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Julie Gabrielli's avatar

This whole thing reads like a dream. Your descriptions evoke that longing, the sense of being outside looking in, with quiet clarity. I do recognize that feeling. Totally agree, image is the soul’s language.

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Priya Iyer's avatar

Hello, Julie, how are you? I'm currently steeped in the world of images and dreams, and I think this post is the product of that. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.

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Julie Gabrielli's avatar

I’m not surprised to hear that. 😊 Any plans to pick up your novel again? I’m eager to continue with the story (no pressure!).

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Priya Iyer's avatar

Julie, that is definitely a goal!

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Camilla Sanderson's avatar

me too🥰

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Anna Zelenka's avatar

Priya, beautiful piece! I’m so glad you wrote about this experience! I so enjoy reading your reflections.

Next time I take a vacation, I hope I’ll remember to use walks as bookends like you did. This line especially resonates with me: “A room with all my books, a stack of old textiles that I could take out and stare at for inspiration, and every wall covered with art.” I’m currently decorating my apartment to highlight books and art! The book you gave me is great inspiration. Miss you! 🩵

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Priya Iyer's avatar

Anna, thank you for the note you mailed before you left! It was such a delightful surprise. Hope the decorating is going well and you're settling into the new life. Lot's of love to you!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Love the part about the soul speaking to us in metaphors and images, Priya. And maybe in fact it does, by presenting us with different choices--which in essence--are more or less images. . . of opportunities we could take. Anyway, again you've put me in a thinking mode, and that's a good thing for a Sunday. The island sounds enchanting, and I do the same thing, when I'm walking at dusk, that instant of voyeurism, which feels intimate and a little invasive but grounded in curiosity, and harmless. Wondering what it feels like to be there. Como no? as said in Mexico.

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Priya Iyer's avatar

Jeanine, for sure, it's a voyeuristic moment and it's also poignant because when we do it, we are not in our home. I think of it as a way of looking for my home within the image of someone else's home.

Thank you, it is great to talk with you again. Hope you had a great summer!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Thanks, Priya. Love that time of day, so calm — and seeing others prepare for dinner or downtime, bonds we humans in the regularity of daily life, everywhere.

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Camilla Sanderson's avatar

when you describe that feeling of looking in, that image of The Little Match Girl looking in came to mind. I know exactly what you mean. It's good to read your writing again, Priya♥️🙏🕊️

(and I hope you're enjoying the classes!)

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Priya Iyer's avatar

Camilla, thank you! It's good to hear from you. The program is intense but it feels like I have found my people, so I'm very grateful. Looking forward to catching up on your posts!

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Michael Edward's avatar

Such a beautiful reflection, Priya. The longing and feeling of melancholy and you looked into that house was so well put and very relatable. And I love the idea of our longings speaking to us. I think Carl Jung once said that our ideal self calls to us from the future through the things we’re interested in (or long for). And forever, that idea has stuck with me. Your wonderful piece reminded me of it.

Glad to have you back on the Stack — we’ve missed you around here. :)

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Priya Iyer's avatar

Michael, I have definitely missed my Substack friends! How are the Youtube adventures going? Thank you for your kind words and for sharing! I am looking forward to reading your posts!

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Michael Edward's avatar

We’ve missed you too! And we’re all looking forward to what you’ve got in store for us next.

The YouTube is… going haha. Still quite slow at the moment but it’s early days.

Thanks Priya :)

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