Walking into the cabin felt like opening the door of a preheated oven. Waves of hot air, smelling faintly of wood smoke and overripe apples washed over me as I stepped through the tiny kitchen and into the main room. Sunlight was pouring through the floor to ceiling glass walls on two sides, dappling the cedar wood floor with the shadows of leaves and refracting through artfully placed sun catchers that sent shards of rainbows dancing around the room. The third glass wall at the front of the cabin was divided by two sets of double doors that opened onto a deck extending over the pond. Everywhere I looked, the edges of everything solid - the wood stove, potted plants, record player, and cluttered desk - seemed to be dissolving in waves of superheated air. “Whew, it’s like a sauna in here,” I said. I set the Walkman down on the counter by the door so I wouldn’t forget it and walked into the main room.
Well….most of us are embroiled in the current events unfolding at home and on the world stage. So I get it:-) I read everything you write as well. It’s comforting to know that intelligent, caring, and committed souls are out there and that we have one another’s backs. Hugs!
Oh...I'm so glad you had time to read it right away. The story has my heart, as you can probably tell, but I am always anxious about how it will be received. Any topic dealing with death can be touchy but my goal it to open people's hearts and help them understand how precious every life is. Thank you, Flo!
P.S. The photos are almost all from the virtual world version of the story I've built. Creating the environment and taking the photos has helped make the characters and their lives even more real. HUGS!
honestly Jena, I think with all the chaos going on, the war in Ukraine, violence everywhere, I think people are much more interested in death than before, in looking at it more deeply and feeling empathy for its sorrows, and... its freedom from a heavy earthly body too..
Agree. I am hoping to generate empathy and compassion. There were/are so many stereotypes, stigmas, and fears associated with HIV/AIDS that people just can't seem to find their compassion. When I built the first version in 2009 I was thrilled to find whole classes of university students going through the build. Whether it is HIV/AIDS, special needs, or any number of other ways we discriminate and ostracize others, humanity needs to find its way back to love.
Amazing. Truly!
I am thrilled you think so. I was very fortunate to find someone with a wonderful voice to do the readings.
Like Gypsiechick, so invested. I can't wait to read the next installment.
New characters introduced and a mysterious message being avoided.
Wonderful writing. I am so invested🌹
Smiling. That makes me very happy. Thank you for reading along.
Jena, what a passionate story plus the end journal too. You have a wonderful way of telling a story that needs to be read!
Thank you so much Diane. It makes me really happy to know you’re reading along and enjoying it!
Always. I don’t always comment though I do read you💙
Well….most of us are embroiled in the current events unfolding at home and on the world stage. So I get it:-) I read everything you write as well. It’s comforting to know that intelligent, caring, and committed souls are out there and that we have one another’s backs. Hugs!
Hugs back, Jena! I think we are living in a very stressful time, and stories like yours are such a respite from the news.
Jena, it is so lovely.... And the photos ...
Oh...I'm so glad you had time to read it right away. The story has my heart, as you can probably tell, but I am always anxious about how it will be received. Any topic dealing with death can be touchy but my goal it to open people's hearts and help them understand how precious every life is. Thank you, Flo!
P.S. The photos are almost all from the virtual world version of the story I've built. Creating the environment and taking the photos has helped make the characters and their lives even more real. HUGS!
honestly Jena, I think with all the chaos going on, the war in Ukraine, violence everywhere, I think people are much more interested in death than before, in looking at it more deeply and feeling empathy for its sorrows, and... its freedom from a heavy earthly body too..
Agree. I am hoping to generate empathy and compassion. There were/are so many stereotypes, stigmas, and fears associated with HIV/AIDS that people just can't seem to find their compassion. When I built the first version in 2009 I was thrilled to find whole classes of university students going through the build. Whether it is HIV/AIDS, special needs, or any number of other ways we discriminate and ostracize others, humanity needs to find its way back to love.