35 Comments
User's avatar
Priscilla Stuckey's avatar

I missed you, Tara! Have thought of you often these last months, wondering if all is well with you. Thanks for saying hi again. May the house not rest heavy, no matter how solid it is. Check in with us when you can. ❤️

Kenneth James's avatar

It is lovely to hear your voice again, Tara. And as for the house, mine has been tugging at my sleeve for the last twenty-five years.

Be well.

Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

I've missed your writing, Tara, and the force and whimsy of this post remind me why.

Paulette Bodeman's avatar

It is so good to hear from you, Tara! Your wit and wisdom are always appreciated. I'm here for whenever you climb out from under.

Tara Penry's avatar

Thank you, Paulette! As wise people know, life is messy. ☺️

Switter’s World's avatar

She lives!!!

Tara Penry's avatar

Haha - yes, she does! Howdy neighbor. 🤙

Amy's avatar

love this: There is a glorious dizziness when a small gathering of people holds up a small lamp in this vast universe.

Tara Penry's avatar

Thank you, Amy!

Rita Ott Ramstad's avatar

I am so glad the house hasn't squashed your senses of humor and play. Happy to read whatever you and your laptop can manage.

Tara Penry's avatar

I have learned that the laptop may be as clever and conniving as the house -- so who knows what's possible? Uncertainty works for me. Thank you for being here. I hope you are well. I believe we have had similarly mild winters. Happy spring!

S.'s avatar

So glad!

Tara Penry's avatar

Thank you! 💕

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Happy year three, Tara, and it's wonderful to see you. I hope the house takes marathon training, or maybe gets addicted to video games or golf, but in the meantime, thank you for getting this little missive out to us.

"There is a glorious dizziness when a small gathering of people holds up a small lamp in this vast universe. Our hands so close together, holding that one common and worthy object, we almost hear each other’s breath. We take confidence from each other." Yes!!

Tara Penry's avatar

Haha - Video games, golf, marathoning … all more or less the same. Let’s see … only one of those does not require opposable thumbs. Ok, house, marathon training it is. See you at 4 a.m. …

I have so much to catch up on. Marathon training is a brilliant idea. 😂

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️ -- I think it sounds crazy, honestly.

Tara Penry's avatar

Agreed! I’ll take walking (or writing!) over running.

Kim Van Bruggen's avatar

Hello substack friend!

I was just thinking about you the other day. And here you are. I too have been intermittently buried under my proverbial house, so I understand entirely how life conspires. Real life is where it’s at though. Online is great too, but nothing beats real people, in real time—especially those you love the most in the world. Happy third anniversary. Mine passed exactly like yours. With no note or mention because, well…life. Sending virtual hugs 🤗 See you when we see you. Xo

Tara Penry's avatar

My respect for you grows and grows. Brr!!

Tara Penry's avatar

Hugs right back. Loved ones do get first dibs. But I’m awfully fond of our little community(ies) here, too. Happy quiet 3rd! :-) I hope you and yours are well. I like to picture you going for a cold swim … maybe not in winter, though. :-)

Kim Van Bruggen's avatar

Winter is weirdly the best time. Definitely keeps you “present”…immediately so. :)

Donna McArthur's avatar

So much I want to say (mainly, ❤️❤️❤️) and ask (but not here❤️). Happy third anniversary my friend. We will always be here for you any time you drop in and are glad you are still in our Substackiverse.

Tara Penry's avatar

♥️♥️♥️ Let us catch up soon.

Donna McArthur's avatar

Yes please!

Good Humor by CK Steefel's avatar

Welcome back! So nice to read you again. Glad you came up from under the house. 🥰

Tara Penry's avatar

Who knew it was such a big house! Hehe. You see how I compensate when I miss *your* good humor; I have to supply my own. It’s just not the same. Thank you for the warm welcome. 🤗

Rona Maynard's avatar

Tara, how I've missed you. Delighted to see you back whenever you can flaunt those cool socks.

Tara Penry's avatar

Rona! Nice to see you. It takes a long time to find just the right socks to share with discerning folks . Next time I’ll try not to let my high sartorial standards keep me away so long. ☺️

Rona Maynard's avatar

Wear white gym socks, I’ll still show up.

Tara Penry's avatar

😎 My first poem was about socks. It’s a subject near and dear. Hmm … 🤔

Jill Swenson's avatar

Welcome back. You've been missed.

Tara Penry's avatar

Thank you, Jill. I've missed being here! I will probably continue to be an endangered species for the school term but hope to reconnect as both reader and writer this summer. I have much to catch up on from your historical research.

Peter C. Meilaender's avatar

Relieved to know that you are still alive and kicking, Tara!

Tara Penry's avatar

Thank you, Peter! Yup, my kicker is working fine. Sorry to keep you in suspense. :-)