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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

lovely ... and reminded me of a story I want to share ... maybe that's the heart of Substack ... a story conversation told in a leisurely, no honking horns or hurry-ups fashion.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

and YES, you should be sharing that story!

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thanks Joyce - the conversational component is certainly a motivating factor for writers. I was just reading in Ann Handley's book today - "Everybody Writes" about the importance of story in pretty much everybody's writing- because we each have one. And Substack is a good place to share it.

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Kim Van Bruggen's avatar

Cycling definitely brings a child-like giddy feeling to me. I love being in my bike. Especially when I take the time to enjoy my surroundings! 😉

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

I'm glad you enjoy it so much. Your last sentence captures the crux of the matter. Time and one's attention can turn exercise into a wonderful experience. Thanks

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Tara Penry's avatar

Lovely scene on the porch. Not sure you meant this as a Father’s Day story, but the tableau of dad and kids is sweet. 💕

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thanks Tara. Father's Day, as well as Mother's Day, would be difficult for me to write about because there was so much abuse, violence and dysfunction in my family. I did mention two "little" incidents involving my father in my post entitled - "I'm Sorry . . . I was Wrong" - which I wrote March 10th. I keep thinking I should write about my father's good side, but it's buried too deeply for now. Maybe next year.

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Tara Penry's avatar

Sorry for that pain. Maybe next year. ❤️

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Steve Harvester's avatar

Sad that the joy you should have felt in the company of children was sapped by the suspicion of strangers that permeates our culture. In reality almost all child abuse is perpetuated by someone the child knows, but men must suffer the pain of undeserved distrust. It occurs to me this must be how Black folk feel every day. What a weight we bear.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thanks, Steve, for such thoughtful insight. Though I was aiming to convey the first portion of your comment, I never even considered the slightly changed scenario with a black, or Latino dude in the same situation. Doubly sad to say the least and as you say, it's EVERY DAY OF THEIR LIVES!

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