37 Comments
Oct 18, 2023Liked by Haley Brengartner

I was gripped by how lucidly you painted the Christmas Party scene. It's was 100% preserved huckleberries in a mason jar. Felt like a resolution of social nuance that's rarely written. Makes we want to be more deliberate in capturing the subtleties of my interactions with people. But also +1 to the need and challenge to be as expressive in real-time words! Well done, keep it up!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Michael! Sometimes I feel like I capture too many subtleties and experience grand social overstimulation but sometimes, in cases like these, it feels special to have been so affected by my surroundings.

I appreciate the time you took to read and leave me your thoughts!

Expand full comment

This read like a movie trailer, and I am absolutely captivated. Wow. I love your words. I swear you get better with every essay.

Expand full comment

Agree with Grace that it read like a movie trailer. my eyes were zipping past but at the same time my heart was still wanting to savour the words. Beuatiful!

Expand full comment
author

That whole night is so clear in my head that even to me it plays like a movie. Thank you so much Perzen

Expand full comment
Oct 18, 2023Liked by Haley Brengartner

Agreed that you just keep reaching higher and pulling down stars into words somehow.

Expand full comment
Oct 18, 2023Liked by Haley Brengartner

I second the captivation part! What a simple but profound treasure!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you so much

Expand full comment
author

Grace, that is the best compliment I could ask for. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Expand full comment
Oct 19, 2023Liked by Haley Brengartner

Haley, this . . . is what great writing aspires to be like.

You had me captivated with every word. I find it nearly impossible to believe your spoken word isn't as eloquent as what shows up on paper.

Thank you for making me feel something with this; feel moved, feel grateful to have an Auston in my life. One I went and hugged as soon as I finished reading this. Luckily, she takes her clothes out of the dryer, but putting them away . . . 😉🫶🏼

Expand full comment
author

Wyatt! This brought me so much joy. I am glad you enjoyed the piece but I am even more joyed that you are able to experience a love that meaningful. Thanks so much for reading and dropping me a sweet comment.

Expand full comment
Oct 18, 2023Liked by Haley Brengartner

Loved this! I too wrote about a dryer 🤣 My favorite part was the line about him being terrible at taking out the clothes, and you being terrible about telling him you love him. I hope he reads and loves this essay! 👏

Expand full comment
author

haha! No way. Racing to go read it now. Thanks for reading and for leaving me a comment Emma. I really appreciate it!

Expand full comment

Stunningly beautiful, Haley. I love the way you write about your love

Expand full comment
author

Thank you so much, Rachael!

Expand full comment
Oct 18, 2023Liked by Haley Brengartner

Haley, this is lovely writing. The playful tone but also grappling with some powerful ideas & telling a beautiful story. I love how this turned out. Continue to be inspired & in awe by you & your writing :)

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Tommy and thank you so much for your help with it. I am equally inspired and in awe of your writing.

Expand full comment
Oct 18, 2023Liked by Haley Brengartner

This is so precious, so beautifully written 🥹 I envy and look forward to that degree of clarity you had when you met A!

Expand full comment
author

Hi Phil!! Thank you so much for reading and leaving me a comment. I hope you are doing well and hope to chat soon.

Expand full comment
founding

My favorite: “His gratitude runs as deep and spirals as far and wide as cinnamon and emerald Sequoias. He is the best man I know.” ❤️

Expand full comment
author

Thanks James. Even at that I feel like my words fall short.

Expand full comment
Oct 19, 2023Liked by Haley Brengartner

Haley! Wow! I totally felt the timidness, awkwardness, and nerves of your first meeting. How you sprinkled in bits like "he didn't make a great first impression" but everything felt so perfect. My gosh!

I'm so drawn in. This piece is everything.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Becky!! This is so sweet. I am so happy that I was able to convey that scene in a way that drew you in.

Expand full comment
Oct 19, 2023Liked by Haley Brengartner

Wow, Hailey, I didn't want this piece to end. Beautiful essay!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Catalina!!

Expand full comment

Has to be one of the best pieces I have read this month! Sips like a fine wine.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Vikram! And thank you so much for your help with it.

Expand full comment

🥺🥺🥺 so beautiful!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you Michelle!

Expand full comment
Oct 18, 2023Liked by Haley Brengartner

"Lured by his stillness . . ." A mesmerizing piece. I don't think I've ever liked all the comments left on a piece of writing, but I just did. Had to affirm every take on your little masterpiece.

Expand full comment
author

Rick, speaking for myself (and the community that surrounds us) your level of support is always so palpable. It means everything.

Expand full comment
Oct 18, 2023Liked by Haley Brengartner

This is so bloody good, I didn’t want it to end!👏✍️

Expand full comment
author

Aw, this was awesome to read. Thank you, Kevin!

Expand full comment

In your humility, you may think you drew a simple pencil sketch of your ideas. In reality, the three-dimensional piece you crafted has vivid colors, defined textures, and a narrative voice that sounded almost like a whisper, mostly like a love ballad. Thank you. Auston probably knows how you feel, but I am sure your words fill him with bright light.

Expand full comment

...love is never having to say "your laundry"...

Expand full comment