Mesmerising tale - really enjoyed this story - Initially I got shades of Murakami, and then when you mentioned the waxing gibbous moon I thought you were going to steer it in the direction of cosmic horror (as in A Night in the Lonesome October, Zelazny), but then you turned it back on itself (philosophising) with an autobiographical slant, that really resonated with me - loved it. Also, the audio was top notch 👍
Thanks CJ. Yes, definitely some Murakami there, though, my bench isn’t deep with his work. Interesting you thought it might take a left turn toward (cosmic) horror. I think, perhaps my days of Fangoria readership long behind me, I prefer the wonder, absurdity, of some topics to the other. But, as an aside, any autobiographical influence is purely stolen from others — my kids are still very young and I haven’t more than a single book to my name, so far. 😉
I actually don't really like cosmic horror as a genre, but I came across it from the Zelazny novel mentioned previously - as I was a fan of his fantasy work - but it has some very interesting character relationships with animals too. I have 3 young kinds myself (all 5 and under), so I hear you, but you have one more book to your name than me - and that's a helluva something. Out of interest, what is the name of your book?
What a delightful tale. There is truth in the idea of having a deep understanding and appreciation for one's surroundings, including friends and neighbors. I'm like that old bear, content with where I am.
What a creative idea- a man and a bear drinking tea together, philosophizing in the moonlight. That concept alone would have delighted me even had there been no further story. Superb, J.
I think it's your best. It starts with a natural reaction of trepidation and then moves into an adventure (where is this going?) And then there is discovery and finally insight. It doesn't lead to a "series". It's a self-contained story but opens a new world. Very good!
This story was fantastic and magical, a perfect Sunday morning read. I've always been drawn to nature and have spent my fair share of time in the woods, staring up at the stars and the moon. Your words about its magic brought me back to those moments of my life. Thank you for that.
As I started reading, I quickly understood this was somewhat autobiographical and I must say, I enjoyed the notes at the end of the story equally as much as the story itself. Bonus - you taught me about rooibos, which I have never heard of but am now eager to sample.
First of all ur graphic w the paw print and tea cup drew me in. What was going on here. I started reading your story as I read most stories, without much hope of finding a good story. Most divert off into sex or violence or a power grab. A thinly veiled attempt of Righting the wrongs done to the author in their stories and worse, not done very well.
But this was not that.
There was mystery without the bear turning into a demon out to trap the man.
There was intrigue. There was a logical progression and a bit of a cliff at the end. All things were not explained but enough were to give a satisfying ending.
It was like a ray Bradbury story w/o the macabre ending. Very satisfying. Complex and satisfying
Thank you, Frankie! While I like macabre (and Bradbury very much — see my story The Window) this story was destined to be something else. I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for reading!
I love this! Bears are special to me, and Walter is so wise. “All the world’s magic is now available” is a statement of deep meaning. I garden by the moon and other things, too. And when he said that the land upon which he lives remembers him, my heart squeezed. What a beautiful story!
Mesmerising tale - really enjoyed this story - Initially I got shades of Murakami, and then when you mentioned the waxing gibbous moon I thought you were going to steer it in the direction of cosmic horror (as in A Night in the Lonesome October, Zelazny), but then you turned it back on itself (philosophising) with an autobiographical slant, that really resonated with me - loved it. Also, the audio was top notch 👍
Thanks CJ. Yes, definitely some Murakami there, though, my bench isn’t deep with his work. Interesting you thought it might take a left turn toward (cosmic) horror. I think, perhaps my days of Fangoria readership long behind me, I prefer the wonder, absurdity, of some topics to the other. But, as an aside, any autobiographical influence is purely stolen from others — my kids are still very young and I haven’t more than a single book to my name, so far. 😉
I actually don't really like cosmic horror as a genre, but I came across it from the Zelazny novel mentioned previously - as I was a fan of his fantasy work - but it has some very interesting character relationships with animals too. I have 3 young kinds myself (all 5 and under), so I hear you, but you have one more book to your name than me - and that's a helluva something. Out of interest, what is the name of your book?
It’s called Tiny Worlds — a collection of 18 stories from right here on Substack: Tiny Worlds: Volume Onehttps://a.co/d/3YqEr9F
Ah yes - of course - *facepalms!
What a delightful tale. There is truth in the idea of having a deep understanding and appreciation for one's surroundings, including friends and neighbors. I'm like that old bear, content with where I am.
Thanks KC! Contented is fine but not complacent, right? ;-)
Glad you enjoyed the story!
This was some magical stuff right here. Loved it.
Thanks. I think the magic is in the possibilities, those insights from chance conversations with bears…or squirrels, or crickets…
Loved this. I grew up around a rather populated black bear region. It was common to find them lurking around at all hours.
I think your interpretation here is far more truthful than any factual description.
Ha! I’d love that to be true. Come to think of it, maybe it is but I haven’t been paying attention. {warms tea kettle}
Thanks for reading, James!
What a creative idea- a man and a bear drinking tea together, philosophizing in the moonlight. That concept alone would have delighted me even had there been no further story. Superb, J.
Thanks Sharron. Can't beat writing a dream ;-)
…really fun…
Thank you!
I think it's your best. It starts with a natural reaction of trepidation and then moves into an adventure (where is this going?) And then there is discovery and finally insight. It doesn't lead to a "series". It's a self-contained story but opens a new world. Very good!
Thanks, dad. Sometimes those odd dreams need to be written down.
This story was fantastic and magical, a perfect Sunday morning read. I've always been drawn to nature and have spent my fair share of time in the woods, staring up at the stars and the moon. Your words about its magic brought me back to those moments of my life. Thank you for that.
As I started reading, I quickly understood this was somewhat autobiographical and I must say, I enjoyed the notes at the end of the story equally as much as the story itself. Bonus - you taught me about rooibos, which I have never heard of but am now eager to sample.
Hah! My family’s tea habits are a force of nature unto themselves — rooibos, doubly so.
Thanks for coming along on the journey, magic and all. Glad it brought back some special memories.
First of all ur graphic w the paw print and tea cup drew me in. What was going on here. I started reading your story as I read most stories, without much hope of finding a good story. Most divert off into sex or violence or a power grab. A thinly veiled attempt of Righting the wrongs done to the author in their stories and worse, not done very well.
But this was not that.
There was mystery without the bear turning into a demon out to trap the man.
There was intrigue. There was a logical progression and a bit of a cliff at the end. All things were not explained but enough were to give a satisfying ending.
It was like a ray Bradbury story w/o the macabre ending. Very satisfying. Complex and satisfying
Well done sir. Well done.
Ur friend ,
Frankie Chocolate
Thank you, Frankie! While I like macabre (and Bradbury very much — see my story The Window) this story was destined to be something else. I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for reading!
I love this! Bears are special to me, and Walter is so wise. “All the world’s magic is now available” is a statement of deep meaning. I garden by the moon and other things, too. And when he said that the land upon which he lives remembers him, my heart squeezed. What a beautiful story!
Thanks Liz! Yes…that moonlight magic is powerful, isn’t it? Thanks for reading!
This is wonderful. Thank you!
Thank you, Lyndsey!