rough treatment period, he's in complete remission. Hubby double-checks his scans and when he looked at the last one he used a word I seldom hear come out of his mouth: miracle.<BR/><BR/>So I was able to take two walks around my parents' property with him this past weekend, wherein he showed me how to tell the difference between doe and buck prints, and also pointed out the obvious way to tell which way the water flows as it cuts into fields (the way the grass is leaning, of course, but still I hadn't thought about it, really).<BR/><BR/>He isn't the same dad I grew up with and he isn't the same dad he was before he got sick. Not even close.<BR/><BR/>The reason I wanted to tell you about him, though, is because he talked about when he felt like you're feeling right now: deathly tired, pummeled, devastated.<BR/><BR/>And now he smiles and helps my sister care for her animals and sometimes tramps through the mud in tall boots with his daughter around his field.<BR/><BR/>He still leaves the toilet seat up, though. I guess there's no cure for that.<BR/><BR/>xoxoRobinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04815309139966350553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-83452389244348122062008-04-23T05:56:00.000-07:002008-04-23T05:56:00.000-07:00I tend to be cheap instead of generous. My husband...I tend to be cheap instead of generous. My husband is a big tipper and always gives more of anything instead of less. I have to force myself to not be irritated by it!<BR/><BR/>Wilma reminds me of a vaguely remembered Bible story about a poor woman who gave a gift to Jesus... and he valued her tiny contribution more than those from the rich people who gave more. Hers was more meaningful.<BR/><BR/>Well, I hope you have a nice chat with your neighbour today. (Just nod and smile when he talks about his sprinkler system. That's what I do; it works pretty good!) <BR/><BR/>Wishing you strength!Heidi the Hickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00639479864903922047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-83148413294756362592008-04-22T19:20:00.000-07:002008-04-22T19:20:00.000-07:00Congratulations on being able to get up and out an...Congratulations on being able to get up and out and go half a block. <BR/><BR/>What a beautiful story!Alliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16603700427096296937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-72749177709842053062008-04-22T18:51:00.000-07:002008-04-22T18:51:00.000-07:00I read this with such joy, Patry! I'm so glad to ...I read this with such joy, Patry! I'm so glad to hear your voice (well, your writing voice, which is so like you). I had been checking in every day, but then the last two days I'd been off the computer. And here you are like the red tulips that surprised me in my front yard this week--so much rain woke them from their years-long slumber. I'm as delighted as the hummingbird (the season's first!) who spied them this late afternoon.<BR/><BR/>I hope you're two houses further along today! xoLaura Benedicthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08474185786017084327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11695927.post-78896884592262141852008-04-22T17:49:00.000-07:002008-04-22T17:49:00.000-07:00i wish i could make you one of my famous Green Smo...i wish i could make you one of my famous Green Smoothies for energy and happy joyjoy enzymes and all around local honey goodness. you might not like me very much right before you tasted it (it is bright green and kinda scary looking for a beverage), but afterwards you'd like me very much! :) (i wonder if fed ex allows smoothies??? :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com