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Molly Cameron's avatar

I love this calendar idea! Even the idea of having a physical calendar to hang on the wall so you can see a whole month of fun stuff at once feels WILD to me and my digital-centered world. Thanks for this great interview!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I agree! I want to try it!! Glad you enjoyed the interview, Molly!

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Monika Kosmákova 🇨🇦🏔️'s avatar

So glad to see Pam’s interview! “Icelanders don’t ever say a horse is lazy. What they say is, “that is a horse who knows how to look after herself.”” Amen to looking after ourselves. I appreciated Pam’s answer about how her life changed through mentoring but mostly learning at the IAIA. Adding Ceremony and Pam’s forthcoming book to my reading list. Thanks Jane!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I love that quote!! Glad you enjoyed the interview, Monika!

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Denise's avatar

Your interviews are such a treat to read. Thank you.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I'm so glad to hear that, Denise! And I'm glad you enjoyed this one!

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Amy Brown's avatar

I have long loved Pam Houston's writing and her answers to these questions were marvelous in every way and resonated with me, as we are nearly the same age (I turned 64 last month). The childhood books--same! Loved hearing the encouragement, given my own initiation of a late-in-life divorce, that a "good marriage" is still possible and happy for Pam that it was. So moved by her involvement in encouraging Native Americans in their gifts, brilliance and creativity. I immediately have to order the Silko book. And like her, if we have the worst outcome in our upcoming election, I will have to draw on my courage, too, to high tail it out of a country I won't recognize as my own (will be buying her upcoming book and sharing it widely). Finally, that calendar idea centered on FUN. Borrowing, of course. Thanks Jane and Pam!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Yes to all of this! And the Fun Calendar! How great is that! Glad you enjoyed the interview, Amy!

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Tami DeLand's avatar

Love Love Love Pam Houston ❤️

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Me, too! ❤️

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Amy's avatar

I love this, “I married him because of the way he resembled a tree. A tall straight sturdy redwood. And he has turned out to be that.” Beautiful reflections on her relationship! Great interview, thank you :)

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Isn't that gorgeous! It really touched my heart. Glad you enjoyed the interview, Amy!

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B.K. (Kate) Jackson's avatar

D.H. Lawrence and Jackson Browne! That takes me back to my youth, reading Sons and Lovers and Late for the Sky on replay. Wonderful interview!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I know! I feel the same way. Especially as today I was wearing my new jean flares!! Glad you enjoyed it!

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Nina's avatar

Ceremony has long been a favorite of mine and so has Pam Houston’s work. I’m not the daredevil she is but I’m Icelandic and understand her love of Icelandic horses. Thanks for this interview.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I've not read Ceremony, but think I will now have to! And Pam's writing has also long been a favorite of mine! I'm over the moon she filled in the questionnaire. There's a long form interview coming in September!

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Constellations In Her Bones's avatar

Such a de-Light-full interview as always, Jane! Thank you. I just checked out Silko’s CEREMONY to revisit the experience. Have a beautiful day.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Thank you! And I hope you enjoy it! 🌸

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Constellations In Her Bones's avatar

Of course! Insights galore I’m sure! Find something that brings you joy today.

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Shelley Schanfield's avatar

Inspiring spirit. I love my low-key Midwestern life, but loved reading about Houston's wild rides and radical fun. I've got about 10 years on her, but I'm still game for a good mountain ski trip! Hope to get to the Rockies this winter.

I don't always respond but I always read these interviews with avid interest. Thanks, Jane, for doing them.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Hi Shelley!! Lovely to see you here! And thanks for your kind words. They mean a lot. And I can totally see you on a mountain ski trip!! I hope it happens for you soon! 🌸

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Asha Sanaker's avatar

You cannot imagine how timely this is. I'm in the midst of the heaviest work season of my year. Everything is deadlines and necessity. Yesterday I commented, "I've reached the point of proxy season when I wonder if I'll ever be fun again. Maybe I was never fun. Maybe this is just my life now..."

I refuse to allow this to be my life, but no one can change that but me. So, I am going to get a calendar and schedule some fun...

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Ooooh, I'm so sorry you're experiencing that, Asha. I've had my versions of that, and it's hard. Yes, Pam's idea of scheduling fun is revolutionary!! I plan to try it, as well! I hope things lighten up for you soon.

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May 6, 2024
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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

So glad you enjoyed it, Suzanne! I also found Pam's words inspirational!

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