11 Comments

Well said, and I know that book!! Read it many times though missed the implications you've highlighted.

"Society has always wanted to keep us small." Indeed it do. Thanks, Mary.

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I missed it too, way back when I was reading it with my kids. Blinded by the ubiquitous programming. Thanks for reading and commenting, Kathleen!

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Jul 21, 2022Liked by Mary Poindexter McLaughlin

Hi Mary, Your piece resonated for me with my drumming. Having attended many drum circles that inevitably devolve into a staccato thumping with all the spaces filled, and having studied African diaspora rhythms, what this culture sees as a drumming free-for-all, is in actuality a highly structured set of agreements from which infinite freedom and improvisation flows. So it is with many Native cultures rituals. Structure = Freedom.

Yay! I so enjoy how that informs your writing as well. Thank you.

Denni

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Yes, Denni! I so value your insight on this topic. Even though I'm no musician, I've understood that all musical improvisation relies on structure. Thank you for sharing the parallel connection to drumming; it is right on!

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Jun 11, 2022Liked by Mary Poindexter McLaughlin

I followed the link in your post for June 10th. I'm stunned. This touches me deeply.

I don't want to say anymore or I'll spoil it. Thank you!

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May 8, 2022Liked by Mary Poindexter McLaughlin

In celebration of “unseen love.“ Thank you, Mary , for these memorable words.

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May 8, 2022Liked by Mary Poindexter McLaughlin

So beautiful Mary thank you for this gift on Mothers Day!

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May 2, 2022Liked by Mary Poindexter McLaughlin

This is exactly what I needed today, Dear Mary. Thank you for the gift of your light.

💚Graciel

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You're welcome, dear Graciel.

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Oh, my, Mary. Your writing always makes me ponder so many things. I missed this one - just clicked on the link from your most recent, and I'm glad I did. I think about all of those favorite books of mine as a young girl - "Caddie Woodlawn", "Heidi", "Pollyannna", etc. and how I loved reading them later to my own children. Orphans. Fast forward decades later when I moved here and met a writer/historian who educated me on that time in history that produced the orphan trains, county farms, etc. Holy moly. The things I'm finally learning. I could go on and on but instead I'll just say, keep writing, my friend. XOXO B

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Perfect!

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