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Jim Rios Lacey-Baker's avatar

thanks KV, another wonderful share. love that song too. 🤍

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SIETSE SOWAN's avatar

What a humbling privilege it is to read about your life’s journey. It can’t always be easy to share your heart. It seems cathartic for you. I’m working on doing the same and seeing you do it is inspiring and comforting. Thanks for your candour. I miss My Mom too. I miss My Dad as well. I know it’s not easy to go through. I have no doubt that she misses you lots too. ✨🙏🏽✨✌🏽✨❤️✨

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Kathy Valentine's avatar

Thank you Sietse!

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Joyce Rebar's avatar

Wow. There are so many things I relate to, in this post. After losing my old cat Dani, I remember how I cried for days, every time I came home and she wasn't there. Six years ago (March 31), we lost my Dad to an accident (hit by a car). Christmas was always my favorite holiday. I remember one of the family emails, when everyone was getting ready for Christmas, and they didn't understand why I always wanted lots of gifts under the tree. I said, "it's not about the size or price of the gifts. I love the family time, where we're all together around the tree, opening the gifts, one by one." That made my Dad happy - that I loved the family being together like that. Dad's favorite song was Pennies From Heaven. Now, every time I find a penny, I assume it's from Dad.

Also - I love the song "Fast Forward"! I wish the Go-Go's had used it. I look forward to hearing your new album.

Sending hugs - for the loss of your Mom and Tux. xoxo

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Kathy Valentine's avatar

Thank you Joyce, for reading and commenting. I really enjoy hearing that what I've shared has landed with a reader so I am happy you replied. Nice story about the pennies!

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John Alaniz's avatar

Love that song!! What a sweet Christmas recollection. May your mom rest peacefully. So sorry for your losses. 🙏🏽

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Joanna Castillo's avatar

Your mom was a hoot. She ALWAYS shared the latest photos of Audrey with me when we’d go out to lunch. Without fail. And I would be stunned every time at how grown up she was. I hope she’s enjoying school. Hugs…

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John Flanagan's avatar

Thanks for this post (sorry for delay in getting to it). I’m really grateful you are sharing your creative process with all of us here. Happy New Year-hope it’s all you want it to be and more.

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Ann Mayabb's avatar

Love your song writing and loved your book, keep going even in your life changes, foreward motion is all we have control of in this life, its all in how we use it. Keep Rockin"!

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martindankelly@gmail.com's avatar

Beautiful Kathy,l haven't read the book yet, but definitely going to get this week 😃, the essay reminded me of when I lost my parents (within last ten years)We are all human,and time is a healer,❤️, always loved the gogos and lm keeping a eye on the Blue bonnets on Facebook 👍 brilliant,to you and your daughter Audrey have a brilliant and healthy New Year♥️🙏

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Kathy Valentine's avatar

Hi and thank you for joining me here, and I hope you do find my book and enjoy! happy new year xxk

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Lisa. T's avatar

Hi Kathy,

I haven't really been on Twitter that much because of all the strangeness of it now. It won't post my posts...etc. Anyway, I'm glad I found your blog on here. I read your fast-forward story, and I love the song on there as well..... Stay cool, stay YOU! HAPPY NEW YEAR, TOO!

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Kathy Valentine's avatar

Thanks Lisa, glad you found my substack, and happy 1st day of the new year!

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Meredith Hunt's avatar

I read your book, All I Ever Wanted, and there were passages that could’ve been my story, too. Reading this essay, as with all writing that resonates, makes me feel part of a tribe- or band, if you will. 😉 thanks for sharing your thoughts…you have much to offer. PS because I am also a friend of bill, I will say that taking anything one day at a time has always helped me.

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Kathy Valentine's avatar

love this comment, thank you Meredith!

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J DeGaetano's avatar

Fast Foward is a fine slice of pure power pop goodness. Can’t imagine how it didn’t make the cut. Looking forward to hearing the finished version.

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Kathy Valentine's avatar

yeah being in a band can be rough when the songs and other things you feel strongly about don't get the votes. just like democracy!

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Joe Bettis's avatar

Love that song !

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Kathy Valentine's avatar

thank you!

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Alison Brower's avatar

I'm glad to be following you here and I love that song! Happy Christmas and keep the faith.

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Kathy Valentine's avatar

Welcome Alison, thank you for subscribing, reading & listening! xoK

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Robi Connolly's avatar

Kathy wonderful writing! Thank you for sharing and being so open and honest! I’ve always admired and held the uttermost respect for anyone that can share the good times as well as the the tough times. There are very few than can do so❤️ I always look forward to reading your sub stack. We thank you for being here! Enjoy Paris with Audrey! Beautiful place this time of year! Much happiness in the coming year! Go after everything you want! You are such an amazing person and deserve all the best! Happy Holidays!

Robi❤️

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Kathy Valentine's avatar

Yes, Paris was amazing and holidays nice too!! thank you Robi! xoKV

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Jim's avatar

Thanks for writing Kathy. As I try to find some joy in my now inherited solitude, it was comforting see another person looking forward to a welcome path. While I have not yet figured out the intent of your writing, apologies if I took it selfishly, it did make me smile.

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Lynsey Buckley-Ratcliff's avatar

I just love the way you write, the way you use words, I just become so engrossed in the moment when reading them. Hopefully you've managed to find some solice here in England (you need to come up north though -much better up here!) and can return home to Texas ready to get stuck back into life. The butterfly was sure to have been your Mum, I truly believe that, and hopefully that moment can stay with you and help you through this difficult time. Have a lovely time in Paris with Audrey and wishing you both peace at Christmas time x

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Kathy Valentine's avatar

THank you Lynsey!

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