From where I sit by the window I can look right through the huge bare hydrangea and the trees whose needles make their way into and all over my house, and see in the distance that the forsythia is tinged with yellow, every day more and more.
Abby, our mothers went to the same 50s cooking school. Kelly's Irish potatoes in a can, frozen peas, minute steaks grilled so long they curled up at the edges, Pillsbury biscuits smacked out of a tube, My-T-Fine instant pudding; I loved it all. And I love this piece! Nothing like slowing down and seeing the world turn to spring.
Thank you, Judy. This one just began with the pale yellow showing up and then I fell asleep and saw the Chef Boyardee in my miniscule doze and couldn't help myself. I wanted to put in but couldn't find a way to do it to say all my kids now say Good Tough Meat.
It may never be spring here in Central Oregon, although the gods played tricks on us a few weeks ago with temps in the 70s and the plants got busy and I shed my black, black, black clothes until oops .. it snowed again. And again. Such lovely, comforting images, Abby, bringing us into your world, which is a gift. Xoxo
I almost spit out my breakfast at "Good tough meat!" So frigging funny. I have loved your writing since the first time I read you - then I continued to read everything you wrote after that. I was thrilled to stumble upon this website of yours.
Brilliant piece! Of life! Oh how I remember Chef Boyardee, canned potatoes, and do you remember canned mushrooms! ? hahahahaha! I can just picture you sitting, looking out your window, and dozing in the sunshine. thank you Abigail for your expression of life! (Hope you are feeling much better now!)
This lovely, lilting piece, like birdsong from a distance, was just what I needed to get me out of my dealing with a vicious UTI funk, as always...THANK YOU ABBIE
I’m reading this in the ER where I’m being investigated for pneumonia. My husband is gone; I am the last one standing in my line and I can’t stop crying. So beautiful and true.
I’m so glad you wrote! Brought back fliffs of the Detroit version. No cows. But that gorgeous newly unfurled nearly transparent green that’s more water than plant. And for Cynthia. Thank you.
You are such an artist with language, Abigail. How such rich images can ride so comfortably aboard easy sentences is masterful.
Thank you, you put that so gracefully, I will try to deserve it.
Of course you do. You seem stronger of thought and voice. You are regaining vitality (?)
oh god, I hope so. Thank you.
Abby, our mothers went to the same 50s cooking school. Kelly's Irish potatoes in a can, frozen peas, minute steaks grilled so long they curled up at the edges, Pillsbury biscuits smacked out of a tube, My-T-Fine instant pudding; I loved it all. And I love this piece! Nothing like slowing down and seeing the world turn to spring.
Oh your mother too!! I had neer even seen a scallion until I was in my late twenties. A world opened up to me! It was lovely to see you last night.
I love this piece. Of course. I love each of her pieces in her stack and each page in each of her books.
Thank you, Judy. This one just began with the pale yellow showing up and then I fell asleep and saw the Chef Boyardee in my miniscule doze and couldn't help myself. I wanted to put in but couldn't find a way to do it to say all my kids now say Good Tough Meat.
It may never be spring here in Central Oregon, although the gods played tricks on us a few weeks ago with temps in the 70s and the plants got busy and I shed my black, black, black clothes until oops .. it snowed again. And again. Such lovely, comforting images, Abby, bringing us into your world, which is a gift. Xoxo
Thank you, thank you. This makes me happy.
This is so profound. We should all embrace the moment as they come.
Thank you. I helps to be old. Which is part of why I love it at this age.
I almost spit out my breakfast at "Good tough meat!" So frigging funny. I have loved your writing since the first time I read you - then I continued to read everything you wrote after that. I was thrilled to stumble upon this website of yours.
Thank you. All my kids have been saying Good Tough Meat for years now, it always makes me laugh. But thank you for such kind words.
Beautiful, Abigail. 💕
Thank you. So grateful you liked it.
Nature and people who write brilliantly. These are a few of my favorite things. Thank you, Abigail.
Thank you very much.
I remember corn beef hash. I love this piece. News is off, enjoying what is here. Always the best closing lines. Thank you.
Prajna, thank you. Abby liked The Fix!! Good grief!! I loved that.
Yes
She listens to all of your pieces because she can play the audio. She always has a good chuckle.
She loves you!
Brilliant piece! Of life! Oh how I remember Chef Boyardee, canned potatoes, and do you remember canned mushrooms! ? hahahahaha! I can just picture you sitting, looking out your window, and dozing in the sunshine. thank you Abigail for your expression of life! (Hope you are feeling much better now!)
Thank you. But would you eat it now? UGH!!
Oh God, Abigail, absolutely not!!!! LoL!
Oof. Before it all disappears — so many layers of meaning there these days. Another gorgeous post.
Thank you, Holly. Thank you very much.
This lovely, lilting piece, like birdsong from a distance, was just what I needed to get me out of my dealing with a vicious UTI funk, as always...THANK YOU ABBIE
Oh hell, Carolyn. A UTI. That ruins one's whole outlook because by the time you gfind out that's what you have, everything is gray.
Come back soon.
I’m reading this in the ER where I’m being investigated for pneumonia. My husband is gone; I am the last one standing in my line and I can’t stop crying. So beautiful and true.
So very sorry, Jax.
Thanks, Abigail. It's good feel the ache and know you're alive. Thank you for your gorgeous take on this stage of life.
Thank YOU for reading it.
Oh Abby, this piece just sings to the best memories of my childhood heart. Thank you.
Lovely piece. Thank you for sharing. Like some of the others, I love the line "Good tough meat" and I'm glad your family have kept it's use!
me too. makes me laugh every time. and we don't even have to be eating!!
I’m so glad you wrote! Brought back fliffs of the Detroit version. No cows. But that gorgeous newly unfurled nearly transparent green that’s more water than plant. And for Cynthia. Thank you.
how lovely, what you said. 'more water than plant." thank you.