19 Comments
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Anne Schmidt's avatar

Oh, what memories you’ve conjured up for me! My parents and 11 siblings spent many a Sunday afternoon plying the hills and ravines among the bluffs by Princeton, Iowa, each spring. We used the buddy system so not to lose one of us. Sometimes the system even worked! Oh, the stories I could tell of our treasured, much-anticipated forays into the “forest.” Stories of cow pies, timber rattlers, muddy creek beds, stiles and lost siblings!

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Mary Swander's avatar

Wow, I love these memories. 11 siblings all out in the woods near the Mississippi!

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Elizabeth Cunningham's avatar

The poignant beauty and wisdom of this piece touch me to my core. I have spring pilgrimages to trout lilies, columbine and trillium. Sometimes I find what I'm seeking, sometimes I am taken by surprise. My mother-in-law was wise in the ways of morels. I love that you are teaching the wisdom and ways of your friend to his grandchildren. What a beautiful lineage, so full of amazing grace.

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Mary Swander's avatar

Oh, the woodland wildflowers must be beautiful in your "neck of the woods," Elizabeth. You are the perfect reader. I so appreciate your support.

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Elizabeth Cunningham's avatar

And I love reading your work and appreciate the work of others that you introduce!

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Tricia Stiles's avatar

I felt like I was walking the woods with you and Max's family. Your description brought me back to some of my favorite times searching for morels with my husband on our woodland acres. Thank you!

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Mary Swander's avatar

Sounds like beautiful memories! I'm happy that this piece took you there.

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Kathi Zimpleman's avatar

Thank you for taking us along on the memory trail as you hunted for the morels. The results, physical and spiritual, are impressive.

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Mary Swander's avatar

Thanks so much for your on-going support, Kathi. I'm glad you enjoyed the piece.

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Suzanna de Baca's avatar

Lovely piece... and a nice haul of morels!

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Mary Swander's avatar

Thanks!

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Bonnie Hanlin's avatar

Beautiful!

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Ardyth Gillespie's avatar

Mary, so lovely I can taste it.

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K Zebert's avatar

What a wonderful start to my day! Thank you for this story, Mary.

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Mary Swander's avatar

You're welcome. You're comment created a wonderful start to my day!

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Denise OBrien's avatar

Thank you for this lovely story Mary.

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Mary Swander's avatar

Thank you, Denise.

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Darla Biel's avatar

Beautiful, poignant piece, Mary.

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Mary Swander's avatar

Thanks, Darla!

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