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Sylvia Hordosch's avatar

I signed up for your New York event together with a friend who is bringing his partner along. Another friend just asked if I wanted to join him to hear you. I am so excited about your new book and so grateful for your newsletter. I will mull over the sour plum and its gentle side. Abundant blessings to you.

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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

Looking forward to seeing you in NYC!

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Dominic Perri's avatar

Just signed up for the 1 Chicago area event, I think you live in MI. How is it that you have multiple MA and MD events and only 1 in Chicago? Would love to help you remedy that!

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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

Travel costs money. I've put repeated requests out there asking who is willing to support the tour, and these folks stepped up.

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Stephanie Siewert's avatar

Ordered! So excited to welcome both your book and spring this month. I have a feeling Good Soil will be offering its gifts of kindness and abundance both to its writer and readers. Sending congratulations and care for you and your launch and tour. Thank you for all you share. ❤️

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Rachel's avatar

Hi Jeff, I love the plums you describe. It's been 20 years since I've tasted them but I could "taste" them again reading your words.

Wishing you traveling mercies for the book tour.

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Megan Kau's avatar

Appreciate plum info and thoughts. I have an old Japanese screen which I now see is of plum blossoms, not cherry. Walked in Basho steps a few years ago, and Chinese/Japanese poetry has a whole additional dimension. Thank you. Best wishes from Bronxville, now closer to Cari’s Rye.

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Theo Parker's avatar

Just yesterday I found myself thinking about the toll a book tour must put on an introvert and so I prayed for you. A book tour sounds equally exciting and grueling…both parts valid in all their forms. Bless you in it all. May you be encouraged deeply in unexpected ways. Strength & peace to you. See you in Raleigh!

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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

It is gratifying and also terrifying. This book is the most personal thing I've ever written—and I get super-nervous even when I'm preaching and the text is very much not about me. Grateful for your prayers.

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Lisa Strader's avatar

I am loving the series based on taste! I grew up with a very limited palate, and much of my adult life has been spent trying to appreciate new kinds of tastes. These missives are an encouragement for me to keep rolling with the different phases of life, too. Thanks for sharing!

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Kristin T. Lee's avatar

Love reading these Lenten reflections. Those preserved plums get a mention in paragraph 5 of my book...so uncanny! Or maybe just so Canto.

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Jeff Chu 朱天慧's avatar

I feel like an old Chinese grandma when I eat them! I ate one today as I was sending the newsletter out. Thank you for your encouragement! Can't wait for our conversation in May.

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Lori Z.'s avatar

This is so beautiful Jeff, thank you for these wise words. I love plums. My gran had a tree, which I'd climb and eat until my tummy hurt. The joys of childhood.

I can't do the news, social, etc. It's too toxic. Not fit for the compost pile. Please stop doomscrolling. Your garden will thank you for that.

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Sheeby's avatar

YAY! You are coming to DC. I will see you on May 4!

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Tina Harville's avatar

Jeff, I love your writing and I can't wait to receive your book (I pre-ordered months ago). I'm also looking forward to seeing you in Cary on April 13. Your words challenge me, inspire me, and give me hope that in addition to "Good Soil", there are "Good Souls" in this world, and you are one of the best.

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Ashley Love Skrabec's avatar

You know, I didn't grow up with dried plums but as a kid I loved those sour candies that would get sweet after waiting for a bit. It's also what I love about Mexican candy. As intense as it is, the sour is craveable! Hmm, the implications for the metaphor are interesting- do we also crave sourness of spirit? Something for me to ponder today... Anyway, thank you for the reminder towards perspective and patience with the sour things. My husband and I will be at First Pres Berkeley this Sunday and I'm so excited! If I don't get to tell you on Sunday, thank you so much for your writing and your generosity with sharing your story and perspective. I have received so much wisdom and encouragement from the way that you approach theology, heritage, relationships, food, travel, and all that you write about. I treasure your writing for the curiosity, gentleness, humor, and persistence in honesty and faith. It's helped get me through many a difficult time. Thank you so very much for your example and witness.

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