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Rose's avatar

This anecdote with your daughter is so precious! I'll confess i did something a bit similar to my parents, where i wouldn't stand their presence, but if they went away i'd cry. I still remember today some fragments of conversation i had with them, and it is one of my favorite memories (except when they bring it up in front of my friends ahah!)

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Charlie Becker's avatar

I'm so glad you bring this up. There is a very small number of things my daughter does that really get on my nerves, but that is how my wife and I get past it, we always say, "well, at least it will be a laugh to bring it up when she grows up."

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CansaFis Foote's avatar

…there is a section of the free movie internet filled top top bottom with movies and tv shows about people who drive semi trucks for a living…these movies are often soundtracked by the rock and roll style of country (down to an including one of these films is based around those gold chain hairy chested nashville lotharios singing sex on the stage in between truck runs)…they generally grapple with the idea of being truly free in the USA…and it just reminded me that there are eras and styles of creativity still left to explore and create…high ballin…

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Charlie Becker's avatar

I love finidng online niche communities like that. One of my favorite things is to find really vibrant discussions happening in strange comment sections on the internet. I'm considering writing my next essay about this.

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CansaFis Foote's avatar

do it! comments are the new substack

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Emma Jones-Phillipson's avatar

After going for a cold (<12*c) swim in the ocean, I bought a freshly baked sourdough hot out of the oven and held it like a hot water bottle for an hour while I drank my coffee.

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Cherron.Landry's avatar

I got to spend 14 hours in a car with my sister. Whom I just found out about 2 years ago. It was a grueling ride. But the best, quickest "waste if time" I've ever had.

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Charlie Becker's avatar

What a great way to get to know one another and make up for lost time!

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Rick Lewis's avatar

"But years from now, when I look back, I will treasure the nights I got to talk to my daughter through the bathroom door." Charlie, do you know that feeling when you wake up after a nighttime snowfall to discover that the ground is covered in a foot of wonder and silence? I was transported to a similar mood reading your article, but instead of snow I suddenly found myself knee-deep in innocence, presence, and love. Thank you for sharing this sublime slice of your life.

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Charlie Becker's avatar

Thank you Rick, I appreciate it and I'm glad that this was evocative for you.

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Becky Isjwara's avatar

A beautiful way to think about time - that it's worth more when shared vs alone

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Charlie Becker's avatar

Yes, it's better when shared.

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Varsha Shah's avatar

Utterly beautiful and inspiring- thank you!

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Charlie Becker's avatar

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

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