All the bravery involved as a long marriage ends and you forge your own way, and ah, what a mess of a house you ended up in. But your humor (and your love of teaching) kept you from having more days of hitting the wall. I lived for 3 years in Chesapeake MD while my older daughter attended George Washington University so I can picture the D.C. settings you describe. And, yes, I prefer D.H. Lawrence, too.
OMGGGGGG!!!! At least your mail lady was awesome. This chapter gave me stress even though I know I've read it before. It's hilarious in its own special way that this couple are poets and so have no real earthly belongings though 😅
or the futon - for twenty years. TWENTY YEARS! Or the lack of plates and glasses. Or the woman who absolutely insisted on your social security card. The whole thing felt so Kafkaesque! When you said you cried all day one time, I thought, "just once?"
apparently i must have hit the like button on this chapter months ago at least i had damn good taste....the sense of humour ie "apparently i don't exist" and grimm vs. german philosopher (i will NOT spell check him!) you are a dangerous woman jesus
Mary, I'm really enjoying reading this memoir (even if I am getting to it slowly—that Substack inbox gets quite full!). As others have pointed out, your style and sense of humor are engaging and fun to read. It also inspires me as a writer. Looking forward to reading more!
That orange heap of metal only resembled a car. It was a bad time, for sure. But, I did perk up with the visit of the mail lady in Missouri. Good people. I did some of my growing up there with my grandparents.
Thank you for sharing your story. I enjoy reading your history. And your vulnerability in these memories is your strength, and that’s inspiring to read.
“Nietzsche and the Brothers Grimm are not so different. This I am learning. I do wonder if Nietzsche is the reality check on wishes and dreams. I refuse to believe this while I consider the possibility.”
Nietzsche and the Brothers Grimm are not so different. This I am learning. I do wonder if Nietzsche is the reality check on wishes and dreams. I refuse to believe this while I consider the possibility.
Thanks, as always for sharing, Mary. Our journeys are what make us and I prefer Lawrence too here.
Shades of Kurt Vonnegut here! That’s positive. Your style is your own, but it does remind me of Kurt at his best.
You can’t change what has happened, but you can record it from your perspective. And isn’t that one of the great joys of writing?
A suggested I am reading your memoir from the start and I am doubly glad for you, that you have had that time in Paris with its ability to repair.
Oh, Rosa, I am so glad you are reading and commenting: means so much! xo
I like the way you’ve put it together, with vids and quotes etc. It’s like a patchwork quilt or a scrapbook.
All the bravery involved as a long marriage ends and you forge your own way, and ah, what a mess of a house you ended up in. But your humor (and your love of teaching) kept you from having more days of hitting the wall. I lived for 3 years in Chesapeake MD while my older daughter attended George Washington University so I can picture the D.C. settings you describe. And, yes, I prefer D.H. Lawrence, too.
Oh, that was so hard to write and keep my sense of humor. Yes, we do know the locales. Great comment. xx
OMGGGGGG!!!! At least your mail lady was awesome. This chapter gave me stress even though I know I've read it before. It's hilarious in its own special way that this couple are poets and so have no real earthly belongings though 😅
The husband, no poet: the wife, a writer. I still can't get over the lock on the refrigerator!
or the futon - for twenty years. TWENTY YEARS! Or the lack of plates and glasses. Or the woman who absolutely insisted on your social security card. The whole thing felt so Kafkaesque! When you said you cried all day one time, I thought, "just once?"
No kidding ...
apparently i must have hit the like button on this chapter months ago at least i had damn good taste....the sense of humour ie "apparently i don't exist" and grimm vs. german philosopher (i will NOT spell check him!) you are a dangerous woman jesus
I sure hope so. You make me laugh. Now, for real, I am hardly dangerous ...
i just googled you...still not entirely sure lol read the first thing i ever wrote on here....its my own mangled google ha
Oh dear, "googled me" --hope that didn't turn you off ... I'm afraid to find out what you found ... xo
ditto after you read my "Tuesdays Just as Bad" but i sense you don't scare easy
All the different layers of text mixed with your experience -- it gives so much to the unsaid! Beautiful work, Mary.
Oh, Elizabeth, what a gift to have you reading --and the comment so generous.
Mary, I'm really enjoying reading this memoir (even if I am getting to it slowly—that Substack inbox gets quite full!). As others have pointed out, your style and sense of humor are engaging and fun to read. It also inspires me as a writer. Looking forward to reading more!
Jacob, What you've written here encourages me so. I look forward to everything you have to say and thank you from my heart to yours. ~ Mary
I love your style and sense of humour. THIS in the face of the 'furnished house', filthy trash can and junk car is a sign of inner strength.
Oh, man, such an insight. I feel connected to you already.
Beautiful …
Thanks for reading ... xo
Shocking that people in Missouri would treat a guest so poorly. Were they native Missourians? Their mama didn't raise them right.
I don't know if native Missourians or not and you made me laugh with your comment that I just now saw. Sorry for the late reply! xo ~ Mary
This one is bittersweet with laughs and realities of changing places and jobs. Excellent! I’m glad I found you on Substack!
Diane, I'm so glad we found each other. Yes, bittersweet, indeed. Your reads infuse the experience and enrich my journey through it. ~ Mary
We are in this together as Joyce Vance says!
Love Joyce Vance--her wisdom and yours.
That orange heap of metal only resembled a car. It was a bad time, for sure. But, I did perk up with the visit of the mail lady in Missouri. Good people. I did some of my growing up there with my grandparents.
You are so right: that mail lady gave me hope. Thank you so for reading and taking the time to comment: means so much. xo ~ Mary
I can handle the wheels coming off a marriage, it’s that trash can in the kitchen and the three burners. I’m still shaking.
No kidding ... xo
Thank you for sharing your story. I enjoy reading your history. And your vulnerability in these memories is your strength, and that’s inspiring to read.
“Nietzsche and the Brothers Grimm are not so different. This I am learning. I do wonder if Nietzsche is the reality check on wishes and dreams. I refuse to believe this while I consider the possibility.”
That was my favorite bit.
Great comment. Yep, the paradox is key, I think now--and that's what you hit on--so smartly.
How I would love to explore this:
Nietzsche and the Brothers Grimm are not so different. This I am learning. I do wonder if Nietzsche is the reality check on wishes and dreams. I refuse to believe this while I consider the possibility.
Thanks, as always for sharing, Mary. Our journeys are what make us and I prefer Lawrence too here.
The exploration continues ... Thank you, Isabelle.