28 Comments
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Paul Watt's avatar

In this era of Donald Trump and perpetual bad news your essays on the good side of human existence is truly refreshing. Thank you.

Shanley Hurt's avatar

Thank you, Paul.

Lee's avatar

If I believed in a God, I’d say thank God. But Mary, Shanley, and all your family, I so much appreciate your intellect, your knowledge, your research, and your humor. You are good people, so very needed in this world. Thank you so much.

Shanley Hurt's avatar

Thank you for being a reader, Lee!

Mary Jo Zadravec's avatar

I’m so grateful that you wrote this hopeful piece, Shanley, and that I took the time to read, reflect & enjoy. These days are trying and a few minutes of peace enjoying a good read is what my soul needed.

So wonderful to hear the awesome things happening in your life and please know I appreciate your positivity. Sending good vibes for continued successes with the kiddos & smooth home renos.

ps- I can totally relate to the magic that happens inside Home Depot 😉

Shanley Hurt's avatar

Home Depot is a special place, without a doubt. Thank you for your kind words.

Kay Duren's avatar

I want you to hear that this is one of the most important posts of my internet lifetime. I survive on Social Security so I cannot be a paid subsciriber much as I would like to be. I would like to tell you, however that I met my first and only husband at the Home Depot. It's a fun story if you'd like to receive it.

Shanley Hurt's avatar

I'd love to hear your story! We are glad you can be a reader, whether you can pay or not! Even just a share makes a world of difference!

Mike Feder's avatar

Beautiful--and beautifully written.. This is a perfect example of how art (in this case writing) can take all our sorrows, fears and wishes from a narrow, dark inside place to an exuberant, hopeful outside... It's ambitious to want to include so many different losses and sorrows--and their solutions--in one piece, but that's part of what makes it so touching... There's an ache inherent in every attempt at beauty...

Thanks for the great piece...

Shanley Hurt's avatar

Thank you, Mike!

Mike Feder's avatar

You're very welcome...

Maureen's avatar

DO NOT BUY THE WASHER DRYER COMBO! They do not save time and the high tech is not ready for prime time.

Shanley Hurt's avatar

Thank you for this insight, Maureen!

Melissa Ramin's avatar

Circular staircase should fit in the “dead” space. Prefab or kit or build yourself or carpenter

Maxine Chernoff's avatar

Beautiful reflection!

Stephen Winkle's avatar

🌈💕💖

Lenore Schurman's avatar

You write so beautifully! I can see everything in my mind’s eye!

Anna Phillips's avatar

I have been enjoying Mary & Stanley free for a long time. Early on in Trump's arrival I jumped right in and subscribed to some of my favorite. I was hungry to fill in the spots left empty by national news stations. Now with the combination of Mary & Stanley I'm having to scale back in order to fund a subscription for Geoffrey! After I've consumed all the latest Trump shenanigans, I finish with Shanley, where I always find a reason to be grateful.

Shanley Hurt's avatar

Thank you, Anna!

Anna Phillips's avatar

I'm embarrassed to see that spell check decided you were Stanley and Geoffrey!

Jennifer Melson's avatar

Your writing brings me tears and hope. I am more grateful to you for your soulful and sustaining stories than I can express! ❤️

Shanley Hurt's avatar

Thank you so much, Jennifer!

Mary Grogan's avatar

Very beautiful, weaving so many stories together about LOVE

Shanley Hurt's avatar

Thank you, Mary!

Sue P 1953's avatar

Thank you, Shanley, for providing more smiles, and a few tears as well. You write so movingly, and it is a privilege to share your family's progress. I hope one day to see the results of the fairy garden development!

Shanley Hurt's avatar

Thank you, Sue. I promise to share pictures!