Patry Francis's Comments
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Mar 28, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 29
Patry Francis Mar 28, 2009, 9:20pm EDT
Herzog was a particularly influential book for me, too, and I often think of reading it again. Maybe I don't because I want to preserve the experience as it was when I first read it. I'm not sure if that makes any sense, but that's how I feel about this particular novel.

I only remember fragments of the story now--less than you do, though the letters stuck with me as well. But considering the hundreds of books I've read and forgotten in the interim, I think those fragments are significant. What's never left me is the soul of the character--his melancholy and his lust, his aspirations and sentimentality, his love for place and family and literature. Even his crankiness.

Thanks for making me remember. Perhaps there should be more 30-year-later reviews? They may be less detailed, but they reveal something that a more immediate piece of criticism never could.
Mar 26, 2009 | rating: 8 | comments: 30
Patry Francis Mar 27, 2009, 12:34am EDT
I've enjoyed this entire series. Look forward to more!
Mar 1, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 24
Patry Francis Mar 25, 2009, 8:30pm EDT
I like your positive focus!
Mar 9, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 27
Patry Francis Mar 11, 2009, 9:33pm EDT
Kerry: What a marvelous quote--a new one for my cabinet door maybe, and much more descriptive of my more recent aspirations. It's been many years since I've been in rural Ireland, but I've never forgotten the warmth of the people there.

Chris L.: Thanks so much for that. I honestly wasn't expecting anyone to check out my article after such a long absence. I should have known the Gather community better...

Ronan: Egergized or energized--it's all good! I admire your daily discipline.
Mar 9, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 27
Patry Francis Mar 10, 2009, 7:28pm EDT
P.W.: "Write your way beyond the teacup..." That's my eternal struggle in a succinct phrase! Your words were the boost that got me to work today. Thanks so much.

Katrina: Sometimes our limitations bring the world into a sharper focus. Literally. Enjoy the hill; the mountain will be there when you feel stronger. (At least that's what I tell myself!

kerry: Yes, Emerson may have energized the nation with his emphasis on self-reliance and action, but sometimes you've just got to take a nap! Next time maybe I'll choose a quote from Thoreau. Good to hear from you, too.

Granny J: What a great word! Wouldn't it be great if there really was a place we could go where everyone co-tuited? Thanks for the warm welcome back.

kenna: Serious illness is the teacher we never wanted to have, but it educates us just the same. Thanks for the good thoughts. They are returned!
Mar 9, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 34
Patry Francis Mar 10, 2009, 7:07pm EDT
2009 is going to be the year of the garden! I'm not surprised that you're ahead of the curve.
Nov 14, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 30
Patry Francis Mar 10, 2009, 7:04pm EDT
I love running...but these days I'm happy to walk a mile or two.
Mar 7, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 22
Patry Francis Mar 10, 2009, 7:01pm EDT
Excellent! I wish I knew you when I was writing queries...
Mar 10, 2009 | rating: 9.6 | comments: 34
Patry Francis Mar 10, 2009, 6:57pm EDT
Very poignant, Elsie. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Mar 9, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 27
Patry Francis Mar 9, 2009, 10:32pm EDT
Jeanette: Thank you! I am learning patience with my body, but slowly, slowly, I'm getting stronger.

Mariana: I've got a new appreciation of your sign-off line. Salud--it's the best wish ever. I do love inspirational quotes, though lately I've begun to talk back to them. I recently asked Emerson if the world belong to the contemplative types, too?

Elaine: Hello back! There's nothing like a greeting on the road.

Stirling: I think we may all learn the lesson that "less is more" whether we're ready or not. In some ways, I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for all the good wishes.

nana to 7: These days I'm truly enjoying every step, every sight, and especially re-connecting with old friends.

Bart: When I went to the city for my various hospitalizations and appointments, I always looked at the runners and walkers with great longing. What a fabulous place to be--at any time of the year. If I had that option, I would probably explore the same route over and over, too.

Faith: Six cylinders sounds about right.

I think I'm a Southerner at heart when it comes to stranger hellos. I greet everyone I encounter, and most times people respond. It seems only normal when you pass a fellow human, don't you think?

Marilee: Skateboards and scooters? I love it! Funny how the weather affects our individual engines. I'm the reverse...USUALLY more energized in the cold season.

Aaron: I've been thinking of you, too. It feels great to be hear at Gather again--though I wasn't expecting anyone to read my post after all this time.
Feb 14, 2009 | rating: 9.4 | comments: 9
Patry Francis Feb 14, 2009, 10:23pm EST
The arrogance is mind-boggling. Excellent article, Chris.
Oct 22, 2008 | rating: 9.2 | comments: 25
Patry Francis Dec 24, 2008, 10:33pm EST
I bought books for everyone this Christmas. Looks like this one would make a great gift to myself!
Excellent review.
Dec 21, 2008 | rating: 9.8 | comments: 92
Patry Francis Dec 21, 2008, 3:33pm EST
Thanks, Kathryn. I hadn't realized it was the Solstice. Your words and photos remind me that that no day is ordinary. They're all days of great blessings! Happy Solstice to you.
Dec 8, 2008 | rating: 9.7 | comments: 68
Patry Francis Dec 19, 2008, 12:53am EST
Huge congratulations! You look like the totally cool person I always knew you would be. Now I'm off to check out your website and book...
Dec 15, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 31
Patry Francis Dec 15, 2008, 9:46pm EST
This is the kind of piece we don't just read. We eat it up hungrily, sensing immediately that it holds something we need, some essential information about what it means to be human. I'm so glad you re-published. Otherwise, I might have missed the woman in black, and her lion hair.
Dec 7, 2008 | rating: 9.6 | comments: 32
Patry Francis Dec 8, 2008, 9:07pm EST
As PE Obama says, it will get worse before it gets better. Expect a blizzard of pink slips in early 2009. Our challenge is to hang together as families, as communities and as a nation. Excellent article.
Nov 19, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 55
Patry Francis Nov 19, 2008, 4:33pm EST
Ever since I devoured the "Eat" section in the book Eat, Pray, Love, I've been missing Italy--a place where I spent a semester when I was in college. Thanks for sharing your wonderful journey, and for further convincing me that I must go back.

P.S. Happy anniversary to you and Bill!
Nov 11, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 7
Patry Francis Nov 11, 2008, 10:39pm EST
Looks like one happy girl!
Nov 4, 2008 | rating: 10 | comments: 39
Patry Francis Nov 4, 2008, 5:00pm EST
I hate lines and my health is not great, but I have never felt more excited and privileged to participate in an election. I'm going to the polls in a half hour and will wait as long as necessary to cast my vote. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm!
Nov 5, 2007 | rating: 10 | comments: 78
Patry Francis Oct 30, 2008, 6:58pm EDT
Suzi: Sounds like god idea to me!
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Patry Francis
Massachusetts
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