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Donna M. Crow's avatar

Thank you for introducing me to her. I got to be around her 3 different times and found her to be an unapologetic powerhouse whose warm embracing support made me feel I could do anything. Sorry for your loss of a friend, and for the world of literature’s loss.

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Susie Bright's avatar

Thank you for all these memories. Such love. The beautiful picture of Dorothy in front of the barn, is by our friend, photographer Jill Posener. Xoxox Love

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Silas House's avatar

Thank you! I will put credit for Jill under it; I couldn't find it earlier.

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John Raisor's avatar

If it didn't end, it wouldn't mean anything.

Great stuff. Ordered Bastard. Wrote a few hundred words on creating meaning later in life and my rural Kentucky poor experience this morning. We hit on some of the same ideas. Especially the disconnect between someone who has to split and pack wood all winter, and higher status folks. No matter how many middle class friends I try to paint the picture for, none of them will ever be able to picture the life I lived. Thankfully, the only time anyone has hit me with any serious snobbery was a photographer at a party in NYC ages ago.

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Gina Hogan Edwards's avatar

My heart goes out to you, Slias. I had to pull my copy of Bastard Out of Carolina off the shelf this morning and hug it when I heard the news. A couple of my writer friends knew her well and, like you, like all of us who read her work, are aching. I'd hoped to meet her someday, perhaps at Hindman. Is that where you are in the photo with her?

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Silas House's avatar

Yes, the picture of us together was taken in the dining hall at Hindman Settlement School.

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Gina Hogan Edwards's avatar

I thought I recognized that magical space. Thank you for sharing a nugget of your special friendship of Dorothy. Cherish those memories.

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Gwenda Bond's avatar

Thank you for sharing these stories. I've long been a fan of her work, and she sounds very like I imagined her, only better. Sending love as always, my friend.

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Deanna Fedukovich's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing. I hold her work so close to my heart…I return to it every few years and find a new observation or comfort I missed. I didn’t realize her wife passed. I bet they’re having one hell of a reunion!

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Donna Bolls's avatar

Silas, I am so sorry for your loss of our dear friend. It's not often that we find someone who shares so much of their true selves. You, and by extension, all of your readers, are better for her having been in this world. Feel your grief and also laugh with your fine memories of Dorothy.

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Heather Bell Adams's avatar

Thank you for sharing these memories of your time with her. When I heard her speak in 2019, she urged us to be "audacious" in our writing, which I thought was a great word. I am so sorry for the loss of this important person in your life. Sending light and love.

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Melanie Zuercher's avatar

I'm so sorry for your personal loss, and all of us who read. You grieve as long and hard and "selfishly" (it's really not) as you need to. I've never read Dorothy Allison although I definitely know who she is and that she means much to you. I hereby resolve that the first third of the previous sentence will change before the end of 2024. How could I not after this tribute?

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Linda's avatar

I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing. I do get it! I am going to read everything you mentioned! ❤️

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Lee Hatling's avatar

Thank you. Once again my life is enriched by your words, and her words.

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