33 Comments
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Jo Polley's avatar

This is stunning! The mention of the Britoil company car is such a jolt amidst the melodic and flowing prose that comes before. I found it instantly intriguing and was very glad to read that a book is in the works. I also love the advice about writing like you’re working with hot coals - very wise!

Yvonne Reddick - Writer's avatar

You’re very kind - thank you so much for your generous words! I am so thrilled to hear that you like the advice as well! ☺️☺️

Jo Polley's avatar

I liked it and I needed it!!

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

ooh that's a great insight, thank you Jo! And yep, writing = working with hot coals feels painfully apt haha

Chris Bujold's avatar

As I sit in a library in the freezing cold of New Hampshire reading this, I strangely feel comfort and warmth. Thanks for this. Starting my day off right.

Yvonne Reddick - Writer's avatar

Oh, thank you so much for your kind words, Chris! All the best for your day in the library! ☺️☺️

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

libraries in the freezing cold are the perfect place to read anything!

Chris Bujold's avatar

Agreed!

Better Days Are A Toenail Away's avatar

Beautiful.

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

Thank you for reading!

Neural Foundry's avatar

Beautiful piece. The icicle imagery perfecly captures that childhood desperation to preserve moments that can't be kept. I remember trying to bring snow inside as a kid and feeling genuinely confused why it wouldn't just stay frozen forever. That final image of the icicles weeping in the car really nails the bittersweeet realization that some beauty only exists in its passing.

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

That final image really did strike deep into my heart when i finished and made me want to go right back and read again.

Yvonne Reddick - Writer's avatar

Deepest thanks for your kind words! It’s lovely to hear about your childhood memory of bringing snow in - I’m glad I’m not the only one who did this!

MK Harb's avatar

“I longed to take the icicles home…” <3

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

such quotable lines throughout, thank you for reading MK!

Lisa Graham Parson's avatar

It sounds so beautiful, I want to go there. Even with the palpable cold I get through the descriptions

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

I love when good writing makes you want to transport into it

Yvonne Reddick - Writer's avatar

Thank you so much for your kindness!

Juanita Cox's avatar

That last line was brilliant 👏🏾 bravo.

Yvonne Reddick - Writer's avatar

Thank you for your kindness, Juanita!

Jarret Sharp's avatar

Every word arranged with intention, pregnant with flow of meaning.

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

Yes!! Thank you for being an amazing reader, Jarret!

Jane-Jack Morales's avatar

“The burn dwindles and thins in drought summers now. But the gorge bears witness to the ancient force of water. Torrents unleashed by melting icesheets whirled boulders round and round in a borehole, drilling down through bedrock. They have hulled out the hill, left it echoing and hollow. “

That drilled right down into my own bedrock. Wow! Thanks.

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

beautifully put, thank you for reading my friend!

Yvonne Reddick - Writer's avatar

Thank you so much, Jane-Jack! You are so kind! 😊😊

Harrison Gambelli's avatar

The waterfall whispered and the ignition coughed, very nice

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

yess! thanks for reading Harrison!

Yvonne Reddick - Writer's avatar

Thank you Harrison! You are too kind!! 😊😊😊

Jayant Kashyap's avatar

Thank you so much for the support, Yvonne! 🙏

Yvonne Reddick - Writer's avatar

Love your work, Jayant! ☺️☺️☺️

Michele Peters's avatar

Wow, that is a breathtaking piece of writing. I am struck by the juxtaposition of the icy winter scene conveying such warmth and comfort. I especially love the line, "The cold sharpened the starlight." Thank you for bringing us into your world. ❄️

Strange Pilgrims's avatar

You read into the perfect moments perfectly. Thank you Michele!