24 Comments
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Nancy Friedland's avatar

You accordioned a whole world of mothers and Maine and solitude and partnerships and writing into one small essay, and I feel like I've traveled all over, withstood the elements, and suffered under my mother's thumb. Thank you for this bit of loveliness.

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Elissa Altman's avatar

Thank you

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Christine Throgmorton's avatar

I'm so glad you made it through mother melodrama, ice storms, and parking lot mishaps and still had positive thoughts to share with us. That's all that matters. ...And you did get some writing done!

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Lee Tilghman's avatar

Love reading your writing, Elissa. I am a budding writer working on my first book proposal and am going on a self imposed residency in Vermont in Feb. i will have a microwave and toaster oven but no stove. 9 days. Wish me luck.

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Elissa Altman's avatar

you'll do fine!

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Lee Tilghman's avatar

Elissa, how much coffee do you drink when you are writing? Does this affect your sleep? Inquiring minds want to know.

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Elissa Altman's avatar

Generally 1 strong cup in the morning (I love Snow Dog from Green Tree in Maine), a half caff mid-morning, and then decaf.

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Lee Tilghman's avatar

Thank you!

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Deborah Lang's avatar

Lovely! Your Maine works remind me of how I grew to love the place via May Sarton, another great writer who cherished it too.

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Elissa Altman's avatar

I’ve always loved May Sarton.

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Elissa Altman's avatar

I’ve always loved May Sargon.

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Amie McGraham's avatar

Understated yet glorious sentiment in your prose. Not unlike a bowl of minestrone.

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Laura McKowen's avatar

Oh my WORD. “Haste makes waste.” 🥺 You do need a break, my friend. Sending love.

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Sarah Copeland's avatar

I always love when the Mayor of Motherland makes an appearance--and as a mother of a (now twelve-year-old) daughter, I'm taking heed to not let my imagination run wild, now or later in her life. Reading this home sick in bed today, and just might have the strength to get up to make this minestrone--the perfect thing. Thank you.

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Lkmorrus's avatar

Your words I find moving such beautiful writing

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Susie Middleton's avatar

Haste - I can just picture her! LOL

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Elissa Altman's avatar

I’m certain you can.....

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Georgia's avatar

Lovely read.

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Elissa Altman's avatar

thank you

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Roberta J Sulkowski's avatar

Thank you so very much, Elissa. Felt like I was there with you every step of the way. Sending many prayers your way. Forever grateful for your blessed wisdom.

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Mary Lynn Futers's avatar

Elissa, I am sitting here, looking out my window in southern Ontario, where a beautiful icy snow is dripping from the trees. I just finished reading your words, and I could exhale. Reading your work is meditative, healing, and necessary. Thank you. xo

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Deborah Lang's avatar

Her journals. So wonderful and honest. Cat stuff too is just perfect.

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Jess Moran's avatar

What a time of it you have had. I'm glad you were able to find the moments of good amidst the chaos. Maine is a place that stole my heart years ago with the book Sarah, Plain and Tall. Even with the ice adventures you endured, I can tell it is a place very dear to you. I look forward to exploring beyond a wedding weekend the next time I'm there. I always enjoy your writing, Elissa. Thank you.

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Jan 21, 2023
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Elissa Altman's avatar

I’ve got one!

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