11 Comments
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Diane Bergner's avatar

This is a beautiful essay, Karson. While our stories are different, we both have discovered our next chapters on art (writing)! I look forward to reading your book.

Diane

Karson brown's avatar

Thank you, Diane. Was surprised and grateful Zibby discovered it. So meaningful to read your story and find an artistic commonality. I look forward to reading your book, too❤️

Act II, Unscripted's avatar

The dish pit scene is the one that got me. After decades of washing dishes for free, getting paid for it — there's something true in that image that I'm still turning over. The way you named it as a threshold rather than a low point reframes the whole thing.

I've been standing in my own version of that parking lot, and reading this helped.

Karson brown's avatar

Oh, I love you felt that. There’s always a threshold involved. I hope you take really good care of yourself as you navigate your way through and out of that parking lot❤️

Suzanne Uttaro Samuels's avatar

What a gorgeous, inspiring post. I too pressed pause on my professionally life to raise my children, one of who had special needs. My re-entry—though yearned for—has been disorienting and at times quite challenging. Still, the writing sustains me, giving me a place of my own, where I can try to understand where I’ve been and where I’m going. Thank you for this wonderful essay.

Karson brown's avatar

Thank you, Suzanne. I hear you- let’s keep writing our way forward❤️

Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

Fabulous, thoughtful essay. You took me away from my rainy work day and into your life-changing chapter. I can't wait to read your memoir!

Karson brown's avatar

Ah, thank you, Jennifer. Your words of encouragement and support mean so much to me. And the rain is falling on Alki, too. Stay cozy🩵

Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

You know a boat in the rain is always cozy...unless it's sailing!

Karson brown's avatar

So true. Some of the coziest memories of my life. Looking north, up Puget Sound toward you, with a smile on my face. Happy writing!

Jennifer Silva Redmond's avatar

It is a beautiful place. And yes, I'm writing!