14 Comments
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Yasmin Chopin's avatar

Is there a special place where you find connection with your loved ones?

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Jennifer Zarin, LCAT's avatar

Yasmin- It was a pleasure collaborating with you. This is a real tribute to your meaningful friendship with Wendy. I feel like I’m right there with you “unwrapping” your lunch treats and walking till my feet hurt:).

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Yasmin Chopin's avatar

Yes, very happy memories - I'm glad I was able to share time with Wendy.

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Bee Lilyjones's avatar

Brava, Yasmin, this is beautiful. That you can write about Wendy and your adventures in NYC must be a comfort to the pain of losing her so suddenly, even if that was some years ago. A joy to read, thank you. Further, I am loving the prompts! You know how I need to process words away from the desk, as it were, so I will get back to you with an answer to your question "Is there a special place..." Bear with, and thanks again. I'm off to read Jennifer's piece.

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Yasmin Chopin's avatar

Thank you for reading, Bee. I've never written about Wendy before so this was rather an indulgence, and cathartic.

Thanks also for re-stacking. It is much appreciated.

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Amanda C. Sandos's avatar

I am laughing and teary having read this. My bestie Ben and I have spent many an hour Central Park together doing all the same wonderful things. That park is the best of all parks IMHO. So many people from all cultures and walks of life coming together to enjoy the outdoors in the middle of such a vibrant huge city! I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend but glad you have such a lovely place to visit and remember her.

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Yasmin Chopin's avatar

Absolutely, Amanda. This is what we loved about the Park, we saw people enjoying it in different ways. All ages, residents and visitors, using the space to exercise and have fun. Good to know you've enjoyed it too.

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Feasts and Fables's avatar

There is something SO special about keeping a loved one’s memory alive through beautiful words and remembrances … and these are so vividly drawn. Gorgeous. Oh, that we might all be remembered so fondly.

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Yasmin Chopin's avatar

I miss my friend - she died too young. This is the first time I've written about her and I doubt I ever would have if it weren't for the power of collaboration!

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Feasts and Fables's avatar

So sorry for the your loss … so pleased, for you and us, that collaboration supported you into a space where the words could emerge. Hugs

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Yasmin Chopin's avatar

Thank you. 🙏

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Stacy Boone's avatar

I used your prompt as my morning write - thank you for the instruction.

As I read this, I am surprised at what my words uncovered. When I set my pen to paper to write, I thought I knew where I was going, a direct line to a bald with 360-degree views. Instead, layers were peeled away to an interstate connection of two places that ground me. Places where my feet are solidly placed despite the distance. Always am I straddling the two, each so different with their spaciousness and solitude, their non-human gifts of thoughtfulness and consideration. This morning, I give you a nod to a revelation only possible through a writing reflection.

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Jennifer Zarin, LCAT's avatar

Stacy- thank you for sharing your reflection write! It is this practice of being able to step back and reflect after writing that’s always felt like peeling back the layers, a chance at insights, new perspectives or confirming what we already knew in a deeper way.

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Yasmin Chopin's avatar

I admire your practice of morning writing. Thank you for sharing, Stacy.

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