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Sally Butler's avatar

Ever think of how the Canyon was made through the path of least resistance? I'm wondering about the rough edges we each could use polishing -- is there something in it regarding the path of least resistance? I'm thinking so. After a lot of years of trying all sorts of grinders and detonators, I'm finding allowing the wind and water to do their work more gradually to be more effective. My last run of Lava was a magical slide with few oar strokes and a dry boat at the bottom -- and somehow it had to do with allowing the river to have me rather than me working it, neither working with it nor against it; it just was easiest way down.

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Roy's avatar

Alison Krauss - In my mind I`m going to Carolina followed by John Prine and Iris DeMent - In Spite of Ourselves were on the jambs as I read this piece yet again. Costco Lasagna is transforming itself in the oven. Yes read again, 3rd-4th time. It does have me back sitting on various cots thinking of Dad and his pals, among other bits and pieces and parts of long lost and gone older men of my life. It also harkens me back to '77 when I first tripped over Abbey.

Good work brother, thanks for checking on the pulse of the old girl and dutifully reporting back to us all in such a transforming way that your worsmithery brings.....ok dinners timed out..I gotta roll....later..."I got one more silver dollar...."

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Tom Titus's avatar

"But I'm not gonna let 'em catch me, no ..." Always running. Sure get that.

Allison Krause: beautiful tune, beautiful woman, beautiful voice. James Taylor always made me wistful this time of year. And I am hoping to go to Carolina sometime this fall to visit a friend who had an unspeakable tragedy levied against her. I hope the that lasagne was worth the wait. Thanks for checking in.

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Deanna Hershiser's avatar

I have meant to look for your piece here, Tom. Finally did. Words as captivating as the pictures! Thank you.

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Tom Titus's avatar

Thank you, Deanna, I'm happy you came by! Thanks for subscribing.

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Jenny Root's avatar

Tom, this is soooooo good, so so good. Just so damn good. Hope I'll get an opportunity someday to visit the Canyon, and experience the river. But never could I approach the depth of feeling you've shared with us in this piece. Thank you, and here's to savoring more when they come.

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Tom Titus's avatar

Thank you, Jenny! I love when my fellow writers swing by, even more so when they leave comments like that one. It means a lot. By all means keep the Canyon on your bucket list. Before I left, the guy pouring beer at the pub told me it was like coming over the rim to Crater Lake for the first time. Except that it's every damn day! And every corner in the river. And every other oh-my-god-how-did-it-ever-come-to-pass-that-humans-get-to-experience-this moment.

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Kirsten Steen's avatar

Been waiting for this! And of course, it doesn't disappoint. But more than that, it made me tear up AND laugh out loud and filled me with my own gawk and awe at your way with words, emotions and the ever-amazement of this precious life.

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Tom Titus's avatar

I love it when my fellow writers come by! Thank you, Kirsten. Hopefully this will get me unstoppered. I've been a little resistant to sitting down long enough to conjure words.

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Kirsten Steen's avatar

Me too, my friend! I'm a little envious of the people getting writing done. I'm finally getting some travel in but it doesn't seem to be conducive to actually writing.

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Kaja M's avatar

WOW WOW WOW!!! What an incredible Journey.

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Tom Titus's avatar

It was incredible, Kaja! Don't take it off your bucket list.

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Saelon Renkes's avatar

What a wonderful piece! It brought back many memories of our own trip down that canyon fifteen years ago. Thank you!

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Tom Titus's avatar

You're welcome, Saelon. Thank you for stopping in to read!

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Kay Porter's avatar

Thank you dear friend😘💓🙏🥰‼️

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Tom Titus's avatar

<3 You're welcome Kay! Thank you for stopping by.

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Judy's avatar

Thank you for bringing me right back into the canyon again! I was fortunate enough to spend 7 wonderful days rafting with my brothers...taking in the beauty of the magnificent Grand Canyon!

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van fox's avatar

retraced some of my father's steps in river miles and grand canyon hikes with my youngest son three years ago. dad was there, too, but gone 10 years ago... (thx for taking me back for a few precious moments in my mind)

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Tom Titus's avatar

Van, thank you for stopping in. I love your intergenerational connection to the Canyon. Precious stuff!

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Cathy Ward's avatar

Tom, I was so happy that you made the significant commitment to join us on this trip. Yes, I knew that a piece of writing like "Unconformity" would be birthed but more importantly, more selfishly, I wanted to enjoy your company through this gash in the Earth that I have spent so much energy exploring. You would add texture to a place that defies description, defies understanding, prevents conformity. You did not disappoint. Your writing caused me to slow down, to remember, to smile, to close my eyes and open my imagination. Thank you, Tom. Wonderful and open reflections.

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Tom Titus's avatar

Thank you for that, Charlie. Of course the BIG thank you is for having another opportunity to go after stepping out in 2019. The writing--such short snippets from a huge trip in a huge place! I'm not sure how to otherwise get a toehold on it.

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