11 Comments

This is beautiful, Kirstie. You bring George Moonlight to life. Fiction, skilfully done, is so magical. I believe in him as thoughtful, concerned to be a good person, loyal to a friend. And I appreciate the distinction you draw between the facts of history, and the less reliable broadening and deepening that are a fiction writer's concern. Thank you for your research, the details that suggest your view has some substance. Among them, that he was loved by Jack, who searched long and carefully enough that he found him. That moved me hugely. The other thing that really strikes me is the depth of care, compassion that you bring to your portrayal of whoever you write about. History is also now. Your own kindness is part of this story of humanity at its best. Counterweight to rapacity, to inhumanity. In your own way, burying the gold, one post at a time.

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Dearest Carolyn, ah my friend, I’m in tears reading this. ‘Burying the gold’ comes back to me with power and through the beauty of your fine mind. Thank you.

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Aug 9Liked by Kirstie McKinnon

Another wonderful find, Kirstie. Gorgeous writing, gorgeous artwork. Thank you for sharing these beautiful discoveries with us - a deep kindness :)

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Thank you so much Lissa. Deep gratitude :) 💛

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Aug 16Liked by Kirstie McKinnon

These watercolours of yours are sublime❤️🧡💛

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Thank you so much Liz. That is just amazing coming from you, as I’m in total awe of your painting. Mine feels definitely through-a-glass-darkly in comparison, and I’m thrilled that you like them.

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Aug 16Liked by Kirstie McKinnon

I love them so much! I am a beginner with watercolours which I have been playing with this year, you inspired me!

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Now that is just WOW, because watching you paint (with oils, with such attention and patience) in your studio was when the first fragment of maybe-I-can-try-art drifted into my consciousness. The quicksilver nature of watercolour suits my impatient mind.

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Your words are imbued with a warmth and a depth that I needed today, Kirstie. I absolutely loved the fiction story, I hope you consider going back to it, and continuing it. I'd love to see where these two men's stories take you

Thank you for sharing this history with us. I feel so many resonances, and am inspired. Deep gratitude to you

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Thank you so much Toni. It’s interesting to me how your women’s history poem encouraged me to keep trusting the stories that arrive - and in turn the Moonlight story has met you across the sea. Your encouragement and comment are what I needed today. Thank you.

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I love that… and the circle of reciprocity continues to flow. We give thanks

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