18 Comments

I have been down that burnout road. That’s when a backlog or reruns are useful. Eventually the desire to write returns. But breaks are sometimes necessary (for me, anyway.)

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Very true, Mark. I’ve been down it before too, and I’m sure I will further down the line. I really appreciate you reading and commenting! 🙏

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For many of us it's necessary.

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Agreed. Sometimes pushing yourself just makes it worse. You need time away.

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Jun 26Liked by Justin Deming

I can see those boys’ wide eyes, mouths hanging open…what a great story!

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Aww, thanks, Sharon! And thank you for reading!

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Good story Justin.

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Thanks so much, Pennie! 🙏

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My pleasure.

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Great tale. I need to get my son to read it.

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Thanks, Colin. Please share it with him! That would be wonderful. 😀

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Jun 10Liked by Justin Deming

I don't know a damn thing about skating, but it didn't matter. The pace of the story reflected a spring afternoon hanging around the skate park, and it took me back to my youth. However, you would have found me and my buddies at the basketball court. The sportsmanship of the boys impressed me. Sam made no excuses. He and the others accepted the Queen's superior talent and skill, marveled at it, rather than resenting it. I'm glad you resurrected this one.

Your honesty impresses me. Better to bring back an oldie than publish an inferior piece just to meet a deadline.

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Thank you so much for reading and for your thoughtful commentary, K.C.! I’m thrilled you liked it. The boys are good sports, aren’t they? I think she stole a little piece of their hearts.

And thanks. I’d rather be honest with myself rather than try to force something that isn’t there at the moment. Reading your comments have given me a spark of inspiration. Grateful for you!

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Thanks, Justin.

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Jun 10Liked by Justin Deming

"None of us were “school” kids if you catch my drift. " Great line, Justin. I love that SHE showed up to "school" them, as we are schooled by dreams we can't get back to. I know too well, those dreams that school me... Thanks for reviving this story. It is so tight. No extra words.

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Aww, thank you, Sharron. I appreciate you reading and commenting the second time around! You’re too kind. I’m happy you enjoyed it!

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Jun 10Liked by Justin Deming

I think I remember this one, Justin. You paint the characters so vividly that I feel as though I am right there by the river watching these kids doing their thing! I'm sorry it's been a tough end of the school year for you, but remember, summer is literally just around the corner!! Hang in there. I remember the great relief we would always feel when we watched our students leave us on the last day of school. That's that!!

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Thank you, Andrea! I’m so happy you enjoyed this one. I think the stress and burnout is a combination of everything, honestly. But you’re right. We’re right around the corner! And ha—that’s that! Our favorite saying. 🤣

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