17 Comments
Feb 2Liked by Phyllis Cole-Dai

We are all connected….

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Feb 2Liked by Phyllis Cole-Dai

I love this early intimate recording by Laurelyn Dossett and now quite famous and classically trained Rhiannon Giddens. Thank you!

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author

Quite a duo!

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Feb 2Liked by Phyllis Cole-Dai

Achingly beautiful intertwining of their voices, the guitar, chorus of crickets. We are connected to each other and the whole of creation. ❤️

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author

Aren't those crickets gorgeous in this string of pearls!

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This poem is a heartfelt reflection on the journey of life, like a string of pearls each representing moments and roles we play. The comparison of the moon to a lantern for the frozen world paints a vivid picture of a winter's night, while the recurring motif of counting the years and cherishing loved ones adds depth to the emotional resonance. It's a lovely reminder of the precious connections that light our way in the darkness of the unknown. 🌟🌙

Explore captivating Romance, Thriller & Suspense, Science Fiction, Horror, and more stories on my Substack for FREE at https://jonahtown.substack.com

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Jonah, I'm glad you're on the Raft and happy for your comment. However, I would ask that you not overtly self-promote on this platform. Your name and Substack link are automatically included.in your comments. Let that be enough. I invite you and all Rafters to participate in conversation for the conversation's sake. Thank you!

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Sorry about that. I am new to the Substack. Thanks for reminding!

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author

No worries at all, Jonah!

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Feb 2Liked by Phyllis Cole-Dai

Thank you for sharing my song today. It is a special one to me as well, and its meaning keeps changing as I get older. It was my mother's favorite. With gratitude, Laurelyn Dossett

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author

Wow! What a wonderful serendipity! Thank you for your presence here, for your beautiful song, for this lovely duo rendition. Would you care to say more about how its meaning has changed as you've aged?

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Feb 2Liked by Phyllis Cole-Dai

Hi - a friend sent me the link this morning.

When I wrote that song, my youngest daughter was about to leave home and I had just moved my mother nearby so I could care for her. I felt very much in the middle of the string. Now my mother is gone, all three daughters are adults with lives and partners and one has a child...and I am the elder now. As far as I can tell I am nowhere near needing their care! But the perspective has changed.

In case you or your readers are interested, String of Pearls is part of a folk song cycle I wrote for the NC Symphony, called The Gathering: A Winter's Tale in Six Songs. Rhiannon (my neighbor in NC) was a guest artist on the project, as well as Joe Newberry and Mike Compton. I am not trying to sell anything here -- it's just that the song was part of a larger story, a kind of prodigal daughter homecoming tale. You can hear it here without purchasing: https://on.soundcloud.com/e3BvL

Thank you for your interest, Laurelyn

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author

This is such delightful context. I appreciate your sharing it. I'm approaching your place in the string. (My mother lives in an elder care community near Hickory, NC.) I look forward to listening to the "larger story"—wonderful to have that link! Are you still writing and performing?

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Feb 2Liked by Phyllis Cole-Dai

I am still doing both, although this year I am running for NC State Senate, primarily because my daughters have lost their full reproductive rights and I can't abide it. So in some ways, still mothering. Off to the races today, L.

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Deep bows to you as you run for office. Make good trouble!

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Wonderful lyrics, music and harmonies! I've watched several PBS music shows that feature or include Rhianna Giddens. All very enjoyable. Again, Phyllis, great taste in music! Thank you and Namaste!

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Oops, Rhiannon Giddens. And I'm pretty sure one of the PBS music shows included Laurelyn Dossett.

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