I hope I get to read it when it is done. Lately I've been talking about holding hands. Creating ways for us to all hold hands because I think that is also how we survive this. Connected. Touching. And to your point—Speaking.
Excellent and oh so true. I have been isolating in this bright red region. From the harsh winter, and also from the uncertainty of speaking up. The women I loved to spend time with at a recent retreat, as I listened to them talk, are so far right that I have felt unsafe, marginalized, and my timid attempts at expressing my own opinion, (or pointing out the flaws of theirs-OMG don't do that!) bring up knee jerk responses. "Just pray" they said. Really?? So someone else can feed, fight, or whatever, and we are scot- free from further responsibilities? As I brought up personal experiences to prove my points, I got pained looks, and turn-aways. We each went back to our corners, changing subjects, sewing our charity quilts, etc. Pointing out the flaws in their reasons only will make things worse, as my sphere as an older woman has become smaller; I don't want to cause more heartache or be shunned by the few who are left here with me . So I came home and grieved for everyone, especially myself. No one wants to lose friendships and we all tried to navigate around sensitive issues. But I don't feel like I am part of this tribe. And I miss my tribe that has moved on. When this is over, will the grapes yield bitter or sweet wine? I guess it's up to us how we stomp them, and let them ferment. Keep up the good work, Trish. Can't wait to taste the wine of your new book.
Wow Nancy, your wisdom may be lost on the quilters but alas you are a true Get Gutsy believer. And “Will the grapes yield bitter or sweet wine?” Oh my writer—YOU! You would love Speculative Nonfiction and you are helping me write the book’s Epilogue. 🥰
Nancy, I don't know you but I feel your pain and isolation. Your voice, like my friend Trish's, is wise and oh, so valued. We must all take stands. I would have sweet wine with you and Trish, any day!.
Oh, dear Trish. First, the writing. Exquisite. I will stomp grapes with you in my mind, and take this image with me when I head into town today for a NO KINGS march. You are a wonder. Your voice is strong, necessary and wise. Shout it from the rooftops. I love you.
She talks so fast I have to hold onto my desk to keep up with her brilliance. I did get a really cool website at Pitt Edu that is an amazing tool for finding fairy tales. You can even search for a trauma, a wound, etc. I searched for “silence” and got the Anderson tale I used today. Here’s the link
Crushing sea grapes. I can feel so much behind that action--anger, frustration, humiliation, resignation. You're an inspiration, Trish, and I'm sure your book will move someone who can only crush grapes.
I hope I get to read it when it is done. Lately I've been talking about holding hands. Creating ways for us to all hold hands because I think that is also how we survive this. Connected. Touching. And to your point—Speaking.
I agree Melanie, human touch so powerful. Thanks for reading & commenting.
Excellent and oh so true. I have been isolating in this bright red region. From the harsh winter, and also from the uncertainty of speaking up. The women I loved to spend time with at a recent retreat, as I listened to them talk, are so far right that I have felt unsafe, marginalized, and my timid attempts at expressing my own opinion, (or pointing out the flaws of theirs-OMG don't do that!) bring up knee jerk responses. "Just pray" they said. Really?? So someone else can feed, fight, or whatever, and we are scot- free from further responsibilities? As I brought up personal experiences to prove my points, I got pained looks, and turn-aways. We each went back to our corners, changing subjects, sewing our charity quilts, etc. Pointing out the flaws in their reasons only will make things worse, as my sphere as an older woman has become smaller; I don't want to cause more heartache or be shunned by the few who are left here with me . So I came home and grieved for everyone, especially myself. No one wants to lose friendships and we all tried to navigate around sensitive issues. But I don't feel like I am part of this tribe. And I miss my tribe that has moved on. When this is over, will the grapes yield bitter or sweet wine? I guess it's up to us how we stomp them, and let them ferment. Keep up the good work, Trish. Can't wait to taste the wine of your new book.
Wow Nancy, your wisdom may be lost on the quilters but alas you are a true Get Gutsy believer. And “Will the grapes yield bitter or sweet wine?” Oh my writer—YOU! You would love Speculative Nonfiction and you are helping me write the book’s Epilogue. 🥰
Nancy, I don't know you but I feel your pain and isolation. Your voice, like my friend Trish's, is wise and oh, so valued. We must all take stands. I would have sweet wine with you and Trish, any day!.
Oh, dear Trish. First, the writing. Exquisite. I will stomp grapes with you in my mind, and take this image with me when I head into town today for a NO KINGS march. You are a wonder. Your voice is strong, necessary and wise. Shout it from the rooftops. I love you.
Thank you so much Barbara, heading for knee replacement next week so I must use my pen, my weapon of choice
The pen is mightier than the sword. And your writing is sharp. Sending you much healing and ease, and a full recovery. Xo
You are amazing, Trish! I too hope to read this piece when it’s finished. Isolationism will kill us all. Onward towards connection.
Thanks for reading Suzanne, always love hearing from you. 🥰
Wonderful choice for a fairy tell retelling — and I'm flat-out jealous that you're taking a class from Carmen Maria Machado!
She talks so fast I have to hold onto my desk to keep up with her brilliance. I did get a really cool website at Pitt Edu that is an amazing tool for finding fairy tales. You can even search for a trauma, a wound, etc. I searched for “silence” and got the Anderson tale I used today. Here’s the link
https://sites.pitt.edu/~dash/folktexts.html#f
COOL!
Crushing sea grapes. I can feel so much behind that action--anger, frustration, humiliation, resignation. You're an inspiration, Trish, and I'm sure your book will move someone who can only crush grapes.
No, it's a nightmare
Wow, this was so thought-provoking. Thank you, Trish.