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Wendy Varley's avatar

What a wonderful tribute to these dancer (your friends) to remember them here. Very vivid insights.

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Eric Trules's avatar

Thanks, Wendy. I wonder what drew you to reading these posts?

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Bambi Reeves's avatar

Hi Eric, for some reason that I haven't yet figured out, your regret at not attending the memorial of your dear Susan gave me goosebumps. It was very moving how you spoke of her, her life and all that you shared. The pain of grieving a lost love can be so intense. For the longest time after my brother died, when he came into my thoughts it was like stiletto stabbing my heart. Now when I think of a couple of recently departed close friends it's not so sharp, more of a swampy feel but still intense. I so relate to your story of finding your identity. I too was uptight, emotionally suppressed & repressed until I threw myself into studying acting with Sandy Meisner, Bill Esper et al @ the Neighborhood Playhouse in NYC in the mid 60's. HALLELUJAH!!! I'm just remembering also the terrific dance teachers with which we were blessed - Matt Mattox for Jazz, Pearl Lang for Modern and the beautiful, inspirational Jane Dudley for Martha Graham. Thanks Eric for the sharing of your thoughts and feelings in your post. Although we've never met on the physical plane I'm sending you some fond hugs. Thank you again.

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Eric Trules's avatar

Hi, Bambi. U must feel the closeness between Susan and me, and the sadness of Max, the Clown. We have the same “becoming an artist” history tooooo. Thanks, as always, for your support! E (Glad u figured out how to leave a Commemt!😇)

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Ted Dorff's avatar

Beautifully written tribute and reflection. At our age (although I was born when you were a perfect-haired teenager), we could spend every day attending funerals. It’s really hard to prioritize them. They often don’t do justice to the life. The value sometimes has to do with who else is there, more than the deceased, which you don’t know unless you’re there. I believe the deceased is on to bigger and better things. Anyway, the key of the past regret is how it helps your present and shapes your future.

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Eric Trules's avatar

The insights of pickleballer and prophet... Ted Dorff!

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Wendy Varley's avatar

Hi Eric, I commented on Claire Polders photo essay on Japan and saw you’d liked that, so was curious when I saw your bio. I love dance - as a spectator. I loved to dance in my youth but never professionally. I will read your earlier essays. Good to meet you here!

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Eric Trules's avatar

Ah ha! "One never knows, do one." Ditto on meeting here.

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Babette Markus's avatar

Stunning piece. Trules. Thanks 🧡

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Eric Trules's avatar

Thanks, Babette’s. I hope all is well.

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Carter frank's avatar

So many memories of Susan! Such a beautiful vulnerable person. I have stories about T.H. as well that perhaps should remain unsaid in a public place as they aren’t so nice.

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Eric Trules's avatar

Yes, indeeeeeeed, Carter.

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Jul 26
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Eric Trules's avatar

Thanks for your personal and heartfelt comment, David. Writing is a rare and beautiful thing - you never know who will read what you’ve written or how what you’ve written will resonate with, or touch, another soul.

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