People will care. They will be moved—and one of the mysteries of writing is that you can never predict who, or where or when. We need your story and your sensibility! ❤️
That's some of the best prose poetry I've read in a long time, Nik. While my life has obviously gone a very different path than yours, I could empathize with so much of your experiences and how you internalized (and ultimately) confronted them. I also have to say: HOT pic!
Just catching up, Nik. Wow. What a colorful (no pun intended) scene, beautifully drawn (oops, another no pun intended). Your ability to put into words extremely complex concepts is admirable. Just keep writing!!!! You don't have to know what form all this will take (essays, memoir, etc.). Keep playing! Your work is so raw, honest, non-self-pitying, and wholly unique.
I care Nik. your tattoos are beautiful, I loved the scales of the blue. and what a great photograph. the brutal self talk is loud and clear in many of us. screaming at me in my case. yesterday at the dermatologist we discussed my golf ball size fatty tumor that lays across my entire forehead. my doctor seemed puzzled that I didn't want to do an ultrasound, and then MRI, and then plastic surgeon consultation, brutal surgery and scarring and a great percentage that it would only grow back. I explained I'm turning 60. I have expired. I am invisible. No-one cares. Why should I? it's hard to change my own thinking. especially when it involves me. I read your piece about neuroplasticity at the beginning of the year and have been hell bent on changing my thinking about my two kids. And yesterday I actually had a nice exchange with one of them on her birthday. All that because I did nothing, remained aloof and distant, didn't reach out and engage. Basically didn't be a mom the way I would like to be a mom and it reaped a benefit. go figure....thank god we have dogs.
On a lighter note of humiliation and self deprecation?!? I was at DMV getting my REAL ID. Sweating profusely wondering did I have all the forms I need. (I’d rather have a colonoscopy prep frankly… )and worker hands back my papers. Says I didnt need any of them… and says stand there I will Take your picture. She does. And then says ohhhh noooo you might want to take this one again. I start to laugh and say we could Do this all day long and I wouldn’t look at the result and say wow this is lovely. Let’s go with what we have.
You know how I feel about your writing 💓 This is so smart, heart wrenching, honest, vulnerable and a beautiful illustration of your resilience… thanks for sharing. Xoxo
I care! And in 2 1/2 months you will have a new local friend, if you consider Silver Lake local to Santa Monica.
I agree you need to keep writing. This essay is powerful. You have valuable story to share and you tell it well.
Thank you thank you Heather. I look forward to having you local. (And yes, i consider it local.) Can’t wait to see you and the boys soon.
People will care. They will be moved—and one of the mysteries of writing is that you can never predict who, or where or when. We need your story and your sensibility! ❤️
Thank you for the support and wise words, Elissa!
That's some of the best prose poetry I've read in a long time, Nik. While my life has obviously gone a very different path than yours, I could empathize with so much of your experiences and how you internalized (and ultimately) confronted them. I also have to say: HOT pic!
Too kind, handsome Sir. Thank you so much for your support and words.
I love the prompt response. Well done. Great photo and great post.
Thank you, Cindy. Your continued unwavering support means the world to me. ~~
Just catching up, Nik. Wow. What a colorful (no pun intended) scene, beautifully drawn (oops, another no pun intended). Your ability to put into words extremely complex concepts is admirable. Just keep writing!!!! You don't have to know what form all this will take (essays, memoir, etc.). Keep playing! Your work is so raw, honest, non-self-pitying, and wholly unique.
thank you so much, debbie. your encouragement is always inspiring to me.
I care Nik. your tattoos are beautiful, I loved the scales of the blue. and what a great photograph. the brutal self talk is loud and clear in many of us. screaming at me in my case. yesterday at the dermatologist we discussed my golf ball size fatty tumor that lays across my entire forehead. my doctor seemed puzzled that I didn't want to do an ultrasound, and then MRI, and then plastic surgeon consultation, brutal surgery and scarring and a great percentage that it would only grow back. I explained I'm turning 60. I have expired. I am invisible. No-one cares. Why should I? it's hard to change my own thinking. especially when it involves me. I read your piece about neuroplasticity at the beginning of the year and have been hell bent on changing my thinking about my two kids. And yesterday I actually had a nice exchange with one of them on her birthday. All that because I did nothing, remained aloof and distant, didn't reach out and engage. Basically didn't be a mom the way I would like to be a mom and it reaped a benefit. go figure....thank god we have dogs.
Wow Ginny. So much to take in. Thank you for taking the time to share. You are an amazing woman. And cheers to the doggos.
On a lighter note of humiliation and self deprecation?!? I was at DMV getting my REAL ID. Sweating profusely wondering did I have all the forms I need. (I’d rather have a colonoscopy prep frankly… )and worker hands back my papers. Says I didnt need any of them… and says stand there I will Take your picture. She does. And then says ohhhh noooo you might want to take this one again. I start to laugh and say we could Do this all day long and I wouldn’t look at the result and say wow this is lovely. Let’s go with what we have.
🤪
Have to get that into an essay somehow. To be continued!
You know how I feel about your writing 💓 This is so smart, heart wrenching, honest, vulnerable and a beautiful illustration of your resilience… thanks for sharing. Xoxo
Thank you, Marcey. You know you are one of the three I mentioned. You are such a good friend to me. I am grateful for our connection.
Same ☺️