Great writing! I don't know why it's one of the AR vignettes that stuck in my mind but I remember seeing you at one of your early visits to the Terrain Gallery Saturday Night Extravaganza. I asked someone who you were and they told me you were new. I even flitted exactly where we were standing. And then I flitted off into the night and the candy counter at United Cigars... Too bad I couldn't have first flashed you a "whatever you do, don't sign that application" message!
Just curious... Do you ever think about trying to get back in touch with Terri?
Oh, Chip, the "if onlys" of all our lives! If only you had been able to flash me that signal, and if only I had been in any condition to heed your warning, how different everything might have been. But at least we both made it through and have great lives today.
As to trying to get back in touch with Terri, yes, I have thought about it, but I think sometimes it is better and kinder to leave certain things in the past. My hope for her has always been that she found another woman with whom she has been able to share her daily life as she hoped, and that they are living a very happy life together.
This whole trajectory really resonates with me. The self-destructive self abusive behavior, the downward spiral, the need to get up and out, even going on the road and finding a love that's impossible. And the drug use. Self-medicating. But I threw myself into relationships with people who were also not what they seemed. Who promised me love and salvation but delivered betrayal, self-serving narcissism and the desire to suck the life right out of me. I love how you're writing is so specific and takes us to these times and places, then looks inward and observes the landscape of the soul as well as the world you were inhabiting. Beautiful work!
Thanks for sharing. You were my idol growing up. You truly cared about me when I felt lost in my own family. You were the big sister I never had. Hope all is well in NY for you.
Oh, Kristi, you are one of the people from my youth whom I remember most vividly - the sweet little shadow that followed me everywhere for several years. I did truly care about you, and while there was a lot I didn't understand about your family dynamics, I did pick up on some things. I am so grateful that you and I are reconnecting now when we both have so much better lives in the present.🥰
Wow! Thank you for sharing this. My heart broke for you. You made me think of my daughter who is in a relationship with another woman. They are a beautiful couple. They live together in Canada. But, are always having to deal with visas, work permits, and everything else. My daughter's girlfriend is from Mexico. We love her to bits.
Yes, I am proof that we can make some of the worst, most tragic decisions of our lives when we've suffered a loss and are grieving. What was supposed to bring me comfort ended up bringing me abject misery.
Great writing! I don't know why it's one of the AR vignettes that stuck in my mind but I remember seeing you at one of your early visits to the Terrain Gallery Saturday Night Extravaganza. I asked someone who you were and they told me you were new. I even flitted exactly where we were standing. And then I flitted off into the night and the candy counter at United Cigars... Too bad I couldn't have first flashed you a "whatever you do, don't sign that application" message!
Just curious... Do you ever think about trying to get back in touch with Terri?
Oh, Chip, the "if onlys" of all our lives! If only you had been able to flash me that signal, and if only I had been in any condition to heed your warning, how different everything might have been. But at least we both made it through and have great lives today.
As to trying to get back in touch with Terri, yes, I have thought about it, but I think sometimes it is better and kinder to leave certain things in the past. My hope for her has always been that she found another woman with whom she has been able to share her daily life as she hoped, and that they are living a very happy life together.
"I even REMEMBER exactly where we were standing" - Having trouble with autocorrect on my phone tonight!
This whole trajectory really resonates with me. The self-destructive self abusive behavior, the downward spiral, the need to get up and out, even going on the road and finding a love that's impossible. And the drug use. Self-medicating. But I threw myself into relationships with people who were also not what they seemed. Who promised me love and salvation but delivered betrayal, self-serving narcissism and the desire to suck the life right out of me. I love how you're writing is so specific and takes us to these times and places, then looks inward and observes the landscape of the soul as well as the world you were inhabiting. Beautiful work!
You know I'm so grateful for your support. It means the world to me. Thank you.
❤️ Love reading your story Donna looking forward to the next chapter 🥰
Thank you, Merrill. I am so glad to have you on board with my writing.
Donna,
Thanks for sharing. You were my idol growing up. You truly cared about me when I felt lost in my own family. You were the big sister I never had. Hope all is well in NY for you.
Oh, Kristi, you are one of the people from my youth whom I remember most vividly - the sweet little shadow that followed me everywhere for several years. I did truly care about you, and while there was a lot I didn't understand about your family dynamics, I did pick up on some things. I am so grateful that you and I are reconnecting now when we both have so much better lives in the present.🥰
Wow! Thank you for sharing this. My heart broke for you. You made me think of my daughter who is in a relationship with another woman. They are a beautiful couple. They live together in Canada. But, are always having to deal with visas, work permits, and everything else. My daughter's girlfriend is from Mexico. We love her to bits.
I really enjoy your story.
Thanks, Kyle! And thanks for the restack and for sharing about your daughter and her girlfriend. I wish them all the best--and you, too.
Donna, the one thing about you is your openness. Despite everything you are very open-mined .
I love this writing and happy to have the pleasure of feasting my eyes on your experience. Keep on writing, you are an inspiration.
Thank you for that, Hal. It means so much to me that you like my writing. That encourages me greatly.
You have a lot of courage, Donna. Keep writing from your heart and experience.
Oh Mary, thank you so much for your encouragement. I will keep going.
You’re such a good writer, Donna! Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks for the good words! I so appreciate you.
Excellent - I was wondering what sent you to Aesthetic Realism.
Yes, I am proof that we can make some of the worst, most tragic decisions of our lives when we've suffered a loss and are grieving. What was supposed to bring me comfort ended up bringing me abject misery.
Donna, thanks for this raw, honest, beautifully written account.
Thank you so much, Jim; I truly appreciate your words.