36 Comments
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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I would be remiss, James, if I didn't express how much I enjoyed every word of this. Larissa is blessed to have found such a deep-feeling, expressive man -- and one that loves her. Woven with all the magnificent flora and fauna, it is a sweet, sweet, story. I am happy for you both.

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you so much, Sharron. I always appreciate you reading and commenting.

Postcards From Home's avatar

Gorgeous and gorgeously paced as a piece of writing, and well woven with the images. I’m so happy for you both.

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you so much!

Kent Peterson's avatar

This is beautiful and beautifully expressed.

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you, Kent.

nettie glickman's avatar

Oh my my Larissa and love and kisses and butterflies and a frames and healing. i bow to your choices and courage in so many ways..

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you so much, Nettie!

nettie glickman's avatar

i live in a town that has lots of hawks in our parks and hovering over our houses looking for lunch. I treasure them.. their red tails and noisy announcements. All the best

Grace McCulloch's avatar

I loved reading this. What you have found is rare and precious. Congrats!

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you so much, Grace!

Diana Dyer's avatar

Oh I’m so glad I took the time to read your post about Larissa, and that I took even more time to read it slowly. What a beautiful love story. Thanks for sharing all those missteps and butterflies plus sharing Larissa with your substack readers.

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you for reading, Diana! She’s not a bird, but I’ve wanted to write about her for a while.

Carole Roseland's avatar

I am so happy for you! 😊

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you, Carole!

Cori Bren's avatar

Thank you for sharing your blessings with us. Happy New Year.

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you, Cori! Happy New Year.

Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

Beautiful post, James. Congrats and Happy New Year!

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you for reading, Heidi! Happy New Year to you and all the critters.

Marci Voyles's avatar

Get married! Have babies!

Mary Fisher's avatar

Wonderful love story! You may have had figurative butterflies in your stomach, but you have a lot of courage. Which is needed for love. Courage, honesty, forgiveness, concern for others and stubborn commitment are the ingredients of love.

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you so much, Mary. Happy New Year!

Mary Fisher's avatar

Ditto!

S. Uckun's avatar

Thanks for sharing Larissa. You both are gems.

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you for reading and for the kind words.

Timber Fox's avatar

Thank you for ending this year by telling us this happy story, James! Cheers to the both of you.

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you so much! A happy story is a nice change of pace from the norm lately.

Teyani Whitman's avatar

Love this James. I had gathered that Larissa was your special someone back when you shared the puffin trip… fiercely independent women can be challenging to invite into closeness, but once you’re in, you are in. You have chosen lovely human beings with each other.. and I sense the respect that you share. 💞 thanks for sharing her publicly with us.

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you so much, Teyani. You are right: once you've earned your way into an independent woman's circle of trust, you're in -- and it's such a lovely place to be. Thank you for reading, and Happy New Year!

Tony Baldasaro's avatar

Life is all about the people we choose to spend it with. Sounds like you both have made a wonderful choice.

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you so much, Tony.

Ashton Almeida's avatar

What a beautiful and inspiring story James.

James Freitas's avatar

Thank you Ashton—Merry Christmas!