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Hall Carlough

@hallcarlo

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I write dark(ish) stories: witches rather than dragons. And, I grow things. Some look great, some taste great, some die. 🤷 Thats stories and flowers…

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Kinda obsessed, and kinda sad it’s fall, for once in my life. Sweatah weatha used to be my fav, but now it means the flowers are almost ovah. 197 days till #lastfrost. Oh, and my new gardening hat makes me feel like a Kung-fu warrior.

#flowering #gardening taken in Hudson Valley, NY by @hallcarlo

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3 days ago

Michael and I have been married for ten years today. Together for sixteen (give or take). This morning—over my now-daily Metamucil, because somehow we’ve become middle-aged—I got to thinking about how lucky I am.

In ten years, I can count our major fights on one hand and still have fingers to spare. From each one, I've learned a lot about myself, about him, and how we fit together.

I’m prone to flights of fancy. I collect hobbies like charms on a bracelet, and my dreams often start at lofty and accelerate from there. Many die after saying them out loud, or as a pile of crap in the house. But that twinkle of excitement, of possibly a little fun trouble, hasn’t left his eyes when I find something new to fall into.

Like when I said I was going to write a book, and he said, “Yes, you are.” Now, at the end of the day, he’ll ask me, “Did you write today?” The accountability chafes, and he does it anyway. This is how he shows care: pragmatism and positivity. He maximizes his time, and not with dreaming. He is an engine, driving us both forward. He'll also sit quietly with me, idling. Through unimaginable grief, he has sat there. Through screams of unreasonable frustration about the world, or about myself, he is still there. I’m learning what consistency looks like by being married to this man. It’s a monster of a pleasure, and I cherish it.

Parts of me worry that I will never measure up. That my love isn’t good enough for him. He dashes that doubt aside, like any obstacle in his path, with a passing glance my way. And it’s still there, in that glance. That twinkle in his eye that says, in a flash, his ten thousand reasons for loving me.

He makes the world make sense, even if it’s hard. I found him, or he found me; it doesn't matter—he is how I know there is safety in the world. He is why I know I’m lucky. He is proof, for me, of magic. I just… well, I love him. So much, still—ten or sixteen years in, and forever after.

@mike_kriak taken in Storm King Art Center by @hallcarlo

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9 days ago

Obsessed with this Chirimen FalseCyprus. We’re up to a two bucket haul. Plus, other things catching my eye around this yard. #gardening taken in Hudson Valley, NY by @hallcarlo

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16 days ago

Failing at trying not to match the flowers. Guess I’m getting most of my blooms in September. Not mad about it.

#mygarden #dahliaseason #dahlia taken in Hudson Valley, NY by @hallcarlo

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20 days ago

Book update, 2026. Had some GREAT suggestions last time. Anything catch your eye? Wanna rec? What are you reaaaaading?!

#books #reading #writing taken in New York, New York by @hallcarlo

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a month ago

My fav one this year. 🤗😍🥰

#dahlis #mygarden taken in Hudson Valley, NY by @hallcarlo

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2 months ago

Went back to Pittsburgh for this guy’s Senior Recital. Seeing him play, and beam with glee afterward, will forever be one of the great joys of my life. He’s off to the University of Michigan’s music program in just a few weeks. So, luckily, I’ll get more chances to do so. What can I say? I’m just really into watching fostered talent bloom these days. So proud of you, Xing.

Any yeah also some flowers from the garden. 🤣 taken in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania by @hallcarlo

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2 months ago

Little sixties, day-glow Pop moment, cut yesterday. Just for funzies.

#flowers #mygarden #pop taken in New York, New York by @hallcarlo

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2 months ago

Raining like crazy. But I can’t believe these came out of the dirt in our yard. 🥹😍🥰🤩😲 Growing things really feels like a miracle these days. taken in Hudson Valley, NY by @hallcarlo

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2 months ago

What I’ve been up to lately. Years late to the photo dump…here’s one month is 20 snaps. Xo by @hallcarlo

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3 months ago

I'm VERY excited that my short story "The Piles" is featured in Mount Hope Literary Magazine as their July piece. Print editions will be available in the 2026 Anthology at the end of the year... go check it out; it's a strange one. (I think in a good way...)

mounthopemagazine.com

#writer #writingcommunity #author #shortstory #amwriting by @hallcarlo

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3 months ago

It’s this handsome devil’s birthday, all day. I believe this is the 16th one we’ve spent “together together,” and that warm kindness hasn’t left his eyes. His whole face still smiles with joy at the little things and the big moments. He still loves “just everyone being together” and “a good walk to get the blood flowing,” with his whole being. He’s a gem, and if you know him, you know that look I’m talking about. That slightly mischievous giggle that goes with it. Life with Michael is just—more fun. I love him with my whole, entire being. I’m lucky I get to walk with him. Please, help me wish him the best birthday yet. If anyone deserves it, it’s this guy. taken in New York, New York by @hallcarlo

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4 months ago