16 Comments
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Daniel Grothe's avatar

It’s a mishmash midrash sassafras of a roller coaster. 🕊️🤍

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Nate Wilbert's avatar

I liked that line too. :)

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Dawn's avatar

Good lord flatbed ford. Mishmash midrash sassafrass. How can I not read Annie Dillard after that!?

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Janell Downing's avatar

You know how she quotes Heraclitus before she set out at Tinker Creek? "It ever was, and is, and shall be, ever-living Fire, in measures being kindled and in measures going out."

Once I read that, there was a spark in my chest and I knew I was finally ready to read her. I just now wrote the purchase date in my copy: April, 2024. I feel so behind, but I know Annie would never say that bc as you say, John, she's always beckoning us forward. Alot like the One she's always thinking about, and I am too. Sometimes that bothers me. Like, really? I have to write about God again? My hunch is, Annie will show me.

Ps. If you ever lead an Annie Dillard reading group, count me in!

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John Blase's avatar

Thanks, Janell. Yes, she's a good guide.

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

I'm just thankful for you. That's all.

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John Blase's avatar

Well thanks, Lore.

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Kris Camealy's avatar

I do so love Annie Dillard, and this piece about your love for her is mighty lovely too. She’s one of the real ones. Her writing has changed me.

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Laura Lynn Brown's avatar

Mom bought me a copy of "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" for a birthday or Christmas, and I was hooked. But "Holy the Firm" and some essays in "Teaching a Stone to Talk" might be my favorites.

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John Blase's avatar

I'm guessing you've read "Total Eclipse"?

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Laura Lynn Brown's avatar

I have, several times.

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Laura Lynn Brown's avatar

Indeed. Several times.

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Tabitha McDuffee's avatar

“I know what she’s talking about, and I also don’t know.” My father-in-law talks about faith like that, and I can only hope to channel a fraction of him and Annie one day.

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Mary-Brennan Minarovych's avatar

What a beautiful tribute

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Liz Charlotte Grant's avatar

Long live Queen Annie. 👑 Also I would like to get For the Time Being as a tattoo somehow. 😜

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Carrie's avatar

Can I live in your commune?

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