Omg Evie is the Master of Persuasion - you didn't stand a chance in that battle! Future battles don't look good for you either. Kudos to her for keeping up with you but also helping you reach a place of balance. You got me on this post at the title - what a great story. Loved it.
“Future battles don’t look good for you either” —- hahaha this made both Evie and I laugh our asses off, April. And you’re so right, Evie has me wrapped around her little finger. But it’s cool because she lets me think I win things every once in a while, and she helps with the whole balance thing.
Thank you April. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. It was a fun one to write :)
There’s a lot to love here, but something that immediately stood out was how your syntax led me into an appropriate rhythm. While you go-go-go through every inch of the park, you’ve got long lists with rich clauses between the commas, such that I felt out of breath as I read along. On the flip side, when you sat down, you modulated the rhythm into these languid, beautiful observational sentences. I found myself breathing slowly automatically. This is chock full of awesome detail and the figurative language at the beginning left me grinning, but you use those details to awesome effect in different sections. The playful dialogue is great, too—including the final line when your stillness becomes a shared stillness.
Like you, I tend to be a go-go-go-er. My idea of relaxing is to walk eight miles, write a 4,000 word essay, or watch a challenging, heart-shredding movie. I’m walking and upright all day, so doing is the path of least resistance. This month, I’ve tried to give myself a weekly moment to soak my feet in this little bubble tub I found, and I’ve found it difficult to make into a habit. I found this really encouraging in the same way your endorsement of yoga was in “Torn in Two”. Pausing feels dangerous to me, like a squandered opportunity, but you make a compelling argument in its favor.
(Also in favor of Pemberton. Seriously, you deserve a sponsorship check for how well you sold the place.)
Long story short: fantastic read, as a piece of writing and a persuasive endorsement of not-doing sometimes.
Your careful reading and acknowledgement of the way the syntax and writing changed with various parts of the story to enhance the feel and effect of the piece — is such a wonderful and greatly appreciated observation. I played around with that a lot, and so, it means an awful lot to know you noticed that and that it worked for you.
Yeah, I’ve definitely related to some of your pieces in the sense of that go-go-go attitude, and, to be honest, for such a long time it was something I was really proud of. I thought it was great that I just kept going and going. It wasn’t until I hurt my back (as you read about in Torn in Two) that I started to open up to and appreciate the other side of things. And while I still have that go-go-go tendency, I’m finding that sometimes not-doing, or even simply contemplating or watching before the doing is really helping me out.
I hope you can enjoy soaking your feet in that bubble tub! From the sounds of all the walking you do, your feet deserve it!
And thanks again for the awesome comment, I’ll be sure to hit up the shire of Pemberton for a promotional check ;)
Yes, I could feel my adrenaline rush when exploring the park, and relax somewhat during the observational moments. I wouldn’t have noticed that aspect and said you mentioned here. Wonderful storytelling.
I literally laughed out loud at this: "Instead, as Evie has so affectionately put it, I am “an obsessive psycho who doesn’t know how to chill”."😂
Reading your words in the paragraph beginning, "Pulling up a chair, I sat in front of that beautiful expanse..." I had the sense that each word was a musical note in a symphony. Truly beautiful - it was as though I was floating along with the melody of the words. I particularly love the idea of Karri trees as "kings of inertia radiating wisdom"🥰 The way you wrote this paragraph, allows the reader to feel this way too: "I felt my body aligning to the tune of that naturistic symphony." You created a scene the reader also gets to experience. Gorgeous writing.
And I love the fact that my older sister who also lives in Perth, with her partner/husband, recently drove their "Earth Cruiser" down to stay under the Karri trees too😁
I’m so glad to hear this piece made you laugh. I had a lot fun writing it, and so, it’s always nice to hear it was fun for others. And thank you for the kind words on the writing in the last paragraph, it was such a beautiful scene that I felt an obligation to convey it with as much beauty as I could muster.
Ohh that’s lovely for your sister and her partner — it such a beautiful spot. Those trees have a very special power to them :)
Ohhhhhhhhh…le-siiiigh, le-swoon…. 🫠🥰 And le-parrot-cackle! Seriously, I was chortling and guffawing most of my way through this. I am so glad you have a partner who, not only lures you into this magic, but gets the obsessive psycho in you and loves you enough that she can name it with affection like that. SOOO crucial for #OurKind.
I am a strange mix. Thankfully I live in the forested mountains and I have an Inner Evie constantly luring me into the woods to breathe with trees, onto my deck to Just Watch and absorb, onto the floor under the faerie lights. Not as often as would be good for me. But since having a partner is completely elusive to me, my dichotomous nature is my saving grace.
Really, maybe it’s a huge reason why partnership with another person is elusive. 🤔🤔🧐 I realized that the last fantasy world and fictional romance I created was my way of processing this exact kind of dance you two share…just within myself. I always swoon when I watch the way you two dance together in your tales. It gives me hope, and entertains the heck outta me.m in the meanwhile.
So after all the cackling and chortling, when you got to the trees and the stillness…FYI I totally got choked up. After the Torn in Two series…this moment meant even more. LOVED this piece on so many levels, my friend. Bravo!!
Thank you Alexx. Yes, I am very lucky to have such an understanding and cheeky partner — she knows me well, which posies her to call me out in the most accurate and affectionate ways.
Sooo crucial!
Yes, the partner dance is such a hard thing. Me and Evie have both told each other about shit-shows our previous relationships had been because (well for many reasons but…) because we just couldn’t find someone who fit our particular weird. And as you expressed, I feel as though when is weird ones don’t find another, we do sort of become dichotomous to ourselves almost so we can fill the role we need. It’s amazing how we can show up like this for ourselves sometimes.
Also, I’m so glad you enjoy the tales of me and Evie. Sometimes I worry it’s too weird to share our stories but I have so much fun writing them, and sharing them with Evie, (and she always encourages me to share them) — so I just do it. But it’s very nice to know you enjoy them. I’m not sure when it will come out but I do have another story about me and Evie in the works hehe.
Thanks Alexx, as always, your comment made me smile, laugh, and feel seen. Your the best :)
Back atcha! Oh, that's so cool that she enjoys you sharing the tales of you guys. That really matters to those of us who write about our lives. I don't think it's weird at all. Unless you were with somebody who was uncomfortable about it, our partner is such an integral part of everything we do, especially if we live with them, so it just seems like a DOY to me. Looking forward to the next adventures.
Heeee...I always think of Deadpool and Vanessa from the first movie. "Your crazy matches my crazy." I had thought I finally had that. But it really is difficult to match this particular cup of tea around here. So glad you have that, and that there are enough of me living in this little body to at least fill most of the cup. Hahahaha!!!
Yes, I am very lucky Evie is cool with me sharing the stories. She’s actually a writer as well (mostly fiction and not as busy on Substack) so, she thankfully she understands the writing impulse.
Yes! That Deadpool line nails it!
Seems like we’re all looking for our particular crazy :)
I’m smiling over as and it only grew wider as your essay progressed. Looks like nature finally had her way with you, and the image of it all happening—laptop still beckoning—with you instead transfixed by all that surrounds. What a sweet, profound, reunion with a peace that already existed in you (I’ve experienced it in your words, your insights for quite some time!) but maybe it took a big open landscape to mirror it out of you. :)
Thank you Kimberly. That is actually such a lovely insight. I think your right in that the peace is already within me, I just forget about it sometimes — but there’s nothing quite like nature to remind me. :)
Thank you Priya! I’m so glad you liked the way rhythm of the words mirrored the different states I wrote about. It is so lovely when a fellow writer appreciates those nitty-gritty little writing details! :)
So beautiful Michael. I hung on to every word, your music accompanying me for the entire ride! The ending is especially beautiful. And my younger self relates to that need to be in perpetual motion. It is so different today- I had forgetten about that. Your story brought me back... And I love your relationship with Evie. That too reminds me of my marriage - a longtime marriage - also a blessing. Hugs to you and Evie from over here (40 minutes from NY City, but in our woodland)
Thank you Andrea. I’m so glad you enjoyed the piece and that you were able to relate various parts to your own experience. It’s always so gratifying when someone is able to relate to something I’ve written. And thank you for the compliments on the wiring itself as well — it is much appreciated.
Ohh wonderful hugs to you to from over here in Perth WA :)
Ha! This lighter side of your life is so funny, Michael. And isn't it always our true loves who give us the clearest picture of ourselves: "an obsessive psycho who doesn’t know how to chill” has parallels to a recent endearment in our house: "Oh please, you're not even in the top three people I'd murder if I had enough money to get away with it."
Thank you Troy. After the Torn in Two series I have been enjoying playing with some lighter pieces — it’s nice to mix and match. And besides, I draw much inspiration from your light stuff.
Also — “Oh please, you're not even in the top three people I'd murder if I had enough money to get away with it." — that is absolutely amazing! I laughed out loud when I read that. And yes, it seems our darlings know us so well that they can dish out the most accurate and affectionate summations of us. Gotta love it ;)
You are an exceptional writer! The way you draw us in to every essay you write, using amazing descriptions and random humour amidst the seriousness of life makes for some of the best reads on Substack.
My heart rate elevated and blood pressure rose reading about your living arrangements but I guess you are better equipped to deal with it than most folks since your brain rolls along a mile a minute. You and my husband would make excellent travel mates, tell Evie to message me if she needs any tips from someone thirty years ahead of her🤣
Thank you Donna. That is such a lovely and greatly appreciated compliment on my writing. I had a lot of fun writing this piece, and so, I think that, somehow, that joy made itself onto the page.
Your husband sounds like my kinda guy. And thank you, Evie said she might have to take you up on those tips. Hahaha. :)
I’m late to the party here, but catching up and so happy to be taken along on your hideaway trip - I loved this — “…those kings of inertia radiated wisdom. Their height reminded me of how far away the sky really is. Their stillness filled me with a sense of calm.” It reminds me to look up and out and find calmness away from all the madness presently in my life. Thank you!!
Thank you Robin! I’m so glad you enjoyed the piece. And yes, there’s nothing quite like nature (or looking up at the sky) to help bring us to a place of calmness. I hope the madness passes for you soon. :)
It took a tree to get you rooted ... in the present... nice yarn ME
Hahaha well played Emmett. And thank you! :)
Omg Evie is the Master of Persuasion - you didn't stand a chance in that battle! Future battles don't look good for you either. Kudos to her for keeping up with you but also helping you reach a place of balance. You got me on this post at the title - what a great story. Loved it.
“Future battles don’t look good for you either” —- hahaha this made both Evie and I laugh our asses off, April. And you’re so right, Evie has me wrapped around her little finger. But it’s cool because she lets me think I win things every once in a while, and she helps with the whole balance thing.
Thank you April. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. It was a fun one to write :)
There’s a lot to love here, but something that immediately stood out was how your syntax led me into an appropriate rhythm. While you go-go-go through every inch of the park, you’ve got long lists with rich clauses between the commas, such that I felt out of breath as I read along. On the flip side, when you sat down, you modulated the rhythm into these languid, beautiful observational sentences. I found myself breathing slowly automatically. This is chock full of awesome detail and the figurative language at the beginning left me grinning, but you use those details to awesome effect in different sections. The playful dialogue is great, too—including the final line when your stillness becomes a shared stillness.
Like you, I tend to be a go-go-go-er. My idea of relaxing is to walk eight miles, write a 4,000 word essay, or watch a challenging, heart-shredding movie. I’m walking and upright all day, so doing is the path of least resistance. This month, I’ve tried to give myself a weekly moment to soak my feet in this little bubble tub I found, and I’ve found it difficult to make into a habit. I found this really encouraging in the same way your endorsement of yoga was in “Torn in Two”. Pausing feels dangerous to me, like a squandered opportunity, but you make a compelling argument in its favor.
(Also in favor of Pemberton. Seriously, you deserve a sponsorship check for how well you sold the place.)
Long story short: fantastic read, as a piece of writing and a persuasive endorsement of not-doing sometimes.
Thank you Michael.
Your careful reading and acknowledgement of the way the syntax and writing changed with various parts of the story to enhance the feel and effect of the piece — is such a wonderful and greatly appreciated observation. I played around with that a lot, and so, it means an awful lot to know you noticed that and that it worked for you.
Yeah, I’ve definitely related to some of your pieces in the sense of that go-go-go attitude, and, to be honest, for such a long time it was something I was really proud of. I thought it was great that I just kept going and going. It wasn’t until I hurt my back (as you read about in Torn in Two) that I started to open up to and appreciate the other side of things. And while I still have that go-go-go tendency, I’m finding that sometimes not-doing, or even simply contemplating or watching before the doing is really helping me out.
I hope you can enjoy soaking your feet in that bubble tub! From the sounds of all the walking you do, your feet deserve it!
And thanks again for the awesome comment, I’ll be sure to hit up the shire of Pemberton for a promotional check ;)
Yes, I could feel my adrenaline rush when exploring the park, and relax somewhat during the observational moments. I wouldn’t have noticed that aspect and said you mentioned here. Wonderful storytelling.
Thank you Charlotte. Michael Steele is a very astute reader like that! In fact, I didn’t even notice it myself until he mentioned it :)
I heart Evie and good for you that you finally got to relax.
Thank you RenoQueen. I heart Evie as well. And yes, thank you — it was nice to take a break :)
Amazing view, bro.
Thanks Michael! Much appreciated bro :)
I literally laughed out loud at this: "Instead, as Evie has so affectionately put it, I am “an obsessive psycho who doesn’t know how to chill”."😂
Reading your words in the paragraph beginning, "Pulling up a chair, I sat in front of that beautiful expanse..." I had the sense that each word was a musical note in a symphony. Truly beautiful - it was as though I was floating along with the melody of the words. I particularly love the idea of Karri trees as "kings of inertia radiating wisdom"🥰 The way you wrote this paragraph, allows the reader to feel this way too: "I felt my body aligning to the tune of that naturistic symphony." You created a scene the reader also gets to experience. Gorgeous writing.
And I love the fact that my older sister who also lives in Perth, with her partner/husband, recently drove their "Earth Cruiser" down to stay under the Karri trees too😁
Thank you Camilla.
I’m so glad to hear this piece made you laugh. I had a lot fun writing it, and so, it’s always nice to hear it was fun for others. And thank you for the kind words on the writing in the last paragraph, it was such a beautiful scene that I felt an obligation to convey it with as much beauty as I could muster.
Ohh that’s lovely for your sister and her partner — it such a beautiful spot. Those trees have a very special power to them :)
This was very wholesome to read and your vacation sounds wonderful.
Thank you Hrvoje. I really appreciate that :)
Ohhhhhhhhh…le-siiiigh, le-swoon…. 🫠🥰 And le-parrot-cackle! Seriously, I was chortling and guffawing most of my way through this. I am so glad you have a partner who, not only lures you into this magic, but gets the obsessive psycho in you and loves you enough that she can name it with affection like that. SOOO crucial for #OurKind.
I am a strange mix. Thankfully I live in the forested mountains and I have an Inner Evie constantly luring me into the woods to breathe with trees, onto my deck to Just Watch and absorb, onto the floor under the faerie lights. Not as often as would be good for me. But since having a partner is completely elusive to me, my dichotomous nature is my saving grace.
Really, maybe it’s a huge reason why partnership with another person is elusive. 🤔🤔🧐 I realized that the last fantasy world and fictional romance I created was my way of processing this exact kind of dance you two share…just within myself. I always swoon when I watch the way you two dance together in your tales. It gives me hope, and entertains the heck outta me.m in the meanwhile.
So after all the cackling and chortling, when you got to the trees and the stillness…FYI I totally got choked up. After the Torn in Two series…this moment meant even more. LOVED this piece on so many levels, my friend. Bravo!!
Thank you Alexx. Yes, I am very lucky to have such an understanding and cheeky partner — she knows me well, which posies her to call me out in the most accurate and affectionate ways.
Sooo crucial!
Yes, the partner dance is such a hard thing. Me and Evie have both told each other about shit-shows our previous relationships had been because (well for many reasons but…) because we just couldn’t find someone who fit our particular weird. And as you expressed, I feel as though when is weird ones don’t find another, we do sort of become dichotomous to ourselves almost so we can fill the role we need. It’s amazing how we can show up like this for ourselves sometimes.
Also, I’m so glad you enjoy the tales of me and Evie. Sometimes I worry it’s too weird to share our stories but I have so much fun writing them, and sharing them with Evie, (and she always encourages me to share them) — so I just do it. But it’s very nice to know you enjoy them. I’m not sure when it will come out but I do have another story about me and Evie in the works hehe.
Thanks Alexx, as always, your comment made me smile, laugh, and feel seen. Your the best :)
Back atcha! Oh, that's so cool that she enjoys you sharing the tales of you guys. That really matters to those of us who write about our lives. I don't think it's weird at all. Unless you were with somebody who was uncomfortable about it, our partner is such an integral part of everything we do, especially if we live with them, so it just seems like a DOY to me. Looking forward to the next adventures.
Heeee...I always think of Deadpool and Vanessa from the first movie. "Your crazy matches my crazy." I had thought I finally had that. But it really is difficult to match this particular cup of tea around here. So glad you have that, and that there are enough of me living in this little body to at least fill most of the cup. Hahahaha!!!
Yes, I am very lucky Evie is cool with me sharing the stories. She’s actually a writer as well (mostly fiction and not as busy on Substack) so, she thankfully she understands the writing impulse.
Yes! That Deadpool line nails it!
Seems like we’re all looking for our particular crazy :)
Oh how cool!!! So she really gets it!!! Extra bonus. 🤓
I’m smiling over as and it only grew wider as your essay progressed. Looks like nature finally had her way with you, and the image of it all happening—laptop still beckoning—with you instead transfixed by all that surrounds. What a sweet, profound, reunion with a peace that already existed in you (I’ve experienced it in your words, your insights for quite some time!) but maybe it took a big open landscape to mirror it out of you. :)
Thank you Kimberly. That is actually such a lovely insight. I think your right in that the peace is already within me, I just forget about it sometimes — but there’s nothing quite like nature to remind me. :)
This was so sweet, I'm happy you and Chicken had such a relaxing and beautiful vacay!
Thank you Marmi! Me and Chicken really did enjoy it hehe :)
This was such a beautiful post, Michael. There was a rhythm to your words that mirrored the go-go-go versus the rootedness!
Thank you Priya! I’m so glad you liked the way rhythm of the words mirrored the different states I wrote about. It is so lovely when a fellow writer appreciates those nitty-gritty little writing details! :)
So beautiful Michael. I hung on to every word, your music accompanying me for the entire ride! The ending is especially beautiful. And my younger self relates to that need to be in perpetual motion. It is so different today- I had forgetten about that. Your story brought me back... And I love your relationship with Evie. That too reminds me of my marriage - a longtime marriage - also a blessing. Hugs to you and Evie from over here (40 minutes from NY City, but in our woodland)
Thank you Andrea. I’m so glad you enjoyed the piece and that you were able to relate various parts to your own experience. It’s always so gratifying when someone is able to relate to something I’ve written. And thank you for the compliments on the wiring itself as well — it is much appreciated.
Ohh wonderful hugs to you to from over here in Perth WA :)
Ha! This lighter side of your life is so funny, Michael. And isn't it always our true loves who give us the clearest picture of ourselves: "an obsessive psycho who doesn’t know how to chill” has parallels to a recent endearment in our house: "Oh please, you're not even in the top three people I'd murder if I had enough money to get away with it."
Thank you Troy. After the Torn in Two series I have been enjoying playing with some lighter pieces — it’s nice to mix and match. And besides, I draw much inspiration from your light stuff.
Also — “Oh please, you're not even in the top three people I'd murder if I had enough money to get away with it." — that is absolutely amazing! I laughed out loud when I read that. And yes, it seems our darlings know us so well that they can dish out the most accurate and affectionate summations of us. Gotta love it ;)
hehe You know who to point the finger at if I'm founding pushing up daisies. ;)
Hahaha :)
You are an exceptional writer! The way you draw us in to every essay you write, using amazing descriptions and random humour amidst the seriousness of life makes for some of the best reads on Substack.
My heart rate elevated and blood pressure rose reading about your living arrangements but I guess you are better equipped to deal with it than most folks since your brain rolls along a mile a minute. You and my husband would make excellent travel mates, tell Evie to message me if she needs any tips from someone thirty years ahead of her🤣
I'm glad you two had such a lovely trip.
Thank you Donna. That is such a lovely and greatly appreciated compliment on my writing. I had a lot of fun writing this piece, and so, I think that, somehow, that joy made itself onto the page.
Your husband sounds like my kinda guy. And thank you, Evie said she might have to take you up on those tips. Hahaha. :)
An adorable chicken by your side and a tree that never moves, what else is there to ask? Rural life suits you, Michael!!!
I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Yes, I think you’re right, rural life might be the way to go!
Thanks Fotini :)
I’m late to the party here, but catching up and so happy to be taken along on your hideaway trip - I loved this — “…those kings of inertia radiated wisdom. Their height reminded me of how far away the sky really is. Their stillness filled me with a sense of calm.” It reminds me to look up and out and find calmness away from all the madness presently in my life. Thank you!!
Thank you Robin! I’m so glad you enjoyed the piece. And yes, there’s nothing quite like nature (or looking up at the sky) to help bring us to a place of calmness. I hope the madness passes for you soon. :)