8 Comments
User's avatar
Karen DeBonis's avatar

Sounds like a blast (in small doses), Gail! And, um, where's your picture in a cowboy hat and boots???

Expand full comment
3musesmerge's avatar

Haha! I didn’t splurge on those. 😂 There was one shop on the strip with the smell of leather flowing out of its door. I was only a little tempted. Clare Cunningham’s boots are really cute!

I once read in a book… Blue Highways, I think… that when you are a traveler you feel free to become whoever you want to be because nobody holds any expectations of “you”. I’m working to carry that freedom everywhere. How about you?

I watched a great clip of Brene Brown discussing boundaries this morning and it made me think of your people pleading work. https://youtu.be/Om-eg-Pp1Qc

Expand full comment
Karen DeBonis's avatar

That reminds me of when I went away to college where I didn't know a soul. I had the very distinct thought that I could be whomever I wanted to be. I tried on a few different personalities and settled on "nice," which was who I'd been all along. As you know, it didn't always serve me well, but "freedom to choose" means freedom to make mistakes, which is how we grow. I'll check out Brene's clip- thanks!

Expand full comment
3musesmerge's avatar

I traveled with a friend from high school. At one point, we left our husbands on a rooftop watching a basketball playoff game. When we hit the street she said, “I’m Judy. What’s your name again?”

“Janet,” I replied.

Even way back in HS we were trying to distance ourselves from a fixed personality.😂

I love what you shared… mistakes are part of making choices. ❤️

Expand full comment
Karen DeBonis's avatar

That's a great story, Janet. LOL!

Expand full comment
Gary Spangler's avatar

I sometimes kid that if I don’t know the answer I just make one up. And honestly I’m only kidding. I offered that preface for this reason: when I opened my “always eagerly anticipated” Born Free Newsletter, the first image appeared to light up! Going from hues of medium to dark gray to a full color image! Like flipping the switch!

I tried closing and reopening the email a few more times and…. No “flipping on the switch.”

What followed was great. In one way elements seemed to stand on their own, but connection was evident as well. Like Karen (Hi Karen) I immediately expected to see boots and hat. Perhaps a two dimensional figure with boots and an opening for faces (yours) beneath a wide brimmed hat! Free! With a minimum purchase of $50…

Meeting two brave artists, putting their music on display, must have resonated with your efforts as a writer. Putting your woodcraft on display. All courageous. All hopeful.

Last, what a nice touch with the image of a flower opening it’s blossoms one by one. I sensed the image symbolizing Clare and Alyssa’s growing in their careers?

Perfect for a slowly unfolding Sunday.

Expand full comment
3musesmerge's avatar

Thank you for your appreciation Gary!

Yes… the artist’s efforts surely resonated with my own and I have learned that appreciative words fuel my desire to keep going and growing. I want to give in measure to what I have received and continue to receive.:)

Expand full comment
Karen DeBonis's avatar

(Hi Gary :))

Expand full comment