25 Comments

The photographs are to be logged onto the oxytocin side of the equation- so beautiful

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Thank you Joey, and gosh that's probably why I take so many of them - ha!

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Thank you. Love the “no refills” story. I can relate.

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I know - ha! It's a common story, I think, and I do feel bad about my role in putting it off for so long. But it also just goes to show you how proactive we have to be about anything medical at our end, because there's not one doctor looking after you and it's easy to get lost in modern health care!

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David, thank you re:the honesty as it isn’t always easy to put stuff out there as you know! And I’m

So interested to hear that your low-level depression snuck up on you too. In a way it’s a relief when you figure out what’s wrong with you as you can then start (trying to) use the tools, hard as that sometimes is! I’m glad if this essay helped in any way.

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Thanks for your honesty—it’s one big reason I read you. I may not have a SAD diagnosis, but every September I feel it, and yes, it sneaks up. And the low-level depression—I was feeling it—and my body was telling me so—but I didn’t make the connection. Your story helped me see mine. Thank you.

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Apparently I replied to myself instead of you - see above!

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I so enjoy these musings. I too suffered from SAD and decided to move to Florida. I don’t like the hot summers but there’s always light. Your flowers are stunning and I think so many would be pleased to have a few. Have you thought about giving some to a local senior center such as Henrietta House? What a way to provide cheer for others.

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Jehanne I took a walk at Cedar Tree Neck today just to soak up the bright sun and the sea air today...was so great. You are smart to have gone where the light is!. And that’s a great idea about Henrietta Brewer house! Take care!

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This was beautifully written. It struck a chord with me. I also add layers of complexity to my life that don't need to be there. I'm going to go cut some flowers.

And,now I have Simon and Garfunkel stuck in my head...and I'm ok with that! 😁

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Stephanie you crack me up! I almost posted the video to The Sound of Silence (what an amazing song that still is) but just watching it got it stuck in my head too! Lol. I hope you enjoyed cutting your flowers and here’s to the goal of simplicity!

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I get that. And I do have a happy light when the doldrums set in.

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ah, smart!!

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I love reading your words and seeing your world /the world through your lens and your pen/pencil/keyboard. Always an extraordinary gift and resource and source of light 💡 for me.

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Nancie! I am so glad to hear that. That makes me happy. I hope you are well and cooking and eating lots of delicious things (of course!). All best, Susie

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☯️💕❤️

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💜

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I so appreciate you sharing your humanus

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Hope you are doing okay Roberta!

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All is well thank you

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I can so relate to everything you wrote here. I think it's not really the light for me: it's the end of the ease and freedom that summer always brings. When I start feeling this way, I remind myself to look up. It always helps.

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Carolyn, I guess to some extent all season changes are tricky. Ironically, summer for me on the island is somewhat overstimulating so the pace of fall is a relief. And yet I always react to the decrease in light! Going to get out and enjoy the sunshine today.

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Such a beautiful essay, with so much joy and sorrow astride each other; they’re conjoined twins, I think, and our challenge is to live with them both in equal measure. But: it is very hard when one lives with depression. As you say, “Bringing all that color and life inside is an antidote to the darkness.” Indeed. 🙏🏻❤️

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Elissa, thank you, and you are so right - conjoined twins! I guess it is a gift that we can feel stuff deeply no matter whether it is good or bad. Always scouring the horizon for those antidotes!

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September 20, 2023
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Hi Kim, I've been thinking of you and hoping you are doing well. I'm so sorry you've got this going on, too. Ambushed is a good word (sadly) - I hope the uninvited guest doesn't stay long. My best to you.

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